election-laws_compression naiznzislsmzkslam

about election laws

1. ELECTION
LAWS
Atty. JP Leo Asong

2. GENERAL PRINCIPLES
•Suffrage:therighttovoteinthe
electionofofficerschosenbythe
peopleandinthedeterminationof
questionssubmittedtothepeople.
Includeswithinitsscope:election,
plebiscite,initiative and
referendum.

3. •Election:themeansbywhich
thepeoplechoosetheirofficials
foradefiniteandfixedperiod
andtowhomtheyentrustforthe
timebeingtheexerciseofthe
powersofgovernment.

4. System of election adopted in the
Philippines
•Since1901,theAustraliansystem,
firstconceivedbyFrancisS.
Dutton,amember ofthe
LegislatureofSouthAustralia.The
distinguishingfeatureofthe
systemisstrictsecrecyin
balloting.

5. Constitutional Mandate on Congress
1.Toprovideasystemforsecuringthe
secrecyandsanctityoftheballot,and
forabsenteevotingbyqualified
Filipinosabroad.
2.Todesignaprocedureforthedisabled
andtheilliteratetovotewithoutthe
assistanceofotherpersons.[Sec.2,
Art.V,Constitution]

6. •Sec.12,R.A.7166providesforabsenteevoting,butis
applicableonlytotheelectionsforthePresident,Vice
PresidentandSenators,andlimitedtomembersofthe
ArmedForcesofthePhilippines[AFP]andthe
PhilippineNationalPolice[PNP]andother
governmentofficersandemployeeswhoareduly
registeredvotersandwho,onelectionday,may
temporarilybeassignedinconnectionwith
theperformanceofelectiondutiestoplaceswherethey
arenotregisteredvoters.

7. •R.A.9189(TheOverseasAbsentee
VotingActof2003),asamended
byR.A.10590,addressedtheneed
foroverseasFilipinostobeableto
voteinPhilippineelections.

8. Coverage
•SEC.4.Coverage.-Allcitizensofthe
Philippinesabroad,whoarenototherwise
disqualifiedbylaw,atleasteighteen(18)
yearsofageonthedayofelections,may
voteforPresident,Vice-President,
Senators and Party-List
Representatives,aswellasinall
nationalreferendaandplebiscites.

9. The COMELEC
•TheCOMELEC isaninstitutioncreatedby
theConstitutiontogoverntheconductof
electionsandtoensurethattheelectoral
processisclean,honest,orderly,andpeaceful.
Itismandatedto"enforceandadministerall
lawsandregulationsrelativetotheconductof
anelection,plebiscite,initiative,referendum
andrecall."

10. COMELEC
•ThepowersandfunctionsoftheCOMELEC,
conferreduponitbythe1987Constitutionand
theOmnibusElectionCode,maybeclassified
intoadministrative,quasi-legislative,and
quasi-judicial.

11. •Thequasi-judicialpowerofthe
COMELEC embracesthepowertoresolve
controversiesarisingfromtheenforcement
ofelectionlaws,andtobethesolejudgeof
allpre-proclamationcontroversies;andof
allcontestsrelatingtotheelections,
returns,andqualifications.

12. •TheConstitutionhasalsovesteditwithquasi-
judicialpowerswhenitwasgrantedexclusive
originaljurisdictionoverallcontestsrelatingto
theelections,returnsandqualificationsofall
electiveregional,provincialandcityofficials;and
appellatejurisdictionoverallcontestsinvolving
electivemunicipalofficialsdecidedbytrialcourts
ofgeneraljurisdiction,orinvolving
electivebarangayofficialsdecidedbytrialcourts
oflimitedjurisdiction.

13. •Itsquasi-legislativepowerrefersto
theissuanceofrulesand
regulationstoimplementthe
electionlawsandtoexercisesuch
legislativefunctionsasmay
expresslybedelegatedtoitby
Congress.

14. •Itsadministrativefunctionreferstothe
enforcementandadministrationof
electionlaws.Intheexerciseofsuch
power,theConstitution(Section6,
ArticleIX-A)andtheOmnibusElection
Code(Section52[c])authorizethe
COMELEC toissuerulesand
regulationstoimplementtheprovisions
ofthe1987Constitutionandthe
OmnibusElectionCode.

15. •TheadministrativepowersoftheCOMELEC, for
example,include
1.thepowertodeterminethenumberandlocationofpolling
places,
2.appointelectionofficialsandinspectors,
3.conductregistrationofvoters,
4.deputizelawenforcementagenciesandgovernment
instrumentalitiestoensurefree,orderly,honest,peaceful
andcredibleelections;
5.registerpoliticalparties,organizationorcoalitions,

16. 6.accreditcitizens’armsoftheCommission,
7.prosecuteelectionoffenses,and
8.recommendtothePresidenttheremovalor
impositionofanyotherdisciplinaryactionupon
anyofficeroremployeeithasdeputizedfor
violationordisregardofitsdirective,orderor
decision.
9.Italsohasdirectcontrolandsupervisionoverall
personnelinvolvedintheconductofelection.

17. Election period
•Unlessotherwisefixedbythe
COMELEC inspecialcases,the
electionperiodshallcommence90
daysbeforethedayoftheelection
andshallend30daysthereafter
[Sec.9,Art.IX-C,Constitution].

18. Registration
of Voters

19. VOTERS: QUALIFICATION AND
REGISTRATION
•“Suffragemaybeexercisedbyallcitizensofthe
Philippinesnototherwisedisqualifiedbylaw,who
areatleasteighteenyearsofage,andwhoshall
haveresidedinthePhilippinesforatleastoneyear
andintheplacewhereintheyproposetovoteforat
leastsixmonthsimmediatelyprecedingthe
election.Noliteracy,property,orother
substantiverequirementshallbeimposedon
theexerciseofsuffrage[Sec.1,Art.V,Constitution].

20. •Therighttovoteisreserved
forFilipinocitizens.The
Constitutionisclearonthis
matter.[Tanv.Crisologo,
November8,2017]

21. The Voter’s Registration Act of 1996
•a)Registrationreferstotheactof
accomplishingandfilingofasworn
applicationforregistrationbyaqualified
voterbeforetheelectionofficerofthecity
ormunicipalitywhereinheresidesand
includingthesameinthebookof
registeredvotersuponapprovalbythe
ElectionRegistrationBoard;(Section3)

22. Who may Register
•AllcitizensofthePhilippinesnototherwise
disqualifiedbylawwhoareatleast
eighteen(18)yearsofage,andwhoshall
haveresidedinthePhilippinesforatleast
one(1)year,andintheplacewhereinthey
proposetovote,foratleastsix(6)months
immediatelyprecedingtheelection,may
registerasavoter.[Section9,RA8189]

23. Temporary Residence
•Anypersonwhotemporarilyresidesinanothercity,
municipalityorcountrysolelybyreasonofhis
occupation,profession,employmentinprivateor
publicservice,educationalactivities,workinthe
militaryornavalreservationswithinthePhilippines,
serviceintheArmedForcesofthePhilippines,the
NationalPoliceForces,orconfinementordetentionin
governmentinstitutionsinaccordancewithlaw,shall
notbedeemedtohavelosthisoriginalresidence.

24. •Theresidencyrequirementofa
voterisatleastone(1)year
residenceinthePhilippinesand
atleastsix(6)monthsinthe
placewherethepersonproposes
orintendstovote.

25. Residence -defined
•"Residence,"asusedinthelawprescribing
thequalificationsforsuffrageandforelective
office,isdoctrinallysettledtomean
"domicile,"importingnotonlyanintentionto
resideinafixedplacebutalsopersonal
presenceinthatplace,coupledwithconduct
indicativeofsuchintentioninferablefroma
person’sacts,activities,andutterances.

26. Domicile
•"Domicile"denotesafixed
permanentresidencewhere,when
absentforbusinessorpleasure,or
forlikereasons,oneintendsto
return.

27. •Intheconsiderationofcircumstancesobtainingineach
particularcase,threerulesmustbeborneinmind,
namely:
•(1)thatapersonmusthavearesidenceordomicile
somewhere;
•(2)onceestablished,itremainsuntilanewoneis
acquired;and
•(3)thatapersoncanhavebutoneresidenceor
domicileatatime.

28. •Domicileisnoteasilylost.Tosuccessfully
effectatransferthereof,onemust
demonstrate:
•(1)anactualremovalorchangeofdomicile;
(2)abonafideintentionofabandoningthe
formerplaceofresidenceandestablishing
anewone;and
•(3)actswhichcorrespondwiththat
purpose.

29. •Theremustbeanimusmanendicoupled
withanimusnonrevertendi.Thepurposeto
remaininoratthedomicileofchoicemust
beforanindefiniteperiodoftime;the
changeofresidencemustbevoluntary;and
theresidenceattheplacechosenforthenew
domicilemustbeactual.[Asistiov.Aguirre,
April27,2010]

30. How often do I need to register?
•UnderRA8189,aqualifiedperson
needstoregisteronlyonce.This
registrationispermanent,unless
declaredotherwisebylaw.
•Registeringmore thanonce
constitutesanelectionoffense.

31. •However,incaseswhenavoter
transfersresidence,heneedsto
applyfortransferofhisregistration.
•Theapplicationmaybefiledwiththe
localCOMELEC officeofthenew
placeofresidence.

32. If a record was deactivated, how can a voter
have it reactivated?
•Therearealsoinstanceswhena
registrationrecordmay become
deactivated(e.g.,failuretovotein2
successiveregularelections;failureto
validatebiometrics).When this
happens,theconcernedvoterneedsto
applyforthereactivationofhisrecord.

33. Disqualification
a)Anypersonwhohasbeensentencedbyfinal
judgmenttosufferimprisonmentofnotless
thanone(1)year,[suchdisabilitynothaving
beenremovedbyplenarypardonoramnesty]:
Provided,however,Thatanyperson
disqualifiedtovoteunderthisparagraphshall
automaticallyreacquiretherighttovote
uponexpirationoffive(5)yearsafterserviceof
sentence;

34. •b)Anypersonwhohasbeenadjudgedbyfinal
judgmentbyacompetentcourtortribunalofhaving
committedanycrimeinvolvingdisloyaltytotheduly
constitutedgovernmentsuchasrebellion,sedition,
violationofthefirearmslawsoranycrimeagainst
nationalsecurity,[unlessrestoredtohisfullciviland
politicalrightsinaccordancewithlaw]:Provided,
Thatheshallautomaticallyreacquiretherighttovote
uponexpirationoffive(5)yearsafterserviceof
sentence;and

35. •c)Insane orincompetent
personsdeclaredassuchby
competent authority unless
subsequentlydeclaredbyproper
authoritythatsuchpersonisno
longerinsaneorincompetent.

36. •AlthoughtheVoter'sRegistrationActof1996
doesnotcontainasimilarprovisionlikeR.A.
No.9189(OverseasAbsenteeVotingActof
2003)thatdisqualifiesnon-Filipinocitizens
fromvoting,itdoes,however,providethatthe
ERBshalldeactivatetheregistrationand
removetheregistrationrecordsofanyperson
whohaslosthisorherFilipinocitizenship.[Tan
v.Crisologo,November8,2017]

37. System of Continuing Registration
•Thepersonalfilingofapplicationof
registrationofvotersshallbeconducted
dailyintheofficeoftheElectionOfficer
duringregularofficehours.Noregistration
shall,however,beconductedduringthe
periodstarting120daysbeforearegular
electionand90daysbeforeaspecial
election[Sec.8,R.A.8189(TheVotersRegistrationActof1996)].

