ELECTION LAWS REVIEW 1 su#' su#'it itte ted d to the the eo eole le++ 4$ac 4$achu hura ra-Revie&er in Political La& 5667 edition8
ELECTION LAW PRE-BAR REVIEW Atty. Jocelyn Arro-Valencia
201 BAR E!a"ination Co#era$e %or Election La&'
A. B. C. D. E.
F.
Suffrage Qualification and disqualification of voters
a.
Jurisdiction of the COMELEC over olitical arties
b.
Registration
Candidac! Qualification of candidates
iv. iv. v. vi. vii.
Right and o#ligation of qualified citi=ens to vote in the election of certain national and local officers of the the gove govern rn'e 'ent nt and and in the the deci decisi sion on of u#l u#lic ic questions su#'itted to the eole+
It is #oth a right and a rivileg rivilege+ e+ Right Right #eing #eing the exre exressi ssion on of the sover soverei eign gn &ill &ill of the eo eole+ le+ Privilege #ecause its exercise is conferred onl! to such ersons or class of ersons as are 'ost li>el! to exercise it for the urose of the u#lic good+
Suffrage as a dut! is in the nature of a u#lic trust and and const constitu itute tes s a voter voter a rer rerese esenta ntativ tive e of the the &hole eole+ eole+ 1his dut! requires requires that the rivileged #esto&ed should #e exercised not exclusivel! for the #enefit of the citi=en or citi=ens roferring it #ut in good faith and &ith intelligent =eal for the general #enefit and &elfare of the State+ 4Ciriano .#anil v+ Justic Justice e of the the Peace Peace Cour Courtt of (aco (acolod lod-- $egro $egros s Occidental et+ al+ 96 Phil+ 5? 4,7@688+
Ministerial dut! of COMELEC to receive certificate $uisance candidates Petition to den! due course to or cancel certificates of candidac!
Sec+ Sec+ ,- .rt+ .rt+ V of ,7?9 ,7?9 the the Const onstit itut utio ion n rov rovid ides es-0Suffrage 'a! #e exercised #! all citi=ens of the Philiinesnot other&ise disqualified #! la&- &ho are at least ,? !ears of age- and &ho shall have resided in the Philiines for at least one !ear and in the lace &herein the! roose to vote- for at least ; 'onths i''ediatel! receding the election+ $o literac!literac!roert!- or other su#stantive require'ents shall #e i'osed on the exercise of suffrage+
Effect of disqualification %ithdra&al of candidates
Pre'ature ca'aigning Prohi#ited contri#utions La&ful and rohi#ited election roaganda
Suffrage 'a! also #e exercised #! qualified "iliinos a#road+ .rticle VV- Section 5 of the ,7?9 Constitution Constitution further rovi rovides des thatthat- 01he 01he Congr Congress ess shall shall rov rovide ide a s!ste s!ste' ' for for securing the secrec! and sanctit! of the #allot as &ell as a s!ste' s!ste' for a#sentee a#sentee voting voting #! qualified qualified "iliinos "iliinos a#road+ a#road+22 Congress enacted R+.+ 7,?7 0Overseas .#senting Voting .ct of 566<2 no& a'ended #! the Overseas .#senting Voting .ct of 56,<+ SCOP COPE O) S())R ())RA* A*E E )OR )O RS O) POP POP(LAR (LAR INTERVENTION
Li'itations on exenses State'ent of contri#utions and exenses
Co'osition Po&ers
Re'edies and )urisdiction in election la&
a.
Petition to den! due course to or cancel a certificate of candidac!
b. c. d. e. f.
Petition for disqualification
Sec. 2/1 o% Article I-C o% te Con'tit3tion - the Co'elec is vested &ith the o&er to 0enforce and ad'inister all la&s and regulation regulations s relative relative to the conduct conduct of election4 5le6i'cite4 initiati#e4 re%eren73" an7 recall8.
Petition to declare failure of elections Pre*rocla'ation controvers!
1)
Election Protest
Quo %arranto J+ Prosecution Prosecutio n of election offenses
A. S())RA*E T+EOR, O) POP(LAR SOVEREI*NT, - Section ,- .rticle ,, of the Constitution/ Constitution/ 01he Philiines Philiines is a de'ocratic and reu#li reu#lican can state+ Sovere Sovereignt ignt! ! resides resides in the eole eole and all govern'ent authorit! e'anates fro' the'+2 . de'ocratic and reu#lic govern'ent derives all its o&ers- directl! or indirectl!fro' the eole 3 &ho reresents the sovereign o&er of the state+ S())RA*E
1
Su#stitution of candidates
(oard of Election Insectors and (oard of Canvassers
a. b.
Means Means #! &hich &hich eole eole exress exress their their sovereig sovereign n )udg'ent+ )udg'ent+ 4$olasco 4$olasco v+ v+ Co'elec Co'elec 59: SCR. SCR. 9;<8+
Effect of filing
Ca'aign
a. b. c. d. e.
I.
"iling of certificates of candidac!
i. ii. iii.
H.
Suffrage alies not onl! to elections- #ut 'a! also extend to initiatives- referenda- le#iscite and recall+
Inclusion and Exclusion Proceedings
a. b.
G.
Registration of Voters Political Parties
Outl Outlin ine e
Election 3 is the 'eans #! &hich the eole choos choosee- throu through gh the use use of the the #allot #allot-- their their offic officia ials ls for defini definite te and and fixed fixed erio eriods ds and to &ho' the! entrustentrust- for the ti'e #eing as their rer rerese esenta ntativ tives es-- the the exerc exercise ise of o&e o&ers rs of govern' govern'ent ent 4Aarchi 4Aarchitore torena na v+ Crsecin Crsecinii <7 Phil+ Phil+ 5:? 4,7,?88+ In ordina inar! dialect or understanding- the Court in Carlos v+ .ngeles<@; SCR. :9, 456668 held that elections refers to the conduct of the oles 3 listing of votesholding of electoral ca'aign- act of casting and receivin receiving g the #allots #allots fro' fro' the votersvoters- countin counting g the'the'- and 'a>in 'a>ing g the electi election on retur returns ns and and roclai roclai'ing 'ing the candidat candidates+ es+ + +it refers refers to the entire and co'lete electoral rocess+
a. 9in7' o% Election , Regular election 3 refers to an election articiated in #! those &ho ossess the right of suffrage and not disqualified #! la& and &ho are registered voters+
Is the right to vote in the election of officers chosen #! the eole and in the deter'ination of questions
1
ELECTION LAWS REVIEW 2 5+ Secial el elections 3 ele election no not reg regularl! held #ut &hich is conducted •
olitical units affected agree to a roosed crea creatio tionn- divis division ion-- 'erg 'erger er-- a#oli a#olitio tion n or #oundar! change of a olitical unit+
to sul! sul! a vacanc! vacanc! in a articula articularr office office #efore #efore the the exir exirati ation on of the the full full ter' ter' for &hich the incu'#ent incu'#ent &as elected+ elected+ Sec. o% r ovi ov i des de s t hat ha t- 0in case a RA :1;; :1;; er' er'an anen entt vaca vacanc nc! ! shal shalll occu occurr in the the Senate or Bouse of Reresentative at least one 4,8 4,8 !ear !ear #efore #efore the the exira exiratio tion n of the the ter'ter'- the the Co'e Co'elec lec shall call and and hold hold a secia seciall elect election ions s to fill fill the vacan vacanc! c! not earlier than ;6 da!s nor longer than 76 da!s after the occurrence of the vacanc!+
•
Article VI4 Section <4 Con'tit3tion rovides that case such vacanc! in the Senate- the secial elections shall #e held si'ultan si'ultaneous eousl! l! &ith &ith the next next succeed succeeding ing regular elections+
•
Article VII4 Sec. 10 o% te Con'tit3tion - in case a vacanc! occurs in the offices of the Presi Preside dent nt and and Vice Vice*P *Pre resid siden entt- a sec secial ial elect election ion cann cannot ot #e called called if the vacan vacanc! c! occurs &ithin 1= "ont' #efore the date of the next residential elections+
•
In cases &ere a ostone'ent and failure of election elections s are declared declared #! the Co'elec Co'elec in accordance accordance &ith Section' >4;4: o% BP ==1 8+ L3cero #. Co"elec 2? SCRA 2=0 /1<<@ Bora #. Co"elec 2;0 SCRA ;0 /1<<;.
Pa7illa Jr. #. Co"elec 21 SCRA :?> - the Co'elec Co'elec resolved to arove the conduct of the le#iscite in the area or units affected for the roosed Municialit! of 1ula!*na*Lua and the re'aining areas of the 'other Municialit! of La#o- Ca'arines $orte- Ma)orit! of the electorates in the units affected re)ected the creation of 1ula!*na*Lua+
Petitioner Aov+ of Ca'arines $orte in a Secial Civil .ction for CertiorariCertiorari- see> to set aside the Ple#iscite asserting that it &as a co'lete failure and that the results o#tained &ere invalid and illegal #ecause the Ple#iscite as 'andated #! Co'elec Res+ $o+ 5<,5 should have #een conducted onl! in the olitical unit or units affected 4&hich is the ,5 #aranga!s and should not have included the 'other unit of the Municialit! of La#o+8 %ith %ith the ar arova ovall and ratifi ratificat cation ion of the the ,7?9 +ELD ConstitutionConstitution- 'ore secificall! secificall!-- .rt+ F- Section ,6- the creationdivision- 'erger- a#olition or alteration of the #oundaries of an! olitical unit shall #e su#)ect to the aroval #! a 'a)orit! of the votes tes cast in a Ple# le#isci iscitte in the GPOLITIC POLITICAL AL (NITS (NITS A))ECTED2 &as held to 'ean that residents of the olitical entit! &ho &ould #e econo'icall! econo'icall! dislocated #! the searation of a ortion thereof have a right to vote in the said Ple#iscite or the luralit! of olitical units &hich &ould articiate in the Ple#iscite+ 1he Court reiterate7 it' r3lin$ in Tan #. Co"elec 12 SCRA :2: /1<=;4 that 0in the conduct of a Ple#iscite- it is i'erative i'erative that all the constituents constituents of the 'other and daughter units affected shall #e included+
In %i!in$ te 7ate %or '5ecial election' the Co'elec should to see to it that/ ,8 it should not #e later than thirt! 4<68 da!s after the cessa cessati tion on of the the cause cause of the the ost ostone one'e 'ent nt or susension of the election or the failure to elect 58 it should #e reasona#l! close to the date of the election not held- susended or &hich resulted in the failure to elect+ 4Lucero v+ Co'elec 5<@ SCR. 5?68+
Sure'e Court Court Sani7a7 Sani7a7 #. Co"elec Co"elec 1=1 SCRA SCRA >2<- the Sure'e decla declare red d as uncon unconst stitu itutio tiona nall the the restr restrict iction ion i'ose i'osed d #! Co'elec on 'edia relative to discussing on air and rint the feat featur ures es of the the le# le#is isci cite te issu issues es in the the crea creati tion on of the the autono'ous region for the Cordilleras and held that le#iscite are 'atters of u#lic concern and i'ortance and the eoles right to #e infor'ed and to #e a#le to freel! and intelligentl! 'a>e 'a>e a decis decision ion &ould &ould #e #est serve served d #! acce access ss to an una#ridged discussion of the issues+
<+ Manual Elections 3 ManualD'echanical castingDvoting- counting- and canvassing stages &hich involves the follo&ing 3 a+ se of aer 0&rite*in2 #allots during the casting stage #+ 1he 0direct reading and 'anual tall!ing of votes2 in 'ultile coies of election returns 4ER8 and c+ 1he 'anual 'anual addition addition of results in State' State'ent ent of Votes otes 4SOV 4SOVs8 s8 and and the the Certi Certific ficate ates s of Canv Canvas ass s 4COCCs8
City o% Pa'i$ #. Co"elec3nici5ality o% Cainta Pro#ince o% RiFal4 Se5t. 104 1<<< - the issue raised &as the roriet! of the susension susension of the le#iscite roceedings ending the decision of the 6o3n7ary 7i'53te #et&een the Municialit! of Cainta and the Cit! of Pasig+ Pasig+ 1he Cit! of Pasig Pasig assed an Ordinance Ordinance creating #aranga!s #aranga!s Harangalan Harangalan and $aico+ 1he Municialit! Municialit! of Cainta 'oved to susend or cancel the resective le#iscite due to the ending case #efore the R1C of .ntiolo for the settle'ent of the #oundar! disute and that the said activities a&ait the decision of the R1C on the 'atter+
@+ .uto'at .uto'ated ed Election Election S!ste' S!ste' 4.ES8 4.ES8 3 a s!ste' s!ste' using using aroriate technolog! &hich has #een de'onstrated in the voting- counting- consolidating- canvassing- and trans'ission of election election resultresult- and other electoral electoral rocess rocess++ 4Sec+ 4Sec+ 5- R. 7<;7- 1he .uto'ated Election S!ste' La&- .s .'ended8
2)
2
1hat Co'elec susended the holding of the le#iscite for the creation of (rg!+ Harangalan #ut rendered the creation of $aico as 'oot as the sa'e has alread! #een ratified in the le#iscite held held for the urose+ 1he SC held that the the creation of $aico cannot #e considered as 'oot and it is 'ost roer that the le#iscite #e declared null and void in vie& of the ending #oundar! disute #et&een Pasig and Cainta &hich resent resents s a re)udi re)udicial cial question question and 'ust 'ust #e decided decided first #efore the le#iscite for the roosed #aranga!s #e conducted+
Ple6i'cite an electoral rocess #! &hich an initia initiativ tive e on the the Const Constitu itutio tion n is aro arove ved d or re)ected re)ected #! the eole eole 4Sec+ < R.A. ;:?> Te Aenera Aenerall! ll! Initiati Initiati#e #e an7 Re%ere Re%eren73 n73" " Act8+ associat iated &ith the rati%ic rati%icatio ation n 5roce'' 5roce''+ Ple#iscite is required 3
a.
Section 4 Article VII o% te Con'tit3tion &ith reference reference to the voting to deter'ine deter'ine &hether the voters voters in the countr! countr! are in favor favor of or aga agains inst the the ratif atific ica ation ion of the the Constitution or an a'end'ent thereto and
b.
Sec. 104 Art. - in connection &ith the voting to dete deter' r'in ine e &het &hethe herr the the vote voters rs in the the
J3ri'7iction o#er contro#er'ie' in#ol#in$ Ple6i'cite I''3e' * a. Sal#acion Sal#acion B3acAntonio B3acAntonio Ba3ti'ta #. Co"elecAlan Co"elecAlan Peter Cayetano an7 'o"e Inter#enor'4 Inter#enor'4 *.R. No. 1>>=>>4 Jan3ary 2;4 200 - a etition for certiorari and 'anda'us &as filed #! etitioners (uac and (autista assailing the Octo#er 5?5665 en #anc resolution of the Co'elec &hich held that it has no )urisdic )urisdiction tion over controv controvers ersies ies involvin involving g the conduct conduct of le#iscite and the annul'ent of its results+
2
ELECTION LAWS REVIEW ?
1he facts sho& that in .ril ,7??- a le#iscite &as held in 1aguig for the ratification of the 1aguig Cit!hood La& 4R. $o+ ?@?98 ?@?98 roosi roosing ng the convers conversion ion of 1aguig aguig fro' fro' a 'unicialit! 'unicialit! into a cit!+ cit!+ %ithout co'leting co'leting the canvass canvass of ;@ other other election election returnsreturns- the Ple#iscit Ple#iscite e (oard (oard of Canvass Canvassers ers 4P(OC8 declared that the 0$O2 votes &on and that the eole re)ected the conversion conversion of 1aguig 1aguig to a cit!+ 1he P(OC &as &as ho&ever ordered #! the Co'elec en #anc to reconvene and co'lete the canvass &hich the #oard did and in due ti'e issued an Order roclai'ing that the negative votes revailed+
In referring to .rticle IF*C- Section 54,8- the SC said that the said rovision is exlicit that Co'elec has o&er to 0enforce and ad'inister all la&s and regulations relative to the conduct of an election- le#iscite- initiative- referendu' and recall+ To en%orce en%orce "ean' to cause cause to ta>e ta>e effe effect ct or to cause cause the erfor'ance of such act or acts necessar! to #ring into actual effect or oeration- a lan or 'easure &hich entails all the necessar! and incidental o&er for it to achieve the holding of honest- orderl!- eaceful- free and credi#le elections 4BOPE "REC "RECRE RE8+ 8+ 1he 1he SC &as surris surrised ed that for the the first first ti'eti'eCo'elec Co'elec !ielded its historic historic )urisdiction )urisdiction over a 'otion 'otion for reco recons nsid ider erat atio ion n &hic &hich h &as &as even even file filed d out out of ti'e ti'e-- thus thus rendering it &ithout )urisdiction to entertain the sa'e+
Petitioners filed &ith the Co'elec a etition to annul the results of the le#iscite &ith a ra!er for revision and recount of the #allo #allots+ ts+ Ca!et Ca!etan ano o inter interven vened ed and and 'oved 'oved to dis'is dis'iss s the etition on the ground of lac> of )urisdiction of the Co'elec+ Be clai' clai'ed ed that that a le#is le#iscit cite e cannot cannot #e the su#)ect su#)ect of an election rotest and that the )urisdiction to hear a co'laint involving the conduct of a le#iscite is lodged &ith the R1C+
INITIATIVE 3 are la&'a>ing o&ers that #elong to the eole and have #een descri#ed as the 0eole o&er2 features of our Constitution 4.s>ed in the 5666 (.R8+ (.R8+ Initiative Initiativ e under R. ;9<: is defined as the o&er of the eole to roose a'end'ents a'end'ents to the Constitution or to roose and enact legislation through an election called for the urose+
Co'elec 5nd division initiall! gave due course to the etition ruling ruling that it has )urisdicti )urisdiction on over the case+ case+ It treated treated the etition as a>in to an election rotest considering that the sa'e alleg allegati ations ons of fraud fraud and and irreg irregula ularit rities ies in the the casti casting ng and and counting of #allots and rearation of returns are the sa'e grounds for assailing assailing the results of an election+ It then ordered the 1aguig #allot #oxes to #e #rought to its Manila Office and crea create ted d revi revisi sion on co'' co''it itte tees es to revi revise se and and reco recoun untt the the le#iscite #allots+
RE)EREND( 3 o&er of the electorate to arove or re)ect a iece of legislation through an election called for the urose+ 4Sec+ 5- R+.+ ;9<:8+ Section Section 24 Article VII o% te Con'tit3tion Con'tit3tion rovides that 0.'end 0.'end'en 'ents ts to this Constit Constitution ution 'a! li>e&ise li>e&ise #e directl! directl! roosed #! the eole through initiative uon a etition of at least ,5 of the total nu'#er of registered voters- of &hich ever! legislative district 'ust #e reresented #! at least < of the registered voters therein2+
Inter Interven venor or Ca!et Ca!etan anoo- in an unver unverifi ified ed 'otio 'otionn- 'ove 'oved d for reconsideration of the Co'elec Order insisting that it has no )urisdiction to hear and decide a etition contesting contesting the results of a le#iscite+
Sectio Section n ?24 Article Article VI o% te Con'tit Con'tit3tio 3tion n rovides that 0Congress shall- as earl! as ossi#le- rovide for a s!ste' of initiative and referendu' and the excetions excetions therefro'- &here the eole can directl! roose and enact la&s or arove or re)ect an! act or la& or art thereof assed #! Congress or local legislative #od! after the registration of a etition thereof signed #! at least ,6 of the total nu'#er of registered votersof &hich ever! legislative district 'ust #e reresented #! at least < of the registered voters thereof+2
In a co'lete turnaround- the Co'elec 5nd division issued an Order granting granting the Motion Motion for Reconsideration+ Reconsideration+ It dis'issed the etition to annul the results of the le#iscite and ruled that Co'elec has no )urisdiction over said case as it involves an exercise of QJ o&ers not conte'lated under Section 5458.rticle IF*C of the Constitution+ On aeal- the Co'elec en #anc affir'ed the ruling of its 5 nd division division++ It held that the Co'ele Co'elec c cannot use its o&er o&er to enforce and ad'inister all la&s relative to le#iscites as this o&er o&er is urel! urel! ad'inistrat ad'inistrative ive or executiv executive e and not QJ in nature+ It concluded concluded that the )urisdiction )urisdiction over the the etition to annul annul the 1agui 1aguig g le#isc le#iscite ite results results is lodged lodged &ith &ith the R1C R1C under Section ,74;8 of (P ,57 &hich rovides that the R1C shall have exclusive original )urisdiction in cases not &ithin the exclusive )urisdiction )urisdiction of an! court or #od! exercising exercising )udicial or QJ functions+ Bence- the etition #efore the SC+
RA :1;0 or te te Loca Locall *o#e *o#ern rn"e "ent nt Co7e Co7e o% 1<<1 1<<1 also rovides for a 0local initiative2 defined as the 0legal rocess &here#! &here#! the registered voters of a local govern'ent govern'ent unit 'a! directl! rooseroose- enactenact- or a'end an! ordinance+ ordinance+ Sec+ ,5; thereof rovides for a 0local referendu'2 defined as the 0legal rocess &here#! the RV of the local govern'ent units 'a! ar arove ove-- a'en a'end d or re)ec re)ectt an! an! ordin ordinan ance ce enact enacted ed #! the sanggunian+2 Cla''e' o% Initiati#e 3 ,8 On the Constitution 58 On Statutes <8 On Local Local Legislation+ Indirect Initiative Initiative is exercised exercised #! the eole through a roosition sent to Congress or the local legislative #od! for action+
1he 1he SC held held that the >e! to the the case case is its nature nature-- &ic in#ol#e' in#ol#e' te 7eter" 7eter"inat ination ion o% &ete &eterr te elector electorate ate o% Ta$3i$ #ote7 in %a#or o% or a$ain't te con#er'ion o% te invocation of )udicial o&er o&er to to "3nici5ality o% Ta$3i$. 1he invocation sett settle le dis disut utes es invo involv lvin ing g the the cond conduc uctt of a le# le#is isci cite te is 'islaced+ 'islaced+ Judicial o&er o&er as defined under Section Section ,- .rticle .rticle VIII of the Constitution as the dut! of the court of )ustice to settle settle actual actual controv controvers ersies ies involvin involving g rights rights &hich &hich are legall! legall! de'anda#le de'anda#le and enforcea#le enforcea#le and to deter'ine &hether or not there has #een grave a#use of discretion a'ounting to lac> or exce excess ss of )uri )urisd sdic icti tion on on the the art art of an! an! #ran #ranch ch or instru'entalit! of the govern'ent+
Classes of Referendu' 3 ,8 On Statutes 58 On Local La&s+ Santia Santia$o4 $o4 et. al. #. Co"elec Co"elec44 et. al.4 2:0 SCRA 10; /??; /??; SCRA =?- the controvers! #rought to the Sure'e Court #! &a! of a etition for rohi#ition under Rule ;: of the Rules of Court ourt is 0the 0the righ rightt of the the eo eole le to dire direct ctl! l! ro roos ose e a'end'ents to the Constitution through the s!ste' of Initiative under Section 5 of .rticle FVII of the ,7?9 Constitution2+
1his case assailing the regularit! of the conduct of the 1aguig le#iscite does not fit the >ind of a case calling for the exercise of )udicial o&er+ o&er+ 1here is no laintiff laintiff or defendant in the case for it 'erel! 'erel! involves involves the ascertain ascertain'en 'entt of the vote of the electo electora rate te on &het &hether her the! the! ar arove ove or disa disar rove ove the the conversion of their 'unicialit! into a highl! ur#ani=ed cit!+
3
.tt!+ Jesus Kelfin filed a etition &ith the Co'elec to a'end the constitution- secificall! to lift the ter' li'its of elective officialsofficials- #! eoles eoles initiative+ .tt!+ .tt!+ Kelfin as>ed the Co'elec for for an order/ order/ 4,8 4,8 to fix the ti'e ti'e and and dates dates for signat signatur ure e gatheri gathering ng all over over the countr! countr! 458 to cause cause the necessar! necessar! u#lications of said Order and the said etition in ne&saers
3
ELECTION LAWS REVIEW of general and local circulation and 4<8 instruct the 'unicial election registrars in all regions in the Philiines to assist etitioners etitioners and volunteers volunteers in esta#lishing esta#lishing signing station at the ti'e and on the dates designated for the urose+
4,8 4,8 %het %hether her the the initi initiat ative ive etiti etition on of the La'# La'#ino ino grou grou co'lied &ith the rovisions of Section 5- .rticle FVII of the Constitution+ 458%hether the Court should revisit its ruling in Santiago vs+ Co'elec declaring R. ;9<: 0inco'lete and inadequate or &anting &anting in essential ter's and conditions2 conditions2 to i'le'ent i'le'ent the initiative clause to a'end the Constitution+
1he Co'elec Co'elec issued an Order granting granting the etition+ Santiago Santiago filed this secial civil action for rohi#ition raising a'ong other grounds that R. ;9<: does not rovide for eoles initiative to a'en a'end d the the const constitu itutio tion n consi consider dering ing that that the the sa'e sa'e is still still ending ending &ith &ith the Senate Senate of &hich she is the author author+ 1he etition of .tt!+ Kelfin &as not validl! initiated as it failed to co'l! &ith the signature require'ent for initiating an initiative+ Te Co"elec ne#er acG3ire7 acG3ire7 3ri'7iction 3ri'7iction o#er te 5etition a' 3ri'7iction i' acG3ire7 only a%ter it' %ilin$ te 5etition 6ein$ te initiatory 5lea7in$.
1he Sure'e Court uheld the Co'elecs ruling on the etition for eoles initiative on Octo#er 5:- 566; &ith a close ?*9 vote+ .s ruled/
1he SC gave due course to the Petition on the legal re'ise that the Constitution recogni=es onl! t&o 458 'ethods of roo roosin sing g a'end a'end'e 'ents nts to the Cons Constit tituti ution on-- vi= 4,8 4,8 #! Congress uon a vote of of all its 'e'#ers and 458 #! constitutional convention+
La'#inos grou failed to include the full text of the roosed changes in the signature sheets 3a fatal o'issio o'issionn- accordin according g to the Sure' Sure'e e Court Court rulingruling#ecause it 'eans a 'a)orit! of the ;+no&n the nature and effect of the roosed changes+ "or the etition to #e valid- t&o essential requisites 'ust #e co'lied &ith- na'el!/ 4a8 the eole 'ust authorand and thus thus signsign- the entir entire e roo roosal sal no agent agent or reresentative reresentative can sign on their #ehalf and 4#8 as an initiative uon a etition- the roosed a'end'ents 'ust #e e'#odied in the etition itself+
1he SC interreted Sec+ 5 of R. ;9<: &hich rovides that 0the power of the people under a system of initiative and referendum to directly propose, enact, approved or reject, in whole or in part the Constitution, laws, ordinance or resolutions passed by any legislative body upon compliance with with the the requ requir irem emen ents ts of this this Act, Act, is here hereby by affi affirm rmed ed,, +2 It held held that the the inclusion inclusion of the the recognized and guaranteed +2 &ord 0constitution 2 here is neither ger'ane nor relevant to said action &hich exclusivel! relates to initiative and referendu' on national and local la&sla&s- ordinances and resolution+ resolution+ 1herefore1hereforethe eole are not accorded the o&er to 0directl! rooseenact- aroved or re)ect- in &hole or in art the Constitutionthrough the s!ste' of initiative+ 1he SC further declared that Co'elec cannot validl! ro'ulgate rules and regulations to i'le'ent the exercise of the right of the eole to directl! roose a'end'ents to the Constit Constitution ution through through the s!ste' s!ste' of initiati initiative+ ve+ 1he o&er o&er of Co'elec to issue rules and regulations 4QJ o&er8 is li'ited onl! to &hat is rovided under 3 4a8 Section 5 of .rticle IF*C of the Constitution and 4#8 4#8 #! a la& la& &her &here e su#o su#ord rdin inat ate e legi legisl slat atio ion n is authori= authori=ed ed and &hich &hich satisfie satisfied d the 0co'let 0co'letenes eness2 s2 and the 0sufficient standard2 tests+
. eoles initiative to change the Constitution alies onl! to an a'end'ent of the Constitution and not to its revisi revision+ on+ Onl! Onl! Congre Congress ss or a const constitu itutio tiona nall convention 'a! roose revisions to the Constitution+ . eoles initiative 'a! roose onl! a'end'ents to the Constitution+
1he SC declared that 0. oular cla'or- even one #ac>ed #! ;+
1he rationale for the second requisite is that the signature require require'en 'entt &ould &ould #e rendere rendered d 'eaning 'eaningless less if the erson erson affixing his signature has not first seen and understood &hat it is that he is signing+ signing+ "urther "urther-- and 'ore 'ore i'ortantl i'ortantl! !- loose interr interretat etation ion of the su#scri su#scrition tion require' require'ent ent can ose a significant otential otential for fraud+ On*co'liance On*co'liance &ith the the a#ove 'entione 'entioned d require'en require'entt is fatal fatal to the initiative initiative etition+ etition+ "or sure- the great 'a)orit! of the ;+
Ra3l Ra3l La"6 La"6in ino4 o4 et. et. al. #'. #'. Co"e Co"elec lec *.R. *.R. No. No. 1:1> 1:1>?4 ?4 Octo6er 2>4 200; the the issu issue e on init initia iati tive ve to ro roos ose e a'end' a'end'ents ents to the ,7?9 Constit Constitutio ution n &as again at issue+ issue+ ".C1S .C1S// Raul Raul La'# La'#in ino o of Siga Siga& & ng (a!a (a!an n and and Eric Erico o .u'entado .u'entado of the nion of Local .uthorities .uthorities of the Philiines 4L. 4L.P8 P8 filed filed a etit etition ion for for eo eole les s initia initiativ tive e #efor #efore e the the Co''ission Co''ission on Elections on .ugust 5;- 566;- after 'onths of gathering gathering signatures all all over the countr!+ countr!+ La'#ino clai'ed clai'ed that that the the eti etiti tion on is #ac> #ac>ed ed #! ;+
1he Co'elec Co'elec denied denied the etition etition-- reasoni reasoning ng that a lac> lac> of ena#ling la& >ees the' fro' fro' entertaining entertaining such etitions+ etitions+ It invo>e invo>ed d the the ,779 ,779 Sur Sure'e e'e Cour Courtt rulin ruling g in Sant Santiag iago o vs+ Co'e Co'elec lec 4<<; 4<<; SCR. SCR. ?@<8?@<8- &her &here e it decla declare red d R. ;9<: inadequate to i'le'ent the initiative clause on roosals to a'en a'end d the the Const Constitu itutio tion+ n+ 1he 1he Co'e Co'elec lec ruling ruling ro' ro't ted ed La'# La'#ino ino and and .u'e .u'enta ntado do to #ring #ring their their case case #efor #efore e the Sure'e Court on the follo&ing issues *
4
1he La'#ino Arou 'isera#l! failed to co'l! &ith the the #asic #asic requ require ire'en 'entt of the Const Constitu itutio tion n for the condu conduct ct of eol eole es s initi initiat ative ive++ 1he 1he Cons Constit tituti ution on requ requir ire e that that the the a'en a'end' d'en entt 'ust 'ust #e 07irectly 5ro5o'e7 6y te 5eo5le tro3$ initiati#e 35on a 5etition.8
4
1)
the ter' li'its on 'e'#ers of the legislature &ill #e lifted and thus 'e'#er of the Parlia'ent 'a! #e re*elected indefinitel!
2)
1he 1he Interi Interi' ' Parli Parlia' a'ent ent &hose &hose 'e'# 'e'#er ershi shi co'rised of resent 'e'#ers of Congress can decide &hen to call the arlia'entar! elections+ 1hus1hus- leaving leaving the' the a#solute a#solute discretion discretion to deter'ine their ter' li'its+
3)
1hat 1hat &ithin &ithin @: da!s da!s fro' fro' the ratifica ratificatio tion n of roosed roosed changes- the interi' Parlia'ent Parlia'ent 'a! further roose revision or a'end'ents to the Constitution+
ELECTION LAWS REVIEW > "urther'ore- a eoles initiative to change the Constitution alies onl! to an a'end'ent to the Constitution and not revision+ .rticle FVII of the Constitution sea>s of three 'odes of roosing a'end'ents to the Constitution/ a8 #! direct congressional action 4
the other 'atters in the roosed a'end'ents &ere alread! su#'itted to the Office of the President+ $ot satisfied and &ithin <6 da!s fro' su#'ission of their etition- resondent resorted to their o&er of initiative under the LAC of ,77,+ On June ,?- ,77; Co'elec issued Resolution $o+ 5?@: adoting a calendar of activities for local referendu' to annul or reeal Haas!ahan (ldg+ ,6+
1he first and second 'odes- as rovided in Section , of .rticle FVII- al! to #oth a'end'ent and revision- #ut the
Petitioner S(M. see>s to nullif! the Order of Co'elec den!ing etitioners lea to sto the holding of a local initiative and referendu' on the roosition to recall the Haas!ahan as it &as roceeding &ith a local initiative that rooses an a'end'ent of a national la&+ ISS(E
1here can #e no disute that a eoles initiative can onl! roose a'end'ents to the Constitution since the Constitution itself li'its initiatives to a'end'ents+ 1here can #e no deviation fro' the constitutionall! rescri#ed 'odes of revising the Constitution+ . oular cla'or- even one #ac>ed #! ;+e altering the rincile of searation of o&er or the s!ste' of chec>s and #alances+ 1here is also revision if the change alters the su#stantial entiret! of the Constitution+ On the other hand- a'end'ent #roadl! refers to a change that adds- reduces- deletes- &ithout altering the #asic rincile involved+ Revision generall! affects several rovisions of the constitution- &hile a'end'ent generall! affects onl! the secific rovision #eing a'ended+
&hether Co'elec co''itted grave a#use of discretion in ro'ulgating and i'le'enting its Res+ $o+ 5?@5 &hich govern the conduct of the referendu' roosing to annul or reeal PH (lg+ ,6 and
•
&hether the questioned local initiative covers a su#)ect &ithin the o&ers of the eole of Morong to enact 4&hether such initiative see>s the a'end'ent of a national la&+
In this case- the SC &as co'elled to distinguish Initiative fro' Referendu'+ 1o #egin &ith- the rocess started #! Aarcia et+ al+- &as an Initiative #ut resondent Co'elec 'ade rearations for a referendu'+ In the #od! of the Co'elec Resolution $o+ 5?@5- the &ord 0referendu'2 is reeated at least 59 ti'es- #ut initiative is not 'entioned at all+ 1he Co'elec la#eled the exercise as a referendu'- the counting of votes &as entrusted to a referendu' co''ittee- the docu'ents &ere called referendu' returns and so forth+ .s distinguished- initiative is a rocess of la& 'a>ing #! the eole the'selves &ithout the articiation and against the &ishes of their elected reresentatives &hile referendu' consists 'erel! &ith the electorate aroving or re)ecting &hat has #een dra&n u or enacted #! the legislative #od! #! si'l! indicating !es or no in the #allot+
On the second ivotal issue of revisiting the ruling of the Court in Santiago vs+ Co'elec- the Court held that an affir'ation or reversal of the sa'e &ill not change the outco'e of the case+ 1he Court 'ust avoid revisiting a ruling involving the constitutionalit! of a statute if the case #efore the Court can #e resolved on so'e grounds+
In initiati#e4 tere i' a nee7 %or te Co"elec to '35er#i'e te 5roce'' clo'ely4 itH' a3tority terein e!ten7in$ not only to te co3ntin$ an7 can#a''in$ o% #ote' 63t al'o to 'eein$ to it tat te "atter or act '36"itte7 to te 5eo5le i' in te 5ro5er %or" an7 lan$3a$e 'o it "ay 6e ea'ily 3n7er'too7 an7 #ote7 35on 6y te electorate. Care in ti' acti#ity "3't 6e e!erci'e tat “no petition embracing more than one subject shall be submitted to the electorate, although two or more propositions may be submitted in an initiative. “
In the resolution on the 'otion for reconsideration- the Court 'aintaining its ?*9 vote- denied &ith finalit! the 'otions for reconsideration of its Octo#er 5:- 566; decision dis'issing the said etition to a'end the ,7?9 Constitution through a eoles initiative+ + 1en )ustices ho&ever reiterated their earlier oinions that R. ;9<: is sufficient and adequate as an ena#ling la& to a'end the Constitution through a eoles initiative- effectivel! a#andoning Santiago v+ Co'elec+ S36ic Bay etro5olitan A3tority #. Co"elec 2>2 SCRA <2 /1<<;8- an action for certiorari and rohi#ition &as #rought to the SC see>ing to nullif! the ruling of the Co'elec and Resolution $o+ 5?@? den!ing etitioners lea to sto the holding of a local initiative and referendu' on the roosition to recall Pa'#a!ang Haas!ahan (lg+ ,6- Ser!e ,77< of the S( of Morong (ataan+ In this case- the Sangguniang (a!an of Morong(ataan on .ril ,77<- assed Pa'#a!ang Haas!ahan (lg+ ,6- Ser!e ,77<- exressing therein its a#solute concurrence to )oin the Su#ic Secial Econo'ic None 4SSEN8 as required #! Sec+ ,5 of R. 9559 4(ases Conversion and Kevelo'ent .ct of ,7758+ On Sete'#er :- ,77<- the S( su#'itted the Haas!ahan to the Office of the President+ On Ma! 5@- ,77
5
•
.s to the second issue- S(M. insists that the creation of the SSEN is no& a fait acco'li for the #enefit of the entire nation and Morong cannot unilaterall! &ithdra& its concurrence or i'ose ne& conditions for such concurrence as this &ould effectivel! render nugator! the creation of the SSEN+ 1he SC agreed &ith the contention of Aarcia that the osition of S(M. is re'ature and con)ectural #ecause at this oint the resolution is )ust a roosal+ If the eole should re)ect it during the referendu'- then there is nothing to declare as illegal+ . &rit of rohi#ition cannot issue uon a 'ere con)ecture or ossi#ilit! as courts 'a! decide onl! actual controversies and not h!othetical questions or cases+ <8 RECALL 3 is the ter'ination of official relationshi of a local elective u#lic official for loss of confidence #! the eole rior to the end of his ter' of office 4Sec+ ;7- R+.+ 9,;6 LAC8+ In .ngo#ung v+ Co'elec 5;7 SCR. 5@; 4,7798- the Sure'e Court ruled that recall is the 'ode of re'oval of a
5
ELECTION LAWS REVIEW ; u#lic officer #! the eole #efore the end of his ter' of office &hich shall #e exercised #! the registered voters of a local govern'ent unit to &hich the local elective official su#)ect of such recall #elongs+
office held #! the local elective official sought to #e recalled &ill #e contested and #e filled u #! the electorate+ It is confined to the regular elections of elective national and local officials+ RE*ISTRATION O) VOTERS
1he 'ode of initiating recall against a u#lic elective official is no& li'ited to a etition co''enced onl! #! the registered voters in the local unit concerned+ Section :0 an7 :1 o% RA :1;0 i' no& a"en7e7 6y RA <24 oter&i'e no&n a' An Act Eli"inatin$ te Pre5aratory Recall A''e"6ly a' a o7e o% In'tit3tin$ Recall o% Electi#e Local *o#ern"ent O%%icial'.
