OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES (BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 881)

(Recent Amendments and Jurisprudence)

OUTLINE
Article I. General Pr !i"i n" (Secti n" 1#1$) Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. 1 2 3 # & ( ) * 1, 11 12 Title Applicability Election and Campaign periods !bligation to Register and "ote $ostponement o% Election 'ailure o% Election Call o% Special Elections Election Code to be A"ailable in $olling $laces !%%icial +ail and Telegram Relati"e to Elections Election E-penses 'ailure to Assume !%%ice .is/uali%ications % Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent (Secti n"

Article II. Electi n 1(#$)) Sec. 13 Sec. 1 Sec. 1# Sec. 1& Sec. 1( Sec. 1) Sec. 1*

Regular Election %or $resident and 0ice1$resident Special Election %or $resident and 0ice1$resident Can"ass o% 0otes %or $resident and 0ice1$resident by t2e $ro"incial or City 3oard o% Can"assers Counting o% 0otes %or $resident and 0ice1$resident by t2e 3atasang $ambansa Correction o% Errors in Certi%icate and Supporting Statement Already Transmitted to t2e Secretary $reser"ation o% 3allot 3o-es4 T2eir 5eys4 and .isposition o% T2eir Contents 62en certi%icate o% can"ass is incomplete or bears erasures or alterations

Sec. 2,

$roclamation o% t2e $resident1elect and 0ice1$resident1 elect

Article III. Electi n (Secti n" $1#$8) Sec. 21 Sec. 22 Sec. 23 Sec. 2 Sec. 2# Sec. 2& Sec. 2( Sec. 2)

% Me*+er"

% t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a

Regular Election o% +emebers o% t2e 3atasang $amabansa Special Election %or +embers o% t2e 3atasang $amabansa Composition o% t2e 3atasang $ambansa Apportionment o% Representati"es 0oting by $ro"ince and its Component Cities4 by 7ig2ly 8rbani9ed City or by .istrict in +etropolitan +anila Sectoral Representati"es Scope o% t2e Sectors Selection o% Sectoral Representati"es % L cal O%%icial" (Secti n" $.#())

Article I'. Electi n Sec. 2* Sec. 3,

Regular Elections o% :ocal !%%icials Component and 7ig2ly 8rbani9ed Cities % t,e

Article '. Electi n % Me*+er" % /e-i nal A""e*+l0 A1t n * 1" /e-i n" (Secti n" (1#(2) Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. 31 32 33 3 3# 3&

T2e Sangguniang $ampoo; o% t2e Autonomous Regions Apportionment o% +embers o% t2e Sangguniang $ampoo; Election o% +embers o% Sangguniang $ampoo; Selection o% Sectoral Representati"es 'illing o% 0acancy Term o% !%%ice % Baran-a0 O%%icial" (Secti n" (3#41)

Article 'I. Electi n Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. 3( 3) 3* ,

Regular elections o% 3arangay !%%icials Conduct o% Elections Certi%icate o% Candidacy 3oard o% Election Tellers

Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec.

1 2 3 # & ( ) * #, #1

Registration o% 0oters and :ist o% 0oters $olling places !%%icial 3arangay 3allots 3allot 3o-es $ostponement or 'ailure o% Election 3arangay 3oard o% Can"assers Acti"ities .uring t2e Campaign $eriod 6atc2ers <nclusion and E-clusion Cases 'unding $enalties n Electi n" (Secti n" 4$#4.)

Article 'II. T,e C **i""i n Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. #2 #3 # ## #&

Sec. #( Sec. #) Sec. #*

$o=ers and %unctions o% t2e Commission on Elections 'ield o%%ices o% t2e Commission >uali%ications !%%ice Space C2anges in t2e Composition4 .istribution or Assignment o% 'ield !%%ices +easures to Ensure En%orcement .is/uali%ication o% +embers o% t2e Commission $ublication o% !%%icial 3allots and Election Returns and $rinting T2ereo%

Article 'III. P litical Partie" (Secti n" 2)#2$) Sec. &, Sec. &1 Sec. &2 $olitical $arty Registration $ublication o% $etition %or Registration or Accreditation % Can&i&ate" an& Certi%icate % Can&i&ac0

Article I5. Eli-i+ilit0 (Secti n" 2(#38) Sec. &3 Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. & &# && &( &) &*

>uali%ications %or $resident and 0ice1$resident o% t2e $2ilippines >uali%ications %or members o% t2e 3atasang $ambansa >uali%ications o% Electi"e :ocal !%%icials Candidates 7olding Appointi"e !%%ice or $ositions Candidates 7olding Electi"e !%%ice .is/uali%ications ?uisance Candidates

Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec.

(, (1 (2 (3 ( (# (& ((

Sec. ()

@uest Candidacy C2anging $olitical $arty A%%iliation E%%ects o% .is/uali%ication Cases and $riority Certi%icate o% Candidacy Contents o% Certi%icate o% Candidacy 'iling and .istribution o% Certi%icate o% Candidacy +inisterial .uty o% Recei"ing and Ac;no=ledging Receipt Candidates in Case o% .eat24 .is/uali%ication or 6it2dra=al o% Anot2er $etition to .eny .ue Course to or Cancel a Certi%icate o% Candidacy

Article 5. Ca*6ai-n an& Electi n Pr 6a-an&a (Secti n" 3.#.() Sec. (* Sec. ), Sec. )1 Sec. )2 Sec. )3 Sec. ) Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. )# )& )( )) )* *, *1 *2 *3 .e%initions Election Campaign or $artisan $olitical Acti"ity Campaign $eriod <nter"ention o% 'oreigners :a=%ul Election $ropaganda Remo"al4 .estruction or .e%acement o% :a=%ul $ropaganda $ro2ibited Re/uirements %or $ublis2ed or $rinted $ropaganda Regulation o% Election $ropaganda T2roug2 +ass $ro2ibited 'orms o% Election $ropaganda Rallies4 +eetings and !t2er $olitical Acti"ities $ublic Rally Transportation4 'ood and .rin;s Comelec Space Comelec $oster Area Comelec Time C!+E:EC <n%ormation 3ulletin !utside

Election Election +edia

Article 5I. Elect ral C ntri+1ti n" an& E76en&it1re" (Secti n" .8#11$) Sec. * Sec. *# Sec. *& Sec. *( Sec. *) Sec. ** .e%initions $ro2ibited Contributions Soliciting or Recei"ing Contributions Sources $ro2ibited Raising o% 'unds True ?ame o% Contributor Re/uired Report o% Contributions

%rom

'oreign

Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec.

1,, 1,1 1,2 1,3 1, 1,# 1,& 1,( 1,) 1,* 11, 111 112

:imitations upon E-pense o% Candidates :imitations upon E-penses o% $olitical $arties :a=%ul E-penditures $ersons Aut2ori9ed to <ncur Election E-penditures $ro2ibited .onations by Candidates4 Treasurers $arties or t2eir Agents Accounting by Agents o% Candidate or Treasurer Records o% Contributions and E-penditures Statement o% Contributions and E-penditures $lace %or 'iling Statements 'orms and Contents o% Statement $reser"ation and <nspection o% Statements E%%ect o% 'ailure to 'ile Statement Report o% Contractor and 3usiness 'irms % ' ter" (Secti n" 11(#188)

o%

Article 5II. /e-i"trati n Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. 113 11 11# 11& 11( 11) 11* 12, 121

Sec. 122 Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. 123 12 12# 12& 12( 12) 12* 13, 131 132 133 13

Sec. 13# Sec. 13&

$ermanent :ist o% 0oters Rene=al o% t2e $ermanent :ist ?ecessity o% Registration 62o may be Registered in t2e :ist >uali%ications o% a 0oter .is/uali%ications $reparation o% t2e $ermanent :ist o% 0oters $reparation o% t2e :ist 3e%ore ot2er Regular Elections $reparation o% t2e :ist 3e%ore any Special Election4 $lebiscite or Re%erendum Trans%er o% ?ame o% 0oters %rom t2e $ermanent :ist to t2e Current !ne Cancellation and E-clusion in t2e Trans%er o% ?ames +eeting to Close t2e :ist o% 0oters Re1registration Registration o% 0oters <lliterate or .isabled Applicants 0oterAs <denti%ication Action by t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors $ro"incial Central 'ile o% Registered 0oters ?ational Central 'ile o% Registered 0oters $reser"ation o% 0oterAs A%%ida"its Columns in t2e :ist o% 0oters Certi%icate o% t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors in t2e :ist o% 0oters $ublication o% t2e :ist C2allenge o% Rig2t to Register

Sec. 13( Sec. 13) Sec. 13* Sec. 1 , Sec. 1 1 Sec. 1 2 Sec. 1 3 Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. 1 1 1 1 1

# & ( )

$o=er o% t2e 3oard o% <nspectors to Administer !at2s and <ssue Summons Jurisdiction in <nclusion and E-clusion Cases $etition %or <nclusion o% 0oters in t2e :ist 0oters E-cluded t2roug2 <nad"ertence or Registered =it2 an Erroneous or +isspelled name C2ange o% ?ame o% Registered 0oter $etition %or E-clusion o% 0oters %rom :ist Common Rules @o"erning Judicial $roceedings in t2e +atter o% <nclusion4 E-clusion4 and Correction o% ?ame o% 0oters Can"ass to C2ec; Registration Annulment o% $ermanent :ists o% 0oters Reconstitution o% :ost or .estroyed Registration Records E-amination o% Registration Records :ist o% 0oters

Article 5III. Precinct" an& P llin- Place" (Secti n" 18.#12() Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. 1 * 1#, 1#1 1#2 1#3 1# 1## 1#& 1#( 1#) 1#* 1&, 1&1 1&2 $recincts and t2eir Establis2ment Arrangements o% Election $recincts $ublication o% +aps or $recincts $olling $lace .esignation o% $olling $laces Re/uirements %or $olling $laces 3uilding t2at s2all not be used as $olling $laces Signs and 'lags o% $olling $laces Arrangement and Contents o% $olling $laces 0oting 3oot2 @uard Rails 3allot 3o-es Tally 3oards 'urnis2ing o% 3allot 3o-es4 'orms4 Stationeries and +aterials %or Election <nspection o% $olling $laces % Electi n" (Secti n" 128#133)

Sec. 1&3

Article 5I'. B ar& Sec. 1& Sec. 1&# Sec. 1&&

Composition and Appointment o% 3oard o% Election <nspectors !at2 o% t2e +embers o% t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors >uali%ication o% +embers o% t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors

&

Sec. 1&( Sec. 1&) Sec. 1&* Sec. 1(, Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. 1(1 1(2 1(3 1( 1(# 1(&

Sec. 1((

.is/uali%ication $o=ers o% t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors 0oting $ri"ilege o% +embers o% 3oard o% Election <nspectors Relie% and Substitution o% +embers o% t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors 0acancy in t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors $roceedings o% t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors $ro2ibition o% $olitical Acti"ity 'unctioning o% t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors Temporary 0acancies Temporary .esignation o% +embers o% t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors by 6atc2ers Arrest o% Absent +embers

Article 5'. 9atc,er" (Secti n" 138#18)) Sec. 1() Sec. 1(* Sec. 1), !%%icial 6atc2ers o% Candidates Rig2ts and .uties o% 6atc2ers !t2er 6atc2ers

Article 5'I. O%%icial Ball t" an& Electi n /et1rn" (Secti n" 181# 18.) Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. 1)1 1)2 1)3 1) 1)# 1)& 1)( !%%icial 3allots Emergency 3allots Re/uisition o% !%%icial 3allots and Election Returns $rinting o% !%%icial 3allots and Elections Returns Sample !%%icial 3allots .istribution o% !%%icial 3allots and Election Returns Committee on $rinting4 Storage4 and .istribution o% !%%icial 3allots and Election Returns .uties o% t2e Committee on $rinting o% !%%icial 3allots and Election Returns Representati"es o% t2e Registered $olitical $arties in t2e 0eri%ication and .istribution o% !%%icial 3allots and Election Returns % ' te" (Secti n" 1.)#$)4)

Sec. 1)) Sec. 1)*

Article 5'II. Ca"tinSec. 1*, Sec. 1*1

0oting 7ours $reliminaries to t2e 0oting

Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec.

$ersons Allo=ed in and Around t2e $olling $lace !rder o% 0oting +anner o% !btaining 3allots +anner o% $reparing t2e 3allot $reparation o% 3allots %or <lliterate and .isabled $ersons Spoiled 3allots 0oting C2allenge o% <llegal 0oters C2allenge 3ased on Certain <llegal Acts Admission o% C2allenged 0ote <mmaterial in Criminal $roceedings Sec. 2,2 Record o% C2allenges and !at2s Sec. 2,3 +inutes o% 0oting and Counting o% 0otes Sec. 2, .isposition o% 8nused 3allots at t2e Close o% t2e 0oting 2ours Sec. 2,# $ro2ibition o% $remature Announcement o% 0oting Article 5'III. C 1ntin- % ' te" (Secti n" $)2#$$)) Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. 2,& 2,( 2,) 2,* 21, 211 212 213 Counting to be $ublic and 6it2out <nterruption E-cess 3allots +ar;ed 3allots Compartment %or Spoiled 3allots +anner o% Counting 0otes Rules %or t2e Appreciation o% 3allots Election Returns $roclamation o% t2e Result o% t2e Election in t2e $olling $lace .isposition o% Election Returns 3oard o% Election <nspectors to <ssue a Certi%icate o% t2e ?umber o% 0otes $olled by t2e Candidates %or an !%%ice to t2e 6atc2ers Alterations and Corrections in t2e Election Returns .eli"ery o% t2e 3allot 3o-es4 5eys and Election Supplies and .ocuments $reser"ation o% t2e 0oting Record $reser"ation o% t2e 3allot 3o-es4 t2eir 5eys and .isposition o% t2eir Contents .ocuments and Articles !mitted or Erroneously $laced <nside t2e 3allot 3o-

1*2 1*3 1* 1*# 1*& 1*( 1*) 1** 2,, 2,1

Sec. 21 Sec. 21# Sec. 21& Sec. 21( Sec. 21) Sec. 21* Sec. 22,

Article 5I5. Can!a"" an& Pr cla*ati n (Secti n" $$1#$8)) Sec. 221 Sec. 222 3oard o% Can"assers Relations2ip =it2 Candidates and !t2er +embers

Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec.

223 22 22# 22& 22( 22) 22* 23, 231 232 233

Sec. 23 Sec. 23# Sec. 23& Sec. 23( Sec. 23) Sec. 23* Sec. 2 ,

$ro2ibition Against :ea"ing !%%icial Station 'eigned <llness 0ote Re/uired <ncapacity and Substitution o% +embers o% 3oards o% Can"assers Super"ision and Control !"er 3oard o% Can"assers ?otice o% +eeting o% t2e 3oard +anner o% .eli"ery and Transmittal o% Election Returns Sa%e;eeping o% Transmitted Election Returns Can"ass by t2e 3oard $ersons not Allo=ed <nside t2e Can"assing Room 62en t2e Election Returns are .elayed4 :ost or .estroyed +aterial .e%ects in t2e Election Returns 62en Election Returns Appear to be Tampered =it2 or 'alsi%ied .iscrepancies in Election Returns 62en <ntegrity o% 3allots is 0iolated Can"ass o% Remaining or 8n/uestioned Returns to Continue 6atc2ers Election Resulting in Tie

Article 55. Pre#6r cla*ati n C ntr !er"ie" (Secti n" $81#$88) Sec. 2 1 Sec. 2 2 Sec. 2 3 Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. 2 2 2 2 2 # & ( ) .e%inition CommissionBs E-clusi"e Jurisdiction o% all $re1 proclamation Contro"ersies <ssues t2at may be Raised in $re1proclamation Contro"ersy Contested Composition or $roceedings o% t2e 3oard Contested Election Returns Summary $roceedings 3e%ore t2e Commission $artial $roclamation E%%ect o% 'iling $etition to Annul or to Suspend t2e $roclamation

Article 55I. Electi n C nte"t (Secti n" $8.#$2)) Sec. 2 * Sec. 2#, Sec. 2#1 Jurisdiction o% t2e Commission Election Contests %or 3atasang $ambansa4 Regional4 $ro"incial and City !%%ices Election Contests %or +unicipal !%%ices

Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec.

2#2 2#3 2# 2## 2#& 2#( 2#) 2#* 2&,

Election Contest %or 3arangay !%%ices $etition %or >uo 6arranto $rocedure in Election Contests Judicial Counting o% 0otes in Election Contest Appeals .ecision in t2e Commission $re%erential .isposition o% Contests in Courts Actual or Compensatory .amages ?otice o% .ecisions

Article 55II. Electi n O%%en"e" (Secti n" $21#$2.) Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec. 2&1 2&2 2&3 2& 2&# 2&& 2&( 2&) 2&* $ro2ibited Acts !t2er Election !%%enses $ersons Criminally :iable $enalties $rosecution Arrest in Connection =it2 t2e Election Campaign $rescription Jurisdiction o% Courts $re%erential .isposition o% Election !%%enses

Article 55III. Le-al Fee" (Secti n" $3)#$31) Sec. 2(, Sec. 2(1 Collection o% :egal 'ees $ayment o% 'ees

Article 55I'. Tran"it r0 Pr !i"i n" (Secti n" $3$#$3.) Sec. 2(2 Sec. 2(3 Sec. 2( Sec. 2(# Sec. 2(& Sec. 2(( Sec. 2() Sec. 2(* $ending Actions .esignation o% Certain $re1election acts <mmediately A%ter t2e Appro"al o% t2is Code Accreditation o% .ominant !pposition $arty $arty Representati"es in t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors Appropriations4 and <nsurance %or 3oard o% Election <nspectors Special Election %or $resident 3e%ore 1*)( Special Election to 'ill E-isting 0acancies in t2e 3atasang $ambansa Electi"e !%%icials in E-isting Sub1pro"inces

Article 55'. Final Pr !i"i n" (Secti n" $8)#$8()

1,

Sec. Sec. Sec. Sec.

2), 2)1 2)2 2)3

Reorgani9ation o% t2e Commission on Elections Separability Clause Repealing Clause E%%ecti"ity Clause

B/IEF ELECTO/AL HISTO/: 8nder t2e colonial rule o% t2e Spaniards =e did not 2a"e any semblance o% political or social participation in t2e go"ernment scene =e =ere as o%ten illustrated in our 2istory boo;s relegated to t2e measly c2ore o% being ser"ants not2ing more and not2ing else subCect to t2e =2im and %olly o% t2e mesti9os. T2e tide 2o=e"er c2anged upon t2e arri"al o% t2e 1*t2 century particularly t2e time =2en =e =ere under t2e military rule o% t2e Americans. T2ey introduced t2e concept o% sel%1go"ernance a dream o%ten considered out o% reac2 by our %ore%at2ers. 3y t2e time t2e .emocrats came into po=er in 1*134 measures =ere ta;en to e%%ect a smoot2 transition to sel%1rule4 by t2at time t2e $2ilippine assembly already 2ad a popularly elected lo=er 2ouse4 and t2e Jones Act4 passed by t2e 8.S. Congress in 1*1&4 pro"ided %or a popularly elected upper 2ouse as =ell4 =it2 po=er to appro"e all appointments made by t2e t2en go"ernor1general. <t also ga"e t2e islands t2eir %irst de%inite pledge o% independence4 alt2oug2 no speci%ic date =as set. 7o=e"er =2en t2e Republicans regained po=er in 1*214 t2e trend to=ard bringing 'ilipinos into t2e go"ernment

11

=as re"ersed. @en. :eonard 6ood4 =2o =as appointed go"ernor1 general4 largely supplanted 'ilipino acti"ities =it2 a semi1military rule. T2e start o% t2e 1*3,As 2o=e"er4 largely due to t2e ad"ent o% t2e @reat .epression in t2e 8nited States and t2e %irst aggressi"e mo"es by Japan in Asia (1*31) s2i%ted 8.S. sentiment s2arply to=ard t2e granting o% immediate independence to t2e $2ilippines. T2e 7are17a=es Cutting Act4 passed by Congress in 1*324 pro"ided %or complete independence o% t2e islands in 1* # a%ter 1, years o% sel%1 go"ernment under 8.S. super"ision. T2e bill 2ad been dra=n up =it2 t2e aid o% a commission %rom t2e $2ilippines4 but +anuel :. >ue9on4 t2e leader o% t2e dominant ?ationalist party4 opposed it4 partially because o% its t2reat o% American tari%%s against $2ilippine products but principally because o% t2e pro"isions lea"ing na"al bases in 8.S. 2ands. 8nder 2is in%luence4 t2e $2ilippine legislature reCected t2e bill. T2e Tydings1+c.u%%ie <ndependence Act (1*3 ) closely resembled t2e 7are17a=es Cutting Act4 but struc; t2e pro"isions %or American bases and carried a promise o% %urt2er study to correct Dimper%ections or ine/ualities.ET2e $2ilippine legislature rati%ied t2e bill and dra%ted a constitution =2ic2 =as appro"ed by $resident Roose"elt on +arc2 1*3#4 and =as accepted by t2e $2ilippine people in a plebiscite on +ay o% t2at same year. !n Sept 1*3#4 >ue9on =as elected t2e %irst president o% t2e Common=ealt2. 7e =as reelected in ?o".4 1* 1 and to de"elop de%ensi"e %orces against possible aggression in t2e region4 @en. .ouglas +acArt2ur =as broug2t to t2e islands as military ad"iser in 1*3#4 and t2e %ollo=ing year 2e became %ield mars2al o% t2e Common=ealt2 army. 3y T2e middle o% 1* 2 t2e country =as under t2e control o% t2e Japanese. .espite t2is se"eral s;irmis2es continued to erupt due to t2e continued resistance o% se"eral 'ilipino1American @uerrilla 'orces. <n order to /uell suc2 DnuisanceE Japan made e%%orts to =in 'ilipino loyalty by establis2ing on !ct. 1 4 1* 3 t2e D$2ilippine RepublicE more commonly ;no=n as t2e Japanese $uppet @o"ernment. JosF $. :aurel4 %ormer Supreme Court Custice4 =as made president. 3ut due to t2e su%%ering endured by t2e 'ilipino people t2e puppet go"ernment gained little support. +ean=2ile4 $resident >ue9on4 =2o 2ad escaped =it2 ot2er 2ig2 o%%icials be%ore t2e country %ell4 set up a go"ernment1in1e-ile in 6as2ington. 62en 2e died on Aug4 1* 4 0ice $resident Sergio !smeGa became president. !smeGa returned to t2e $2ilippines =it2

12

t2e %irst liberation %orces4 =2ic2 surprised t2e Japanese by landing on !ct. 2,4 1* at :eyte. A%ter t2e =ar t2e $2ilippine congress met on June *4 1* #4 %or t2e %irst time since its election in 1* 1. <t %aced enormous problems. T2e land =as de"astated by =ar4 t2e economy destroyed4 t2e country torn by political =ar%are and guerrilla "iolence. !smeGaAs leaders2ip =as c2allenged =2en one =ing (no= t2e :iberal party) o% t2e ?ationalist party nominated %or president +anuel Ro-asH Ro-as ultimately de%eated !smeGa in t2e election t2at %ollo=ed. +anuel Ro-as became t2e %irst president o% t2e Republic o% t2e $2ilippines =2en independence =as granted4 as sc2eduled4 on July 4 1* &. T2e sudden deat2 o% $resident Ro-as in Apr.4 1* )4 ele"ated t2e "ice president4 Elpidio >uirino4 to t2e presidency4 and in t2e bitterly contested election o% ?o".4 1* *4 >uirino de%eated JosF :aurel to =in a %our1year term o% 2is o=n. <n ?o". 1*#3 +agsaysay =as president o% t2e country4 2a"ing de%eated >uirino. 7e 2ad promised s=eeping economic c2anges4 and 2e did ma;e progress in land re%orm4 opening ne= settlements outside cro=ded :u9on island. 7is sudden deat2 in a plane cras2 in +ar.4 1*#(4 =as a serious blo= to national morale. 0ice $resident Carlos $. @arcIa succeeded 2im and =on a %ull term o% 2is o=n as president in t2e elections o% ?o".4 1*#(. $2ilippine opposition to @arcIa on issues o% go"ernment corruption and anti1Americanism led4 in June4 1*#*4 to t2e union o% t2e :iberal and $rogressi"e parties4 led by 0ice $resident .iosdado +acapagal4 t2e :iberal party leader. !n 1*&1 @arcia =as declared as t2e =inner and t2us 2e assumed t2e o%%ice o% t2e president. .uring 2is term 2e maintained a territorial dispute =it2 3ritain o"er ?ort2 3orneo (later Saba2)4 =2ic2 +acapagal claimed 2ad been leased and not sold to t2e 3ritis2 ?ort2 3orneo Company in 1)(). T2e start o% t2e 1*&,As ga"e rise to t2e start o% t2e political carreer o% a brilliant man %rom <locos ?oter by t2e name o% 'erdinand E. +arcos4 and by 1*&# 2e succeeded to t2e presidency a%ter de%eating +acapagal in t2e elections. <n ?o".4 1*&*4 +arcos =on an unprecedented reelection4 easily de%eating Sergio !smeGa4 Jr.4 but t2e election =as marred by "iolence and c2arges o% %raud4 and as +arcosAs second term began =it2 increasing ci"il disorderH $resident +arcos declared martial la= in Sept.4 1*(24 on t2e ground o% mounting communist t2reats. T2e 1*3# constitution =as replaced by a ne= one

13

t2at pro"ided t2e president =it2 direct po=ers meaning 2 also 2as t2e po=ers to legislate. A plebiscite conducted on July4 1*(3 ga"e +arcos t2e rig2t to remain in o%%ice beyond t2e e-piration (.ec.4 1*(3) o% 2is term. +artial la= remained in %orce until 1*)14 =2en +arcos =as reelected4 amid accusations o% electoral %raud. +arcos to ease ci"il tensions orc2estrated se"eral snap elections in =2ic2 2e al=ays =on. A%ter t2e 'eb.4 1*)&4 presidential election4 bot2 +arcos and 2is opponent4 Cora9on A/uino (t2e =ido= o% 3enigno)4 declared t2emsel"es as t2e =inner4 and c2arges o% massi"e %raud and "iolence =ere le"eled against t2e +arcos %action. +arcosAs domestic and international support eroded4 and 2e %led t2e country on 'eb. 2#4 1*)&4 e"entually obtaining asylum in t2e 8nited States. $resident A/uino %aced a 2uge tas; o% re"i"ing t2e crumbling structure o% t2e $2ilippine @o"ernment in addition to t2e massi"e economic turmoil broug2t about by years o% gra%t and corruption. <n 1**24 A/uino declined to run %or reelection and =as succeeded by 2er %ormer army c2ie% o% sta%% 'idel Ramos. Josep2 +arcelo Estrada4 a %ormer mo"ie actor4 =as elected president in 1**)4 pledging to 2elp t2e poor and de"elop t2e countryAs agricultural sector. <n 1*** 2e announced plans to amend t2e constitution in order to remo"e protectionist pro"isions and attract more %oreign in"estment. <n ?o".4 2,,,4 Estrada =as impeac2ed by t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es on c2arges o% gra%t4 but t2e senate4 controlled by EstradaAs allies4 pro"o;ed a crisis =2en it reCected e-amining t2e presidentAs ban; records. As demonstrations against Estrada mounted and members o% 2is cabinet resigned4 t2e Supreme Court stripped 2im o% t2e presidency4 and 0ice $resident @loria +acapagal1Arroyo =as s=orn in as EstradaAs successor. +acapagal1Arroyo =as elected president in 2er o=n rig2t in +ay4 2,, 4 but t2e balloting =as marred by "iolence and irregularities as =ell as a tedious "ote1counting process t2at =as completed si- =ee;s a%ter t2e election. !n +ay 1,4 2,1, t2e country entered a ne= age =2en it success%ully conducted its %irst e"er automated elections in =2ic2 t2e son o% %ormer $resident Cora9on A/uinoH 3enigno D?oynoyE A/uino <<< emerged as t2e =inner.