38. •FortheMay13,2019NLE,the
filingofapplicationsfor
registrationwillbeonJuly2,
2018toSeptember29,2018
[COMELEC ResolutionNo.
10392,19June2018]

39. •Note:Foroperationaland
logisticalreasons, the
COMELEC schedulestheperiod
fortheconductofthisactivity
beforeascheduledelection.

40. Election Registration Board
•TheBoardshallbecomposedoftheElectionOfficeras
chairman,andasmembers,thepublicschoolofficialmostsenior
inrankandthelocalcivilregistrar,orinhisabsence,thecityor
municipaltreasurer.
•IncaseofdisqualificationoftheElectionOfficer,the
CommissionshalldesignateanactingElectionOfficerwhoshall
serveasChairmanoftheElectionRegistrationBoard.Incaseof
disqualificationornon-availabilityoftheLocalRegistrarorthe
MunicipalTreasurer,theCommissionshalldesignateanyother
appointivecivilserviceofficialfromthesamelocalityas
substitute.

41. Composition -Election Registration Board
1.Chairman-ElectionOfficer
2.Members:
a.Mostseniorpublicschoolofficial
b.Localcivilregistrar(or
city/municipaltreasurer)

42. Prohibition on Relatives
•NomemberoftheBoardshallberelatedto
eachotherortoanyincumbentcityor
municipalelectiveofficialwithinthefourth
civildegreeofconsanguinityoraffinity.
•Everyregisteredpartyandsuchorganizations
asmaybeauthorizedbytheCommissionshall
beentitledtoawatcherineveryregistration
board.[Sec.15,R.A.8189]

43. Illiterate or disabled voters
•xxxTheapplicationforregistrationofa
physicallydisabledpersonmaybe
preparedbyanyrelativewithinthe
fourthcivildegreeofconsanguinityor
affinityorbytheElectionOfficerorany
memberofanaccreditedcitizen’sarm
usingthedatasuppliedbytheapplicant
[Sec.14,R.A.8189]

44. Challenges to right to register
•Anyvoter,candidateorrepresentativeofa
registeredpoliticalpartymaychallengein
writinganyapplicationforregistration,stating
thegroundstherefor.Thechallengeshallbe
underoathandattachedtotheapplication,
togetherwiththeproofofnoticeofhearingtothe
challengerandtheapplicant.xxx[Sec.18,R.A.
8189].

45. Approval and Disapproval of Application
•TheElectionOfficershallsubmittotheBoardallapplicationsfor
registrationfiled,togetherwiththeevidencereceivedinconnection
therewith.TheBoardshall,bymajorityvote,approveordisapprove
theapplications.
•Uponapproval,theElectionOfficershallassignavotersidentification
numberandissuethecorrespondingidentificationcardtotheregistered
voter.IftheBoarddisapprovestheapplication,theapplicantshallbe
furnishedwithacertificateofdisapprovalstatingthegroundtherefor.In
casesofapprovalordisapproval,anyaggrievedpartymayfileapetitionfor
exclusionorinclusion,asthecasemaybe,withtheproperMunicipalor
MetropolitanTrialCourtasprovidedforinthisAct.

46. Cancellation of Registration
•Section29.TheBoardshallcancelthe
registrationrecordsofthosewhohavediedas
certifiedbytheLocalCivilRegistrar.TheLocal
CivilRegistrarshallsubmiteachmontha
certifiedlistofpersonswhodiedduringthe
previousmonthtotheElectionOfficerofthe
placewherethedeceasedareregistered.xxx

47. Jurisdiction in Inclusion and Exclusion
Case
•TheMunicipalandMetropolitan
TrialCourtsshallhaveoriginaland
exclusivejurisdictionoverallcases
ofinclusionandexclusionofvoters
intheirrespectivecitiesor
municipalities.[Section33]

48. •DecisionsoftheMunicipalorMetropolitanTrial
Courtsmaybeappealedbytheaggrievedpartyto
theRegionalTrialCourtwithinfive(5)daysfrom
receiptofnoticethereof.Otherwise,saiddecision
shallbecomefinalandexecutory.Theregional
trialcourtshalldecidetheappealwithinten(10)
daysfromthetimeitisreceivedandthedecision
shallimmediatelybecomefinalandexecutory.No
motionforreconsiderationshallbeentertained.

49. Petition for Inclusion of Voters in the List
•Anypersonwhoseapplicationforregistrationhasbeen
disapprovedbytheBoardorwhosenamehasbeen
strickenoutfromthelistmayfilewiththecourta
petitiontoincludehisnameinthepermanentlistof
votersinhisprecinctatanytimeexceptonehundredfive
(105)dayspriortoaregularelectionorseventy-five(75)
dayspriortoaspecialelection.Itshallbesupportedbya
certificateofdisapprovalofhisapplicationandproofof
serviceofnoticeofhispetitionupontheBoard.The
petitionshallbedecidedwithinfifteen(15)daysafterits
filing.

50. •Ifthedecisionisfortheinclusionofvoters
inthepermanentlistofvoters,theBoard
shallplacetheapplicationforregistration
previouslydisapprovedinthecorresponding
bookofvotersandindicateinthe
applicationforregistrationthedateofthe
orderofinclusionandthecourtwhich
issuedthesame.

51. Petition for Exclusion of Voters from the List
•Section35.Anyregisteredvoters,representativeofa
politicalpartyortheElectionOfficer,mayfilewith
thecourtaswornpetitionfortheexclusionofavoter
fromthepermanentlistofvotersgivingthename,
addressandtheprecinctofthechallengedvoterat
anytimeexceptonehundred(100)dayspriortoa
regularelectionorsixty-five(65)daysbeforeaspecial
election.Thepetitionshallbeaccompaniedbyproofof
noticetotheBoardandtothechallengedvoterand
shallbedecidedwithinten(10)daysfromitsfiling.

52. •Ifthedecisionisfortheexclusionofthe
voterfromthelist,theBoardshall,upon
receiptofthefinaldecision,removethe
voter’sregistrationrecordfromthe
correspondingbookofvoters,enterthe
orderofexclusiontherein,andthereafter
placetherecordintheinactivefile.

53. •Theproceedingsfortheexclusionor
inclusionofvotersinthelistofvotersare
summaryincharacter.Thus,thefactual
findingsofthetrialcourtanditsresultant
conclusionsintheexclusionproceedingson
mattersotherthantherighttovoteinthe
precinctwithinitsterritorialjurisdiction
arenotconclusiveupontheCOMELEC.
[Dominov.COMELEC,July19,1999]

54. •Althoughthecourtininclusionorexclusion
proceedingsmaypassuponanyquestion
necessarytodecidetheissueraisedincludingthe
questionsofcitizenshipandresidenceofthe
challengedvoter,theauthoritytoorderthe
inclusioninorexclusionfromthelistofvoters
necessarilycarrieswithitthepowertoinquire
intoandsettleallmattersessentialtothe
exerciseofsaidauthority.

55. •However,exceptfortherighttoremainin
thelistofvotersorforbeingexcluded
therefromfortheparticularelectionin
relationtowhichtheproceedingshadbeen
held,adecisioninanexclusionorinclusion
proceeding,eveniffinalandunappealable,
doesnotacquirethenatureofresjudicata.

56. •Inthissense,itdoesnotoperateasabarto
anyfutureactionthatapartymaytake
concerningthesubjectpasseduponinthe
proceeding.Thus,adecisioninanexclusion
proceedingwouldneitherbeconclusiveon
thevoter'spoliticalstatus,norbar
subsequentproceedingsonhisrighttobe
registeredasavoterinanyotherelection.
[Domino,supra]

57. •Itisnotwithinthecompetenceofthetrialcourt,
inanexclusionproceedings,todeclarethe
challengedvoteraresidentofanother
municipality.Thejurisdictionofthelowercourt
overexclusioncasesislimitedonlyto
determiningtherightofvotertoremaininthe
listofvotersortodeclarethatthechallenged
voterisnotqualifiedtovoteintheprecinctin
whichheisregistered,specifyingthegroundof
thevoter'sdisqualification.

58. •Thetrialcourthasnopowertoorderthechangeor
transferofregistrationfromoneplaceofresidenceto
anotherforitisthefunctionoftheelectionRegistration
BoardasprovidedunderSection12ofR.A.No.
8189.Theonlyeffectofthedecisionofthelowercourt
excludingthechallengedvoterfromthelistofvoters,is
fortheElectionRegistrationBoard,uponreceiptofthe
finaldecision,toremovethevoter'sregistrationrecord
fromthecorrespondingbookofvoters,entertheorder
ofexclusiontherein,andthereafterplacetherecordin
theinactivefile.

59. Inclusion/Exclusion vs. COC
denial/cancellation
Inclusion/
Exclusion
COC
denial/cancellati
on
Purpose applicationtobe
registeredasa
votertobeeligible
tovote
applicationtobea
candidate
Remedies MTC→RTC (final
and
unappealable)→CA
(certiorari-GAD)
COMELEC Div→
COMELEC En
Banc→SC(R64)

60. Related Laws on Voter’ s Registration
1.R.A.8189
2.R.A.10366(Establishprecincts
assignedtoaccessiblepollingplaces
exclusivetoPersonswithDisabilities
andSeniorCitizens)
3.R.A.10367(MandatoryBiometrics
VoterRegistration)

61. COMELEC
Jurisdiction
over Political
Parties

62. Principles
•Afreeandopenpartysystemshallbeallowedto
evolveaccordingtothefreechoiceofthepeople
[Sec.2(5),Art.IX-C]
•Novotescastinfavorofapoliticalparty,
organizationorcoalitionshallbevalid,except
forthoseregisteredundertheparty-listsystem
asprovidedintheConstitution[Sec.7,Art.IX-
C]

63. Jurisdiction of the COMELEC over political
parties
•TheConstitutiongrantstheCOMELEC
theauthoritytoregisterpolitical
parties,organizationsorcoalitions,and
theauthoritytocanceltheregistration
ofthesameonlegalgrounds.Thesaid
authorityoftheCOMELEC isreflected
inSection6ofR.A.No.7941[Party-List
SystemAct].

64. POLITICAL PARTIES
•Apoliticalpartyreferstoanorganized
groupofcitizensadvocatinganideologyor
platform,principlesandpoliciesforthe
generalconductofgovernmentandwhich,
asthemostimmediatemeansofsecuring
theiradoption,regularlynominatescertain
ofitsleadersandmembersascandidates
forpublicoffice.[R.A.7941]

65. AtongPaglaumv. COMELEC
•OnApril2,2013,theCourt,inAtongPaglaumInc.v.
CommissiononElections(2013),laiddownnew
parameterstobeobservedbytheCOMELEC in
screeningparties,organizationsorassociations
seekingregistrationand/oraccreditationunderthe
party-listsystem,viz:
•1.Threedifferentgroupsmayparticipateintheparty-
listsystem:(1)nationalpartiesororganizations,(2)
regionalpartiesororganizations,and(3)sectoral
partiesororganizations.
•

66. •2. National parties or
organizationsandregionalparties
ororganizationsdonotneedto
organizealongsectorallinesand
donotneedtorepresentany
marginalizedandunderrepresented
sector.

