By MIKHA FLORES
THE Supreme Court stopped the Commission on Elections on Friday from imposing limits on cash withdrawals intended to curb vote-buying during the election period.
Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno issued the status quo ante order after the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) questioned the constitutionality of Resolution 9688 which limits cash transactions to P100, 000 a day.
SC also ordered the Comelec to comment on BAP’s petition within 10 days. The BAP said that the poll body, in issuing the resolution “acted in grave abuse of discretion.”
Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr, who personally received a copy of the SQA, said they will stop implementing the money ban but they will not withdraw or recall the resolution.