THE COMELEC T2e Commission on Elections is mandated to gi"e li%e and meaning to t2e basic principle t2at so"ereignty resides in t2e people and all go"ernment aut2ority emanates %rom t2em. <t is an independent constitutional body created by an amendment to t2e 1*3# Constitution. Since t2en4 its members2ip =as enlarged and its po=ers e-panded by t2e 1*(3 and 1*)( Constitutions. T2e Commission e-ercises not only administrati"e and /uasi1Cudicial po=ers4 but Cudicial po=er as =ell. 3e%ore t2e creation o% t2e Commission4 super"ision o"er t2e conduct o% elections =as "ested in t2e E-ecuti"e 3ureau4 an o%%ice under t2e .epartment o% t2e <nterior4 and later directly "ested in t2e .epartment itsel%. T2e close o%%icial relations2ip bet=een t2e $resident and t2e Secretary o% t2e <nterior and t2e percei"ed compelling in%luence o% t2e %ormer o"er t2e latter bred suspicion t2at electoral e-ercises =ere manipulated to ser"e t2e political interest o% t2e party to =2ic2 t2ey belonged. T2e ?ational Assembly =as impelled to propose t2e creation by constitutional amendment o% an independent Commission on Elections. T2e amendment =as rati%ied by t2e 'ilipino people in a plebiscite on June 1(4 1* , and appro"ed on .ecember 24 1* ,. THE COMELEC AS GUA/DIAN OF THE BALLOT T2roug2 t2e years4 t2e Commission 2as managed to maintain its aut2ority and independence in t2e conduct o% elections. Actions and decisions o% t2is body t2at appeared to strain t2e limits o% its po=ers =ere4 in most cases4 sustained by t2e Supreme Court4 t2ereby rein%orcing its position as t2e constitutionally ordained guardian o% t2e ballot. <n its latest decision up2olding t2e CommissionBs assertion o% aut2ority4 t2e 2ig2 tribunal a%%irmed t2e e-clusi"e c2aracter o% its po=er to conduct t2e preliminary in"estigation and prosecution in cases in"ol"ing election o%%enses ($eople "s. 7onorable Enri/ue 3. <nting4 Judge4 RTC4 3R 3)4 .umaguete City4 et al4 @.R. ?o. ))*1*4 July 2(4 1**,).

1#

Suc2 decisions 2a"e attested to t2e CommissionBs si-ty1one (&1) years o% ser"ice to $2ilippine democracy4 to t2e strengt2 o% purpose and c2aracter and t2e "ision o% t2e men and =omen =2o 2a"e ser"ed it.

/EO/GANI;ATION T2e Commission on Elections 2ad undergone se"eral reorgani9ationsJ !n June 214 1* 14 Common=ealt2 Act ?o. &#( =as enacted reorgani9ing t2e Commission on Elections as a constitutional body. T2ere =ere 3* sta%% members including t2ree Commissioners4 namelyJ $edro Concepcion4 C2airmanH Jose C. Abreu and Ru%ino :una4 members. At t2e beginning t2e C2airman and +embers o% t2e Commission 2ad a term o% nine years eac2 1 a member being replaced e"ery t2ree years 1 e-cept in t2e %irst Commission =2o =ere gi"en nine4 si- and t2ree year terms respecti"ely. T2ey could be remo"ed %rom o%%ice only by impeac2ment and =ere pro"ided =it2 %i-ed salaries =2ic2 could neit2er be increased nor diminis2ed during t2eir term o% o%%ice. T2ese =ere among t2e sa%eguards to ensure t2e integrity and independence o% t2e Commission. !n June 224 1*&34 Congress appro"ed Republic Act ?os. 3#)) and 3),) enabling t2e Commission to reorgani9e and e-pand its structure and increase personnel do=n to t2e municipal le"el. Republic Act ?o. 3#)) =as passed in order to establis2 a permanent list o% "oters and a continuing system o% registration o% "oters4 in eac2 city4 municipality and municipal district by a non1partisan and /uali%ied election registrar =it2 t2e assistance o% an election cler;. !n t2e ot2er 2and4 Republic Act ?o. 3),) aut2ori9ed t2e Commission to reorgani9e its o%%ice K in order to promote maximum efficiency in carrying out its constitutional duty to ensure free, clean and orderly elections and administer and enforce effectively all laws relative to the conduct of elections K. T2is la= empo=ered t2e Commission to abolis2 or create department4 di"isions4 sections4 or units4 redistribute %unctions and personnel4 c2ange salaries and allo=ances o% its subordinate o%%icials and employees and pro"ide %or ade/uate appropriation %or maintenance and operation.

1&

T2en on 1*(3 by "irtue o% t2e 1*(3 Constitution t2e members2ip o% t2e Commission =as enlarged %rom t2ree to nine members but reduced t2eir term o% o%%ice %rom nine to se"en years. <t =as li;e=ise in t2is lig2t t2at t2e po=er o% t2e Commission =as enlarged to include Cudicial po=er. T2us4 t2e Comelec became a Cudicial tribunal =2ile ;eeping its origin as an administrati"e entity. 'irst to ser"e in t2e Commission under t2e 1*(3 Constitution =ere :eonardo 3. $ere9 as c2airman4 and 0enancio S. .u/ue4 'lores A. 3ayot4 Jose +endo9a4 'ernando R. 0eloso4 :iningding +. $angandaman4 0enancio :. Lane9a and Casimiro R. +adarang4Jr. as Commissioners. 3ecause o% t2e increased members2ip and t2e enlarged po=ers and %unctions o% t2e Commission under t2e 1*(3 Constitution4 $resident +arcos issued $residential .ecree ?o. #*( on .ecember 34 1*( aut2ori9ing t2e Comelec to underta;e a reorgani9ation o% its "arious departments4 di"isions4 sections4 o%%ices and ot2er units. <mplemented in 1*(*4 t2e reorgani9ation created t=o ne= o%%ices4 namely t2e Election and 3arangay A%%airs .epartment and t2e Electoral Contests AdCudication .epartment. 'ield operations =ere decentrali9ed =it2 t2e establis2ment o% t2e o%%ices o% t2e Regional Election .irectors. 3y "irtue o% t2e passing o% t2e 1*)( Constitution t2e members2ip o% t2e Commission =as no= reduced %rom nine to se"en but retained t2eir term o% se"en years =it2out reappointment. !% t2ose %irst appointed4 t2ree members s2all 2old o%%ice %or se"en years4 t=o members %or %i"e years and t2e last members %or t2ree years. T2ey can be remo"ed %rom o%%ice only by impeac2ment and are pro"ided =it2 salaries %i-ed by la= =2ic2 s2all not be decreased during t2eir term o% o%%ice. !n July 114 1*)&4 Ramon 7. 'elipe4 Jr. =as appointed as C2airman to ser"e under t2e 1*)( Constitution =it2 :eopoldo :. A%rica4 7aydee 3. Lorac4 Anacleto .. 3adoy4 Jr.4 Andres R. 'lores4 .ario C. Rama and Tomas 0. dela Cru94 as Commissioners. !n 'ebruary 1#4 1*))4 7ilario @. .a"ide4 Jr.4 =as appointed C2airman =it2 Al%redo E. Abueg4 Jr.4 7aydee 3. Lorac4 :eopoldo :. A%rica4 Andres R. 'lores4 .ario C. Rama and +agdara 3. .imaampao as Commissioners. Commissioner 7aydee 3. Lorac =as appointed as Acting C2airman =2en 7ilario @. .a"ide4 Jr. =as appointed C2airman o% t2e $residential 'act 'inding Commission in .ecember 1*)* under Administrati"e !rder ?o. 1 &. T2e Current C!+E:EC is composed o% C2airman4 Jose +elo4 Commissioners ?icodemo 'errer4 Rene Sarmiento4 :ucenito Tagle4 Elias Lusop24 Armando 0elasco4 and @regorio :arra9abal. T2e Commission is

1(

under t2e o"er1all control o% t2e C2airman and t2e Commissioners4 =2o constitute t2e policyma;ing body t2at lays do=n t2e guidelines and regulations %or elections4 re%erenda4 plebiscites4 initiati"es and recalls. T2e C2airman is t2e C2ie% E-ecuti"e o% t2e Commission. 8nder 2im is t2e E-ecuti"e .irector (E.) =2ose duty is to implement policies and decisions and to ta;e c2arge o% t2e administrati"e a%%airs o% t2e Commission. Assisting t2e E-ecuti"e .irector are t=o deputiesJ a .eputy E-ecuti"e .irector %or Administration (.E.A) and a .eputy E-ecuti"e .irector %or !perations (.E.!). <n t2e %ield4 t2ere are 1& regional election directors (RE.)4 (* pro"incial election super"isors ($ES)4 14&,* election o%%icers (E!) and t2eir sta%%s. T2e election o%%icers are based in e"ery city and municipality. T2eir main %unction is to super"ise t2e conduct o% electoral acti"ities =it2in t2eir areas o% responsibility as %ield representati"es o% t2e Commission. And in t2e main o%%ice t2ere are ten (1,) departments. T2e Commission sits eit2er en banc or in t=o di"isions in order to e-pedite disposition o% election cases including pre1proclamation contro"ersies. <t =as said 2o=e"er t2at t2e passing and t2e actual use o% t2e poll automation la= "irtually eradicated pre1proclamation contro"ersies. T2e latest and possibly t2e greatest brea;t2roug2 in election la= is t2e passage Republic Act *3&* or t2e Act pro"iding %or t2e automation o% t2e Election $rocess. <t is t2e consolidation o% Senate 3ill ?o. 2231 and 7ouse 3ill ?o. #3#2 passed by t2e Senate on ( .ecember 2,,& and t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es on 1* .ecember 2,,&. !n 23 January 2,,(4 less t2an %our mont2s be%ore t2e 1 +ay 2,,( local elections4 $resident @loria +acapagal 1 Arroyo signed t2e said la=. <t =as printed in t=o ne=spapers o% general circulation namely t2e +alaya and 3usiness +irror4 =2ere it =as publis2ed on 2& January 2,,(. RA *3&* t2us too; e%%ect on 1, 'ebruary 2,,( a%ter %i%teen (1#) days o% publication.

1)

A/TICLE I
GENE/AL P/O'ISIONS

Sec. 1. Title. # T,i" Act ",all +e <n =n an& cite& a" t,e "Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines." Sec. $. A66lica+ilit0. # T,i" C &e ",all - !ern all electi n % 61+lic %%icer" an&> t t,e e7tent a66r 6riate> all re%eren&a an& 6le+i"cite". Sec. (. Electi n an& ca*6ai-n 6eri &". # Unle"" t,er=i"e %i7e& in "6ecial ca"e" +0 t,e C **i""i n n Electi n"> =,ic, ,ereina%ter ",all +e re%erre& t a" t,e C **i""i n> t,e electi n 6eri & ",all c **ence ninet0 &a0" +e% re t,e &a0 % t,e electi n an& ",all en& t,irt0 &a0" t,erea%ter. T,e 6eri & % ca*6ai-n ",all +e a" % ll ="?

1*

1. Pre"i&ential an& 'ice#Pre"i&ential Electi n # .) &a0"@ $. Electi n % Me*+er" % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a an& L cal Electi n # 84 &a0"@ an& (. Baran-a0 Electi n # 14 &a0". N te? D1rin- t,e la"t Baran-a0 electi n t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri & =a" 1) &a0". T,e ca*6ai-n 6eri &" ",all n t incl1&e t,e &a0 +e% re an& t,e &a0 % t,e electi n. H =e!er> in ca"e % "6ecial electi n" 1n&er Article 'III> Secti n 4> S1+"ecti n ($) % t,e C n"tit1ti n> t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri & ",all +e % rt0#%i!e &a0". Sec. 8. O+li-ati n t re-i"ter an& ! te. # It ",all +e t,e +li-ati n % e!er0 citiAen B1ali%ie& t ! te t re-i"ter an& ca"t ,i" ! te. Sec. 4. P "t6 ne*ent % electi n. # 9,en % r an0 "eri 1" ca1"e "1c, a" !i lence> terr ri"*> l "" r &e"tr1cti n % electi n 6ara6,ernalia r rec r&"> % rce *aCe1re> an& t,er anal - 1" ca1"e" % "1c, a nat1re t,at t,e , l&in- % a %ree> r&erl0 an& , ne"t electi n ", 1l& +ec *e i*6 ""i+le in an0 6 litical "1+&i!i"i n> t,e C **i""i n> * t1 6r 6ri r 16 n a !eri%ie& 6etiti n +0 an0 intere"te& 6art0> an& a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-> =,ere+0 all intere"te& 6artie" are a%% r&e& eB1al 66 rt1nit0 t +e ,ear&> ",all 6 "t6 ne t,e electi n t,erein t a &ate =,ic, ", 1l& +e rea" na+l0 cl "e t t,e &ate % t,e electi n n t ,el&> "1"6en&e& r =,ic, re"1lte& in a %ail1re t elect +1t n t later t,an t,irt0 &a0" a%ter t,e ce""ati n % t,e ca1"e % r "1c, 6 "t6 ne*ent r "1"6en"i n % t,e electi n r %ail1re t elect. Sec. 2. Fail1re % electi n. # I%> n acc 1nt % % rce *aCe1re> !i lence> terr ri"*> %ra1&> r t,er anal - 1" ca1"e" t,e electi n in an0 6 llin- 6lace ,a" n t +een ,el& n t,e &ate %i7e&> r ,a& +een "1"6en&e& +e% re t,e , 1r %i7e& +0 la= % r t,e cl "in- % t,e ! tin-> r a%ter t,e ! tin- an& &1rin- t,e 6re6arati n an& t,e tran"*i""i n % t,e electi n ret1rn" r in t,e c1"t &0 r can!a"" t,ere %> "1c, electi n re"1lt" in a %ail1re t elect> an& in an0 % "1c, ca"e" t,e %ail1re r "1"6en"i n % electi n = 1l& a%%ect t,e re"1lt % t,e electi n>

2,

t,e C **i""i n ",all> n t,e +a"i" % a !eri%ie& 6etiti n +0 an0 intere"te& 6art0 an& a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-> call % r t,e , l&in- r c ntin1ati n % t,e electi n n t ,el&> "1"6en&e& r =,ic, re"1lte& in a %ail1re t elect n a &ate rea" na+l0 cl "e t t,e &ate % t,e electi n n t ,el&> "1"6en&e& r =,ic, re"1lte& in a %ail1re t elect +1t n t later t,an t,irt0 &a0" a%ter t,e ce""ati n % t,e ca1"e % "1c, 6 "t6 ne*ent r "1"6en"i n % t,e electi n r %ail1re t elect.

DISCUSSIONS

I.

POSTPONEMENT OF ELECTION A. Ca1"e" 1. 0iolence 2. Terrorism 3. :oss or destruction o% election parap2ernaliaMrecords . 'orce maCeure #. !t2er analogous causes B. E%%ect <t is impossible to 2old a %ree4 orderly and 2onest election in any political subdi"ision.

COMELEC can 6 "t6 ne t,e electi n (=2en decided by a maCority "ote o% t2e C!+E:EC sitting en banc4 R.A. (1&&)J 1. Motu proprio 2. 8pon a "eri%ied petition by any interested party4 a%ter due notice and 2earing

21

C. Date

% ne= electi n

T2e date o% t2e postponed election s2ould be reasonably close to t2e date o% t2e election not 2eld4 suspended4 or =2ic2 resulted in a %ailure to elect. <t s2ould not be later t2an 3, days a%ter t2e cessation o% t2e cause %or suc2 postponement or suspension o% t2e election or %ailure to elect.

II.

FAILU/E OF ELECTION A. Ca1"e" 1. 'orce maCeure 2. 0iolence 3. Terrorism . 'raud #. !t2er analogous causes 8nder RA (1&&4 t2e causes %or t2e declaration o% t2e %ailure o% election may occur be%ore or a%ter t2e casting o% "otes or on t2e day o% t2e election.

B. E%%ect"

% a+ !e ca1"e"

A. Election in any polling place =as not 2eld on t2e date %i-edH 3. Election =as suspended be%ore t2e 2our %i-ed by la= %or t2e closing o% t2e "oting C. Elections results in a %ailure to elect (a%ter t2e "oting and during t2e preparation and transmission o% t2e election returns or in t2e custody or can"ass t2ereo%)

22

A?. t2e %ailure or suspension o% t2e election =ould a%%ect t2e result o% t2e election. C. /e*e&0 C!+E:EC can call %or t2e 2olding or continuation o% t2e election not 2eld4 suspended4 or =2ic2 resulted in a %ailure to elect. T2e election s2ould be 2eld not later t2an 3, days a%ter t2e cessation o% t2e cause o% t2e postponement or suspension o% t2e election or %ailure to elect. T2is is decided by t2e C!+E:EC4 by a maCority "ote o% its members4 sitting en banc.

DU/ISP/UDENCE P/ESBITE/O> D/ !". COMELEC G./. N . 138888> D1ne ()> $))8 <t =as 2eld in 3atabor ". Commission on Elections t2at Kt2e po=er to declare a %ailure o% election s2ould be e-ercised =it2 utmost care and only under circumstances =2ic2 demonstrate beyond doubt t2at t2e disregard o% t2e la= 2as been so %undamental or so persistent and continuous t2at it is impossible to distinguis2 =2at "otes are la=%ul and =2at are unla=%ul4 or to arri"e at any certain result =2atsoe"erH or t2at t2e great body o% "oters 2a"e been pre"ented by "iolence4 intimidation and t2reats %rom e-ercising t2eir %ranc2ise. T2ere is %ailure o% election only =2en t2e =ill o% t2e electorate 2as been muted and cannot be ascertained. <% t2e =ill o% t2e people is determinable4 t2e same must as %ar as possible be respected.K BAO !". COMELEC G./. N . 18.222> Dece*+er 1.> $))( <n +itmug ". C!+E:EC t2is Court 2eld t2at be%ore t2e C!+E:EC can act on a "eri%ied petition see;ing to declare a %ailure o% election4 t=o (2) conditions must concurJ %irst4 no "oting 2as ta;en place in t2e precinct or precincts on t2e date %i-ed by la= or4 e"en i% t2ere =as "oting4 t2e election ne"ert2eless results in %ailure to electH and second4 t2e "otes not cast =ould a%%ect t2e result o% t2e election.

23

8nder t2e circumstances4 petitioner and petitioner1inter"enor are deemed to 2a"e =ai"ed t2eir rig2t to present %urt2er e"idence to substantiate t2eir petition. Since4 as t2e %ollo=ing portion o% t2e assailed C!+E:EC resolution states4 bot2 petitioner and petitioner1 inter"enor %ailed to disc2arge t2e burden o% pro"ing t2eir allegations4 t2e C!+E:EC did not commit gra"e abuse o% discretion. T2us4 t2ere can be no ot2er recourse %or t2is Commission t2an to deny t2e petition. @eneral allegations4 =it2out su%%icient e"identiary support4 do not =arrant a declaration o% a %ailure o% elections. Election results are t2e e-pression o% t2e =ill o% t2e people =2ose =el%are and interests must immediately be ser"ed by t2ose upon =2om t2e people 2a"e placed t2eir trust. $erip2erally but not tri"ially4 elections need be consummated =it2 dispatc2 because t2e losers or e"en t2ose Cust lagging be2ind in t2e counting4 more o%ten t2an not4 %ile all ;inds o% protests and complaints and obCections t2at delay t2e election process and t2reaten to deny t2e people t2eir representation in go"ernment.

PASANDALAN !". COMELEC an& ASUM G./. N . 14)(1$> D1l0 18> $))$ 'ACTSJ $asandalan and Asum =ere candidates %or mayor in t2e +unicipality o% :umbayanague4 :anao del Sur during t2e +ay 2,,1 elections. !n +ay 234 2,,14 $asandalan %iled a petition be%ore t2e C!+E:EC see;ing to nulli%y t2e election results in a number o% precinct situated in :umbayanague4 :anao del Sur. 7e contended t2at a tec2nical e-amination o% se"eral o%%icial ballots %rom t2e contested precincts =ould s2o= t2at only a %e= persons =rote t2e entries. Asum denied $asandalanAs allegations. !n June 3,4 2,,14 Asum 2ad s=orn into o%%ice and assumed t2e position o% municipal mayor o% t2e :umbayanague4 :anao del Sur. !n !ctober 124 2,,14 t2e C!+E:EC issued a Resolution dismissing t2e petition %or lac; o% merit. <t ruled t2at t2e po=er to declare a %ailure o% election4 being an e-traordinary remedy4 could be e-ercised only in t2ree instancesJ (1) t2e election is not 2eldH (2) t2e election is suspendedH or (3) t2e election results in a %ailure to elect. T2e t2ird instance is understood in its literal sense4 t2at is4 nobody =as elected. T2e C!+E:EC dismissed t2e petition because none o% t2e grounds relied upon by $asandalan %alls under any o% t2e t2ree instances Custi%ying a declaration o% %ailure o% election. 'irst4 t2e elections in t2e /uestioned precincts =ere 2eld as sc2eduled. Second4 t2e guns2ots 2eard during t2e casting o% "otes did not suspend t2e

election as t2e "oting continued normally. T2ird4 Asum =as elected by a plurality o% "otes. $asandalan %iled a petition %or re"ie= on certiorari o% t2e Resolution o% t2e C!+E:EC en banc dismissing 2is petition to declare a %ailure o% election. <SS8ESJ 62et2er or not t2e C!+E:EC acted =it2 gra"e abuse o% discretion in dismissing t2e petition o% $asandalan to declare a %ailure o% election. R8:<?@J T2e C!+E:EC correctly dismissed t2e petition %or declaration o% %ailure o% election because t2e irregularities alleged in t2e petition s2ould 2a"e been raised in an election protest4 not in a petition to declare a %ailure o% election. 8nder Republic Act ?o. (1&&4 ot2er=ise ;no=n as T2e Sync2roni9ed Elections :a= o% 1**14 t2e C!+E:EC en banc is empo=ered to declare a %ailure o% election under Section & o% t2e !mnibus Election Code (3$ ))1). 3ased on t2e pro"ision4 t2ree instances Custi%y a declaration o% %ailure o% election. T2ese areJ a. T2e election in any polling place 2as not been 2eld on t2e date %i-ed on account o% %orce maCeure4 "iolence4 terrorism4 %raud or ot2er analogous causesH b. T2e election in any polling place 2as been suspended be%ore t2e 2our %i-ed by la= %or t2e closing o% t2e "oting on account o% %orce maCeure4 "iolence4 terrorism4 %raud or ot2er analogous causesH or c. A%ter t2e "oting and during t2e preparation and transmission o% t2e election returns or in t2e custody or can"ass t2ereo%4 suc2 election results in a %ailure to elect on account o% %orce maCeure4 "iolence4 terrorism4 %raud or ot2er analogous causes. 62at is common in t2ese t2ree instances is t2e resulting %ailure to elect. <n t2e %irst instance4 no election is 2eld =2ile in t2e second4 t2e election is suspended. <n t2e t2ird instance4 circumstances attending t2e preparation4 transmission4 custody or can"as o% t2e election returns cause a %ailure to elect. T2e term %ailure to elect means nobody emerged as a =inner. $asandalanAs allegations do not %all under any o% t2e instances t2at =ould Custi%y t2e declaration o% %ailure o% election. T2e election =as 2eld in t2e 1& protested precincts as sc2eduled. At no point =as t2e election in any o% t2e precincts suspended. ?or =as

2#

t2ere a %ailure to elect because o% %orce maCeure4 "iolence4 terrorism4 %raud or ot2er analogous causes during t2e preparation4 transmission4 custody and can"ass o% t2e election returns. T2e alleged terrorism =as not o% suc2 scale and pre"alence to pre"ent t2e 2olding o% t2e election or to cause its suspension. <n %act4 t2e casting and counting o% "otes4 t2e preparation4 transmission and can"assing o% election returns and t2e proclamation o% t2e =inning candidate too; place in due course. T2e nulli%ication o% elections or declaration o% %ailure o% elections is an e-traordinary remedy. T2e party =2o see;s t2e nulli%ication o% an election 2as t2e burden o% pro"ing entitlement to t2is remedy. <t is not enoug2 t2at a "eri%ied petition is %iled. T2e allegations in t2e petition must ma;e out a prima %acie case %or t2e declaration o% %ailure o% election4 and con"incing e"idence must substantiate t2e allegations. T2e Supreme Court ruled t2at t2ere is %ailure o% election only i% t2e =ill o% t2e electorate is muted and cannot be ascertained. <% t2e =ill o% t2e people is determinable4 t2e same must be respected as muc2 as possible. <n t2is case4 t2e =ill o% t2e electorate is readily discernible. $asandalan s2ould 2a"e %iled an election protest to substantiate 2is allegations o% electoral anomalies4 not a petition to declare a %ailure o% election.

BALTA;A/ !". COMELEC G./. N . 18)148> Dan1ar0 $.> $))1 T2e propriety o% declaring =2et2er or not t2ere 2as been a total %ailure o% elections in t2e entire pro"ince is a %actual issue =2ic2 t2e Supreme Court =ill not del"e into considering t2at t2e C!+E:EC4 t2roug2 its deputi9ed o%%icials in t2e %ield4 is in t2e best position to assess t2e actual conditions pre"ailing in t2at area. 3y t2eir "ery nature and gi"en t2e public interest in"ol"ed in t2e determination o% t2e results o% an election4 t2e contro"ersies arising %rom t2e can"ass must be resol"ed speedilyH ot2er=ise t2e =ill o% t2e electorate =ould be %rustrated. BENITO !". COMELEC G./. N . 1(8.1(> Dan1ar0 1.> $))1 <t is t2e C!+E:EC en banc =2ic2 2as t2e e-clusi"e po=er to postpone4 to declare a %ailure o% election4 or to call a special electionH T=o (2) pre1conditions must e-ist be%ore a %ailure o% election may be declared4 t2usJ (1) no "oting 2as been 2eld in any precinct or precincts

2&

due to %orce maCeure4 "iolence or terrorismH and (2) t2e "otes not cast t2erein are su%%icient to a%%ect t2e results o% t2e election. T2e cause o% suc2 %ailure may arise be%ore or a%ter t2e casting o% "otes or on t2e day o% t2e electionJ E"aluation o% e"identiary matters is beyond t2e pro"ince o% a =rit o% certiorari. Just as t2e C!+E:EC =as reluctant to treat petitionerAs claim as gospel trut24 so too do =e 2esitate to accord =eig2t to t2is rigmarole o% s=orn statementsH T2ere is no pro"ision in our election la= =2ic2 re/uires t2at a maCority o% registered "oters must cast t2eir "otes. All t2e la= re/uires is t2at a =inning candidate must be elected by a plurality o% "alid "otes4 regardless o% t2e actual number o% ballots cast. SISON !". COMELEC ()8 SC/A 13) T2e rule is4 =2at conCointly determines t2e nature o% a pleading are t2e allegations t2erein made in good %ait24 t2e stage o% t2e proceeding at =2ic2 it is %iled4 and t2e primary obCecti"e o% t2e party %iling t2e same. A pre1proclamation contro"ersy is not t2e same as an action %or annulment o% election results or declaration o% %ailure o% elections4 %ounded as t2ey are on di%%erent grounds. T2ere are t2ree (3) instances =2ere a %ailure o% elections may be declared areJ (a) t2e election in any polling place 2as not been 2eld on t2e date %i-ed on account o% %orce maCeure4 "iolence4 terrorism4 %raud4 or ot2er analogous causesH (b) t2e election in any polling place 2ad been suspended be%ore t2e 2our %i-ed by la= %or t2e closing o% t2e "oting on account o% %orce maCeure4 "iolence4 terrorism4 %raud4 or ot2er analogous causesH or (c) a%ter t2e "oting and during t2e preparation and transmission o% t2e election returns or in t2e custody or can"ass t2ereo% suc2 election result in a %ailure to elect on account o% %orce maCeure4 "iolence4 terrorism 4 %raud4 or ot2er analogous causes. T2e scope o% pre1proclamation contro"ersy is only limited to t2e issues enumerated under Section 2 3 o% t2e !mnibus Election Code4 and enumeration t2erein is restricti"e and e-clusi"e. $etitionerAs citation o% Section 2 2 o% t2e !mnibus Election Code as basis %or 2is rig2t to present 2is e"idence is misplaced.