Article V Section 1. Suffrage 'a! #e exercised #! all citi=ens of the Philiines $O1 other&ise disqualified #! la&- &ho are at least ,? !ears of age &ho shall have resided in the Philiines for at least one 4,8 !ear and in the lace &herein the! roose to vote for at least six 4;8 'onths in the i''ediatel! receding the elections+ $o literac!- roert! or other su#stantive require'ents shall #e i'osed on the exercise of suffrage+
Section :0 o% RA :1;0 no& rea7' as follo&s/ 01he recall of an! elective rovincial- cit!- 'unicial or #aranga! official shall #e co''enced #! a etition of a registered voter in the LA concerned and suorted #! the registered voters in the LA concerned during the election in &hich the local official sought to #e recalled &as elected su#)ect to the follo&ing ercentage require'ents/ •
.t least 5: in the case of an LA &ith a voting oulation of not 'ore than 56-666
•
.t least 56 in the case of LAs &ith a voting oulation of at least 56-666 #ut not 'ore than 9:-666/ Provided- that in no case shall the required etitioners #e less than :-666+
•
•
Section 2. 1he Congress shall rovide for a s!ste' of securing the secrec! and sanctit! of the #allot as &ell as a s!ste' of a#sentee voting #! qualified "iliinos a#road+
1he Congress shall also design a rocedure for the disa#led and illiterates to vote &ithout the assistance of other ersons+ ntil then- the! shall #e allo&ed to vote under existing la&s and such rules as the Co''ission on Elections 'a! ro'ulgate to rotect the secrec! of the #allot+ W+O A, RE*ISTER /RA =1=<4 /An Act Pro#i7in$ %or te *eneral Re$i'tration o% Voter' 5ro#i7in$ %or a Sy'te" o% Contin3in$ Re$i'tration &ic too e%%ect on J3ne 114 1<<;
.t least ,: in the case of local govern'ent units &ith a voting oulation of at least 9:-666 #ut not 'ore than <66-666/ Provided ho&ever- that in no case shall the required nu'#er of etitioners #e less than ,:-666 and
Re$i'tration o% #oter' is a 'eans of deter'ining &ho ossess the qualifications as a voter and regulating the exercise of the right of suffrage+ Registration does not confer the right to vote it is #ut a condition recedent to the exercise of the right+ +o& i' Re$i'tration 7one 3 Registration refers to the .C1 of acco'lishing and filing of a s&orn alication for registration 4Voters Registration Record VRR8 #! a qualified voter #efore the election officer of the cit! or 'unicialit! &herein he resides and including the VRR in the #oo> of RV uon aroval #! the Election Registration (oard 4Sec+ <4a88+
.t least ,6 in the case of local govern'ent units &ith a voting oulation of over <66-666 thousand/ Provided ho&ever- that in no case shall the required etitioners #e less than @:-666+
DATE O) RECALL 3 on the filing of a valid etition for recall &ith the aroriate local office of the Co'elec- the Co'elec or its dul! authori=ed reresentative shall set the date of the election or recall- &hich shall not #e later than <6 da!s uon the co'letion of the rocedure outlined in the receding article- in the case of the #aranga!- cit! or 'unicial officialsand @: da!s in the case of rovincial officials+
RE*ISTRATION IS ETENDED TO DOESTIC AND OVERSEAS VOTERS )OR DOESTIC VOTERS *OVERNED B, RA =1=< Te Voter' Re$i'tration Act 4Sec+ 7 4reealed Sections ,,; and ,,9 of the OEC8+ Sec+ 7 clarified &hen the residenc! and age require'ents should #e attained8 3 Salient a'end'ents/
1he o%%icial 'o3$t to 6e recalle7 'all a3to"atically 6e con'i7ere7 a' 73ly re$i'tere7 can7i7ate or candidates to the ertinent ositions and li>e other candidates- shall #e entitled to #e voted uon+2 4Sec+ 9,8 E))ECTIVIT, O) RECALL 3 recall shall #eco'e effective onl! uon the election and rocla'ation of a successor in the erson of the candidate &ho received the highest nu'#er of votes cast during the election in recall+ Should the official sought to #e recalled receive the highest nu'#er of votesconfidence in hi' is there#! affir'ed and he shall continue in office+ 4Sec+ 958+
Section < Wo "ay Re$i'ter 3 All citiFen' o% te Pili55ine' $O1 other&ise disqualified #! la& &ho are at lea't 1= year' o% a$e - &ho shall have re'i7e7 in te Pili55ine' %or at lea't one /1 year4 an7 in te 5lace &erein tey 5ro5o'e to #ote4 %or at lea't 'i! /; "ont' i''ediatel! receding the elections+
LIITATIONS ON RECALL 3 an elective official 'a! #e su#)ect of recall elections onl! O$CE during his ter' of office exclusivel! on the ground of L.CH O" CO$"IKE$CE+ 1he recall cannot #e underta>en &ithin one 4,8 !ear fro' the date of the officials assu'tion of office or &ithin one 4,8 i''ediatel! receding a regular election+ 4Sec+ 9@8
.n! erson &ho te"5orarily resides in another cit!'unicialit! or countr! 'olely #! reason of his occuationrofession- e'lo!'ent in rivate or u#lic serviceeducational activities- &or> in the 'ilitar! or naval reservations &ithin the Philiines- service in the ."P- or confine'ent or detention in govern'ent institution in accordance &ith la&shall NOT #e dee'ed to have lost his original residence+
In Para' #. Co"elec 2; SCRA < - Paras- incu'#ent unong #rg! sought to #ar the recall roceedings against hi' citing Sec+ 9@ 4(8 of R. 9,;6 that it &as #arred #! the scheduled SH elections+ 1he SC settled the issue and held that the SH elections is not considered a 0regular local elections2 for uroses of recall under Sec+ 9@+ 1he ter' regular local elections is construed as one referring to an election &here the
6
Any 5er'on &o4 on te 7ay o% re$i'tration "ay not a#e reace7 te reG3ire7 a$e or 5erio7 o% re'i7ence 63t4 &o on te 7ay o% election 'all 5o''e'' '3c G3ali%ication'4 "ay re$i'ter a' a #oter.8
6
ELECTION LAWS REVIEW : is s!non!'ous &ith do'icile- 'eaning that a erson 'ust not onl! intend to reside in a articular lace #ut 'ust also have ersonal resence in such lace couled &ith conduct indicative of such intention+ 1here is no hard and fast rule to deter'ine a candidates co'liance &ith residenc! require'ent since the question of residence is a question of intention+ Still- )urisrudence had laid do&n the follo&ing guidelines/
eynar7 Sa6ili #. Co"elec)lorencio Li6rea ;:0 SCRA ;:0 /20128 3 1he Court have held that 0a#sence fro' residence to ursue studies or ractice a rofession or registration as a voter other than the lace &here one is elected- does not constitute loss of residence2+ Section ,,9 of the OEC rovides that 0transfer of residence to an! other lace #! reason of ones occuation- rofession e'lo!'ent in rivate and u#lic service- educational activities &or> force- the consta#ular! or national olice force- or confine'ent or detention in govern'ent institutions in accordance &ith la&2 is not dee'ed as loss of residence+
(a)
•
.n! erson &ho has #een ad)udged #! final )udg'ent #! co'etent court or tri#unal of having co''itted an! cri'e involving dislo!alt! to the dul! constituted govern'ent such as re#ellion- sedition- violation of the anti*su#version and firear's la&- or an! cri'e against national securit! in accordance &ith la&+
•
Plenar! ardon or a'nest! 3 those sentenced #! final )udg'ent. Article I-C4 Section > rovides that the President cannot&ithout the favora#le reco''endation of the Co'elec grant ardona'nest!- arole or susension of sentence in cases involving violation of election la&s and violation of election rules and regulations+ Exiration of five 4:8 !ears after service of sentence
•
Official declaration #! the roer authorit! that the insanit! or inco'etenc! no longer exist+
residence
A''itio #'. A$3irre ;1< SCRA >1= Residence as used in the la& rescri#ing the qualifications for suffrage and for elective office- is KOC1RI$.LL SE11LEK to 'ean Gdo'icile2i'orting not onl! an intention to reside in a fixed lace #ut also ersonal resence in that lace- couled &ith conduct indicative of such intention infera#le fro' a ersons actsutterances and activities+ Ko'icile is not easil! lost+ 1o successfull! effect a transfer- one 'ust de'onstrate/ 4,8 an actual re'oval or change of do'icile 458 #onafide intention of a#andoning the for'er lace of residence and esta#lishing a ne& one and 4<8 acts &hich corresond to said urose+ Sa'e ruling in earlier case of Ro'ualde=*Marcos v+ Co'elec- 5@? SCR. <66+ Requisites &hen ne& do'icile is acquired #! choice+
Do36le Re$i'trant' 3 In all cases &here registrants are found t&o /2 or "ore to #e registered in 7i'trict'citie'"3nici5alitie'4 te late't re$i'tration 'all 5re#ail &hich is dee'ed to #e 'ore in consonance &ith the intent of the concerned registered votes+ .ccordingl!- the! shall #e allo&ed to vote onl! in the districtDcit!D'unicialit! of their latest registration+ 1his is distinguished fro' the olic! on dou#leD'ultile registrants found &itin the sa'e districtDcit!D'unicialit! &here ori$inal re$i'tration 'all 5re#ail over su#sequent registrations+ 4Co'elec Res+ 9?7<- 69 Ma! 5669+ See also Sec+ 5;, 4!4:88 of the OEC 4Prohi#ited .cts8 &hich rovides 0.n! erson &ho- #eing a registered voter- registers ane& &ithout filing an alication for cancellation of his revious registration2 shall #e guilt! of an election offense8+
3 Illiterates or ILLITI!AT A"# #I$A%L# &'T!$ disa#led are referred to as a ersons &ho cannot #! the'selves reare an alication for registration #ecause of their h!sical disa#ilit! andDor ina#ilit! to read and &rite+ /Section ? /e
Re'i7ency ReG3ire"ent Ro"eo A. Jalo'o' #. Co"elec Dan Era'"o4 Sr. ;:0 SCRA >:2 /2012 Re'i7ence 3 1he Local Aovern'ent Code requires a candidate see>ing the osition of rovincial governor to #e a resident of the rovince for at least 4,8 !ear #efore the election+ "or uroses of the election la&s- the require'ent of residence
7
or
itra #'. Co""i''ion on Election'4 Antonio *onFale' an7 Orlan7o Bal6on4 Jr. ;22 SCRA : /J3ly 2010 + In this casefollo&ing the conversion of Puerto Princesa 4Mitras do'icile of origin8 fro' a co'onent cit! to a highl! ur#ani=ed cit! &hose residents can no longer vote for rovincial officials- Mitra a#andoned his do'icile in Puerto Princesa and acquired a ne& one in .#orlan &hich is &ithin the LA &here he intended to run+ Mitra #ought the old Maliga!a "eed'ill and used the second floor as his residence+ In considering the residenc! issue- the d&elling &here a erson er'anentl! intends to return to and to re'ain 3 his or her caacit! or inclination to decorate the lace- or the lac> of it- IS IMM.1ERI.L+ Co'elec gravel! a#used its discretion &hen it deter'ined the %itne'' o% a 7&ellin$ a' a 5er'onH' re'i7ence 6a'e7 'olely on #ery 5er'onal an7 '36ecti#e a''e''"ent 'tan7ar7' &en te la& i' re5lete &it Co'elec used &rong 'tan7ar7' tat can 6e 3'e7+ considerations in arriving at the conclusion that Mitras residence is not the residence conte'lated #! la&+
Insane or inco'etent as declared #! a co'etent authorit!+
•
do'icile
(c) a erson can have #ut one do'icile at a ti'e+ 1he Co'elec concluded that Jalos)os has not co'e to settle his do'icile in Iil since he has 'erel! #een sta!ing at his #rothers house+ (ut this circu'stance alone cannot suort such conclusion+ Indeed- the Court has reeatedl! held that a candidate is not required to have a house in a co''unit! to esta#lish his residence or do'icile in a articular lace+ It is sufficient that he should live there even if it #e in a rented house or in the house of a friend or relative+ 1o insist that the candidate o&n the house &here he lives &ould 'a>e roert! a qualification for u#lic office+ %hat 'atters is that Jalos)os has 5ro#e7 t&o tin$' / actual h!sical resence in Iil and an intention of 'a>ing it his do'icile+
W+EN DISABILIT, REOVED •
a
once esta#lished- that do'icile re'ains until he acquires a ne& one and
Sec. 113 Kisqualifications/ 4Section ,, of R+.+ ?,?7 reealed Sec+ ,,? of the OEC8
.n! erson &ho has #een sentenced #! final )udg'ent to suffer i'rison'ent for not less than one 4,8 !ear+
has
(b) &here
1he Court ruled that there is nothing &rong in an individual changing residences so he could run for an elective ost- for as long as he is a#le to rove &ith reasona#le certaint! that he has effected a change of residence for election la& uroses for the eriod required #! la&+
ever! erson so'e&here
Section 1. Proce73re %or illiterate a55licant' 4those &ho cannot read and &rite8 3 a''i'te7 6y te election o%%icer or
7
ELECTION LAWS REVIEW = any "e"6er o% an accre7ite7 citiFen' ar" + 1he election officer shall lace such illiterate erson under oath- as> hi' the questions and record the ans&ers given in order to acco'lish the alication for' in the resence of the 'a)orit! of the 'e'#ers of the (oard+ 1he acco'lished for' shall #e su#scri#ed #! the alicant in the resence of the (oard #! 'eans of thu'#'ar> or so'e other custo'ar! 'ar> and it shall #e su#scri#ed and attested #! the 'a)orit! of the 'e'#ers of the (oard+
affinit!+ If in succeeding elections- an! of the ne&l! elected cit! or 'unicial officials is related to a 'e'#er of the #oard &ithin the sa'e degree- such 'e'#er is auto'aticall! disqualified to reserve the integrit! of the ER(+ Ever! registered art! and such organi=ations as 'a! #e authori=ed #! the Co'elec shall #e entitled to a &atcher in ever! registration #oard+ Sec. 1: Proce73re %or earin$ o% a55lication'.
Proce73re %or 7i'a6le7 #oter' 3 te a55lication %or re$i'tration o% a 5y'ically 7i'a6le7 5er'on /e!. 6lin74 no an7'4 'enior citiFen4 "3te "ay 6e 5re5are7 6y any relati#e &itin te t ci#il 7e$ree o% con'an$3inity or a%%inity or #! the election officer or an! 'e'#er of an accredited citi=ens ar' using the data sulied #! the alicant+ NOTE Co''on to #oth rocedures- the fact of illiterac! and disa#ilit! shall #e so indicated in the alication+
I% o6ecte7 to4 EO 'all recei#e e#i7ence. Py'ical 5re'ence o% a55licant in ti' ca'e i' "an7atory to re63t e#i7ence 5re'ente7 in o55o'ition tereto
•
If no o#)ection to alication- h!sical aearance not required and &ill #e dul! infor'ed in &riting
Section 1?. Can$e o% A77re'' in te Sa"e City or 3nici5ality .n! voter &ho has changed his address in the sa'e cit! or 'unicialit! shall i''ediatel! notif! the EO in &riting+ If the change of address involves a change in recinctthe (oard shall transfer his registration record to the recinct #oo> of voters of his ne& recinct and notif! the voter of his ne& recinct+ .ll changes of address shall #e reorted to the office of the rovincial election suervisor and the Co''ission in Manila+
of
. qualified voter ersonall! files an alication for registration K.IL &ith the office of the election officer during regular office hours+ 1he ER( are authori=ed to act on all alications for registration +
Sec. 2: DEACTIVATION 3 is a rocess &herein the registration record of a voter is re"o#e7 6y te ERB %ro" te corre'5on7in$ 5recinct 6oo o% #oter' an7 5lace' te 'a"e in an inacti#e %ile roerl! 'ar>ed and dated in indeli#le in> and after entering the cause for deactivation &hich are as follo&s/
LIITATION $o registration shall #e conducted during the eriod starting ,56 da!s #efore a regular elections and 76 da!s #efore a secial elections+ Sec. 1> Election Re$i'tration Boar7 3 1here shall #e in each cit! and 'unicialit! as 'an! as ER(s as there are election officers therein+ Co"5o'ition 3 Election Officer 4EO8 as chair'an and as 'e'#ers- the u#lic school official 'ost senior in ran> and the local civil registrar 4LCR8- or in his a#sence- the cit! or 'unicial treasurer 4M18+ In case of disqualification of the EO- the Co''ission shall designate as acting EO &ho shall serve as chair'an of the ER(+ In cases of the non*availa#ilit! of the LCR or the M1Co'elec shall designate an! other aointive civil service official fro' the sa'e localit! as su#stitute+
•
1hose &ho are disqualified #! virtue of a final )udg'ent- insane and inco'etent ersons as officiall! declared+
•
.n! erson &ho failed to vote in the t&o 458 successive receding regular elections as sho&n #! his voting records+
•
.n! erson &hose registration has #een ordered excluded #! the court+
.n! erson &ho has lost his "iliino citi=enshi+ "or uroses of the a#ove 3 the Cler>s of Court of the M1C- M1CC- R1C and S( shall furnish the EO of the cit! or 'unicialit! concerned at the end of each 'onth a certified list of ersons &ho are disqualified #! virtue of a final )udg'ent &ith their addresses+ •
Re'triction' to a55oint"ent 3 $o 'e'#er of the #oard shall #e related to each other or to an! incu'#ent cit! or 'unicial elective official &ithin the @th civil degree of consanguinit! or
8
•
.lications for registration shall #e heard and rocessed on a quarterl! #asis+ (oard shall convene on the
+OW TO RE*ISTER
Kate of hearing osted in the cit! or 'unicial #ulletin #oard and EO office at least , &ee> #efore date of hearing
•
RA 10?;; no& rovides accessi#le Polling Places for Persons &ith Kisa#ilities 4P%KS and Senior Citi=ens and also rovides for- a'ong others- assistance in the acco'lish'ent of registration for's+ 1he la& &as in line &ith the o#)ective of Sec+ 57 of the 0Magna Carta for Persons &ith Kisa#ilit!2 4R. $o+ 95998 &hich rovides that 0olling laces should #e 'ade accessi#le to disa#led ersons during national and local elections+2 1he Co'elec shall li>e&ise >ee an udated record of P%Ks and SC registered voters- indicating the t!es of disa#ilit! and the assistance the! need+ 4Sec+ ;- R. ,6<;;8+ In designing the #allot- Co'elec shall ensure reasona#le acco''odation to P%Ks and SC to ena#le the' to acco'lish the #allots #! the'selves 4Sec+ ,68 Co'elec- in coordination &ith the $ational Council on Kisa#ilit! .ffairs 4$CK.8- the Co''ission on Bu'an Rights 4CBR8- and P%K and Senior Citi=ens organi=ation shall organi=e- design- and i'le'ent sensitivit! training rogra's for erson erfor'ing electoral duties to fa'iliari=e the' the needs of the P%Ks and SC+ 4Sec+ ,58
S!ste' of Continuing Registration Section =3 VotersDCreation of Election Registration (oards
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8
ELECTION LAWS REVIEW < "or those &ho lost their citi=enshi- insanit! and inco'etenc!- the Co'elec 'a! request a certified list of such ersons fro' the govern'ent agencies concerned+
art! to the Regional 1rial Court &ithin five 4:8 fro' receit of notice thereof+ Other&ise- said decision shall #eco'e final and executor!+ Regional 1rial Court shall decide the aeal &ithin ten 4,68 da!s fro' the ti'e it is received and the Regional 1rial Court decision shall i''ediatel! #eco'e final and executor!+ No "otion %or recon'i7eration 'all 6e entertaine7.
Sec. 2= REACTIVATION 3 is a rocess &here#! a voter &hose registration records has #een deactivated files &ith the election officer a s&orn alication for reactivation of his registration in the for' of an affidavit #! stating therein that the grounds for the deactivation no longer exist+
Do"ino #. Co"elec ?10 >; /1<<< 8+ Excet for the right to re'ain in the list of voters or for #eing excluded therefor' for the articular election in relation to &hich the roceedings had #een held- a decision in an exclusion roceeding- e#en i% %inal an7 3na55eala6le 7oe' not acG3ire te nat3re o% re' 37icata. 1hus- a 7eci'ion in an e!cl3'ion 5rocee7in$ &o3l7 neiter 6e concl3'i#e on te #oter' 5olitical 'tat3'4 nor 6ar '36'eG3ent 5rocee7in$' on i' ri$t to 6e re$i'tere7 a' a #oter in any oter election.
PERIOD TO )ILE 3 .n! ti'e #ut not later than ,56 da!s #efore a regular election and 76 da!s #efore a secial election+ on aroval- the (oard- shall retrieve the registration records fro' the inactive file and include the sa'e in the corresonding recinct #oo> of voters+ REQIREME$1/ Local heads or reresentatives of olitical arties shall #e roerl! notified of the aroved alications+
Sec. ? Petition %or Incl3'ion o% Voter' in the list 3 W+O A, )ILE/ an! erson &hose alication for registration 3
Sec. 2< CANCELLATION 3 is a rocess &herein the (oard cancels the registration records of those &ho have died as certified #! the local civil registrar &ho shall su#'it each 'onth a certified list of ersons &ho died during the revious 'onth to the election officer of the lace &here the deceased is registered+ PETITION )OR INCL(SION OR ECL(SION. Re'edies of ersons &hose alication for reactivation- inclusion or correction has #een disaroved or those &ho intend to exclude a voter fro' the list of voters+ PanlaG3i #. Co"elec ;1? SCRA >:? Voters inclusionDexclusion roceedings essentiall! involve the issue of &hether a voter shall #e included in or excluded fro' the list of voters #ased on the qualifications required #! la& and the facts resented to sho& ossession of these qualifications+ .s distinguished fro' the rocedure in certificate of candidacies 4etition to den! due course or cancel a certificate of candidac!8 on the other hand- the denialDcancellation roceedings involve the issue of &hether there is a false reresentation of a 'aterial fact 4Sec+ 9?8+
Bas #een disaroved #! the (oard or
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%hose na'e has #een stric>en out fro' the list
•
%hose na'e &as not included in the recinct list of voters
•
%ho has #een included therein &ith a &rong or 'isselled na'e 4after the (oard disaroves its alication for reinstate'ent or correction of na'e8 'a! file &ith the court+
PERIOD TO )ILE / .n! ti'e excet ,6: da!s rior to a regular election or 9: da!s rior to a secial election+ 1he etition should #e suorted #! a certificate of disaroval of his alication and roof of service of notice uon the (oard+ M1C shall decide &ithin fifteen 4,:8 da!s after its filing+
If the decision is for the inclusion of voters in the er'anent list of voters- the (oard shall lace the alication for registration reviousl! disaroved in the corresonding (V and indicate in the alication for registration the date of the order of inclusion and the court &hich issued the sa'e+
Sec. ?? J(RISDICTION 3 1he Municial and Metroolitan 1rial Courts shall have original )urisdiction over all cases of inclusion and exclusion of voters in their resective cities or 'unicialities+ 4(! exress rovision of Article I-C4 Section 2 /? o% te Con'tit3tion- the Co'elec shall decide all questions affecting elections- e!ce5t te ri$t to #ote + 1his question is a )usticia#le issue &hich finds redress in the )udiciar!+ 4P3n$3tan #. Co"elec ? SCRA 1 /1<:2.
Section ?> Petition %or E!cl3'ion o% Voter' %ro" te li't 3 %BO M. "ILE/ an! registered voter- reresentative of a olitical art! or the Election Officer+ PERIOD TO )ILE/ .n! ti'e excet ,66 da!s rior to a regular election or ;: da!s rior to a secial election+ Suorting docu'ents shall #e roof of notice to the (oard and to the challenged voter+ M1C shall decide &ithin ten 4,68 da!s+
.gain 3 in PanlaG3i #'. Co"elec ;1? SCRA >:? * It i' not &itin te 5ro#ince o% te RTC in a #oterH' incl3'ione!cl3'ion 5rocee7in$' to tae co$niFance o% an7 7eter"ine te 5re'ence o% a %al'e re5re'entation o% a "aterial %act. It has no )urisdiction to tr! the issues of &hether the 'isreresentation relates to 'aterial fact and &hether there &as an intension to deceive the electorate in ter's of ones qualifications for u#lic office+ Te %in7in$ tat Vela'co &a' not G3ali%ie7 to #ote 73e to lac o% re'i7ency reG3ire"ent 7oe' not tran'late into a %in7in$ o% a 7eli6erate atte"5t to "i'lea74 "i'in%or" or i7e a %act &ic &o3l7 oter&i'e ren7er i" ineli$i6le.
If the decision is for exclusion- the (oard- shall re'ove the voters registration record fro' the corresonding (V- enter the order of exclusion therein+ A6ayan #. Co"elec arc 2;4 2001 3 1 he 5etition %or e!cl3'ion is a necessar! co'onent to registration since it is a safet! 'echanis' that gives a 'easure of rotection against fl!ing voters- non*qualified registrants- and the li>e+ 1he rohi#itive eriod- on the other hand- serves as the urose of securing the voters su#stantive right to #e included in the list of voters+
Canico'a #. Co"elec 2=2 SCRA >12 /1<<:. 1he question of inclusion or exclusion fro' the list of voters involves the right to vote &hich is not &ithin the o&er and authorit! of the Co'elec to rule uon+ 1he deter'ination of &hether one has the right to vote is a )usticia#le issue roerl! cogni=a#le #! our regular courts+
1he #one of contention of etitioners in this case in ra!ing for a 5*da! secial registration of ne& voters for the Ma! ,@- 566, elections &hich &as denied #! the Co'elec on account of oerational i'ossi#ilit!- under'ined their constitutional right to vote and caused the disenfranchise'ent of around @M "iliinos of voting age &ho failed to register #efore the registration deadline set #! the Co'elec+
W+ERE TO APPEAL 3 Kecisions of the Municial or Metroolitan 1rial Courts 'a! #e aealed #! the aggrieved
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ELECTION LAWS REVIEW 10 .s ruled- te ri$t o% '3%%ra$e i' not a6'ol3te - as in the en)o!'ent of all other rights- it is su#)ect to existing su#stantive and rocedural require'ents e'#odied in our Constitutionstatute and other reositories of la&+
A.
Proce73ral li"itation 3 'ust undergo the rocess of registration- in addition to the 'axi'u' require'ents set #! the Constitution under Section ,- .rticle V- the act of registration #eing an indisensa#le recondition and essential to the right of suffrage and election rocess+ Referring to Section = o% RA =1=<4 te la& i' e!5licit tat 0no re$i'tration 'all o&e#er 6e con73cte7 73rin$ te 5erio7 'tartin$ 120 7ay' 6e%ore a re$3lar election an7 <0 7ay' 6e%ore a '5ecial election.8
B.
Sco5e o% OAV 3 Kefinition/ .#sentee voting refers to the rocess #! &hich qualified citi=ens of the Philiines a#road exercise their right to vote+ 4Sec+ <4a88
Co#era$e 3 .ll citi=ens of the Philiines a#road &ho are not disqualified #! la&- at least ,? !ears of age on election da!- 'a! vote for President- VPSenators and Part! List Reresentatives 4Sec+ @8 Section > Di'G3ali%ication
(a)
1hose &ho have lost their "iliino citi=enshi in accordance &ith Philiine la&s
(b) 1hose
&ho have exressl! renounced their Philiine citi=enshi and &ho have ledged allegiance to a foreign countr!
Sec. ?> o% RA =1=< on the hand sea>s of the rohi#itive eriod &ithin &hich to file a s&orn etition for the exclusion of voters fro' the er'anent list of voters+ 1hus if the secial registration of voters &ill #e conducted- then the rohi#itive eriod for filing etitions for exclusion 'ust li>e&ise #e ad)usted to a later date- if not- then no one can challenge the voters list &hich is violative of the rinciles of due rocess and &ould oen the registration rocess to a#use and seriousl! co'ro'ise the integrit! of the voters list and that of the entire election+
(c)
ABSENTEE VOTIN*
1hose &ho have co''itted and are convicted #! a final )udg'ent #! a court or tri#unal of an offense unisha#le #! i'rison'ent of not less than one 4,8 !ear- including those &ho have co''itted and #een found guilt! of Kislo!alt! as defined under Article 1?: o% te Re#i'e7 Penal Co7e- such as disa#ilit! not having re'oved #! lenar! ardon or a'nest! Provided- ho&ever1hat an! erson disqualified to vote uon the exiration of five 4:8 !ears after service of sentence Provided further- 1hat the Co''ission 'a! ta>e cogni=ance of final )udg'ents issued #! foreign courts or tri#unals onl! on the #asis of recirocit! and su#)ect to the for'alities and rocesses rescri#ed #! the Rules of Court on execution of )udg'ents
Local A6'entee Votin$ 3 In local a#sentee voting- u#lic officials and e'lo!ees- in the erfor'ance of their election duties- stationed in laces other than the lace &here the! are registered voters of 4e+g+ 'e'#ers of the P$P- ."P- offices of the Co'elec- school teachers- a'ong others8 are allo&ed to vote in their resective lace of &or> 4Sec+ ,5- R. 9,;;8+
(d) .n i''igrant or a er'anent resident &ho is
RA No.10?=0- other&ise >no&n as the 0Local .#sentee Voting for Media .ct2- no& allo& 'edia ractitioners to vote on secified da!s earlier than Election Ka! so that that even if on Election Ka!- the! are assigned to cover election events a&a! fro' their lace of registration as voters- the! &ould nonetheless have the oortunit! to cast their votes+
recogni=ed as such in the host countr!- unless heDshe executes- uon registration- an affidavit reared for the urose #! the Co''ission declaring that heDshe shall resu'e actual h!sical er'anent residence in the Philiines not later than three 4<8 !ears fro' aroval of hisDher registration under this .ct+
Li"itation 1hose entitled to avail of local a#sentee voting shall onl! #e allo&ed to vote for President- VP- Senators- and Part!*List Reresentative *ro3n7' %or 7i'a55ro#al o% te A55lication %or Local A6'entee Votin$
1)
1he alicant is not a RV or his registration records have #een deactivated+
2) 3)
It &as filed out of ti'e
4) 5)
It &as onl! hotocoiedDfaxed
(e)
It &as not s&orn to or other&ise not under oath #! an! erson authori=ed to ad'inister oath
1he Certification ortion of the alication for' is not dul! acco'lished+
OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTIN* A6'entee Voter' Act o% 200?
/OAV
RA <1=<
Such affidavit shall also state that heDshe has not alied for citi=enshi in another countr!+
b.
"ailure to return shall #e cause for the re'oval of the na'e of the i''igrant or er'anent resident fro' the $ational Registr! of .#sentee Voters and hisDher er'anent disqualification to vote in a#sentia
.n! citi=en of the Philiines a#road reviousl! declared insane or inco'etent #! co'etent authorit! in the Philiines or a#road- as verified #! the Philiine e'#assies- consulates or foreign service esta#lish'ents concernedunless such co'etent authorit! su#sequentl! certifies that such erson is no longer insane or inco'etent+
acalintal #. Co"elec 0> SCRA ;1 /200? 3 1he execution of the affidavit itself is not the ena#ling or enfranchising act+ 1he affidavit required in Section >/7 8 is not onl! roof of the intention of the i''igrant or er'anent resident to go #ac> and resu'e residenc! in the Philiines- #ut 'ore significantl!it serves as an exlicit exression that he had not in fact a#andoned his do'icile of origin+ Te a%%i7a#it i' reG3ire7 o% i""i$rant' an7 5er"anent re'i7ent' a6roa7 6eca3'e 6y teir 'tat3' in te o't co3ntrie'4 tey are 5re'3"e7 to a#e relinG3i'e7 teir intent to ret3rn to ti' co3ntry@
nder R. 7,?7- "iliino citi=ens &ho are overseas &or>ersi''igrants or er'anent residents in other countries 'a! vote in Philiine national elections &hen the! are a&a! fro' the countr! on the da! of the elections Provided- 1hat in the case of i''igrants or er'anent residents- the! file a s&orn state'ent that the! &ill resu'e actual h!sical er'anent residence &ithin three 4<8 !ears fro' aroval of their registration+ 4Sec+ :4d88
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a.
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ELECTION LAWS REVIEW 11
Amended-affidavit no longer required except mag run sa office
t3'4 &ito3t te a%%i7a#it4 te 5re'3"5tion a6an7on"ent o% Pili55ine 7o"icile 'all re"ain.
1he a'ended la& also 'andates the creation of the Resident Election Registration (oards 4RER(8+ 1he secific rovision is a ne& insertion institutionali=ing the overseas voting s!ste' #! creating an office &ithin the Co'elec exclusivel! for overseas voting+
o%
<+ Ca'tin$ o% Ballot' in OAV 3 1he overseas voter shall cast his #allot &ithin <6 da!s #efore election da! or ;6 da!s #efore election da! in the case of seafarers+ 4Sec+ ,;+<8 @+ Co3ntin$ o% Ballot' o% OAV 3 a8 Onl! #allots cast and 'ailed #allots received #! e'#assies- consulates and other foreign esta#lish'ents #efore the closing of voting on election da! shall #e counted 4Sec+ ,;+9 and Sec+ ,?+<8+ #8 1he counting shall #e conducted on site and shall #e s!nchroni=ed &ith the start of counting in the Philiines 4Sec+ ,?+,8+ c+ 1he Secial (oard of Election Insectors 4S(EI8 shall co'osed of a chair'an and t&o 458 'e'#ers •
1he a'#assador- consul general or career u#lic officer designated #! the Co'elec shall #e the chair'an+
•
In the a#sence of govern'ent officers- t&o "iliino citi=ens qualified to vote under this .ct shall #e deuti=ed as 'e'#ers 4Sec+ ,?+<8
•
I''ediatel! after the counting- the S(EI shall trans'it #! facsi'ile or electronic 'ail the result to the Co'elec and the accredited 'a)or olitical arties+
1he a'end'ents also e'o&ers the Co'elec to attain the 'ost effective and innovative &a! of using advance technolog! in enfranchising "iliinos overseas &ithout co'ro'ising the secrec! and sanctit! of the electoral rocess+ Loi7a Nicola'-Le&i'4 et. al. #'. Co"elec *.R. No. 1;2:><4 A3$3't ;4 200;. - Petitioners are dual citi=ens having retained or reacquired Philiine Citi=enshi under RA <22> or te CitiFen'i5 Retention an7 ReacG3i'ition Act o% 200?. .s such- the! sought registration and certification as overseas a#sentee voters under RA <1=< or te O#er'ea' A6'entee Votin$ Act o% 200?4 in order to vote in the Ma! 566@ elections+ Bo&ever- the Philiine e'#ass! in the S advised the' that er Co'elec letter dated Sete'#er 5<- 566<- the! have !et no residence require'ent as rescri#ed #! the Constitution+ Petitioners sought a clarification fro' the Co"elec &ic terea%ter4 e!5re''e7 te o5inion tat 73al citiFen' 3n7er RA <22> cannot e!erci'e te ri$t o% '3%%ra$e 3n7er te O#er'ea' A6'entee Votin$ La& 6eca3'e 'ai7 la& &a' not enacte7 %or te"4 ence4 tey are con'i7ere7 re$3lar #oter' &o a#e to "eet reG3ire"ent' o% re'i7ency4 a"on$ oter'.
ISSE/ %hether or not etitioners and others &ho 'ight have 'ean&hile retained andDor reacquired Philiine citi=enshi ursuant to R. 755: 'a! vote as a#sentee voter under R. 7,?7+
:+ Canvassing of O.V 3 . Secial (oard of Canvassers 4S(OC8 co'osed of a la&!er refera#l! of the Co'elec as chair'an- a senior career officers fro' an! govern'ent agenc! 'aintaining a ost a#road and- in the a#sence of another govern'ent officer- a citi=en of the Philiines qualified to vote under this .ct- shall #e constituted to canvass the election returns+ 1he S(OC shall trans'it #! facsi'ileelectronic 'ail or an! other safe and relia#le 'eans of trans'ission- the certificate of canvass and the state'ents of votes to the Co'elec and the 'a)or accredited arties+ 1he certificates of canvass and the state'ents of votes shall #e the ri'ar! #asis for the national canvass+ 4Sec+ ,?+@8
BELK Section , of .rticle V of the Philiine Constitution 5re'cri6e7 re'i7ency reG3ire"ent a' a $eneral eli$i6ility %actor %or te ri$t to #ote. On the other hand- Section 2 tereo%- authori=es congress to devise a s!ste' &herein an a#sentee 'a! vote- i'l!ing that a non*resident 'a!- as an excetion to the residenc! rescrition in the receding section- #e allo&ed to vote+ 1here is no rovision in the dual citi=enshi la& 4R. 755:8requiring 0duals2 to actuall! esta#lish residence and h!sicall! sta! in the Philiines first #efore the! can exercise their right to vote+ On the contrar!- R. 755:- in i'licit ac>no&ledge'ent that 0duals2 are 'ost li>el! non*residentsgrants under Section >/1 the sa'e right of suffrage as granted to an a#sentee voter under RA <1=< &hich ai's to enfranchise as 'uch as ossi#le all overseas "iliinos- &hosave for the residenc! require'ent exacted of an ordinar! conditions- are qualified to vote as ruled in aalintal #'. Co"elec 0> SCRA ;1.
O#er'ea' Votin$ Act o% 201? 3 1he President on Ma! 5956,< signed into la& RA 10><0- O.V 56,<- a'ending the Overseas Voting .ct of 566<+ %ith the assage of the la&"iliino i''igrants a#road &ill no longer need to execute an affidavit stating that the! &ill return to the Philiines &ithin < !ears #efore the! are allo&ed in a#sentia+
In the land'ar> case of $icolas*Le&is vs+ Co'elec- dual citi=ens &ere refused #! Co'elec to register and vote in the 566@ Philiine elections- the Sure'e Court ruled in 566; that 0there is no rovision in the dual citi=enshi la&- R. 755: 4Citi=enshi Retention and Reacquisition .ct of 566< 3 requiring duals to actuall! esta#lish residence and h!sicall! sta! in the Philiines first #efore the! can exercise their right to vote+2
Article I-C4 Sec. 1 /> - authori=es the Co'elec under the Constitution to Re$i'ter4 a%ter '3%%icient 536lication4 5olitical 5artie'4 or$aniFation'4 or coalition' &ic4 in a77ition to oter reG3ire"ent'4 "3't 5re'ent teir 5lat%or" or 5ro$ra" o% $o#ern"ent@ an7 accre7it citiFen'H ar"' o% te Co""i''ion on Election'.
