MANILA, Philippines - There is “nothing abnormal” in postponing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) elections, Commission on Elections Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. said.
Without a law that would re-schedule it to 2016, however, Comelec still has an obligation to follow what is stated in the current law, Brillantes said. Comelec is still aiming to push through with the August 8 schedule, he said.
“Historically, the ARMM polls in the last 5 polls have been postponed consistently. There is nothing abnormal in postponing the elections. Nobody has even raised the issue before the Supreme Court,” he told ANC.
He said, nonetheless, that Comelec can’t stop anyone from going to the high court for as long as the amended law is already there.
He charged as “premature” the statement of colleague and veteran election lawyer Romulo Macalintal that postponing the elections and the consequent extension of the term of incumbent leaders are unconstitutional.
“If there is no law, there is no issue to be raised to the high court,” Brillantes said.