2(

$resentation o% e"idence be%ore t2e C!+E:EC is not at all indispensible in order to satis%y t2e demands o% due process.

PANGANDAMAN !". COMELEC (1. SC/A $8( T2ere can 2ardly be any doubt t2at t2e te-t and intent o% t2is constitutional pro"ision is to gi"e C!+E:EC all t2e necessary and incidental po=ers %or it to ac2ie"e t2e obCecti"e o% 2olding %ree4 orderly4 2onest4 peace%ul and credible elections. $olitics is a practical matter4 and political /uestions must be dealt =it2 realistically N not %rom t2e standpoint o% pure t2eoryH Commission on Elections4 because o% its %act1%inding %acilities4 its contacts =it2 political strategists4 and its ;no=ledge deri"ed %rom actual e-perience in dealing =it2 political contro"ersies4 is in a peculiarly ad"antageous position to decide comple- political /uestions. T2e legal compass %rom =2ic2 t2e C!+E:EC s2ould ta;e its bearings in acting upon election contro"ersies is t2e principle t2at Kclean elections control t2e appropriateness o% t2e remedy.E <n %i-ing t2e date %or special elections t2e C!+E:EC s2ould see to it t2atJ (1) it s2ould not be later t2an t2irty (3,) days a%ter t2e cessation o% t2e cause o% t2e postponement or suspension o% t2e election or t2e %ailure to electH and4 (2) it s2ould be reasonably close to t2e date o% t2e election not 2eld4 suspended or =2ic2 resulted in t2e %ailure to elect. T2e C!+E:EC can 2ardly be %aulted %or tardiness =2ere t2e dates it set %or t2e special elections =ere actually t2e nearest dates %rom t2e time totalMpartial %ailure o% elections =as determined O a %e= days a=ay %rom t2e time a totalMpartial %ailure o% elections =as declared and4 t2us4 t2ese =ere Kdates reasonably closeK t2ereto. T2e propriety o% declaring =2et2er or not t2ere 2as been a total %ailure o% elections in a particular place is a %actual issue =2ic2 t2e Supreme Court =ill not del"e into considering t2at t2e C!+E:EC4 t2roug2 its deputi9ed o%%icials in t2e %ield4 is in t2e best position to assess t2e actual conditions pre"ailing in t2e locality. T2e insistence o% a party t2at t2e C!+E:EC "iolated certain pro"isions o% t2e !mnibus Election Code =2en it ordered elements o% t2e Armed

2)

'orces o% t2e $2ilippines and t2e $2ilippine ?ational $olice =2o are not assigned to t2e a%%ected areas as members o% t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors is uncon"incing "is1P1"is t2e underlying reason o% C!+E:EC to 2a"e an e%%ecti"e and impartial military presence Kto a"oid t2e ris; o% anot2er %ailure o% elections.K <n applying election la=s4 it =ould be %ar better to err in %a"or o% popular so"ereignty t2an to be rig2t in comple- but little understood legalisms. To embar; upon t2e costly electoral e-ercise insisted upon by petitioner in terms o% time and ta-payerBs money is an un=arranted imposition on t2e people o% t2e a%%ected areas and is an unacceptable option to t2e Cudicial conscience.

T:POCO> Dr. !". COMELEC (1. SC/A 8.8 T2e C!+E:EC can call %or t2e 2olding or continuation o% election by reason o% %ailure o% election only =2en t2e election is not 2eld4 is suspended or results in a %ailure to elect. T2ere are only t2ree (3) instances =2ere a %ailure o% election may be declared. 62ile %raud is a ground to declare a %ailure o% election4 t2e commission o% %raud must be suc2 t2at it pre"ented or suspended t2e 2olding o% an election including t2e preparation and transmission o% t2e election returns.

LOONG !". COMELEC G./. N ". 1)3818#14> Ma0 12> 1..2 8nder t2e present state o% our election la=s4 t2e C!+E:EC 2as been granted precisely t2e po=er to annul elections. Section o% Republic Act ?o. (1&&4 ot2er=ise ;no=n as4 KT2e Sync2roni9ed Elections :a= o% 1**14K pro"ides t2at t2e C!+E:EC sitting En 3anc by a maCority "ote o% its members may decide4 among ot2ers4 t2e declaration o% %ailure o% election and t2e calling o% special elections as pro"ided in Section & o% t2e !mnibus Election Code. T2e C!+E:EC may e-ercise suc2 po=er

2*

motu proprio or upon a "eri%ied petition. T2e 2earing o% t2e case s2all be summary in nature4 and t2e C!+E:EC may delegate to its la=yers t2e po=er to 2ear t2e case and to recei"e e"idence. 'ACTSJ T2is case stemmed %rom elections 2eld in Sulu =2ere :!!?@ and pri"ate respondent Tan ran %or t2e position o% @o"ernor =2ile pet. Tula=ie and p.r. Estino ran %or 0ice1@o"ernor. $ro"incial 3oard o% Can"assers ($3C) recommended to t2e C!+E:EC a re1can"ass o% t2e election returns o% $arang and Talipao. C!+E:EC4 accordingly4 relie"ed all t2e regular members o% t2e +unicipal 3oard o% Can"assers (+3C) and ordered suc2 recan"ass by senior la=yers %rom t2e C!+E:EC o%%ice in +anila. .uring t2e re1can"ass4 pri"ate respondents obCected to t2e inclusion in t2e can"ass o% t2e election returns o% $arang. T2e reconstituted +3C4 2o=e"er4 merely noted said obCections and %or=arded t2e same to respondent $3C %or resolution. $3C denied t2e obCections o% pri"ate respondents and still included t2e election returns o% $arang municipality. T2e can"ass o% respondent $3C s2o=ed petitioners to 2a"e o"er=2elmingly =on in t2e municipality o% $arang. T2e pri"ate respondents %iled petitions =it2 t2e C!+E:EC regarding t2e inclusion o% t2e /uestioned certi%icates o% can"ass and t2at t2ere =as %ailure o% election in said municipality due to massi"e %raud. $etitioners4 li;e=ise %iled %or %ailure o% elections in # ot2er municipalities. C!+E:EC ruled annulling t2e results o% t2e elections in $arang as =ell as 2olding in abeyance t2e proclamation o% t2e =inning candidates %or @o"ernor and 0ice1@o"ernor until %urt2er orders %rom t2e Commission but dismissed ot2er petitions %or ot2er municipalities =2ere it =as alleged t2at t2ere =ere also badges o% %raud. 7E:.J C!+E:EC =as incorrect in annulling elections o% $arang4 Sulu but not ordering %or special elections in t2e same municipality. <t =as also incorrect in dismissing ot2er petitions %or %ailure o% elections in ot2er municipalities =2ere t2ere =ere also badges o% %raud. T2e Supreme Court 2eld t2at4 be%ore t2e C!+E:EC can act on a "eri%ied petition see;ing to declare a %ailure o% election4 t=o (2) conditions must concurJ %irst4 no "oting 2as ta;en place in t2e precincts concerned on t2e date %i-ed by la= or4 e"en i% t2ere =ere "oting4 t2e election ne"ert2eless resulted in a %ailure to electH and4 second4 t2e "otes not cast =ould a%%ect t2e result o% t2e election. 6e must add4 2o=e"er4 t2at t2e cause o% suc2 %ailure o% election s2ould 2a"e been any o% t2e %ollo=ingJ %orce maCeure4 "iolence4 terrorism4 %raud or ot2er analogous causes. T2is is an important consideration %or4 =2ere t2e propriety o% a pre1proclamation contro"ersy ends4 t2ere may begin t2e realm o% a special action %or declaration o% %ailure o% elections.

3,

62ile t2e C!+E:EC is restricted4 in pre1proclamation cases4 to an e-amination o% t2e election returns on t2eir %ace and is =it2out Curisdiction to go beyond or be2ind t2em and in"estigate election irregularities4 t2e C!+E:EC is duty bound to in"estigate allegations o% %raud4 terrorism4 "iolence and ot2er analogous causes in actions %or annulment o% election results or %or declaration o% %ailure o% elections4 as t2e !mnibus Election Code denominates t2e same. T2us4 t2e C!+E:EC4 in t2e case o% actions %or annulment o% election results or declaration o% %ailure o% elections4 may conduct tec2nical e-amination o% election documents and compare and analy9e "otersB signatures and %ingerprints in order to determine =2et2er or not t2e elections 2ad indeed been %ree4 2onest and clean. ?eedless to say4 a pre1proclamation contro"ersy is not t2e same as an action %or annulment o% election results or declaration o% %ailure o% elections.

HASSAN !". COMELEC G./. N . 1$8)8.> N !e*+er 1(> 1..2 'ACTSJ $etitioner4 7adCi ?or 3as2er :. 7assan4 and $ri"ate Respondent4 +angondaya $. 7assan 3uatan4 =ere candidates %or 0ice1+ayor in :anao del Sur. 7o=e"er4 due to t2reats o% "iolence and terrorism in t2e area4 t2ere =as a %ailure o% elections in si- (&) out o% t=enty1%our (2 ) precincts. <n one o% t2e precincts4 t2e ballot bo-es =ere burned4 =2ile in t2e ot2er # precincts4 t2e members o% t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors (3E<) %ailed to report to t2eir respecti"e polling places. T2e C!+E:EC team4 2eaded by @arcillano4 recommended t2e 2olding o% special elections in said precincts and sc2eduled it. T2e members o% t2e 3E< again %ailed to report. T2e C!+E:EC team resc2eduled t2e elections in :iangan Elementary Sc2ool4 =2ic2 =as 1# ;ilometers a=ay %rom t2e designated polling places. T2e members o% t2e 3E< once more did not report %or duty. T2is constrained t2e C!+E:EC team to appoint policeMmilitary personnel to substitute %or t2e 3E<. T2e result o% t2e special election =as in %a"or o% t2e $ri"ate RespondentJ $etitioner Q )(*4 Respondent Q 14,*). $etitioner %iled a petition =it2 t2e C!+E:EC assailing t2e "alidity o% t2e re1sc2eduled special election. C!+E:EC en banc denied t2e petition %or a declaration o% %ailure o% t2e elections and ordered t2e 3oard o% Can"assers to proclaim $ri"ate Respondent as t2e =inning "ice1mayoralty candidate. T2us4 t2e petition %or certiorari <SS8EJ 62et2er or not t2ere =as %ailure o% elections.

31

7E:.J T2e concurrence o% t2e %ollo=ing preconditions is necessary %or declaring a %ailure o% electionJ (1) t2at no "oting 2as been 2eld in any precinct or precincts because o% %orce maCeure4 "iolence or terrorism4 and (2) t2at t2e "otes not cast t2erein su%%ice to a%%ect t2e results o% t2e elections. T2e C!+E:EC cannot turn a blind eye to t2e %act t2at terrorism =as so pre"alent in t2e area. Elections 2ad to be set %or t2e t2ird time because no members o% t2e 3E< reported %or duty due to impending t2reats o% "iolence in t2e area. T2is in %act prompted C!+E:EC to deploy military men to act as substitute members Cust so elections could be 2eldH and to t2=art t2ese t2reats o% "iolence4 t2e C!+E:EC team4 moreo"er4 decided to trans%er t2e polling places to :iangan Elementary Sc2ool =2ic2 =as 1# ;ilometers a=ay %rom t2e polling place. T2e peculiar situation o% t2is case cannot be o"erstated. T2e notice gi"en on t2e a%ternoon o% t2e day be%ore t2e sc2eduled special elections and trans%erring t2e "enue o% t2e elections 1# ;ilometers a=ay %rom t2e %art2est barangayMsc2ool =as too s2ort resulting to t2e disen%ranc2isement o% "oters. !ut o% t2e 14# & registered "oters in t2e %i"e (#) precincts4 only 32) actually "oted. <t =as /uite s=eeping and illogical %or t2e C!+E:EC to state t2at t2e "otes uncast =ould not 2a"e in any =ay a%%ected t2e results o% t2e elections. 62ile t2e di%%erence bet=een t2e t=o candidates is only 21* out o% t2e "otes actually cast4 t2e C!+E:EC totally ignored t2e %act t2at t2ere =ere more t2an a t2ousand registered "oters =2o %ailed to "ote.

Sec. 3. Call % "6ecial electi n. # (1) In ca"e a !acanc0 ari"e" in t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a ei-,teen * nt," r * re +e% re a re-1lar electi n> t,e C **i""i n ",all call a "6ecial electi n t +e ,el& =it,in "i7t0 &a0" a%ter t,e !acanc0 cc1r" t elect t,e Me*+er t "er!e t,e 1ne76ire& ter*. ($) In ca"e % t,e &i"" l1ti n % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a> t,e Pre"i&ent ",all call an electi n =,ic, ",all n t +e ,el& earlier t,an % rt0#%i!e n r later t,an "i7t0 &a0" %r * t,e &ate % "1c, &i"" l1ti n. T,e C **i""i n ",all "en& "1%%icient c 6ie" % it" re" l1ti n % r t,e , l&in% t,e electi n t it" 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r" an& electi n re-i"trar" % r &i""e*inati n> =, ",all 6 "t c 6ie" t,ere % in at lea"t t,ree c n"6ic1 1" 6lace"

32

6re%era+l0 =,ere 61+lic *eetin-" are ,el& in eac, cit0 *1nici6alit0 a%%ecte&.

Sec. 8. Electi n C &e t +e a!aila+le in 6 llin- 6lace". # A 6rinte& c 60 % t,i" C &e in En-li", r in t,e nati nal lan-1a-e ",all +e 6r !i&e& an& +e *a&e a!aila+le +0 t,e C **i""i n in e!er0 6 llin- 6lace> in r&er t,at it *a0 +e rea&il0 c n"1lte& +0 an0 6er" n in nee& t,ere % n t,e re-i"trati n> re!i"i n an& electi n &a0". Sec. .. O%%icial *ail an& tele-ra* relati!e t electi n". # Pa6er" c nnecte& =it, t,e electi n an& reB1ire& +0 t,i" C &e t +e "ent +0 61+lic %%icer" in t,e 6er% r*ance % t,eir electi n &1tie" ",all +e %ree % 6 "ta-e an& "ent +0 re-i"tere& "6ecial &eli!er0 *ail. Tele-ra*" % t,e "a*e nat1re ",all li<e=i"e +e tran"*itte& %ree % c,ar-e +0 - !ern*ent telec **1nicati n" an& "i*ilar %acilitie". It ",all +e t,e &1t0 % t,e P "t*a"ter General> t,e Direct r % t,e B1rea1 % Telec **1nicati n"> an& t,e *ana-er" % 6ri!ate telec **1nicati n c *6anie" t tran"*it i**e&iatel0 an& in 6re%erence t all t,er c **1nicati n" r tele-ra*" *e""a-e" re6 rtin- electi n re"1lt" an& "1c, t,er *e""a-e" r c **1nicati n" =,ic, t,e C **i""i n *a0 reB1ire r *a0 +e nece""ar0 t en"1re %ree> , ne"t an& r&erl0 electi n". Sec. 1). Electi n e76en"e". # E7ce6t in +aran-a0 electi n"> "1c, e76en"e" a" *a0 +e nece""ar0 an& rea" na+le in c nnecti n =it, t,e electi n"> re%eren&a> 6le+i"cite" an& t,er "i*ilar e7erci"e" ",all +e 6ai& +0 t,e C **i""i n. T,e C **i""i n *a0 &irect t,at in t,e 6r !ince"> citie"> r *1nici6alitie"> t,e electi n e76en"e" c,ar-ea+le t t,e C **i""i n +e a&!ance& +0 t,e 6r !ince> cit0 r *1nici6alit0 c ncerne& "1+Cect t rei*+1r"e*ent +0 t,e C **i""i n 16 n 6re"entati n % t,e 6r 6er +ill. F1n&" nee&e& +0 t,e C **i""i n t &e%ra0 t,e e76en"e" % r t,e , l&in- % re-1lar an& "6ecial electi n"> re%eren&a an& 6le+i"cite" ",all +e 6r !i&e& in t,e re-1lar a66r 6riati n" % t,e C **i""i n =,ic,> 16 n reB1e"t> ",all i**e&iatel0 +e relea"e& t t,e C **i""i n. In ca"e % &e%icienc0> t,e a* 1nt " 6r !i&e& ",all +e a1-*ente& %r * t,e "6ecial acti!itie" %1n&" in t,e -eneral a66r 6riati n" act an& %r * t, "e "6eci%icall0 a66r 6riate& % r t,e 61r6 "e in "6ecial la=".

33

Sec. 11. Fail1re t a""1*e %%ice. # T,e %%ice % an0 %%icial electe& =, %ail" r re%1"e" t ta<e ,i" at, % %%ice =it,in "i7 * nt," %r * ,i" 6r cla*ati n ",all +e c n"i&ere& !acant> 1nle"" "ai& %ail1re i" % r a ca1"e r ca1"e" +e0 n& ,i" c ntr l. Sec. 1$. Di"B1ali%icati n". # An0 6er" n =, ,a" +een &eclare& +0 c *6etent a1t, rit0 in"ane r inc *6etent> r ,a" +een "entence& +0 %inal C1&-*ent % r "1+!er"i n> in"1rrecti n> re+elli n r % r an0 %%en"e % r =,ic, ,e ,a" +een "entence& t a 6enalt0 % * re t,an ei-,teen * nt," r % r a cri*e in! l!in- * ral t1r6it1&e> ",all +e &i"B1ali%ie& t +e a can&i&ate an& t , l& an0 %%ice> 1nle"" ,e ,a" +een -i!en 6lenar0 6ar& n r -rante& a*ne"t0. T,i" &i"B1ali%icati n" t +e a can&i&ate ,erein 6r +e &ee*e& re* !e& 16 n t,e &eclarati n +0 a1t, rit0 t,at "ai& in"anit0 r inc *6etence re* !e& r a%ter t,e e76irati n % a 6eri & % %i!e ,i" "er!ice % "entence> 1nle"" =it,in t,e "a*e 6eri +ec *e" &i"B1ali%ie&. !i&e& ",all c *6etent ,a& +een 0ear" %r * & ,e a-ain

DU/ISP/UDENCE MAGNO !". COMELEC an& MONTES G./. N . 183.)8> Oct +er 8> $))$ 'ACTSJ !n July 2#4 1**#4 +agno =as sentenced to su%%er t2e indeterminate penalty o% 3 mont2s and 11 days o% arresto mayor as minimum to 1 year ) mos. and 21 days o% prision correccional as ma-imum %or eac2 o% t2e %our counts. +agno applied %or probation and =as disc2arged on +arc2 #4 1**).!n +arc2 214 2,,14 +ontes %iled a petition %or dis/uali%ication o% +agno as mayoralty candidate o% San <sidro4 ?ue"a EciCa %or t2e 2,,1 elections on t2e ground t2at 2e =as pre"iously con"icted by t2e Sandiganbayan o% %our counts o% direct bribery penali9ed under Article 21, o% t2e Re"ised $enal Code. !n +ay (4 2,,14 t2e C!+E:EC granted t2e petition and declared t2at +agno =as dis/uali%ied %rom running %or t2e position o% +ayor. <n ruling against petitioner4 t2e C!+E:EC cited Section 12 o% t2e 3$ ))1 or t2e !mnibus Election Code. T2e dis/uali%ications to be a candidate 2erein pro"ided s2all be deemed remo"ed upon t2e declaration by competent aut2ority t2at

said insanity or incompetence 2ad been remo"ed or a%ter t2e e-piration o% a period o% %i"e years %rom 2is ser"ice o% sentence4 unless =it2in t2e same period 2e again becomes dis/uali%ied. According to C!+E:EC4 in as muc2 as +agno =as considered to 2a"e completed t2e ser"ice o% 2is sentence on +arc2 #4 1**)4 2is #1dis/uali%ication =ill end only on +arc2 #4 2,,3. +agno %iled a motion %or reconsideration but =as denied. 7e t2en ele"ated t2e case to t2e Supreme Court by =ay o% petition %or certiorari under Rule &# and argues t2at direct bribery is not a crime in"ol"ing moral turpitude. 7e also cited t2at Sec. , o% RA (1&, s2ould be applied in t2e present case and not t2e 3$ ))1 (ot2er=ise ;no=n as t2e !mnibus Election Code).

<SS8ESJ 1. 62et2er t2e crime o% direct bribery in"ol"es moral turpitudeH 2. 62et2er or not t2e !mnibus Election Code or t2e :ocal @o"ernment Code is applicable in t2e present caseH and 3. 62et2er or not +agno =as dis/uali%ied to run %or +ayor in t2e 2,,1 elections R8:<?@J 1. T2e 3lac;As :a= .ictionary de%ine moral turpitude as an act o% baseness4 "ileness4 or depra"ity in t2e pri"ate duties =2ic2 a man o=es 2is %ello= men4 or to society in general4 contrary to t2e accepted and customary rule o% rig2t and duty bet=een man and =oman or conduct contrary to Custice4 2onesty4 modesty4 or good morals. +oral turpitude can be in%erred %rom t2e t2ird element o% direct bribery. T2e %act t2at t2e o%%ender agrees to accept a promise or gi%t and deliberately commits an unCust act or re%rains %rom per%orming an o%%icial duty in e-c2ange %or some %a"ors4 denotes a malicious intent on t2e part o% t2e o%%ender to renege on t2e duties =2ic2 2e o=es 2is %ello=men and society in general. Also4 t2e %act t2at t2e o%%ender ta;es ad"antage o% 2is o%%ice and position is a betrayal o% t2e trust reposed on 2im by t2e public. <t is a conduct clearly contrary to t2e accepted rules o% rig2t and duty4 Custice4 2onesty and good morals. <n all respects4 direct bribery is a crime in"ol"ing moral turpitude.

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2. <t s2ould be noted t2at t2e !mnibus Election Code (3$ ))1) =as appro"ed on .ecember 34 1*)# =2ile t2e :ocal @o"ernment Code (RA (1&,) too; e%%ect on January 14 1**2. <t is basic in statutory construction t2at in case o% irreconcilable con%lict bet=een t=o la=s4 t2e later enactment must pre"ail4 being t2e more recent e-pression o% legislati"e =ill. :egis posteriores priores contrarias abrogant. <n enacting t2e later la=4 t2e legislature is presumed to 2a"e ;no=ledge o% t2e older la= and intended to c2ange it. 'urt2ermore4 t2e repealing clause o% Section #3 o% RA (1&, or t2e :ocal @o"ernment Code states t2atJ D(%) All general and special la=s4 acts4 city c2arters4 decrees4 e-ecuti"e orders4 proclamations and administrati"e regulations4 or part or parts t2ereo% =2ic2 are inconsistent =it2 any pro"isions o% t2is Code are 2ereby repealed or modi%ied accordingly.E T2e intent o% t2e legislature to reduce t2e dis/uali%ication period o% candidates %or local positions %rom %i"e to t=o years is e"ident. T2e cardinal rule in t2e interpretation o% all la=s is to ascertain and gi"e e%%ect to t2e intent o% t2e la=.& T2e reduction o% t2e dis/uali%ication period %rom %i"e to t=o years is t2e mani%est intent. 3. Alt2oug2 +agnoAs crime o% direct bribery in"ol"ed moral turpitude4 2e cannot be dis/uali%ied %rom t2e running in t2e 2,,1 elections. Article 12 o% t2e !mnibus Election Code must yield to Art. , o% t2e :ocal @o"ernment Code. 7is dis/uali%ication t2ere%ore4 ceased as o% +arc2 #4 2,,,.