67. •3.Politicalpartiescanparticipateinparty-list
electionsprovidedtheyregisterundertheparty-
listsystemanddonotfieldcandidatesin
legislativedistrictelections.Apoliticalparty,
whethermajorornot,thatfieldscandidatesin
legislativedistrictelectionscanparticipatein
party-listelectionsonlythroughitssectoral
wingthatcanseparatelyregisterunderthe
party-listsystem.Thesectoralwingisbyitself
anindependentsectoralparty,andislinkedtoa
politicalpartythroughacoalition.

68. •4.Sectoralpartiesororganizations
mayeitherbe"marginalizedand
underrepresentedorlackingin
"well-defined political
constituencies."Itisenoughthat
theirprincipaladvocacypertainsto
thespecialinterestsandconcernsof
theirsector.

69. •Thesectorsthataremarginalizedand
underrepresentedincludelabor,peasant,
fisherfolk,urbanpoor,indigenouscultural
communities,handicapped,veterans,and
overseasworkers.Thesectorsthatlack
"well-definedpoliticalconstituencies"
includeprofessionals,theelderly,women,
andtheyouth.

70. •5.Amajorityofthemembersofthesectoral
partiesororganizationsthatrepresentthe
''marginalizedandunderrepresentedmust
belongtothemarginalized and
underrepresentedsectortheyrepresent.
Similarly,amajorityofthemembersof
sectoralpartiesororganizationsthatlack
"well-definedpoliticalconstituencies"must
belongtothesectortheyrepresent.

71. •Thenomineesofsectoralpartiesororganizations
thatrepresentthe"marginalizedand
underrepresented"orthatrepresentthosewho
lack"well-definedpoliticalconstituencies,"either
mustbelongtotheirrespectivesectors,ormust
haveatrackrecordoradvocacyfortheir
respectivesectors.Thenomineesofnationaland
regionalpartiesororganizationsmustbebona-
fidemembersofsuchpartiesororganizations.

72. •6.National,regional,andsectoral
partiesororganizationsshallnot
bedisqualifiedifsomeoftheir
nomineesaredisqualified,provided
thattheyhaveatleastonenominee
whoremainsqualified.

73. Filing of
certificates of
candidacy

74. Candidacy –Filing of Certificate of
Candidacy
•ThefilingofaCoCwithinthe
periodprovidedbylawisa
mandatoryrequirementforany
persontobeconsideredacandidate
inanationalorlocalelection.This
isclearfromSection73ofthe
OmnibusElectionCode.

75. •Section 73.Certificateof
candidacy.-Nopersonshallbe
eligibleforanyelectivepublic
officeunlesshefilesasworn
certificateofcandidacywithin
theperiodfixedherein.xxx

76. CoC–Nature
•ACoCisinthenatureofa
formalmanifestationtothe
whole world ofthe
candidate’spoliticalcreedor
lackofpoliticalcreed.

77. •Itisastatementofapersonseekingto
runforapublicofficecertifyingthat
heannounceshiscandidacyforthe
officementionedandthatheiseligible
fortheoffice,thenameofthepolitical
partytowhichhebelongs,ifhe
belongstoany,andhispost-office
addressforallelectionpurposesbeing
aswellstated.

78. What constitutes a valid CoC?
•Accordingly,aperson’sdeclarationof
hisintentiontorunforpublicofficeand
hisaffirmationthathepossessesthe
eligibilityforthepositionheseeksto
assume,followedbythetimelyfilingof
suchdeclaration,constituteavalidCoC
thatrenderthepersonmakingthe
declarationavalidorofficialcandidate.

79. CoC-Purposes
•Theevidentpurposesoftherequirement
forthefilingofCoCsandinfixingthe
timelimitforfilingthemare,namely:
•(a)toenablethevoterstoknow,atleast
60dayspriortotheregularelection,the
candidatesfromamongwhomtheyareto
makethechoice;and

80. •(b)toavoidconfusionandinconvenienceinthe
tabulationofthevotescast.Ifthelawdoesnot
confinetotheduly-registeredcandidatesthe
choicebythevoters,theremaybeasmany
personsvotedforastherearevoters,andvotes
maybecastevenforunknownorfictitious
personsasamarktoidentifythevotesinfavor
ofacandidateforanotherofficeinthesame
election.

81. Effect of Filing –Appointive Officials
•Section66.Candidatesholdingappointive
officeorpositions.-Anypersonholdinga
publicappointiveofficeorposition,including
activemembersoftheArmedForcesofthe
Philippines,andofficersandemployeesin
government-ownedorcontrolledcorporations,
shallbeconsideredipsofactoresignedfrom
hisofficeuponthefilingofhiscertificateof
candidacy.[B.P.881]

82. •InFariñasv.ExecutiveSecretary,the
constitutionalityofSection14oftheFair
ElectionAct,inrelationtoSections66
and67oftheOmnibusElectionCode,
wasassailedontheground,among
others,thatitundulydiscriminates
againstappointiveofficials.

83. Effect of Filing –Elective Officials
•AsSection14repealedSection67(i.e.,thedeemed-
resignedprovisioninrespectofelectedofficials)of
theOmnibusElectionCode,electedofficialsareno
longerconsideredipsofactoresignedfromtheir
respectiveofficesupontheirfilingofcertificatesof
candidacy.Incontrast,sinceSection66wasnot
repealed,thelimitationonappointiveofficials
continuestobeoperative–theyaredeemed
resignedwhentheyfiletheircertificatesof
candidacy.[Quintov.COMELEC,February22,2010]

84. Substitution of candidates
•Section77.Candidatesincaseofdeath,
disqualificationorwithdrawalofanother.-Ifafter
thelastdayforthefilingofcertificatesof
candidacy,anofficialcandidateofaregisteredor
accreditedpoliticalpartydies,withdrawsoris
disqualifiedforanycause,onlyapersonbelonging
to,andcertifiedby,thesamepoliticalpartymay
fileacertificateofcandidacytoreplacethe
candidatewhodied,withdreworwasdisqualified.

85. When substitute may file CoC
•Thesubstitutecandidatenominated
bythepoliticalpartyconcernedmay
filehiscertificateofcandidacyfor
theofficeaffectedinaccordancewith
theprecedingsectionsnotlaterthan
mid-dayofthedayoftheelection.

86. •Ifthedeath,withdrawalordisqualification
shouldoccurbetweenthedaybeforethe
electionandmid-dayofelectionday,said
certificatemaybefiledwithanyboardof
electioninspectorsinthepoliticalsubdivision
whereheisacandidate,or,inthecaseof
candidatestobevotedforbytheentire
electorateofthecountry,withtheCommission.

87. •Nonetheless,whetherthegroundfor
substitutionisdeath,withdrawalor
disqualificationofacandidate,Section
77oftheOmnibusElectionCode
unequivocallystatesthatonlyanofficial
candidateofaregisteredoraccredited
partymaybesubstituted.

88. •ConsideringthatacancelledCoC
doesnotgiverisetoavalid
candidacy,therecanbenovalid
substitutionofthecandidateunder
Section77oftheOmnibusElection
Code.

89. •Itshouldbeclear,too,thatacandidatewho
doesnotfileavalidCoCmaynotbevalidly
substituted,becauseapersonwithouta
validCoCisnotconsidereda
candidateinmuchthesamewayasany
personwhohasnotfiledaCoCisnotatall
acandidate.

90. •Likewise,acandidatewhohasnotwithdrawnhis
CoCinaccordancewithSection73ofthe
OmnibusElectionCodemaynotbesubstituted.A
withdrawalofcandidacycanonlygiveeffecttoa
substitutionifthesubstitutecandidatesubmits
priortotheelectionaswornCoCasrequiredby
Section73oftheOmnibusElectionCode.[Talaga
v.COMELEC,October9,2012]

91. •Section 73.Certificateof
candidacy.-xxx
•Apersonwhohasfiledacertificate
ofcandidacymay,priortothe
election,withdrawthesameby
submittingtotheofficeconcerneda
writtendeclarationunderoath.

92. Ministerial duty of COMELEC to receive
certificates
•Section76.Ministerialdutyofreceivingand
acknowledgingreceipt.-TheCommission,
provincialelectionsupervisor,election
registrarorofficerdesignatedbythe
Commissionortheboardofelectioninspectors
underthesucceedingsectionshallhavethe
ministerialdutytoreceiveandacknowledge
receiptofthecertificateofcandidacy.

93. Nuisance candidates
•Section69.Nuisancecandidates.-The
Commissionmaymotuproprioorupona
verifiedpetitionofaninterestedparty,refuse
togiveduecoursetoorcancelacertificateof
candidacyifitisshownthatsaidcertificatehas
beenfiled
•toputtheelectionprocessinmockeryor
disreputeor

94. •tocauseconfusionamongthevotersbythe
similarityofthenamesoftheregistered
candidatesor
•byothercircumstancesoractswhichclearly
demonstratethatthecandidatehasnobona
fideintentiontorunfortheofficeforwhichthe
certificateofcandidacyhasbeenfiledandthus
preventafaithfuldeterminationofthetrue
willoftheelectorate.

95. •UnderArticleII,Section26ofthe
Constitution,"[t]heStateshallguarantee
equalaccesstoopportunitiesforpublic
service[.]"This,however,doesnot
guarantee"aconstitutionalrighttorunfor
orholdpublicoffice[.]"Torunforpublic
officeisamere"privilegesubjectto
limitationsimposedbylaw.“Amongthese
limitationsistheprohibitiononnuisance
candidates.[Timbolv.COMELEC,2015]

96. •Theorganizationofanelectionwithbona
fidecandidatesstandingisonerousenough.Toaddinto
themixcandidateswithnoseriousintentionsor
capabilitiestorunaviablecampaignwouldactually
impairtheelectoralprocess.Thisisnottomentionthe
candidacieswhicharepalpablyridiculoussoasto
constituteaone-notejoke.Thepollbodywouldbebogged
byirrelevantminutiaecoveringeverystepofthe
electoralprocess,mostprobablyposedattheinstanceof
thesenuisancecandidates.Itwouldbeasenseless
sacrificeonthepartoftheState.[Pamatongv.
COMELEC,2004]

97. Under COMELEC Rules –Rule 23
•Section2.WhoMayFilePetitiontoDeclarea
CandidateasNuisanceCandidate.-Anyregistered
candidateforthesamepositionmayfileaverified
Petitiontodeclareacandidateasanuisancecandidate.
•Section4.MotuProprioCases.-TheCommission
may,atanytimebeforetheelection,motuproprio,
declareacandidateasanuisancecandidatesubjectto
anopportunitytobeheard.

98. When to file
•Section3.PeriodtoFilethe
Petition.-ThePetitionshallbe
filedpersonallyorthroughan
authorizedrepresentative,within
five(5)daysfromthelastdayfor
thefilingofcertificatesof
candidacy.xxx

99. Petition to deny or cancel certificates of
candidacy
•Section78.Petitiontodenyduecoursetoorcancela
certificateofcandidacy.-Averifiedpetitionseeking
todenyduecourseortocancelacertificateof
candidacymaybefiledbythepersonexclusivelyonthe
groundthatanymaterialrepresentationcontained
thereinasrequiredunderSection74hereofisfalse.
Thepetitionmaybefiledatanytimenotlaterthan
twenty-fivedaysfromthetimeofthefilingofthe
certificateofcandidacyandshallbedecided,afterdue
noticeandhearing,notlaterthanfifteendaysbefore
theelection.