1he ruling esta#lished a recedent that dual citi=ens can register and vote &ithout esta#lishing residence in the Philiines+ . rovision in the a'ended la& is inserted to e'hasi=e that dual citi=ens &ho reacquired or retained their Philiine citi=enshi under R. 755: can exercise their right of suffrage+
Section ;0 o% te OECSection 14 R3le ?2 o% te Co"elec R3le' o% Proce73re rovides that an! grou ursuing the sa'e olitical ideals 'a! register &ith the Co'elec+ +OWK #! filing a verified etition &ith its La& Keart'ent dul! #eri%ie7 #! its President and Secretar!*Aeneral- or an! official dul! authori=ed to do so under its Constitutions and #!*la&s+
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POLITICAL PARTIES4 PART, LIST AND CITIENS AR
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ELECTION LAWS REVIEW 12 Be%ore Co"elec tae' action - the Co'elec shall first verif!through its field offices- the status and caacit! of the etitioner and the veracit! of the allegations in the etition+ /Sec. 4 R3le ?2+ .fter the verification rocess- the Petition &ill #e u#lished &ith the $otice of Bearing+
Co'elecs )urisdiction on this oint is &ell*settled and is not here disuted+
L3i' LoinJr.Tere'ita Plana' #. Co"elecCIBAC ;: SCRA >?= /2012 In AtienFa #. Co"elec /;12 SCRA <;1 /20104 it &as exressl! settled that the Co'elec ossessed the authorit! to resolve intra*art! disutes as a necessar! tri#utar! of its constitutionall! 'andated o&er to enforce election la&s and register olitical arties+ 1he Court- therein cited Hala& v+ Co'elec and Pal'ares v+ Co'elec &hich unifor'l! uheld the Co'elecs )urisdiction over intra*art! disutes/ .s ruled in Hala& v+ Co'elec- the Co'elecs o&ers and functions under Section 5- .rticle IF*C of the Constitution- 0include the ascertain'ent of the identit! of the olitical art! and its legiti'ate officers resonsi#le for the acts+2 1he Court also declared in another case that the Co'elecs o&er to register olitical arties necessaril! involved the deter'ination of the ersons &ho 'ust act on its #ehalf+ 1hus- the Co'elec 'a! resolve an intra*art! leadershi disute- in a roer case #rought #efore it- as an incident of its o&er to register olitical arties+
Once registered the olitical art! is issued a Certificate of Registration /Sec. : 4,8 acquires )uridical ersonalit! 458 u#lic is infor'ed of the art!s existence and ideals 4<8 it identifies the art! and its officers for uroses of regulation #! the Co'elec+ "or uroses of the electoral rocess that an organi=ation need not #e a olitical art!+
Li"itation' on Re$i'tration •
It is a religious sect or deno'ination or associationorgani=ed for religious uroses+ Registration of religious sects are rohi#ited for the urose of the electoral rocess &hich is 'ade in the sirit of searation of church and state and intended to revent churches fro' &ielding olitical o&er+ Koes not extend to organi=ations &ith religious affiliations or to olitical arties &hich derive their rinciles fro' religious #eliefs+
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1hose &ho see> to achieve their goals through unla&ful 'eans
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1hose &hich refuse to adhere to the Constitution
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1hose &hich are suorted #! an! govern'ent 4Sec+ 54:8 .rticle IF*C8
Li6eral Party #'. Co""i''ion on Election' ;20 SCRA ?
foreign
Cancellation o% Re$i'tration /Sec. = (5on #eri%ie7 co"5laint o% any intere'te7 5arty4 or "ot3 5ro5io 6y te Co""i''ion4 the registration of an! olitical art!- coalition of olitical arties or organi=ations under the art!*list s!ste' 'a! #e cancelled after due notice and hearing on the follo&ing grounds/
4a8 .ccetance #! the olitical art!- coalition of olitical arties- or organi=ations or an! of its candidates- of financial contri#utions fro' foreign govern'ents andDor their agencies for activities related to elections+
4#8 Violation of la&s- rules or regulations relating to elections- le#iscites- referenda or initiative+
ntruthful state'ents in its etition for registration
4d8 1he said olitical art!- coalition of olitical arties or organi=ation has #eco'e a religious sect or deno'ination- is ursuing its goals thru violence or other unla&ful 'eans- is refusing to adhere to or uhold the Constitution of the Philiines- or is receiving suort fro' an! foreign govern'ent
4e8 "ailure to co'l! &ith alica#le la&s- rules or regulations of the Co''ission
4f8 "ailure to field official candidates in the last t&o receding elections or failure of their candidates to o#tain at least five 4:8 er centu' of the votes cast in the last t&o receding elections+
Section 2/>4 Article I-C an7 R3le ?2 o% te CRP re$3late te re$i'tration o% 5olitical 5artie'4 or$aniFation' or coalition o% 5olitical 5artie'. .ccreditation as a do'inant art! is governed #! Co'elec Resolution $o+ ?9:5- Section , of &hich states that the etition for accreditation shall #e filed &ith the Cler> of the Co''ission &ho shall doc>et it as an SPP 4'eans Secial Proceedings 4KM8 case+ 1his &as the 'anner the $P*$PC &as doc>eted+
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Re$i'tration o% 5olitical 5artie' i' a '5ecial 5rocee7in$ a''i$ne7 to a Di#i'ion %or an7lin$ 3n7er te CRP + $o si'ilar clear cut rules is availa#le to a etition for accreditation as a do'inant art!+
Registration 'ust first ta>e lace #efore a request for accreditation can #e 'ade+ .ccreditation is the next natural ste to follo& after registration+ %hen the Co'elec En (anc- resolved the registration of the $P* $PC the case is ter'inated and rie for revie& #! the SC via a Petition for Certiorari+ 1he issue &ith resect to accreditation is a searate issue &hich is treated in a searate roceedings+ .s ruled- a Motion for Reconsideration of a Resolution of the Co'elec En (anc is a rohi#ited leading /Sec. 1/7 R3le 1?. 1he re'ed! availa#le to a art! is a etition for certiorari &ith the SC ursuant to .rticle IF*.- Sec+ 9 and Rule ;: of the Rules of Court+ •
J3ri'7iction o% Co"elec o#er Inter-Party Di'53te'Po&er to Re$i'ter Political Partie' Sa"'on Alcantara4 et. al. #'. Co"elec ;<; SCRA >: /201? nder the Constitution- the Co'elec is e'o&ered to register olitical arties+ In the exercise of its o&er to register olitical arties- the Co'elec necessaril! ossesses the o&er to ass uon the question of &ho- a'ong the legiti'ate officers of the art*list grou- are entitled to exercise the right and rivileges granted to a art!*list grou under the la&+ 1he
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La6an n$ De"oration$ Pili5ino4 re5re'ente7 6y it' Cair"an E7$ar7o J. An$ara #. Co"elec4 et. al. 2? SCRA ;;>- 4the Co'elec 'isalied equit! in this case8+ LKP infor'ed the Co'elec #! &a! of Manifestation that onl! the Part! Chair'an or his authori=ed reresentative 'a! endorse the COC of the art!s official candidates that Re+ (utch .quino &as on 0indefinite force leave2 and in the 'eanti'e
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ELECTION LAWS REVIEW 1? .'#assador Enrique Naldivar &as designated .cting Secretar! Aeneral+ .quino in a co''ent alleged that the Part! Chair'an does not have the authorit! to i'ose discilinar! sanctions on the Secretar! Aeneral and that the Manifestation filed has no #asis ra!ing that Co'elec disregards the sa'e+ Co'elec issued an order requiring the arties to file verified etition+ Pending resolution- a Certificate of $o'ination of Sen+ Panfilo Lacson as LKP candidate for President &as filed &ith the Co'elec &hich &as signed #! Re+ .quino as LKP Secretar! Aeneral Co'elec issued a Resolution granting the etition &ith LEA.L EQI1 for #oth Petitioner and Oositor 4.ngara %ind and .quino %ing8+ ISSE/ %hether or not Co'elec gravel! a#used its discretion in issuing the su#)ect Resolution+ RLI$A 3 te only i''3e i' 'i"5ly Wo a' 6et&een te Party Cair"an an7 te Secretary *eneral a' te a3tority to 'i$n certi%icate' o% can7i7acy o% te o%%icial can7i7ate' o% te 5arty. es Co'elec acted &ith grave a#use of discretion+ %hile it has )urisdiction to rule uon questions of art! identit! and leadershi as an incident to its enforce'ent o&ers+ It &ell &ithin its co'etence to inquire into &hich art! officer has authorit! to sign and endorse certificate of candidac! of art!s no'inees+ .nd to resolve the issue raised- the Co'elec need onl! to turn to the Part! Constitution and election la&s+ 1he Co'elec Resolution is I$KECISIO$ in the guise of equit!+ It chose not to #ecause of its irrational fear of treading- as .quino contends- on 0unchartered2 territories #ut &hich have long #een chartered #! )urisrudence+ Co'elec divided the LKP into &ings #oth having authorit! to no'inate candidates for ever! elective osition+ Consequentl!- Co'elec lanted seeds of confusion a'ong the electorate &ho are at to #e confounded #! t&o candidates fro' a single olitical art!+ 1his &as not onl! a disservice to the oosition #ut to the voting u#lic as &ell as its Resolution facilitated- rather than forestalled- the division of the 'inorit! art!+
Part!*list reresentation shall constitute 56 of the total nu'#er of reresentatives #! selection or election fro' the la#or- easant- ur#an oor- indigenous cultural 'inorities &o'en- !outh and such other sectors as 'a! #e rovided #! la&- excet the religious sector /Sec. 11 an7 Art. V4 Sec. >/2 1<=: Con'tit3tion $O1E/ 1he art!*list s!ste' is co'osed of three 4<8 different grous/ 4,8 national arties or organi=ations 458 regional arties or organi=ations and 4<8 sectoral arties or organi=ation+ $ational and regional arties or organi=ation are different fro' sectoral arties or organi=ations+ 1he for'er need not #e organi=ed along sectoral lines and not reresent an! articular sectoral nor should the! #e 'arginali=ed and underreresented+ Aton$ Pa$la3"4 Inc. #'. Co"elec *.R. No'. 4 02 A5ril 201?- the Sure'e Court ruled 3 0Sec+ :4,8- .rt+ VI of the Constitution is cr!stal clear that there shall #e 0a art!*list s!ste' of registered national- regional and sectoral arties or organi=ation+ 01he co''as after the &ords national- and regional- searate national and regional arties fro' sectoral arties+ Bad the fra'ers of the ,7?9 Constitution intended national and regional arties to #e at the sa'e ti'e sectoralthe! &ould have stated 0national and regional sectoral arties+2 1he! did not- recisel! #ecause it &as never their intention to 'a>e the art!*list s!ste' exclusivel! sectoral+ %hat the fra'ers intended- and &hat the! exressl! &rote in Section :4,8- could not #e an! clearer/ the art!*list s!ste' is co'osed of <*different grous- and the sectoral arties #elong to onl! one of the < grous+2 COCO)ED #. Co""i''ion on Election' :0? SCRA 1;> Section an7 > o% RA :<1 7i'tin$3i'e7. Section @ of R. 97@,- a art!*list grou alread! registered 0need not register ane&2 for uroses of ever! su#sequent election- #ut onl! needs to file a 'anifestation of intent to articiate &ith the Co'elec+ Section : on the other hand rovides- that an alicant for registration has to file &ith the Co'elec- not later than 76 da!s #efore the election- a verified etition stating its desire to articiate in the art!*list s!ste' as a nationalregional or sectoral art! or organi=ation or a coalition of such arties or organi=ation+ 1he alicant is required to su#'it its constitution- #!*la&s- latfor' of govern'ent- list of officerscoalition agree'ent and other relevant infor'ation as the Co'elec 'a! required+ .side fro' these- the la& requires the u#lication of the alicants etition in at least 5 national ne&saers of general circulation+ 1he Co'elec then resolves the etition- deter'ining &hether the alicant has co'lied &ith all the necessar! require'ents+
A$a5ay n$ In7i$eno3' Peo5le' Ri$t' Alliance /A-IPRA #. Co"elec ;<; SCRA >;? 3 the Sure'e Court reiterated its ruling in La#an that 0the ascertain'ent of the identit! of a olitical art! and its legiti'ate officers is a 'atter that is &ell &ithin its authorit!+ 1he source of this authorit! is not other than the funda'ental la& itself- &hich vests uon the Co'elec the o&er and function to enforce and ad'inister all la&s and regulations relative to the conduct of election+2 Da"a'en #'. T3"a"ao ;1? SCRA < /2010 3 the discretion of acceting 'e'#ers to a olitical art! is a right and a rivilege- a urel! internal 'atter- &hich the Court cannot 'eddle in+ 1he reason #ehind the right given to a olitical art! to no'inate a relace'ent &here a er'anent vacanc! occurs in the Sanggunian is to 'aintain the art! reresentation as &illed #! the eole in the election 4Sec+ @: 4#8 of R. 9,;6 Rule on Succession and as held in $avarro v+ C. ;95 SCR. <:: 456,68+ Ka'asen &as not a #onafide 'e'#er+ 1u'a'ao &as hus#and of the VM &ho died8+
Loin4 Jr. #'. Co""i''ion on election' ;21 SCRA ?=> /J3ne 224 20104 the SC ruled that Co'elec cannot issue rules and regulations that rovide a ground for the su#stitution of a art!*list no'inee $O1 &ritten in R+.+97@,+ rovides 3 0No"ination Sec. = o% Party-Li't Re5re'entati#e'. Eac re$i'tere7 5arty4 or$aniFation or coalition 'all '36"it to te Co"elec not later tan > 7ay' 6e%ore te election a li't o% na"e'4 not le'' tan %i#e />4 %ro" &ic 5arty-li't re5re'entati#e' 'all 6e co'en in ca'e it o6tain' te reG3ire7 n3"6er o% #ote'. A 5er'on "ay 6e no"inate7 in one /1 li't only. Only 5er'on' &ho have given their consent in &riting 'a! #e na'ed in the list+ 1he list shall not include an! candidate for an! elective office or a erson &ho has lost his #id for an elective office in the i''ediatel! receding election+ NO can$e o% na"e' or alteration o% te or7er o% no"inee' 'all 6e allo&e7 a%ter te 'a"e 'all a#e 6een '36"itte7 to te Co"elec e!ce5t in ca'e' /1 &ere te no"inee 7ie'4 or /2 &it7ra&' in &ritin$ i' no"ination4 /? 6eco"e' inca5acitate7 in &ic ca'e te na"e o% te '36'tit3te no"inee 'all 6e 5lace7 la't in te li't.
PART, LIST
R.A. :<14 other&ise >no&n as .n .ct Providing for the Election of Part!*List Reresentatives through the Part*List S!ste'+ 1he art!*list s!ste' is a 'echanis' of the roortional reresentation in the election of reresentatives to the BR fro' national- regional and sectoral arties or organi=ations or coalitions thereof- registered &ith the Co'elec- to ena#le "iliinos #elonging to the 'arginali=ed and underreresented sectors to contri#ute legislation that &ould #enefit the'+ /Sec. 2
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ELECTION LAWS REVIEW 1 i'le'ented #! Rule ;@ of the ,779 Rules of Procedure- &hich rovides for the revie& of the )udg'ents- final orders or resolution of the Co'elec and the Co''ission on .udit+ .s Rule ;@ states- the 'ode of revie& is #! a etition for certiorari in accordance &ith Rule ;: to #e filed in the SC &ithin the li'ited eriod of <6 da!s+ 1he Court has original and exclusive )urisdiction over Lo>ins certiorari and for 'anda'us+ 4#8 (oth actions- certiorari and 'anda'us did not violate the rule against foru' shoing even if the actions involved the sa'e arties- #ecause the! &ere #ased on different causes of action and the reliefs the! sought &ere different+ Co'elec gravel! a#used its discretion in ro'ulgating Section 1? o% Re'. No. :=0 a' it e!5an7e7 te e!ce5tion' 3n7er Sec. = o% RA :<1 Section = en3"erate' only ? in'tance' in &ic te 5arty-li't or$aniFation can '36'tit3te anoter 5er'on in 5lace o% te no"inee. Te en3"eration i' e!cl3'i#e.
Inc3"6ent 'ectoral re5re'entati#e' in te +R &o are no"inate7 in te 5arty-li't 'y'te" 'all not 6e con'i7ere7 re'i$ne7.8 CI(.C 4Citi=ens (attle .gainst Corrution8 thru its President E''anuel Villanueva 'anifested their intent to articiate in the Ma! ,@- 5669 s!nchroni=ed national and local elections and su#'itted their list of : no'inees 4VillanuevaLo>in 4herein etitioner8- Cru=*Aon=ales- 1ugna and Aalang8+ 1he list &as later u#lished in the ne&saers of general circulation+ (efore the elections- Villanueva filed a certificate of no'ination- su#stitution and a'end'ent of the list of no'inees &here#! it &ithdre& the no'inations of Lo>in- 1ugna and Aalang and su#stituted (or)e+ 1he a'ended list included Villanueva- Cru=*Aon=ales and (or)e+ Su#sequentl!Villanueva trans'itted to Co'elec the signed etitions of 'ore than ?, if the CI(.C 'e'#ers in order to confir' the &ithdra&al of the no'inations of Lo>in- 1ugna and Aalang+ (ased on the Part!*List Canvas Reort- it sho&ed that CI(.C &as entitled to a second seat- hence- the counsel of CI(.C filed &ith the Co'elec sitting as $ational (oard of Canvassers- a request to roclai' Lo>in as the 5nd no'inee &hich &as oosed #! Villanueva and Cru=*Aon=ales+ Since Co'elec failed to act on the filing of the certificate of no'ination- su#stitution and a'end'ent of the list of no'inees and the etitions of the 'ore than ?, of CI(.C 'e'#ersVillanueva filed a etition to confir' the said certificate &ith the Co'elec &hich &as doc>eted as E+M+ $o+ 69*6:@+ In the 'eanti'e- Co'elec as $(C artiall! roclai'ed several art! lists as having &on &hich included Ci#ac+ 1he Secretar! Aeneral of CI(.C infor'ed the Secretar! Aeneral of the BR to for'all! s&ear Lo>in into office #ut &hich &as denied in vie& of the endenc! of E+M+ $o+ 69* 6:@ &hich aroved the &ithdra&al of the no'inations of Lo>in et+ al+ and the su#stitution of (or)e+ Cru=*Aon=ales &as roclai'ed as the official second no'inee+ Lo>in #rought #efore the SC via Manda'us to co'el resondent Co'elec to roclai' hi' as the official second no'inee of CI(.C+ .lso- in another etition- Lo>in assailed Sec+ ,< of Resolution $o+ 9?6@ 4Rules and Regulations Aoverning the filing of Manifestation of Intent to Particiate and su#'ission of $a'es of $o'inees under the Part!*List8 and its resolution in E+M+ $o+ 69*6:@+ 1he Co'elec asserts that a etition for certiorari is an inaroriate recourse in la& due to the rocla'ation of Cru=* Aon=ales as reresentative and her assu'tion of that office that Lo>ins roer recourse &as an electoral rotest filed in the BRE1- therefore- the Court has no )urisdiction over the 'atter #eing raised #! Lo>in+ CI(.C osits that Lo>in is guilt! of foru' shoing for filing a etition for 'anda'us and a etition for certiorari- considering that #oth etitions ulti'atel! see> to have hi' roclai'ed as the second no'inee of CI(.C+ ISS(ES/ a8 %hether or not the Court has )urisdiction over the controvers!+ 1he Court has )urisdiction+ 1he controvers! involving Lo>in is neither an EP nor an action for Q%- for it concerns a ver! eculiar situation in &hich Lo>in is see>ing to #e seated as second no'inee of CI(.C+ .lthough an EP 'a! roerl! #e availa#le to one art*list organi=ation see>ing to unseat another art!*list organi=ation to deter'ine &hich #et&een the defeated and the &inning art!*list organi=ations actuall! o#tained the 'a)orit! of the legal votesLo>ins case is not one in &hich a no'inee of a articular art!*list organi=ation there#! &ants to unseat another no'inee of the sa'e art! list+ $either does an action for Q% lie- considering that the case does not involve the ineligi#ilit! and dislo!alt! of Cru=*Aon=ales to the RP- or so'e other case of disqualification+ Lo>in has correctl! #rought this secial civil action for certiorari against the Co'elec to see> the revie& of its resolution in accordance &ith Section 9 of .rticle IF*. of the ,7?9 Constitution- not&ithstanding the oath and assu'tion of office #! Cru=*Aon=ales+ 1he constitutional 'andate is no&
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Coco%e7 Ca'e .s earl! as "e#ruar! ?- 56,5- Co'elec had infor'ed- through its Resolution $o+ 7<:7- all registered arties &ho &ished to articiate in the Ma! 56,< art!*list elections that the! shall file &ith the Co'elec a Manifestation of Intent to Particiate in the art! list election together &ith its list of at least : no'inees- no later than Ma! <,- 56,5+ nder Sec+ ;4:8 of R. 97@,- violation of or failure to co'l! &ith la&s- rules and regulations relating to elections is a ground for the cancellation of registration+ Cocofed failed to su#'it a list of : no'inees 4su#'itted onl! 5 no'inees8 desite a'le oortunit! to do so #efore the elections- &hich is a violation i'uta#le to the art! under said rovision+ Pursuant to Section ? of R. 97@,- the Court cannot leave to the art! the discretion to deter'ine the nu'#er of no'inees it &ould su#'it+ 1he su#'ission of the list is a statutor! require'ent for the registration of art!*list grous and the su#'ission of this list is art of a registered art!s continuing co'liance &ith the la& to 'aintain its registration+ . art!*list grous revious registration &ith the Co'elec confers no vested right to the 'aintenance of its registration+ In order to 'aintain a art! in a continuing co'liance status- the art! 'ust rove not onl! its continued ossession of the requisite qualifications #ut- equall!- 'ust sho& its co'liance &ith the #asic require'ents of the la&+ Alliance %or Nationali'" an7 De"ocracy /ANAD #. Co"elec :0> SCRA ?0 /201? the Sure'e Court reiterated+ + co'liance &ith Section ? of R. 97@, is essential as the said rovision is a safeguard against ar#itrariness+ Section ? rids a art!*list organi=ation of the rerogative to su#stitute and relace its no'inees- or even to s&otch the order of the no'inees- after su#'ission of the list to Co'elec+ A6ayon #'. +RET et. al ;12 SCRA ?:>Pal5aran Jr. #'. +RET et. al. 3 1hese t&o cases &ere consolidated and )ointl! resolved as it #oth concerns the authorit! of the BRE1 to ass uon the eligi#ilities of the no'inees of the art!*list grous that &on seats in the lo&er house of Congress+ .#a!hon is the ,st no'inee of the .angat 1a!o art!* list that &on a seat in the BR during the 5669 elections+ Palaran on the other hand &as the ,st no'inee of (anta! art!*list+ . etition for Q% &as filed &ith BRE1 against the art!*list grous and its no'inee clai'ing that it &as not eligi#le for a art!*list since it did not reresent the 'arginali=ed and underreresented sectors+ .#a!hon is the souse of an incu'#ent congressional district reresentative and li>e&ise does not #elong to the R and 'arginali=ed+ Petitioners also clai' that .#a!hon lost her #id as art!*list re called .n %ara! in the i''ediatel! receding elections of Ma! ,6- 566@+ Palaran also &as alleged to have co''itted various hu'an rights violations against the 'arginali=ed sectors 4(anta! reresents the victi's of co''unist re#elsC."A- securit! guards and for'er re#els+8
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ELECTION LAWS REVIEW 1> .#a!hon and Palaran ostures that the Co'elec alread! confir'ed the status of the art! list as a national 'ulti* sectoral art!*list organi=ation- that BRE1 had no )urisdiction over the etitioner for Q% since the etitioners collaterall! attac>ed the registration of the art!*list organi=ation- a 'atter that fell &ithin the )urisdiction of the Co'elec+ 1hat it &as the art!*list that &as ta>ing a seat in the BR and not the'- #eing onl! its no'inees+ .ll questions involving their eligi#ilit! as no'inee- &ere internal concerns of the organi=ation+ 1he BRE1 dis'issed the etition against art!*list #ut uheld its )urisdiction over no'inees &ho #oth filed an MR &hich &as denied+ Bence- this secial civil action for certiorari alleging that the BRE1 gravel! a#used its discretion+ 1he Court 'ade reference to Sec. >/1 o% Article VI /&ic i7enti%ie' &o te "e"6er'8 o% tat +o3'e are + 1he BR shall #e co'osed of not 'ore than 5:6 'e'#ersunless other&ise fixed #! la&- &o 'all 6e electe7 %ro" le$i'lati#e 7i'trict' aortioned a'ong the rovinces- citiesand the Metroolitan Manila area in accordance &ith the nu'#er of their resective inha#itants- and on the #asis of a unifor' and rogressive ration- an7 to'e &o4 a' 5ro#i7e7 6y la&4 'all 6e electe7 tro3$ a 5arty-li't 'y'te" o% re$i'tere7 national4 re$ional an7 'ectoral 5artie' or or$aniFation' + Clearl! the 0"e"6er'8 of the +R are t&o in7'. . .1 those &ho shall #e elected fro' legislative districts an7 58 0those &ho shall #e elected through a art!*list s!ste'2+ "ro' the oint of vie& of the Constitution- it is the art!*list re &ho are 0elected2 into office- $O1 their arties or organi=ations+ 1hese reresentatives are elected- ho&ever- through that eculiar art!*list s!ste' that the Constitution authori=ed and that Congress #! la& esta#lished &here the voters cast their votes for the organi=ations or arties to &hich such art!*list res #elong+ Once elected- #oth the district res and the art!*list res are treated in li>e 'anners+ 1he! have the sa'e deli#erative rights- salaries- and e'olu'ents+ 1he! can articiate in the 'a>ing of la&s that &ill directl! #enefit their legislative districts or sectors+ 1he! are also su#)ect to the sa'e ter' li'itations of < !ears for a 'ax of < consecutive ter's+ 1he art! list s!ste' act itself recogni=es art! list no'inees as 'e'#ers of the BR 4Sec. 24 RA :<1 Declaration o% Policy 3 1he State shall ro'ote roortional reresentation in the election of res in the BR through a art!* list s!ste' of registered national- regional and sectoral arties or organi=ations or coalitions thereof- &hich &ill ena#le )ili5ino citiFen' 6elon$in$ to te "ar$inaliFe7 an7 (R 'ector' ! ! ! ! to 6eco"e "e"6er' o% te +R . 1he Court held that initiall!- the authorit! to deter'ine the qualifications of a art!*list no'inee #elongs to the organi=ation and to choose five fro' a'ong the asiring no'inees to co'l! &ith the la&+ (ut &here an allegation is 'ade that the art! or organi=ation had chosen and allo&ed a disqualified no'inee to #eco'e its art!*list re in the lo&er house and en)o! the secured tenure that goes &ith the osition- the resolution of the disute is ta>en out of its hand+ Bence- ursuant to Section ,9 of .rticle VI- the BRE1 #eing the sole )udge of all contests relating to- a'ong other thingsthe qualifications of the 'e'#ers of the BR- the BRE1 has )urisdiction to hear and ass uon their qualifications+ 1he BRE1 &as correct in dis'issing the Q% and retaining authorit! to rule on the qualifications+
1he &ord 0OR2 is a dis)unctive ter' signif!ing :<1. disassociation and indeendence of one thing fro' the other things enu'erated+ . art! list grou or organi=ation that failed to garner 5 in a rior election and i''ediatel! thereafter did not articiate in the receding election 3 is so'ething that is not covered #! Section ;4?8 of R. 97@,+ "ro' this ersective- it 'a! #e an unintended ga in the la& and as such is a 'atter for Congress to address+ 1his case a#andoned the Minero vs+ Co'elec A+R+ $o+ ,99:@? Ma! ,65669+ Pili55ine *3ar7ian' Broteroo74 Inc. #. Co"elec ;; SCRA ;? /2011 Co"elec re"o#e7 P*BT in te li't o% G3ali%ie7 5artie' #yin$ %or a 'eat 3n7er te 5arty-li't 'y'te" o% re5re'entation in #iolation o% te 'tat3' G3o or7er o% te S35re"e Co3rt + .n equall! i'ortant asect of a de'ocratic electoral exercise is the right of free choice of the electorates on &ho shall govern the' 3 the art!*list s!ste' affords the' this choice- as it gives the 'arginali=ed and underreresented sectors the oortunit! to articiate in governance+ Co'elec &as cited for conte't #! the Court+ E%%ect o% re"o#al 6y Co"elec o% P*BI in te li't / .s it &as the Co'elec itself &hich revented PA(I fro' articiating in the ,6 Ma! 56,6 art!*list elections &hen it deleted PA(I- &ith grave a#use of discretion- fro' the list of accredited art!*list grous or organi=ations and- thereafter- refused to return it to the list desite the Courts directive- PA(I should- at the ver! least- #e dee'ed to have articiated in the ,6 Ma! 56,6 A"ore' #'. +RET et. al ;22 SCRA >ers and their fa'ilies sector &as not effected at least ; 'onths rior to the Ma! ,@- 5669 elections so as to #e qualified to reresent the ne& sector under Section ,: of R. 97@,+ 1he BRE1 dis'issed the etition as it found the etition to #e filed #e!ond the ,6 da!s regle'entar! eriodthat the age qualification for !outh sectoral no'inees under Section < o% RA :<1 alied onl! to those no'inated as such during the first < congressional ter's after the ratification of the Constitution or until ,77?- unless a sectoral art! is thereafter registered exclusivel! as reresenting the !outh sector- &hich CI(.C- a 'ulti sectoral organi=ation- is not+ .s regards the shift of affiliation- it &as held that Section ,: did not al! as there &as no resultant change in art! list affiliation+
ISSES/ 4,8 &hether the etition for Q% &as dis'issi#le for having #een filed unseasona#l! and 458 &hether Section 7 and ,: of R. 97@, al! to Villanueva+ .s to the first issue- the SC found grave a#use of discretion on the art of BRE1+ 1he Court overloo>ed the technicalit! of ti'eliness and rules on the 'erits since the challenge goes into Villanuevas qualificationsit 'a! #e filed at an!ti'e during his ter'+ .lso date of rocla'ation &as not clear+ .s to the second and 'ore su#stantial issue- the Court 'ade reference to Section < o% RA :<1 &ic 5ro#i7e' tat in ca'e o% a no"inee o% te yo3t 'ector4 e "3't at lea't 6e 2> 63t not "ore tan ?0 year' o% a$e on te 7ay o% te election. Te yo3t 'ectoral re5 &o attain' te a$e o% ?0 73rin$ i' ter" 'all 6e allo&e7 to contin3e in o%%ice 3ntil te e!5iration o% i' ter".
Pili55ine *3ar7ian' Broteroo74 Inc. /P*BI #. Co"elec ;1< SCRA >=> 4KELIS1I$A83 1he Co'elec 'a! 'otu roio OR uon verified co'laint of an! interested art!- re'ove- or cancel- after due notice and hearing- the registration of an! national- regional or sectoral art!- organi=ation or coalition I" It/ 4a %ail' to 5artici5ate in te la't 2 5rece7in$ election'@ OR /6 %ail' to o6tain at lea't 2M o% te #ote' ca't' 3n7er te 5arty-li't 'y'te" in te 2 5rece7in$ election' %or te con'tit3ency in &ic it &a' re$i'tere7 /Section ; RA
15
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ELECTION LAWS REVIEW 1; 1he Court did not find an! textual suort on the interretation of BRE1 that Section < alied onl! to those no'inated during the first < congressional ter's after the ratification of the Constitution or until ,77?+ . cardinal rule in statutor! construction is that &hen the la& is clear and free fro' an! dou#t or a'#iguit!- there is no roo' for construction or interretation+ Onl! roo' for alication+ 1he distinction is no&here found in the la&+ %hen the la& does not distinguish &e 'ust not distinguish+ Resecting Section 1> o% RA :<1- the Court li>e&ise found no textual suort for BRE1s ratiocination that the rovision did not al! to Villanuevas shift of affiliation fro' CI(.Cs !outh sector to its overseas "iliino &or>ers and their fa'ilies sector as there &as no resultant change in art! list affiliation+ Section 1> rea7' Can$e o% A%%iliation E%%ect Any electe7 5arty li't re5 &o can$e' i' 5olitical 5arty or 'ectoral a%%iliation 73rin$ i' ter" o% o%%ice 'all %or%eit i' 'eat@ Pro#i7e74 Tat i% e can$e' i' 5olitical 5arty or 'ectoral a%%iliation &itin ; "ont' 6e%ore an election4 e 'all not 6e eli$i6le %or no"ination a' 5arty-li't re5 3n7er i' ne& 5arty or or$aniFation. 1he &ordings of Section ,: is clear as it covers changes in #oth olitical art! and sectoral affiliation and &hich 'a! occur &ithin the sa'e art! since 'ulti*sectoral art!*list org are qualified to articiate in the Philiine art!*list s!ste'+ . no'inee &ho changes his sectoral affiliation &ithin the sa'e art! &ill onl! #e eligi#le for no'ination under the ne& sectoral affiliation if the change has #een effected at least ; 'onths #efore the elections+ Sec+ 7 and ,: al! to Villanueva+ .s regards the contention that Villanueva is the ,st no'inee of CI(.C- &hose victor! &as later uheld- is $O 'o'ent+ . art!*list orgs ran>ing of its no'inees is a 'ere indication of reference - their qualifications according to la& are a different 'atter+
art!*list s!ste' are 0qualified2 to have a seat in the BR •
1he <*seat li'it 3 each qualified art!- regardless of the nu'#er of votes it actuall! o#tained- is entitled to a 'axi'u' three seats- that is- one qualif!ing and t&o additional seats
1he roortional reresentation 3 the additional seats &hich a qualified art! is entitled to shall #e co'uted 0in roortion to their total nu'#er of votes++ In this case- follo&ing the Ma!,,- ,77? national elections &hich is the first election for art!*list reresentation- the Co'elec en #anc roclai'ed ,@ arties and organi=ations &hich had o#tained at least 5 of the total nu'#er of votes cast for the art!*list s!ste' &hich constitute a total of 5: no'inees short of the :5 art!*list reresentatives &ho should actuall! sit in the house+ 1he P.A*.S. files &ith the Co'elec a Petition to roclai' the full nu'#er of art!*list reresentative rovided #! the Constitution+ 1he! alleged that the filling u of the 56 'e'#ershi of art! list reresentative in the Bouseas rovided under the Constitution- &as 'andator!+ $ine other art! list organi=ations filed their resective 'otions to intervene see>ing the sa'e relief as that sought #! P.A*.S. on su#stantiall! the sa'e grounds+ 1he Co'elec- contrar! to its rules and regulations governing the said elections- instead roclai'ed the other /2 o% Article VI &hich states that the sectoral reresentation shall constitute the 56 is not 0'andator!2 as it 'erel! rovides a ceiling for art!*list in congress+ .nd- o#taining a#solute roortional reresentation is restricted #! the <*seat er art! li'it to a 'axi'u' of t&o additional slots+ Co'elec &as held to have a#used its discretion in disregarding an act of Congress+ •
Te =-5oint $3i7eline' %or 'creenin$ 5arty-li't 5artici5ant' An$ La7la7 L*BT Party #. Co"elec ;1= SCRA ?2 3 Ladlad is an organi=ation co'osed of 'en and &o'en &ho identif! the'selves as les#ians- ga!s- #isexuals or transgendered individuals+ 1he! alied for registration &ith Co'elec in 566; and its accreditation &as denied on the ground that the organi=ation had no su#stantial 'e'#ershi+ Ladlad in 5667 again filed a etition for registration &hich &as dis'issed #! Co'elec on 'oral grounds 4(i#le and Horan8+
In Ba$on$ Bayani La6or Party #. Co"elec ?>< SCRA ;<= /2001 /al'o reiterate7 te r3lin$ in Veteran'4 at issue is the O'ni#us Resolution of the Co'elec &hich aroved the articiation of ,:@ organi=ations and arties and &hich the SC re'anded to the Co'elec for the latter to deter'ine evidentiar! hearings- &hether the ,:@ arties and organi=ations allo&ed to articiate in the art!*list elections co'lied &ith the require'ents of the la&+ 1he SC ruled that the art!*list organi=ations or arties 'ust factuall! and trul! reresent the 'arginali=ed and underreresented constituencies 'entioned in Section : of R. 97@, and the ersons no'inated #! the art!*list candidate*organi=ation 'ust #e 0"iliino citi=ens #elonging to the 'arginali=ed and underreresented sectors- organi=ations and arties+2 In re'anding the case to Co'elec the SC laid do&n the follo&ing guidelines 3
1he SC ruled that 'oral disaroval is not a sufficient govern'ental interest to )ustif! exclusion of ho'osexuals fro' articiation to the art! list s!ste'+ 1he Constitution rovides in Sec+ :- .rt+ III that 0$o la& shall #e 'ade resecting an esta#lish'ent of religion- or rohi#iting the free exercise thereof+2 .t #otto'- &hat our non*esta#lish'ent clause calls for is 0govern'ent neutralit! in religious 'atters+2 Clearl!0govern'ental reliance on religious )ustification is inconsistent &ith this olic! of neutralit!+2 Bence- the Court finds that it &as grave violation of the non*esta#lish'ent clause for the Co'elec to utili=e the (i#le and the Horan to )ustif! the exclusion of ang Ladlad+ In su'- the crucial ele'ent is not &hether a sector is secificall! enu'erated- #ut &hether a articular organi=ation co'lies &ith the require'ents of the Constitution and R. 97@,+ 1he SC found that Ladlad has sufficientl! de'onstrated its co'liance &ith the legal require'ents for accreditation+
"irst- the PP- sector or organi=ation "3't re5re'ent te "ar$inaliFe7 an7 3n7erre5re'ente7 $ro35' i7enti%ie7 in Section > o% RA :<1. In other &ordsit 'ust sho& 3 through the Constitution- articles of incororation- #!*la&s- histor!- latfor' of govern'ent and trac> record 3 that it reresents and see>s to ulift 'arginali=ed and underreresented sectors+ Second- &hile 'a)or olitical arties are exressl! allo&ed #! R. 97@, and the Constitution to articiate- tey "3't co"5ly &it te 7eclare7 'tat3tory 5olicy ena6lin$ )ili5ino citiFen' 6elon$in$ to te an7 ( to 6e electe7 to te +R.