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A/TICLE II
ELECTION OF P/ESIDENT AND 'ICE#P/ESIDENT
Sec. 1(. /e-1lar electi n % r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent. # T,e re-1lar electi n % r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent % t,e P,ili66ine" ",all +e ,el& n t,e %ir"t M n&a0 % Ma0 Nineteen ,1n&re& ei-,t0 "e!en (1.83) an& n t,e "a*e &a0 e!er0 "i7 0ear" t,erea%ter. T,e Pre"i&ent#elect an& t,e 'ice#Pre"i&ent# elect ",all a""1*e %%ice at t=el!e Ecl c< n n n t,e t,irtiet, &a0 % D1ne ne7t % ll =in- t,e electi n an& ",all en& at n n % t,e "a*e &ate> "i7 0ear" t,erea%ter =,en t,e ter* % ,i" "1cce"" r ",all +e-in. Sec. 18. S6ecial electi n % r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent. # In ca"e a !acanc0 cc1r" % r t,e O%%ice % t,e Pre"i&ent an& 'ice# Pre"i&ent> t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a ",all> at ten Ecl c< in t,e * rnin- % t,e t,ir& &a0 a%ter t,e !acanc0 cc1r"> c n!ene in acc r&ance =it, it" r1le" =it, 1t nee& % a call an& =it,in

3(

"e!en &a0" enact a la= callin- % r a "6ecial electi n t elect a Pre"i&ent an& a 'ice#Pre"i&ent t +e ,el& n t earlier t,an % rt0#%i!e &a0" n r later t,an "i7t0 &a0" %r * t,e ti*e % "1c, call. T,e +ill callin- "1c, "6ecial electi n ",all +e &ee*e& certi%ie& 1n&er 6ara-ra6, ($)> Secti n 1.> Article 'III % t,e C n"tit1ti n an& ",all +ec *e la= 16 n it" a66r !al n t,ir& rea&in- +0 t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a. A66r 6riati n" % r t,e "6ecial electi n ",all +e c,ar-e& a-ain"t an0 c1rrent a66r 6riati n" an& ",all +e e7e*6t %r * t,e reB1ire*ent" % 6ara-ra6, (8)> Secti n 12 % Article 'III % t,e C n"tit1ti n. T,e c n!enin% t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a cann t +e "1"6en&e& n r t,e "6ecial electi n 6 "t6 ne&. N "6ecial electi n ",all +e calle& i% t,e !acanc0 cc1r" =it,in "e!ent0 &a0" +e% re t,e &ate % t,e 6re"i&ential electi n % 1.83. Sec. 14. Can!a"" % ! te" % r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent +0 t,e 6r !incial r cit0 + ar& % can!a""er". # T,e 6r !incial> cit0> r &i"trict + ar&" % can!a""er" in Metr 6 litan Manila> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e> ",all *eet n t later t,an "i7 Ecl c< in t,e e!enin- n electi n &a0 t can!a"" t,e electi n ret1rn" t,at *a0 ,a!e alrea&0 +een recei!e& +0 t,e*> re"6ecti!el0. It ",all *eet c ntin1 1"l0 %r * &a0 t &a0 1ntil t,e can!a"" i" c *6lete&> +1t *a0 a&C 1rn nl0 % r t,e 61r6 "e % a=aitint,e t,er electi n ret1rn". Eac, ti*e t,e + ar& a&C 1rn"> it ",all *a<e a t tal % all t,e ! te" ca"t % r eac, can&i&ate % r Pre"i&ent an& % r 'ice#Pre"i&ent> &1l0 a1t,enticate& +0 t,e "i-nat1re" an& t,1*+*ar<" % all t,e *e*+er" % t,e 6r !incial> cit0 r &i"trict + ar& % can!a""er"> %1rni",in- t,e C **i""i n in Manila +0 t,e %a"te"t *ean" % c **1nicati n a c 60 t,ere %> an& *a<in- a!aila+le t,e &ata c ntaine& t,erein t *a"" *e&ia an& t,er intere"te& 6artie". U6 n t,e c *6leti n % t,e can!a""> t,e + ar& ",all 6re6are a certi%icate % can!a"" ", =in- t,e ! te" recei!e& +0 eac, can&i&ate % r t,e %%ice % t,e Pre"i&ent an& % r 'ice# Pre"i&ent> &1l0 a1t,enticate& +0 t,e "i-nat1re" an& t,1*+*ar<" % all t,e *e*+er" % t,e 6r !incial> cit0 r &i"trict + ar& % can!a""er". U6 n t,e c *6leti n % t,e certi%icate % can!a""> t,e + ar& ",all certi%0 an& tran"*it t,e "ai& certi%icate % can!a"" t t,e S6ea<er % t,e Bata"anPa*+an"a. T,e 6r !incial> cit0 an& &i"trict + ar&" % can!a""er" ",all 6re6are t,e certi%icate % can!a"" % r t,e electi n % Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent> "166 rte& +0 a "tate*ent % ! te" +0

3)

6 llin- 6lace> in B1int16licate +0 t,e 1"e % car+ n 6a6er" r "1c, t,er *ean" a" t,e C **i""i n ",all 6re"cri+e t t,e en& t,at all %i!e c 6ie" ",all +e le-i+l0 6r &1ce& in ne ,an&=ritin-. T,e %i!e c 6ie" % t,e certi%icate % can!a"" *1"t +ear t,e "i-nat1re" an& t,1*+*ar<" % all t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar&. U6 n t,e c *6leti n % t,e"e certi%icate" an& "tate*ent"> t,e0 ",all +e encl "e& in en!el 6e" %1rni",e& +0 t,e C **i""i n an& "eale&> an& i**e&iatel0 &i"tri+1te& a" % ll ="? t,e ri-inal c 60 ",all +e encl "e& an& "eale& in t,e en!el 6e &irecte& t t,e S6ea<er an& &eli!ere& t ,i* at t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a +0 t,e %a"te"t 6 ""i+le *ean"@ t,e "ec n& c 60 ",all li<e=i"e +e encl "e& an& "eale& in t,e en!el 6e &irecte& t t,e C **i""i n@ t,e t,ir& c 60 ",all +e retaine& +0 t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r> in t,e ca"e % t,e 6r !incial + ar& % can!a""er"> an& +0 t,e cit0 electi n re-i"trar> in t,e ca"e % t,e cit0 + ar& % can!a""er"@ an& ne c 60 eac, t t,e a1t, riAe& re6re"entati!e" % t,e r1lin- 6art0 an& t,e & *inant 66 "iti n 6 litical 6art0. Fail1re t c *6l0 =it, t,e reB1ire*ent" % t,i" "ecti n ",all c n"tit1te an electi n %%en"e. Sec. 12. C 1ntin- % ! te" % r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent +0 t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a. # T,e certi%icate" % can!a""> &1l0 certi%ie& +0 t,e + ar& % can!a""er" % eac, 6r !ince> cit0 r &i"trict in Metr 6 litan Manila ",all +e tran"*itte& t t,e S6ea<er % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a> =, ",all> n t later t,an t,irt0 &a0" a%ter t,e &a0 % t,e electi n> c n!ene t,e Bata"anPa*+an"a in "e""i n an& in it" 6re"ence 6en all t,e certi%icate" % can!a""> an& t,e ! te" ",all t,en +e c 1nte&. Sec. 13. C rrecti n % err r" in certi%icate an& "166 rtin"tate*ent alrea&0 tran"*itte& t t,e S6ea<er. # N c rrecti n % err r" alle-e&l0 c **itte& in t,e certi%icate % can!a"" an& "166 rtin- "tate*ent alrea&0 tran"*itte& t t,e S6ea<er % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a ",all +e all =e&> "1+Cect t t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,e "1ccee&in- "ecti n. Sec. 18. Pre"er!ati n % +all t + 7e"> t,eir <e0"> an& &i"6 "iti n % t,eir c ntent". # Until a%ter t,e c *6leti n +0 t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a % t,e can!a""in- % t,e ! te" an& 1ntil an 1nc nte"te& 6r cla*ati n % t,e Pre"i&ent#elect an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent#elect ",all ,a!e +een +taine&> t,e 6r !incial> cit0 r &i"trict + ar& % can!a""er" 1n&er t,e C int re"6 n"i+ilit0 =it, t,e 6r !incial> cit0 r *1nici6al trea"1rer"

3*

",all 6r !i&e % r t,e "a%e<ee6in- an& "t ra-e % t,e +all t + 7e" in a "a%e an& cl "e& c,a*+er "ec1re& +0 % 1r 6a&l c<"? ne t +e 6r !i&e& +0 t,e c rre"6 n&in- + ar& c,air*an@ ne +0 t,e 6r !incial r cit0 trea"1rer c ncerne&@ an& ne eac, +0 t,e r1lin- 6art0 an& t,e accre&ite& & *inant 66 "iti n 6 litical 6art0. Sec. 1.. 9,en certi%icate % can!a"" i" inc *6lete r +ear" era"1re" r alterati n". # 9,en t,e certi%icate % can!a""> &1l0 certi%ie& +0 t,e + ar& % can!a""er" % eac, 6r !ince> cit0 r &i"trict in Metr 6 litan Manila an& tran"*itte& t t,e S6ea<er % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a> a" 6r !i&e& in t,e C n"tit1ti n> a66ear" t +e inc *6lete> t,e S6ea<er ",all reB1ire t,e + ar& % can!a""er" c ncerne& t tran"*it t ,i" %%ice> +0 6er" nal &eli!er0> t,e electi n ret1rn" %r * 6 llin- 6lace" t,at =ere n t incl1&e& in t,e certi%icate % can!a"" an& "166 rtin"tate*ent". Sai& electi n ret1rn" ",all +e "1+*itte& +0 6er" nal &eli!er0 t t,e S6ea<er =it,in t= &a0" %r * recei6t % n tice. 9,en it a66ear" t,at an0 certi%icate % can!a"" r "166 rtin- "tate*ent % ! te" +0 6 llin- 6lace +ear" era"1re" r alterati n" =,ic, *a0 ca"t & 1+t a" t t,e !eracit0 % t,e n1*+er % ! te" "tate& t,erein an& *a0 a%%ect t,e re"1lt % t,e electi n> t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a 16 n reB1e"t % t,e Pre"i&ential r 'ice#Pre"i&ential can&i&ate c ncerne& r ,i" 6art0 ",all> % r t,e " le 61r6 "e % !eri%0in- t,e act1al n1*+er % ! te" ca"t % r Pre"i&ent r 'ice#Pre"i&ent> c 1nt t,e ! te" a" t,e0 a66ear in t,e c 6ie" % t,e electi n ret1rn" % r t,e C **i""i n. F r t,i" 61r6 "e> t,e S6ea<er ",all reB1ire t,e C **i""i n t &eli!er it" c 6ie" % t,e electi n ret1rn" t t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a. Sec. $). Pr cla*ati n % t,e Pre"i&ent#elect an& 'ice# Pre"i&ent#elect. # U6 n t,e c *6leti n % t,e can!a"" % t,e ! te" +0 t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a> t,e 6er" n" +tainin- t,e ,i-,e"t n1*+er % ! te" % r Pre"i&ent an& % r 'ice#Pre"i&ent ",all +e &eclare& electe&@ +1t in ca"e t= r * re ",all ,a!e an eB1al an& t,e ,i-,e"t n1*+er % ! te"> ne % t,e* ",all +e c, "en Pre"i&ent r 'ice#Pre"i&ent> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e> +0 a *aC rit0 ! te % all t,e Me*+er" % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a in "e""i n a""e*+le&. In ca"e t,ere are certi%icate" % can!a"" =,ic, ,a!e n t +een "1+*itte& t t,e S6ea<er % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a n acc 1nt % *i""in- electi n ret1rn"> a 6r cla*ati n *a0 +e

*a&e i% t,e *i""in- certi%icate" =ill n t a%%ect t,e re"1lt" t,e electi n.

In ca"e t,e certi%icate" % can!a"" =,ic, =ere n t "1+*itte& n acc 1nt % *i""in- electi n ret1rn" =ill a%%ect t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n> n 6r cla*ati n ",all +e *a&e. T,e S6ea<er ",all i**e&iatel0 in"tr1ct t,e + ar&" % can!a""er" c ncerne& t +tain t,e *i""in- electi n ret1rn" %r * t,e + ar&" % electi n in"6ect r" r> i% t,e ret1rn" ,a!e +een l "t r &e"tr 0e& 16 n 6ri r a1t, rit0 %r * t,e C **i""i n> t 1"e an0 a1t,entic c 60 % "ai& electi n ret1rn" % r t,e 61r6 "e % c n&1ctin- t,e can!a""> an& t,erea%ter i""1e t,e certi%icate" % can!a"". T,e certi%icate" % can!a"" ",all +e i**e&iatel0 tran"*itte& t t,e S6ea<er % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a. Pr cla*ati n ",all +e *a&e nl0 16 n "1+*i""i n % all certi%icate" % can!a"" r =,en t,e *i""in- certi%icate" % can!a"" =ill n t a%%ect t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n.

DISCUSSIONS

T2e E-ecuti"e .epartment is in c2arge o% en%orcing and administering t2e la=s o% t2e land. <t is composed o% se"eral departments t2at embody t2e utili9ation and organi9ation o% t2e duly constituted go"ernment. 7erein lies t2e most po=er%ul person to run t2e entire nation to =2ic2 =e call t2e $resident4 =2o is t2en assisted by a 0ice $resident. T2ey are considered t2e most in%luential person o% t2e land and yet on t2e ot2er 2and assume a plentitude o% aut2ority and responsibility.

Ter*

% O%%ice

T2e 1*)( Constitution4 Article (4 Section states t2at Dt2e $resident and 0ice1$resident s2all be elected by t2e direct "ote o% people %or a term o% "i7 (2) 0ear" - - -. T2e $resident s2all n t +e eli-i+le % r an0 re#electi n. ?o person =2o 2as succeeded as $resident and 2as ser"ed as suc2 %or more t2an years s2all be /uali%ied %or election to

t2e same o%%ice at any time.E 'or t2e "ice president4 t2e second paragrap2 o% t2e same section states t2at Dno "ice1president s2all ser"e %or more t2an t=o (2) successi"e terms.E

F1ali%icati n" Section &34 Article <R o% 3atas $ambansa (3.$.) ))14 also ;no=n as T2e !mnibus Election Code o% t2e $2ilippines4 pro"ides %or t2e speci%ic /uali%ications o% t2e $resident and 0ice1$resident. <t states t2at no person may be elected President unless: 1. a natural born ilipino citi!en A natural born citi9en is one =2o is a citi9en o% t2e $2ilippines from birth =it2out 2a"ing to per%orm any act to ac/uire or per%ect $2ilippine citi9ens2ip as distinguis2ed %rom t2e naturali9ed citi9en. ". a registered voter T2e registration as a "oter connotes possession o% t2e /uali%ications %or su%%rage as enumerated in Article 0< Section 1 o% t2e Constitution. #. able to read and write T2e literacy /uali%ication is no= e-pressly re/uired because it is not deemed embraced in t2e su%%rage /uali%ication. $. at least $% years old on the day of election T2e age re/uirement Custi%iably connotes maturity as =as needed %or t2e 2ig2est o%%ice in t2e land. <t s2ould be noted t2at t2is s2ould be possessed by t2e candidate on t2e day o% t2e election %or $resident regardless o% t2e time t2e $resident1elect is actually proclaimed.

&. a resident of the Philippines for at least 1% years immediately preceding such election.' T2is is to ensure close touc2 by t2e $resident to t2e country o% =2ic2 2e is to be t2e 2ig2est o%%icial and %amiliarity =it2 its conditions and problems4 t2e better %or 2im to disc2arge 2is duties e%%ecti"ely.

Article 0<< Section 3 pro"ides t2at t2e 0ice1$resident shall have the same (ualifications and term of office and be elected with and in the same manner as the President. )e may be removed from the office in the same manner.'

A/TICLE III
ELECTION OF MEMBE/S OF THE BATASANG PAMBANSA
Sec. $1. /e-1lar electi n % Me*+er" % t,e Bata"anPa*+an"a. # T,e re-1lar electi n % t,e Me*+er" % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a ",all +e ,el& n t,e "ec n& M n&a0 % Ma0> Nineteen ,1n&re& an& ninet0 (1..)) an& n t,e "a*e &a0 e!er0 "i7 0ear" t,erea%ter. Sec. $$. S6ecial electi n % r Me*+er" % t,e Bata"anPa*+an"a. # In ca"e a !acanc0 ari"e" in t,e Bata"anPa*+an"a ei-,teen * nt," r * re +e% re a re-1lar electi n> t,e C **i""i n ",all call a "6ecial electi n t +e ,el& =it,in "i7t0 &a0" a%ter t,e !acanc0 cc1r" t elect t,e Me*+er t "er!e t,e 1ne76ire& ter*. T,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a t,r 1-, a &1l0 a66r !e& re" l1ti n r an %%icial c **1nicati n % t,e S6ea<er =,en it i" n t in "e""i n ",all certi%0 t t,e C **i""i n t,e e7i"tence % "ai& !acanc0.

Sec. $(. C *6 "iti n % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a. # T,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a ",all +e c *6 "e& % n t * re t,an t= ,1n&re& Me*+er" electe& %r * t,e &i%%erent 6r !ince" % t,e P,ili66ine" =it, t,eir c *6 nent citie"> ,i-,l0 1r+aniAe& citie" an& &i"trict" % Metr 6 litan Manila> t, "e electe& r "electe& %r * !ari 1" "ect r" a" 6r !i&e& ,erein> an& t, "e c, "en +0 t,e Pre"i&ent %r * t,e *e*+er" % t,e Ca+inet. Sec. $8. A66 rti n*ent % re6re"entati!e". # Until a ne= a66 rti n*ent ",all ,a!e +een *a&e> t,e Me*+er" % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a ",all +e a66 rti ne& in acc r&ance =it, t,e Or&inance a66en&e& t t,e C n"tit1ti n. N te? T,e C n-re"" ,a" t,e 6 =er" t &eci&e =,et,er t,ere i" a reB1ire*ent t a66 rti n a ne= *e*+er % t,e H 1"e % /e6re"entati!e a" *a0 +e 6r !i&e& +0 la=. An0 6r !ince t,at *a0 ,erea%ter +e create& r an0 c *6 nent cit0 t,at *a0 ,erea%ter +e &eclare& +0 r 61r"1ant t la= a" a ,i-,l0 1r+aniAe& cit0 ",all +e entitle& in t,e i**e&iatel0 % ll =in- electi n t at lea"t ne Me*+er r "1c, n1*+er % Me*+er" a" it *a0 +e entitle& t n t,e +a"i" % t,e n1*+er % t,e in,a+itant" an& n t,e "a*e 1ni% r* an& 6r -re""i!e rati 1"e& in t,e la"t 6rece&in- a66 rti n*ent. T,e n1*+er % Me*+er" a66 rti ne& t t,e 6r !ince 1t % =,ic, t,e ne= 6r !ince =a" create& r =,ere t,e ne= ,i-,l0 1r+aniAe& cit0 i" -e -ra6,icall0 l cate& ",all +e c rre"6 n&in-l0 a&C1"te& +0 t,e C **i""i n> +1t "1c, a&C1"t*ent ",all n t +e *a&e =it,in ne ,1n&re& t=ent0 &a0" +e% re t,e electi n. Secti n $4. ' tin- +0 6r !ince an& it" c *6 nent citie"> +0 ,i-,l0 1r+aniAe& cit0 r +0 &i"trict in Metr 6 litan Manila. # All can&i&ate" ",all +e ! te& at lar-e +0 t,e re-i"tere& ! ter" % t,eir re"6ecti!e c n"tit1encie". T,e can&i&ate" c rre"6 n&int t,e n1*+er % Me*+er r Me*+er" t +e electe& in a c n"tit1enc0 =, recei!e t,e ,i-,e"t n1*+er % ! te" ",all +e &eclare& electe&. Secti n $2. Sect ral re6re"entati!e". # T,ere ",all +e t,ree "ect r" t +e re6re"ente& in t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a> na*el0? (1) 0 1t,@ ($) a-ric1lt1ral la+ r@ (() in&1"trial la+ r =, "e re6re"entati!e" ",all +e electe& in t,e *anner ,erein 6r !i&e&. Eac, "ect r ",all +e entitle& t % 1r re6re"entati!e"> t= % =, * ",all c *e %r * L1A n> ne %r * 'i"a0a"> an&

ne %r * Min&ana ? Pr !i&e&> T,at t,e 0 1t, "ect r ",all +e entitle& t t= a&&iti nal "ect ral re6re"entati!e" =, ",all +e electe& %r * an0 6art % t,e c 1ntr0. Secti n $3. Sc 6e % t,e "ect r". # T,e a-ric1lt1ral la+ r "ect r c !er" all 6er" n" =, 6er" nall0 an& 6,0"icall0 till t,e lan& a" t,eir 6rinci6al cc16ati n. It incl1&e" a-ric1lt1ral tenant" an& le""ee"> r1ral = r<er" an& %ar* e*6l 0ee"> =ner# c1lti!at r"> "ettler" an& "*all %i",er*en. T,e in&1"trial la+ r "ect r = r<er" an& e*6l 0ee". incl1&e" all n n#a-ric1lt1ral

T,e 0 1t, "ect r e*+race" 6er" n" n t * re t,an t=ent0#%i!e 0ear" % a-e. Secti n $8. Selecti n % "ect ral re6re"entati!e". # N t later t,an t=ent0 &a0" a%ter t,e electi n % 6r !incial> cit0 r &i"trict re6re"entati!e"> t,e * "t re6re"entati!e an& -enerall0 rec -niAe& r-aniAati n" r a--r 16*ent" % *e*+er" % t,e a-ric1lt1ral la+ r> in&1"trial la+ r> an& 0 1t, "ect r"> a" atte"te& t +0 t,e Mini"ter" % A-rarian /e% r* an& % A-ric1lt1re an& F &> t,e Mini"ter" % La+ r an& E*6l 0*ent> an& t,e Mini"ter" % L cal G !ern*ent an& % E&1cati n> C1lt1re an& S6 rt"> re"6ecti!el0> ",all> in acc r&ance =it, t,e 6r ce&1re" % "ai& r-aniAati n" r a--r 16*ent" % *e*+er" % t,e "ect r> "1+*it t t,e Pre"i&ent t,eir re"6ecti!e n *inee" % r eac, "l t all tte& % r eac, "ect r. T,e Pre"i&ent ",all a66 int %r * a* n- t,e n *inee" "1+*itte& +0 t,e a% re*enti ne& r-aniAati n" r a--r 16*ent" t,e re6re"entati!e" % eac, "ect r. In rec -niAin- t,e * "t re6re"entati!e an& -enerall0 rec -niAe& r-aniAati n" r a--r 16*ent"> t,e Mini"ter" % A-rarian /e% r* an& % A-ric1lt1re an& F &> t,e Mini"ter % La+ r an& E*6l 0*ent> an& t,e Mini"ter" % L cal G !ern*ent an& E&1cati n> C1lt1re an& S6 rt" ",all c n"i&er? a. T,e e7tent % *e*+er",i6 an& acti!it0 % t,e r-aniAati n r a--r 16*ent =,ic, ", 1l& +e nati nal@ +. T,e re"6 n"i!ene"" % t,e r-aniAati n r a--r 16*ent t t,e le-iti*ate a"6irati n" % it" "ect r@

c. T,e *ilitanc0 an& c n"i"tenc0 % t,e r-aniAati n r a--r 16*ent in e"6 1"in- t,e ca1"e an& 6r * tint,e =el%are % t,e "ect r c n"i"tent =it, t,at % t,e =, le c 1ntr0@ &. T,e +"er!ance +0 "1c, % t,e r1le % la=@ an& e. Ot,er anal - 1" %act r". T,e Pre"i&ent % t,e P,ili66ine" ",all> in =ritin-> n ti%0 t,e Secretar0#General % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a % t,e a66 int*ent *a&e +0 ,i* % an0 "ect ral re6re"entati!e. E7ce6t a" ,erein t,er=i"e 6r !i&e&> "ect ral re6re"entati!e" ",all ,a!e t,e "a*e %1ncti n"> re"6 n"i+ilitie"> ri-,t"> 6ri!ile-e"> B1ali%icati n" an& &i"B1ali%icati n" a" t,e re6re"entati!e" %r * t,e 6r !ince" an& t,eir c *6 nent citie"> ,i-,l0 1r+aniAe& citie" r &i"trict" % Metr 6 litan Manila. r-aniAati n r a--r 16*ent

DISCUSSIONS

Sections 21 to 2) o% 3.$. ))1 =ere repealed by t2e enactment o% t2e 1*)( Constitution o% t2e $2ilippines4 t2e pertinent pro"isions o% =2ic2 are 2ereby partly /uoted4 "i9J *+,-./0 12--- 3,+*45-,6+7 P+62-5-6458 5ection 1. ,he first elections of Members of the .ongress under this .onstitution shall be held on the second Monday of May, 19:;. ,he first local elections shall be held on a date to be determined by the President, which may be simultaneous with the election of the Members of the .ongress. -t shall include the election of all Members of the city or municipal councils in the Metropolitan Manila area.

&

5ection ". ,he 5enators, Members of the )ouse of +epresentatives, and the local officials first elected under this .onstitution shall serve until noon of <une #%, 199". 6f the 5enators elected in the elections in 199", the first twelve obtaining the highest number of votes shall serve for six years and the remaining twelve for three years. <nstead o% a unicameral legislature4 Congress is no= a bicameral legislature composed o% t=o 2ouses4 t2e 7ouse o% Senate and t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es. T2e manner selection o% t2e members o% t2e 7ouse o% Senate and t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es are pro"ided %or under Section 3 o% E-ecuti"e !rder ?o. 13 4 ot2er=ise ;no=n as t2e DE?A3:<?@ ACT '!R T7E E:ECT<!?S '!R +E+3ERS !' C!?@RESS !? +AL 114 1*)(4 A?. '!R !T7ER $8R$!SESE4 =2ic2 readsJ 5ec. #. Manner of election. ,he twenty=four 3"$8 members of the 5enate shall be elected at large by the (ualified voters of the Philippines. ,he Members of the )ouse of +epresentatives shall be elected by the (ualified voters of the respective legislative districts apportioned among the provinces, cities and the Metropolitan Manila area as provided for in the 6rdinance appended to the 19:; .onstitution. ,he candidates corresponding to the number of 5enators to be elected at large and the candidate>s for the )ouse of +epresentatives from each legislative district who garnered the highest number of votes shall be declared elected. T2e :egislati"e .epartment is "ested by t2e Constitution =it2 t2e po=ers to enact and amend t2e la=s o% t2e land. T2e 1*)( Constitution adopted a bicameral system so as to represent t2e "arious districts o% t2e country to =2ic2 =e call t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es and t2e Senate as t2e core o% t2e Congress as to 2a"ing a national constituency enabling t2em to 2a"e a broader outloo; o% t2e problems o% t2e country.

SENATE C *6 "iti n G Ter* % O%%ice

19:; .onstitution *rt 2- provides: 5ection ". ,he 5enate shall be composed of twenty=four 5enators who shall be elected at large by the (ualified voters of the Philippines, as may be provided by law. 5ection $. ,he term of office of the 5enators shall be six years and shall commence, unless otherwise provided by law, at noon on the thirtieth day of <une next following their election. 4o 5enator shall serve for more than two consecutive terms. 2oluntary renunciation of the office for any length of time shall not be considered as an interruption in the continuity of his service for the full term of which he was elected. T2e Senate is composed o% t=enty %our (2 ) members. Eac2 2as a term o% si- years. As t2e 1*)( Constitution =as enacted4 2al% o% t2em is retained and 2al% o% t2em are replaced or reelected e"ery t2ree years. T2is is to encourage t2e maintenance o% Senate $olicies as =ell as guarantee t2at t2ere =ill be e-perienced members =2o can 2elp and train ne=comers in t2e disc2arge o% t2eir duties.

F1ali%icati n" *rticle 2- of the 19:; .onstitution states: 5ection #. 4o person shall be a 5enator unless he is a natural= born citi!en of the Philippines and, on the day of the election, is at least thirty=five years of age, able to read and write, a registered voter, and a resident of the Philippines for not less than two years immediately preceding the day of the election. T2e senators must posses t2e %ollo=ing /uali%ications as pro"ided %or in t2e constitution. <n sum4 as %ollo=sJ

1. ?atural O 3orn 'ilipino Citi9en 2. 3# years old on t2e day o% election 3. :iterateJ able to read and =rite . ResidenceJ not less t2an 2 years #. Registered 0oter HOUSE OF /EP/ESENTATI'ES Ter* % O%%ice

T2e term o% t2e members o% t2e 7ouse o% representati"es as pro"ided by t2e 1*)( Constitution statesJ 5ection ;. ,he Members of the )ouse of +epresentatives shall be elected for a term of three years which shall begin, unless otherwise provided by law, at noon on the thirtieth day of <une next following their election. 4o Member of the )ouse of +epresentatives shall serve for more than three consecutive terms. 2oluntary renunciation of the office for any length of time shall not be considered as an interruption in the continuity of his service for the full term for which he was elected. Eac2 member is gi"en t2ree year inter"al so as to sync2roni9e t2e election as in t2e case o% t2e Senate4 $resident S 0ice $resident as =ell as t2e local o%%icials. T2ey cannot be re1elected %or a total o% nine consecuti"e years or %or t2ree consecuti"e terms.

C *6 "iti n A ne= composition is prescribed %or t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es consisting o% t=o ;inds o% membersJ *rticle 2- of the 19:; .onstitution states: 5ection &. 1. ,he )ouse of +epresentatives shall be composed of not more than two hundred and fifty members, unless otherwise fixed by law, who shall be elected from legislative districts apportioned among the provinces, cities, and the

Metropolitan Manila area in accordance with the number of their respective inhabitants, and on the basis of a uniform and progressive ratio, and those who, as provided by law, shall be elected through a party=list system of registered national, regional, and sectoral parties or organi!ations. ". ,he party=list representatives shall constitute twenty per centum of the total number of representatives including those under the party list. or three consecutive terms after the ratification of this .onstitution, one=half of the seats allocated to party=list representatives shall be filled, as provided by law, by selection or election from the labor, peasant, urban poor, indigenous cultural communities, women, youth, and such other sectors as may be provided by law, except the religious sector. #. 0ach legislative district shall comprise, as far as practicable, contiguous, compact, and ad?acent territory. 0ach city with a population of at least two hundred fifty thousand, or each province, shall have at least one representative. $. @ithin three years following the return of every census, the .ongress shall maAe a reapportionment of legislative districts based on the standards provided in this section.