100. •Section74.Contentsofcertificateofcandidacy.-
Thecertificateofcandidacyshallstatethatthe
personfilingitisannouncinghiscandidacyfor
theofficestatedthereinandthatheis
•eligibleforsaidoffice;
•ifforMemberoftheBatasangPambansa,the
province,includingitscomponentcities,highly
urbanizedcityordistrictorsectorwhichheseeks
torepresent;thepoliticalpartytowhichhe
belongs;

101. •civilstatus;hisdateofbirth;residence;hispostoffice
addressforallelectionpurposes;hisprofessionoroccupation;
•thathewillsupportanddefendtheConstitutionofthe
Philippinesandwillmaintaintruefaithandallegiance
thereto;thathewillobeythelaws,legalorders,anddecrees
promulgatedbythedulyconstitutedauthorities;thatheis
notapermanentresidentorimmigranttoaforeigncountry;
thattheobligationimposedbyhisoathisassumed
voluntarily,withoutmentalreservationorpurposeof
evasion;andthatthefactsstatedinthecertificateof
candidacyaretruetothebestofhisknowledge.xxx

102. •ACoCisaformalrequirementfor
eligibilitytopublicoffice.Section74of
theOECprovidesthattheCoCofthe
personfilingitshallstate,among
others,thatheiseligiblefortheoffice
heseekstorun,andthatthefacts
statedthereinaretruetothebestof
hisknowledge.

103. •AsusedinSection74,theword
"eligible"meanshavingtherightto
runforelectivepublicoffice;that
is,havingallthequalificationsand
noneoftheineligibilities.

104. •Tobe"eligible"relatestothecapacityof
holding,aswellasthatofbeingelected
toanoffice.Conversely,"ineligibility"
hasbeendefinedasa"disqualification
orlegalincapacitytobeelectedtoan
officeorappointedtoaparticular
position.“[Dimapilisv.COMELEC,
2017]

105. •Inthisrelation,apersonintending
torunforpublicofficemustnot
onlypossesstherequired
qualificationsforthepositionfor
whichheorsheintendstorun,but
mustalsopossessnoneofthe
groundsfordisqualificationunder
thelaw.

106. •The"materialrepresentation"
referredtoinSection78isthat
whichinvolvestheeligibilityor
qualificationfortheofficesought
bythepersonwhofiledthe
certificate.

107. •We [SC]concludedthatmaterial
representationcontemplatedbySection78
referstoqualificationsforelectiveoffice,
suchastherequisiteresidency,age,
citizenshiporanyotherlegalqualification
necessarytorunforalocalelectiveofficeas
providedforintheLocalGovernmentCode.
[Caballerov.COMELEC,2015]

108. •Section78must,therefore,beread"inrelation
totheconstitutionalandstatutoryprovisions
onqualificationsoreligibilityforpublic
office."Moreover,thefalserepresentation
"mustconsistofadeliberateattemptto
mislead,misinform,orhideafact
whichwouldotherwiserenderacandidate
ineligible."

109. •[t]hedenialofduecoursetoorthecancellation
oftheCoCisnotbasedonthelackof
qualificationsbutonafindingthatthe
candidatemadeamaterialrepresentationthat
isfalse,whichmayrelatetothequalifications
requiredofthepublicofficehe/sheisrunning
for.Itisnotedthatthecandidatestatesin
his/herCoCthathe/sheiseligiblefortheoffice
he/sheseeks.[Ferminv.COMELEC,2008]

110. •Separate from therequirement of
materiality,afalserepresentationunder
Section78mustconsistofadeliberate
attempttomislead,misinform,orhidea
fact,whichwouldotherwiserendera
candidateineligible."Inotherwords,itmust
bemadewiththeintentiontodeceivethe
electorateastothewould-becandidate's
qualificationsforpublicoffice.[Jaloverv.
Osmena,September23,2014]

111. •InMitrav.COMELEC (2010),weheldthatthe
misrepresentationthatSection78addresses
cannotbetheresultofamereinnocuousmistake,
andcannotexistinasituationwheretheintent
todeceiveispatentlyabsent,orwhereno
deceptionoftheelectorateresults.Thedeliberate
characterofthemisrepresentationnecessarily
followsfromaconsiderationoftheconsequences
ofanymaterialfalsity:acandidatewhofalsifiesa
materialfactcannotrun.

112. When Petition is filed
•Thefilingofthesamemustcomplywiththe
periodprescribedtherein,i.e.,thefilingof
thesamemustbemadenotlaterthan
twenty-fivedaysfromthetimeof
thefilingofthecertificateofcandidacy.
[Albaniav.COMELEC,2017]

113. •TheCommissionmaynot,byitself,without
theproperproceedings,denyduecourseto
orcancelacertificateofcandidacyfiledin
dueform.Whenacandidatefileshis
certificateofcandidacy,theCOMELEC has
aministerialdutytoreceiveand
acknowledgeitsreceipt.[Ciprianov.
COMELEC,2004]

114. Effect of disqualification
•Section72.Effectsofdisqualificationcasesandpriority.-The
Commissionandthecourtsshallgiveprioritytocasesof
disqualificationbyreasonofviolationofthisActtotheendthat
afinaldecisionshallberenderednotlaterthansevendays
beforetheelectioninwhichthedisqualificationissought.
•Anycandidatewhohasbeendeclaredbyfinaljudgmenttobe
disqualifiedshallnotbevotedfor,andthevotescastforhim
shallnotbecounted.Nevertheless,ifforanyreason,a
candidateisnotdeclaredbyfinaljudgmentbeforeanelectionto
bedisqualifiedandheisvotedforandreceivesthewinning
numberofvotesinsuchelection,hisviolationoftheprovisions
oftheprecedingsectionsshallnotpreventhisproclamationand
assumptiontooffice.

115. Withdrawal of candidates
Section73.CertificateofCandidacy.
xxx
Thefilingorwithdrawalofacertificate
ofcandidacyshallnotaffectwhatever
civil,criminaloradministrative
liabilitieswhichacandidatemayhave
incurred.

116. •[A]candidatewhohasnotwithdrawnhis
CoCinaccordancewithSection73ofthe
OmnibusElectionCodemaynotbe
substituted.Awithdrawalofcandidacy
canonlygiveeffecttoasubstitutionifthe
substitutecandidatesubmitspriortothe
electionaswornCoCasrequiredby
Section73oftheOmnibusElectionCode.
[Talagav.COMELEC]

117. Substitution
•Section77.Candidatesincaseofdeath,
disqualificationorwithdrawalofanother.-If
afterthelastdayforthefilingofcertificatesof
candidacy,anofficialcandidateofaregistered
oraccreditedpoliticalpartydies,withdrawsor
isdisqualifiedforanycause,onlyaperson
belongingto,andcertifiedby,thesamepolitical
partymayfileacertificateofcandidacyto
replacethecandidatewhodied,withdrewor
wasdisqualified.

118. •The substitute candidate
nominatedbythepoliticalparty
concernedmayfilehiscertificate
ofcandidacyfortheofficeaffected
inaccordancewiththepreceding
sectionsnotlaterthanmid-dayof
thedayoftheelection.

119. •Ifthedeath,withdrawalordisqualification
shouldoccurbetweenthedaybeforethe
electionandmid-dayofelectionday,said
certificatemaybefiledwithanyboardof
electioninspectorsinthepolitical
subdivisionwhereheisacandidate,or,in
thecaseofcandidatestobevotedforbythe
entireelectorateofthecountry,withthe
Commission.

120. •[W]hetherthegroundforsubstitution
is death, withdrawal or
disqualificationofacandidate,Section
77oftheOmnibusElectionCode
unequivocallystatesthatonlyan
officialcandidateofaregisteredor
accreditedpartymaybesubstituted.
[Talagav.COMELEC,2012]

121. •Consideringthatacancelled
CoCdoesnotgiverisetoa
validcandidacy,therecanbe
novalidsubstitutionofthe
candidateunderSection77of
theOmnibusElectionCode.

122. •Itshouldbeclear,too,thatacandidate
whodoesnotfileavalidCoCmaynot
bevalidlysubstituted,becausea
personwithoutavalidCoCisnot
consideredacandidateinmuch
thesamewayasanypersonwhohas
notfiledaCoCisnotatalla
candidate.

123. Campaign

124. Premature campaigning
•RosalindaA.Penerav.Commissionon
ElectionsandEdgarT.Andanar(November
25,2009)instructsthatanypersonwhofiles
hisCoCshallonlybeconsidereda
candidateatthestartofthecampaign
period.Thus,intheabsenceofa
"candidate,"themerefilingofCoCcannot
beconsideredasan"electioncampaign"or
a"partisanpoliticalactivity."

125. •Section79oftheOECdoesnotevenconsideras
"partisanpoliticalactivity"actsperformedfor
thepurposeofenhancingthechancesof
aspirantsfornominationsforcandidacytoa
publicoffice.Thus,whenappointivecivil
servantsfiletheirCoCs,theyarenotengaging
ina"partisanpoliticalactivity"and,therefore,
donottransgressorviolatetheConstitution
andthelaw.[Quinto,supra]

126. Campaign Finance
•PursuanttoSections26and27ofArticle
IIandSections2and4ofArticleIX-Cofthe1987
PhilippineConstitutionandthepowersvestedinthis
CommissionbyBatasPambansaBilang881,as
amended("OmnibusElectionCode"),RepublicActNo.
7166,andotherelectionlaws,COMELEC promulgated
theOmnibusRulesandRegulationsGoverning
CampaignFinanceandDisclosure,whichshallbe
applicabletothe2016NationalandLocalElections
("2016NLE")andallsubsequentelectionsthereafter.

127. Prohibited contributions
•Section95.Prohibitedcontributions.-Nocontribution
forpurposesofpartisanpoliticalactivityshallbemade
directlyorindirectlybyanyofthefollowing:
•(a)Publicorprivatefinancialinstitutions:Provided,
however,Thatnothinghereinshallpreventthemaking
ofanyloantoacandidateorpoliticalpartybyanysuch
publicorprivatefinancialinstitutionslegallyinthe
businessoflendingmoney,andthattheloanismade
inaccordancewithlawsandregulationsandinthe
ordinarycourseofbusiness;

128. •(b)Naturalandjuridicalpersonsoperatinga
publicutilityorinpossessionoforexploiting
anynaturalresourcesofthenation;
•(c)Naturalandjuridicalpersonswhohold
contractsorsub-contractstosupplythe
governmentoranyofitsdivisions,
subdivisionsorinstrumentalities,withgoods
orservicesortoperformconstructionor
otherworks;

129. •(d)Naturalandjuridicalpersonswho
havebeengrantedfranchises,incentives,
exemptions,allocationsorsimilar
privilegesorconcessionsbythe
governmentoranyofitsdivisions,
subdivisionsor instrumentalities,
including government-owned or
controlledcorporations;

130. •(e)Naturalandjuridicalpersonswho,
withinoneyearpriortothedateofthe
election,havebeengrantedloansorother
accommodationsinexcessofP100,000by
thegovernmentoranyofitsdivisions,
subdivisionsorinstrumentalitiesincluding
government-owned or controlled
corporations;

131. •(f)Educationalinstitutionswhichhavereceived
grantsofpublicfundsamountingtonolessthan
P100,000.00;
•(g)OfficialsoremployeesintheCivilService,or
membersoftheArmedForcesofthePhilippines;
and
•(h)Foreignersandforeigncorporations.
•Itshallbeunlawfulforanypersontosolicitorreceive
anycontributionfromanyofthepersonsorentities
enumeratedherein.

