Tatad to file second appeal on Poe disqualification

Former senator Francisco Tatad is set to appeal again today the Supreme Court (SC) ruling allowing the presidential bid of Sen. Grace Poe.

Tatad’s lawyer Manuelito Luna yesterday said they would file a second motion for reconsideration ( MR) despite the high court’s pronouncement that the ruling was already final and no more motions would be accepted.

Saying that the Rules of Court allow the filing of a second MR, Luna said they would file the appeal at 2:30 p.m.

In its latest ruling last Tuesday, the high court has denied with finality the motions for reconsideration to reverse its earlier ruling allowing Poe to run for president in the May 9 polls.

The SC said the appeals filed by the Commission on Elections, Tatad, lawyer Estrella Elamparo, De La Salle University professor Antonio Contreras and former University of the East law dean Amado Valdez failed to raise new substantial arguments to reverse the March 8 decision.

“The court resolved, by the same vote of 9-6, to deny with finality the said motions for reconsideration as the basic issues therein have been passed upon by this court and no substantial arguments were presented to warrant the reversal of the questioned decision,” the high court said.

But while the SC allowed Poe’s presidential bid with finality, questions on her citizenship and residency eligibilities remain hanging.