A. T2e .istrict Representati"es O elected directly and personally %rom t2e territorial unit 2e is see;ing to represent .omposition: not more than "&% members T2is is in accordance to t2e 13 di"ided districts all o"er t2e territory o% t2e $2ilippines. <n turn comprising among t2e apportioned pro"inces4 cities and +etro +anila in accordance =it2 t2e number o% t2eir respecti"e in2abitants and on t2e basis o% a uni%orm and progressi"e ratio.

3. T2e $artylist Representati"es O c2osen indirectly t2roug2 t2e party 2e represents4 =2ic2 is t2e one "oted %or by t2e electorate

#,

.omposition: constitutes "%B of the total membership of the body T2is re/uirement prescribes a ceiling and is not considered a mandatory re/uirement. T2e number o% partylist seats is determined using t2e 2ereunder %ormulaJ

T o% district representati"es

- .2,

.),

F1ali%icati n" C.P ::1 provides: 5ec. D$. Eualifications for Members of the Catasang Pambansa. = 4o person shall be elected Member of the Catasang Pambansa as provincial, city or district representative unless he is a natural=born citi!en of the Philippines and, on the day of the election, is at least twenty=five years of age, able to read and write, a registered voter in the constituency in which he shall be elected, and a resident thereof for a period of not less than six months immediately preceding the day of the election. 1. ?atural1born citi9en 2. At least 2# years o% age on t2e day o% election 3. Able to read and =rite . A registered "oter in t2e district in =2ic2 2e s2all be elected #. Resident t2ereo% not less t2an si- mont2s preceeding t2e day o% election

#1

Section 2& to 2) o% t2e !mnibus Election Code =2ic2 pro"ides %or t2e Sectoral Representati"es are no= repealed by t2e $arty1list System under Republic Act ?o. (* 1. 8nder R.A. (* 14 particularly Section 114 in connection =it2 t2e 1*)( Constitution4 t=enty percent (2,U) o% t2e members o% t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es s2all be composed o% party1list representati"es. T2e allocations o% seats %or t2e party1list representati"es are pro"ided %or under par. (a) and (b) o% Section 114 t2usJ a. ,he parties, organi!ations, and coalitions shall be ranAed from the highest to the lowest based on the number of votes they garnered during the elections. b. ,he parties, organi!ations, and coalitions receiving at least two percent 3"B8 of the total votes cast for the party=list system shall be entitled to one seat each: Provided, ,hat those garnering more than two percent 3"B8 of the votes shall be entitled to additional seats in proportion to their total number of votes: Provided, finally, ,hat each party, organi!ation, or coalition shall be entitled to not more than three 3#8 seats. To illustrate4 supposing t2at t2ere are t=enty registered party1list in C!+E:EC and t2e total number o% "otes cast %or t2e entire party1list are 1,,4,,, and t2e party1list are ran;ed4 according to t2e number o% "otes garnered4 as %ollo=sJ

$arty1list A 3 C . E ' @ 7 < J 5 :

0otes @arnered 1),,, 1&1,, 12,,, 11,,, ),,, ##,, 33#, 31,, 3,,, 2),, 2&,, 2#,,

$ercentage 1)U 1&.1,U 12U 11U )U #.#,U 3.3#U 3.1,U 3U 2.),U 2.&,U 2.#,U

#2

+ ? ! $ > R S T

23#, 23,, 22,, 2,,, 1(,, (,, #,, 3,,

2.3#U 2.3,U 2.2,U 2U 1.(,U ,.(,U ,.#,U ,.3,U

Applying paragrap2 (b) o% Section 114 $arty1list A4 34 C4 .4 ad E are entitled to 3 seats eac2 %or getting more t2an si- percent o% t2e total "otes cast (one seat %or e"ery t=o percent =2ic2 s2all in no case e-ceed t2ree seats). $arty1list ' is entitled to t=o seats4 =2ile $arty1list @4 74 <4 J4 54 :4 +4 ?4 !4 and $ are entitled to 1 seat eac2. 'inally4 %or not reac2ing t2e re/uired t=o percent4 $arty1list >4 R4 S4 and T are not entitled to a seat. <%4 2o=e"er4 t2e mandatory 2,U o% t2e members o% t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es belonging to t2e $arty1list are not complied =it2 or is insu%%icient (a%ter seats 2ad already been allocated based on t2e 2U rule)4 t2en t2e $arty1list s2all be ran;ed according to t2eir total number o% "otes garnered and t2e remaining "acant seats s2all be allocated base on suc2 ran;ing.

J8R<S$R8.E?CE BANAT !". COMELEC G./. N . 13.$31> D1l0 8> $)). T2ere are %our parameters in a $2ilippine1style party1list election systemJ 1. T=enty percent o% t2e total number o% t2e members2ip o% t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es is t2e ma-imum number o% seats a"ailable to party1list organi9ations4 suc2 t2at t2ere is

#3

automatically one party1list seat %or e"ery %our e-isting legislati"e districts. 2. @arnering t=o percent o% t2e total "otes cast in t2e party1list elections guarantees a party1list organi9ation one seat. T2e guaranteed seats s2all be distributed in a %irst round o% seat allocation to parties recei"ing at least t=o percent o% t2e total party1list "otes. 3. T2e additional seats4 t2at is4 t2e remaining seats a%ter allocation o% t2e guaranteed seats4 s2all be distributed to t2e party1list organi9ations including t2ose t2at recei"ed less t2an t=o percent o% t2e total "otes. T2e continued operation o% t2e t=o percent t2res2old as it applies to t2e allocation o% t2e additional seats is no= unconstitutional because t2is t2res2old mat2ematically and p2ysically pre"ents t2e %illing up o% t2e a"ailable party1list seats. T2e additional seats s2all be distributed to t2e parties in a second round o% seat allocation according to t2e t=o1step procedure laid do=n in t2e Supreme CourtAs .ecision o% 21 April 2,,* as clari%ied in t2is Resolution. . T2e t2ree1seat cap is constitutional. T2e t2ree1seat cap is intended by t2e :egislature to pre"ent any party %rom dominating t2e party1list system. T2ere is no "iolation o% t2e Constitution because t2e 1*)( Constitution does not re/uire absolute proportionality %or t2e party1list system. T2e =ell1 settled rule is t2at courts =ill not /uestion t2e =isdom o% t2e :egislature as long as it is not "iolati"e o% t2e Constitution.

'ETE/ANS FEDE/ATION PA/T: !". COMELEC G./. N . 1(2381> Oct +er )2> $))) T2e parameters o% t2e $arty1list system and t2e %ormula %or determining t2e number o% additional seats t2at a /uali%ied party is entitled toJ irst, the twenty percent allocation = the combined number of all party=list congressmen shall not exceed twenty percent of the total membership of the )ouse of +epresentatives, including those elected under the party list. 5econd, the two percent threshold = only those parties garnering a minimum of two percent of the total valid votes cast for the

party=list system are (ualified' to have a seat in the )ouse of +epresentativesF ,hird, the three=seat limit = each (ualified party, regardless of the number of votes it actually obtained, is entitled to a maximum of three seatsF that is, one (ualifying' and two additional seats. ourth, proportional representation = the additional seats which a (ualified party is entitled to shall be computed in proportion to their total number of votes.'

IMPO/TANT NOTES ABOUT THE PA/T:#LIST S:STEM /e-i"trati n Pr ce&1re? 1. 'iling o% a "eri%ied petition not later t2an ninety (*,) be%ore t2e election4 along =it2 t2e %ollo=ingJ a. b. c. d. T2e party1listA constitution4 by1la=s4 plat%orm or program o% go"ernmentH :ist o% o%%icersH Coalition agreement4 i% anyH !t2ers as may be re/uired by C!+E:EC.

2. T2e C!+E:EC s2all publis2 t2e petition in at least t=o (2) national ne=spaper o% general circulation A%ter due notice and 2earing4 C!+E:EC s2all resol"e t2e petition =it2in %i%teen (1#) days %rom t2e date it =as submitted %or decision4 =2ic2 s2all in no case be later t2an si-ty (&,) days be%ore t2e electionH

C,aracteri"tic" 1. Only in House. !nly a"ailable in t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es 2. 20 % Allocation. $rescribed ceiling not considered mandatory

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3. Two otes. 0oters are entitled to cast t=eo "otes %or t2e 7ouse o% Rep. 'irst Q district rep SecondQ partylist rep $. The 2% Th!eshold " #$%eat &imit. a. 2U o% t2e national tally o% "otes in t2e partylist race is re/uired to earn one /uali%ying seats b. :imited only or ma-imum o% 3 seats per party. $arty ot2er t2an t2e party =2o obtained t2e 7ig2est number o% "otes may be entitled to additional seats based on t2e %ormula 2ereunderJ ' of otes of the othe! pa!ty the hi)hest pa!ty ' of otes of the Hi)hest pa!ty ( ' of seats of

#. E7cl1"i!e t t,e Mar-inaliAe&. !nly political parties and organi9ations t2at actually and truly represent t2e marginali9ed and underrepresented constituencies can participate. a. Sect ral Partie" i. :abor ii. 'is2er 'ol; iii. $easant i". 6omen ". 8rban $oor "i. Lout2 "ii. <ndigenous Communities "iii. !"erseas 6or;ers i-. 0eterans

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-. Cultural Communities -i. $ro%essionals -ii. 7andicapped -iii. Elderly M Senior Citi9ens b. Sect ral Or-aniAati n" O groups bound toget2er by similar attributes or c2aracteristics or employment interests or concerns c. P litical Partie" O /uali%ied "oters pursuing t2e same ideology4 political ideas and principles %or t2e general conduct o% t2e go"ernment. +ay eit2er be (a) national party or (b) regional party d. C aliti n". 'or political and M or election purposes. Gr 1n&" % r Cancellati nH/e%1"al a. % /e-i"trati n?

$arty1list is a religious sect or denomination or association organi9ed %or religious purposesH b. <t ad"ocates "iolence or unla=%ul means to see; its goalH c. d. e. %. g. 2. <t is a %oreign party <t recei"es support4 directly or indirectly4 %rom any %oreign go"ernmentH <t "iolates or %ails to comply =it2 la=s4 rules and regulations on electionH .eclaration o% %alse statementsH <t 2as ceased to e-ist %or at least one (1) yearH <t %ails to participate in t2e last t=o elections or %ails to obtain t=o per centum o% "otes in t2e last to electionsH 1. T2e C!+E:EC s2all4 not later t2an si-ty (&,) days be%ore election4 prepare a certi%ied list o% national4

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regional4 or sectoral parties4 organi9ations or coalitions =2o =ere granted registrationH 2. Eac2 registered party1list s2all submit to C!+E:EC not later t2an %orty1%i"e ( #) days be%ore election a list on names4 not less t2an %i"e (#)4 %rom =2ic2 t2e party1list representati"es s2all be c2osenH 3. !nly t2ose =2o possess t2e %ollo=ing /uali%ications s2all be a party1list nomineesJ a. ?atural born citi9en o% t2e $2ilippinesH b. A registered "oterH c. A resident %or at least one (1) yearH d. Able to read and =riteH e. A bona %ide member o% t2e party1list =2om 2e represents %or at least ninety (*,) days be%ore electionH and %. ?ot less t2an t=enty1%i"e (2#) years o% age.

DU/ISP/UDENCE PHILIPPINE GUA/DIANS B/OTHE/HOOD> INC. (PGBI)> et al. !". COMELEC G./. N . 1.)4$.> A6ril $.> $)1) To reiterate4 (a) Section &()) o% R.A. (* 1 pro"ides %or t=o separate grounds %or delistingH t2ese grounds cannot be mi-ed or combined to support delistingH and (b) t2e dis/uali%ication %or %ailure to garner 2U party1list "otes in t=o preceding elections s2ould no= be understood4 in lig2t o% t2e 3anat ruling4 to mean %ailure to /uali%y %or a party1list seat in t=o preceding elections %or t2e constituency in =2ic2 it 2as registered. T2is4 =e declare4 is 2o= Section &()) o% R.A. (* 1 s2ould be understood and applied. 6e do so under our aut2ority to state =2at t2e la= is4 and as an e-ception to t2e application o% t2e principle o% stare decisis. An- LADLAD LGBT PA/T: !". COMELEC G./. 1.)48$> A6ril 8> $)1)

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6e are not blind to t2e %act t2at4 t2roug2 t2e years4 2omose-ual conduct4 and per2aps 2omose-uals t2emsel"es4 2a"e borne t2e brunt o% societal disappro"al. <t is not di%%icult to imagine t2e reasons be2ind t2is censure O religious belie%s4 con"ictions about t2e preser"ation o% marriage4 %amily4 and procreation4 e"en disli;e or distrust o% 2omose-uals t2emsel"es and t2eir percei"ed li%estyle. ?onet2eless4 =e recall t2at t2e $2ilippines 2as not seen %it to criminali9e 2omose-ual conduct. E"idently4 t2ere%ore4 t2ese Dgenerally accepted public moralsE 2a"e not been con"incingly transplanted into t2e realm o% la=. T2e Assailed Resolutions 2a"e not identi%ied any speci%ic o"ert immoral act per%ormed by Ang :adlad. E"en t2e !S@ agrees t2at Dt2ere s2ould 2a"e been a %inding by t2e C!+E:EC t2at t2e groupAs members 2a"e committed or are committing immoral acts.E T2e !S@ arguesJ - - - A person may be se-ually attracted to a person o% t2e same gender4 o% a di%%erent gender4 or more t2an one gender4 but mere attraction does not translate to immoral acts. T2ere is a great di"ide bet=een t2oug2t and action. Reduction ad absurdum. <% immoral t2oug2ts could be penali9ed4 C!+E:EC =ould 2a"e its 2ands %ull o% dis/uali%ication cases against bot2 t2e Dstraig2tsE and t2e gays.E Certainly t2is is not t2e intendment o% t2e la=. Respondent 2as %ailed to e-plain =2at societal ills are soug2t to be pre"ented4 or =2y special protection is re/uired %or t2e yout2. ?eit2er 2as t2e C!+E:EC condescended to Custi%y its position t2at petitionerAs admission into t2e party1list system =ould be so 2arm%ul as to irreparably damage t2e moral %abric o% society. 6e4 o% course4 do not suggest t2at t2e state is =2olly =it2out aut2ority to regulate matters concerning morality4 se-uality4 and se-ual relations4 and =e recogni9e t2at t2e go"ernment =ill and s2ould continue to restrict be2a"ior considered detrimental to society. ?onet2eless4 =e cannot countenance ad"ocates =2o4 undoubtedly =it2 t2e lo%tiest o% intentions4 situate morality on one end o% an argument or anot2er4 =it2out bot2ering to go t2roug2 t2e rigors o% legal reasoning and e-planation. <n t2is4 t2e notion o% morality is robbed o% all "alue. Clearly t2en4 t2e bare in"ocation o% morality =ill not remo"e an issue %rom our scrutiny.

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ANG BAGONG BA:ANI#OF9 LABO/ PA/T: !". COMELEC G./. N . 18348.> D1ne $2> $))1 T2e Supreme Court issued t2e guidelines in determining =2et2er party1list groups 2a"e complied =it2 t2e re/uirements o% t2e la=4 t2usJ irst, the political party, sector, organi!ation or coalition must represent the marginali!ed and underrepresented groups identified in 5ection & of +* ;9$1. -n other words, it must show == through its constitution, articles of incorporation, bylaws, history, platform of government and tracA record == that it represents and seeAs to uplift marginali!ed and underrepresented sectors. 2erily, ma?ority of its membership should belong to the marginali!ed and underrepresented. *nd it must demonstrate that in a conflict of interests, it has chosen or is liAely to choose the interest of such sectors. 5econd, while even ma?or political parties are expressly allowed by +* ;9$1 and the .onstitution to participate in the party=list system, they must comply with the declared statutory policy of enabling ilipino citi!ens belonging to marginali!ed and underrepresented sectors x x x to be elected to the )ouse of +epresentatives.' -n other words, while they are not dis(ualified merely on the ground that they are political parties, they must show, however, that they represent the interests of the marginali!ed and underrepresented. ,hird, in view of the ob?ections directed against the registration of *ng Cuhay )ayaang 7umabong, which is allegedly a religious group, the .ourt notes the express constitutional provision that the religious sector may not be represented in the party=list system. urthermore, the .onstitution provides that religious denominations and sects shall not be registered.' ourth, a party or an organi!ation must not be dis(ualified under 5ection D of +* ;9$1.

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ifth, the party or organi!ation must not be an ad?unct of, or a pro?ect organi!ed or an entity funded or assisted by, the government. 5ixth, the party must not only comply with the re(uirements of the lawF its nominees must liAewise do so. 5eventh, not only the candidate party or organi!ation must represent marginali!ed and underrepresented sectorsF so also must its nominees.

A/TICLE I'
ELECTION OF LOCAL OFFICIALS

Secti n $.. /e-1lar electi n" % l cal %%icial". # T,e electi n % 6r !incial> cit0 an& *1nici6al %%icial" =, "e 6 "iti n" are 6r !i&e& % r +0 t,e L cal G !ern*ent C &e ",all +e ,el& t,r 1-, 1t t,e P,ili66ine" in t,e *anner ,erein 6re"cri+e& n t,e %ir"t M n&a0 % Ma0> Nineteen ,1n&re& an& ei-,t0#"i7 an& n t,e "a*e &a0 e!er0 "i7 0ear" t,erea%ter. T,e %%icial" electe& ",all a""1*e %%ice n t,e t,irtiet, &a0 % D1ne ne7t % ll =in- t,e electi n an& ",all , l& %%ice % r "i7 0ear" an& 1ntil t,eir "1cce"" r" ",all ,a!e +een electe& an& B1ali%ie&. All l cal inc1*+ent %%icial" =, "e ten1re % %%ice ",all e76ire n Marc, $(> 1.82 ",all , l& %%ice 1ntil D1ne ()> 1.82 r 1ntil t,eir "1cce"" r" ",all ,a!e +een electe& an& B1ali%ie&? Pr !i&e&> T,at t,e0 cann t +e "1"6en&e& r re* !e& =it, 1t C1"t ca1"e.

DISCUSSIONS

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Repealed by $aragrap2 2 o% Section 14 Article R0<<< o% t2e 1*)( Constitution4 =2ic2 pro"idesJ 5ection 1. x x x ,he first local elections shall be held on a date to be determined by the President, which may be simultaneous with the election of the Members of the .ongress. -t shall include the election of all Members of the city or municipal councils in the Metropolitan Manila area. T2e term o% t2e :ocal @o"ernment !%%icials are no= pro"ided %or under Section )4 Article R o% t2e Constitution4 =2ic2 readsJ 5ection :. ,he term of office of elective local officials, except barangay officials, which shall be determined by law, shall be three years and no such official shall serve for more than three consecutive terms. 2oluntary renunciation of the office for any length of time shall not be considered as an interruption in the continuity of his service for the full term for which he was elected. T2e term o% t2e local go"ernment o%%icial is signi%icantly reduced4 %rom si- (&) years pro"ided %or by 3.$. ))14 to t2ree (3) years by t2e enactment o% t2e Constitution.

Secti n (). C *6 nent an& ,i-,l0 1r+aniAe& citie". # Unle"" t,eir re"6ecti!e c,arter" 6r !i&e t,er=i"e> t,e elect rate % c *6 nent citie" ",all +e entitle& t ! te in t,e electi n % r 6r !incial %%icial" % t,e 6r !ince % =,ic, it i" a 6art. T,e elect rate % ,i-,l0 1r+aniAe& citie" ",all n t ! te in t,e electi n % r 6r !incial %%icial" % t,e 6r !ince in =,ic, it i" l cate&? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at n c *6 nent cit0 ",all +e &eclare& r +e entitle& t a ,i-,l0 1r+aniAe& cit0 "tat1" =it,in ninet0 &a0" 6ri r t an0 electi n.

DISCUSSIONS

&2

FUALIFICATIONS A. 3asic >uali%icationsJ a. b. c. d. A citi9en o% t2e $2ilippinesH A registered "oterH A resident in t2e district4 city4 or municipality =2ere 2e intends to run as candidate %or at least one (1) yearH Able to read and =rite 'ilipino or any ot2er local language or dialectH

3. Additional >uali%icationJ a. Candidates %or @o"ernor4 0ice1@o"ernor4 +embers o% t2e Sangguniang $anlala=igan ($ro"incial 3oard +ember)4 +ayor4 0ice1+ayor4 or members o% t2e Sangguniang $anlungsod o% 2ig2ly urbani9ed cities must be at least t=enty1t2ree (23) years o% age Candidates %or +ayor or 0ice +ayor o% independent component cities4 component cities o% municipalities must be at least t=enty1one (21) years o% ageH Candidates %or members o% t2e Sangguniang $anlunsod (City Couselor) or Sangguniang 3ayan (+unicipal Counselor) must be at least eig2teen (1)) years o% ageH

b.

c.

35ection #9, paragraph 3a8, 3b8, 3c8, and 3d8 of the /ocal Government .ode8

CIT:H MUNICIPALITIES HBA/ANGA: <n order to meet t2e =el%are o% t2e society4 t2e $2ilippine @o"ernment 2a"e instituted a %rame=or; t2at =ould be more adept in responding to t2e needs and interests o% its citi9en. T2us in 1**1 t2e $2ilippine legislature 2a"e promulgated t2e :ocal @o"ernment Code o% t2e $2ilippines. T2is code consists o% t2e %oundation o% a local go"ernment

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unit t2at s2all go"ern t2e minute part o% t2e society =2ic2 are considered t2e pro"inces4 cities4 and barangays. As %irmly /uoted %rom its state policy t2e L cal G !ern*ent C &e % t,e P,ili66ine" % 1..1 pro"ides in Secti n ($) (a)? D-t is hereby declared the policy of the 5tate that the territorial and political subdivisions of the 5tate shall en?oy genuine and meaningful local autonomy to enable them to attain their fullest development as self=reliant communities and maAe them more effective partners in the attainment of national goals. ,oward this end, the 5tate shall provide for a more responsive and accountable local government structure instituted through a system of decentrali!ation whereby local government units shall be given more powers, authority, responsibilities, and resources. ,he process of decentrali!ation shall proceed from the national government to the local government units' 'rom t2is it is mani%est t2at good go"ernance =as =it2in reac2 o% e"ery 'ilipino people. T2ere%ore it is also important to ma-imi9e t2is area o% t2e go"ernment by putting t2e rig2t person %or t2e accomplis2ment o% t2ese pertinent goals o% t2e society. T2is c2apter s2all discuss t2e di%%erent branc2es in t2e local go"ernment as =ell as t2e "aluable positions it entails.

TH/EE A/EAS IN THE LOCAL GO'E/NMENT 1. CIT: A cit0 is a relati"ely large and permanent urban settlement. A cit0 (lun)sod or siyudad in 'ilipino and Tagalog) is a tier o% local go"ernment in t2e $2ilippines. All $2ilippine cities are c,artere& citie"4 =2ose e-istence as corporate and administrati"e entities is go"erned by t2eir o=n speci%ic c2arters in addition to t2e :ocal @o"ernment Code o% 1**14 =2ic2 speci%ies t2e administrati"e structure and political po=ers o% subnational go"ernment entities.

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Cities are entitled to one congressional district and representati"e per 2#,4,,, population count4 and are legally pro"ided t2eir o=n police %orce and allo=ed to use a common seal. As corporate entities4 cities 2a"e t2e po=er to ta;e4 purc2ase4 recei"e4 2old4 lease4 con"ey4 and dispose o% real and personal property %or its general interests4 condemn pri"ate property %or public use (eminent domain)4 contract and be contracted =it24 sue and e-ercise all t2e po=ers con%erred to it by Congress. !nly an Act o% Congress can create or amend a city c2arter4 and =it2 t2is city c2arter Congress con%ers to a city certain po=ers t2at regular municipalities or e"en ot2er cities may not 2a"e. .espite t2e di%%erences in t2e po=ers accorded to eac2 city4 all cities regardless o% status are gi"en special treatment in terms o% being gi"en a bigger s2are o% t2e internal re"enue allotment (<RA) compared to regular municipalities4 as =ell as being generally more autonomous t2an regular municipalities. A cityBs local go"ernment is composed o% a +ayor as its C2ie% E-ecuti"e4 a 0ice1+ayor =2ic2 2eads t2e city council4 and a city council (5angguniang Panlungsod) t2at ser"es as t2e cityBs legislati"e body. Cities4 li;e municipalities4 are composed o% barangays4 =2ic2 may be grouped into o%%icially1de%ined administrati"e districts. E-amples o% suc2 are t2e cities o% +anila (1& districts)4 .a"ao (11 districts)4 <loilo (( districts)4 and Samal (3 districtsJ 3aba;4 5aputian and $eGaplata). Some cities suc2 as Caloocan4 +anila and $asay e"en 2a"e an intermediate le"el bet=een t2e district and barangay le"els4 called a 9one. 7o=e"er4 city districts and 9ones mostly ser"e to ma;e city planning and ot2er administrati"e tas;s easier and more con"enientH t2ere are no elected city go"ernment o%%icials in t2ese city1speci%ic administrati"e le"els. T2ere are t=el"e metropolitan areas in t2e $2ilippines as de%ined by t2e ?ational Economic and .e"elopment Aut2ority (?E.A). +etro +anila is t2e largest conurbation or urban agglomeration in t2e country4 and its o%%icial metropolitan area is composed o% t2e city o% +anila plus 1# neig2boring cities and a municipality. !t2er metropolitan areas are centered around t2e cities o% 3aguio4 .agupan4 Angeles4 !longapo4 3atangas4 ?aga4 <loilo4 3acolod4 Cebu4 Cagayan de !ro and .a"ao. T,e San--1nian- Panl1n-" &

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<t is t2e local legislati"e branc2 o% city go"ernments in t2e $2ilippines. T2e term is coined %rom t2e Tagalog =ords HsanggunianH and HlungsodH =2ic2 means Kcity councilK. <t passes ordinances and resolutions %or t2e administration o% t2e city. <ts po=ers are de%ined by t2e :ocal @o"ernment Code o% 1**1. <t 2as legislati"e and /uasi1Cudicial po=ers and %unctions.

COMPOSITION a. Pre"i&in%%icer

T2e city "ice mayor ser"es as t2e presiding o%%icer o% t2e Sangguniang $anlungsod. <n t2e absence o% t2e "ice mayor4 a temporary presiding o%%icer is assigned by t2e members o% t2e Sangguniang $anlungsod %rom among t2emsel"es. +. Me*+er" T2e members o% t2e Sangguniang $anlungsod4 o%ten re%erred to as councilors are eit2er elected or e-1o%%icio. T2e number o% elected councilors a cityBs Sangguniang $anlungsod is composed o% is prescribed in its c2arter. <n absence o% suc2 a pro"ision4 it is t2en composed o% ten elected councilorsH on t2e ot2er 2and4 i% t2e city also corresponds to a legislati"e district4 it t2en elects t=el"e. Some cities also elect t2eir councilors by districts =2ic2 may also be pro"ided in its c2arter. <n general4 cities =2ic2 are composed o% at least t=o legislati"e districts4 e/ually di"ide its elected council seats among its districts. !% all t2e cities4 +anila 2as t2e most number o% elected councilors =it2 3&4 %ollo=ed by .a"ao and >ue9on City =it2 2 eac2.

$. P/O'INCE T2e $ro"inces o% t2e $2ilippines are t2e primary administrati"e di"isions o% t2e $2ilippines. T2ere are (* pro"inces at present4

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%urt2er subdi"ided into component cities and municipalities. T2e ?ational Capital Region4 as =ell as independent cities4 are autonomous %rom any pro"incial go"ernment. Eac2 pro"ince is administered by an elected go"ernor =2o o"ersees "arious local go"ernment entities. T2e pro"inces are grouped into se"enteen regions based on geograp2ical4 cultural4 and et2nological c2aracteristics. 'ourteen o% t2ese regions are designated =it2 numbers corresponding to t2eir geograp2ic location in order %rom nort2 to sout2. T2e ?ational Capital Region4 Cordillera Administrati"e Region4 and Autonomous Region in +uslim +indanao do not 2a"e numerical designations. Eac2 pro"ince is member to t2e :eague o% $ro"inces o% t2e $2ilippines4 an organi9ation =2ic2 aims to address issues a%%ecting pro"incial and metropolitan go"ernment administrations.

