THIS time around, the camp of former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo failed to get a temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court which he sought in his petition questioning the legality of the DoJ-Comelec panel probing the alleged electoral irregularities in the 2004 and 2007 elections.

This means the Pasay Regional Trial Court can proceed to hear the electoral sabotage case against former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo until the SC resolves her husband’s petition.

Instead, the 15-man Tribunal directed respondents Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Commission on Elections chairman Sixto Brillantes, and the joint panel itself to file their comments on the petition filed by Mr. Arroyo.

Also, the high court set the case for oral argument on November 29.

Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez also disclosed that Mr. Arroyo’s petition and the one filed by former Comelec chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. were consolidated and would be heard by the SC as one.

Last week, Mrs. Arroyo got a temporary restraining order on her petition challenging the legality of DoJ Circular No. 41 prohibiting her from leaving the country to seek medical treatment abroad.

However, ignored the TRO and ordered immigration personnel at the Ninoy Aquino Internatinal Airport to prevent her from leaving.