132. •Inaddition,allcorporationsincorporated
undertheCorporationCodeofthePhilippines,
foundtohavegivendonationsinaidofany
politicalpartyorcandidateorforpurposesof
partisanpoliticalactivity,shallbereportedto
theSecuritiesandExchangeCommission
(SEC),asaviolationofSection36(9)in
relationtoSection144oftheCorporation
Code.[OmnibusRulesonCampaignFinance]

133. Lawful and prohibited election propaganda
•R.A.9006(FairElectionAct),Section3.Lawful
ElectionPropaganda.–Electionpropaganda,whetheron
television,cabletelevision,radio,newspapersorany
othermediumisherebyallowedforallregistered
politicalparties,national,regional,sectoralpartiesor
organizationsparticipatingunderthepartylistelections
andforallbonafidecandidatesseekingnationaland
localelectivepositionssubjecttothelimitationon
authorizedexpensesofcandidatesandpoliticalparties,
observanceoftruthinadvertisingandtothesupervision
andregulationbytheCommissiononElections
(COMELEC).

134. •3.1.Pamphlets,leaflets,cards,decals,
stickersorotherwrittenorprinted
materialsthesizeofwhichdoesnotexceed
eightandonehalfinchesinwidthand
fourteeninchesinlength;
•3.2.Handwrittenorprintedlettersurging
voterstovotefororagainstanyparticular
politicalpartyorcandidateforpublic
office;

135. •3.3.Cloth,paperorcardboardposters,whether
framedorposted,withanareanotexceedingtwo(2)
feetbythree(3)feet,exceptthat,atthesiteandon
theoccasionofapublicmeetingorrally,orin
announcingtheholdingofsaidmeetingorrally,
streamersnotexceedingthree(3)feetbyeight(8)
feetinsize,shallbeallowed:Provided,Thatsaid
streamersmaybedisplayedfive(5)daysbeforethe
dateofthemeetingorrallyandshallberemoved
withintwenty-four(24)hoursaftersaidmeetingor
rally;

136. •3.4.Paidadvertisementsinprintor
broadcastmedia:Provided,Thatthe
advertisements shall follow the
requirementssetforthinSection4ofthis
Act;and
•3.5.Allotherformsofelectionpropaganda
notprohibitedbytheOmnibusElection
CodeorthisAct.

137. Limitations on expenses
•PresidentandVice-President-Ten
Pesos(P10.00)foreveryregistered
voterinthecountryandoverseas;
•Forothercandidates-ThreePesos
(P3.00)foreveryvotercurrently
registeredintheconstituencywhere
thecandidatesfiledtheircertificatesof
candidacy.

138. •Candidateswithoutanypolitical
partyandwithoutsupportfromany
politicalparty-FivePesos(P5.00)for
everyvotercurrentlyregisteredin
theconstituencywhere the
candidatesfiledtheircertificatesof
candidacy;and

139. •Thelawisclear-thecandidatemust
bothbewithoutapoliticalparty
andwithoutsupportfromany
politicalpartyfortheP5.00capto
apply.Intheabsenceofone,the
exceptiondoesnotapply.[Maturan
v.COMELEC,March28,2017]

140. •Politicalpartiesandparty-list
groups-FivePesos(P5.00)for
everyvotercurrentlyregisteredin
theconstituencyorconstituencies
whereithasofficialcandidates.
[RA7166,Sec.13,Pars.2and3]

141. Illustration
Number of
registered
voters for the
whole Province
of Laguna
x
Authorized
expense per
voter registered
in the
constituency
=
Total amount of
spending
allowed for
election
campaign
1,525,522
registered
voters in
Laguna
x
PhP 3.00 per
voter
=
PhP
4,576,566.00

142. •Section4.ExemptionFromDonor's
Tax.-Anycontributionincashorin
kindtoanycandidateorpartyfor
campaignpurposes,dulyreportedto
theCommission,shallnotbesubjectto
thepaymentofdonors'tax.[Omnibus
RulesonCampaignFinance,citing
RA7166,Sec.13,Par.4]

143. Statement of contributions and expenses
•R.A.7166,Section14.Statement of
ContributionsandExpenditures:Effectof
FailuretoFileStatement.-Everycandidateand
treasurerofthepoliticalpartyshall,withinthirty
(30)daysafterthedayoftheelection,filein
duplicatewiththeofficesoftheCommissionthe
full,trueanditemizedstatementofall
contributionsandexpendituresinconnection
withtheelection.

144. •Nopersonelectedtoanypublicofficeshall
enteruponthedutiesofhisofficeuntilhehas
filedthestatementofcontributionsand
expenditureshereinrequired.
•Thesameprohibitionshallapplyifthepolitical
partywhichnominatedthewinningcandidate
failstofilethestatementrequiredherein
withintheperiodprescribedbythisAct.

145. •Exceptcandidatesforelectivebarangayoffice,
failuretofilethestatementsor
reportsinconnectionwithelectoral
contributionsandexpendituresasrequired
hereinshallconstituteanadministrative
offenseforwhichtheoffendersshallbeliableto
payanadministrativefinerangingfromOne
thousandpesos(P1,000.00)toThirtythousand
pesos(P30,000.00),inthediscretionofthe
Commission.

146. •Itshallbethedutyofeverycity,or
municipalelectionregistrartoadvisein
writing,bypersonaldeliveryorregistered
mail,withinfive(5)daysfromthe
dateofelectionallcandidatesresiding
inhisjurisdictiontotofiletheirstatements
ofcomplywiththeirobligationcontributions
andexpenditures.

148. •Forthecommissionofasecondor
subsequentoffenseunderthissection,the
administrativefineshallbefromTwo
thousandpesos(P2,000.00)toSixty
thousandpesos(P60,000.00),inthe
discretionoftheCommission.Inaddition,
theoffendershallbesubjecttoperpetual
disqualificationtoholdpublicoffice."

150. •BasedonPilarv.COMELEC (1995),
everycandidate,includingonewho
meanwhilewithdrawshiscandidacy,
isrequiredtofilehisSOCEbySection
14ofR.A.No.7166.[Maturanv.
COMELEC,March28,2017]

151. Board of
Election
Inspectors and
Board of
Canvassers

152. Composition -BEI
•Sec.164.Compositionandappointmentof
boardofelectioninspectors.-Atleast
thirtydaysbeforethedatewhenthevoterslist
istobepreparedinaccordancewiththisCode,
inthecaseofaregularelectionorfifteendays
beforeaspecialelection,theCommissionshall,
directlyorthroughitsdulyauthorized
representatives,constituteaboardofelection
inspectorsforeachprecincttobecomposedof:

153. •achairmanandapollclerkwhomustbe
publicschoolteachers,prioritytobegivento
civilserviceeligibles,andtwomembers,each
representingthetwoaccreditedpolitical
parties.Theappointmentshallstatethe
precincttowhichtheyareassignedandthe
dateoftheappointment.

154. Composition
1.achairmanandapollclerkwho
mustbepublicschoolteachers,
prioritytobegiventocivilservice
eligibles,and
2.two (2)members, each
representingthetwoaccredited
politicalparties.

155. •Sec.166.Qualificationofmembersoftheboard
ofelectioninspectors.-Nopersonshallbe
appointedchairman,memberorsubstitutememberof
theboardofelectioninspectorsunlessheisofgood
moralcharacterandirreproachablereputation,a
registeredvoterofthecityormunicipality,hasnever
beenconvictedofanyelectionoffenseorofanyother
crimepunishablebymorethansixmonthsof
imprisonment,orifhehaspendingagainsthiman
informationforanyelectionoffense.Hemustbeable
tospeakandwriteEnglishorthelocaldialect.

156. Qualifications
1.goodmoralcharacterandirreproachable
reputation,
2.aregisteredvoterofthecityormunicipality,
3.hasneverbeenconvictedofanyelectionoffense
orofanyothercrimepunishablebymorethan
sixmonthsofimprisonment,orifhehas
pendingagainsthimaninformationforany
electionoffense
4.mustbeabletospeakandwriteEnglishorthe
localdialect.

157. •Sec.167.Disqualification.-No
personshallserveaschairmanor
memberoftheboardofelection
inspectorsifheisrelatedwithinthe
fourthcivildegreeofconsanguinityor
affinitytoanymemberoftheboardof
electioninspectorsortoanycandidate
tobevotedforinthepollingplaceor
hisspouse.

158. Powers (Sec. 168, OEC)
1.Conductthevotingandcountingofvotesintheir
respectivepollingplaces;
2.
ActasdeputiesoftheCommissioninthesupervisionand
controloftheelectioninthepollingplaceswhereintheyare
assigned,toassuretheholdingofthesameinafree,
orderlyandhonestmanner;and
3.
PerformsuchotherfunctionsprescribedbythisCodeorby
therulesandregulationspromulgatedbytheCommission.

159. •Sec.172.Proceedingsoftheboardofelection
inspectors.-Themeetingsoftheboardofelection
inspectorsshallbepublicandshallbeheldonly
inthepollingplaceauthorizedbythe
Commission.
•Theboardofelectioninspectorsshallhavefull
authoritytomaintainorderwithinthe
pollingplaceanditspremises,tokeepaccessthereto
openandunobstructed,andtoenforceobedienceto
itslawfulorders.

160. •Ifanypersonshallrefusetoobeylawfulordersofthe
boardofelectioninspectors,orshallconducthimselfina
disorderlymannerinitspresenceorwithinitshearing
andtherebyinterruptordisturbitsproceedings,theboardof
electioninspectorsmayissueanorderinwritingdirecting
anypeaceofficertotakesuchpersonintocustodyuntilthe
adjournmentofthemeeting,butsuchordershallnotbe
executedastopreventanypersonsotakenintocustodyfrom
exercisinghisrighttovote.Suchordershallbeexecutedby
anypeaceofficertowhomitmaybedelivered,butifnonebe
present,byanyotherpersondeputizedbytheboardof
electioninspectorsinwriting.

161. Board of Canvassers
•Sec.221.Boardofcanvassers.-Thereshallbeaboardof
canvassersforeachprovince,city,municipality,anddistrict
ofMetropolitanManilaasfollows:
•Provincialboardofcanvassers-theprovincialboardof
canvassersshallbecomposedoftheprovincialelection
supervisororaseniorlawyerintheregionalofficeofthe
Commission,aschairman,theprovincialfiscal,asvice-
chairman,andtheprovincialsuperintendentofschools,and
onerepresentativefromeachoftherulingpartyandthe
dominantoppositionpoliticalpartyintheconstituency
concernedentitledtoberepresented,asmembers.