Veteran' )e7eration Party #. Co"elec ?2 SCRA 2 - the SC rovided for the four unique ara'eters of the "iliino Part!*list S!ste' &hich are as follo&s 3
16
•
1he 56 allocation 3 the co'#ined nu'#er of all art!*list congress'en shall not exceed 56 of the total 'e'#ershi of the BR- including those under the art!*list
•
1he 5 threshold 3 onl! those arties garnering a 'ini'u' of 5 of the total valid votes cast for the
1hird- religious sector 'a! not #e reresented in the art!*list s!ste'+ In vie& of the o#)ections
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ELECTION LAWS REVIEW 1: directed against the registration of .ng (uha! Ba!aang Bu'a#ong- &hich is allegedl! a religious grou- the Court notes the exress constitutional rovision that the reli$io3' 'ector "ay not 6e re5re'ente7 in te 5arty-li't 'y'te"+ "urther'ore- the Constitution rovides that 0religious deno'inations and sects shall not #e registered+2 1he rohi#ition &as exlained #! a 'e'#er of the Constitutional Co''ission in this &ise 01he rohi#ition is on an! religious organi=ation registering as a olitical art!+ I do not see an! rohi#ition here against a riest running as a candidate+ 1his is not rohi#ited here it is the registration of a religious sect as a olitical art!+2
organi=ation underta>en #! .>lat is lain &indo&*dressing as it has not reall! changed its character as a #usiness interest of ersons in the #oo> u#lishing industr!+ 1he Court o#served that .>lats articles of incororation and docu'ent entitled 1he "acts .#out .>lat &hich &ere attached to its etition for re*qualification contain general aver'ents that it suosedl! reresents 'arginali=ed grous such as the !outh- indigenous co''unities- ur#an oor and far'ersDfisherfol>s+ 1hese general state'ents do not 'easure u to the first guideline set #! the (agon (a!ani case for screening art!*list articiants+ Sec+ : of R. 97@, rovides that 0it 'ust sho& 3 through its constitution- articles of incororation- #!la&s- histor!- latfor' of govern'ent and trac> record 3 that it reresents and see>s to ulift 'arginali=ed and underreresented sectors+ Veril!- 'a)orit! of its 'e'#ershi should #elong to the 'arginali=ed and underreresented+
"ourth- it "3't not 6e 7i'G3ali%ie7 3n7er te $ro3n7 en3"erate7 3n7er Section ; o% RA :<1 4not a religious sect or deno'ination or association organi=ed for religious uroses- advocates violence or unla&ful 'eans to see> its goal a foreign art! or organi=ation receives suort fro' an! foreign govern'ent- fails to co'l! &ith la&s rules or regulations relating to elections- declared untruthful state'ent in its etition- it has ceased to exist for at least one 4,8 !ear- it fails to articiate in the last 5 receding elections or failed to o#tain at least 5 of the votes cast under the art! list s!ste' in the 5 receding elections for the constituenc! in &hich it &as registered8
Bantay Re536lic Act or BA-RA :<1 #'. *.R. No. 1::2:14 ay 4 200:4 >2? SCRA 1 - Petitioners reacting on an e'erging u#lic ercetion that the individuals #ehind the art!*list grous do not- as the! should- actuall! reresent the oor and 'arginali=ed sectors+ Petitioners- &rote a letter to the Co'elec requesting that the co'lete list of the no'inees of all arties &ho have #een accredited ursuant to Co'elec Resolution $o+ 9?6@ rescri#ing rules and regulations to govern the filing of 'anifestation of intent to articiate and su#'ission of na'es of no'inees under the art!*list s!ste' of reresentation in connection &ith the Ma! ,@- 5669 elections #e u#lished+ 1he Co'elec vehe'entl! did not accede to the request of the etitioners- it #ased its refusal to disclose the na'es of the no'inees of su#)ect art!*list grous on Section 9 of R. 97@, 4'ore secificall! the last sentence &hich states/ 0the na'es of the art!*list no'inees shall not #e sho&n on the certified list+2+
"ifth- the art! or organi=ation "3't not 6e an a73nct o%4 or a 5roect or$aniFe7 or an entity %3n7e7 or a''i'te7 6y te $o#ern"ent 4referring to M.K of Richard Ao'e=8+ It 'ust #e indeendent of the govern'ent+ 1he articiants of the govern'ent or it officials in the affairs of a art!*list candidate is not onl! illegal and unfair to other arties- #ut also deleterious to the o#)ective of the la& to ena#le citi=ens #elonging to 'arginali=ed and underreresented sectors and organi=ations to #e elected to the Bouse of Reresentatives+
1he Co'elec #elieve that the art! list elections 'ust not #e ersonalit! oriented+ .#alos said under R. 97@,- the eole are to vote for sectoral arties- organi=ations- or coalitions not for their no'inees+ ISSE/ &hether or not the disclosure of the na'es of the no'inees are covered #! the Right of Pu#lic to infor'ation+ BELK/ 1he Co'elec has a constitutional dut! to disclose and release the na'es of the no'inees of the art! list grous+ $o national securit! or li>e concerns is involved in the disclosure of the na'es of the no'inees of the art!*list grous in question+ 1he last sentence of Section : is li'ited in scoe and duration- 'eaning- that it extends onl! to the certified list &hich the sa'e rovision requires to #e osted in the olling laces on election da!+ 1o stretch the coverage of the rohi#ition to the a#solute nothing in R. 97@, that rohi#its the Co'elec fro' disclosing or even u#lishing through 'ediu's other than the 0Certified list2 the na'es of the art!*list no'inees+ 1he Co'elec o#viousl! 'isread the li'ited non* disclosure asect of the rovision as an a#solute #ar to u#lic disclosure #efore the Ma! 5669 elections+ 1he need for voters to #e infor'ed a#out 'atters that have a #earing on their choice+ 1he ideal cannot #e achieved in a s!ste' of #lind voting- as verita#l! advocated in the assailed resolution of the Co'elec+
Sixth- the 5arty "3't not only co"5ly &it te reG3ire"ent' o% te la&4 it' no"inee' "3't lie&i'e 7o 'o. Section < o% RA :<1 reads 3 0qualifications of Part!*List $o'inees 3 $o erson shall #e no'inated as art!*list reresentative unless he is a natural #orn citi=en of the Philiinesa RV- a resident of the Philiines for a eriod of not less than , !ear i''ediatel! receding the da! of the election- a#le to read and &rite- a #ona*fide 'e'#er of the art! or organi=ation &hich he see>s to reresent for at least 76 da!s receding the da! of the elections and is at least 5: !ears of age on the da! of the election+ Seventh and Eight not only te can7i7ate 5arty "3't re5re'ent te an7 ( 'ector'4 'o al'o "3't it' no"inee' 'ust li>e&ise #e a#le to contri#ute to the for'ulation and enact'ent of aroriate legislation that &ill #enefit the nation as a &hole+
Ne& )or"3la in te Allocation o% Seat' %or Party-Li't Re5re'entati#e'
A9LAT /A''o'a'yon Para 'a 9a3nlaran N$ Li53nan at A7iain Para 'a Tao4 Inc. #'. Co"elec4 *.R. No. 1;220?4 1 A5ril 2004 ca'e u &ith a ruling on the 0%indo&*Kressing2 of art!*list articiant+ In this case- Co'elec found that significantl!- .>lat and .+H+L+.+1+ have su#stantiall! the sa'e incororators+ In fact @ of .>lats ; incororators are also incororators of .+H+L+.+1++ 1his su#stantial si'ilarit! is hard to ignore and #olsters the conclusion that the suosed re*
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Banat et. al. #'. Co"elec *.R. 1:=2:112<:2 21 A5ril 200< .fter the V"P v+ Co'elec- A+R+ $o+ ,<;9?,- ,<;9?; and ,<;97:- 6; Octo#er 5666- ruling of the Sure'e Court and the controversial alication of the 0Pangani#an "or'ula2 #! the .#alos Co''ission- Part!*list articiants in (anat et al+- filed searate co'laints against the Co'elec on the roer allocation of seats in the art!*list s!ste'+ On 5< .ril 5667-
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ELECTION LAWS REVIEW 1= the Sure'e Court declared the 5 threshold clause in relation to the distri#ution of the additional seats of R. 97@, unconstitutional+ "ollo&ing Section :- .rticle VI- ar+ 5 of the ,7?9 Constitution- 56 of all seats in the BR is reserved for sectoral reresentatives elected in the art! list s!ste'+ 1his for'ula is no& called the 0Cario for'ula+2 nder the (anat and (a!an Muna cases 4A+R+ $o+ ,9759, and A+R+ $o+ ,9757:- 5, .ril 56678- the SC laid do&n the latest for'ula in the allocation of seats for art!*list articiants/ ,8 1he arties- organi=ations and coalitions shall #e rane7 %ro" te i$e't to te lo&e't 6a'e7 on the nu'#er of votes the! garnered during the elections+ 58 1he arties- organi=ations and coalitions recei#in$ at lea't 2M o% te total #ote' ca't %or te 5arty-li't 'y'te" 'all 6e entitle7 to one $3arantee7 'eat eac. <8 1hose garnering sufficient nu'#er of votes- according to the ran>ing a#ove*'entioned in aragrah no+ , hereof- 'all 6e entitle7 to a77itional 'eat' in roortion to their total nu'#er of votes until all the additional seats are allocated+ @8 Each art!- organi=ation- or coalition shall #e entitled to not 'ore than < seats+ (anat a#andoned the 'atter of co'utation held in the Veterans Part! case considering that the intention &as to fill the 56 seats in the BR+
registered voter- and a resident of the Philiines for not less than 5 !ears i''ediatel! receding the elections+ 4Article VI4 Section ?4 Con'tit3tion )or e"6er' o% te +o3'e o% Re5re'entati#e' 3 $o erson shall #e a Me'#er of the BR unless he is natural*#orn citi=en of the Philiines- and- on the da! of election- is at least 5: !ears of age- a#le to read and &rite- and excet the art! list reresentatives- a registered voter in the district in &hich he shall elected- and a resident thereof for a eriod of not less than on !ear i''ediatel! receding the election+ /Article VI4 Section ;4 Con'tit3tion )or Party-Li't No"inee' $o erson shall #e no'inated as art!*list reresentative unless he is a natural #orn*citi=en of the Philiines- a registered voter- a resident of the Philiines for a eriod of not less than one 4,8 !ear i''ediatel! receding the da! of the election- a#le to read to read and &rite- a #ona fide 'e'#er of the art! or organi=ation &hich he see>s to reresent for at least 76 da!s receding the da! of the election and is at least 5: !ears of age on the da! of the election+ In case of a no'inee of the !outh sector- he 'ust at least #e 5: #ut not 'ore than <6 !ears of age on the da! of the election+ .n! !outh sectoral reresentative &ho attains the age of <6 during his ter' shall #e allo&ed to continue in office until the exiration of his ter'+ 4R. 97@,8+
ELI*IBILIT, O) CANDIDATES Ben$Fon III #. +RET ?>: SCRA >> /2001 3 Reatriation results in the recover! of the original nationalit!+ 1his 'eans that a naturali=ed "iliino &ho lost his citi=enshi &ill #e restored to his rior status as a naturali=ed "iliino citi=en++ On the other hand- if he &as originall! a natural*#orn citi=en #efore he lost his Philiine citi=enshi- he &ill #e restored to his for'er status as a natural*#orn "iliino+
Candidate defined/ 1he ter' 0candidate2 refers to an! erson asiring or see>ing an elective u#lic office- &ho has filed a certificate of candidac! #! hi'self or through an accredited olitical art!- aggrou'ent- or coalition of arties+ 4Sec+ 97OEC8 1he ter's 0candidate2 under the .uto'ated Election S!ste' 4.ES8 in 56,6- refers to 0an! erson asiring for or see>ing an elective u#lic office &ho has filed his COC and &ho has not dies or &ithdra&n or other&ise disqualified #efore the start of the ca'aign eriod for &hich he filed his COC+ Providedthat- unla&ful acts or o'issions alica#le to a candidate shall ta>e effect onl! uon the start of the aforesaid ca'aign eriod+2 4Co'elec Reso+ $o+ ?;9?8+
Local *o#ern"ent O%%icial' 3 .n elective local official 'ust #e a citi=en of the Philiines a registered voter in the #aranga!- 'unicialit!- cit! or rovince or- in the case of a 'e'#er of the sangguniang anlala&igan- sangguniang anlungsod or sangguniang #a!an- the district &here he intends to #e elected a resident therein for at least one 4,8 !ear i''ediatel! receding the da! of the election a#le to read and &rite "iliino or an! other local language or dialect+
.s regards a Part!*List s!ste'- a 0candidate2 also refers to 0an! registered national- regional- or sectoral art!organi=ation or coalition thereof that has filed a 'anifestation to articiate under the art*list s!ste' &hich has not &ithdra&n or &hich has not #e disqualified #efore the start of the ca'aign eriod+2 4R. 97@,8+
Co""on to All O%%ice' * Voluntar! renunciation of the office for an! length of ti'e shall not #e considered as an interrution in the continuit! of the service for the full ter' for &hich the! &ere elected+ RA No. <1;> /Co"5reen'i#e Dan$ero3' Dr3$' Act o% 2002 Section ?;/$ rovides that 0all candidates for u#lic office &hether aointed or elected #oth in the national and local govern'ent shall undergo 'andator! drug tests+ Co'elec issued Resolution $o+ ;@?; on 5< Kece'#er 566< i'le'enting 7,;:+ Pu#lication of the results &ill #e u#lished+ (ut the resolution does not indicate &hether or not candidates &ho test ositive for drugs &ill #e allo&ed to assu'e office if the! &in+8
Co"elec Re'o. No. <;1> adoted a #roader definition of the ter' 0candidate2 for the ,< Ma! 56,< Elections to include art!*list in include all the a#ove*definitions+ 3ali%ication' )or Pre'i7ent an7 Vice-Pre'i7ent 3 $o erson 'a! #e elected President unless he is a natural*#orn citi=en of the Philiines- a registered voter- a#le to read and &rite- at lea't 0 year' o% a$e on te 7ay o% te election - and a resident of the Philiines for at least ,6 !ears i''ediatel! receding such election+ 1here shall #e a Vice*President &ho shall have the sa'e qualifications and ter' of office and #e elected &ith- and in the sa'e 'anner- as the President+ Be 'a! #e re'oved fro' office in the sa'e 'anner as the President /Article VII4 Section 2 an7 ?4 Con'tit3tion
Social J3'tice Society #. Dan$ero3' Dr3$' Boar74 *.R. No. 1>:=:04 0? No#e"6er 200= 3 Sec+ <;4g8 of R. 7;: and Co'elec Resolution $o+ ;@?; &as challenged as the sa'e illegall! i'ose an additional qualification on candidates for senator+ Senator Pi'entel oint out that- su#)ect to the rovision on nuisance candidates- a candidate for senator needs onl! to 'eet the qualification laid do&n in Section <- .rt+ VI of the Constitution- to &it/ 4,8 citi=enshi 458 voter registration 4<8 literac! 4@8 age and 4:8 residenc!+ (e!ond these stated qualification require'ents- candidates for senator need not ossess an! other qualification to run for senator and #e voted uon and elected as 'e'#er of the Senate+
)or Senator $o erson shall #e a Senator unless he is a natural*#orn citi=en of the Philiines and- on the da! of election- is at least <: !ears of age- a#le to read and &rite- a
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ELECTION LAWS REVIEW 1< .s ruled- Sec+ <;4h8 of R. 7,;:- as sought to #e i'le'ented #! Co'elec assailed Resolution- effectivel! enlarges the qualification require'ents enu'erated in Sec+ <.rt+ VI of the Constitution+ .s couched- said Sec+ <;4g8 un'ista>a#l! requires a candidate for senator to #e certified illegal drug*clean- o#viousl! a re*condition to the validit! of a certificate of candidac! for senator or- &ith li>e effect- a condition sine qua non to #e voted uon and- if roer- #e roclai'ed as senator*elect+ Vie&ed in its roer context- the i'le'enting Co'elec Resolution add another qualification la!er to &hat the ,7?9 Constitution- as the 'ini'u'- required for 'e'#ershi in the Senate+ Sec+ <;4h8 infringed the constitutional rovision defining the qualification or eligi#ilit! require'ents for one asiring to run for and serve as senator+ Aetting elected &ould #e of little value if one cannot assu'e office for non*co'liance &ith the drug*testing require'ent+
office for &hich he desires to #e eligi#le and cancel the certificate of candidac! for the other office or offices+ Pilar #. Co"elec 2> SCRA :>< /1<<> 3 1he &ithdra&al of a certificate of candidac! does not extinguish ones lia#ilit! for the ad'inistrative fine i'osed #! Section 1 o% R.A. No. :1;;- &hich requires ever! candidate to file a true state'ent of all contri#utions and exenditures in connection &ith the elections+ Villan3e#a #. Co"elec 122 SCRA ;?; /1<=? 3 the &ithdra&al of a certificate of candidac! not 'ade under oath roduces no legal effect for all intents and uroses- the &ithdra&ing candidate re'ains a candidate+ *o #. Co"elec ?>: SCRA :?< /2001 Were a%%i7a#it o% &it7ra&al %ile7. 1here is nothing that 'andates that the affidavit of &ithdra&al 'ust #e filed &ith the sa'e office &here the certificate of candidac! to #e &ithdra&n &as filed+ 1hus- it can #e filed directl! &ith the 'ain office of the Co'elec- the office of the regional election suervisor concerned- the office of the rovincial election suervisor of the rovince to &hich the 'unicialit! involved #elongs- or the office of the 'unicial election officer of the said 'unicialit!+
CERTI)ICATE O) CANDIDAC, 1. (n7er te an3al Election' 1he COC of candidac! shall #e filed on an! da! fro' the co''ence'ent of the election eriod #ut not later than the da! #efore the #eginning of the ca'aign eriod Provided- that in cases of ostone'ent or failure of election under Section : and ; of the OEC- no additional COC shall #e acceted excet in cases of su#stitution of candidates as rovided un Section 99+ 4Section 9:- OEC8 COC 'ust #e filed not later than the da! #efore the date for the #eginning of the ca'aign eriod+ 4Sec+ 9- R. 9,;;8
E))ECTS )ILIN* O) CERTI)ICATE O) CANDIDAC,
In Tala$a #. Co"elecAlcala ;=? SCRA 1<: /2012 8 1he Bigh Court rovided for the rationale %or te %ilin$ o% CoC &itin a 5re'cri6e7 5erio7 3 1he evident uroses of the require'ent for the filing of CoCs and in fixing the ti'e li'it for filing the' are- na'el! 4a8 to ena#le the voters to >no&- at least ;6 da!s rior to the regular election- the candidates fro' a'ong &ho' the! are to 'a>e the choice and 4#8 to avoid confusion and inconvenience in the ta#ulation of the votes cast+ If the la& does not confine to the dul!*registered candidates the choice of the voters- there 'a! #e as 'an! ersons voted for as there are voters- and votes 'a! #e cast even for un>no&n or factitious ersons as a 'ar> to identif! the votes in favor of a candidate for another office in the sa'e election+
2. (n7er te AES 3 Section ,, of R. ?@<; rovides 0for this urose- the deadline for filing of COCDetition for registrationD'anifestation to articiate in the election shall not #e later than ,56 da!s #efore the elections+ 1he eriod has alread! #een a'ended #! R. 7<;7 &hich no& reads 3 0"or this urose- te Co""i''ion 'all 'et te 7ea7line %or te %ilin$ o% COC5etition o% re$i'tration"ani%e'tation to 5artici5ate in te election + .n! erson &ho files his COC &ithin this eriod shall onl! #e considered as a candidate at the start of the ca'aign eriod for &hich he filed his COC Provided that- unla&ful acts or o'issions alica#le to a candidate shall effect onl! uon the start of the aforesaid ca'aign eriod+ Fxxx 0+
Sec. ;; BP ==1OEC + An a55ointi#e o%%icial is considered resigned uon the filing of hisDher certificate of candidac!+ 1he forfeiture is auto'atic and the oerative act is the 'o'ent of filing &hich shall render the aointive official resigned 4Nicola'ora #. CSC 1<<0 ca'e an7 PNOC #. NLRC4 ay ?14 1<
Section :?4 BP ==1O"ni63' Election' Co7e /OEC 4 5ar. /1 Certi%icate o% Can7i7acy 3 $o erson shall #e eligi#le for an! elective office unless he files a s&orn certificate of candidac! &ithin the eriod fixed therein+ Sinaca #. 3la ?1> Filing SCRA 2;;4 it is the nature of a for'al 'anifestation to the of coc &hole &orld of the candidates olitical creed or lac> of olitical creed+ CoG3illa #. Co"elec *.R. No. 1?<=014 ?1 ay 2000 . certificate &hich did not indicate the osition for &hich the candidate is running 'a! #e corrected+ 1he SC ruling on the effectiveness of the a'ended COC filed to correct the defect declared that the filing of an a'ended COC even after the deadline #ut #efore the election &as su#stantial co'liance &ith the la& &hich cured the defect+
Sec. ;: OEC 3 .n electi#e o%%icial running for a osition other than the one he is holding in a er'anent caacit!- excet for President and Vice*President- is dee'ed resigned uon the filing of his certificate of candidac!+ Section ;9 has #een reealed #! Section 1 o% RA <00; /Te )air Election' La& a candidate holding an elective osition &hether national or local running for office other than the one he is holding in a er'anent caaci is considered resigned onl! uon the exiration of his ter'++
Section :? /? BP ==1 /E%%ect o% %ilin$ "3lti5le certi%icate' o% can7i7acy $o erson shall #e eligi#le for 'ore than one office to #e filed in the sa'e election /reG3ire"ent to r3n %or electi#e o%%ice4 and if he files his certificate of candidac! for 'ore than one office- he shall not #e eligi#le for an! of the'+ Wit7ra&al o% Certi%icate o% Can7i7acy * Bo&ever- #efore the exiration of the eriod for the filing of the certificates of candidac!- the erson &ho has filed 'ore than one certificate of candidac! 'a! su#'it a &ritten declaration under oath the
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Sinaca #. 3la ?1> SCRA 2;; /1<<< 8 3 1he rovision of the election la& regarding certificates of candidac!- such as signing and s&earing on the sa'e- as &ell as the infor'ation
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ELECTION LAWS REVIEW 20 required to #e stated therein- are considered 'andator! rior to the elections+ 1hereafter- the! are regarded as 'erel! director!+
CoC #efore the elections in accordance &ith Section 9< and that she &as not an additional candidate for the osition of Ma!or #ecause her filing of her CoC &as #e!ong the eriod fixed #! la&+ Co'elec declared the su#stitution of (ar#ara Ru#! as invalid on Ma! 56- 56,, (ar#ar! Ru#! garnered the highest nu'#er of votes &hile Castillo garnered second+ Castillo contends that since the disqualification of Ra'on &as final rior to the election he should #e declared &inner+ Castillo 'ade reference to case of Ca!at+ In this case- Rev+ "r+ $ardo (+ Ca!at- the etitioner in Ca!at- &as disqualified and his disqualification #eca'e final #efore the Ma! ,6- 566,@ elections+ Considering that no su#stitution of Ca!at &as 'ade- 1ho'as R+ Pelileng- Sr+ his rival re'ained the onl! candidate for the 'a!oralt! ost in (uguias- (enguet+ /Cayat #. Co"elec >22 SCRA 2? /200:. In contrast- after (ar#ara Ru#! su#stituted Ra'onthe Ma! ,6- 56,6 elections roceeded &ith her #eing regarded #! the electorate of Lucena Cit! as a #ona fide candidate+ 1o the electorate- she #eca'e a contender for the sa'e osition vied for #! Castillo- such that she stood on the sa'e footing as Castillo+ Such standing as a candidate negated Castillos clai' of #eing the candidate &ho o#tained the highest nu'#er of votes- and #eing consequentl! entitled to assu'e the office of Ma!or+ Te Co3rt 'tre''e7 tat te e!i'tence o% a #ali7 CoC i' a con7ition 'ine G3a non %or a #ali7 '36'tit3tion.
3into #. Co"elec *.R. No. 1=<;<=4 22 )e6r3ary 2010 the Court ruled that su#stantial distinctions exists #et&een elective official and aointive officials+ 1he for'er occu! their office #! virtue of the 'andate of the electorate+ 1he! are elected to an office for a definite ter' and 'a! #e re'oved therefro' onl! uon stringent conditions+ On the other hand- aointive officials hold their office #! virtue of their designation thereto #! an aointing authorit!+ So'e aointive officials hold their tenure &hile other serve at the leasure of the aointing authorit!+ S(BSTIT(TION O) CANDIDAC, Section :: BP ==1+ Candidates in case of death, disqualification or withdrawal of another( A%ter te la't 7ay for the filing of certificates of candidac!- an official candidate of a registered or accredited olitical art! dies- &ithdra&s or is disqualified for an! cause- only a 5er'on 6elon$in$ to4 an7 certi%ie7 6y4 te 'a"e 5olitical 5arty "ay %ile a certi%icate o% can7i7acy to re5lace te can7i7ate &o 7ie74 &it7re& or &a' 7i'G3ali%ie7+ 1he su#stitute candidate no'inated #! the olitical art! concerned 'a! %ile i' certi%icate o% can7i7acy for the office affected in accordance &ith the receding sections not later tan "i7-7ay o% te 7ate o% te election. If the death- &ithdra&al or disqualification should occur #et&een the da! #efore the election and 'id*da! of election da!- said certificate 'a! #e filed &ith the #oard of election insectors in the olitical su#divisions &here he is a candidate or- in the case of candidates to #e voted for #! the entire electorate of the countr!- &ith the Co''ission+
E%%ect o% S36'tit3tion o% Can7i7ate' a%ter O%%icial Ballot' +a#e Been Printe7 in AES * in case of valid su#stitution after the official #allots have #een rinted- the votes cast for the su#stituted candidates shall #e considered votes for the su#stitutes+2 4Sec+ ,5 R. ?@<;- 55 Kece'#er ,7798
nder Section ,5 of R. 766;- ,5 "e#ruar! 566, it rovides 3 in case of valid su#stitutions after the official #allot have #een rinted- the votes cast for the su#stituted candidates shall #e considered as stra! votes #ut shall not invalidate the &hole #allot+ "or this urose- the official #allot shall rovide saces &here the voters 'a! &rite the na'e of the su#stitute candidates if the! are voting for the latter Provided- ho&ever- that if the su#stitute candidate has the sa'e fa'il! na'e- this rovision shall not al!+ Since Section ,5 of R. ?@<; has not #een a'ended nor reealed #! R. 7<;7- it can #e assu'ed that the votes cast for the su#stituted candidates shall #e considered votes for the su#stitutes in an .ES for the reason that the counting 'achine &ill not read an! un&arranted 'ar>s on the official #allot such as &riting the na'e of the su#stitute candidate+
A #ali7 certi%icate o% can7i7acy i' an in7i'5en'a6le reG3i'ite in ca'e o% '36'tit3tion o% a 7i'G3ali%ie7 can7i7ate 3n7er Sec. ::. nder said rovision- the candidate &ho dies &ithdra&s or is disqualified 'ust #e an official candidate of a registered or accredited olitical art! and the su#stitute candidate 'ust #e of the sa'e olitical art! as the original candidate and 'ust #e dul! no'inated as such #! the olitical art!+
R3llo7a #'. Co"elec *.R. No. 1>1<= Jan3ary 204 200? 3 1he a#sence of a secific rovision governing su#stitution of candidates in #aranga! elections cannot #e inferred as a rohi#ition against said su#stitution+ Such a restrictive construction cannot #e read into the la& &here the sa'e is not &ritten+ Indeed- there is 'ore reason to allo& su#stitution of candidates &here no olitical arties are involved than &hen olitical considerations or art! affiliations reign- a fact that 'ust have #een su#su'ed #! la&+
RESIDENC, RE(IREENT S#etlana P. Jalo'o' #'. Co"elecT35a$E'trella7a ;<< SCRA >0: /201? 1he SC stressed that to #e an actual and h!sical resident of a localit!- one 'ust have a d&elling lace &here one resides no 'atter ho& 'odest and regardless of o&nershi+ 1he fact that the residential structure &here etitioner intends to reside &as still under construction on the lot she urchased 'eans that she has not !et esta#lished actual and h!sical residence in the #aranga!- contrar! to the declaration of her &itnesses that she has #een an actual and h!sical resident of (rg!+ 1ugas since 566?+
iran7a #. A6aya4 *.R. No. 1?;?>1 J3ly 2=4 1<<< Su#stitution is not allo&ed if certificate of the candidate to #e su#stituted &as cancelled- #ecause he &as running for the @th consecutive ter'+ . erson &ithout a valid COC cannot #e considered a candidate in 'uch the sa'e &a! as an! erson &ho has not filed an! COC at all cannot- #! an! stretch of the i'agination- #e a candidate at all+
eynar7 Sa6ili #. Co"elec)lorencio Li6rea ;:0 SCRA ;; /2012. It is not required that a candidate should have his o&n house in order to esta#lish his residence or do'icile in a lace+ It is enough that he should live in the localit! even in a rented house or that of a friend or relative+ %hat is of central concern then is that the erson identified and esta#lished a lace in the said Cit! &here he intended to live in and return to for an indefinite eriod of ti'e+
Tala$a #. Co"elec Ca'tillo an7 Ca'tillo #. Co"elec Tala$a4 ;=? SCRA 1<: /2012 In this case- Ra'on &as disqualified having #een found to #e ineligi#le for the osition of Ma!or of Lucena Cit! &hich disqualification #eca'e final rior to the Ma! ,6- 56,6 elections+ (ar#ara Ru#! filed her CoC in su#stitution of Ra'on+ Castillo &as the oonent &ho filed a disqualification case against (ar#ara Ru#! on the ground that the su#stitution &as not valid in vie& of the ineligi#ilit! of Ra'on- Ra'on did not voluntaril! &ithdra& his
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ELECTION LAWS REVIEW 21 Jalo'o' #. Co"elec ;=? SCRA 1 2 A5ril 2012 Jalos)os ca'e to the Philiines in $ove'#er 566? to live &ith his #rother in Na'#oanga Si#uga!+ It is evident that Jalos)os did so &ith intent to change his do'icile for good+ Be left .ustralia- give u his .ustralian citi=enshi- and renounced his allegiance to that countr!+ In addition- he reacquired his old iti=enshi #! ta>ing an oath of allegiance to the Reu#lic of the Philiines- resulting in his #eing issued a Certificate of Reacquisition of Philiine Citi=enshi #! the (IK+ (! his actsJalos)os forfeited his legal right to live in .ustralia- clearl! roving that he gave u his do'icile there+ .nd he has since lived no&here else excet in Iil- Na'#oanga Si#uga!+
&here the art! actuall! or constructivel! has his er'anent ho'e2 &here he- no 'atter &here he 'a! #e found at an! given ti'e- eventuall! intends to return and re'ain- &hile do'icile- is that to &hich the Constitution refers &hen it sea>s of residence for the urose of election la&+ .nd- the fact that a erson is a RV in one district is not roof that he is not do'iciled in another district+ Torayno Sr.4 #'. Co"elec ??: SCRA >: - the issue in this case is the residence qualification of Vicente E'ano &ho filed his certificate of candidac! for Ma!or of Caga!an de Oro+ Co3rt e!5laine7 tat te 53r5o'e o% te re'i7ence a' reG3ire7 6y Con'tit3tion an7 te la& as a qualification for see>ing and holding u#lic office- is to give candidates the oortunit! to #e fa'iliar &ith the needs- difficulties and asiration- otentials for gro&th and all 'atters vital to the &elfare of their constituencies+ On the art of the electorate- to evaluate the candidates qualification s and fitness for the )o# the! asire for+ In this case E'ano- cannot #e dee'ed to #e a stranger or ne&co'er &hen he ran for and &as over&hel'ingl! voted as cit! 'a!or having garnered a 'argin of <6H votes+
itra #'. Co""i''ion on Election'4 Antonio *onFale' an7 Orlan7o Bal6on4 Jr. ;22 SCRA : /J3ly 2010 + In considering the residenc! issue- the d&elling &here a erson er'anentl! intends to return to and to re'ain 3 his or her caacit! or inclination to decorate the lace- or the lac> of it- IS IMM.1ERI.L+ Co'elec gravel! a#used its discretion &hen it deter'ined the %itne'' o% a 7&ellin$ a' a 5er'onH' re'i7ence 6a'e7 'olely on #ery 5er'onal an7 '36ecti#e a''e''"ent 'tan7ar7' &en te la& i' re5lete &it Co'elec used &rong 'tan7ar7' tat can 6e 3'e7+ considerations in arriving at the conclusion that Mitras residence is not the residence conte'lated #! la&+
Pa5an7ayan4 Jr. #'. Co"elec ?=1 SCRA 1??+ Ko'icile connotes a fixed er'anent residence to &hich &hen a#sent for #usiness or leasure- or for li>e reasons- one intends to return+ 1he require'ents in order to acquire a ne& do'icile #! choice are/ 4a8 an intention to re'ain there 4#8 residence or #odil! resence in the ne& localit! and 4c8 an intention to a#andon the old do'icile+
A'i'tio #. Trin7a7 Pe-A$3irre4 *.R. No. 1<1124 2: A5ril 2010 3 the Bigh Court said 3 0Ko'icile is not easil! lost+ 1o successfull! effect a transfer thereof- one 'ust de'onstrate/ 4,8 an actual re'oval or change of do'icile 458 a #ona fide intention of a#andoning the for'er lace of residence and esta#lishing a ne& one and 4<8 acts &hich corresonding &ith that urose+ 1here 'ust #e ani'us 'anendi couled &ith ani'us non revetendi+ 1his urose to re'ain in or at the do'icile of choice 'ust for for an indefinite eriod of ti'e the change of residence 'ust #e voluntar! and the residence at the lace chosen for the ne& do'icile 'ust #e actual+
ACTIONS TO C+ALLEN*E CANDIDAC, O) A CANDIDATE OR DIS(ALI), CANDIDATE 1 Sec. 12 o% te 0EC
Li"6ona #. Co"elec4 *.r. No. 1=1<:04 J3ne 2>4 200= 3 1here is no hard and fast rule to deter'ine a candidates co'liance &ith residenc! require'ent since the question of residence is a question of intention+ CoG3illa #'. Co"elec ?=> SCRA ;0: 3 . for'er "iliino citi=en cannot #e considered a resident of the Philiines and in the localit! he intends to #e elected rior to his reacquisition of Philiine citi=enshi+ 1he 0ter' residence2 is to #e understood $O1 in its co''on accetation as referring to 0d&elling2 or 0ha#itation2#ut rather to 0do'icile2 or legal residence- that is- 0the lace &here the art! actuall! or constructivel! has his er'anent ho'e- &here he- no 'atter &here he 'a! #e found at an! given ti'e- eventuall! intends to return and re'ain 4ani'us 'anendi82+ . do'icile of origin is acquired #! ever! erson at #irth+ It is usuall! the lace &here the childs arents reside and continues until the sa'e is a#andoned #! acquisition of a ne& do'icile 4#! choice+8
an! erson &ho has #een declared #! co'etent authorit! insane or inco'etent 4&hen &e sa! inco'etence- the sa'e 'a! refer not onl! to 'ental illness- disease or h!sical disa#ilit! #ut also to other causes &hich 'a! include 'inorit! or lac> of residence require'ent8
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an! erson &ho has #een sentenced #! final )udg'ent for su#version- insurrection- re#ellion
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for an! offense for &hich carries a enalt! of 'ore than ,? 'onths
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for a cri'e involving 'oral turitude
1he disqualification is re'oved #!
Ro"3al7eF-arco' #. Co"elec 2= SCRA ?0 /1<<>. 0it is the fact of residence- not a state'ent in the certificate of candidac! &hich ought to #e decisive in deter'ining &hether or not an individual has satisfied the constitutions residenc! qualification require'ent+ 1he said state'ent #eco'es 'aterial onl! &hen there is or aears to #e a deli#erate atte't to 'islead- 'isinfor' or hide a fact &hich &ould other&ise render the candidate ineligi#le+
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lenar! ardon or granted a'nest!
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uon declaration #! a co'etent authorit! that said insanit! or inco'etence had #een re'oved
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exiration of a eriod of : !ears fro' his service of sentence unless of course &ithin the sa'e eriod he again #eco'es disqualified+
2 Sec. ;= o% te OEC
PereF #. Co"elec ?1: SCRA ;0 - the qualifications of Rodolfo .guinaldo for'er governor of Caga!an &as at issue &hen he filed his certificate of candidac! as 'e'#er of the BR for the
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those guilt! of giving 'one! or 'aterial consideration to influence- induce or corrut voters or u#lic official erfor'ing electoral functions
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those &ho have co''itted terroris' to enhance his candidac!
