Court extends TRO against aid distribution in Cagayan during election period
TUGUEGARAO CITY- A Regional Trial Court here has extended the temporary restraining order against the distribution of pandemic assistance by the government officials in Cagayan so it cannot be used for the advantage of anyone during the election period.
Judge Marivic Cacatian-Beltran of the Regional Trial Court-Branch 3 on May 5 extended an earlier temporary restraining order for 20 more days while a preliminary injunction was being heard.
Earlier, lawyer Victorio Casauay had asked the local court to stop the distribution of funds under the No Barangay Left Behind (NBLB) and Oplan Tulong sa Barangay Program of the provincial government so they cannot be used for vote-buying.
He had earlier filed for an injunction with a very urgent ex-parte application for the issuance of a temporary restraining order and/or preliminary injunction.
He cited Commission on Election Resolution 10747 which prohibits release, disbursement, and expenditures using government funds for and during the campaign period.
Likewise Casauay encouraged different law enforcement units and election officials to arrest and indict government officials violating the said resolution.
He claimed that this fund is being used indirectly to “buy votes” for the provincial administration candidates.
Meanwhile, Gov. Manuel Mamba believed there were no irregularities in the aid releases and was declared exempt by the Comelec.
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