162. PBOC
1.provincialelectionsupervisororaseniorlawyer
intheregionalofficeoftheCommission,as
chairman,
2.theprovincialfiscal,asvice-chairman,and
3.theprovincialsuperintendentofschools,and
4.onerepresentativefromeachoftherulingparty
andthedominantoppositionpoliticalpartyin
theconstituencyconcernedentitledtobe
represented,asmembers.

163. •Cityboardofcanvassers-thecityboardof
canvassersshallbecomposedofthecityelection
registraroralawyeroftheCommission,as
chairman,thecityfiscalandthecitysuperintendent
ofschools,andonerepresentativefromeachofthe
rulingpartyandthedominantoppositionpolitical
partyentitledtoberepresented,asmembers.

164. City BOC
1.cityelectionregistraroralawyerofthe
Commission,aschairman,
2.thecityfiscaland
3.thecitysuperintendentofschools,and
4.***onerepresentativefromeachofthe
rulingpartyandthedominantopposition
politicalpartyentitledtoberepresented,
asmembers.

165. •Municipalboardofcanvassers-themunicipal
boardofcanvassersshallbecomposedofthe
electionregistrarorarepresentativeofthe
Commission,aschairman,themunicipaltreasurer,
andthedistrictsupervisororinhisabsenceany
publicschoolprincipalinthemunicipalityandone
representativefromeachoftherulingpartyandthe
dominantoppositionpoliticalpartyentitledtobe
represented,asmembers.

166. MBOC
1.electionregistrarorarepresentativeof
theCommission,aschairman,
2.themunicipaltreasurer,and
3.thedistrictsupervisororinhisabsenceany
publicschoolprincipalinthemunicipality
and
4.***onerepresentativefromeachoftheruling
partyandthedominantoppositionpolitical
partyentitledtoberepresented,asmembers.

167. •(T)heboardofcanvassersisaministerialbody.
Itisenjoinedbylawtocanvassallvotesonelection
returnssubmittedtoitindueform.Ithasbeensaid,
andproperly,thatitspowersarelimited
generallytothemechanicalormathematical
functionofascertaininganddeclaringtheapparent
resultoftheelectionbyaddingorcompilingthevotes
castforeachcandidateasshownonthefaceofthe
returnsbeforethem,andthendeclaringorcertifying
theresultsoascertained.[Ibrahimv.COMELEC,
January18,2018]

168. •Thesimplepurposeanddutyofthe
canvassingboardistoascertainand
declaretheapparentresultofthe
votingwhileallotherquestionsareto
betriedbeforethecourtorother
tribunalforcontestingelectionsorin
quowarrantoproceedings.[Ibrahim,
supra]

169. Remedies and
jurisdiction in
election law

170. •Asageneralrule,statutesproviding
forelectioncontestsaretobeliberally
construedinorderthatthewillofthe
peopleinthechoiceofpublicofficers
maynotbedefeatedbymere
technicalobjections.[Caballerov.
COMELEC,2015]

171. Petition not to give due course to or cancel a
certificate of candidacy
•Section78.Petitiontodenyduecoursetoorcancela
certificateofcandidacy.-Averifiedpetitionseekingto
denyduecourseortocancelacertificateofcandidacy
maybefiledbythepersonexclusivelyontheground
thatanymaterialrepresentationcontainedtherein
asrequiredunderSection74hereofisfalse.The
petitionmaybefiledatanytimenotlaterthantwenty-
fivedaysfromthetimeofthefilingofthecertificateof
candidacyandshallbedecided,afterduenoticeand
hearing,notlaterthanfifteendaysbeforetheelection.

174. •[t]heCourthasalreadylikenedaproceeding
underSection78toaquowarrantoproceeding
underSection253oftheOECsincetheyboth
dealwiththeeligibilityorqualificationofa
candidate,withthedistinctionmainlyinthe
factthata"Section78"petitionisfiledbefore
proclamation,whileapetitionforquo
warrantoisfiledafterproclamationofthe
winingcandidate.[Ferminv.COMELEC,2008]

175. Under COMELEC Rules
•Rule24,Section1.GroundsforDenialof
CertificateofCandidacy.-Apetitiontodenydue
coursetoorcancelacertificateofcandidacyforany
electiveofficemaybefiledwiththeLaw
DepartmentoftheCommissionbyanycitizenof
votingageoradulyregisteredpoliticalparty,
organization,orcoalitionorpoliticalpartiesonthe
exclusiveground that anymaterial
representationcontainedthereinasrequiredby
lawisfalse.

176. •Section8.EffectifPetitionUnresolved.-Ifa
PetitiontoDenyDueCoursetoorCancela
CertificateofCandidacyisunresolvedbyfinal
judgmentonthedayofelections,thepetitionermay
fileamotionwiththeDivisionorCommissionEn
Banc,asmaybeapplicable,tosuspendthe
proclamationofthecandidateconcerned,
providedthattheevidenceforthegroundsfor
denialtoorcancelcertificateofcandidacyisstrong.

177. •Section9.EffectofGrantingofPetition.-
IntheeventaPetitiontoDenyDueCourseto
orCancelaCertificateofCandidacyisgranted
byfinaljudgmentasdefinedinthe
immediatelyprecedingsection,thevotescast
forthecandidatewhosecertificateofcandidacy
hasbeencancelledordeniedduecourseshall
bedeemedasstrayvotes.

178. •ApersonwhoseCoChadbeen
cancelledisdeemedtohavenotbeen
acandidateatallbecausehisCoCis
consideredvoidabinitio,andthus,
cannotgiverisetoavalidcandidacy
andnecessarilytovalidvotes.
[Dimapilisv.COMELEC,2017]

179. •ThecancellationoftheCoC
essentiallyrendersthevotescast
forhimorherasstrayvotes,and
arenotconsideredindetermining
thewinnerofanelection.

180. •Thiswouldnecessarilyinvalidate
hisproclamationandentitlethe
qualifiedcandidatereceivingthe
highestnumberofvotestothe
position.AproposistheCourt's
rulinginMaquilingv.COMELEC:

181. “2
nd
placer” rule
•Whenthereareparticipantswhoturn
outtobeineligible,theirvictoryis
voidedandthelaurelisawardedtothe
nextinrankwhodoesnotpossessany
ofthedisqualificationsnorlacksanyof
thequalificationssetintherulestobe
eligibleascandidates.

182. •xxxThesecond-placerinthevotecountis
actuallythefirst-placeramongthequalified
candidates.Thatthedisqualifiedcandidate
hasalreadybeenproclaimedandhas
assumedofficeisofnomoment.The
subsequentdisqualificationbasedona
substantivegroundthatexistedpriortothe
filingofthecertificateofcandidacyvoidsnot
onlytheCOCbutalsotheproclamation.

183. Petition for disqualification
•Section68.Disqualifications.-Anycandidatewho,
inanactionorprotestinwhichheisapartyis
declaredbyfinaldecisionofacompetentcourt
guiltyof,orfoundbytheCommissionofhaving
•(a)givenmoneyorothermaterialconsiderationto
influence,induceorcorruptthevotersorpublic
officialsperformingelectoralfunctions;
•(b)committedactsofterrorismtoenhancehis
candidacy;

184. •(c)spentinhiselectioncampaignan
amountinexcessofthatallowedby
thisCode;
•(d)solicited,receivedormadeany
contributionprohibited under
Sections89,95,96,97and104;or

185. •(e)violatedanyofSections80,83,85,
86and261,paragraphsd,e,k,v,and
cc,subparagraph 6,shallbe
disqualifiedfromcontinuingasa
candidate,orifhehasbeenelected,
fromholdingtheoffice.

186. •Anypersonwhoisapermanentresidentofor
animmigranttoaforeigncountryshallnotbe
qualifiedtorunforanyelectiveofficeunder
thisCode,unlesssaidpersonhaswaivedhis
statusaspermanentresidentorimmigrantof
aforeigncountryinaccordancewiththe
residencerequirementprovidedforinthe
electionlaws.

187. •Auniquefeatureof"disqualification"isthatunder
Section68oftheOEC,itrefersonlytoa
"candidate,"nottoonewhoisnotyetacandidate.
Thus,thegroundsfordisqualificationdonotapplyto
awould-becandidatewhoisstillatthepointoffiling
hisCoC.Thisisthereasonwhynorepresentationis
requiredintheCoCthatthewould-becandidatedoes
notpossessanygroundfordisqualification.Thetime
toholdapersonaccountableforthegroundsfor
disqualificationisafterattainingthestatusofa
candidate,withthefilingoftheCoC.

188. •SEC.12.Disqualifications.–Any
personwhohasbeendeclaredby
competentauthority
•insaneorincompetent,or
•hasbeensentencedbyfinaljudgment
forsubversion,insurrection,rebellion,
or

189. •foranyoffenseforwhichhehasbeen
sentencedtoapenaltyofmorethan
eighteen(18)monthsor
•foracrimeinvolvingmoral
turpitude,shallbedisqualifiedtobea
candidateandtoholdanyoffice,unlesshe
hasbeengivenplenarypardonorgranted
amnesty.

190. •Thedisqualificationstobeacandidate
hereinprovidedshallbedeemedremoved
uponthedeclarationbycompetent
authoritythatsaidinsanityor
incompetencehadbeenremovedorafter
theexpirationofaperiodoffiveyears
fromhisserviceorsentence,unlesswithin
thesameperiodheagainbecomes
disqualified.

191. •Sections68and12ofB.P.Blg.881coverthese
acts:
•(i)corruptingvotersorelectionofficials;
•(ii)committingactsofterrorismtoenhance
candidacy;
•(iii)overspending;
•(iv)soliciting,receivingormakingprohibited
contributions;
•(v)campaigningoutsidethecampaignperiod;
(vi)removal,destructionordefacementoflawful
electionpropaganda;

192. •(vii)committingprohibitedformsof
electionpropaganda;
•(viii)violatingrulesandregulationson
electionpropagandathroughmassmedia;
•(ix)coercionofsubordinates;
•(x)threats,intimidation,terrorism,useof
fraudulentdeviceorotherformsof
coercion;
•(xi)unlawfulelectioneering;

193. •(xii)release,disbursementorexpenditure
ofpublicfunds;
•(xiii)solicitationofvotesorundertaking
anypropagandaonthedayoftheelection;
•(xiv)declarationasaninsane;and
•(xv)committingsubversion,insurrection,
rebellionoranyoffenseforwhichhehas
beensentencedtoapenaltyofmorethan
eighteenmonthsorforacrimeinvolving
moralturpitude.

194. Local Government Code
•SECTION40.Disqualifications–Thefollowingpersonsaredisqualifiedfromrunning
foranyelectivelocalposition:
•(a)Thosesentencebyfinaljudgmentforanoffenseinvolvingmoralturpitudeorforan
offensepunishablebyone(1)yearormoreofimprisonment,withintwo(2)yearsafter
servingsentence;
•(b)Thoseremovedfromofficeasaresultofanadministrativecase;
•(c)Thoseconvictedbyfinaljudgmentforviolatingtheoathofallegiancetothe
Republic;
•(d)Thosewithdualcitizenship;
•(e)Fugitivefromjusticeincriminalornonpoliticalcaseshereorabroad;
•(f)Permanentresidentsinaforeigncountryorthosewhohaveacquiredtherightto
resideabroadandcontinuetoavailofthesamerightaftertheeffectivityofthisCode;
and
•(g)Theinsaneorfeeble-minded.