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those &ho have send in the election ca'aign 'ore than that required #! la& 4Ph,6DRVDPh:+668
NOTE Section ;? deals &ith a etition to disqualif! a candidate for other violations of the election code as secified
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ELECTION LAWS REVIEW 22 in said section- and against a candidate &ho is a er'anent resident or i''igrant of a foreign countr!+ 1hat section does not secif! a eriod &ithin &hich to file the etition+
artineF III #'. +RET ;10 SCRA >? /Jan3ary 2010 Proceedings in cases of nuisance candidates require ro't disosition+ 1he declaration of a dul! registered candidate as nuisance candidate results in the cancellation of his COC+
In Co7illa #'. De Venecia ?
the candidate- ersonall! or through his instructions'ust have given 'one! or other 'aterial consideration and
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the act of giving 'aterial consideration or 'one! should #e for the urose of influencing- inducing or corruting the voters or u#lic officials erfor'ing electoral functions+
Dela Cr3F #. Co"elec *.R. No. 1<22214 1? No#e"6er 2012 /So3l7 te #ote' ca't %or '3c n3i'ance can7i7ate 6e con'i7ere7 'tray or co3nte7 in %a#or o% te 6ona %i7e can7i7ateK In an auto'ated election- the Sure'e Courtli>e&ise ruled not to consider the votes cast for a nuisance candidate as stra! #ut to count the' in favor of the #ona fide candidate+ 0.s far as Co'elec is concerned- the confusion caused #! si'ilarit! of surna'es of candidates for the sa'e osition and utting the electoral rocess in 'oc>er! or disreute- had alread! #een rectified #! the ne& voting s!ste' &here the voter si'l! shades the oval corresonding to the na'e of their chosen candidate+ Bo&ever- as sho&n in this case- Co'elec issued Resolution $o+ ??@@ on Ma! ,- 56,6- 7 da!s #efore the elections- &ith sufficient ti'e to delete the na'es of disqualified candidates not )ust fro' the Certified List of Candidates- #ut also fro' the Official (allot+ Indeed- &hat use &ill it serve if Co'elec orders the na'es of disqualified candidates to #e deleted fro' list of official candidates if the official #allots still carr! their na'e 1he Court holds that the rule in Resolution $o+ @,,; considering the votes cast for a nuisance candidate declared as such in a final )udg'ent- articularl! &here such nuisance candidate has the sa'e surna'e as that of the legiti'ate candidate- not stra! #ut counted in favor of the latter- re'ains a good la&+ .s earlier discuss- a etition to cancel or den! a CoC under Section ;7 of the OEC should #e distinguished fro' a etition to disqualif! under Section ;?+ Bence- the legal effect of such cancellation of a CoC of a nuisance candidate cannot #e equated &ith a candidate disqualified on grounds rovided in the OEC and the Local Aovern'ent Code+ 1he ossi#ilit! of confusion in na'es of candidates if the na'es of nuisance candidates re'ained in the #allot on election da!- cannot #e discounted or eli'inated- even under the auto'ated voting s!ste' eseciall! considering that voters &ho 'ista>enl! shaded the oval #eside the na'e of the nuisance candidate instead of the #onafide candidate the! intended to vote for could no longer as> for relace'ent #allots to correct the sa'e+
? Sec. ;< Petition to A6ate a N3i'ance Can7i7ate 3 the Co'elec- "ay "ot3 5ro5io or uon verified etition of an interested art!- refuse to give due course to or cancel a certificate of candidac! if it is sho&n that it is filed in conte'lation of a nuisance candidate or cancel the sa'e if alread! filed+ Ti' i' an e!ce5tion to te "ini'terial 73ty o% te Co"elec an7 it' o%%icer' to recei#e a certi%icate o% can7i7acy 3n7er Section :; o% te OEC. W+O IS A N(ISANCE CANDIDATE
one &ho files his certificate to ut the election rocess in 'oc>er! or disreute conte'lates the li>elihood of confusion &hich the si'ilarit! of surna'es of t&o 458 candidates 'a! generate+ 4in the areciation of #allots- &hen t&o candidates &ith the sa'e na'e or surna'e and onl! the na'e or surna'e is &ritten- &ill #e considered stra! vote and &ill not #e counted for either of the candidate unless one of the candidate &ith the sa'e na'e or surna'e is an incu'#ent 3 equit! of the incu'#ent rule8 #! other circu'stances or acts &hich clearl! de'onstrate that the candidate has no #onafide intention to run for office- thus &ould revent the faithful deter'ination of the true &ill of the eole+ 4(autista vs+ Co'elec 57? SCR. @?68
Sec. := OEC Petition to Deny 73e Co3r'e or to Cancel a Certi%icate o% Can7i7acy. 0. verified etition see>ing to den! due course or to cancel a certificate of candidac! 'a! #e filed #! the erson e!cl3'i#ely on te $ro3n7 tat any "aterial re5re'entation containe7 terein a' reG3ire7 3n7er Section : /content' o% te COC o% te OEC i' %al'e. 1he etition 'a! #e filed at an! ti'e not later than 5: da!s fro' the ti'e of the filing of the certificate of candidac! and shall #e decided- after due notice and hearing- not later than ,: da!s #efore election+2
Wo can %ile 3 a etition to declare a candidate a nuisance candidate shall #e filed #! any re$i'tere7 can7i7ate %or te 'a"e o%%ice &itin > 7ay' %ro" te la't 7ay o% te %ilin$ o% te certi%icate o% can7i7acy + 4.s a'ended #! Section > o% RA ;;; Re#. Elly Ca#eF P3"aton$ #. Co"elec4 *.R. No. 1;1=:2 1? A5ril 200 1he rationale #ehind the rohi#ition against nuisance candidates and the disqualification of candidates &ho have not evinced a #ona fide intention to run for office is eas! to divine+ 1he State has a co'elling interest to ensure that its electoral exercises are rational- o#)ective and orderl!+ 1o&ards this end- the State ta>es into account the ractical considerations in conducting elections+ Inevita#l!- the greater the nu'#er of candidates- the greater the oortunities for logistical confusion- not to 'ention the increased allocation of ti'e and resources in rearation for the election+ 1hese ractical difficulties should- of course- never atte't the State fro' the conduct of a 'andated electoral exercise+ .t the sa'e ti'e- re'edial actions should #e availa#le to alleviate these logistical hardshis- &henever necessar! and roer+ lti'atel!- a disorderl! election is not 'erel! a text#oo> exa'le of inefficienc!- #ut a rot that erodes faith in our de'ocratic institutions+
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Wo "ay %ile 3 #! an! erson through a verified etition On Wat *ro3n7' 3 the candidate 'ade 'aterial 'isreresentation in his certificate of candidac!+ Section := 7eal' e!cl3'i#ely2 &ith a etition to den! due course to a COC on the ground that a 'aterial reresentation in the contents of the certificate under Sec+ 9@- is false+ 4ertains to a candidates eligi#ilit! or qualification such as citi=enshiresidence or status as a registered voter ar3o" #'. Co"elec >< SCRA 10=8 Perio7 to )ile 3 %ithin 5: da!s fro' the last da! for the filing of the certificate of candidac!+ J3ri'7iction 3 Co'elec sitting in a division+ Ser$io *. A"ora4 Jr. #'. Co"elec an7 Arnielo S. Olan7ria ;0 SCRA :? /2011 - 1o e'hasi=e- a etition for
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ELECTION LAWS REVIEW 2? disqualification on the one hand- can #e re'ised on Section ,5 and ;? of the OEC- or Section @6 of the LAC+ On the other hand- a etition to den! due course to or cancel a CoC can onl! #e grounded on a state'ent of a 'aterial reresentation in the said certificate that is false+ Te 5etition' al'o a#e 7i%%erent e%%ect'. %hile a erson &ho is disqualified under Section ;? is 'erel! rohi#ited to continue as a candidate- the erson &hose certificate is cancelled or denied due course under Section 9? is not treated as a candidate at all- as if heDshe never filed a CoC+ 1hus in Miranda v+ .#a!a- this Court 'ade the distinction that a candidate &ho is disqualified under Section ;? can validl! #e su#stituted under Section 99- #ut a erson &hose CoC has #een denied due course or cancelled under Section 9? cannot #e su#stituted #ecause heDshe is never considered a candidate+2 4also ruled in "er'in v+ Co'elec :9@ SCR. 9?58
he is disqualified to #e elected to office- and he is disqualified if he lac>s an! of the qualification for election office+ Clearl!- the O$L I$S1.$CE &here a etition questioning the qualifications of a candidate for elective office can #e filed #efore election is &hen the etition is filed under Section 9? of the OEC+ Period for filing a etition under Section 9? 3 In Loong v+ Co'elec 5,; SCR. 9;6 4,7758- the Court categoricall! declared that the eriod for filing a etition for cancellation of candidac! #ased on false reresentation is covered #! Rule 5< and $O1 Rule 5: allo&ing the filing of a etition at an! ti'e after the last da! for filing of CoCs #ut not later than the date of rocla'ation- is 'erel! a rocedural rule that cannot suercede Section 9? of the OEC+ . etition filed under Section 9? 'ust not #e interchanged or confused &ith one filed under Section ;? 3 In "er'in v+ Co'elec :9@ SCR. 9?5 4566?8- the Court stressed that a etition &hich is roerl! a 0Section 9? etition2 'ust therefore #e filed &ithin the eriod rescri#ed therein- and a rocedural rules su#sequentl! issue #! Co'elec cannot sulant this statutor! eriod under Section 9?+
ayor Bar6ara R36y Tala$a #'. Co"eleAlcala ;=? SCRA 1<: /2012 1he Bigh Court reiterated- that a Section 9? etition should not #e interchanged or confused &ith a Section ;? etition+ 1he re'edies under the t&o sections are different eventualities+ . erson &ho is disqualified under Sectin ;? is rohi#ited to continue as a candidate- #ut a erson &hose CoC is cancelled or denied due course under Section 9? is not considered as a candidate at all #ecause his status is that of a erson &ho has not filed a CoC+ Miranda v+ .#a!a <,, SCR. ;,9 4,7778- has clarified that candidate &ho is disqualified under Section ;? can #e validl! su#stituted ursuant to Section 99 #ecause he re'ains a candidate until disqualified #ut a erson &hose CoC has #een denied due course or cancelled under Section 9?cannot #e su#stituted #ecause he is not considered a candidate+
J3ri'7iction 3 Once a &inning candidate has #een roclai'ed- ta>en his oath and assu'ed office as a 'e'#er of the Bouse of Reresentatives- the )urisdiction of the Co'elec over election contests relating to his election- returns and qualifications E$KS and the BRE1 o&n )urisdiction (EAI$S+
In PereF #. Co"elec ?1: SCRA ;1 /1<<< 8 the Court does not have )urisdiction to ass uon the eligi#ilit! of the rivate resondent &ho &as alread! a Me'#er of the BR at the ti'e of the filing of the etition for certiorari 3 considering that #! statutor! rovision 4.rticle VI- Section ,9 of the ,7?9 Constitution- the BRE1 is the sole )udge of all contests relating to the election- returns and qualifications of the 'e'#ers of the BR+
3n7er #'. Co"elec ;>< SCRA 2> /2011 - 0Jurisrudence has clearl! esta#lished the doctrine that a etition for disqualification and a etition to den! due course to or to cancel a certificate of candidac!- are t&o distinct re'edies to revent a candidate fro' entering an electoral race+ (oth re'edies rescri#e distinct eriod to file the corresonding etition- on &hich the )urisdiction of the Co''ission on Elections over the case is deendent+2
Proce73re in %ilin$ otion to S3'5en7 Procla"ation / 1he susension of rocla'ation of a &inning candidate is not a "atter &ic te Co"elec Secon7 Di#i'ion can 7i'5o'e o% "ot3 5ro5io+ Section ; of R. $o+ ;;@; requires that the susension 'ust #e 35on "otion 6y te co"5lainant or any inter#enor.
)ernan7o V. *onFaleF #'. Co"elec4 et. al. ; SCRA :;1 /2011 - 0In order to )ustif! the cancellation of CoC- it is essential that the false reresentation 'entioned therein ertain to a 'aterial 'atter for the sanction i'osed #! Section 9? &ould affect the su#stantive rights of the candidate 3 the right to run for the elective ost for &hich he filed the CoC+ Material reresentation refers to qualifications for elective office 4interreted to refer to state'ents regarding ageresidence and citi=enshi or non*ossession of natural*#orn "iliino status8 .side fro' the require'ent of 'aterialit!- the false reresentation 'ust consist of a deli#erate atte't to 'islead- 'isinfor' or hide a fact &hich &ould other&ise render a candidate ineligi#le it 'ust #e 'ade &ith the intention to deceive the electorate as to ones qualification for u#lic office+2 4also ruled in Salcedo II v+ Co'elec <,5 SCR. @@9 4,77788
Secon7 Placer R3le * It is &ell*settled that the ineligi#ilit! of a candidate receiving 'a)orit! votes does not entitle the eligi#le candidate receiving the next highest nu'#er of votes to #e declared elected+ E!ce5tion' to te Secon7 Placer R3le 1he excetion to the second lacer rule is redicated on the concurrence of the follo&ing 4,8 the one &ho o#tained the highest nu'#er of votes is disqualified and 458 the electorate is "LL .%.RE in fact and in la& of a candidates disqualification so as to #ring such a&areness &ithin the real' of notoriet! #ut &ould nonetheless case their votes in favor of the ineligi#le candidate+ 1hese facts &arranting the excetion to the rules are not resent in the case at #ar+ A'ary . Ala3ya /Cler o% Co3rt4 SariHa Di'trict Co3rt4 ara&i City #'. J37$e Ca'an Ali L. Li"6ona ;; SCRA 1 /2011 - Parti'an 5olitical acti#ity 3 1he filing of a certificate of candidac! is a artisan olitical activit! as the candidate there#! offers hi'self to the electorate for an elective ost+ 0$o officer or e'lo!ee in the civil service shall engage directl! or indirectl!- in an! electioneering or artisan olitical ca'aign+2 1he act of the Judge in filing a certificate of candidac! as a art!*list reresentative in the Ma! ,77? elections &ithout giving u his )udicial ost violated not onl! the la&- #ut also the constitutional 'andate+
T&o re"e7ie' a#aila6le %or G3e'tionin$ te G3ali%ication' o% te can7i7ate Di'tinction 6et&een te t&o 5rocee7in$' 3n7er Section := an7 Section 2>? 3n7er B.P. ==14 tereo% 4,8 Be%ore election' under Section 9? and 458 A%ter election' under Section 5:<+ 1he onl! difference #et&een the t&o roceedings is that- under Section 9?- the qualifications for elective office are 'isreresented in the certificate of candidac! and the roceedings 'ust #e initiated #efore the elections- &hereas a etition for Q% under Section 5:< 'a! #e #rought on the #asis of t&o grounds 3 4,8 ineligi#ilit! or 458 dislo!alt! to the Reu#lic of the Philiinesand 'ust #e initiated &ithin ,6 da!s after rocla'ation of the election results+ nder Section 5:<- a candidate is ineligi#le if
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ELECTION LAWS REVIEW 2 Teo7ora So6eana-Con7on #. Co"elecL3i' Ba3ti'taRo6elito PicarWil"a Pa$a73an ;:= SCRA 2;: /2012 - Re'ed! of a erson &ho fails to file the etition to disqualif! a certain candidate &ithin the t&ent!*five 45:8*da! eriod rescri#ed #! Section 9? of the OEC is to file a etition for Q% &ithin ,6 da!s fro' rocla'ation of the results of the election as rovided under Section 5:< of the OEC+
%ilin$ Section := 5etition' i' can$e7 to > 7ay' co3nte7 %ro" te la't 7ay %or te %ilin$ o% COCH'. 1he clear language of Section := cannot #e a'ended or 'odified # ! a 'ere reference in a su#sequent statute to the use of a rocedure secificall! intended for another t!e of action+ Cardinal is the rule in statutor! construction that reeals #! i'lication are disfavored and &ill not #e so declared #! the Court unless the intent of the legislators is 'anifest+ $ote&orth! in Loon$ #. Co"elec 21; SCRA :;0 /1<<24 &ic 35el7 te 2>-7ay 5erio7 %or %ilin$ Section := 5etition' - &as decided long after the enact'ent of R. ;;@;+ Bence- Section 2?4 Section 2 o% te Co"elec R3le' o% Proce73re is contrar! to the unequivocal 'andate of the la&+ "ollo&ing the ruling in "er'in- the Court declared that 0as the la& stands- the 5etition to 7eny 73e co3r'e to or cancel a COC "ay 6e %ile7 at anyti"e not later tan 2>7ay' %ro" te ti"e o% te %ilin$ o% te COC.
Renunciation of foreign citi=enshi to #e valid under Section :458 of R. 755: 3 1he language of Section :458 of R. 755: is free fro' an! a'#iguit!+ In Lo5eF #. Co"elec >>< SCRA ;<; /200=4 the Court declared it Gs categorical and single 'eaning/ a "iliino .'erican or an! dual citi=en cannot run fo an! elective u#lic osition in the Philiines unless he or she ersonall! s&ears to a renunciation of all foreign citi=enshi at the ti'e of filing the CoC+ 1he Court also exounded on the for' of the renunciation and held that to #e valid- the renunciation 'ust #e contained in an affidavit dul! executed #efore an officer of the la& &ho is authori=ed to ad'inister an oath stating in clear and unequivocal ter's that affiant is renouncing foreign citi=enshi+
In J3'ti"6a'te #. Co"elec >:2 SCRA :?; /200= Material 'isreresentation as a ground to den! due course or cancel a certificate of candidac! refers to the falsit! of a state'ent required to #e entered therein as enu'erated in Section : of the OEC+ Concurrent &ith 'aterialit! is a deli#erate intention to deceive the electorate as to one qualification 'a>ing reference to Salcedo II that in order to )ustif! the cancellation of the COC under Section 9?- it is essential that the false reresentation 'entioned therein ertained to a 'aterial 'atter for the sanction i'osed #! this rovision &ould affect the su#stantive rights of a candidate 3 the right to run for the elective ost for &hich he filed the COC+ 1here is also no sho&ing that there &as an intent to deceive the electorate as to the identit! of the rivate resondent- nor that #! using his "iliino na'e the voting u#lic &as there#! deceived+
Ca'an aco7e aG3ilin$ #. Co"elec et. al. :00 SCRA ?;: /201? the declared olic! of R. 755: is that 0all Philiine citi=ens &ho #eco'e citi=ens of another countr! shall #e dee'ed not to have lost their Philiine citi=enshi under the conditions of this .ct2+ 1his olic! ertains to the reacquisition of Philiine citi=enshi+ Section :458 requires those &ho have re*acquired Philiine citi=enshi and &ho see> elective u#lic office- to renounce an! and all foreign citi=enshi+ 1his require'ent of renunciation of an! and all foreign citi=enshi &hen read together &ith Section @64d8 of the Local Aovern'ent Code &hich disqualifies those &ith dual citi=enshi fro' running for an! elective local ositionindicates a olic! that an!one &ho see>s to run for u#lic office 'ust #e solel! and exclusivel! a "iliino citi=en+ 1o allo& a for'er "iliino &ho reacquires Philiine citi=enshi to continue using a foreign assort 3 &hich indicates the recognition of a foreign state of the individual as its national 3 even after the "iliino has renounced his foreign citi=enshi- is to allo& a co'lete disregard of this olic!+
DIS(ALI)ICATION (NDER T+E LOCAL *OVERNENT CODE R.A. :1;0 . candidate for an elective office 'a! li>e&ise #e disqualified on the follo&ing grounds 3 •
PanlaG3i #. Co"elec ;1? SCRA >:? Voters inclusionDexclusion roceedings essentiall! involve the issue of &hether a etition shall #e included in or excluded fro' the list of voters #ased on the qualifications required #! la& and the facts resented to sho& ossession of these qualifications+ On the other hand- the COC denialDcancellation roceedings involve the issue of &hether there is a false reresentation of a 'aterial fact+ 1he false reresentation 'ust necessaril! ertain not to a 'ere innocuous 'ista>e #ut to a 'aterial fact or those that refer to a candidates qualification for elective office+
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in te 1<<< Bar
NOTE 1he ,st ground for disqualification consists of t&o 458 arts- na'el!/ 4,8 those sentenced #! final )udg'ent for an offense involving 'oral turitude- regardless of the eriod of i'rison'ent and 458 those sentenced #! final )udg'ent for an offense- O1BER 1B.$ one involving 'oral turitudeunisha#le #! one 4,8 !ear or 'ore i'rison'ent- &ithin 5 !ears after serving sentence+
NOTE/ In )er"in #. Co"elec *.R. No. 1:<;<> an7 *.R. No. 1=2?;<4 Dece"6er 1=4 200=4 the SC clarified that Section > 4Proce73re in ca'e' o% N3i'ance can7i7ate' 8 and Section : 4Petition to Deny D3e Co3r'e To or Cancel a Certi%icate o% Can7i7acy 3n7er RA ;;; - did not in an! &a! a'end the eriod for filing 0Section := 2 etitions+ %hile Section : of the said la& 'a>es reference to Section > on the rocedure in the conduct of cases for the denial of due course to the COCs of nuisance candidates 4then chief Justice Kavide in his dissenting oinion in AG3ino #. Co"elec4 *.R. No. 1202;>4 Se5te"6er 1=4 1<<> 2= SCRA 004 exlains that 0the rocedure hereina#ove rovided 'entioned in Section : cannot #e construed to refer to Section ; &hich does not rovide for a rocedure #ut to the effects of disqualification cases- 4#ut8 can onl! refer to the rocedure rovided in Section > of the said .ct on n3i'ance can7i7ate' - 0 te 'a"e cannot 6e taen to "ean tat te 2>-7ay 5erio7 %or
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to'e 'entence7 6y %inal 37$"ent %or an o%%en'e in#ol#in$ "oral t3r5it37e or %or an o%%en'e 53ni'a6le 6y one /1 year or "ore i"5ri'on"ent4 &itin 2 year' a%ter 'er#in$ 'entence. /Sec. 0 /3ali%ication' o% local electi#e can7i7ate' 3n7er te L*C &a' a'e7
Sec+ @6 of R. 9,;6 li'its the disqualification to t&o 458 !ears after service of sentence+ 1his should no& #e read in relation to Sec+ ,, of R. ?,?7 &hich enu'erates those &ho are disqualified to register as a voter+ 1he 5 !ear disqualification eriod under Sec+ @6 is no& dee'ed a'ended to last : !ears fro' service of sentence after &hich eriod the voter &ill #e eligi#le to register as a voter and to run for an elective u#lic office+
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To'e con#icte7 6y %inal 37$"ent %or #iolatin$ te oat o% alle$iance to te Re536lic
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)3$iti#e' %ro" 3'tice in cri"inal an7 non-5olitical ca'e'.
ELECTION LAWS REVIEW 2> In arG3eF4 r. #'. Co"elec an7 Ro7ri$3eF 2>< SCRA - it &as held that fugitives fro' )ustice refer to a erson &ho has #een convicted #! final )udg'ent+ 1he SC ruled that &hen a erson leaves the territor! of a state not his o&n- ho'e&ard #ound and su#sequentl! learns of the charges filed against hi' &hile he is in his o&n countr!- does not outrightl! qualif! hi' as a fugitive fro' )ustice if he does not su#)ect hi'self to the )urisdiction of the for'er state+ %hen Rodrigue= left the Sthere &as !et no co'laint filed and &arrant of arrest- hence there is no #asis in sa!ing that he is running a&a! fro' an! rosecution or unish'ent+ •
countries- #e also a citi=en of another state 4)us sanguinis for the Philiines &here the child follo&s the nationalit! or citi=enshi of the arents regardless of hisDher lace of #irth as oosed to )us soli &hich deter'ines nationalit! or citi=enshi on the #asis of lace of #irth8- the Court exlained that dual citi=enshi as a disqualification 'ust refer to citi=ens &ith dual allegiance+ 1he fact that Loe= had dual citi=enshi did not auto'aticall! disqualif! her fro' running for u#lic office+ "or candidates &ith dual citi=enshi- it is enough that the! elect Phil+ Citi=enshi uon the filing of their certificate of candidac!- to ter'inate their status as ersons &ith dual citi=enshi+ 1he filing of the certificate of candidac! sufficed to renounce foreign citi=enshi effectivel! re'oving an! disqualification as a dual citi=en+
To'e re"o#e7 %ro" o%%ice a' a re'3lt o% an a7"ini'trati#e car$e
In Rodolfo .guinaldo vs+ Co'elec- it &as held that a u#lic elective official cannot #e re'oved for ad'inistrative conduct co''itted during a rior ter' as his re*election to office oerates as a condonation of the officers revious 'isconduct to the extent of cutting of the right to re'ove hi' therefore+
In the Certificate of Candidac!- one declare that heDshe is a "iliino citi=en and that heDshe &ill suort and defend the Constitution of the Philiines and &ill 'aintain true faith and allegiance thereto+ Such declaration- &hich is under oathoerates as an effective renunciation of foreign citi=enshi+
*re$o #. Co"elec 2: SCRA =1 - the Court ruled that Sec+ @6 of R. 9,;6 does not have an! retroactive effect+ In this case a Keut! Sheriff &as re'oved for serious 'isconduct in ,7?,+ Be run in ,775 ,77:+ Bis re'oval in ,7?, cannot serve as #asis for his disqualification+ La&s have rosective effect+
Lo5eF #. Co"elec >>< SCRA ;<; 4566?83 Te r3lin$ in Valle' in 2000 a' 6een '35er'e7e7 6y te enact"ent o% RA <22> in 200?+ R. 755: exressl! rovides for the condition #efore those &ho re*acquired "iliino citi=enshi 'a! run for a u#lic office in the Philiines+ Section : of the said la& states/ 0Civil and Political Rights and Lia#ilities+ 3 1hose &ho retain or re*acquire Philiine Citi=enshi under this .ct shall en)o! full civil and olitical rights and #e su#)ect to all attendant lia#ilities and resonsi#ilities under existing la&s of the Philiines and the follo&ing conditions xxx 458 1hose see>ing elective u#lic office in the Philiines shall 'eet the qualifications for holding such u#lic office as required #! the Constitution and existing la&s and- at the ti'e of the filing of the certificate of candidac!- 'a>e a ersonal and s&orn renunciation of an! and all foreign citi=enshi #efore an! u#lic officer authori=ed to ad'inister an oath+
To'e &it 73al citiFen'i5 + 1he relevant cases under this rovision are the cases of 3
Mercado v+ Man=ano Co'elec A+R+ $o+ ,<:6?< Ma! 5:- ,777 .=nar v+ Co'elec ,?: SCR. 96< Cirilo Valles v+ Co'elec Loe= A+R+ ,
.ASJS e"6er-ector *. Calil3n$ #'. Secretary o% J3'tice *.R. No. 1;0=;<4 "ay 114 200:4 the SC too> the oortunit! to set ara'eters of &hat constitutes dual allegiance considering that it onl! 'ade a distinction #et&een dual allegiance and dual citi=enshi in Mercado vs+ Man=ano+
erca7o #. anFano Co"elec - it &as held that the fact that resondent Man=ano &as registered as an .'erican citi=en in the (IK &as holding an .'erican assort on .ril 55- ,779onl! a !ear #efore he filed a certificate of candidac! for Vice* Ma!or of Ma>ati- &ere )ust assertions of his nationalit! #efore the ter'ination of his .'erican citi=enshi+
".C1S/ "ollo&ing the i'le'entation of R. 755: 0.n .ct Ma>ing the Citi=enshi of Philiine Citi=ens %ho .cquire foreign Citi=enshi Per'anent- a'ending for the urose C. ;<- as a'ended- etitioner filed a etition against resondent KOJ Secretar! Si'eon Katu'anong &ho &as tas>ed to i'le'ent la&s governing citi=enshi+ Be ra!ed for a &rit of rohi#ition to sto resondent fro' i'le'enting R. 755:+ he avers that R. 755: is unconstitutional as it violates Section >4 Article IV o% te 1<=: Con'tit3tion tat 'tate' D3al alle$iance o% citiFen' i' ini"ical to te national intere't an7 'all 6e 7ealt &it 6y la&8. Be contends that the .ct cheaens the Philiine citi=enshi since the .ct allo&s all "iliinos- either natural*#orn or naturali=ed- &ho #eco'e foreign citi=ens- to retain their Philiine citi=enshi &ithout losing their foreign citi=enshi+ Section < er'its dual allegiance #ecause said la& allo&s natural*#orn citi=ens to regain their Philiine #! si'l! ta>ing an oath of allegiance &ithout forfeiting their foreign allegiance+ 1he Constitution ho&ever- is categorical that dual allegiance is ini'ical to the national interest+
Valle' #. Lo5eF - the Court held that the 'ere fact that Loe= &as a holder of an .ustralian assort and had an .CR are not act constituting an effective renunciation of citi=enshi and do not 'ilitate against her clai' of "iliino citi=enshi+ "or renunciation to effectivel! result in the lost of citi=enshi- the sa'e 'ust #e exress 4Co'+ .ct ;<- Sec+ ,8+ Referring to the case of .=nar- an .CR does not a'ount to an exress renunciation or reudiation of ones citi=enshi+ Si'ilarl!- her holding of an .ustralian assort as in the Man=ano case &ere li>e&ise 'ere acts of assertions #efore she effectivel! renounced the sa'e+ 1hus- at the 'ost- Loe= had dual citi=enshi 3 she &as an .ustralian and a "iliino- as &ell+
In reconciling the disqualification under Sec+ @6 of R. 9,;6+ 1he Court clarified and as ruled in the Man=ano case 0dual citi=enshi2 as used in the LAC and reconciled &ith Article IV Section > o% te 1<=: Constitution on dual allegiance 4D3al alle$iance o% citiFen' i' ini"ical to te national intere't an7 'all 6e 7ealt &it 6y la&. 28 In recogni=ing situation in &hich a "iliino citi=en 'a!- &ithout erfor'ing an! act- as an involuntar! consequence of the conflicting la&s of different
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BELK/ 1he intent of the legislature in drafting R. 755: is to do a&a! &ith the rovision in C. ;<- &hich ta>es a&a! Philiine citi=enshi fro' natural*#orn "iliinos &ho #eco'e naturali=ed citi=ens of other countries+ R. 755: allo&s dual citi=enshi to natural*#orn "iliino citi=ens &ho have lost Philiine
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ELECTION LAWS REVIEW 2; citi=enshi #! reason of their naturali=ation as citi=ens of a foreign countr!+ On its face- it does not recogni=e dual allegiance+ (! s&earing to the sure'e authorit! of the Reu#lic- the erson i'licitl! renounces his foreign citi=enshi+ Plainl!- Section ?4 RA <22> sta!ed clear out of the ro#le' of dual allegiance and shifted the #urden of confronting the issue of &hether or not there is dual allegiance to the concerned foreign countr!+ %hat haens to the other citi=enshi &as not 'ade a concern of R. 755:+ 4Note Section >4 Article IV o% te Con'tit3tion i' a 7eclaration o% a 5olicy an7 it i' not a 'el%-e!ec3tin$ 5ro#i'ion. Te le$i'lat3re 'till a' to enact te la& on 73al alle$iance.
esta#lished that he too> his oath of allegiance under the rovision of PK 95: at 5' on <6 June ,77:- 'uch later than the ti'e he filed his certificate of candidac!+ 1he Court held that the 0the la& does not secif! an! articular date or ti'e &hen the candidate 'ust ossess citi=enshi unli>e that of residence and age- as Sec. ?< o% RA :1;0 secificall! sea>s of 0qualification of elective officialsnot candidates2 thus- the citi=enshi require'ent in the local govern'ent code to #e ossessed #! an elective official at the latest as of the ti'e he is roclai'ed and at the start of the ter' of office to &hich he has #een elected. B3t to re"o#e all 7o36t' on ti' i"5ortant i''3e4 te Co3rt el7 tat te re5atriation o% )ri#al7o retroacte7 to te 7ate o% te %ilin$ o% i' a55lication on 1: A3$3't 1<< an7 6ein$ a %or"er )ili5ino &o a' 'er#e7 te 5eo5le re5eate7ly an7 at te a$e o% =14 )ri#al7o 7e'er#e' li6eral inter5retation o% te Pili55ine la&' an7 &ate#er 7e%ect' tere &ere in i' nationality 'o3l7 no& 6e 7ee"e7 "oote7 6y i' re5atriation +
In De *3F"an #. Co"elec4 *.R. No. 1=00= J3ne 1<4 200<4 it &as held that 0&here the Oath of allegiance and certificate of candidac! did not co'l! &ith Section >/2 o% RA <22> &hich further requires those see>ing elective u#lic office in the Philiines to 'a>e a ersonal and s&orn renunciation of foreign citi=enshi as &here the candidate for VM of Aui'#a$ueva Eci)a failed to renounce his .'erican citi=enshi- it &as held that he &as disqualified fro' running for VM in the Ma! ,@- 5669 elections+
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Teo7ora So6eana-Con7on #. Co"elecL3i' Ba3ti'ta et. al. ;:= SCRA 2;: /2012 - Renunciation of foreign citi=enshi to #e valid under Section :458 of R. 755: 3 1he language of Section :458 of R. 755: is free fro' an! a'#iguit!+ In Lo5eF #. Co"elec >>< SCRA ;<; /200=4 the Court declared it Gs categorical and single 'eaning/ a "iliino .'erican or an! dual citi=en cannot run fo an! elective u#lic osition in the Philiines unless he or she ersonall! s&ears to a renunciation of all foreign citi=enshi at the ti'e of filing the CoC+ 1he Court also exounded on the for' of the renunciation and held that to #e valid- the renunciation 'ust #e contained in an affidavit dul! executed #efore an officer of the la& &ho is authori=ed to ad'inister an oath stating in clear and unequivocal ter's that affiant is renouncing foreign citi=enshi+
Article 4 Section =4 1<=: Constitution and Section ?/6 o% RA :1;0 rovides 0$o local elective official shall serve for 'ore than < consecutive ter's in the sa'e osition+ Voluntar! renunciation of office for an! length of ti'e shall not #e considered as an interrution in the continuit! of service for the full ter' for &hich the elective official concerned &as elected+ In Lace7a Sr.4 #'. Li"ena Co"elec >:1 SCRA ;0? 3 the Court held that the rationale #ehind Section 5 of R. 7,;@- li>e Section @< of R. 9,76 4Local Aovern'ent Code8 fro' &hich the <*ter' rule &as ta>en- is ri'aril! intended to #roaden the choices of the electorate of the candidates &ho &ill run for office- and to infuse ne& #lood in the olitical arena #! disqualif!ing officials fro' running for the sa'e office after a ter' of 7 !ears+
aG3ilin$ #'. Co"elec :00 SCRA ?;: /201? 3 If &e allo& dual citi=ens &ho &ish to run for u#lic office to renounce their foreign citi=enshi and after&ards continue using their foreign assorts- &e are creating a secial rivilege for these dual citi=ens- there#! effectivel! )un>ing the rohi#ition in Section @64d8 of the Local Aovern'ent Code+ It 'ust #e stressed that &hat is at sta>e here is the rincile that onl! those &ho are exclusivel! "iliinos are qualified to run for u#lic office+
1he case of Laceda Sr+ involved a si'ilar question in Lata'a #'. Co"elec 1: SCRA ;01 &here the Court held that &here a erson has #een elected for < consecutive ter's as 'unicial 'a!or and rior to the end or ter'ination of such <* !ear ter' the 'unicialit! has #een converted #! la& into a cit!- &ithout the cit! charter interruting his ter' until the end of the <*!ear ter'- the rohi#ition alied to revent hi' fro' running for the @th ti'e as cit! 'a!or thereof- there #eing no #rea> in the continuit! of the ter's+ Co'elec did not err nor co''it an! a#use of discretion &hen it declared Laceda disqualified and cancelled his COC+
)ri#al7o #. Co"elec 1: SCRA 2> /1<=< + "rivaldo &as roclai'ed governor elect of the Province of Sorsogon and su#sequentl! assu'ed office+ . disqualification &as filed against hi' #! the League of Municialities- Sorsogon Chater on the ground that he &as not a "iliino citi=en- having #een naturali=ed in the S in ,7?<- &hich he ad'itted #ut &hich he undertoo> onl! to rotect hi'self against then President Marcos+ 1he SC found "rivaldo disqualified for not having ossessed the require'ent of citi=enshi &hich cannot #e cured #! the electorate- eseciall! if the! 'ista>enl! #elieved- as in this case- that the candidate &as qualified+
A7or"eo #. Co"elec Tala$a4 Jr. *.R. No. 1:<2: 0 )e6r3ary 2002 an7 citin$ Bora #. Co"elec 2<> SCRA 1>: an7 LonFani7a #. Co"elec ?11 SCRA ;02 - it &as ruled that the ter' li'it for elective local officals 'ust #e ta>en to refer to the ri$t to 6e electe78 as &ell as the 0ri$t to 'er#e in te 'a"e electi#e 5o'ition.8 1hus- t&o 458 conditions for the alication of the disqualification 'ust concur/
Re536lic #. 7ela Ro'a 2?2 SCRA :=> + 1he disqualification of "rivaldo &as again at issue+ "rivaldo oted to reacquire his Philiine citi=enshi thru naturali=ation #ut ho&ever failed to co'l! &ith the )urisdictional require'ent of u#lication- thusthe Court never acquired )urisdiction to hear the naturali=ation of "rivaldo+ Be &as again disqualified+
In )ri#al7o #. Co"elec 2>: SCRA :2 /1<<; 8- "rivaldo later reacquired Philiines citi=enshi and o#tained the highest nu'#er of votes in < consecutive elections #ut &as t&ice declared #! the SC to #e unqualified to hold office due to his lac> of citi=enshi require'ent+ Be clai'ed to have re* acquired his "iliino citi=enshi thru reatriation+ It &as
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? ter" li"it or a#in$ 'er#e7 ? con'ec3ti#e ter"' .
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that the official concerned has #een elected for three 4<8 consecutive ter's in the sa'e local govern'ent ost and
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that the has full! served the three 4<8 consecutive ter's+
In this case- resondent 1alaga- Jr+- &as elected 'a!or of Lucena Cit! in Ma! ,775+ Be served the full ter'- &as re* elected in ,77:*7? #ut lost in the ,77? election to 1agarao+ In the recall elections of Ma! 5666- 1alaga- Jr+ &on and served the unexired ter' of 1agarao until <6 June 566,+ 1alaga Jr+
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ELECTION LAWS REVIEW 2: filed his certificate of candidac! for the sa'e osition in the 566, elections &hich candidac! &as challenged #! etition .dor'eo on the ground that 1alaga- Jr+ is alread! #arred #! the <*ter' li'it rule+
.s reeatedl! ruled #! the SC- a 05rocla"ation '36'eG3ently 7eclare7 #oi7 i' no 5rocla"ation at all an7 &ile a 5roclai"e7 can7i7ate "ay a''3"e o%%ice on te 'tren$t o% te 5rocla"ation o% te BOC4 e i' only a 5re'3"5ti#e &inner &o a''3"e' te o%%ice '36ect o% te %inal o3tco"e o% te election 5rote't.8
.dor'eo contends that 1alagas candidac! violated Section ?.rticle F of the Constitution &hich states that the ter' of office of local elective officials shall #e three 4<8 !ears and no such official shall serve for 'ore than three 4<8 consecutive ter's citing the case of Lon=anida v+ Co'elec 1o further suort his case- he adverts to the co''ent of "r+ Joaquin (ernas &ho stated that in interreting said rovision that 0if one is elected reresentative to serve the unexired ter' of another- that unexired ter'- no 'atter ho& short- &ill #e considered one ter' for the urose of co'uting the nu'#er of successive ter's allo&ed+2
Anoter i''3e rai'e7 in LonFani7a i' tat te Co"elec alrea7y lo't 3ri'7iction o#er te 7i'G3ali%ication ca'e &en e &a' 5roclai"e7 a' &inner an7 tat 3ri'7iction i' alrea7y &it te RTC %or W. 1he SC reiterated its ruling in 1rinidad v+ Co'elec 5?? SCR. 9; 4,77?8 that ursuant to Sec+ ; of R. ;;@;- the rocla'ation nor assu'tion of office of a candidate against &ho' a etition for disqualification is ending #efore the Co'elec does not divest the Co'elec of )urisdiction to continue hearing the case and resolve it on the 'erits+ /.lso ruling in DiFon #. Co"elec >:: SCRA >=<.
