SC: Caguioa still in charge of VP poll protest

(Eagle News)–Supreme Court Associate Justice Alfredo Caguioa is still in charge of the electoral protest filed by former Senator Bongbong Marcos against Vice President Leni Robredo.

According to SC Spokesperson Theodore Te, the court “unanimously denied” Caguioa’s request the case be re-raffled to someone else, following Marcos’ request he inhibit because of his “fraternal relations” with former President Benigno Aquino III.

Marcos also noted Caguioa’s wife was a supporter of  Robredo.

“Contrary to these (news) reports, there has been no change in the management of
PET Case No. 0005 as the request was denied unanimously,” Te said.

The SC, in a statement, also asked the media to “be more circumspect and discerning in reporting unofficial and pending matters that have yet to be acted upon as they may mislead the public,” noting that the news reports quoted a “document that is both internal and privileged and which could only have been obtained or accessed unofficially.”

It said the “Court has dealt severely with individuals and court personnel who have leaked privileged and confidential matters as well as pending matters.”

A manual recount stemming from the protest filed by Marcos is ongoing. With a report from Moira Encina