195. •Todisqualify,initssimplestsense,is
(1)todepriveapersonofapower,
rightorprivilege;or(2)tomakehimor
herineligibleforfurthercompetition
becauseofviolationoftherules.Itis
inthesesensesthatthetermis
understoodinourelectionlaws.

196. •Toemphasize,apetitionfor
disqualification,ontheonehand,
canbepremisedonSection12or
68oftheOEC,orSection40ofthe
LGC.

197. Section 68 vizSection 78
•Whileapersonwhoisdisqualified
underSection68ismerelyprohibitedto
continueasacandidate,theperson
whosecertificateiscancelledordenied
duecourseunderSection78isnot
treatedasacandidateatall,asif
he/sheneverfiledaCoC.

198. •InMirandav.Abaya(1999),thisCourtmade
thedistinctionthatacandidatewhois
disqualifiedunderSection68canvalidlybe
substitutedunderSection77oftheOEC
becausehe/sheremainsacandidateuntil
disqualified;butapersonwhoseCoChasbeen
deniedduecourseorcancelledunderSection78
cannotbesubstitutedbecausehe/sheisnever
consideredacandidate.

199. •Apersonwhosecertificateofcandidacy
hadbeendeniedduecourseand/or
cancelledunderSection78isdeemedto
havenotbeenacandidateatall,because
hiscertificateofcandidacyisconsidered
voidabinitioandthus,cannotgiveriseto
avalidcandidacyandnecessarilytovalid
votes.

200. Under COMELEC Rules
•Rule25,Section1.Grounds.-Any
candidatewho,inanactionorprotestin
whichheisaparty,isdeclaredbyfinal
decisionofacompetentcourt,guiltyof,
orfoundbytheCommissiontobe
sufferingfromanydisqualification
providedbylawortheConstitution.

201. •Section2.WhoMayFilePetition
forDisqualification.-Any
registeredvoteroranyduly
registered political party,
organizationorcoalitionofpolitical
partiesmayfileaverifiedPetition
todisqualifyacandidate.

202. •Section3.PeriodtoFile
Petition.-ThePetitionshallbe
filedanydayafterthelastday
forfilingofcertificatesof
candidacy,butnotlaterthan
thedateofproclamation.

203. •Section5.EffectofPetitionifUnresolved
BeforeCompletionofCanvass.-IfaPetition
forDisqualificationisunresolvedbyfinal
judgmentonthedayofelections,thepetitioner
mayfileamotionwiththeDivisionor
CommissionEnBancwherethecaseispending,
tosuspendtheproclamationofthecandidate
concerned,providedthattheevidenceforthe
groundstodisqualifyisstrong.

204. DenialofDue
Course
Disqualificati
on
QuoWarranto
Grounds Lack of
eligibility(Secs.
78and69*
OEC)
Traits,
conditions,
characteristics
or acts of
disqualification
(Secs.12 and 68
OEC, Sec. 40
LGC)
Ineligibility
and disloyalty
to the Republic
of the
Philippines
(Sec. 253 and
governed by
ROCas to
procedure)
PeriodforfilingSec.78-within
twenty-five(25)
daysfromthe
filingoftheCoC
Sec.69-within
five(5)days
fromthelast
dayoffilingthe
any time before
the
proclamation of
a winning
candidate
within ten (10)
days from
proclamation.

205. Denialof
Due Course
Disqualifi-
cation
Quo
Warranto
Effects of a
successful
suit
Candidate
not
considered a
candidate at
all
Merely
prohibited
from
continuing
as a
candidate or
from
assuming or
continuing to
assume the
functions of
the office
Results in
the ouster of
an already
elected
official from
office
Substitutionx ✓(Sec. 77)x

206. Petition to declare failure of elections
•Section6.Failureofelection.-If,onaccountofforcemajeure,
violence,terrorism,fraud,orotheranalogouscauses
•theelectioninanypollingplacehasnotbeenheldonthedatefixed,or
•hadbeensuspendedbeforethehourfixedbylawfortheclosingofthe
voting,or
•afterthevotingandduringthepreparationandthetransmissionofthe
electionreturnsorinthecustodyorcanvassthereof,suchelection
resultsinafailuretoelect,and
•inanyofsuchcasesthefailureorsuspensionofelectionwouldaffectthe
resultoftheelection,

207. •...theCommissionshall,onthebasisofaverified
petitionbyanyinterestedpartyandafterdue
noticeandhearing,callfortheholdingor
continuationoftheelectionnotheld,suspendedor
whichresultedinafailuretoelectonadate
reasonablyclosetothedateoftheelectionnotheld,
suspendedorwhichresultedinafailuretoelectbut
notlaterthanthirtydaysafterthecessationofthe
causeofsuchpostponementorsuspensionofthe
electionorfailuretoelect.

208. 3 Instances
•(a)theelectioninanypollingplacehasnotbeenheldonthe
datefixedonaccountofforcemajeure,violence,
terrorism,fraudorotheranalogouscauses;
•(b)theelectioninanypollingplacehasbeensuspendedbefore
thehourfixedbylawfortheclosingofthevotingonaccount
offorcemajeure,violence,terrorism,fraudorotheranalogous
causes;or
•(c)afterthevotingandduringthepreparationand
transmissionoftheelectionreturnsorinthecustodyor
canvassthereof,suchelectionresultsinafailuretoelecton
accountofforcemajeure,violence,terrorism,fraudorother
analogouscauses.

209. •Inallthreeinstances,thereisaresultingfailure
toelect.Inthefirstinstance,theelectionhasnot
beenheld.Inthesecondinstance,theelection
hasbeensuspended.Inthethirdinstance,the
preparationandthetransmissionoftheelection
returnsgiverisetotheconsequentfailureto
elect;thethirdinstanceisinterpretedtomean
thatnobodyemergedasawinner.[Mutilanv.
COMELEC,April2,2007]

210. •AcloserperusalofSection6oftheOmnibus
ElectionCodereadilyrevealsthatitismore
in line with the COMELEC's
administrativefunctionofensuringthat
electionsarefree,orderly,honest,peaceful,
andcredible,andnotitsquasi-judicial
functiontoadjudicateelectioncontests.
[Abayonv.HRET,2016]

211. •TheCOMELEC declaresafailureof
electionswiththeobjectiveofholdingor
continuingtheelections,whichwerenot
heldorweresuspended,oriftherewas
one,resultedinafailuretoelect.When
COMELEC declaresafailureofelections,
specialelectionswillhavetobe
conducted.[Abayonv.HRET,2016]

212. Pre-proclamation controversy
•Section241.Definition.-Apre-proclamation
controversyreferstoanyquestionpertainingto
oraffectingtheproceedingsoftheboardof
canvasserswhichmayberaisedbyany
candidateorbyanyregisteredpoliticalpartyor
coalitionofpoliticalpartiesbeforetheboardor
directlywiththeCommission,oranymatter
raisedunderSections233,234,235and236in
relationtothepreparation,transmission,
receipt,custodyandappreciationofthe
electionreturns.

213. •Sec.233.Whentheelectionreturnsare
delayed,lostordestroyed.
•Sec.234.Materialdefectsintheelection
returns.
•Sec.235.Whenelectionreturnsappearto
betamperedwithorfalsified.
•Sec.236.Discrepanciesinelection
returns.

214. •Section243.Issuesthatmayberaisedinpre-
proclamationcontroversy.-Thefollowingshallbeproper
issuesthatmayberaisedinapre-proclamation
controversy:
•(a)Illegalcompositionorproceedingsof
theboardofcanvassers;
•(b)Thecanvassedelectionreturnsareincomplete,
containmaterialdefects,appeartobe
tampered withorfalsified,orcontain
discrepanciesinthesamereturnsorinother
authenticcopiesthereofasmentionedinSections233,234,
235and236ofthisCode;

215. •(c)Theelectionreturnswereprepared
underduress,threats,coercion,or
intimidation,ortheyareobviously
manufacturedornotauthentic;and
•(d)Whensubstituteorfraudulent
returnsincontrovertedpollingplaces
werecanvassed,theresultsofwhich
materiallyaffectedthestandingofthe
aggrievedcandidateorcandidates.

216. •InSuhuriv.Commissionon
Elections(2009),thisCourt[SC]
heldthattheabove"enumeration
isrestrictiveandexclusive."

217. Summary in character
•Itissettledthatapre-
proclamation controversyis
summaryincharacter;indeed,itis
thepolicyofthelawthatpre-
proclamationcontroversiesbe
promptlydecided,soasnotto
delaycanvassandproclamation.

218. •TheBoardofCanvassers(BOC)
willnotlookintoallegationsof
irregularitythatarenotapparent
onthefaceofERsthatappear
otherwiseauthenticandduly
accomplished.

219. •Section242.Commission'sexclusivejurisdictionof
allpre-proclamationcontroversies.-The
Commissionshallhaveexclusivejurisdictionofall
pre-proclamationcontroversies.Itmaymotu
propriooruponwrittenpetition,andafterdue
noticeandhearing,orderthepartialortotal
suspensionoftheproclamationofanycandidate-
electorannulpartiallyortotallyanyproclamation,
ifonehasbeenmade,astheevidenceshallwarrant
inaccordancewiththesucceedingsections.

220. •Section244.Contestedcompositionorproceedingsoftheboard.
-Whenthecompositionorproceedingsoftheboardof
canvassersarecontested,theboardofcanvassersshall,within
twenty-fourhours,makearulingthereonwithnoticetothe
contestantwho,ifadverselyaffected,mayappealthematterto
theCommissionwithinfivedaysaftertherulingwithproper
noticetotheboardofcanvassers.Afterduenoticeandhearing,
theCommissionshalldecidethecasewithintendaysfromthe
filingthereof.Duringthependencyofthecase,theboardof
canvassersshallsuspendthecanvassuntiltheCommission
ordersthecontinuationorresumptionthereofandcitingtheir
reasonsorgroundstherefor.

221. •Section246.Summaryproceedingsbeforethe
Commission. - All pre-proclamation
controversiesshallbeheardsummarilybythe
Commissionafterduenoticeandhearing,and
itsdecisionsshallbeexecutoryafterthelapseof
fivedaysfromreceiptbythelosingpartyofthe
decisionoftheCommission,unlessrestrainedby
theSupremeCourt.

222. •Section247.Partialproclamation.-
Notwithstandingthependencyofanypre-
proclamationcontroversy,theCommission
may,motupropriooruponthefilingofa
verifiedpetitionandafterduenoticeand
hearing,ordertheproclamationofother
winningcandidateswhoseelectionwillnotbe
affectedbytheoutcomeofthecontroversy.

223. •Section248.Effectoffilingpetitionto
annualortosuspendtheproclamation.-
ThefilingwiththeCommissionofa
petitiontoannulortosuspendthe
proclamationofanycandidateshall
suspendtherunningoftheperiodwithin
whichtofileanelectionprotestorquo
warrantoproceedings.

224. Under COMELEC Rules –Rule 27
•Section1.JurisdictionoftheCommissionin
Pre-Proclamation Controversies.-The
Commissionhasexclusivejurisdictioninpre-
proclamationcontroversiesarisingfromnational,
regionalorlocalelection.
•Apre-proclamationcontroversymayberaisedby
anycandidateorbyanyregistered
politicalparty,organization,orcoalitionof
politicalpartiesbeforetheboardofcanvassersor
directlywiththeCommission.