I.

T,e San--1nian- Panlala=i-an (Englis2J Provincial Coard) is t2e legislature o% all pro"inces in t2e $2ilippines. <t passes ordinances and resolutions %or t2e e%%ecti"e administration o% t2e pro"ince. <ts po=ers and responsibilities are de%ined by t2e :ocal @o"ernment Code o% 1**1.

C *6 "iti n T2e Sangguniang $anlala=igan (commonly abbre"iated to SP) is composed o% regularly elected members and e-1o%%icio members. T2e pro"incial "ice go"ernor ser"es as its presiding o%%icer4 =2o do not "ote e-cept in cases to brea; a tie. Regularly elected members are elected %rom Sangguniang $anlala=igan districts. T2e total number o% S$ members to be elected =it2in t2e pro"ince and t2e number =it2in eac2 S$ district "aries depending on se"eral %actors4 including t2e pro"inceBs income class and t2e population count =it2in districts. E-1o%%icio members in t2e Sanggunian includeJ

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t2e president o% t2e pro"incial c2apter o% t2e :iga ng mga 3arangay t2e president o% t2e pro"incial %ederation o% Lout2 Councils (Sangguniang 5abataan) t2e president o% t2e pro"incial %ederation o% members o% Sangguniang $anlungsod and Sangguniang 3ayan members %rom component cities and municipalities

II. T,e San--1nian- Ba0an <t is t2e legislature o% municipal go"ernments in t2e $2ilippines. <t passes ordinances and resolutions %or t2e e%%ecti"e administration o% t2e municipality. <ts po=ers are de%ined by t2e :ocal @o"ernment Code o% 1**1. Similar to t2e Sangguniang 3ayan o% municipalities in t2e $2ilippines4 t2e Sangguniang $anlungsod also allocates a council seat to t2e city c2apter presidents o% t2e :iga ng mga 3arangay and $ederasyon ng Sangguniang 5abataan

C *6 "iti n a. Pre"i&in%%icer

T2e municipal "ice mayor ser"es as t2e presiding o%%icer o% t2e Sagguniang 3ayan4 =2o 2as no "oting pri"ilege e-cept in cases to brea; a deadloc;. <n t2e absence o% t2e "ice mayor4 a temporary presiding o%%icer is elected by t2e Sangguniang 3ayan members or councilors present at t2e session. +. Me*+er" All municipalities in t2e $2ilippines4 =it2 t2e e-ception o% $ateros in +etro +anila4 2a"e eig2t regular members or councilors elected at1large.V1W <n t2e case o% $ateros4 its Sangguniang 3ayan is composed o% t=el"e elected councilors4 =2erein si- are elected %rom eac2 o% t2e t=o districts $ateros is di"ided into.V2W

&)

T2ere are also t=o e-1o%%icio councilors N t2e municipal c2apter presidents o% t2e :iga ng mga 3arangay and $ederasyon ng Sangguniang 5abataan. T2e :ocal @o"ernment Code pro"ides %or an additional t2ree sectoral representati"es representingJ =omen4 laborers4 and any o% t2e urban poor4 indigenous cultural communities4 disabled persons or anot2er sector t2at maybe identi%ied by t2e Sangguniang 3ayanH 2o=e"er4 t2is pro"ision still 2as to be implemented.

Ter*> F1ali%icati n an& Electi n Elected or regular members o% t2e Sangguniang 3ayan must at least be 1) years old on election dayH t2e %irst1past1t2e1post "oting system is used to elect t2ese members. T2ey are elected %or a t2ree1year term and may ser"e up to t2ree consecuti"e terms. Elections are 2eld simultaneously =it2 t2e general elections 2eld e"ery t2ree years since 1**2. T2e term begins at noon o% June 3, %ollo=ing election day4 and ends at noon o% June 3, o% t2e t2ird year. Similar to ot2er local o%%icials in t2e $2ilippines4 recall elections may be initiated by at least 2# percent o% registered "oters in t2e municipality against any regular Sangguniang 3ayan member s2ould t2ey lose con%indence =it2 any o% t2em.

(. BA/ANGA: A barangay ('ilipinoJ baranggay4 VbaraXYZaCW)4 also ;no=n by its %ormer Spanis2 adopted name4 t2e barrio4 is t2e smallest administrati"e di"ision in t2e $2ilippines and is t2e nati"e 'ilipino term %or a "illage4 district or =ard. 3arangays are %urt2er subdi"ided into smaller areas called $uro;s (0nglish: Ione). A sitio is a territorial encla"e inside a barangay4 especially in rural areas. +unicipalities and cities are composed o% barangays. <n place names barangay is sometimes abbre"iated as K Crgy.K or KCgy.K. As

&*

o% .ecember 314 2,,& t2ere are a total o% t2roug2out t2e $2ilippines.

14**# barangays

FUALIFICATIONS T2e local go"ernment code pro"ides %or t2e general /uali%ications o% t2e electi"e o%%icials it statesJ 50.. #9. Eualifications. a. *n elective local official must be a citi!en of the PhilippinesF a registered voter in the barangay, municipality, city, or province or, in the case of a member of the sangguniang panlalawigan, sangguniang panlungsod, or sanggunian bayan, the district where he intends to be electedF a resident therein for at least one 318 year immediately preceding the day of the electionF and able to read and write ilipino or any other local language or dialect. b. .andidates for the position of governor, vice= governor or member of the sangguniang panlalawigan, or Mayor, vice= mayor or member of the sangguniang panlungsod of highly urbani!ed cities must be at least twenty=three 3"#8 years of age on election day. c. .andidates for the position of Mayor or vice=mayor of independent component cities, component cities, or municipalities must be at least twenty=one 3"18 years of age on election day. d. .andidates for the position of member of the sangguniang panlungsod or sangguniang bayan must be at least eighteen 31:8 years of age on election day. e. .andidates for the position of punong barangay or member of the sangguniang barangay must be at least eighteen 31:8 years of age on election day. %. .andidates for the sangguniang Aabataan must be at least fifteen 31&8 years of age but not more than twenty= one 3"18 years of age on election day.

(,

Jis(ualifications: 1. T2ose sentence by %inal Cudgment %or o%%enses in"ol"ing moral turpitude or t2ose punis2able by one (1) year or more o% imprisonmentH 2. T2ose remo"ed as a result o% an administrati"e caseH 3. T2ose con"icted by %inal Cudgment by "iolating t2e oat2 o% allegianceH . .ual citi9ensH #. 'ugiti"es %rom CusticeH &. T2ose =2o 2a"e permanent residents in a %oreign countryH 35ection $% of the /ocal Government .ode8

(1

citizenshi p

Province ViceGoverno Governo r r natural natural born born filipino filipino citizen citizen 23 years old on election day resident of the place where he intends to run for at least 1 year preceding the day of election registered voter 23 years old on election day resident of the place where he intends to run for at least 1 year preceding the day of election registered voter

City Mayor natural born filipino citizen 21 years old on election day resident of the place where he intends to run for at least 1 year preceding the day of election registered voter ViceMayor natural born filipino citizen 21 years old on election day resident of the place where he intends to run for at least 1 year preceding the day of election registered voter Captain natural born filipino citizen 18 years old on election day resident of the place where he intends to run for at least 1 year preceding the day of election registered voter

Baranggay Councilor s natural born filipino citizen 18 years old on election day resident of the place where he intends to run for at least 1 year preceding the day of election SK natural born filipino citizen at least 15 y.o not more than 21 years old resident of the place where he intends to run for at least 1 year preceding the day of election registered voter when 18 years old and above able to read and write

age

residence

suffrage

registered voter

literacy

able to read and write

able to read and write

able to read and write

able to read and write

able to read and write

able to read and write

(2

A/TICLE '
ELECTION OF MEMBE/S OF THE /EGIONAL ASSEMBL: OF THE AUTONOMOUS /EGIONS

Secti n (1. T,e San--1nian- Pa*6 < % t,e a1t n * 1" re-i n". # /e-i n I5 an& /e-i n 5II in " 1t,ern P,ili66ine" ",all eac, ,a!e a San--1nian- Pa*6 < t +e c *6 "e& % t=ent0#"e!en *e*+er" an& ",all incl1&e "e!enteen re6re"entati!e" electe& %r * t,e &i%%erent 6r !ince" an& citie" % eac, re-i n> an& a "ect ral re6re"entati!e eac, %r * a* nt,e 0 1t,> a-ric1lt1ral = r<er"> an& n n#a-ric1lt1ral = r<er" (in&1"trial la+ r) % eac, re-i n t +e "electe& in t,e *anner ,erein 6r !i&e& =, "e B1ali%icati n" an& &i"B1ali%icati n" are t,e "a*e a" Me*+er" % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a. T,e Pre"i&ent ",all a66 int an a&&iti nal "e!en re6re"entati!e" in eac, re-i n =,ene!er in ,i" C1&-*ent an0 t,er "ect r i" n t 6r 6erl0 re6re"ente& in t,e San--1nianPa*6 < a" a re"1lt % t,e electi n". Secti n ($. A66 rti n*ent Pa*6 <. # T,e Me*+er" /e-i n I5 an& % /e-i n 5II. % *e*+er" % t,e San--1nian% t,e San--1nian- Pa*6 < %

Secti n ((. Electi n % *e*+er" % San--1nian- Pa*6 <. # T,e can&i&ate" % r t,e 6 "iti n % "e!enteen re6re"entati!e" t t,e San--1nian- Pa*6 < % /e-i n I5 an& % /e-i n 5II ",all +e ! te& at lar-e +0 t,e re-i"tere& ! ter" % eac, 6r !ince incl1&in- t,e citie" c ncerne&. T,e can&i&ate" c rre"6 n&in- t t,e n1*+er % *e*+er r *e*+er" t +e electe& in a c n"tit1enc0 =, recei!e t,e ,i-,e"t n1*+er % ! te" ",all +e &eclare& electe&. Secti n (8. Selecti n % "ect ral re6re"entati!e". # T,e Pre"i&ent ",all> =it,in t,irt0 &a0" %r * t,e c n!enin- % eac, San--1nian- Pa*6 <> a66 int t,e "ect ral re6re"entati!e" n rec **en&ati n % t,e San--1nian- Pa*6 < an& a%ter &1e c n"1ltati n =it, t,e re6re"entati!e an& -enerall0 rec -niAe& r-aniAati n" r a--r16ati n" % *e*+er" % t,e

(3

0 1t,> a-ric1lt1ral = r<er" an& n n#a-ric1lt1ral = r<er" a" atte"te& +0 t,e Mini"ter" % L cal G !ern*ent an& % E&1cati n> C1lt1re an& S6 rt" (0 1t,)> Mini"ter" % A-rarian /e% r* an& % A-ric1lt1re an& F & (a-ric1lt1ral = r<er")> an& Mini"ter" % La+ r an& E*6l 0*ent (n n#a-ric1lt1ral r in&1"trial la+ r). T,e Pre"i&ent % t,e P,ili66ine" ",all in =ritin- n ti%0 t,e S6ea<er % t,e San--1nian- Pa*6 < % eac, re-i n % t,e a66 int*ent *a&e +0 ,i* % an0 "ect ral re6re"entati!e. T,e "ect ral re6re"entati!e" ",all ,a!e t,e "a*e %1ncti n"> re"6 n"i+ilitie"> ri-,t"> 6ri!ile-e"> B1ali%icati n" an& &i"B1ali%icati n" a" t,e electi!e 6r !incial re6re"entati!e" t t,e San--1nian- Pa*6 <? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at n &e%eate& can&i&ate % r *e*+er % t,e San--1nian- Pa*6 < in t,e i**e&iatel0 6rece&in- electi n ",all +e a66 inte& a" "ect ral re6re"entati!e. Secti n (4. Fillin- % !acanc0. # Pen&in- an electi n t %ill a !acanc0 ari"in- %r * an0 ca1"e in t,e San--1nian- Pa*6 <> t,e !acanc0 ",all +e %ille& +0 t,e Pre"i&ent> 16 n rec **en&ati n % t,e San--1nian- Pa*6 <? Pr !i&e&> T,at t,e a66 intee ",all c *e %r * t,e "a*e 6r !ince r "ect r % t,e *e*+er +ein- re6lace&. Secti n (2. Ter* % %%ice. # T,e 6re"ent *e*+er" % t,e San--1nian- Pa*6 < % eac, % /e-i n I5 an& /e-i n 5II ",all c ntin1e in %%ice 1ntil D1ne ()> 1.82 r 1ntil t,eir "1cce"" r" ",all ,a!e +een electe& an& B1ali%ie& r a66 inte& an& B1ali%ie& in t,e ca"e % "ect ral *e*+er". T,e0 *a0 n t +e re* !e& r re6lace& e7ce6t in acc r&ance =it, t,e internal r1le" % "ai& a""e*+l0 r 6r !i"i n" % 6ertinent la=". T,e electi n % *e*+er" % t,e San--1nian- Pa*6 < % t,e t= re-i n" ",all +e ,el& "i*1ltane 1"l0 =it, t,e l cal electi n" % 1.82. T, "e electe& in "ai& electi n" ",all ,a!e a ter* % % 1r 0ear" "tartin- D1ne ()> 1.82. T, "e electe& in t,e electi n % 1..) t +e ,el& "i*1ltane 1"l0 =it, t,e electi n" % Me*+er" % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a ",all ,a!e a ter* % "i7 0ear".

DISCUSSIONS

Sections 31 to 3& o% t2e !mnibus Election Code are repealed by t2e 1*)( Constitution4 speci%ically Sec. 1# to 21 o% Article R4 =2ic2 pro"idesJ Article R (:ocal @o"ernment) O Autonomous Regions 5ection 1&. ,here shall be created autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and in the .ordilleras consisting of provinces, cities, municipalities, and geographical areas sharing common and distinctive historical and cultural heritage, economic and social structures, and other relevant characteristics within the frameworA of this .onstitution and the national sovereignty as well as territorial integrity of the +epublic of the Philippines . 5ection 1D. ,he President shall exercise general supervision over autonomous regions to ensure that the laws are faithfully executed. 5ection 1;. *ll powers, functions, and responsibilities not granted by this .onstitution or by law to the autonomous regions shall be vested in the 4ational Government. 5ection 1:. ,he .ongress shall enact an organic act for each autonomous region with the assistance and participation of the regional consultative commission composed of representatives appointed by the President from a list of nominees from multisectoral bodies. ,he organic act shall define the basic structure of government from the region consisting of the executive department and legislative assembly, both of which shall be elective and representative of the constituent political units. ,he organic acts shall liAewise provide for special courts with personal, family, and property law ?urisdiction consistent with the provisions of this .onstitution and national laws. ,he creation of the autonomous region shall be effective when approved by ma?ority of the votes cast by the constituent units in a plebiscite called for the purpose, provided that only provinces, cities, and geographic areas voting favorably in such plebiscite shall be included in the autonomous region.

(#

5ection 19. ,he first .ongress elected under this .onstitution shall, within eighteen months from the time of organi!ation of both )ouses, pass the organic acts for the autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and the .ordilleras . 5ection "%. @ithin its territorial ?urisdiction and sub?ect to the provisions of this .onstitution and national laws, the organic act of autonomous regions shall provide for legislative powers over: 1. *dministrative organi!ationF ". .reation of sources of revenuesF #. *ncestral domain and natural resourcesF $. Personal, family, and property relationsF &. +egional urban and rural planning developmentF D. 0conomic, social, and tourism developmentF ;. 0ducational policiesF :. Preservation and development of the cultural heritageF and 9. 5uch other matters as may be authori!ed by law for the promotion of the general welfare of the people of the region. 5ection "1. ,he preservation of peace and order within the regions shall be the responsibility of the local police agencies which shall be organi!ed, maintained, supervised, and utili!ed in accordance with applicable laws. ,he defense and security of the regions shall be the responsibility of the 4ational Government. <n connection to t2e abo"e4 Congress enacted Republic Act ?o. &(3 as t2e !rganic Act %or Autonomous Region in +uslim +indanao. RA &(3 =as %urt2er strengt2en by t2e enactment o% Republic Act ?o. *,# 4 =2ic2 amended RA &(3 .

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A/TICLE 'I
ELECTION OF LOCAL OFFICIALS

Secti n (3. /e-1lar electi n % +aran-a0 %%icial". # T,e electi n % r +aran-a0 %%icial" ",all +e ,el& t,r 1-, 1t t,e P,ili66ine" in t,e *anner 6re"cri+e& n t,e "ec n& M n&a0 % Ma0 Nineteen ,1n&re& an& ei-,t0#ei-,t an& n t,e "a*e &a0 e!er0 "i7 0ear" t,erea%ter. T,e %%icial" electe& ",all a""1*e %%ice n t,e t,irtiet, &a0 % D1ne ne7t % ll =in- t,e electi n an& ",all , l& %%ice % r "i7 0ear" an& 1ntil t,eir "1cce"" r" ",all ,a!e +een electe& an& B1ali%ie&.

((

DISCUSSIONS

'irst4 =e 2a"e to determine i% an aspiring candidate %or a barangay o%%ice is /uali%ied or not. F1ali%icati n" % r P1n nBaran-a0> Me*+er San--1nian- Baran-a0 an& San--1nian- Ia+ataan? a. b. c. d. e. A citi9en o% t2e $2ilippinesH A registered "oterH A resident in t2e barangay =2ere 2e intends to run as candidate %or at least one (1) yearH Able to read and =rite 'ilipino or any ot2er local language or dialectH $unong 3arangay and +ember o% t2e Sangguniang 3arangay must be at least eig2teen (1)) years o% age on election dayH Sangguniang 5abataan must be at least %i%teen (1#) years o% age but not more t2an t=enty1one (21) years o% age on election day % t,e

%.

Sec. 3( o% t2e omnibus Election Code is repealed by t2e enactment o% Republic Act &&(*4 =2ic2 limits t2e term o% barangay o%%icials %rom si(&) years to %i"e (#) years4 =2o s2all assume o%%ice on t2e %irst day o% June4 instead on t2e t2irtiet2 under Section 3(. ?o barangay o%%icial 2o=e"er4 s2all ser"e %or more t2an t2ree (3) consecuti"e terms. Secti n (8. C n&1ct % electi n". # T,e +aran-a0 electi n ",all +e n n#6arti"an an& ",all +e c n&1cte& in an e76e&iti 1" an& ine76en"i!e *anner. N 6er" n =, %ile" a certi%icate % can&i&ac0 ",all re6re"ent r all = ,i*"el% t +e re6re"ente& a" a can&i&ate % an0 6 litical 6art0 r an0 t,er r-aniAati n@ an& n 6 litical 6art0> 6 litical -r 16> 6 litical c **ittee> ci!ic> reli-i 1"> 6r %e""i nal> r t,er r-aniAati n r r-aniAe& -r 16 % =,ate!er nat1re ",all inter!ene in ,i" n *inati n r in t,e

()

%ilin- % ,i" certi%icate % can&i&ac0 r -i!e ai& r "166 rt> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> *aterial r t,er=i"e %a! ra+le t r a-ain"t ,i" ca*6ai-n % r electi n? Pr !i&e&> T,at t,i" 6r !i"i n ",all n t a66l0 t t,e *e*+er" % t,e %a*il0 % a can&i&ate =it,in t,e % 1rt, ci!il &e-ree % c n"an-1init0 r a%%init0 n r t t,e 6er" nal ca*6ai-n "ta%% % t,e can&i&ate =,ic, ",all n t +e * re t,an ne % r e!er0 ne ,1n&re& re-i"tere& ! ter" in ,i" +aran-a0? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at =it, 1t 6reC1&ice t an0 lia+ilit0 t,at *a0 +e inc1rre&> n 6er*it t , l& a 61+lic *eetin- ",all +e &enie& n t,e -r 1n& t,at t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" 6ara-ra6, *a0 r =ill +e !i late&. N t,in- in t,i" "ecti n> , =e!er> ",all +e c n"tr1e& a" in an0 *anner a%%ectin- r c n"tit1tin- an i*6air*ent % t,e %ree& * % in&i!i&1al" t "166 rt r 66 "e an0 can&i&ate % r an0 +aran-a0 %%ice.

DISCUSSIONS

Sec. 3) pro"ides %or t2e rule t2at a candidate %or barangay o%%icial s2all not be a%%iliated or is a member o% any political party4 etc. nor s2all a candidate recei"e any aid or support4 material or ot2er=ise %or or against 2is campaign. T2e reason %or t2e abo"e pro"ision is to promote %air and e/ual election and opportunity to assume o%%ice.

DU/ISP/UDENCE

(*

<n !cceGa "s. C!+E:EC (@.R. ?o4 :1&,2#)4 January 314 1*) )4 t2e Supreme Court4 in sustaining t2e constitutionality o% t2e non1partisan c2aracter o% t2e barangay elections4 2eldJ x x x we must not lose sight of the fact that the barangay is the basic unit not only of our social structure but also of our political structure. *s much as possible, we believe that it would be a more prudent policy to insulate the barangays from the influence of partisan politics.' T2e pro"ision4 2o=e"er4 s2all not apply to t2e %amily o% a candidate =it2in t2e %ourt2 ci"il degree o% consanguinity or a%%inity nor to t2e personal campaign sta%% o% t2e candidate =2ic2 s2all not be more t2an one %or e"ery one 2undred registered "oters in 2is barangay.

Secti n (.. Ce!tificate of Candidacy. # N 6er" n ",all +e electe& 61n n- +aran-a0 r <a-a=a& n- "an--1nian+aran-a0 1nle"" ,e %ile" a "= rn certi%icate % can&i&ac0 in tri6licate n an0 &a0 %r * t,e c **ence*ent % t,e electi n 6eri & +1t n t later t,an t,e &a0 +e% re t,e +e-innin- % t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri & in a % r* t +e 6re"cri+e& +0 t,e C **i""i n. T,e can&i&ate ",all "tate t,e +aran-a0 %%ice % r =,ic, ,e i" a can&i&ate. T,e certi%icate % can&i&ac0 ",all +e %ile& =it, t,e "ecretar0 % t,e "an--1nian- +aran-a0 =, ",all ,a!e t,e *ini"terial &1t0 t recei!e "ai& certi%icate % can&i&ac0 an& t i**e&iatel0 ac<n =le&-e recei6t t,ere %. In ca"e t,e "ecretar0 re%1"e" t recei!e t,e "a*e> r in t,e ca"e % ,i" a+"ence r n n#a!aila+ilit0> a can&i&ate *a0 %ile ,i" certi%icate =it, t,e electi n re-i"trar % t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 c ncerne&. T,e "ecretar0 % t,e "an--1nian- +aran-a0 r t,e electi n re-i"trar> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e> ",all 6re6are a c n" li&ate& li"t all t,e can&i&ate" an& ",all 6 "t "ai& li"t in t,e +aran-a0 ,all an& in t,er c n"6ic1 1" 6lace" in t,e +aran-a0 at lea"t ten &a0" +e% re t,e electi n. An0 electi!e r a66 inti!e *1nici6al> cit0> 6r !incial r nati nal %%icial r e*6l 0ee> r t, "e in t,e ci!il r *ilitar0

),

"er!ice> incl1&in- t, "e in - !ern*ent# =ne& r c ntr lle& c r6 rati n"> ",all +e c n"i&ere& a1t *aticall0 re"i-ne& 16 n t,e %ilin- % certi%icate % can&i&ac0 % r a +aran-a0 %%ice. DISCUSSIONS

Pr ce&1re % r %ilin1.

% Certi%icate

% Can&i&ac0?

'iling =it2 t2e Secretary o% t2e Sangguniang 3arangay or t2e Election Registrar o% t2e City o% +unicipality concerned a certi%icate o% candidacy4 in triplicate %orm4 stating t2e barangay o%%ice %or =2ic2 2e is a candidateH 2. T2e CoC s2all be %iled any day a%ter t2e commencement o% t2e election period but not later t2an t2e day be%ore t2e beginning o% campaign periodH 3. T2e Secretary o% t2e Sangguniang 3arangay s2all prepare a list o% all candidates and s2all post t2e same in t2e barangay 2all or ot2er conspicuous place ten (1,) days be%ore electionH

Secti n 8). B ar& % Electi n Teller". # (1) T,e C **i""i n ",all c n"tit1te n t later t,an ten &a0" +e% re t,e electi n a + ar& % electi n teller" in e!er0 +aran-a0 6 llin- 6lace> t +e c *6 "e& % a 61+lic ele*entar0 "c, l teac,er a" c,air*an> an& t= *e*+er" =, are re-i"tere& ! ter" % t,e 6 llin6lace c ncerne&> +1t =, are n t inc1*+ent +aran-a0 %%icial" n r relate& t an0 can&i&ate % r an0 6 "iti n in t,at +aran-a0 =it,in t,e % 1rt, ci!il &e-ree % a%%init0 r c n"an-1init0. In ca"e n 61+lic ele*entar0 "c, l teac,er" are a!aila+le> t,e C **i""i n ",all &e"i-nate an0 re-i"tere& ! ter in t,e 6 llin6lace =, i" n t an inc1*+ent +aran-a0 %%icial n r relate& t an0 can&i&ate % r an0 6 "iti n in t,at +aran-a0 =it,in t,e % 1rt, ci!il &e-ree % a%%init0 r c n"an-1init0. ($) T,e + ar& % electi n teller" ",all "16er!i"e an& c n&1ct t,e electi n in t,eir re"6ecti!e 6 llin- 6lace"> c 1nt t,e ! te" an& t,erea%ter 6re6are a re6 rt in tri6licate n a % r* 6re"cri+e& +0 t,e C **i""i n. T,e ri-inal % t,i" re6 rt ",all

)1

+e &eli!ere& i**e&iatel0 t t,e +aran-a0 + ar& % can!a""er". T,e "ec n& c 60 ",all +e &eli!ere& t t,e electi n re-i"trar an& t,e t,ir& c 60 ",all +e &eli!ere& t t,e "ecretar0 % t,e "an--1nian- +aran-a0 =, ",all <ee6 t,e "a*e n %ile. Secti n 81. /e-i"trati n % ! ter" an& li"t % ! ter". # N t later t,an "e!en &a0" +e% re t,e electi n> t,e + ar& % electi n teller" ",all *eet in e!er0 +aran-a0 6 llin- 6lace t c n&1ct t,e re-i"trati n % +aran-a0 ! ter" an& t 6re6are t,e li"t % ! ter". An0 ! ter *a0 c,allen-e t,e B1ali%icati n % an0 6er" n "ee<in- t re-i"ter an& "ai& c,allen-e ",all +e ,ear& an& &eci&e& n t,e "a*e &a0 +0 t,e + ar& % electi n teller". T,e %inal li"t % ! ter" ",all +e 6 "te& in t,e 6 llin- 6lace" at lea"t t= &a0" +e% re electi n &a0. T,e re-i"trati n % an0 ! ter ",all n t +e tran"%erre& =it, 1t =ritten n tice at lea"t t= &a0" +e% re t,e &ate % electi n. N t later t,an t,e &a0 % ll =in- t,e +aran-a0 electi n> t,e + ar& % electi n teller" ",all &eli!er t,e li"t % ! ter" t t,e electi n re-i"trar % r c1"t &0 an& "a%e<ee6in-. Secti n 8$. P llin- 6lace". # (1) T,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % electi n teller" ",all &e"i-nate t,e 61+lic "c, l r an0 t,er 61+lic +1il&in- =it,in t,e +aran-a0 t +e 1"e& a" 6 llin- 6lace in ca"e t,e +aran-a0 ,a" ne electi n 6recinct. ($) F r +aran-a0" =it, t= r * re electi n 6recinct" t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all &e"i-nate t,e 61+lic "c, l r an0 t,er 61+lic +1il&in- t +e 1"e& a" 6 llin- 6lace. In ca"e t,ere i" n 61+lic "c, l r t,er 61+lic +1il&in- t,at can +e 1"e& a" 6 llin- 6lace"> t,er a66r 6riate 6ri!ate +1il&in-" *a0 +e &e"i-nate&? Pr !i&e&> T,at "1c, +1il&in-" are n t =ne& r cc16ie& r 6 ""e""e& +0 an0 inc1*+ent electi!e 61+lic %%icial r can&i&ate> r ,i" relati!e =it,in t,e % 1rt, ci!il &e-ree % c n"an-1init0 r a%%init0. T,e 6 llin6lace ",all +e centrall0 l cate& a" 6 ""i+le> al=a0" ta<in- int c n"i&erati n t,e c n!enience an& "a%et0 % t,e ! ter".

