Manila, Sept. 15 -- The Supreme Court (SC) said circumstantial evidence, such as appearing intoxicated, is not, by itself, enough to establish a violation of the election liquor ban.

The high tribunal made this remark on Tuesday as it released a ruling of the Third Division, acquitting Mcgill Esquillo Omandam who was convicted of violating the liquor ban during the 2019 elections.

Police arrested Omandam on the eve of the elections after responding to reports of rowdiness.

Arresting officers said he appeared intoxicated, smelled of alcohol, spoke with a slurred voice and moved groggily. The police also recovered two empty liquor bottles near the scene.

Both the Regional Trial Court and the Court of Appeals found Omandam guilty.

The S...