Case Summary (G.R. No. 132986)
Procedural Background
The case originated from an election protest filed by Aquilino Pimentel against several senatorial candidates, including Juan Ponce Enrile. The Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) required both parties to submit pilot precincts for a review process. Following the revision of ballots from selected precincts, the SET announced partial results that adversely affected Enrile’s ranking among the candidates, leading him to file a Motion to Set Aside these results.
Motion and SET Resolutions
In his motion, Enrile challenged the accuracy of the results released by the SET, citing manifest errors. The SET acknowledged an earlier oversight regarding the tally from Paoay, Ilocos Norte, reinstating 30,000 votes initially deducted from Enrile. However, they ultimately denied his motion, reasoning that the adjustments did not provide sufficient grounds to discard the partial results. The SET's reliance on overall election document comparisons rather than solely on ballot counts was emphasized.
Grounds for Petition
Enrile’s petition for certiorari argued that the SET committed grave abuse of discretion in its resolutions. He contended that the results were erroneous and that he was entitled to a fair appreciation process. He categorized his grievances into multiple points, claiming the SET's actions were detrimental and asserting a right to participate in evidence appreciation.
Respondents’ Position and Mootness
The SET, along with comments from the Solicitor General, maintained that no grave abuse of discretion had occurred. They highlighted the procedural integrity of the SET's process and asserted that the petition had become moot, as the term of the contested senatorial position had already expired.
Tribunal’s Justification and Outcome
The SET elaborated on its sys
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Case Citation
- G.R. No. 132986
- Date: May 19, 2004
- En Banc Decision
Parties Involved
- Petitioner: Juan Ponce Enrile
- Respondents: Senate Electoral Tribunal and Aquilino Pimentel, Jr.
Nature of the Case
- The case is a petition for certiorari under Rule 65 of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure, challenging certain resolutions issued by the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET).
Background of the Case
- On January 20, 1995, Aquilino Pimentel filed an election protest against Juan Ponce Enrile and other candidates regarding the May 1995 senatorial elections, which was registered as SET Case No. 001-95.
- Enrile submitted his answer with a counter-protest on June 30, 1995.
- The SET required the submission of a list of pilot precincts for ballot revision, with a maximum of 25% of the total precincts involved in the protest.
- The revision of ballots occurred in various pilot precincts across different regions, including Ilocos Norte, Tarlac, and Maguindanao.
Events Leading to the Resolution
- On August 21, 1997, the SET held a press conference announcing partial results of the ballot revisions, revealing that Enrile's rank dropped from 11th to 15th.
- Enrile subsequently filed a motion on September 24, 1997, requesting to set aside the partial results and to conduct another appreciation of ballots with all parties present, claiming the results were erroneous.
- The SET issued Resolution No. 97-22, acknowledging an oversight in the vote tally from Paoay, Ilocos Norte, and readjusted the vote totals but ultimately denied Enrile's motion for lack of sufficient basis to discard the partial results.
- Enrile's motion for reconsideration was denied in