DISCUSSIONS

)2

Sections , to 2 pro"ides %or t2e composition o% t2e 3oard o% Election Tellers as =ell as its po=ers and %unctions.

C *6 "iti n C2airman T=o members

% t,e B ar&

% Electi n Teller"

Any public elementary sc2ool teac2er Any registered "oter not a candidate4 an incumbent barangay o%%icial or a relati"e o% t2e latter =it2 t2e %ourt2 ci"il degree

P =er" an& F1ncti n" % t,e B ar& 1. 2. 3. .

% Electi n Teller"

To conduct t2e registration o% barangay "otersH 8pon complaint4 to 2ear and decide cases relating to t2e /uali%ication o% a "oterH $osting o% t2e %inal list o% registered and deli"ery o% a copy t2ereo% t2e Election RegistrarH .esignate any public sc2ool or any public building in t2e barangay as polling place or places4 in case t2e barangay 2as more t2an one election precinctH To act as t2e 3arangay 3oard o% Can"assers s2ould t2e barangay 2a"e only one polling placeH Super"ise and respecti"e polling placesH conduct t2e election in t2eir

#. &. (. ). *. 1,.

Counting o% "otesH Aut2entication o% t2e barangay ballotsH $repare a "ote report4 in triplicate on a %ormH .eli"ery o% t2e report immediately to t2eJ a. Can"assersH b. Second copy O Election RegistrarH !riginal copy O 3arangay 3oard o%

)3

c. 3arangay

T2ird copy O Secretary o% t2e Sangguniang

Secti n 8(. O%%icial +aran-a0 +all t". # T,e %%icial +aran-a0 +all t" ",all +e 6r !i&e& +0 t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 c ncerne& % a "iAe an& c l r t +e 6re"cri+e& +0 t,e C **i""i n. S1c, %%icial +all t" ",all> +e% re t,e0 are ,an&e& t t,e ! ter at t,e 6 llin- 6lace> +e a1t,enticate& in t,e 6re"ence % t,e ! ter> +0 t,e a1t, riAe& re6re"entati!e" % t,e can&i&ate" an& t,e c,air*an an& *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n teller" =, ",all a%%i7 t,eir "i-nat1re" at t,e +ac< t,ere %. An0 +all t =,ic, i" n t a1t,enticate& ",all +e &ee*e& "61ri 1". Secti n 88. Ball t + 7e". # T,e C **i""i n ",all 6r !i&e t,e +all t + 7e" % r eac, +aran-a0 6 llin- 6lace> +1t eac, can&i&ate *a0 +e 6er*itte& t 6r !i&e a 6a&l c< % r "ai& +all t + 7. Secti n 84. P "t6 ne*ent r %ail1re % electi n. # 9,en % r an0 "eri 1" ca1"e "1c, a" !i lence> terr ri"*> l "" r &e"tr1cti n % electi n 6ara6,ernalia r rec r&"> % rce *aCe1re> an& t,er anal - 1" ca1"e" % "1c, nat1re t,at t,e , l&in- % a %ree> r&erl0 an& , ne"t electi n ", 1l& +ec *e i*6 ""i+le in an0 +aran-a0> t,e C **i""i n> 16 n a !eri%ie& 6etiti n % an intere"te& 6art0 an& a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin- at =,ic, t,e intere"te& 6artie" are -i!en eB1al 66 rt1nit0 t +e ,ear&> ",all 6 "t6 ne t,e electi n t,erein % r "1c, ti*e a" it *a0 &ee* nece""ar0. I%> n acc 1nt % % rce *aCe1re> !i lence> terr ri"*> %ra1& r t,er anal - 1" ca1"e"> t,e electi n in an0 +aran-a0 ,a" n t +een ,el& n t,e &ate ,erein %i7e& r ,a" +een "1"6en&e& +e% re t,e , 1r %i7e& +0 la= % r t,e cl "in- % t,e ! tint,erein an& "1c, %ail1re r "1"6en"i n % electi n = 1l& a%%ect t,e re"1lt % t,e electi n> t,e C **i""i n> n t,e +a"i" % a !eri%ie& 6etiti n % an intere"te& 6art0> an& a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-> at =,ic, t,e intere"te& 6artie" are -i!en eB1al 66 rt1nit0 t +e ,ear& ",all call % r t,e , l&inr c ntin1ati n % t,e electi n =it,in t,irt0 &a0" a%ter it ",all ,a!e !eri%ie& an& % 1n& t,at t,e ca1"e r ca1"e" % r =,ic, t,e electi n ,a" +een 6 "t6 ne& r "1"6en&e& ,a!e cea"e& t

e7i"t r 16 n 6etiti n % at lea"t t,irt0 6ercent re-i"tere& ! ter" in t,e +aran-a0 c ncerne&.

% t,e

9,en t,e c n&iti n" in t,e"e area" =arrant> 16 n !eri%icati n +0 t,e C **i""i n> r 16 n 6etiti n % at lea"t t,irt0 6ercent % t,e re-i"tere& ! ter" in t,e +aran-a0 c ncerne&> it ",all r&er t,e , l&in% t,e +aran-a0 electi n =,ic, =a" 6 "t6 ne& r "1"6en&e&.

DISCUSSIONS

Section # list do=n t2e grounds and t2e procedure %or t2e postponement and or declaration o% %ailure o% election in barangay le"el.

Gr 1n&" % r 6 "t6 ne*entH%ail1re a. b. c. recordsH d. e. %. 'orce maCeureH 'raudH and 0iolenceH TerrorismH

% electi n

:oss or destruction o% election parap2ernalia or

!t2er analogous causes.

Pr ce&1re a. A "eri%ied petition is %iled by any interested party be%ore t2e C!+E:EC stating t2e grounds %or t2e postponementH

)#

b.

T2e C!+E:EC s2all publis2 t2e said petition in a ne=spaper o% general circulation or a local ne=spaper o% t2e city or municipality concernedH <% t2e petition is opposed4 a 2earing s2all be conducted by C!+E:EC4 gi"ing bot2 parties opportunity to be 2eard and present e"idenceH T2e C!+E:EC s2all decide t2e case =it2in t2irty days a%ter t2e case 2a"e been submitted %or decisionH

c.

d.

A%ter t2e caused %or t2e postponement or suspension o% t2e 2olding o% t2e election 2ad ceased to e-ist or upon petition o% at least t2irty percent (3,U) o% t2e registered "oters in t2e barangay concerned4 C!+E:EC s2all resume t2e 2olding o% t2e election =it2in t2irty day a%ter "eri%ication t2at t2e cause %or postponement or suspension 2as in %act ceased.

Secti n 82. Baran-a0 + ar& % can!a""er". # (1) T,e C **i""i n ",all c n"tit1te a + ar& % can!a""er" at lea"t "e!en &a0" +e% re t,e electi n in eac, +aran-a0> t +e c *6 "e& % t,e "eni r 61+lic ele*entar0 "c, l teac,er in t,e +aran-a0 a" c,air*an> an& t= t,er 61+lic ele*entar0 "c, l teac,er"> a" *e*+er". In ca"e t,e n1*+er % 61+lic ele*entar0 "c, l teac,er" i" ina&eB1ate> t,e C **i""i n ",all &e"i-nate t,e c,air*an an& *e*+er" % t,e +aran-a0 + ar& % can!a""er" %r * a* n- t,e + ar& % electi n teller". ($) T,e +aran-a0 + ar& % can!a""er" ",all *eet i**e&iatel0 in a +1il&in- =,ere a 6 llin- 6lace i" % 1n& an& =,ic, i" * "t centrall0 l cate& in t,e +aran-a0 an& a%ter can!a""in- t,e re"1lt" %r * t,e !ari 1" 6 llin- 6lace" =it,in t,e +aran-a0> 6r clai* t,e =inner". T,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all acc *6li", t,e certi%icate % 6r cla*ati n in tri6licate n a % r* t +e 6re"cri+e& +0 t,e C **i""i n. T,e ri-inal % t,e certi%icate ",all +e "ent t t,e electi n re-i"trar c ncerne&> t,e "ec n& c 60 ",all +e &eli!ere& t t,e "ecretar0 % t,e "an--1nian- +a0an r "an--1nian- 6an-l1n" &> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e> an& t,e t,ir& c 60 ",all +e <e6t n %ile +0 t,e "ecretar0 % t,e "an--1nian- +aran-a0.

)&

(() In a +aran-a0 =,ere t,ere i" nl0 ne 6 llin- 6lace> t,e +aran-a0 + ar& % electi n teller" ",all al" +e t,e +aran-a0 + ar& % can!a""er". DISCUSSIONS

C *6 "iti n C2airman T=o members

% t,e Baran-a0 B ar&

% Can!a""er"

A Senior public elementary sc2ool teac2er Any public elementary sc2ool teac2er

F1ncti n" 1. 2. 3. a. b. c.

% t,e Baran-a0 B ar&

% Can!a""er"?

Can"assing o% "otesH $repare a Certi%icate o% $roclamationH .eli"er t2e said certi%icate to t2eJ !riginal copy O Election RegistrarH Second copy O Secretary o% t2e Sangguniang $anlungsod or Sangguniang 3ayanH T2ird Sangguniang 3arangay copy O Secretary o% t2e

Secti n 83. Acti!itie" &1rin- t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri &. # D1rin- t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri &> t,e 61n n- +aran-a0 i% ,e i" n t a can&i&ate> r an0 re"i&ent % t,e +aran-a0 &e"i-nate& +0 t,e C **i""i n> ",all c n!ene t,e +aran-a0 a""e*+l0 at lea"t nce % r t,e 61r6 "e % all =in- t,e can&i&ate" t a66ear at a C int *eetin- &1l0 calle&> 16 n 6r 6er an& =it, at lea"t t= &a0" n tice> t e76lain t t,e +aran-a0 ! ter" t,eir re"6ecti!e 6r -ra* % a&*ini"trati n> t,eir B1ali%icati n"> an& t,er in% r*ati n t,at *a0 ,el6 enli-,ten ! ter" in ca"tin- t,eir ! te".

)(

T,e *e*+er" % t,e +aran-a0 a""e*+l0 *a0 ta<e 16 an& &i"c1"" t,er *atter" relati!e t t,e electi n % +aran-a0 %%icial". Secti n 88. 9atc,er". # Can&i&ate" *a0 a66 int t= =atc,er" eac,> t "er!e alternatel0> in e!er0 6 llin- 6lace =it,in t,e +aran-a0> =, ",all +e %1rni",e& =it, a "i-ne& c 60 % t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n> in "1c, % r* a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 6re"cri+e> i**e&iatel0 a%ter t,e c *6leti n % t,e can!a"". Secti n 8.. Incl1"i n an& e7cl1"i n ca"e". # Incl1"i n an& e7cl1"i n ca"e" =,ic, ",all +e &eci&e& n t later t,an "e!en +e% re t,e &ate % t,e electi n ",all +e =it,in t,e e7cl1"i!e ri-inal C1ri"&icti n % t,e *1nici6al r *etr 6 litan trial c 1rt. T,e n tice % "1c, &eci"i n ",all +e "er!e& t all 6artie" =it,in t=ent0#% 1r , 1r" % ll =in- it" 6r *1l-ati n an& an0 6art0 a&!er"el0 a%%ecte& *a0 a66eal t,ere%r * =it,in t=ent0# % 1r , 1r" t t,e re-i nal trial c 1rt =,ic, ",all %inall0 &eci&e t,e "a*e n t later t,an t= &a0" +e% re t,e &ate % t,e electi n. Secti n 4). F1n&in-. # L cal - !ern*ent" ",all a66r 6riate "1c, %1n&" t &e%ra0 "1c, nece""ar0 an& rea" na+le e76en"e" % t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n teller"> + ar& % can!a""er" an& t,e 6rintin- % electi n % r*" an& 6r c1re*ent % t,er electi n 6ara6,ernalia> an& t,e in"tallati n % 6 llin+ t,". Sec. 41. Penaltie". # 'i lati n" % an0 6r !i"i n" % t,i" Article ",all c n"tit1te 6r ,i+ite& act" an& ",all +e 6r "ec1te& an& 6enaliAe& in acc r&ance =it, t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" C &e.

))

A/TICLE 'II
THE COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS
Sec. 4$. P =er" an& %1ncti n" % t,e C **i""i n n Electi n". # In a&&iti n t t,e 6 =er" an& %1ncti n" c n%erre& 16 n it +0 t,e C n"tit1ti n> t,e C **i""i n ",all ,a!e e7cl1"i!e c,ar-e % t,e en% rce*ent an& a&*ini"trati n % all la=" relati!e t t,e c n&1ct % electi n" % r t,e 61r6 "e % en"1rin- %ree> r&erl0 an& , ne"t electi n"> an& ",all? (a) E7erci"e &irect an& i**e&iate "16er!i"i n an& c ntr l !er nati nal an& l cal %%icial" r e*6l 0ee"> incl1&in- *e*+er" % an0 nati nal r l cal la= en% rce*ent a-enc0 an& in"tr1*entalit0 % t,e - !ern*ent reB1ire& +0 la= t 6er% r* &1tie" relati!e t t,e c n&1ct % electi n". In a&&iti n> it *a0 a1t, riAe CMT ca&et" ei-,teen 0ear" % a-e an& a+ !e t act a" it" &e61tie" % r t,e 61r6 "e % en% rcin- it" r&er". T,e C **i""i n *a0 relie!e an0 %%icer r e*6l 0ee re%erre& t in t,e 6rece&in- 6ara-ra6, %r * t,e 6er% r*ance % ,i" &1tie" relatin- t elect ral 6r ce""e" =, !i late" t,e electi n la= r %ail" t c *6l0 =it, it" in"tr1cti n"> r&er"> &eci"i n" r r1lin-"> an& a66 int ,i" "1+"tit1te. U6 n rec **en&ati n % t,e C **i""i n> t,e c rre"6 n&in- 6r 6er a1t, rit0 ",all "1"6en& r re* !e %r * %%ice an0 r all % "1c, %%icer" r

)*

e*6l 0ee" =, *a0> a%ter &1e 6r ce""> +e % 1n& -1ilt0 !i lati n r %ail1re.

% "1c,

(+) D1rin- t,e 6eri & % t,e ca*6ai-n an& en&in- t,irt0 &a0" t,erea%ter> =,en in an0 area % t,e c 1ntr0 t,ere are 6er" n" c **ittin- act" % terr ri"* t in%l1ence 6e 6le t ! te % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0> t,e C **i""i n ",all ,a!e t,e 6 =er t a1t, riAe an0 *e*+er r *e*+er" % t,e Ar*e& F rce" % t,e P,ili66ine"> t,e Nati nal B1rea1 % In!e"ti-ati n> t,e Inte-rate& Nati nal P lice r an0 "i*ilar a-enc0 r in"tr1*entalit0 % t,e - !ern*ent> e7ce6t ci!ilian , *e &e%en"e % rce"> t act a" &e61tie" % r t,e 61r6 "e % en"1rin- t,e , l&in- % %ree> r&erl0 an& , ne"t electi n". (c) Pr *1l-ate r1le" an& re-1lati n" i*6le*entin- t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" C &e r t,er la=" =,ic, t,e C **i""i n i" reB1ire& t en% rce an& a&*ini"ter> an& reB1ire t,e 6a0*ent % le-al %ee" an& c llect t,e "a*e in 6a0*ent % an0 +1"ine"" & ne in t,e C **i""i n> at rate" t,at it *a0 6r !i&e an& %i7 in it" r1le" an& re-1lati n". /1le" an& re-1lati n" 6r *1l-ate& +0 t,e C **i""i n t i*6le*ent t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" C &e ",all ta<e e%%ect n t,e "i7teent, &a0 a%ter 61+licati n in t,e O%%icial GaAette r in at lea"t &ail0 ne="6a6er" % -eneral circ1lati n. Or&er" an& &irecti!e" i""1e& +0 t,e C **i""i n 61r"1ant t "ai& r1le" an& re-1lati n" ",all +e %1rni",e& +0 6er" nal &eli!er0 t accre&ite& 6 litical 6artie" =it,in % rt0#ei-,t , 1r" % i""1ance an& ",all ta<e e%%ect i**e&iatel0 16 n recei6t. In ca"e % c n%lict +et=een r1le"> re-1lati n"> r&er" r &irecti!e" % t,e C **i""i n in t,e e7erci"e % it" c n"tit1ti nal 6 =er" an& t, "e i""1e& +0 an0 t,er a&*ini"trati!e %%ice r a-enc0 % t,e - !ern*ent c ncernint,e "a*e *atter relati!e t electi n"> t,e % r*er ",all 6re!ail. (&) S1** n t,e 6artie" t a c ntr !er"0 6en&in- +e% re it> i""1e "1+6 ena an& "1+6 ena &1ce" tec1*> an& ta<e te"ti* n0 in an0 in!e"ti-ati n r ,earin- +e% re it> an& &ele-ate "1c, 6 =er t an0 %%icer % t,e C **i""i n =, ",all +e a *e*+er % t,e P,ili66ine Bar. In ca"e % %ail1re % a =itne"" t atten&> t,e C **i""i n> 16 n 6r % % "er!ice % t,e "1+6 ena t "ai& =itne""e"> *a0 i""1e a =arrant t arre"t

*,

=itne"" an& +rin- ,i* +e% re t,e C **i""i n +e% re =, * ,i" atten&ance i" reB1ire&.

r t,e

%%icer

An0 c ntr !er"0 "1+*itte& t t,e C **i""i n ",all> a%ter c *6liance =it, t,e reB1ire*ent" % &1e 6r ce""> +e i**e&iatel0 ,ear& an& &eci&e& +0 it =it,in "i7t0 &a0" %r * "1+*i""i n t,ere %. N &eci"i n r re" l1ti n ",all +e ren&ere& +0 t,e C **i""i n eit,er en +anc r +0 &i!i"i n 1nle"" ta<en 16 in a % r*al "e""i n 6r 6erl0 c n!ene& % r t,e 61r6 "e. T,e C **i""i n *a0> =,en nece""ar0> a!ail % t,e a""i"tance % an0 nati nal r l cal la= en% rce*ent a-enc0 an&H r in"tr1*entalit0 % t,e - !ern*ent t e7ec1te 1n&er it" &irect an& i**e&iate "16er!i"i n an0 % it" %inal &eci"i n"> r&er"> in"tr1cti n" r r1lin-". (e) P1ni", c nte*6t 6r !i&e& % r in t,e /1le" % C 1rt in t,e "a*e 6r ce&1re an& =it, t,e "a*e 6enaltie" 6r !i&e& t,erein. An0 !i lati n % an0 %inal an& e7ec1t r0 &eci"i n> r&er r r1lin- % t,e C **i""i n ",all c n"tit1te c nte*6t t,ere %. (%) En% rce an& e7ec1te it" &eci"i n"> &irecti!e"> r&er" an& in"tr1cti n" =,ic, ",all ,a!e 6rece&ence !er t, "e e*anatin- %r * an0 t,er a1t, rit0> e7ce6t t,e S16re*e C 1rt an& t, "e i""1e& in ,a+ea" c r61" 6r cee&in-". (-) Pre"cri+e t,e % r*" t re%eren&1*. +e 1"e& in t,e electi n> 6le+i"cite r

(,) Pr c1re an0 "166lie"> eB1i6*ent> *aterial" r "er!ice" nee&e& % r t,e , l&in- % t,e electi n +0 61+lic +i&&in-? Pr !i&e&> T,at> i% it %in&" t,e reB1ire*ent" % 61+lic +i&&ini*6ractical t +"er!e> t,en +0 ne- tiati n" r "eale& +i&"> an& in + t, ca"e"> t,e accre&ite& 6artie" ",all +e &1l0 n ti%ie&. (i) Pre"cri+e t,e 1"e r a& 6ti n % t,e late"t tec,n l -ical an& electr nic &e!ice"> ta<in- int acc 1nt t,e "it1ati n 6re!ailin- in t,e area an& t,e %1n&" a!aila+le % r t,e 61r6 "e? Pr !i&e&> T,at t,e C **i""i n ",all n ti%0 t,e a1t, riAe& re6re"entati!e" % accre&ite& 6 litical 6artie" an& can&i&ate" in area" a%%ecte& +0 t,e 1"e r a& 6ti n % tec,n l -ical an& electr nic &e!ice" n t le"" t,an t,irt0 &a0" 6ri r t t,e e%%ecti!it0 % t,e 1"e % "1c, &e!ice".

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(C) Carr0 1t a c ntin1in- an& "0"te*atic ca*6ai-n t,r 1-, ne="6a6er" % -eneral circ1lati n> ra&i " an& t,er *e&ia % r*" t e&1cate t,e 61+lic an& %1ll0 in% r* t,e elect rate a+ 1t electi n la="> 6r ce&1re"> &eci"i n"> an& t,er *atter" relati!e t t,e = r< an& &1tie" % t,e C **i""i n an& t,e nece""it0 % clean> %ree> r&erl0 an& , ne"t elect ral 6r ce""e". (<) Enli"t n n#6arti"an -r 16 r r-aniAati n" % citiAen" %r * t,e ci!ic> 0 1t,> 6r %e""i nal> e&1cati nal> +1"ine"" r la+ r "ect r" <n =n % r t,eir 6r +it0> i*6artialit0 an& inte-rit0 =it, t,e *e*+er",i6 an& ca6a+ilit0 t 1n&erta<e a c r&inate& 6erati n an& acti!it0 t a""i"t it in t,e i*6le*entati n % t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" C &e an& t,e re" l1ti n"> r&er" an& in"tr1cti n" % t,e C **i""i n % r t,e 61r6 "e % en"1rin%ree> r&erl0 an& , ne"t electi n" in an0 c n"tit1enc0. S1c, -r 16" r r-aniAati n" ",all %1ncti n 1n&er t,e &irect an& i**e&iate c ntr l an& "16er!i"i n % t,e C **i""i n an& ",all 6er% r* t,e % ll =in- "6eci%ic %1ncti n" an& &1tie"? A. Be% re Electi n Da0? 1. Un&erta<e an in% r*ati n ca*6ai-n n "alient %eat1re" % t,i" C &e an& ,el6 in t,e &i""e*inati n % t,e r&er"> &eci"i n" an& re" l1ti n" % t,e C **i""i n relati!e t t,e % rt,c *in- electi n. $. 9a-e a re-i"trati n &ri!e in t,eir re"6ecti!e area" " t,at all citiAen" % ! tin- a-e> n t t,er=i"e &i"B1ali%ie& +0 la= *a0 +e re-i"tere&. (. Hel6 clean"e t,e li"t % ! ter" % ille-al re-i"trant"> c n&1ct , 1"e#t #, 1"e can!a"" i% nece""ar0> an& ta<e t,e a66r 6riate le-al "te6" t =ar&" t,i" en&. 8. /e6 rt t t,e C **i""i n !i lati n" % t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" C &e n t,e c n&1ct % t,e 6 litical ca*6ai-n> electi n 6r 6a-an&a an& elect ral e76en&it1re". B. On Electi n Da0? 1. E7, rt all re-i"tere& ! ter" in t,eir re"6ecti!e area" t - t t,eir 6 llin- 6lace" an& ca"t t,eir ! te".

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$. N *inate ne =atc,er % r accre&itati n in eac, 6 llin6lace an& eac, 6lace % can!a"" =, ",all ,a!e t,e "a*e &1tie"> %1ncti n" an& ri-,t" a" t,e t,er =atc,er" % 6 litical 6artie" an& can&i&ate". Me*+er" r 1nit" % an0 citiAen -r 16 r r-aniAati n " &e"i-nate& +0 t,e C **i""i n e7ce6t it" l ne &1l0 accre&ite& =atc,er> ",all n t +e all =e& t enter an0 6 llin- 6lace e7ce6t t ! te> an& ",all> i% t,e0 " &e"ire> "ta0 in an area at lea"t %i%t0 *eter" a=a0 %r * t,e 6 llin- 6lace. (. /e6 rt t t,e 6eace a1t, ritie" an& t,er a66r 6riate a-encie" all in"tance" % terr ri"*> inti*i&ati n % ! ter"> an& t,er "i*ilar atte*6t" t %r1"trate t,e %ree an& r&erl0 ca"tin- % ! te". 8. Per% r* "1c, t,er %1ncti n" a" *a0 +e entr1"te& t "1c, -r 16 r r-aniAati n +0 t,e C **i""i n. T,e &e"i-nati n % an0 -r 16 r r-aniAati n *a&e in acc r&ance ,ere=it, *a0 +e re! <e& +0 t,e C **i""i n 16 n n tice an& ,earin- =,ene!er +0 it" act1ati n" "1c, -r 16 r r-aniAati n ,a" ", =n 6artialit0 t an0 6 litical 6art0 r can&i&ate> r ,a" 6er% r*e& act" in e7ce"" r in c ntra!enti n % t,e %1ncti n" an& &1tie" ,erein 6r !i&e& an& "1c, t,er" =,ic, *a0 +e -rante& +0 t,e C **i""i n. (l) C n&1ct ,earin-" n c ntr !er"ie" 6en&in- +e% re it in t,e citie" r 6r !ince" 16 n 6r 6er * ti n % an0 6art0> ta<inint c n"i&erati n t,e *aterialit0 an& n1*+er % =itne""e" t +e 6re"ente&> t,e "it1ati n 6re!ailin- in t,e area an& t,e %1n& a!aila+le % r t,e 61r6 "e. (*) Fi7 t,er rea" na+le 6eri &" % r certain 6re#electi n reB1ire*ent" in r&er t,at ! ter" ",all n t +e &e6ri!e& % t,eir ri-,t % "1%%ra-e an& certain -r 16" % ri-,t" -rante& t,e* in t,i" C &e. Unle"" in&icate& in t,i" C &e> t,e C **i""i n i" ,ere+0 a1t, riAe& % r %i7 t,e a66r 6riate 6eri & % r t,e !ari 1" 6r ,i+ite& act" en1*erate& ,erein> c n"i"tent =it, t,e reB1ire*ent" % %ree> r&erl0> an& , ne"t electi n".

