Election lawyer Atty. Romulo Macalintal is preparing a motion for reconsideration to challenge the Supreme Court’s decision upholding Republic Act No. 12326, which extends the terms of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials.
Macalintal expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court en banc ruling, which upheld the law through a 9-5 vote, with one justice on leave.
He argued that the decision violates Filipinos’ constitutional right to vote and choose their leaders in their respective communities.
Macalintal said he hopes to reverse the ruling through his planned motion, pointing out that five justices opposed the majority decision.
Among them was Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa, who warned that the Supreme Court’s credibility could be at risk if it appeared to submit to the authority of Congress.
Associate Justice Antonio T. Kho Jr. and Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen also issued dissenting opinions, which were supported by two other justices.
Macalintal is targeting an 8-7 vote to reverse the ruling when the court deliberates on his appeal.
He also intends to request oral arguments as part of his effort to challenge the decision and seek a reversal of the law’s implementation.