1he Co'elec en #anc ruled in favor of 1alaga &hich reversed the ruling of the ,st division and held that 3 ,8 1alaga &as not elected for < consecutive ter's #ecause he did not &in the ,, Ma! ,77? elections 58 that he &as installed onl! as 'a!or #! reason of his victor! in the recall elections <8 that his victor! in the recall elections &as not considered a ter' of office and is not included in the <*ter' disqualification rule and finall! @8 that he did not full! serve the < consecutive ter'+ Bis loss in the ,, Ma! ,77? elections is considered an interrution in the continuit! of his service as Ma!or of Lucena Cit!+ ISSE/ %as 1alaga disqualified to run for Ma!or of Lucena Cit! in the ,@ Ma! 566, elections
Bora #. Co"elec 2<> SCRA 1>: /1<<= - the SC ruled on the issue on &hether a VM &ho succeeds to the office of 'a!or #! oeration of la& and serves the re'ainder of the ter' is considered to have served a ter' in that office for the urose of the <*ter' li'it+ 1he SC uheld the decision of the Co'elec that succession for the exired ter' is not the service conte'lated as &ould disqualif! the elective official fro' running for the sa'e elective ost+ 1he urose of this rovision is to revent a circu'vention of the li'itation on the nu'#er of ter's an elective local official 'a! serve+ Conversel!- if he is not serving a ter' for &hich he &as elected as he &as si'l! continuing the service of the official he succeeds- such official cannot #e considered to have full! served the ter' not&ithstanding his voluntar! renunciation of office rior to his exiration+ 4.s>ed in the 566, (.R8
In holding the qualifications of 1alaga- the Court reiterated its ruling in (or)a that the ter' li'it for elective local officials 'ust #e ta>en to refer to the right to #e elected as &ell as the right to serve in the sa'e elective osition considering that the continuit! of his 'a!orshi &as disruted #! the defeat in the ,77? elections &hich is considered as an interrution in the continuit! of service+ Te Co3rt %3rter el7 tat te co""ent o% )r. Berna' i' 5ertinent only to "e"6er o% te +R tere 6ein$ no recall election' 5ro#i7e7 %or "e"6er' o% Con$re''+
In al!ing said olic!- the follo&ing situations 4tenures in office8 are $O1 considered service of ter' for urose of al!ing the <*ter' li'it 3
In LonFani7a #. Co"elec an7 L3 2= ?11 SCRA ;02 /J3ly 1<<=- Lon=anida &as elected and served 5 consecutive ter's as 'unicial 'a!or of San .ntonio- Na'#ales- rior to the 6? Ma! ,77: elections+ In the Ma! ,77: elections- Lon=anida ran for the sa'e elective ost and &as again roclai'ed &inner+ Be assu'ed office and discharged the duties thereof+ Bis rocla'ation in ,77: &as contested #! his then oonent Juan .lve= &ho filed an election rotest #efore the R1C of Na'#ales &hich rendered a decision declaring a failure of elections rendering the result for the office as null and void+ 1he office of the 'a!or &as then declared vacant+ (oth arties aealed to the Co'elec and on ,< $ov+ ,779- it resolved the election rotest filed #! .lve= in his favor after deter'ining that .lve= garnered the luralit! of votes+ 1he Co'elec issued a &rit of execution ordering Lon=anida to vacate the ost to &hich he o#e!ed and .lve= assu'ed for the re'ainder of the ter'+
officer fills u a higher office #! successionDoeration of la&
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officer is susended fro' office 4failed to serve full ter'Dinvoluntar!8
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officer unseated- ordered to vacate #! reason of an election rotest case
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officer serving unexired ter' after &inning in the recall elections
In On$ #'. Ale$re :< SCRA :? 3 . etition for disqualification &as filed against "rancis Ong for having violated the <*ter' li'it rule for having served as 'a!or of San Vicente Ca'arines $orte in the Ma! ,77:- ,77? 566, elections+ 1he controvers! revolves around the ,77?*566, 'a!oral ter' &herein the election rotest filed #! .legre &as ro'ulgated a%ter te ter" o% te conte'te7 o%%ice a' e!5ire7.
1he question for consideration is &hether or not the assu'tion of "rancis Ong as Ma!or fro' Jul! ,- ,77? to June <6- 566,- 'a! #e considered as one full ter' service in the context of the consecutive ter' li'it rule+ 1he Court declared that such assu'tion of office constitutes- for "rancis- 0service for the full ter'2 and should #e counted as a full ter' served in conte'lation of the <*ter' li'it rescri#ed #! the constitutional and statutor! rovisions- #arring elective officials fro' #eing elected and serving for 'ore than <*consecutive ter's+
Lon=anida again filed his certificate of candidac! for Ma!or in the ,, Ma! ,77? and his oonent ti'el! filed a etition to disqualif! hi' for the sa'e ost+ ISSE/ %hether Lon=anidas assu'tion of office fro' Ma! ,77: to March ,77? 'a! #e considered as service of one full ter' for the urose of al!ing the <*ter' li'it for elective local govern'ent officials+ It &as held that Lon=anida is still qualified to run for 'a!or and held that the 5*rquisites for the alication of the <*ter' li'it is &anting+ "irst- etitioner cannot #e considered as having #een elected to the ost in the Ma! ,77: elections- and second- the etitioner did not full! serve the ,77:*,77? 'a!oralt! ter' #! reason of involuntar! relinquish'ent of office+
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1he Court de#un>ed the clai' of "rancis Ong that he &as onl! a resu'tive &inner in vie& of the ruling of the R1C that .legre &as the real &inning candidate in the light of his #eing roclai'ed #! the M(OC couled #! his assu'tion of office
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ELECTION LAWS REVIEW 2= and his continuous exercise of the functions thereof fro' start to finish of the ter'- should legall! #e ta>en as service for a full ter' in conte'lation of the <*ter' rule+ Lon=anida fro' &hich Ong sought refuge is not alica#le in vie& of the involuntar! relinquish'ent of office #efore the exiration of his ter'+ 4Sa'e ruling in Ri#era III #'. Co"elec >2? SCRA
advertise'ents for rint and #roadcast 'edia rovided the said advertise'ent shall #ear and #e identified #! reasona#l! legi#le or audi#le &ords 0 Political a7#erti'e"ent 5ai7 %or8 %ollo&e7 6y te tr3e an7 correct na"e an7 a77re'' o% te can7i7ate or 5arty %or &o'e 6ene%it te election 5ro5a$an7a &a' 5rinte7 or aire d+
Al7o#ino Jr.4 #'. Co"elec ;0< SCRA 2? /200< .rticle FSection ? 3 #oth #! structure and su#stance 3 fixes an elective officials ter' of office and li'its his sta! in office to < consecutive ter's as an inflexi#le rule that is stressed- no less#! citing voluntar! renunciation as an exa'le of a circu'vention+ 1he rovision should #e read in the context of interruption of term, $O1 in the context of interruting the full continuity of the exercise of the power of the elective position. 1he 0voluntar! renunciation2 it sea>s of refers onl! to the elective officials involuntar! relinquish'ent of office and loss of title to this office+ It 7oe' not '5ea o% te te"5orary ce''ation o% te e!erci'e o% 5o&er or a3tority8 tat "ay occ3r %or #ario3' rea'on'4 &it 5re#enti#e '3'5en'ion 6ein$ only one o% te". 3otin$ Lata'a te la& conte"5late' a re't 5erio7 73rin$ &ic te local electi#e o%%icial 'te5' 7o&n %ro" o%%ice an7 cea'e' to e!erci'e 5o&er or a3tority o#er te ina6itant' o% te territorial 3ri'7iction o% a 5artic3lar $o#ern"ent 3nit.8
)ree o% car$e 3 if #roadcast is given free of charge the radio and television station- it shall #e identified #! the &ords 0airti'e for this #roadcast &as rovided free of charge #!2 follo&ed #! the true and correct na'e and address of the #roadcast entit!+ Provided that said rint- #roadcast donated shall not #e u#lished or rinted &ithout the &ritten accetance of the candidate or olitical art! &hich accetance shall #e attached to the advertising contract and su#'itted to the Co'elec+ *3i7eline' &eter 6y 53rca'e or 7onation 3 Print advertise'ents shall not exceed T age in #roadsheet and U age in ta#loids < x a &ee> er ne&saer- 'aga=ine or other u#lications during the ca'aign eriod+ 4Section ;- R. 766;8+
3 nation Tele#i'ionRa7io A7#erti'e"ent' candidatesDregistered olitical art! shall #e entitled to not 'ore than ,56 'inutes of 1V advertise'ent and ,?6 'inutes of radio+ Local candidates not 'ore than ;6 'inutes of 1V advertise'ent and 76 'inutes of radio+
DIS(ALI)ICATION CASES /E))ECTS
Co"elec Ti"e an7 '5ace 3 rint sace- Co'elec shall a! )ust co'ensation 4PPI ruling8 in at least < ne&saers of general circulation &hich Co'elec shall allocate free of charge to the national candidates+ (roadcast net&or> 4radio and 1V8 free of charge to Co'elec+ /Section =4 RA <00;
Sec. :2 o% te OEC an7 Section ; o% ;;; 'tate' / 0an! candidate &ho #een declared #! final )udg'ent to #e disqualified 'all not 6e #ote7 %or - and the votes cast for hi' 'all not 6e co3nte7. If for an! reason a candidate is not declared #! final )udg'ent #efore an election to #e disqualified and is voted for and received the &inning nu'#er of votes in such election- the Co'elec shall continue &ith the trial and hearing of the action- inquir! or rotest and- uon 'otion of the co'lainant or an! intervenor- 'a! during the endenc! thereof order the susension of the rocla'ation of such candidate &henever the evidence of guilt is strong+2
Li"itation' In Broa7ca'tin$ o% Election Acco3nt' 3 Co'elec shall ensure that radio and television or ca#le television #roadcasting entities shall not allo& the scheduling of an! rogra' or er'it an! sonsor to 'anifestl! favor or oose an! candidate or olitical art! or undul! or reeatedl! referring to or including said candidate andDor olitical art! in such rogra' resecting- ho&ever- in all instances the right of said #roadcast entities to air accounts of significant ne&s or ne&s &orth! events and vie&s on 'atter of u#lic interest+
CAPAI*N AND ELECTION PROPA*ANDA Election 5erio7 i' 120 7ay' * 76 da!s #efore the date of the election and <6 da!s thereafter+ Ca'aign eriod for Pres+VP and Senators starts 76 da!s #efore the date of the election- @: da!s for 'e'#ers of the BR and local candidate and ,: da!s for #aranga! official- &hich excludes the da! #efore and the da! of the elections+
Re'triction' on e7ia Practitioner' 3 an! 'ass 'edia colu'nist- co''entator- reorter or non*air corresondent or ersonalit! &ho is a candidate for an! elective office or is a ca'aign volunteer for or e'lo!ed or retained in an! caacit! #! an! candidate or olitical art! shall #e dee'ed resigned- if so required #! their e'lo!er- or shall ta>e a leave of a#sence fro' hisDher &or> as such during the ca'aign eriod+ .n! 'edia ractitioner &ho is an official of a olitical art! or 'e'#er of the ca'aign staff of a candidate or olitical art! shall not use hisDher ti'e or sace to favor an! candidate or olitical art! $o 'ovie- cine'atograh! or docu'entar! ortra!ing the life or #iograh! of a candidate shall #e u#licl! exhi#ited in a theater- television stations or an! u#lic foru' during the ca'aign eriod or those ortra!ed #! an actor or 'edia ersonalit! &ho is hi'self a candidate+
Proi6ite7 Acti#itie' Section =0 BP==1 3 lection campaign or partisan political activity outside campaign period( It shall #e unla&ful for an! erson &hether or not a voter or candidate- or for an! art! or association of ersons- to engage in an election ca'aign or artisan olitical activit! excet during the ca'aign eriod/ Provided- 1hat olitical arties 'a! hold olitical convention or 'eetings to no'inate their official candidates &ithin <6 da!s #efore the co''ence'ent of the ca'aign eriod and @: da!s for President and Vice* President+ RA <00; /)air Election La&4 Section ?. Election roaganda &hether on television- ca#le television- radio- ne&saers or an! other 'ediu' is here#! allo&ed for all registered olitical arties- national- regional- sectoral arties or organi=ations articiating under the art!*list elections and for all #ona fide candidates see>ing national and local ositions su#)ect to the li'itation on authori=ed exenses of candidates and olitical arties- o#servance of truth in advertising and to the suervision and regulation #! the Co'elec+
RA <00;4 Section > Election '3r#ey' refers to the 'easure'ents of oinions and ercetions of the voters as regards a candidates oularit!- qualifications- latfor's or 'atter of u#lic discussion in relation the election- including voters reference or candidates or u#licl! discussed issues during the ca'aign eriod+ 1he erson or entit! &ho u#lishes a surve! is required to include the follo&ing infor'ation/ •
ReG3ire"ent' %or P36li'e7 or Printe7 Broa7ca't Election Pro5a$an7a + RA <00; no& allo&s aid olitical
28
READ RA 9006
28
$a'e of the erson- candidate- art! or organi=ation &ho co''issioned or aid the surve!
ELECTION LAWS REVIEW 2< •
$a'e and address of the erson or olling fir' fro' &ho conducted the surve!
•
Period during &hich the surve! &as conducted'ethodolog! used- including the nu'#er or individual resondents and the areas fro' &hich the! &ere selected and the secific questions as>ed
•
It shall #e unla&ful for an! erson to solicit or receive an! contri#ution fro' an! of the ersons or entities enu'erated herein+ ABS-CBN ?2? SCRA =11- the SC defined exit olls as a secie of electoral surve! conducted #! qualified individuals or grous of individuals for the urose of deter'ining the ro#a#le result of an election #! confidentiall! as>ing rando'l! selected voters &ho' the! have voted for- i''ediatel! after the! have officiall! cast their #allots+ .n a#solute rohi#ition is unreasona#l! restrictive #ecause it effectivel! revents the use of exit oll data not onl! for election da!s of the elections- #ut also for long ter' research+ 1he concern of Co'elec of a non* co''unicative effect of the exit olls &hich is disorder and confusion in the voting centers does not )ustif! a total #an of the exist olls+ Co'elec should instead set safeguards in lace for those &ho intends to conduct exit olls+
Margin of error of the surve!+
1he surve! together &ith the ra& data gathered to suort the conclusions shall #e availa#le for insection- co!ing and verification #! the Co'elec- or #! the registered olitical art! or an! Co'elec accredited citi=en ar'+ Po'tin$ o% Ca"5ai$n aterial' 3 olitical arties and art!* list grous 'a! #e authori=ed #! the Co'elec co''on oster areas for their candidates in not 'ore than ,6 u#lic laces such as la=as- 'ar>ets- #aranga! centers and the li>e &herein- candidates can ost- disla! or exhi#it election roaganda+ 1he si=e of the oster areas shall not exceed ,5 x ,; feet or it equivalent+ %ith resect to indeendent candidates- 'a! li>e&ise avail of this #ut the difference is 'erel! on the si=e &hich shall not exceed @ x ; feet or its equivalent+ /Section <4 RA <00;
Section >.> o% RA <00; /)air Election' La& 8 rovides for the require'ents for the ta>ing of an exit olls/
RA <1=<4 Section 1> 3 !egulation of Campaign Abroad 3 1he use of ca'aign 'aterials- as &ell as the li'its on ca'aign sending shall #e governed # the la&s and regulations alica#le to the Philiines+ BP==14 Section <> )rohibited Contributions. $o contri#ution for uroses of artisan olitical activit! shall #e 'ade directl! or indirectl! #! an! of the follo&ing/
(a)
29
Pu#lic or rivate financial institutions/ Providedho&ever- 1hat nothing herein shall revent the 'a>ing of an! loan to a candidate or olitical art! #! an! such u#lic or rivate financial institutions legall! in the #usiness of lending 'one!- and that the loan is 'ade in accordance &ith la&s and regulations and in the ordinar! course of the #usiness
(b)
$atural and )uridical ersons oerating a u#lic utilit! or in ossession of or exloiting an! natural resources of the nation
(c)
$atural and )uridical ersons &ho hold contract or su#*contract to sul! the govern'ent or an! of its divisions- su#divisions or instru'entalities &ith goods or services or to erfor' construction or other &or>s
(d)
$atural and )uridical ersons &ho have #een granted franchises- incentives- exe'tionsallocations or si'ilar rivileges or concessions #! the govern'ent or an! of its divisionssu#divisions or instru'entalities- including govern'ent*o&ned or controlled cororations+
(e)
$atural and )uridical ersons &ho- &ithin the one !ear rior to the date of the election- have #een granted loans or other acco''odations in excess of ,66H #! the govern'ent or an! of its divisions- su#divisions or instru'entalities including govern'ent o&ned or controlled cororations+
(f)
Educational institutions &hich have received grants of u#lic funds to no less than ,66H
(g)
Officials or e'lo!ees in the Civil Service- or 'e'#ers of the .r'ed "orces of the Philiines
()
"oreigners and foreign cororations+
•
ollsters shall not conduct their surve! &ithin :6 'eters fro' the olling lace &hether said surve! is ta>en in a ho'e- d&elling lace and other laces
•
ollsters shall &ear distinctive clothing
•
ollsters shall infor' the voters that the! 'a! refuse to ans&er and
•
the result of the exit olls 'a! #e announced after the closing of the olls on election da!- and 'ust clearl! identif! the total nu'#er of resondents- and the laces &here the! &ere ta>en++ Said announce'ent shall state that the sa'e is unofficial and does not reresent a trend+
SOCIAL WEAT+ER STATION #'. COELEC ?>: SCRA <; 3 1his case involved the issue on election surve!s+ S%S is a rivate non*stoc>- non*rofit social research institution conducting surve!s in various fields- including econo'icsolitics- de'ograh! and social develo'ent- and thereafterrocessing- anal!=ing and u#licl! reorting the results thereof+ On the other hand- Ha'ahalan Pu#lishing Cororation u#lishes the Manila Standard- a ne&saer of general circulation- &hich features ne&s&orth! ite's of infor'ation including election surve!s+
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ELECTION LAWS REVIEW ?0 Petitioners #rought this action for rohi#ition to en)oin the Co'elec fro' enforcing ar+ :+@ of R. 766; &hich rovides- 0Surve!s affecting national candidates shall not #e u#lished fifteen 4,:8 da!s #efore an election and surve!s affecting local candidates shall not #e u#lished seven 498 da!s #efore an election2+
In )ranci'co Ca#eF #. Co"elec et. al. *.R. No. 1;2::: ?1 A3$3't 200- Chave= #rought #efore the SC a Petition for Prohi#ition &ith ra!er for the issuance of a &rit of reli'inar! in)unction as taxa!er and citi=en as>ing the Court to en)oin the Co'elec fro' enforcing Section 5, of its Resolution $o+ ;:56 dated 6; Januar! 566@+ 4Sec+ <5 rovides/ .ll roaganda 'aterials such as osters- strea'ers- stic>ers or aintings on &alls and other 'aterials sho&ing the icture or na'e of a erson and all advertise'ents on rint- in radio or on television sho&ing the i'age or 'entioning the na'e of a erson- &ho su#sequent to the lace'ent or disla! thereof #eco'es a candidate for u#lic office shall #e i''ediatel! re'oved #! said candidate and radio station- rint 'edia or television station &ithin < da!s after the effectivit! of these i'le'enting rules other&ise- he and the said radio station- rint 'edia or television station shall #e resu'ed to have conducted re'ature ca'aigning in violation of Sec+ ?6 of the OEC8
Invalid due to over#readth
On the issue that Sec+ <5 of the Co'elec Resolution is in the nature of an ex ost facto la&+ $ot ex ost facto 3 the offense as exressl! rescri#ed in Section <5- is the non*re'oval of the descri#ed roaganda 'aterials three 4<8 da!s after the effectivit! of the said Resolution+ If the candidate for u#lic office fails to re'ove such roaganda 'aterials after the given eriod- he shall #e lia#le under Section ?6 of the OEC for re'ature ca'aigning+ $o&here is it indicated in the said rovision that it shall oerate retroactivel!+
Co'elec relied #! infor'ing hi' to re'ove or cover the said #ill#oards ending the resolution of the Co'elec on his request for exe'tion+ .ggrieved- Chave= sent to the SC via a etition for rohi#ition see>ing the said rovision as unconstitutional #ased on the follo&ing grounds 3
30
•
Section <5 neither violated the non*i'air'ent clause as this 'ust !ield to the loftier uroses targeted #! the Aovern'ent+ Equal oortunit! to roffer oneself for u#lic office- &ithout regard to the level of financial resources one 'a! have at his disosal- is a vital interest to the u#lic+ 1he SC has stressed that contracts affecting u#lic interest contain an i'lied reservation of the olice o&er as a ostulate of the existing legal order+ 1his o&er can #e activated at an!ti'e to change the rovisions of the contract- or even a#rogate it entirel!- for the ro'otion or rotection of the genera &elfare+ Such an act &ill not 'ilitate against the i'air'ent clause+ %hich is su#)ect to and li'ited #! the ara'ount olice o&er+
Chave= on various dates entered in for'al agree'ent &ith certain esta#lish'ent to endorse their roducts and ursuant thereto- < #ill #oards &ere set u on so'e strategic areas in Metro Manila+ Su#sequentl! on <6 Kece'#er 566ing exe'tion fro' the alication of Section <5considering that the #ill#oard adverted to are 'ere roduct endorse'ents and cannot #e construed as arahernalia for re'ature ca'aigning under the rules+
.n invalid exercise of olice o&er
Contrar! to the "air Elections .ct
It is true that &hen etitioner entered into the contract or agree'ents to endorse certain roducts- he acted as a rivate individual and had all the right to lend his na'e and i'age to these roducts+ Bo&ever- &hen he filed his COC for senatorthe #ill#oards featuring his na'e and i'age assu'ed artisan olitical character #ecause the sa'e directl! ro'oted his candidac!+ If su#)ect #ill#oards &ere to #e allo&ed- candidates for u#lic office &hose na'e and i'age are used to advertise co''ercial roducts &ould have 'ore oortunit! to 'a>e the'selves >no&n to the electorate- to the disadvantage of other candidates &ho do not have the sa'e chance of lending their faces and na'es to endorse oular co''ercial roducts as i'age 'odels+ Si'ilarl!- an individual intending to run for u#lic office &ithin the next fe& 'onths- could a! rivate cororations to use hi' as their i'age 'odel &ith the intention of fa'iliari=ing the u#lic &ith his na'e and i'age even #efore the start of the ca'aign eriod+ 1his- &ithout dou#t- &ould #e a circu'vention of the rule against re'ature ca'aigning++
PREAT(RE CAPAI*NIN*
•
•
RLI$A 3 olice o&er is an inherent attri#ute of sovereignt!is the o&er to rescri#e regulations to ro'ote the health'orale- eace- education- good order or safet! of the general &elfare of the eole+ Te 5ri"ary o6ecti#e o% te 5ro#i'ion i' to 5roi6it 5re"at3re ca"5ai$nin$ an7 to le#el te 5layin$ %iel7 %or can7i7ate' o% 536lic o%%ice4 to eG3aliFe te 'it3ation 6et&een 5o53lar or ric can7i7ate'4 on one an7 an7 le''er-no&n or 5oorer can7i7ate'4 on te oter4 6y 5re#entin$ te %or"er %ro" enoyin$ 3n73e a7#anta$e in e!5o'3re an7 536licity on acco3nt o% teir re'o3rce' an7 5o53larity. Ti' i' a #ali7 rea'on %or te e!erci'e o% 5olice 5o&er a' el7 in te Pili55ine' Pre'' In'tit3te #. Co"elec ca'e.
Petitioner S%S states that it &ishes to conduct an election surve! throughout the eriod of the elections #oth at the national and local levels and release to the 'edia the results of such surve! as &ell as u#lish the' directl!+ Ha'ahalan also states that it intends to u#lish election surve! results u to the last da! of the elections on Ma! ,@- 566,+ BELK/ Par+ :+@ constitutes an unconstitutional a#ridge'ent of freedo' of seech- exression and the ress+ It is invalid #ecause it i'oses a rior restraint on the freedo' of exression and it is a direct and total suression of a categor! of exression even though such suression is onl! for a li'ited eriod- and the govern'ental interest sought to #e ro'oted can #e achieved #! 'eans other than the suression of freedo' of exression+
It &as a gross violation of the non*i'air'ent clause
In the nature of an ex ost facto la&
.s to the ,st issue 3 is Section <5 of Co'elec Resolution $o+ ;:56 an invalid exercise of olice o&er Petitioner argues/ the #ill#oards 4even if it #ears his na'e8 do not at all announce his candidac! for an! u#lic office nor solicit for such candidac! fro' the electorate the! are 'ere roduct endorse'ents and not election roaganda+ Prohi#ition is not &ithin the scoe of o&er of the Co'elec+
1he ter' 0election surve!s2 is defined in ar+ :+, of the la& as follo&s 2Election surve!s refer to the 'easure'ent of oinions and ercetion of the voters as regards a candidates oularit!- qualification- latfor's or a 'atter of u#lic discussion in relation to the election- including voters reference for candidates or u#licl! discussed issues during the ca'aign eriod2+
•
•
On the issue that the rovision &as a violation of the "air Elections .ct as #ill#oards are alread! er'itted as la&ful election roaganda+ It &as ruled that the rovision does not
30
ELECTION LAWS REVIEW ?1 rohi#it #ill#oards as la&ful election roaganda+ It onl! regulates their use to revent re'ature ca'aigning and to equali=e- as 'uch as ractica#le- the situation of all candidates #! reventing oular and rich candidates fro' gaining undue advantage in exosure and u#licit! on account of their resources and oularit!+ Co'elec &as onl! doing its dut! under the la& /Sec. ? an7 1? o% te )air Election' Act on la&%3l 5ro5a$an7a
(1)
Section =0 of the OEC rovides 0it 'all 6e 3nla&%3l %or any 5er'on4 &eter or not a #oter or can7i7ate or %or any 5arty4 or a''ociation o% 5er'on'4 to en$a$e in an election ca"5ai$n or 5arti'an 5olitical acti#ity4 e!ce5t 73rin$ te ca"5ai$n 5erio7.8
(2)
.ccordingl!- a can7i7ate i' lia6le %or an election o%%en'e only %or act' 7one 73rin$ te ca"5ai$n 5erio74 not 6e%ore. In other &ords- election offenses can #e co''itted #! a candidate onl! uon the start of the ca'aign eriod+ (efore the start of the ca'aign eriodsuch election offenses cannot #e co''itted+ Since the la& is clear- the Court has no recourse #ut to al! it+ 1he foru' for exa'ining the &isdo' of the la&- and enacting re'edial 'easures- is not the Court #ut the Legislature+
Penera #. Co"elec ><< SCRA ;0< + 1he issue on re'ature ca'aigning &as raised+ "acts sho& that Penera and .ndanar &ere 'a!oralt! candidates in Sta+ Monica in the last Ma! ,@5669 elections+ .ndanar filed #efore the Office of the Regional Election Kirector- Caraga Region- Region FIII- a etition for disqualification against Penera for unla&full! engaging in election ca'aigning and artisan olitical activit! rior to the co''ence'ent of the ca'aign eriod+
4#8 Contrar! to the assailed Kecision- Section ,:- of R. ?@<;- as a'ended- does not rovide that artisan olitical acts done #! a candidate #efore the ca'aign eriod are unla&ful- #ut 'a! #e rosecuted onl! uon the start of the ca'aign eriod+ $either does the la& state that artisan olitical acts done #! a candidate #efore the ca'aign eriod are te'oraril! la&ful- #ut #eco'es unla&ful uon the start of the ca'aign eriod+ (esides- such a la& as envisioned in the Kecision- &hich defines a cri'inal act and curtails freedo' of exression and seech- &ould #e void for vagueness+
1he Petition alleged that on 57 March 5669- a da! #efore the start of the authori=ed ca'aign eriod on <6 March 5669Penera and her art!'ates &ent around the different #aranga!s in Sta+ Monica- announcing their candidacies and requesting the eole to vote for the' on the da! of the elections+ Penera alleged that the charge &as not true although having ad'itted that a 'otorcade did ta>e lace &hich &as si'l! in accordance &ith the usual ractice in near#! cities and rovinces- &here the filing of COC &as receded #! a 'otorcade- &hich disersed soon after the co'letion of such filing+ Penera in her defense cited (arroso v+ .'ig 4
1hat Section ,: of R. ?@<; does not exressl! state that ca'aigning #efore the start of the ca'aign eriod is la&ful- as the assailed decision asserted- is no 'o'ent+ It is a #asic rincile of la& that an! act is la&ful unless exressl! declared unla&ful #! la&+ 1he 'ere fact that the la& does not declare an act unla&ful iso facto 'eans that the act is la&ful+ 1hus- there is no need for Congress to declare in Section ,: of R. ?@<; that artisan olitical activities #efore the start of the ca'aign eriod is la&ful+ It is sufficient for Congress to state that 0an! unla&ful act or o'ission alica#le to a candidate shall ta>e effect onl! uon the start of the ca'aign eriod+2 1he onl! inescaa#le and logical result is that the sa'e acts- if done #efore the start of the ca'aign eriod- are la&ful+
Co'elec ruled that Penera engaged in re'ature ca'aigning in violation of Section ?6 and disqualified Penera fro' continuing as a 'a!oralt! candidate+ 1he SC ruled no a#use of discretion on the art of the Co'elec and held that the conduct of a 'otorcade is a for' of election ca'aign or artisan olitical activit! &hich fall squarel! under of Section 97 of the OEC+ Penera "o#e7 %or recon'i7eration arguing that she &as not !et a candidate at the ti'e of the suosed re'ature ca'aigning- since under Section ,: of R. ?@<; 4the la& authori=ing the Co'elec to use an auto'ated election s!ste' for the rocess of voting- counting of votes- and canvasingDconsolidating the results of the national and local elections8- as a'ended #! R. 7<;7- is not officiall! a candidate until the start of the ca'aign eriod+
4d8 1he Courts ,, Sete'#er 5667 Kecision also reversed Lanot v+ Co'elec 4A+R+ $o+ ,;@?:?- ,; $ove'#er 566;8+ Lanot &as decided on the ground that one &ho files a certificate of candidac! is not a candidate until the start of the ca'aign eriod+ 1his ground &as #ased on the deli#erations of the legislators &ho exlained that the earl! deadline for filing COC under R. ?@<; &as set onl! to afford ti'e to reare the 'achine reada#le #allots- and the! intended to reserve the existing election eriod- such that one &ho files his COC to 'eet the earl! deadline &ill still not #e considered as a candidate+
In $rantin$ PeneraH' R - the SC En (anc held that Penera did not engage in re'ature ca'aigning and should thus- not #e disqualified as a 'a!oralt! candidate+ 1he Court said*
%hen Congress a'ended R. ?@<;- Congress decided to exressl! incororate the Lanot doctrine into la&- thus- the rovision in Section ,:- of R. ?@<; that a erson &ho files his certificate of candidac! shall #e con'i7ere7 a can7i7ate only Congress &anted to at te 'tart o% te ca"5ai$n 5erio7. insure that no erson filing a certificate of candidac! under the earl! deadline required #! the auto'ated election s!ste' &ould #e disqualified or enali=ed for an! artisan olitical act done #efore the start of the ca'aign eriod+ 1his rovision cannot #e annulled #! the Court excet on the sole ground of its unconstitutionalit!+ 1he assailed Kecision- ho&ever- did not
4a8 1he Courts ,, Sete'#er 5667 Kecision 4or the assailed Kecision8 considered a erson &ho files a certificate of candidac! alread! a 0candidate2 even #efore the start of the ca'aign eriod+ 1his is contrar! to the clear intent and letter of Section ,: of R. ?@<;- as a'ended- &hich stated that a 5er'on &o %ile' i' certi%icate o% can7i7acy &ill only 6e con'i7ere7 a can7i7ate at te 'tart o% te ca"5ai$n 5erio74 an7 3nla&%3l act' or o"i''ion a55lica6le to a can7i7ate 'all tae e%%ect only 35on te 'tart o% '3c ca"5ai$n 5erio7. In al!ing the said la& 3
31
1he effective date &hen artisan olitical acts #eco'e unla&ful as to a candidate is &hen the ca'aign eriod starts+ Be%ore te 'tart o% te ca"5ai$n 5erio74 te 'a"e 5arti'an 5olitical act' are la&%3l.
31
ELECTION LAWS REVIEW ?2 clai' that this rovision is unconstitutional+ In fact- the assailed Kecision considered the entire Section ,: good la&+ 1hus- the Kecision &as self*contradictor! 3 reversing Lanot #ut 'aintaining the constitutionalit! of the said rovision+
on election da! until the rocla'ation of the &inning candidates shall #e guilt! of an election offense+ RA =?;4 Section 2? 3 $ational (oard of Canvassers for Senators 3 1he chair'an and 'e'#ers of the Co''ission on Elections sitting en #anc- shall co'ose the national #oard of canvassers for senators+ It shall canvass the results for senators #! consolidating the results contained in the data storage devices su#'itted #! the district- rovincial and cit! #oards of canvassers- of those cities &hich co'rise one or 'ore legislative districts+ 1hereafter- the national #oard shall roclai' the &inning candidates+
In Lanot #'. Co"elec >0: SCRA 114 the Court ruled that there are t&o asects of a disqualification case/
1)
2)
Electoral a'5ect deter'ines &hether the offender should #e disqualified fro' #eing a candidate or fro' holding office+ Proceedings are su''ar! in character and require onl! clear reonderance of evidence+ .n erring candidate 'a! #e disqualified even &ithout rior deter'ination of ro#a#le cause in a PI+ 1he electoral asect 'a! roceed indeendentl! of the cri'inal asect and vice*versa+
Section ?04 RA :1;; 3 Congress as the "ational %oard of Canvassers for the election of )resident and &ice*)resident+ #etermination of Authenticity and #ue ecution of Certificates of Canvass( -
Cri"inal a'5ect deter'ines &hether there is ro#a#le cause to charge a candidate for an election offense+ If there is ro#a#le cause- the Co'elec through its La& Keart'ent- files the cri'inal infor'ation #efore the roer court+ Proceedings #efore the roer court de'and a full*#lo&n hearing and require roof #e!ond reasona#le dou#t to convict+ . cri'inal conviction shall result in the disqualification of the offender- &hich 'a! even include disqualification fro' holding a future u#lic office+ CANVASSIN* BODIES
Provincial (oard of Canvassers 3 1he rovincial #oard of canvassers shall #e co'osed of the rovincial election suervisor or a la&!er in the regional office of the Co''ission- as chair'anthe rovincial fiscal- as vice*chair'an- and the rovincial suerintendent of schools as 'e'#er+
(b)
Cit! (oard of Canvassers 3 1he cit! #oard of canvassers shall #e co'osed of the cit! election registrar or a la&!er of the Co''issionas chair'an- the cit! fiscal- as vice*chair'anand the cit! suerintendent of schools- as 'e'#er+ In cities &ith 'ore than one election registrar- the Co''ission shall designate the election registrar as chair'an+
(c)
4)
Kistrict (OC in each legislative district in MM 3 'e'#ers of the BR and 'unicial officials
5)
Cit! and M(OC 3 'e'#er of the BR- cit! and 'unicial officials co'osed of the cit! or 'unicial EO- Cit! Prosecutor and KeEd Suerintendent
Co'elec 3 Senators and Regional Officials 3 P(C 3 Me'#ers of the BR and rovincial officials 4co'osed of the PES- Provincial Prosecutor and rovincial official of the KeEd
CERTI)ICATE O) VOTES4 STATEENT ELECTION RET(RNS AND DISTRIB(TION
O)
VOTES4
Certi%icate o% Vote' 3 is an election docu'ent issued #! the (EIs after the counting and announce'ent of the results and #efore leaving the olling lace uon request of the accredited &atcher+ It shall contain the nu'#er of votes o#tain #! each candidate &ritten in &ords and figures- recinct - na'e of the cit! or 'unicialit! signed and thu'# 'ar>ed #! each 'e'#er of the #oard+
Municial (oard of Canvassers+ 3 1he 'unicial #oard of canvassers shall #e co'osed of the election registrar or a reresentative of the Co''ission- as chair'an- the 'unicial treasurer- as vice*chair'an and the 'ost senior district school suervisor or in his a#sence a rincial of the school district or the ele'entar! school- as 'e'#er+
Ty5oco #'. Co"elec ;1 SCRA ?<1 3 In Aara! v+ Co'elec 5;, SCR. 555 4,77;8 the Court held that 04a8 certificate of votes does not constitute sufficient evidence of the true and genuine results of the election onl! election returns areursuant to Sections 5<,- 5<<*5<; and 5
1he roceedings of the #oard of canvassers shall #e oen and u#lic+ (P??,- Section 555+ Relation'i5 &it Can7i7ate' an7 oter "e"6er' o% te Boar7. 1he chair'an and the 'e'#ers of the #oards of canvassers shall not #e related &ithin the @th civil degree of consanguinit! or affinit! to an! of the candidates &hose votes &ill #e canvassed #! the said #oard- or to an! 'e'#er of the sa'e #oard+
Doro"al #'. BironCo"elec ;1? SCRA 1;0 /2010 the certificate of votes- &hich contains the nu'#er of votes o#tained #! each candidate- is issued #! the (EI uon the request of the dul! accredited &atcher ursuant to Section ,;
(P??,- Section 55@+ )ei$ne7 Illne''+ .n! 'e'#er of the #oard of canvassers feigning illness in order to #e su#stituted
32
Congress for Pres+ VP 4Sec+ @- .rticle VII8
RA <1=<4 Section 1=/ . Secial (oard of Canvassers co'osed of a la&!er refera#l! of the Co''ission as chair'an- a senior career office fro' an! of the govern'ent agencies 'aintaining a ost a#road and- in the a#sence of another govern'ent officer- a citi=en of the Philiines qualified to vote under this .ct deuti=ed #! the Co''ission- as vice* chair'an and 'e'#er secretar!- resectivel!- shall #e constituted to canvass election returns su#'itted to it #! the Secial (oards of Elections Insectors+ Fxx xxx 01he Certificates of Canvass and the acco'an!ing State'ents of Votes as trans'itted via facsi'ile- electronic 'ail and an! other 'eans of trans'ission equall! safe- secure and relia#le shall #e the ri'ar! #asis for the national canvass+
Section 2214 BP ==1RA ;;;4 Section 20 * (oards of Canvassers 4Local (oards8+ 1here shall #e a #oard of canvassers for each rovince- cit! and 'unicialit! as follo&s/
(a)
1) 2) 3)
32
ELECTION LAWS REVIEW ?? of R. ;;@;+ Relative to its e#i7entiary #al3e- Section ,9 of R. ;;@; rovides that Sections 5<: and 5<; of (P ??, not&ithstanding- the Certificate of Votes shall #e a7"i''i6le in e#i7ence to 5ro#e ta'ering- alteration- falsification or an! ano'al! co''itted in the rearation of the election returns concerned- &hen dul! authenticated #! at least t&o 'e'#ers of the (EI &ho issued the certificate+ "ailure to resent the CV shall ho&ever not #ar the resentation of other evidence to i'ugn the authenticit! of the ER+ It cannot #e a valid #asis of canvass+
•
1o advise the candidate definitel! of the nu'#er of his votes so that in case the election state'ent su#'itted to the (OC does not tall! &ith the certificate in his hands- he 'a! as> that the other authentic coies of the sa'e #e used for the canvass
•
•
"M and other analoguous circu'stances of such a nature that the holding of a BOPE*"RECRE should #eco'e i'ossi#le in an! olitical su#division+
Sec+ ; on the other hand- rescri#es the conditions for the exercise of the o&er to declare a "ailure of Elections+ .s reiterated in Di6arat3n #'. Co"elec ;11 SCRA ?;:4 citin$ Bana$a Jr. #. Co"elec ??; SCRA :01 /2000 also in Canico'a #. Co"elec 2=2 SCRA >1: - to 7eclare a %ail3re o% election'4 eiter o% te'e tree /? in'tance' 'o3l7 6e 5re'ent con%or"a6ly &it Section ; o% te OEC
)(NCTIONS O) T+E CERTI)ICATE O) VOTES
Prevent or deter the 'e'#ers of the (EI or other official fro' altering the state'ent #ecause the! >no& of the existence of such certificate
loss or destruction of election arahernalia or records-
J3ri'7iction * the Co''ission en #anc 'a! 0"ot3 5ro5io or uon a verified etition #! an! interested art!- and after due notice and hearing- &here#! all interested arties are afforded equal oortunit! to #e heard- shall ostone the election to a date &hich is reasona#l! close to the date of the election not held- susended or &hich resulted to a failure to elect #ut not later than <6 da!s after the cessation of the cause for such ostone'ent or susension of the election or failure to elect+
Purose of requiring authentication of at least 5 'e'#ers of the (OC 3 to safeguard the integrit! of the certificate fro' the ti'e it is issued #! the (EI to the &atcher after the counting of votes at the recinct level u to the ti'e that it is resented to the #oard of canvassers to roved ta'ering+
•
•
1o serve as evidence of fraud in election rotest cases and in su#sequent rosecution of the election offenses against those lia#le therefore+
•
the election in an! olling lace has not #een held on the date fixed on account of force 'a)eure- violenceterroris'- fraud or other analogous causes
•
the election in an! olling lace has #een susended #efore the hour fixed #! la& for the closing of voting on account of "M- terroris'- fraud or other analogous causes
•
after the voting and during the rearation and trans'ission of the ER or in the custod! of canvass thereof- such election results in a failure to elect on the sa'e grounds+
State'ent of Votes 3 is a ta#ulation er recinct of the votes o#tained #! the candidates or reflected in the ER+ Certificate of Canvass 3 is #ased on the SV and &hich serves as #asis for rocla'ation+
(ased on the foregoing rovisions- t&o 458 conditions 'ust concur to declare a failure of elections 3
DISPOSITION O) ELECTION RET(RNS
Election Returns and Kistri#ution 3 R. ?,9< a'ending Section 59 of R. 9,;;- rovides that in the election for Pres+- VPSenators and 'e'#ers of the BR- the ER shall #e distri#uted as follo&s * •
,st C(O or M(OC
•
5nd congress- directed to the Pres+ of the Senate
•
•
@th Ko'inant 'a)orit! art! as 'a! #e deter'ined #! the Co'elec in accordance &ith la&
•
:th Ko'inant 'inorit! art! as 'a! #e deter'ined #! Co'elec in accordance &ith la&
•
;th Citi=ens .r's authori=ed #! the Co'elec to conduct an unofficial count to #e deosited inside the #allot #ox+
33
terroris'-
the votes not cast &ould affect the results of the elections 4Carlos+ V+ .ngeles8
Sec. o% RA :1;; 4.n .ct Providing for the S!nchroni=ed $ational and Local Elections8 rovides that an! declaration of ostone'ent- failure of election and calling for a secial elections as rovided in Section :-;- 9 shall #e decided #! the Co''ission sitting en #anc #! a 'a)orit! vote of its 'e'#ers+ 1his o&er is exclusivel! vested in the Co'elec as ruled in the case of SanceF #. Co"elec 1
Sec. > o% te OEC rovides for the grounds for declaring a 5o't5one"ent o% election' that is &hen for * •
•
Proce73ral R3le' * On the #asis of a verified etition #! an! interested art! and after due notice and hearing- the Co'elec 'a! call for the holding or continuation of the election not heldsusended or &hich resulted in a failure to elect on a date reasona#l! close to the date of the election not heldsusended or &hich resulted in a failure to elect #ut not later than <6 da!s after the cessation of the cause of such ostone'ent or susension of the election or failure to elect+
Petition to Declare a 5o't5one"ent4 %ail3re or ann3l"ent o% election' an7 call %or a '5ecial election' in accor7ance &it Section' >4;4 : o% te OEC a' a"en7e7 6y Sec. o% RA :1;;.
