Case Summary (G.R. No. L-27172)

Mootness of the Case

• The case has become moot and academic for both parties due to the expiration of the term of the disputed office.
• The petitioner, Amante Purisima, has effectively abandoned his claim by accepting a judicial position.
• The question of succession to the position, had Purisima been declared the winner, is also moot.

Background of the Dispute

• The case stems from a previous decision involving Purisima and Gregorio Cordero, who were candidates for Provincial Board Member positions in the 1963 elections.
• Purisima filed for a judicial recount due to discrepancies in election returns from 41 precincts.
• The Supreme Court reversed a trial court's dismissal of the recount petition, directing the trial court to proceed with the recount.

Judicial Proceedings and Developments

• After the Supreme Court's directive, Judge Deogracias S. Solis began implementing the recount.
• Evidence of tampering with ballot boxes was discovered, prompting Purisima to request a halt to the recount.
• The respondent Judge denied this motion, asserting that the Supreme Court's prior judgment mandated the recount to continue.

Subsequent Actions and Court Orders

• Purisima's motion for reconsideration was denied, leading him to file a petition for certiorari with a request for a preliminary injunction.
• A temporary restraining order was issued, and the case was submitted for decision after Cordero failed to submit a memorandum.

Expiration of Term and Judicial Appointment

• The term for the disputed office expired on December 30, 1967.
• Purisima was appointed as Judge of the Court of Agrarian Relations on May 31, 1967.
• He later filed a motion requesting a decision on the merits, seeki...continue reading