225. •Sec. 2. Pre-Proclamation
Controversies:HowCommenced.-
Questionsaffectingthecompositionor
proceedingsoftheBoardof
Canvassersorcorrectionofmanifest
errorsmaybeinitiatedintheBoard
ordirectlywiththeCommission.xxx

226. •Sec.3.Summary HearingandDispositionofPre-
Proclamation Controversies.-Allpre-proclamation
controversiesshallbeheardsummarilyafterduenotice
providedthatpre-proclamationcontroversiesonelectionreturns
orcertificatesofcanvassshall,onthebasisoftherecordsand
evidenceelevatedtoitbytheboardofcanvassers,bedisposedof
summarilybytheCommissionenbancwithinseven(7)
daysfromreceiptthereof,providedfurther,thatsaid
decisionshallbeexecutoryafterthelapseofseven(7)daysfrom
receiptthereofbytheboardsofcanvassersconcernedexcept
petitionsfiledUnderSec.5hereofwhichshallbeimmediately
executoryuponreceiptbytheboardsofcanvassersconcerned.

227. •Sec.4.IssuesthatMayBeRaisedin
thePre-ProclamationControversies.-
Thefollowingaretheproperissuesthat
mayberaisedinapre-proclamation
controversy:
(a)Illegalcompositionorproceedingsofthe
boardofcanvassers;

228. •(b)Thecanvassedelectionreturns,orthecertificateof
canvassinappropriatecases,areincomplete,
containmaterialdefects,appeartobetampered
withorfalsified,orcontaindiscrepanciesinthe
samereturnsorinotherauthenticcopiesthereof;
•
(c)Theelectionreturnsorcertificateofcanvasswere
preparedunderduress,threats,coercion,or
intimidation,ortheyareobviouslymanufacturedor
notauthentic;and

229. •(d)Whensubstituteorfraudulentreturns
orcertificatesofcanvassincontroverted
pollingplaceswerecanvassed,theresultsof
whichmateriallyaffectedthestandingof
theaggrievedcandidateorcandidates.
•
(e)Correctionofmanifesterrors.

230. Quo warranto
•Section253.Petitionforquowarranto.-Any
votercontestingtheelectionofanyMemberof
theBatasangPambansa,regional,provincial,
orcityofficeronthegroundofineligibilityorof
disloyaltytotheRepublicofthePhilippines
shallfileaswornpetitionforquowarranto
withtheCommissionwithintendaysafterthe
proclamationoftheresultsoftheelection.

231. •Anyvotercontestingtheelectionofany
municipalorbarangayofficeronthegroundof
ineligibilityorofdisloyaltytotheRepublicof
thePhilippinesshallfileaswornpetitionfor
quowarrantowiththeregionaltrialcourtor
metropolitanormunicipaltrialcourt,
respectively,withintendaysafterthe
proclamationoftheresultsoftheelection.

232. Supreme Court Administrative Order
No. 07-4-15
•ELECTION CONTESTS BEFORE THE
COURTS INVOLVING ELECTIVE
MUNICIPAL AND BARANGAY
OFFICIALS

233. Rule 1
•SECTION 1.Jurisdictionofregionaltrial
courts.-Regionaltrialcourtsshallhaveexclusive
originaljurisdictionoverallelectioncontests
involvingelectivemunicipalofficials.
•SEC.2.Jurisdictionofmunicipaltrialcourts.-
Municipaltrialcourtsshallhaveexclusiveoriginal
jurisdictionoverallelectioncontestsinvolving
electivebarangayofficials.

234. •SEC.5.Electionprotest.-Apetitioncontestingthe
electionorreturnsofanelectivemunicipalorbarangay
officialshallbefiledwiththeproperregionaltrial
courtormunicipaltrialcourtbyanycandidatewho
wasvotedforthesameofficeandwhoreceivedthe
secondorthirdhighestnumberofvotesor,inamulti-
slotposition,wasamongthenextfourcandidates
followingthelast-rankedwinnerdulyproclaimed,as
reflectedintheofficialresultsoftheelectioncontained
intheStatementofVotesByPrecinct.xxx

235. •SEC.6.QuoWarranto.-Apetitionforquo
warrantoagainstanelectivemunicipalor
barangayofficialshallbefiledwiththeproper
regionaltrialcourtormunicipaltrialcourtby
anyregisteredvoterwhohasvotedinthe
electionconcerned.Thepartyfilingthe
petitionshallbedesignatedasthepetitioner;
theadversepartyshallbeknownasthe
respondent.

236. •SEC.8.Periodtofileprotestor
petition;non-extendible.-Theelection
protestorpetitionforquowarrantoshall
befiledwithinthenon-extendibleperiod
oftendaysfollowingthedateof
proclamation.

237. •Jurisprudenceteachesthattheruleprescribing
the10-dayreglementaryperiodismandatory
andjurisdictional,andthatthefilingofan
electionprotestbeyondtheperioddeprivesthe
courtofjurisdictionovertheprotest.Violationof
thisruleshouldneitherbetakenlightlynor
brushedasideasamereprocedurallapsethat
canbeoverlooked.Theruleisnotamere
technicalitybutanessentialrequirement,the
non-complianceofwhichwouldoustthecourtof
jurisdictionoverthecase.[Garciav.COMELEC,
2015]

238. Prosecution of election offenses
•UnderArticleIX,Section2(b)ofthe
Constitution,the[COMELEC]isempoweredto
investigateand,whenappropriate,prosecute
electionoffenses.ThegrantbytheConstitution
to[COMELEC] oftheexpresspowerto
investigateandprosecuteelectionoffensesis
intendedtoenablethepetitioner[COMELEC]
toassurethepeopleofafine,orderly,honest,
peacefulandcredibleelection.

239. •Section2(6),ArticleIX-Cofthe
ConstitutionvestsintheCOMELEC
thepowerto"investigateand,where
appropriate,prosecutecasesof
violationsofelectionlaws,including
actsoromissionsconstitutingelection
frauds,offenses,andmalpractices."

240. •Thephrase"[w]hereappropriate"
leavestothelegislaturethepowerto
determinethekindofelectionoffenses
thattheCOMELEC shallprosecute
exclusivelyorconcurrentlywithother
prosecutingarmsofthegovernment.
[BANATv.COMELEC, August7,
2009]

241. •ThegranttotheCOMELEC ofthepowerto
investigateandprosecuteelectionoffensesasan
adjuncttotheenforcementandadministrationofall
electionlawsisintendedtoenabletheCOMELEC to
effectivelyinsuretothepeoplethefree,orderly,and
honestconductofelections.Thefailureofthe
COMELEC toexercisethispowercouldresultinthe
frustrationofthetruewillofthepeopleandmakea
mereidleceremonyofthesacredrightanddutyof
everyqualifiedcitizentovote.[JoseMiguelArroyov.
DOJ,September18,2012]

242. Prosecution of election offenses
•Itisalsowell-settledthatthefindingof
probablecauseintheprosecutionofelection
offensesrestsintheCOMELEC’s sound
discretion.TheCOMELEC exercisesthe
constitutionalauthoritytoinvestigateand,
whereappropriate,prosecutecasesfor
violationofelectionlaws,includingactsor
omissionsconstitutingelectionfrauds,
offensesandmalpractices.

243. •Generally,theCourtwillnotinterfere
withsuchfindingoftheCOMELEC
absentaclearshowingofgraveabuse
ofdiscretion.[Baytanv.COMELEC,
February4,2003]

244. •Theconstitutionalgrantof
prosecutorialpowerinthe
COMELEC wasreflectedin
Section265ofBatasPambansa
Blg.881,otherwiseknownasthe
OmnibusElectionCode.

245. B.P. Blg. 881
•SEC.265.Prosecution.–TheCommissionshall,throughits
dulyauthorizedlegalofficers,havetheexclusivepower
toconductpreliminaryinvestigationofall
electionoffensespunishableunderthisCode,andto
prosecutethesame.TheCommissionmayavailofthe
assistanceofotherprosecutingarmsofthegovernment:
Provided,however,ThatintheeventthattheCommission
failstoactonanycomplaintwithinfourmonthsfromhis
filing,thecomplainantmayfilethecomplaintwiththeoffice
ofthefiscalorwiththeMinistryofJusticeforproper
investigationandprosecution,ifwarranted.

246. •UnderSection265oftheOmnibusElection
Code,thepetitioner(COMELEC ),throughits
dulyauthorizedlegalofficers,hastheexclusive
powertoconductpreliminaryinvestigationofall
electionoffensespunishableundertheOmnibus
ElectionCode,andtoprosecutethesame.The
petitioner[COMELEC]mayavailofthe
assistanceoftheprosecutingarmsofthe
government.[COMELEC v.JudgeEspanol,
December10,2003]

247. •Undertheaboveprovisionoflaw,the
power to conduct preliminary
investigationisvestedexclusivelywith
theCOMELEC .Thelatter,however,
wasgivenbythesameprovisionoflaw
theauthoritytoavailitselfofthe
assistanceofotherprosecutingarmsof
thegovernment.[Arroyo,supra]

248. Deputation
•Thus,underSection2,Rule34ofthe
COMELEC RulesofProcedure,provincialand
cityprosecutorsandtheirassistantsaregiven
continuingauthorityasdeputiestoconduct
preliminaryinvestigationofcomplaints
involvingelectionoffensesunderelectionlaws
andtoprosecutethesame.Thecomplaintsmay
befileddirectlywiththemormaybeindorsed
tothembythepetitioneroritsdulyauthorized
representatives.

249. Deputation
•Thus,undertheOmnibusElectionCode,
whiletheexclusivejurisdictionto
conductpreliminaryinvestigationhad
beenlodgedwiththeCOMELEC ,the
prosecutorshadbeenconducting
preliminaryinvestigationspursuantto
thecontinuingdelegatedauthoritygiven
bytheCOMELEC.

250. •Section265oftheOmnibusElectionCodewas
amendedbySection43ofR.A.No.9369,which
reads:
•SEC.265.Prosecution.–TheCommissionshall,
throughitsdulyauthorizedlegalofficers,have
thepower,concurrentwiththeother
prosecutingarmsofthegovernment,to
conductpreliminaryinvestigationofallelection
offensespunishableunderthisCode,andto
prosecutethesame.

251. •Asclearlysetforthabove,insteadofa
meredelegatedauthority,theother
prosecutingarmsofthegovernment,
suchastheDOJ,nowexercise
concurrentjurisdictionwiththe
COMELEC toconductpreliminary
investigationofallelectionoffenses
andtoprosecutethesame.

252. •InBarangayAssociationforNationalAdvancement
andTransparency(BANAT) Party-Listv.
CommissiononElections(August7,2009),the
grantofexclusivepowertoinvestigateand
prosecutecasesofelectionoffensestothe
COMELEC wasnotbyvirtueoftheConstitution
butbytheOmnibusElectionCodewhichwas
eventuallyamendedbySection43ofR.A.9369.
Thus,theDOJnowconductspreliminary
investigationofelectionoffensesconcurrentlywith
theCOMELEC andnolongerasmeredeputies.
[Arroyo,supra]