an! serious cause such as violence-
no voting has ta>en lace in the recincts concerned on the date fixed #! la& or- even if there &as voting the election nevertheless resulted in a failure to elect and
In the sa'e case of Coquilla v+ Co'elec- the SC stressed that 0&hat is co''on in these three instances is the resulting failure to elect+ In the first instance- no election &as held- &hile in the second- the election is susended+ In the third instancecircu'stances attending the rearation- trans'ission- custod! or canvas of the election returns cause a failure to elect+ .ndthe ter' failure to elect 'eans no#od! e'erged as a &inner+2
"or Local officials 3 4,8 C(O( or M(OC 458 Co'elec 4<8 P(OC 4@8 KMP 4:8 KMP 4;8 Citi=ens .r's for unofficial count 498 inside #allot #ox+
•
•
33
ELECTION LAWS REVIEW ? In Ba'er- te %act tat an election i' act3ally el7 5re#ent' a' a r3le4 a 7eclaration o% %ail3re o% election'4 te Co3rt4 o&e#er4 can ann3l an election i% it %in7' tat te election i' atten7e7 &it 5atent an7 "a''i#e irre$3laritie' an7 ille$alitie'. In this case- after a series of failed elections in (rg!+ Maidan- Municialit! of 1uga!a- Lanao del Sur during the ,779 (rg!+ Elections- the election &as reset to <6 .ugust ,779+ Kue to the revailing tension in the localit!- the voting started onl! at around 7 +'+ and lasted until the earl! 'orning of the follo&ing da!+ (asher filed a etition for the nullification of the election &hich &as dis'issed #! the Co'elec on the ground that actual voting had ta>en lace+ Te SC o#ert3rne7 te Co"elec r3lin$ 6eca3'e te election &a' 3na3toriFe7 an7 in#ali7. Te electorate &a' not $i#en '3%%icient notice tat te election &o3l7 53' tro3$ a%ter <5" o% te 'a"e 7ay. Moreover- the voting did not co'l! &ith the rocedure laid do&n #! the Co'elec in its Resolution+
Loon$ #. Co"elec 2>: SCRA 1 - a etition to declare failure of electionsDannul'ent of elections on the ground of 'assive fraud in so'e 'unicialities &as filed #efore rocla'ation++ Co'elec dis'issed the etition for having #een filed out of ti'e since it &as filed onl! after etitioners reali=ed that the annul'ent of election &ill &ie out their lead+ BELK/ It &as ruled that the Co'elec Resolution dis'issing the etition &as ar#itrar! as no la& rovided for a regle'entar! eriod &ithin &hich to file a etition for annul'ent of elections if there is no rocla'ation !et+ Canico'a #. Co"elec 2=2 SCRA >12 - Canicosa filed &ith the Co'elec a Petition to declare failure of elections and to declare null and void the canvass and rocla'ation #ased on the follo&ing grounds 4na'es of the RV did not aear on the listadloc>s &ere not self loc>ing a'ong other8 &hich &as dis'issed #! the Co'elec en #anc on the ground that the allegations therein did not )ustif! the declaration of failure of elections+
Bana$a Jr. #'. Co"elec ??; SCRA :01- the fact that a verified etition has #een filed does not 'ean that a hearing on the case should first #e held #efore Co'elec can act on it+ 1he etition 'ust sho& on its face that the conditions necessar! to declare a failure of elections are resent+
Canicosa insists that its&as error on the art of Co'elec sitting en #anc to rule on his etition as it should have first #een heard #! a division+ 1he SC held that the 'atter relating to the declaration of failure of elections or the allegations raised #! Canicosa did not involve an exercise of QJ or ad)udicator! functions+ It involves an ad'inistrative function &hich ertains to the enforce'ent and ad'inistration of all la&s and regulations relative to the conduct of elections+
A"5at3an et. al. #. Co"elecCan7ao4 et. al.4 *.R. No. 1<=0?4 Jan3ary ?14 2002 - rivate resondents filed a etition for declaration of failure of elections in several 'unicialities in Maguindanao+ Kuring the endenc! of the hearing of said etition- the Co'elec roclai'ed etitioners as &inners for the osition of governor- vice*governor and #oard 'e'#ers+
Pa'an7alan #'. Co"elec4 et. al.4 *.R. No. 1>0?12 J3ly 1=4 2002- the SC held that a 5etition %or 7eclaration o% %ail3re o% election' i' an e!traor7inary re"e7y8 an7 tere%ore te 5etition "3't '5eci%ically alle$e te e''ential $ro3n7' tat &o3l7 3'ti%y te 'a"e. Oter&i'e4 te Co"elec can 7i'"i'' te 5etition o3tri$t %or lac o% "erit an7 no $ra#e a63'e o% 7i'cretion can 6e attri63te7 to it. 1he Co'elec is 'andated to exercise this o&er &ith ut'ost circu'sect to revent disenfranchising voters and frustrating the electorates &ell+2
1hereafter- the Co'elec issued an order directing the continuation of the hearing on the failure of elections and issued an order outlining the rocedure to #e follo&ed in the technical exa'ination+ Petitioners- rel!ing on the case of 1!oco- Jr+ v+ Co'elec- contended that #! virtue of their rocla'ation- the onl! re'ed! left for rivate resondents is to file an election rotest- in &hich case- original )urisdiction lies &ith the regular courts and that Co'elec no longer has )urisdiction to conduct a technical exa'ination as it &ould defeat the su''ar! nature of a etition for declaration of failure of elections citing several rulings that an election rotest is the roer re'ed! for a losing candidate after the rocla'ation of the &inning candidates+
In this case- Pasandalan filed a etition for declaration of failure of election on the ground that &hile voting &as going on Cafgus indiscri'inatel! fired their firear's causing the voters to anic and leave the olling laces &ithout casting their votes and ta>ing advantage of the situation- the suorters of his oonent too> the official #allots and filled the' u &ith his na'e- the (EIs failed to affix their initials at the #ac> of several official #allots+ Pa'an7alan 4 on te 6a'i' o% te a%%i7a#it' o% i' o&n 5oll &atcer'4 in'i't' tat a tecnical e!a"ination o% te o%%icial 6allot' in te conte'te7 5recinct' 6e "a7e &ic &o3l7 'o& tat only a %e& 5er'on' &rote te entrie'4 citin$ te ca'e o% Ty5oco #. Co"elec ?1< SCRA <= an7 Ba'er #. Co"elec ??0 SCRA :?;.
ISSE/ &eter te Co"elec &a' 7i#e'te7 o% it' 3ri'7iction to ear an7 7eci7e a 5etition %or 7eclaration o% %ail3re o% election' a%ter te &inner' a#e alrea7y 6een BELK/ It &as ruled that the fact that the a 5roclai"e7+ candidate roclai'ed has assu'ed office does not derive the Co'elec of its authorit! to annul an! canvass and illegal rocla'ation+ In this case- it cannot #e assu'ed that the rocla'ation of etitioners &as legal recisel! #ecause the conduct #! &hich the elections &ere held &as ut in issue #! resondents in their etition for annul'ent of election results andDor declaration of failure of elections+ 1he cases relied uon #! etitioners that an election rotest is the roer re'ed! for a losing candidate after rocla'ation of the &inning candidate involved re*rocla'ation controversies+
1he SC held that the Co'elec is not 'andated to conduct a technical exa'ination #efore it dis'isses a etition for nullification of election &hen the etition is- on its face- &ithout 'erit+ In the case of 1!oco- etitioner #uttressed his etition &ith indeendent evidence that co'elled the Co'elec to conduct a technical exa'ination of the questioned returns+ 1!oco filed a Motion to .d'it Evidence to rove that a su#stantial nu'#er of election returns &ere 'anufactured and clai'ed that the returns &ere reared #! onl! one erson #ased on the reort of a licensed exa'iner of questioned docu'ents &ho exa'ined coies of the election returns+ Pasandalan failed to attach indeendent and o#)ective evidence other than the self*serving affidavits of his o&n oll &atchers+
34
1he SC 'ade reference to its ruling in Loong v+ Co'elec that a 5re-5rocla"ation contro#er'y i' not te 'a"e a' an action %or ann3l"ent o% election re'3lt'4 or %ail3re o% In re*rocla'ation cases- the Co'elec is election'2+ restricted to an exa'ination of the election returns on their face and is &ithout )urisdiction to go #e!ond or #ehind the' and investigate election irregularities+ 1he Co'elec is dut!*#ound to investigate allegations of fraud- terroris'- violence and other analogous causes in actions for annul'ent of election results or for declaration of failure of elections confor'a#l! &ith the OEC+ .ccordingl!- the Co'elec- in the case of actions for annul'ent of election results or declaration of failure of
34
ELECTION LAWS REVIEW ?> elections- 'a! conduct technical exa'ination of election docu'ents and co'are and anal!=e voters signatures and thu'#rints in order to deter'ine &hether or not the elections had indeed #een free- honest and clean+
second t!e refers to ruling on questions contesting ER+ 1he art! adversel! affected 'ust i''ediatel! infor' the #oard that he intends to aeal fro' the ruling and the #oard shall enter said infor'ation in the 'inutes of the canvass and &ithin @? hours fro' the ruling- the adverse art! 'ust file &ith the #oard a &ritten and verified notice of aeal- and &ithin an unextendi#le eriod of : da!s thereafter- he has to ta>e the aeal to the Co'elec
Bora4 Jr. #. Co"elec 2;0 SCRA ;0- a etition for declaration of failure of elections and to nullif! the canvass and rocla'ation &as filed #! (or)a &herein he alleged that there &as lac> of notice of the date and ti'e of canvass- there &as fraud in the conduct of the elections as several voters &ere disenfranchised- resence of fl!ing voters and unqualified 'e'#ers of the (EI+ 1he Co'elec dis'issed the etition ruling that the grounds relied uon #! (or)a &ere ground roer onl! in an election contest+ SC uheld the decision of the Co'elec+
•
in etitions directl! filed &ith it+
aca6a$o #. Co"elec ?<2 SCRA 1:= 3 it &as held that issues in a PPC is roerl! li'ited to challenges ai'ed against the (OC and roceedings #efore said #oard relative to articular ER to &hich resondent should have 'ade articular ver#al o#)ections su#sequentl! reduced in &riting+
PRE-PROCLAATION CONTROVERS, BP ==1 Section 2?.Co"elec R3le' o% Proce73re R3le 2: / - SCOPEISS(ES tat "ay 6e rai'e7 in a PREPROCLAATION CONTROVERS,
(P ??,- Section 5@5 3 1he Co''ission shall have exclusive )urisdiction of all rerocla'ation controversies+ It 'a! 'otu roio and after due notice and hearing- order the artial or total susension of the rocla'ation of an! candidate*elect or annual artiall! or totall! an! rocla'ation- if one has #een 'ade- as the evidence shall &arrant in accordance &ith the succeeding sections+ atala" #. Co"elec 2:1 SCRA :??BP ==1 3 a re* rocla'ation controvers! is defined- as a general rule- an! question ertaining to or affecting the roceedings of the (OC &hich 'a! #e raised #! an! candidate or an! registered olitical art! or coalition of olitical #efore the #oard or directl! &ith the Co'elec- on an! 'atter raised under Section' 2?? /&en ER are 7elaye74 lo't or 7e'troye74 2? /"aterial 7e%ect' in te ER4 2?> /&en ER a55ear to 6e ta"5ere7 &it or %al'i%ie7 an7 2?; /7i'cre5ancie' in te ER o% te OEC in relation to te 5re5aration4 tran'"i''ion4 recei5t4 c3'to7y an7 a55reciation o% te ER an7 Certi%icate o% Can#a''. Section 1:4 RA ;;; - questions affecting the co'osition or roceedings of the (OC 'a! #e initiated &ith the #oard or directl! &ith the Co'elec+ Bo&ever- 'atters raised under Sec+ 5<< to 5<; shall #e #rought in the first instance #efore the (OC onl!+ ECEPTIONS Section ,: of R. 9,;; rovides that for uroses of the elections for Pres+ and VP- Senators and 'e'#ers of the BR- no Pcases shall #e allo&ed on 'atters relating the P-1-R-C- and . of the ER or the certificate of canvass- as the case 'a! #e+ BO%EVER- this does not reclude the authorit! of the aroriate canvassing #od! 'otu rorio or uon &ritten co'laint of an interested erson to correct 'anifest error in the certificate of canvass or ER #efore it+
•
1he canvassed ER are inco'lete- contain 'aterial defects- aear to #e ta'ered &ith- or falsified or contain discreancies in the sa'e returns or in other authentic coies as 'entioned in Sec+ 5<<*5<;
•
1he ER &ere reared under duress- threatscoercion or inti'idation or the! are o#viousl! 'anufactures or not authentic 3 in Oca'o v+ Co'elec 5<: SCR. @<;- it &as held that this fact 'ust #e evident fro' the face of the said docu'ent+ In the a#sence of a strong evidence esta#lishing suriousness of the returns- the #asic rule is that the ER shall #e accorded ri'a facie status as #ona fide reorts of the results of the count of the votes &hich shall revail for uroses of canvassing and rocla'ation+
•
%hen su#stitute or fraudulent returns in controverted olling laces are canvassed- the result of &hich 'ateriall! affect the standing of the aggrieved candidate+ 4Sec+ 5@<8
Sec. 20 o% RA :1;; /re5ealin$ Sec. 2> OEC 8 rovides for the 'andator! t&o*ste rule or require'ent of ver#al o#)ection to the inclusion of the ER and to #e for'ali=ed in &riting &ithin 5@ hours+ "ailure to o#serve such rule is fatal to a candidates cause- leaving hi' &ith no other re'ed! excet an EP+ 1his cannot #e cured #! instituting a etition directl! filed &ith the Co'elec under Sec+ 5@, San7o#al #. Co"elec ?2? SCRA 0: - it &as stressed that Co'elec exercises exclusive )urisdiction and 'a! 'otu roio or uon verified etition- and after due notice and hearingorder the artial or total susension of the rocla'ation of the candidate elect or annul artiall! or totall! an! rocla'ation- if one has #een 'ade- as the evidence shall &arrant in accordance &ith Sec+ 5@5 of the OEC+
.uthorit! of the Co'elec in PPC 3 the Co''ission exercises authorit! to decide PPC in t&o instances 3
35
Illegal co'osition or roceedings of the (OC
PROCED(RAL RE(IREENTS IN A Pre-PROCLAATION CONTROVERS,
Sano Jr. #'. Co"elec ;11 SCRA :> 3 It is settled that a re* rocla'ation controvers! is su''ar! in character indeed- it is a olic! of the la& that re*rocla'ation #e ro'tl! decidedso as not to dela! canvass and rocla'ation+ 1he #oard of canvassers &ill not loo> into allegations of irregularit! that are not aarent on the face of ERs that aear other&ise authentic and dul! acco'lished+
•
•
Velayo #. Co"elec ?2: SCRA :1? 3 a PPC is su''ar! in nature- ad'inistrative in character and &hich is filed #efore the (OC+ It &as ruled that &hile it is true that R. 9,;; rovides for su''ar! roceedings in PP cases and does not require a trial t!e hearing- nevertheless- su''ar! roceedings cannot #e stretched as to 'ean ex*arte roceedings+
in aeals fro' the ruling of the (OC &hich is generall! of t&o t!es first t!e are n questions contesting its co'osition or roceedings and aeal therefro' 'ust #e ta>en #! the contestant adversel! affected &ithin < da!s fro' such ruling +and the
35
ELECTION LAWS REVIEW ?; In Vela!o case- resondent o#)ected to the inclusion of t&o 458ERs &hich did not contain a vote for resondent #eing statisticall! i'ro#a#le &hich &as overruled #! the (OC+ It &as ruled that it is ossi#le for a candidate to get =ero votes in one or fe& recincts+ 1he #are fact that a candidate receive =ero votes in , or 5 recincts can not suort a finding that the ER are statisticall! i'ro#a#le+ 4Excetion to the Lagu'#a! Koctrine8
ELECTION PROTEST
.n EP is a secial statutor! roceedings designed to contest the right of a erson- declared elected to enter uon and hold office+ It is strictl! a contest #et&een the defeated and &inning candidates as to &ho actuall! o#tained the 'a)orit! of the legal votes and therefore- is entitled to hold office+
1he La$3"6ay #. Co"elec 1; SCRA 1:> /1<;; * Lagu'#a! doctrine is the revailing case on statistical i'ro#a#ilit! &hich states that &here there exists unifor'it! of tallies in favor of candidates #elonging to one art! and the s!ste'atic #lan>ing out of the oosing candidates as &hen all the candidates of one art! received all the votes- each of &ho' exactl! the sa'e nu'#er- and the oosing candidates got =ero votes- the election returns are o#viousl! 'anufactures- contrar! to al statistical i'ro#a#ilities and utterl! i'ro#a#le and clearl! incredi#le+
NAT(RE O) PROCEEDIN* * It is a for'al )udicial roceedings that goes i nto the correctness of the counting and areciation of #allots at the recinct level &ere the arties are allo&ed to resent and exa'ine evidence in detail+ W+O CAN )ILE 3 can onl! #e filed #! a candidate &ho has dul! filed a certificate of candidac! and has #een voted for+ PERIOD TO )ILE 3 &ithin ,6 da!s fro' rocla'ation
In Oca"5o #. Co"elec ?2> SCRA ;?;- it &as reiterated that if onl! one candidate o#tained all the votes in so'e recinctsthis is not sufficient to 'a>e the election returns statisticall! i'ro#a#le+
*RO(NDS 3 fraud- vote*#u!ing- terroris'- resence of fl!ing voters- 'isreading and 'isareciation of the #allotsdisenfranchise'ent of voters- other election irregularities+ L3cy arie Torre'-*o"eF #. E3%rocino C. Co7illa ;;= SCRA ;00 /2012
I"el7a Di"a5oro #'. Co"elecVicente Bel"onte > SCRA ?=1 * /Sec. 1> o% RA :1;; rovides that for the urose of the elections for resident- VP- senator 'e'#er of the BRno re*rocla'ation cases shall #e allo&ed on 'atters relating to the rearation- trans'ission- receit- custod! and areciation of ER or the certificate of canvass- as the case 'a! #e- excet as rovided for in Sec+ <6 hereof+ Bo&everthis does not reclude the authorit! of the aroriate canvassing #od! 'otu roio or uon &ritten co'laint of an interested erson to correct 'anifest errors in the certificate of canvass or ER #efore it8+
Veri%ication 3 4Kefective verification8 1he verification of a leading is onl! a for'al- not )urisdictional require'ent+ 1he urose of requiring the verification is to secure an assurance that the allegations in the etition are true and correct- not 'erel! seculative+ 1his require'ents is si'l! a condition affecting the for' of leadings- and non co'liance there&ith does not necessaril! render the leading fatall! defective+ Nat3re o% Election contro#er'y 3 .n election controvers!- #! its nature- touches uon the ascertain'ent of the eoles choice as gleaned fro' the 'ediu' of the #allot+ "or this reason- an election rotest should )i#e resolved &ith ut'ost disatch- recedence and regard of due rocess+ O#stacles and technicalities that fetter the eoles &ill should not stand in the &a! of a ro't deter'ination of election contests+ 1hus- rules on the verification of rotests should #e li#erall! construed+
Ro""el 3noF #'. Co"elec4 Carlo' Bali7o Jr. <> SCRA 0: - 0Results of the Elections2 Kefined 3 the hrase 0 re'3lt' o% te election2 is not statutoril! defined+ Bo&ever- as exlained in Lucero v+ Co'elec it 'eans 0the net result of the election the rest of the precincts in a given constituency, such that if the margin of a leading candidate over that of his closest rival in the latter precincts is less than the total number of votes in the precinct where there was failure of election, than such failure would certainly affect .the results of the elections+2
Court uheld the )urisdiction of BRE1 as the sole )udge of all contests relating to the election- returns and qualifications of the 'e'#er of the BRE1+
E))ECT O) ASS(PTION O) O))ICE O) CANDIDATE ELECTW+EN PPC IS NOT DEEED TERINATED 3 . re* rocla'ation controvers! is no longer via#le after the rocla'ation of the &inning candidates as the issues raised therein 'a! #e 'ore closel! exa'ined and #etter resolved in an EP+ /RA :1;;4 Section 1; /2.
Sal#a7or D. Violo$o4 Sr.4 #. Co"elec ;>= SCRA >1; /2011
"acts/ Motion for reconsideration &as denied #! Co'elec en #anc for lac> of verification as required #! Section <- Rule 56 of the Co'elec Rules of Procedure on Kisutes in an .uto'ated Election S!ste' and Section <- Rule ,7 of CRP+
Bo&ever- this is onl! true &here the rocla'ation is #ased on a co'lete canvass and on the assu'tion that the rocla'ation is valid &here a rocla'ation is null and void- the rocla'ation is no rocla'ation at all and the roclai'ed candidates assu'tion of office cannot derive the Co'elec of the o&er to declare such nullit! and annul the rocla'ation+
Co"elec R3le' o% Proce73re are '36ect li6eral con'tr3ction + In Quintos v+ Co'elec 4@@6 Phil+ ,6@: <75 SCR. @?7 4566588- this Court held that 0the lac> of verification of rivate resondents Manifestation and Motion for Partial Reconsideration is 'erel! a technicalit! that should not defeat the &ill of the electorate+ 1he Co'elec 'a! li#erall! construe or even susend its rules of rocedure in the interest of )usticeincluding o#taining a seed! disosition of all 'atter ending #efore the Co'elec+2
Section 1; o% RA :1;; rovides that all*re* rocla'ation cases ending #efore the Co''ission shall #e dee'ed ter'inated at the #eginning of the ter' of office involved and the rulings of the #oards of canvassers concerned shall #e dee'ed affir'ed- &ithout re)udice to the filing of a regular election rotest #! the aggrieved art!+ /'0&!roceedings 'a! continue &hen on the #asis of the evidence thus far resented- the Co''ission deter'ines that the etition aears 'eritorious and accordingl! issued an order for the roceedings to continue or &hen aroriate order has #een issued #! the SC in a etition for certiorari
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Nat3re o% Election Prote't / In Pacanan #. Co"elec ><: SCRA 1=< /200<8- the Court- in clarif!ing the 'andated li#eral construction of election la&s held/ .n election contest- unli>e an ordinar! civil action- is clothed &ith a u#lic interest+ 1he urose of an election rotest is to ascertain that the candidate roclai'ed #! the #oard of canvassers is the la&ful choice of
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ELECTION LAWS REVIEW ?: the eole+ %hat is sought is the correction of the canvass of votes- &hich &as the #asis of rocla'ation of the &inning candidate+ .n election contest therefore involves not onl! the ad)udication of rivate and ecuniar! interests of rival candidates #ut ara'ount to their clai's is the dee u#lic concern involved and the need of diselling the uncertaint! over the real choice of the electorate+ .nd the court has the corresonding dut! to ascertain- #! all 'eans &ithin its co''and- &ho is the real candidate elected #! the eole+
restraining order #ecause it ordered Reol to cease and desist fro' assu'ing the osition of 'unicial 'a!or of PagsanghanSa'ar and directed Ceracas to assu'e the ost in the 'eanti'e+ Since the status quo ante Order- &hich &as qualified #! the hrase 0until further orders fro' this Co''ission+2 Bad a lifesan of 'ore than 56 da!s- this Order clearl! violates the rule that a te'orar! restraining Order has an effective eriod of onl! 56 da!s and auto'aticall! exires uon the Co'elecs denial of reli'inar! in)unction+2
Moreover- the CRP are su#)ect to a li#eral construction+ 1his li#eralit! is for the urose of ro'oting the effective and efficient i'le'entation of the o#)ectives of ensuring the holding of free- orderl!- honest- eaceful and credi#le elections and for achieving )ust- exeditious and inexensive deter'ination and disosition of ever! action and roceeding #rought #efore the Co'elec+
Ceriaco B3lili' #. Victorino N3eF4 Pre'i7in$ J37$e o% CTC4 (6ay Bool4 Pre'i7in$ J37$e o% RTC Branc >24 Tali6on4 Bool ;>> SCRA 21 /2011 - "acts/ (ulilis &as roclai'ed &inner for the elections for unong #aranga!+ Oonent Victorino $ue= filed an EP 4for )udicial recount and annul'ent of rocla'ation8 &ith MC1C+ 1he counsel of (ulilis filed his #rief at ,/@:' on the date of reli'inar! conference and &hen the case &as heard at 5'- $ue= 'oved in oen court to #e allo&ed to resent evidence ex arte since (ulilis onl! filed his #rief on the date of the reli'inar! conference &hich is contrar! to Section @- Rule 7 of .+M+ $o+ 6?*@*,:*SC &hich rovides that the #rief should #e filed at least one 4,8 da! #efore the date of the reli'inar! conference+ Judge Aarces granted the 'otion+
1his rincile &as reiterated in the 'ore recent consolidated cases of 1olentino v+ Co'elec ;,9 SCR. :9: 456,68 and Ke Castro vs+ Co'elec ;,9 SCR. :9:- &here the Court held that in exercising its o&ers and )urisdiction- as defined #! its 'andate to toetect the integrit! of elections- the Co'elec 0'ust not #e strai)ac>edted #! rocedural rules in resolving election disutes+2
(ulilis filed MR &hich &as denied #! MC1C+ (ulilis filed certiorari &ith R1C &hich &as dis'issed on the ground that it is Co'elec that has exclusive )urisdiction in election cases involving 'unicial and #aranga! officials+ Bence- the etition for certiorari &ith the SC+
Do3$la' R. Ca$a' #. Co"elecBa3ti'ta ;;? SCRA ; /2012 - Te Co3rt a' no 5o&er to re#ie& on certiorari an interloc3tory or7er or e#en a %inal re'ol3tion i''3e7 6y a Di#i'ion o% te Co"elec. 1he governing rovision is Section 9- .rticle IF of the ,7?9 Constitution- &hich rovides/ Section 9+ Each Co''ission shall decide #! a 'a)orit! vote of all its Me'#ers an! case or 'atter #rought #efore it &ithin sixt! da!s fro' the date of its su#'ission for decision or resolution+ . case or 'atter is dee'ed su#'itted for decision or resolution uon the filing of the last leading- #rief- or 'e'orandu' required #! the rules of the Co''ission or #! the Co''ission itself+ nless other&ise rovided #! this Constitution or #! la&an! decision- order- or ruling of each Co''ission 'a! #e #rought to the Sure'e Court on certiorari #! the aggrieved art! &ithin <6 da!s fro' receit of a co! thereof+ 1his rovision- although it confers on the Court the o&er to revie& an! decision- order or ruling of the Co'elec- li'its such o&er to a final decision or resolution of the Co'elec en #anc and does not extend to an interlocutor! order issued #! a Kivision of the Co'elec+ Other&ise stated- the Court has no o&er to revie& on certiorari an interlocutor! order or even a final resolution issued #! a Kivision of the Co'elec+
4Rule 5?- Sections , and 5 of CRPDSection ,5 .'end'ents to Rules @,- @:- :? and ;: of the Rules of CourtDSection ?- Rule ,@ of Co'elec CRP 8+ (ased on these rules- the Court recogni=es the Co'elecs aellate )urisdiction over etitions for certiorari against all acts or o'issions of courts in election cases+ Indeed- in the recent case of *alan$4 Jr. #. *eroni"o ;? SCRA ;?1 /20118- the Court had the oortunit! to rule that a etition for certiorari questioning an interlocutor! order of a trial court in an electoral rotest &as &ithin the aellate )urisdiction of the Co'elec+ Since it is the Co'elec &hich has )urisdiction to ta>e cogni=ance of an aeal fro' the decision of the R1C in election contests involving elective 'unicial officials 4Sec+ ? Rule ,@ CRP8- then it is also the Co'elec &hich has )urisdiction to issue a &rit of certiorari in aid of its aellate )urisdiction+ .lthough Aalang involved a etition for certiorari of an interlocutor! order of the R1C in a 'unicial election contestthe rationale for the a#ove ruling alied to an interlocutor! order issued #! a 'unicial trial court in a #aranga! election case+ nder Rule ,@- Section ? of .+M+ $o+ 69*@*,:*SCdecisions of 'unicial trial courts i n election contests involving #aranga! officials are aealed to the Co'elec+ )ollo&in$ te *alan$ 7octrine4 it i' te Co"elec &ic a' 3ri'7iction o#er 5etition' %or certiorari in#ol#in$ act' o% te "3nici5al trial co3rt' in '3c election conte't' +
aria Laarni L. Cayetano #. Co"elecDante Tin$a ;= SCRA >;1 /2011 Te S35re"e Co3rt a' no 3ri'7iction to re#ie& an or7er4 &eter %inal or interloc3tory e#en a %inal re'ol3tion o% a 7i#i'ion o% te Co"elec 3 the Court can onl! revie& via certiorari a decision- order- or ruling of the Co'elec en #anc in accordance &ith Section 9- .rticle IF*. of the Constitution- a rule &hich ad'its of excetions as &hen the issuance of the assailed interlocutor! order is a atent nullit! #ecause of the a#sence of )urisdiction to issue the sa'e+ 4Court 'ade reference to the case of Re5ol #. Co"elec 2= SCRA ?21 /2008 &hich &as affir'ed in Soriano Jr. #. Co"elec >20 SCRA == /200: and Blanco #. Co"elec >> SCRA :>>. R3lin$ in Soriano. . . 0In the 566@ case of Reol v+ Co'elec- the Court cited .'#il and held that this Court has no o&er to revie& via certiorari an interlocutor! order or even a final resolution of a division of the Co'elec+ Bo&ever- the Court held that an excetion to this rule alies &here the co''ission of grave a#use of discretion is aarent on its face+ In Reol- &hat &as assailed &as a status quo ante Order &ithout an! ti'e li'it- and 'ore than 56 da!s had lased since its issuance &ithout the Co'elec "irst Kivision issuing a &rit of reli'inar! in)unction+ 1he Court held that the status quo ante Order of the Co'elec "irst Kivision &as actuall! a te'orar!
