Guidelines out for ‘Team Patay’ tarp debate in SC

DEBATES on the constitutionality of the order of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to take down the “Team Patay, Team Buhay” tarpaulin in Bacolod City will help determine if the poster is a form of freedom of expression.

In a three-page notice signed by Clerk of Court Enriqueta Vidal, the Supreme Court said on Tuesday the oral arguments on March 19 will also check if the February 22 and 27 orders by the Comelec violate the constitutional principle of separation of church and state.

Conversely, the Diocese of Bacolod should explain if the tarpaulin outside the San Sebastian Cathedral is against the same principle.

Also, the Court wanted to know if it is relevant to determine whether the tarpaulin is political advertisement or election propaganda, considering that the diocese is not a political candidate, among others.

Each camp will be given 20 minutes to explain their side to be followed by the interpellation of the justices. The discussions of additional issues, meanwhile, may be included in the memoranda to be submitted by the parties.

Under “Team Patay” or those who should not get public support for favoring the Reproductive Health law are senatorial bets Sonny Angara, Francis Escudero, Loren Legarda, Alan Peter Cayetano, Risa Hontiveros, Teddy Casiño and Jack Enrile.

Party-list groups Gabriela, Bayan Muna, Akbayan, and Anak Pawis are also on the same list while those classified under "Team Buhay" are senatorial candidates JV Ejercito, Antonio Trillanes IV, Gregorio Honasan II, Mitos Magsaysay, Aquilino Pimentel III, and Cynthia Villar for opposing the RH Law. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)