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ROEO . JALOSJOS4 JR #. COELEC AND DAN ERASO4 SR. ;: SCRA >?0 /2012 De"arcation line 6et&een te 3ri'7iction o% te Co"elec an7 te +o3'e o% Re5re'entati#e' "acts/ In Ma! 5669 Jalos)os ran for Ma!or of 1a'ilisan- Na'#oanga del $orte and &on+ %hile serving as 1a'ilisan Ma!or- he #ought a residential house and lot in (aranga! Veterans Village- IilNa'#oanga Si#uga! and occuied it in Sete'#er 566?+ Eight 'onths after- he alied &ith the ER( of Iil- Na'#oanga Si#uga! for the transfer of his voters registration record &hich alication &as oosed #! Eras'o in a etition for exclusion
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ELECTION LAWS REVIEW ?= #efore the MC1C of Iil*1unga&an+ R1C ruled to exclude Jalos)os on the ground that Jalos)os did not a#andon his do'icile i' 1a'ilisan since he continue even then to serve as its Ma!or+ Jalos)os aealed his case to the R1C of Pagadian Cit! &hich affir'ed the MC1C decision on Sete'#er ,,5667+ Jalos)os elevated the 'atter to the C. through a etition for certiorari &ith an alication for the issuance of a &rit of reli'inar! in)unction &hich &as granted and en)oined the courts #elo& fro' enforcing their decisions- &ith the result that his na'e &as reinstated in the (aranga! Veterans Villages list ending the resolution of the etition+
1he distinction #een an EP and Q% as a re'ed! is not the la#el given to it #ut the allegations therein stated+ If a etition alleges fraud and irregularit! &hich vitiated the conduct of the election- although entitled Q%- is an EP and vice versa+ In vie& of these funda'ental differences- an EP and Q% cannot #e availed of )ointl! in the sa'e roceeding+ 1he! 'a! #e filed searatel! &ith the second and later case susended until the earlier is resolved+ .n action for Q% cannot #e converted into an EP+ Penera #'. Co"elec ><< SCRA ;0<4 is the &ell*esta#lished rincile that the ineligi#ilit! of a candidate receiving 'a)orit! votes does not entitle the candidate receiving the next highest nu'#er of votes to #e declared elected+ In this case- the rules on succession under Section @@ of the Local Aovern'ent Code shall al! &hich states that2 if a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the 1ayor, the &ice*1ayor concerned shall become the mayor( A permanent vacancy arises when an elective local official fills a higher vacant office, refuses to assume office, fails to qualify or is removed from office, voluntarily resigned, or is otherwise permanently incapacitated to discharge the functions of his office(2
On $ove'#er 5?- 5667- Jalos)os filed his CoC for the osition of reresentative of the Second Kistrict of Na'#oanga Si#uga! for the Ma! ,6- 56,6 elections+ Eras'o filed a Petition to den! due course to or cancel his CoC #efore the Co'elecclai'ing that Jalos)os 'ade 'aterial 'isreresentations in his CoC &hen he indicated in it that he resided in Iil- Na'#oanga Si#uga!+ 1he Second Kivision of the Co'elec issued a )oint reso dis'issing the etition of Eras'o for insufficienc! in for' and su#stance+ %hile Eras'os MR &as ending #efore the Co'elec En (anc- the Ma! ,6- 56,6 elections too> lace resulting in Jalos)os &inning the elections and &as roclai'ed on Ma! ,<- 56,6+
/Vir$nio Villa"or #'. Co"elec A"yti' 7e Dio'-Batao <; SCRA ?? .s a general rule- the roer re'ed! after the rocla'ation of the &inning candidate for the osition contested &ould #e to file a regular election rotest or a etition for Q%+ 1he filing of an EP or a etition for Q% recludes the su#sequent filing of a re*rocla'ation controvers! or a'ounts to the a#andon'ent of one earlier filed- thus- deriving the Co'elec of the authorit! to inquire into and ass uon the title of the rotestee or the validit! of his rocla'ation+ 1he reason is that once the co'etent tri#unal has acquired )urisdiction of an EP or a etition for Q%- all questions relative thereto &ill have to #e decided in the case itself and not in another roceedings+ 1his rocedure is to revent confusion and conflict of authorit!+
In June 5- 56,6- the C. rendered )udg'ent in the voters exclusion case #efore it holding that the lo&er courts erred in excluding Jalos)os since he &as qualified under the Constitution and R. ?,?7+ Eras'o filed a etition for revie& of the C. decision #efore the SC+ On the other hand- Co'elec en #anc granted the MR of Eras'o and declared Jalos)os ineligi#le as he did not satisf! the residenc! require'ent since#! continuing to hold the osition of Ma!or in 1a'ilisan- he should #e dee'ed not to have transferred his residence for' that lace to Iil- Na'#oanga Si#uga!+ %hile the Constitution vests in the Co'elec the o&er to decide all questions affecting elections- such o&er is not &ithout li'itation+ It does not extend to contests relating to the election- returns- and qualifications of 'e'#ers of the BR and the Senate+ 1he Constitution vests the resolution of these contests solel! uon the aroriate Electoral 1ri#unal of the Senate or the BR+
Ba'arte #'. Co"elec >2? SCRA :; 1he revailing rule that as long as the returns aear to #e authentic and dul! acco'lished on their face- the (OC cannot loo> #e!ond or #ehind the' to verif! allegations of irregularities in the casting or the counting of the votes as it resuoses that the returns 0aear to #e authentic and dul! acco'lished on their face2+ 1his rincile does not al! in cases li>e the one at #ar &here there is a ri'a facie sho&ing that the return is not genuineseveral entries having #een o'itted in the assailed return+
1he Court has alread! settled the question of &hen the )urisdiction of the Co'elec ends and &hen that of the BRE1 #egins+ 1he rocla'ation of a congressional candidates follo&ing the election divests Co'elec of )urisdiction over disutes relating to the election- returns and qualifications of the roclai'ed Reresentative in favor of BRE1+
J(RSIDCITON OVER ELECTION PROTESTS AND (O WARRANTO ,8 S(PREE CO(RT 3 sitting en #anc as Presidential Electoral 1ri#unal as sole )udge of all contests relating to the election- returns and qualification of Pres+ and VP+ Protest to #e filed <6 da!s fro' rocla'ation+ $ot su#)ect to )udicial revie& 4,7?9 Constitution8+ Jo>e on Sure'e Court #od!+
(O WARRANTO
. etition for Quo %arranto refers to questions of dislo!alt! or ineligi#ilit! of the &inning candidate+ It has the effect of disqualif!ing a candidate to hold office to &hich he is elected+ Its ri'ordial o#)ective is to revent an elective official fro' assu'ing office grounded on ineligi#ilit!+ /Sec. 2>? OEC
58 SENATE ELECTORAL TRIB(NAL 3 for 'e'#ers of senate as sole )udge over all contest relating to the electionreturns and qualifications of its o&n 'e'#ers+ "iled &ithin ,: da!s fro' date of rocla'ation+ $ot su#)ect to )udicial revie& excet on grave a#use of discretion a'ounting to lac> or excess of )urisdiction+ 4,7?9 Constitution8
NAT(RE O) PROCEEDIN* 3 it is a roceeding to unseat the ineligi#le erson fro' office- #ut not to install the rotestant in his lace+ W+O CAN )ILE 3 an! voter+ PERIOD TO )ILE * &ithin ,6 da!s fro' rocla'ation
<8 +O(SE O) REPRESENTATIVES ELECTORAL TRIB(NAL 3 for 'e'#ers of BR to #e filed &ithin ,6 da!s fro' rocla'ation+
Re536lic #. 7ela Ro'a 2?2 SCRA :=> - a Q% assailing the u#lic officials title and see>ing to revent hi' fro' holding office for alienage is not covered #! the ,6*da!s eriod for aeal rescri#ed in Section 5:< of the OEC+
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Co'osition * Each electoral tri#unal shall #e co'osed of nine 'e'#ers- three of &ho' shall #e )ustices of the SC to #e designated #! the CJ and the re'aining ; 'e'#ers of the senate or BR- as the case 'a! #e- &ho shall #e chosen on the #asis of their roortional reresentation fro' the olitical
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ELECTION LAWS REVIEW ?< arties and the arties or organi=ations registered under the art! list s!ste'-+ Senior )ustice shall #e chair'an 4Art. VI4 Sec. 1:4 1<=: Con'tit3tion +
1he authorit! to hear and decide election cases- including re* rocla'ations controversies is vested &ith a division and the Co'elec sitting en #anc does not have the authorit! over it in the first instance+ Te Co"elec en 6anc can e!erci'e 3ri'7iction only on otion' %or Recon'i7eration o% te re'ol3tion or 7eci'ion o% te Co"elec in 7i#i'ion a' a reG3ire"ent %or te %ilin$ o% a 5etition %or certiorari 6y te a$$rie#e7 5arty &it te SC &itin ?0 7ay' %ro" recei5t o% a co5y tereo% /Sec. ? Art. I-C +
@8 COELEC 3 for regional- rovincial and cit! officials filed in ,6 da!s+ Su#)ect to )udicial revie& &ithin <6 da!s fro' date of receit of decision #! aggrieved art!+ Article I-C4 Section 2/2 1<=: Con'tit3tion4 Co'elec shall Exercise e!cl3'i#e 3ri'7iction over all contests relating to the elections- returns and qualifications of all elective- regional- rovincial and cit! officials- and a55ellate 3ri'7iction over all contests involving 'unicial officials decided #! trial courts of general )urisdiction- or involving elective #aranga! officials decided #! courts of li'ited )urisdictions+ Kecisions- final order- or rulings of the Co''ission- on election contests involving elective 'unicial and #aranga! offices shall #e final- executor! and not aeala#le+2
Sec. 2 R3le 1< o% te Co"elec R3le' o% Proce73re a 'otion to reconsider a decision- resolution- order or ruling of a Kivision shall #e filed &ithin five 4:8 da!s fro' the 5ro"3l$ation thereof+ Such 'otion- if not ro*for'a- susends the execution for i'le'entation of the decision- resolution- order or ruling and &ould in effect- susend the running of the eriod to elevate the 'atter to the SC 4Sec+@8+
:8 RE*IONAL TRIAL CO(RT 3 exclusive )urisdiction over all contests relating to the election- qualifications and returns for 'unicial officials+ Protest to #e filed ,6 da!s fro' date of rocla'ation+ Su#)ect to aeal &ith Co'elec &ithin five 4:8 da!s fro' receit of decision+ Kecisions of the Co'eledc en #anc on contest on aeal involving 'unicial and #aranga! officials are final and executor! excet on grounds of grave a#use of discretion &ithin <6 da!s+
en7oFa #. Co"elec ;1; SCRA ? 1here is a difference in the result of the exercise of )urisdiction #! the Co'elec over election contests+ 1he difference inheres in the >ind of )urisdiction invo>ed- &hich in turn- is deter'ined #! the case #rought #efore the Co'elec+ %hen a decision of a trial court is #rought #efore the Co'elec for it to exercise aellate )urisdiction- the division decides the aeal #ut- if there is a 'otion for reconsideration- the aeal roceeds to the #anc &here the 'a)orit! is needed for a decision+ If the rocess ends &ithout the required 'a)orit! at the #anc- the aealed decision stands affir'ed+
;8 (NICIPAL TRIAL CO(RT 3 exclusive )urisdiction over all contests relating to the election- returns and qualifications for #aranga! officials+ Protest to #e filed &ithin ,6 da!s fro' rocla'ation+ .eal to the Co'elec &ithin : da!s fro' receit of the decision+
on the other hand- and this is &hat haened in the instant case- if &hat is #rought #efore the Co'elec is an original rotest involving the original )urisdiction of the Co''ission- the rotest- as one &hole rocess- is first decided #! the division &hich rocess is continued in the #anc if there is a 'otion for reconsideration of the division ruling+ If no 'a)orit! decision is reach in the #anc- the rotest- &hich is an original- shall #e dis'issed+ 1here is no first instance decision that can #e dee'ed affir'ed+
Calo #. Co"elec ;10 SCRA ?2Pec'on #. Co"elec >:> SCRA ;? 3 decisions of the courts in election rotest casesresulting as the! do fro' a )udicial evaluation of the #allots and a full #lo&n adversarial roceedings+ Should at least #e given si'ilar &orth and recognition as decisions of the #oard of canvassers+ 1his is eseciall! true &hen attended #! other equall! &eight! circu'stances of the case- such as the shortness of the ter' of the contested elective office- of the case+
Bence- if no decision is reached after the case is reheardthere are t&o different re'edies availa#le to the Co'elec- to &it 4,8 dis'iss the action or roceeding- if the case &as originall! co''enced in the Co'elec or 458 consider as affir'ed the )udg'ent or order aealed fro'- in aealed cases+ 1his rule adheres to the constitutional rovision that the Co'elec 'ust decide #! a 'a)orit! of all its 'e'#ers+
ananFala #'. Co"elec an7 J3lie onton >2? SCRA ?1. Kecisions- final orders or rulings of the Co''ission on Election contests involving elective 'unicial and #aranga! offices shall #e final- executor! and not aeala#le .ll such election cases shall #e heard and decided in division- rovided that 'otions for reconsideration of decisions shall #e decided #! the Co''ission en #anc+
Rela"5a$o' #. C3"6a 2? SCRA ;<0 /1<<> 8 and in Carlo' #. An$ele' ?; SCRA >:1 /2000 - Co'elec is vested &ith the o&er to issue &rits of certiorari- rohi#ition and 'anda'us onl! in aid of its aellate )urisdiction consistent &ith Section :6 of (P ??, and .rticle 54,8 of the Constitution+ 1hese ruling a#andoned the earlier ruling in Aarcia vs+ de Jesus 56; SCR. 997+ It &as also declared that #oth the SC and Co'elec has concurrent )urisdiction to issue &rits of certiorari- rohi#ition and 'anda'us over decision of trial courts of general )urisdiction 4R1C8 in election cases involving elective 'unicial officials+ 1he Court that ta>es )urisdiction first shall exercise exclusive )urisdiction over the case+ 4Art. VIII >/1 1<=: Con'tit3tion4 R3le ;>4 Sec. 1
. decision of the R1C &as raised on aeal &hich &as heard #! the 5nd division &hich reversed the decision of the R1C+ In his MR etitioner argues that the MR filed &ith the for'er 5 nd division 0a' tro&n te &ole ca'e &i7e o5en %or re#ie& a' in a trial 7e no#o in a cri"inal ca'e8 !et Co'elec en #anc failed to conduct a thorough revie& of the contested #allots+ Election cases cannot #e treated in a si'ilar 'anner as cri'inal cases &here- uon aeal fro' a conviction #! the trial court- the &hole case is thro&n oen for revie& and the aellate court can resolve issues &hich are not even set forth in the leadings+ CoG3illa #'. Co"elec4 et. al. *.R. No. 1>1<14 J3ly ?14 2002 the SC resolved the issue on &hether the <6*da! eriod for aealing the resolution of the Co'elec &as susended #! the filing of a 'otion for reconsideration #! etitioner+ Private resondent in this case contends that the etition should #e dis'issed #ecause it &as filed late considering that the Co'elec en #anc denied etitioners 'otion for reconsideration for #eing ro*for'a and confor'a#l! &ith Sec.
Section :4 Article I-A an7 R3le ? o% te Co"elec R3le' o% Proce73re. 1he Co'elec in the exercise of its QJ functions to transact #usiness 0"ay 'it en 6anc or in t&o 7i#i'ion'4 an7 'all 5ro"3l$ate r3le' an7 5roce73re'8 in order to exedite the disosition of elections cases- including re*rocla'ation controversies and su''on arties to a controvers! ending #efore it+2
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ELECTION LAWS REVIEW 0 o% R3le 1< o% te CRP - the said 'otion did not susend the running of the <6*da! eriod for the filing of the etition for certiorari under Sec. : Art. I-A o% te Con'tit3tion.
etition &ould in effect constitute as an a#andon'ent of his MR &ith the Co'elec+ Wat i' conte"5late7 6y te ter" %inal or7er'4 r3lin$' an7 7eci'ion' o% te Co"elec tat "ay 6e re#ie&a6le 6y te SC on CertiorariK 1he SC in Aarces v+ Court of .eals 5:7 SCR. 77 4,77;8 and "iliinas Engineering Machine Sho v+ "errer ,<: SCR. 5: 4,7?:8- the interreted the ter' 2final orders- rulings and decisions of the Co'elec revie&a#le #! the SC on certiorari as rovided #! la& are those rendered in actions or roceedings #efore the Co'elec and taen co$niFance o% 6y te 'ai7 6o7y in te e!erci'e o% it' G3a'i 37icial 5o&er'.
1he Co'elec en #anc ruled that the 'otion for reconsideration &as ro*for'a on the ground that the 'otion &as a 'ere rehash of etitioners aver'ents contained in his Verified .ns&er and Me'orandu'- neither &ere ne& 'atters raised that &ould sufficientl! &arrant a reversal of the assailed resolution of the Second Kivision+ 1he SC ruled ho&ever that the 'ere reiteration in a 'otion for reconsideration of the issues raised #! the arties and assed uon #! the court does not 'a>e a 'otion ro*for'a oter&i'e4 te "o#antH' re"e7y &o3l7 not 6e a recon'i7eration o% te 7eci'ion 63t a ne& trial or 'o"e oter re"e7y.
PRINCIPLES COON TO ALL ELECTION CONTESTS
In exlaining the uroseDo#)ective of a 'otion for reconsideration - the SC referred to its decision in Auerra Enterrises Co'an! Inc+- v+ C"I of Lanao del Sur <5 SCR. <,@ 4,7968- &here it held that the ends sought to #e achieved in the filing of a 'otion for reconsideration is 0recisel! to convince the court that its ruling is erroneous and i'roercontrar! to the la& or the evidence- and in doing so- the 'ovant has to d&ell of necessit! uon the i ssues assed uon #! the court+ If a 'otion for reconsideration 'a! not discuss these issues- the consequence &ould #e that after a decision is rendered- the losing art! &ould #e confined to filing onl! 'otions for reoening and ne& trial+
%BO M. "ILE 3 a candidate &ho has dul! filed a COC and has #een voted for+
2)
Jurisdiction .llegations 3 4,8 rotestant &as a candidate &ho had dul! filed a COC and had #een voted for the sa'e office 458 that the rotestee has #een roclai'ed 4<8 that the etition &as filed &ithin ,6 da!s after rocla'ation 4@8 that fraud and election irregularities vitiated the conduct of the elections and affected the legalit! thereof+
i$3el #. Co"elec ??> SCRA 1:2 - the SC ruled that it is the 'inisterial dut! of the trial court to order the oening of the #allot #oxes- exa'ination and counting of #allots deosited thereunder &henever there is aver'ent in an election rotest that requires the exa'ination- scrutin! or counting of #allots as evidence+ 1he urose of oening the (( is to deter'ine- &ith the 'ini'u' a'ount of rotracted dela!- the truthfulness of the allegations of fraud and ano'alies in the conduct of electoral exercise+
1he SC further enu'erated cases &here a 'otion for reconsideration &as held to #e ro for'a/
it &as a second 'otion for reconsideration it did not co'l! &ith the rule that the 'otion 'ust secif! the findings and conclusions alleged to #e contrar! to la& or not suorted #! the evidence
CERTI)ICATE O) )OR( S+OPPIN*
it failed to su#stantiate the alleged errors
1he SC in Loyola #. CA 2> SCRA :: /1<<> an7 Lo"aron$ #. D36$36an 2;< SCRA ;2 /1<<: - it &as ruled that the SC Circular requiring that an! co'laint- etition or other initiator! leading 'ust contain a non*foru' certification alies to election cases+ 1he require'ent is 'andator!- not )urisdictional- non*co'liance there&ith 'a! &arrant the dis'issal of the election case+
it 'erel! alleged that the decision in question &as contrar! to la& or the adverse art! &as not given due notice thereof+ (n7er R3le 1?4 /1 o% te Co"elec R3le' o% Proce73re4 a otion %or Recon'i7eration o% an En Banc Re'ol3tion i' a 5roi6ite7 5lea7in$4 e!ce5t in election o%%en'e ca'e' /Sec. 2;1 o% te OEC.
PA,ENT O) APPEAL)ILIN* )EES Pacanan4 Jr. #'. Co""i''ion on Election'4 ><: SCRA 1=< A$3ilar #. Co"elec ><1 SCRA <1 - Petitioner Pacanan- Jr+ and rivate resondent Langi Sr+- &ere candidates for 'a!or in the 'unicialit! of Motiong- Sa'ar during the Ma! ,@- 5669 elections+ Petitioner &as roclai'ed having garnered a total of <-6;7 votes against rivate resondents <-6;; votes+
An$elia #. Co"elec ??2 SCRA :>: - the SC addressed the issue on &hether a art! can go to the SC via a Petition on Certiorari under Rule ;: of the Rules of Court during the endenc! of the MR filed &ith the Co'elec en #anc+ .ngelia filed #efore the SC a Petition for Certiorari to set aside the resolution of the Co'elec en #anc annulling his rocla'ation alleging that he &as not given due notice and hearing+ Wito3t &aitin$ %or te re'ol3tion on i' "otion4 .ngelia filed the instant etition on the sole assign'ent of error that Co'elec violated his constitutional right to due rocess+ Co'elec raised that the etition should #e dis'issed for #eing re'ature considering that the MR of etitioner &as still ending &ith the Co'elec en #anc and that he should have first &ithdra&n the MR #efore raising the said resolution &ith the SC+
On Ma! 5:- 5669- rivate resondent filed an election rotest &ith the R1C &hich rendered a Kecision on Januar! 9566? R1C declaring rivate resondent as &inner &ith a luralit! of ; votes+ < da!s after or on Januar! ,6- 566? etitioner filed a notice of aeal and aid
SC held that etitioner acted correctl! in filing the etition #ecause the resolution of the Co'elec en #anc is not su#)ect to reconsideration- and therefore- an! art! &ho disagrees &ith it had onl! one recourse- that &as to file a etition for certiorari under Rule ;: of the Rules of Civil Procedure+ 1he filing of the
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ELECTION LAWS REVIEW 1 the resolution declaring that the aeal &as not erfected on ti'e for non*a!'ent of the co'lete a'ount of aeal and for late a!'ent as &ell- hence- did not acquire )urisdiction over the aeal+
Villa$racia #. Co"elec >1? SCRA ;>> /200: 8- &hile it is true that a court acquires )urisdiction over a case uon co'lete a!'ent of the rescri#ed filing fee- the rule ad'its of excetions- as &hen a art! never raised the issue of )urisdiction in the trial court+
(efore the SC is a etition for Certiorari raising that ,8 Co'elec co''itted grave a#use of discretion a'ounting to lac> or excess of )urisdiction in holding that the correct aeal fee &as not aid on ti'e 58 In failing to consider- that assu'ing that the correct aeal fee &as not aid on ti'e- the alleged non*a!'ent is not in an!&a! attri#uta#le to etitioner <8 that assu'ing the correct aeal fee &as not aid on ti'ethere are highl! )ustifia#le and co'elling reasons to resolve the su#)ect case on the 'erit in the interest of )ustice and u#lic interest+
*o"eF-Ca'tillo #. Co"elec ;21 SCRA << 1he eriod of aeal and the erfection of aeal are not 'ere technicalities to #e so lightl! regarded- for the! are essential to the finalit! of )udg'ents- a notion underl!ing the sta#ilit! of our )udicial s!ste'+ 1he short eriod of :*da!s as the eriod to aeal recogni=es the essentialit! of ti'e in election rotests- in order that the &ill of the electorate is ascertained as soon as ossi#le so that the &inning candidate is not derived of the right to assu'e office- and so that an! dou#t that can cloud the incu'#ent of the trul! deserving &inning candidate is quic>l! re'oved+
1he SC noted that t&o /2 7i%%erent tri63nal' earlier require the a!'ent of t&o different aeal fees for the erfection of the aeals of election cases+
anora' #. Co"elec *.R. No. 1>=;10 No#e"6er 124 200 the 'ere filing of the notice of aeal &as not enough+ It should #e acco'anied #! the a!'ent of the correct a'ount of aeal fee+ 1he a!'ent of the full a'ount of the doc>et fee is an indisensa#le ste for the erfection of an aeal+ 4Rulloda v+ Co'elec 5@: SCR. 9658
Sec. ?4 R3le 22 o% te CRP / A55eal' %or" 7eci'ion' o% Co3rt' in election Prote't Ca'e' - 'andates that the notice of aeal 'ust #e filed &ith :*da!s after the ro'ulgation of the decision+ On the other hand- Section ? R3le 0 o% te CRP a"en7e7 the a'ount of the aeal fees to <+5H &hich should #e aid &ith the cash division of the Co'elec+
Loyola #. Co"elec ??: SCRA 1? /1<<: 8- the Court stressed that there is no longer an! excuse for shortco'ing in the a!'ent of filing fees+ 1he Court held that in the case at #ar 0an! clai' of good faith- excusa#le negligence or 'ista>e in an! failure to a! the full a'ount of filing fees in election cases &hich 'a! #e filed after the ro'ulgation of this decision is no longer acceta#le 4March 5:- ,7998+ 1he Lo!ola doctrine &as reiterated in the su#sequent cases of Miranda v+ Castillo 59@ SCR. :6<- Soller v+ Co'elec <<7 SCR. ;?@ hold that a court acquires )urisdiction over an! case onl! uon the a!'ent of the rescri#ed doc>et fees and errors in the a!'ent of the filing fee is no longer allo&ed+
On the other hand- Section = <4 R3le 1 o% A.. No. 0:--1> SC /R3le' o% 5roce73re in Election Conte't' 6e%ore te Co3rt In#ol#in$ Electi#e 3nici5al an7 Baran$ay O%%icial' e%%ecti#e ay 1>4 200: 8 also rovide the rocedure of instituting an aeal and the required aeal fees to #e aid for the aeal to #e given due course+ 1his require'ent in the a!'ent of aeal fees had caused 'uch confusion- &hich the Co'elec addressed through the issuance of Co"elec Re'. No. ==; on J3ly 1>4 200=. 1he 'alient %eat3re of the said resolution rovide that 0te a55eal to te Co"elec o% te trial co3rtH' 7eci'ion in election conte't' in#ol#in$ "3nici5al an7 6aran$ay o%%icial' i' 5er%ecte7 35on te %ilin$ o% te notice o% a55eal an7 5ay"ent o% te 19 a55eal %ee to te co3rt tat ren7ere7 te 7eci'ion &itin te >-7ay re$le"entary 5erio7+ 1he non*a!'ent or the insufficient a!'ent of the addition aeal fee of <+5H to the Co'elec Cash Kivision in accordance &ith R3le 04 Section ? o% te CRP4 a' a"en7e74 7oe' not a%%ect te 5er%ection o% te a55eal an7 7oe' not re'3lt in o3tri$t or i5'o %acto 7i'"i''al o% te a55eal.
EEC(TIONS PENDIN* APPEAL TEODORA SOBEJANA-CONDON V. COELECL(IS BA(TISTAROBELITO V. PICARWILA P. PA*AD(AN ;:= SCRA 2;: /2012 E!ec3tion' Pen7in$ A55eal * 1here is no reason to disute the Co'elecs authorit! to order discretionar! execution of )udg'ent in vie& of the fact that the suletor! alication of the Rules of Court is exressl! sanctioned #! Section ,- Rule @, of the Co'elec Rules of Procedure+ nder Section 5- Rule <7 of the Rules of Court- execution ending aeal 'a! #e issued #! an aellate court after the trial court has lost )urisdiction+ In (atul v+ (a!ron @5@ SCR. 5; 4566@8- the Court stressed the i'ort of the rovision vis*W*vis election cases &hen &e held that )udg'ents in election cases &hich 'a! #e executed ending aeal includes those decided #! trial courts and those rendered #! the Co'elec &hether in the exercise of its original or aellate )urisdiction+
Co'elec ,st division gravel! a#used its discretion in issuing the order dis'issing the aeal ta>ing notice that the notice of aeal and the ,H aeal fee &ere- resectivel! filed and aid &ith the M1C on .ril 5,- 566? &hich date the aeal &as erfected+ Co'elec Res+ ?@?; clarif!ing the rule on the a!'ent of aeal fees &as issued onl! on Jul! ,:- 566?- or al'ost <*'onths after the aeal &as erfected+ et on Jul! <,- 566? or #arel! t&o &ee>s after the issuance of Co'elec Res+ ?@?;- the Co'elec ,st division dis'issed the aeal for non*a!'ent of the <+5H aeal fee+
Sal37a$a #'. Co"elec ;1: SCRA ;01 3 1he discretion to allo& execution ending reconsideration #elongs to the division that rendered the assailed decision- order or resolution- or the Co'elec en #anc- as the case 'a! #e 3 not to the residing Co''issioner+ . &rit of execution ending resolution of the MR of a decision of the division is not granted as a 'atter of right such that its issuance #eco'es a 'inisterial dut! that 'a! #e disensed even )ust #! the Presiding Co''ission+
Con'i7erin$ tat 5etitioner %ile7 i' a55eal "ont' 6e%ore te clari%icatory re'ol3tion on a55eal %ee'4 te a55eal 'o3l7 not 6e 3n3'tly 5re37ice7 6y Co"elec Re'. No. ==;. "airness and rudence dictate the ,st division should have first directed etitioner to a! the additional aeal fee in accordance &ith the clarificator! resolution+ Instead it hastil! dis'issed the aeal on the strength of the clarificator! resolution &hich had ta>en effect onl! a fe& da!s earlier+ 41his unsee'l! haste is an invitation to outrage+8 Co3rt %3rter 'tre''e7 te li6eral con'tr3ction 5olicy.
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Calo #. Co"elec ;10 SCRA ?2 3 1he relevant rule rovides that a 'otion for execution ending aeal filed #! the revailing art! shall contain a <*da! notice to the adverse art! and execution ending aeal shall not issue &ithout rior notice and hearing+ 1he urose of these require'ents is
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ELECTION LAWS REVIEW 2 to avoid surrises that 'a! srung uon the adverse art! &ho 'ust #e given ti'e to stud! and 'eet the argu'ents in the 'otion #efore a resolution #! the court+ %here a art! had the oortunit! to #e heard- then the urose has #een served and the require'ent su#stantiall! co'lied &ith+ In this case- even the Co'elec ad'itted that resondent &as heard and afforded his da! in court hence- it should not have annulled the R1C secial order on said ground+
the Rules of Court shall #e alica#le #! analog! or in a suletor! character+ Na#aro'a #. Co"elec 11 SCRA - the R1C in an election rotest case granted execution ending aeal #! Esto after finding that Esto &on in the said election+ In the sa'e order the )udge allo&ed rotestee $avaro=a to sta! the execution of the decision ending aeal #! filing a suersedeas #ond in dou#le the a'ount osted #! the rotestant++ . Petition for Ceriorari &as filed #! Esto &ith the Co'elec &here the Co'elec 5nd division affir'ed the trial courts order granting execution ending aeal and nullified the sta! of the execution+ 1he Co'elec did not gravel! a#use its discretion as it is for Co'elec in the exercise of its aellate )urisdiction to issue the extraordinar! &rits of certiorari- rohi#ition 'anda'us and in)unction over all contest involving elective 'unicial officials decided #! the trial court of general )urisdiction elevate on aeal- and $O1 the trial court- that 'a! order the sta! or restrain the i''ediate execution of the decision ending aeal granted #! the trail court of general )urisdiction in an election contest+
San i$3el #'. Co"elec ;0< SCRA 2 1he la& rovides that the court 0'a!2 issue execution ending aeal+ Evident fro' the usage of the &ord 0'a!2- the language of the su#)ect rovision denotes that it is 'erel! director!- not 'andator!- for the trial court to issue the secial order #efore the exiration of the eriod to aeal+ 1he trial court 'a! still thereafter resolve a 'otion for execution ending aeal- rovided/ 4i8 the 'otion is filed &ithin the :*da! regle'entar! eriod and 4ii8 the secial order is issued rior to the trans'ittal of the records of the Co'elec+ alal3an #. Co"elec 2> SCRA ?<: - this &as the first case &here a )udge- acting &ithout a recedent- granted the 'otion for execution of its decision in an election rotest caseending aeal+ It &as ruled that Sec+ 5 Rule <7 of the Rules of Court &hich allo&ed the R1C to order execution ending aeal uon good reasons stated in a secial order- 'a! #e 'ade to al! #! analog! or suletoril! to election contest decided #! it+ 1he osting of the suersedeas #ond &as considered good reasons #! the )udge+
Excet &hen the trial court reversed itself in a MR of its order granting i''ediate execution- it cannot later on sta! or restrain the execution thereof in the guise of allo&ing the losing art! to file a suersedeas #ond+ 1he issue #efore the trial court &here a 'otion for execution ending aeal is filed is to deter'ine &hether or not there are 0good reasons2 to )ustif! the i''ediate execution ending aeal+ 1he issue is not &hether there are good reasons to sta! the i''ediate execution of the decision ending aeal+
Ca"lian #. Co"elec 2:1 SCRA - executions ending aeal 'ust #e strictl! construed against the 'ovant as it is an excetion to the general rule on execution of )udg'ents+
LI VS. COELEC ET. AL. *.R. NO. 1:1<>2 arc 0=4 200:@ Torre' #'. A63n7o4 Sr. >12 SCRA >>;@ - (efore granting a 'otion for execution ending aeal in election cases- the SC laid do&n the follo&ing requisites 3
Ra"a' #. Co"elec 2=; SCRA 1=<- &hat 'a! constitute 0good reasons for execution ending aeal •
1he u#lic interest involved or the &ill of the electorate
•
1he shortness of the re'aining eriod of the ter' of the contested office
•
1he length of ti'e that the election contest has #een ending+
there 'ust #e 'otion #! the revailing art! &ith notice to the adverse art!
(2)
there 'ust #e good reasons for the execution ending aeal
(3)
the order granting execution ending aeal 'ust state the good reasons+ Aood reasons 4"er'o v+ Co'elec8
1he filing of a #ond alone does not constitute good reasons+ $evertheless- the trial court 'a! require the filing of a #ond as condition for the issuance of the corresonding &rit of execution to ans&er for the a!'ent of da'ages &hich the aggrieved art! 'a! suffer #! reason of the execution ending aeal+
1) 2)
u#lic interest involved or &ill of the electorate
3)
length of ti'e that the election contest has #een ending
shortness of the re'aining ter' of the contested office
I'tar3l #'. Co"elec <1 SCRA ?00 /200; 3 the length of ti'e that the election rotest has #een ending- thus- leaving etitioner onl! 5, 'onths as the re'aining ortion of the ter' to serve as 'a!or- does not constitute 0good reasons2 to )ustif! execution ending aeal+ Referring to "er'o- the SC held that 0shortness of ter'2/ alone and #! itself cannot )ustif! re'ature execution+ It 'ust #e 'anifest in the decision sought to #e executed that the defeat of the rotestee and the victor! of the rotestant has #een clearl! esta#lished+2
)ernan7o (. Bat3l #. L3cilo Bayron4 et. al. 2 SCRA 2; execution ending aeal in the discretion of the courts alies suletoril! in election cases including those involving cit! and rovincial officials to o#viate a hollo& victor! for the dul! elected candidate as deter'ined either #! the Court or #! Co'elec+ 1he Co'elec resolution granting execution ending aeal 4#! virtue of its original exclusive )urisdiction over all contest relating to the E- R and Q of rovincial and cit! officials8 &as raised #efore the SC arguing that Sec. 2 R3le ?< cannot #e alied and the onl! ground that &ill validl! sustain execution of a decision #! a Co'elec division ending reconsideration is &hen the MR is not ro for'a+
Trillane' IV. V'. Pi"entel4 Sr. >>; SCRA :1 4relate to Rodolfo .guinaldo on the condonation issue8 3 1he case against 1rillanes is not ad'inistrative in nature+ .nd there is no 0rior ter' to sea> of+ In a lethora of cases- the Court categoricall! held that the doctrine of condonation does not al! to cri'inal cases+ Election- or 'ore recisel!- election to office- does not o#literate a cri'inal charge+ Petitioners electoral victor! onl! signifies ertinentl! that &hen the voters elected hi' to the Senate- 0the! did so &ith full a&areness of the li'itations on his freedo' of action and &ith the >no&ledge
Case of Ra'as did not declare that such re'ed! is exclusive onl! to election contests involving elective 'unicial and #aranga! officials+ Sec. 1 o% R3le 1 o% te Co"elec R3le' o% Proce73re exressl! rovides that ertinent rovisions of
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ELECTION LAWS REVIEW ? that he could achieve onl! such legislative results &hich he could acco'lish &ithin the confines of rison+
offenses and 'alractices+ 1his rosecutorial o&er of the Co'elec is reflected in Section 5;: of (P ??,+ It is &ell settled that the finding of ro#a#le cause in the rosecution of election offenses rests in the Co'elecs sound discretion+ /*arcia #. Co"elec ;11 SCRA >> Jan. 2010
CAN DAA*ES BE AWARDED IN ELECTION PROTEST CASES alal3an #'. Co"elec- the Court ruled that da'ages cannot #e granted in an election rotest case ratiocinating that the rovision of la& allo&ing da'ages under secific circu'stances- 'ore articularl! co'ensator! and actual da'ages is rovided under .rticle 5,9; of the Civil Code &hich is aroriate onl! in #reaches of o#ligations in contracts and QC and on the occasion of cri'es and QK &here the defendant 'a! #e held lia#le for da'ages the roxi'ate cause of &hich is the act or o'ission co'lained of+
Co"elec #. Noynay4 J3ly <4 1<<= - the Co'elec resolved to file an Infor'ation for violation of Section 5;,4i8 of the OEC against certain u#lic school officials for having engaged in artisan olitical activities &hich &as filed #! its Regional Kirector &ith (ranch 5< of R1C of .llen $orthern Sa'ar resided #! Judge 1o'as (+ $o!na!+ 1he )udge ordered the records of the cases to #e &ithdra&n and directed the Co'elec to file the cases &ith the M1C on the ground that ursuant to Section <5 of (P ,57 as a'ended #! R. 9;7,- the R1C has no )urisdiction over the cases since the 'axi'u' i'osa#le enalt! in each of the cases does not exceed ; !ears i'rison'ent+ 1he SC ruled that R. 9;7, did not divest the R1C of )urisdiction over election offenses &hich are unisha#le &ith i'rison'ent of not exceeding ; !ears+ 1he oening sentence of Section <5- rovides that the exclusive original )urisdiction of Metroolitan 1rial Courts- M1C and MC1C does not cover those cri'inal cases &hich #! secific rovisions of la& fall &ithin the exclusive )urisdiction of the R1C and of the S(- regardless of the enalt! rescri#ed therefore+
1herefore- the 'onetar! clai' of a art! in an election case 'ust necessaril! #e anchored in contract- QC- or a tortiuos act or o'ission of a cri'e in order to effectivel! recover actual or co'ensator! da'ages+ In the a#sence of an! or all of thesethe clai'ant 'ust #e a#le to oint out a secific rovision of la& authori=ing a 'one! clai' for election rotest exenses against the losing art!+ 1he #onds or cash deosits required #! the Co'elec Rules of Procedure are in the nature of filing fees not da'ages
Co"elec #'. E'5anol 1: SCRA >> - it &as ruled that the Co'elec- thru its dul! authori=ed legal officers- under Section 5;: of the OEC- has the exclusive o&er to conduct reli'inar! investigation of all election offenses unisha#le under the OEC and to rosecute the sa'e+ 1he acts of these deuties &ithin the la&ful scoe of their delegated authorit! are the acts of the Co'elec+
S(BSTIT(TION O) PARTIES IN AN ELECTION PROTEST CASE
"ernando Poe v+ .rro!o March 57- 566:- the Court resolved the issue on &hether the &ido& 'a! su#stituteDintervene for the rotestant &ho die during the endenc! of the latters rotest case+
*arcia #. Co""i''ion on Election' ;11 SCRA >> Aenerall!- the Court &ill not interfere &ith the finding of ro#a#le cause #! the Co'elec a#sent a clear sho&ing of grave a#use of discretion+
1he funda'ental rule alica#le in a residential election rotest is Rule ,@ of the PE1 Rules &hich rovides 0onl! the registered candidate for Pres+ or VP of the Philiines &ho received the 5nd and of the PE1 &ithin <6 da!s after the rocla'ation of the &inner+
P5. #. Intin$ J3ly 2>4 1<<0- Co'elec is given exclusive authorit! to investigate and conduct reli'inar! investigations relative to co''ission of election offenses and rosecute the sa'e+ . reli'inar! investigation conducted #! the Provincial Election Suervisor involving an election offense does not have to #e coursed through the Provincial Prosecutor #efore the R1C 'a! ta>e cogni=ance of the investigation and deter'ine &hether or not ro#a#le cause exist to issue a &arrant of arrest+ If the Provincial Prosecutor erfor's an! role at all as regards the rosecution of an election case- it is #! delegation or that he &as deuti=ed #! the Co'elec+
1he Court 'ade reference in its ruling in Vda de Mesa v+ Mencias &here it re)ected su#stitution #! the &ido& or the heirs in election contest &here the rotestant dies during the endenc! of the rotest on the grounds that the heirs are not real arties in interest and that a u#lic office is ersonal to the u#lic officer and not a roert! trans'issi#le to the heirs uon death+ 1he Court ursuant to Rule <- Section ,: of the rules of Court- ho&ever- allo&ed su#stitution and intervention uon the death of the rotestee #ut #! a real art! in interestone &ho &ould #e #enefited or in)ured #! the )udg'ent and entitled to avail of the suit+ In the Mencias and Lu'ogdnag v+ Javier cases- the Court er'itted su#stitution #! the VM since the VM is the real art! in interest considering that if the rotest succeeds and the rotestee is unseated- the VM succeeds to the office of the 'a!or that #eco'es vacant if the one dul! elected cannot assu'e office+
)aelnar #. Peo5le ??1 SCRA 2< - 4a8 &here the State Prosecutor- or Provincial or Cit! Prosecutor exercises the o&er to conduct reli'inar! investigation of election offense cases and after the investigation su#'its its reco''endation to the Co'elec- the issue of ro#a#le cause is alread! resolved+ 1he 5ro5er re"e7y to G3e'tion te 'ai7 re'ol3tion i' to %ile an a55eal &it te COELEC an7 te r3lin$ o% te Co"elec on te a55eal &o3l7 6e i""e7iately %inal an7 e!ec3tory.
4#8 If the reli'inar! investigation of the co'laint for an election offence is conducted #! the Co'elec- the investigation officer reares its reco''endation to the La& Keart'ent &hich deart'ent in turn 'a>es its reco''endation to the Co'elec en #anc on &hether there is ro#a#le cause to rosecute. It i' te Co"elec en 6anc &ic 7eter"ine' te e!i'tence o% 5ro6a6le ca3'e. 1he roer re'ed! of the aggrieved art! is to file a Motion for Reconsideration of such resolution+ 1his effectivel! allo&s for a revie& of the original resolution- in the sa'e 'anner that the Co'elec on aeal- or 'otu roio- 'a! revie& the resolution of the State rosecutor-
1he Court further held- that no#ilit! of intentions is not the oint in reference in deter'ining &hether a erson 'a! intervene in an election rotest case+ PROSEC(TION O) ELECTION CASES Article I-C Section 2/; of the Constitution vests in the Co'elec the o&er and function to investigate and &here aroriate- rosecute cases of violations of election la&sincluding acts or o'issions constituting election frauds-
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