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Sec. 4(. Fiel& %%ice" % t,e C **i""i n. # T,e C **i""i n ",all ,a!e t,e % ll =in- %iel& %%ice"? 1. /e-i nal Electi n O%%ice> ,ea&e& +0 t,e /e-i nal Electi n Direct r an& a""i"te& +0 t,e A""i"tant /e-i nal Direct r an& "1c, t,er "1+ r&inate %%icer" r e*6l 0ee" a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 a66 int. $. Pr !incial Electi n O%%ice> ,ea&e& +0 t,e Pr !incial Electi n S16er!i" r an& a""i"te& +0 "1c, t,er "1+ r&inate %%icer" r e*6l 0ee" a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 a66 int. (. Cit0HM1nici6al Electi n O%%ice> ,ea&e& +0 t,e Cit0HM1nici6al /e-i"trar =, ",all +e a""i"te& +0 an electi n cler< an& "1c, t,er e*6l 0ee" a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 a66 int.

T,e C **i""i n *a0 &ele-ate it" 6 =er" an& %1ncti n" r r&er t,e i*6le*entati n r en% rce*ent % it" r&er"> r1lin-"> r &eci"i n" t,r 1-, t,e ,ea&" % it" %iel& %%ice". Sec. 48. F1ali%icati n". # Onl0 *e*+er" % t,e P,ili66ine" Bar ",all +e eli-i+le % r a66 int*ent t t,e 6 "iti n % re-i nal &irect r> a""i"tant re-i nal &irect r> 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r an& electi n re-i"trar? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at i% t,ere are n *e*+er" % t,e P,ili66ine Bar a!aila+le % r a66 int*ent a" electi n re-i"trar> e7ce6t in citie" an& ca6ital t =n"> -ra&1ate" % &1l0 rec -niAe& "c, l" % la=> li+eral art"> e&1cati n r +1"ine"" a&*ini"trati n =, 6 ""e"" t,e a66r 6riate ci!il "er!ice eli-i+ilit0 *a0 +e a66 inte& t "ai& 6 "iti n. Sec. 44. O%%ice "6ace. # T,e l cal - !ern*ent c ncerne& ",all 6r !i&e a "1ita+le 6lace % r t,e %%ice % t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r an& ,i" "ta%% an& t,e electi n re-i"trar an& ,i" "ta%%? Pr !i&e&> T,at in ca"e % %ail1re % t,e l cal - !ern*ent c ncerne& t 6r !i&e "1c, "1ita+le 6lace> t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r r t,e electi n re-i"trar> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e> 16 n 6ri r a1t, rit0 % t,e C **i""i n an& n tice t t,e l cal - !ern*ent c ncerne&> *a0 lea"e an t,er 6lace % r %%ice an& t,e rental" t,ere % ",all +e c,ar-ea+le t t,e %1n&" % t,e l cal - !ern*ent c ncerne&.

Sec. 42. C,an-e" in t,e c *6 "iti n> &i"tri+1ti n r a""i-n*ent % %iel& %%ice". # T,e C **i""i n *a0 *a<e c,an-e" in t,e c *6 "iti n> &i"tri+1ti n an& a""i-n*ent % %iel& %%ice"> a" =ell a" it" 6er" nnel> =,ene!er t,e e7i-encie" % t,e "er!ice an& t,e intere"t % %ree> r&erl0> an& , ne"t electi n " reB1ire? Pr !i&e&> T,at "1c, c,an-e" ",all +e e%%ecti!e an& en% rcea+le nl0 % r t,e &1rati n % t,e electi n 6eri & c ncerne& an& ",all n t a%%ect t,e ten1re % %%ice % t,e inc1*+ent" % 6 "iti n" a%%ecte& an& ",all n t c n"tit1te a &e* ti n> eit,er in ran< r "alar0> n r re"1lt in c,an-e % "tat1"? an& Pr !i&e&> %1rt,er> T,at t,ere ",all +e n c,an-e" in t,e c *6 "iti n> &i"tri+1ti n r a""i-n*ent =it,in t,irt0 &a0" +e% re electi n> e7ce6t % r ca1"e an& a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-> an& t,at in n ca"e ",all a re-i nal r a""i"tant re-i nal &irect r +e a""i-ne& t a re-i n@ a 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r t a 6r !ince@ r a cit0 r *1nici6al electi n re-i"trar t a cit0 r *1nici6alit0> =,ere ,e an&H r ,i" "6 1"e are relate& t an0 can&i&ate =it,in t,e % 1rt, ci!il &e-ree % c n"an-1init0 r a%%init0 a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e. Sec. 43. Mea"1re" t en"1re en% rce*ent. # F r t,e e%%ecti!e en% rce*ent % t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" C &e> t,e C **i""i n i" %1rt,er !e"te& an& c,ar-e& =it, t,e % ll =in- 6 =er"> &1tie" an& re"6 n"i+ilitie"? 1. T i""1e "earc, =arrant" a%ter e7a*inati n 1n&er at, r a%%ir*ati n % t,e c *6lainant an& t,e =itne""e" $. T "t 6 an0 ille-al electi n acti!it0> r c n%i"cate> tear & =n> an& "t 6 an0 1nla=%1l> li+el 1"> *i"lea&in- r %al"e electi n 6r 6a-an&a> a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-. (. T inB1ire int t,e %inancial rec r&" % can&i&ate" an& an0 r-aniAati n r -r 16 % 6er" n"> * t1 6r 6ri r 16 n =ritten re6re"entati n % r 6r +a+le ca1"e +0 an0 can&i&ate r -r 16 % 6er" n" r B1ali%ie& ! ter> a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-. F r 61r6 "e" % t,i" "ecti n> t,e C **i""i n *a0 a!ail it"el% % t,e a""i"tance % t,e C **i""i n n A1&it> t,e Central Ban<> t,e Nati nal B1rea1 % In!e"ti-ati n> t,e B1rea1 % Internal /e!en1e> t,e Ar*e& F rce" % t,e P,ili66ine"> t,e Inte-rate&

*#

Nati nal P lice % t,e P,ili66ine"> +aran-a0 a-encie" % t,e - !ern*ent.

%%icial"> an&

t,er

Sec. 48. Di"B1ali%icati n" % *e*+er" % t,e C **i""i n. # T,e c,air*an an& *e*+er" % t,e C **i""i n ",all +e "1+Cect t t,e can n" % C1&icial et,ic" in t,e &i"c,ar-e % t,eir %1ncti n". N c,air*an r c **i""i ner ",all "it in an0 ca"e in =,ic, ,e ,a" *ani%e"te& +ia" r 6reC1&ice % r r a-ain"t r anta- ni"* a-ain"t an0 6art0 t,eret an& in c nnecti n t,ere=it,> r in an0 ca"e in =,ic, ,e = 1l& +e &i"B1ali%ie& 1n&er t,e /1le" % C 1rt. I% it +e clai*e& t,at t,e c,air*an r a c **i""i ner i" &i"B1ali%ie& a" a+ !e 6r !i&e&> t,e 6art0 +Cectin- t ,i" c *6etenc0 *a0 %ile ,i" +Cecti n in =ritin- =it, t,e C **i""i n "tatin- t,e -r 1n& t,ere% r. T,e %%icial c ncerne& ",all c ntin1e t 6artici6ate in t,e ,earinr =it,&ra=n t,ere%r * in acc r&ance =it, ,i" &eter*inati n % t,e B1e"ti n % ,i" &i"B1ali%icati n. T,e &eci"i n ",all % rt,=it, +e *a&e in =ritin- an& %ile& =it, t,e t,er 6a6er" % t,e ca"e in acc r&ance =it, t,e /1le" % C 1rt. I% a &i"B1ali%icati n ", 1l& re"1lt in a lac< % B1 r1* in t,e C **i""i n "ittin- en +anc> t,e Pre"i&in- D1"tice % t,e Inter*e&iate A66ellate C 1rt ",all &e"i-nate a C1"tice % "ai& c 1rt t "it in "ai& ca"e % r t,e 61r6 "e % ,earin- an& reac,in- a &eci"i n t,ere n. Sec. 4.. P1+licati n % %%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn" an& 6rintin- t,ere %. # T,e C **i""i n ",all 61+li", at lea"t ten &a0" +e% re an electi n in a ne="6a6er % -eneral circ1lati n certi%ie& &ata n t,e n1*+er % %%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn" an& t,e na*e" an& a&&re""e" % t,e 6rinter" an& t,e n1*+er 6rinte& +0 eac,.

DISCUSSIONS

DU/ISDICTION General /1le? T2e C!+E:EC sitting en banc does ?!T 2a"e t2e re/uisite aut2ority to 2ear and decide election cases in t2e %irst instance. T2is po=er pertains to t2e di"isions o% t2e CommissionJ Any decision by t2e Commission en banc as regards election cases decided

*&

by it in t2e %irst instance is null and "oid. 3Abad ". C!+E:EC4 @R ?o. 12))((4 .ecember 1,4 1***8

E7ce6ti n"? 1. 62en =2at is in"ol"ed in t2e case is purely administrati"e4 and not /uasi1Cudicial in nature. 2. 62en t2e re/uired number o% "otes to reac2 a decision4 resolution4 order or ruling is not obtained in t2e di"ision. 3@ar"ida ". Sales4 Jr. @R ?o. 12 )*34 April 1)4 1**( 8F 3. 62ere t2e petitioner in"o;ed t2e Curisdiction o% t2e C!+E:EC en banc4 participated in its proceedings and soug2t relie% t2ere%rom4 in =2ic2 instance 2e is stopped to subse/uently /uestion t2e Curisdiction o% t2e C!+E:EC en banc. (Ramire9 ". C!+E:EC4 @R ?o. 122,134 +arc2 2&4 1**)8. . $etitic2s %or t2e postponement4 declaration o% %ailure o% election and t2e calling o% special elections 3:oong ". C!+E:EC4 @R 133&(&4 April 1 4 1***8F and #. T2e C!+E:EC en banc 2as t2e po=er to porsecute election cases4 and in t2e e-ercise o% suc2 prosecutor po=er4 it conducts preliminary in"estigation4 decides =2et2er or not t2ere e-ists a probable cause and %iles t2e corresponding in%ormation in court. ('aelinar ". $eople4 @R ?os. 1 ,)#,1#14 +ay 4 2,,, 8.

PO9E/S AND FUNCTIONS 1. En%orcement and Administration o% Election :a=s and Regulations. 2. $o=er to ensure %ree4 2onest4 orderly credible4 and peace%ul elections. 3. Rule +a;ing $o=er. . >uasi1:egislati"e 'unctions #. >uasi1Judicial $o=er &. Contempt and Subpoena

*(

(. Au-iliary =rits and processes ). Speci%ic $o=ers a. $o=er to declare %ailure o% elections <n t2e case o% .ibratun ". Comelec (@.R. ?o. 1(*3&#4 'ebruary 24 2,1,8, it =as 2eld t2at 2 conditions must concur be%ore t2e C!+E:EC can act on a petition see;ing to declare a %ailure o% electionsJ i. ?o "oting too; place in t2e precinct or precincts on t2e date %i-ed by la=H or e"en i% t2ere by la=H or e"en i% t2ere =as "oting4 t2e election resulted in %ailure to electH and ii. T2e "otes not cast =ould 2a"e a%%ected t2e result o% t2e elections. iii. T2e cause o% suc2 %ailure o% election could only be any o% t2e %ollo=ingJ %orce maCeure4 "iolence4 terrorism4 %raud4 or ot2er analogous cases. b. $o=er to call %or special elections <n %i-ing t2e date %or special elections4 t2e Comelec s2ould see to it t2atJ i. <t s2ould not be later t2an 3, days a%ter t2e cessation o% t2e cause o% t2e postponement o% suspension o% t2e election or %ailure to electH and ii. <t s2ould be reasonably close to t2e date o% t2e election not 2eld or suspended or =2ic2 resulted in t2e %ailure to elect. ($angandaman ". Comelec @.R. ?o. 13 3 ,4 ?o"ember 2#4 1***) c. $o=er to postpone elections d. $o=er to correct mani%est errors on election documents 6it2 t2e introduction to t2e $C!S System $ursuant to +.*. 9#D94 e"ery copy s2ould be as good and as clear as t2e %irst one. 7ence4 t2e problem o% mani%est errors mig2t be a t2ing in t2e past. VR. A"ila 'undamentals o% Election :a= p. #* (2,1,)W.

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e. $o=er to order recan"ass o% "otes %. $o=er to annul or suspend proclamation candidates g. $o=er to annul an illegal can"as 2. $o=er to trans%er polling places i. C. $o=er to Trans%er 0enue o% Can"assing o% 0otes $o=er to order opening o% ballot bo-es

o%

elected

;. $o=er to conduct initiati"e and plebiscite

*. !t2er Speci%ic $o=ers a. .eputi9ation o% $eace !%%icers b. <n"estigatory and $rosecutional $o=er c. .eputi9ation o% on Endorsement to $rosecutors 1,.$o=er o% e-clusi"e control and super"ision o"er t2e Automated Election System (Sec. 2&4 RA ) 3&)

<n t2e case o% Ro/ue ". Comelec (@.R. ?o. 1)) #&4 September 1,4 2,,*)4 t2e SC 2eld t2at t2e C!+E:EC did not abdicate its mandate and responsibility under Sec. 2& o% RA ) 3&. 6it2 t2e "ie= t2e SC ta;es o% t2e automation o% t2e automation contract4 t2e role o% Smartmatic T<+ Corporation is basically to supply t2e goods necessary %or t2e automation proCec-t4 suc2 as but not limites to t2e $C!S mac2ines4 $Cs4 electronic transmission de"ices and related e/uipment and t2e li;e. As lessees o% t2e goods and t2e bac;1up e/uipment4 t2e corporation and its operators =ould pro"ide assistance =it2 respect to t2e mac2ines to be used by t2e C!+E:EC =2ic2 at t2e end o% t2e day4 =ill be conducting t2e election t2ru its personnel and =2oe"er it deputi9es.

**

T2e C!+E:EC s2ould be a%%orded ample elbo= room and enoug2 =2ere=it2al in de"ising means and initiati"es t2at =ould enable it to accomplis2 t2e great obCecti"e %or =2ic2 it =as created O to promote %ree4 orderly4 2onest and peace%ul elections.

@i"ing to t2e $ro"ider (Smartmatic T<+) t2e access ;eys O bot2 t2e pri"ate and public access ;eys O is li;e gi"ing to t2e system administrator o% La2oo or 7otmail oneAs pri"ate pass=ord to 2is or 2er email account. T2e pri"ate ;ey is supposed to be pri"ate to t2e C2air o% t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors4 generated by 2im and un;no=n to t2e $ro"ider. !t2er=ise t2e $ro"ider =ill 2a"e t2e capacity to alter t2e election results at t2e precinct le"el. 6orse4 e"en t2e pri"ate ;eys at t2e can"assing le"el are generated by t2e $ro"ider4 allo=ing t2e pro"ider to c2ange t2e election results at t2e can"assing le"el. Clearly4 t2e C!+E:EC 2as abdicated control o"er t2e elections to t2e $ro"iderH putting t2e integrity and outcome o% t2e 1, +ay 2,1, elections solely in t2e 2ands o% t2e $ro"ider (Ro/ue ". Comelec @.R. ?o. 1)) #&4 September 1,4 2,,*4 Justice Carpio dissenting)

Stand1by $o=er o% C!+E:ECJ <% it s2all no longer be reasonably possible to obser"e t2e periods and dates prescribed by la= %or certain pre1election acts4 t2e Commission s2all %i- ot2er periods and dates in order to ensure accomplis2ment o% t2e acti"ities so "oters s2all not be depri"ed o% t2eir su%%rage (Sec. 2)4 R.A. ) 3& S Sec. 2* o% R.A. && &4 adopted pursuant to Sec. *4 Art. <R1C o% t2e 1*)( Constitution.

T2is stand1by po=er4 2o=e"er4 does not apply to %i-ing t2e date o% registration o% "otes because Sec. ) o% R.A. 31)* =2ic2 pro"ides %or a continuing registration o% "oters4 speci%ically states t2atJ D?o registration s2all4 2o=e"er4 be conducted during t2e period starting one 2undred t=enty (12,) days be%ore a regular election and ninety (*,) days be%ore a special election.

1,,

P =er" NOT Grante& t

t,e COMELEC

1. ?o po=er to decide /uestions in"ol"ing t2e rig2t to "ote. 2. ?o po=er to include and e-clude "oters Currently4 Curisdiction to decide contro"ersies on inclusion or e-clusion o% "oters belongs to t2e +unicipal Trial Court.

DU/ISP/UDENCE BEDOL !". COMELEC G./. N . 13.8()> Dece*+er (> $)). T2e main t2rust o% petitionerAs argument is t2at t2e C!+E:EC e-ceeded its Curisdiction in initiating t2e contempt proceedings =2en it =as per%orming its administrati"e and not its /uasi1Cudicial %unctions as t2e ?ational 3oard o% Can"assers %or t2e election o% senators. According to petitioner4 t2e C!+E:EC may only punis2 contemptuous acts =2ile e-ercising its /uasi1Cudicial %unctions. T2e C!+E:EC4 t2roug2 t2e Tas; 'orce +aguindanao4 =as e-ercising its /uasi1Cudicial po=er in pursuit o% t2e trut2 be2ind t2e allegations o% massi"e %raud during t2e elections in +aguindanao. To ac2ie"e its obCecti"e4 t2e Tas; 'orce conducted 2earings and re/uired t2e attendance o% t2e parties concerned and t2eir counsels to gi"e t2em t2e opportunity to argue and support t2eir respecti"e positions. To =it22old %rom t2e C!+E:EC t2e po=er to punis2 indi"iduals =2o re%use to appear during a %act1%inding in"estigation4 despite a pre"ious notice and order to attend4 =ould render nugatory t2e C!+E:ECAs in"estigati"e po=er4 =2ic2 is an essential incident to its constitutional mandate to secure t2e conduct o% 2onest and credible elections. <n t2is case4 t2e purpose o% t2e in"estigation =as 2o=e"er derailed =2en petitioner obstinately re%used to appear during said 2earings and to ans=er /uestions regarding t2e "arious election documents =2ic24 2e claimed4 =ere stolen =2ile t2ey =ere in 2is possession and custody. 8ndoubtedly4 t2e C!+E:EC could punis2 petitioner %or suc2 contumacious re%usal to attend t2e Tas; 'orce 2earings.

1,1

PANLILIO !". COMELEC an& PINEDA G./. N . 181838> D1l0 14> $)). Since t2e C!+E:ECAs .i"ision issued t2e interlocutory !rder4 t2e same C!+E:EC .i"ision s2ould resol"e t2e motion %or reconsideration o% t2e !rder. T2e remedy o% t2e aggrie"ed party is neit2er to %ile a motion %or reconsideration %or certi%ication to t2e C!+E:EC En 3anc nor to ele"ate t2e issue to t2is Court "ia a petition %or certiorari under Rule &# o% t2e Rules o% Ci"il $rocedure. !nly %inal orders o% t2e C!+E:EC in .i"ision may be raised be%ore t2e C!+E:EC en banc. Section 34 Article <R1C o% t2e 1*)( Constitution mandates t2at only motions %or reconsideration o% %inal decisions s2all be decided by t2e C!+E:EC en banc. <t is clear %rom t2e %oregoing constitutional pro"ision t2at t2e C!+E:EC en banc s2all decide motions %or reconsideration only o% DdecisionsE o% a .i"ision4 meaning t2ose acts 2a"ing a %inal c2aracter. 7ere4 t2e assailed Second .i"ision order did not completely dispose o% t2e case4 as t2ere =as somet2ing more to be done4 =2ic2 =as to decide t2e election protest. 3eing interlocutory4 t2e assailed Second .i"ision orders may not be resol"ed by t2e C!+E:EC en banc. 8nder Section 2(2)4 Article <R1C o% t2e 1*)( Constitution4 t2e C!+E:EC e-ercises e-clusi"e original Curisdiction o"er all contests relating to t2e elections o% all electi"e regional4 pro"incial4 and city o%%icials. Since t2e C!+E:EC 2as Curisdiction o"er petitionerAs election protest4 it 2as t2e aut2ority to issue t2e assailed !rders.

BAI SAND/A S.A. SEMA !". COMELEC G./. N . 1334.3> D1l0 12> $))8 <t =as 2eld t2at C!+E:EC Resolution ?o. (*,24 preser"ing t2e geograp2ic and legislati"e district o% t2e 'irst .istrict o% +aguindanao =it2 Cotabato City4 is "alid as it merely complies =it2 Section # o% Article 0< and Section 2, o% Article R o% t2e Constitution4 as =ell as Section 1 o% t2e !rdinance appended to t2e Constitution.

CE/BO> D/. !". COMELEC G./. N . 128811> Fe+r1ar0 14> $))3

1,2

6it2 respect to petitioner Cerbo =2o ran %or t2e position o% congressman4 t2e C!+E:EC indeed 2ad no Curisdiction o"er 2is petition4 2is opponent respondent Su2arto T. +angudadatu 2a"ing been proclaimed as suc2. <t is =ell settled t2at once a candidate is proclaimed as representati"e4 t2e opponentAs recourse is to %ile an election protest =it2 t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es Electoral Tribunal =2ic2 2as t2e sole and e-clusi"e Curisdiction o"er all contests relati"e to t2e election4 returns and /uali%ications o% members o% t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es4 and t2is 2olds true e"en i% t2ere is an allegation o% nullity o% proclamation.

OLANOLAN !". COMELEC G./. N . 1248.1> Marc, (1> $))4 T2e C!+E:EC en banc4 in issuing its assailed !rder dated September )4 2,, 4 did no more t2an %ollo= its o=n rules issued pursuant to no less t2an to its constitutional mandate to promulgate its rules o% procedure to e-pedite disposition o% election cases as =ell as to issue its o=n rules concerning pleadings and practice be%ore it or be%ore any o% its o%%ices. T2e rules on payment o% legal %ees and submission o% pleadings are embodied in t2e C!+E:EC Rules o% $rocedure4 speci%ically Section ((%) o% Rule , and Section 14 Rule (4 t2ereo%.

BAGATSING !". COMELEC ($) SC/A $$) A complaint %or dis/uali%ication %iled be%ore t2e election must be in/uired into by t2e C!+E:EC %or t2e purpose o% determining =2et2er t2e acts complained o% 2a"e in %act been committed. Second paragrap2 o% paragrap2 2 o% Resolution ?o. 2,#, pro"ides t2at =2ere a complaint is %iled a%ter t2e elections but be%ore proclamation4 as in t2is case4 t2e complaint must be dismissed as a dis/uali%ied case but s2all be re%erred to t2e :a= .epartment %or preliminary in"estigation. +ere pendency o% a dis/uali%ication case against a candidate4 and a =inning candidate at t2at does not Custi%y t2e suspension o% 2is proclamation a%ter =inning in t2e election.

1,3

MOHAMMAD !". COMELEC ($) SC/A $48 Court 2as already sanctioned t2e met2od o% tec2nical e-amination o% t2e t2umbprints o% "oters4 o"er re"ision o% ballots4 =2ere a recount or re"ision o% t2e ballots =ill not be re%lecti"e o% t2e so"ereign =ill due to t2e irregularities committed during t2e elections. C!+E:EC =as Custi%ied in ordering a tec2nical e-amination o% t2e t2umbprints o% t2e "oters based on t2e "oters a%%ida"its and t2e Computeri9ed 0oters :ist. 'actual %indings o% t2e C!+E:EC based on its o=n assessments and duly supported by e"idence4 are conclusi"e upon t2e Supreme Court4 more so4 in t2e absence o% a substantiated attac; on t2e "alidity o% t2e same.

/ELAMPAGOS !". CUMBA $8( SC/A 2.) T2e aut2ority to issue =rits o% certiorari4 pro2ibition and mandamus in"ol"es t2e e-ercise o% original Curisdiction =2ic2 2as al=ays been e-pressly con%erred eit2er by t2e Constitution or by la=. <n @arcia and 8y4 and later in 0eloria4 t2e Supreme Court ruled t2at t2e C!+E:EC 2as no Curisdiction o"er t2e e-traordinary =rits o% certiorari4 pro2ibition and mandamus because t2ere is no speci%ic constitutional or statutory con%erment to it o% suc2 Curisdiction. T2e C!+E:EC 2as t2e aut2ority to issue t2e e-traordinary =rits o% certiorari4 pro2ibition and mandamus only in aid o% its appellate Curisdiction.

1,

C!+E:EC correctly set aside t2e c2allenged order granting t2e motion %or e-ecution pending appeal and =rit o% e-ecution issued by t2e trial court.

A/TICLE 'III
POLITICAL PA/TIES
Sec. 2). P litical 6art0. # JP litical 6art0J r J6art0J> =,en 1"e& in t,i" Act> *ean" an r-aniAe& -r 16 % 6er" n" 61r"1in- t,e "a*e i&e l -0> 6 litical i&ea" r 6lat% r*" % - !ern*ent an& incl1&e" it" +ranc,e" an& &i!i"i n". T acB1ire C1ri&ical 6er" nalit0> B1alit0 it % r "1+"eB1ent accre&itati n> an& t entitle it t t,e ri-,t" an& 6ri!ile-e" ,erein -rante& t 6 litical 6artie"> a 6 litical 6art0 ",all %ir"t +e &1l0 re-i"tere& =it, t,e C **i""i n. An0 re-i"tere& 6 litical 6art0 t,at> "in-l0 r in c aliti n =it, t,er"> %ail" t +tain at lea"t ten 6ercent % t,e ! te" ca"t in t,e c n"tit1enc0 in =,ic, it n *inate& an& "166 rte& a can&i&ate r can&i&ate" in t,e electi n ne7t % ll =in- it" re-i"trati n ",all> a%ter n tice an& ,earin- +e &ee*e& t ,a!e % r%eite& "1c, "tat1" a" a re-i"tere& 6 litical 6art0 in "1c, c n"tit1enc0. Sec. 21. /e-i"trati n. # An0 r-aniAe& -r 16 % 6er" n" "ee<in- re-i"trati n a" a nati nal r re-i nal 6 litical 6art0 *a0 %ile =it, t,e C **i""i n a !eri%ie& 6etiti n attac,int,eret it" c n"tit1ti n an& +0#la="> 6lat% r* r 6r -ra* % - !ern*ent an& "1c, t,er rele!ant in% r*ati n a" *a0 +e reB1ire& +0 t,e C **i""i n. T,e C **i""i n ",all> a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-> re" l!e t,e 6etiti n =it,in ten &a0" %r * t,e &ate it i" "1+*itte& % r &eci"i n.

1,#

N reli-i 1" "ect ",all +e re-i"tere& a" a 6 litical 6art0 an& n 6 litical 6art0 =,ic, "ee<" t ac,ie!e it" - al t,r 1-, !i lence ",all +e entitle& t accre&itati n. Sec. 2$. P1+licati n % 6etiti n % r re-i"trati n r accre&itati n. # T,e C **i""i n ",all reB1ire 61+licati n % t,e 6etiti n % r re-i"trati n r accre&itati n in at lea"t t,ree ne="6a6er" % -eneral circ1lati n an& ",all> a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-> re" l!e t,e 6etiti n =it,in %i%teen &a0" %r * t,e &ate it i" "1+*itte& % r &eci"i n.

A/TICLE I5
ELIGIBILIT: OF CANDIDATES AND CE/TIFICATE OF CANDIDAC:

Sec. 2(. F1ali%icati n" % r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent % t,e P,ili66ine". # N 6er" n *a0 +e electe& Pre"i&ent 1nle"" ,e i" a nat1ral#+ rn citiAen % t,e P,ili66ine"> a re-i"tere& ! ter> a+le t rea& an& =rite> at lea"t % rt0 0ear" % a-e n t,e &a0 % electi n> an& a re"i&ent % t,e P,ili66ine" % r at lea"t ten 0ear" i**e&iatel0 6rece&in- "1c, electi n. Sec. 28. F1ali%icati n" % r Me*+er" % t,e Bata"anPa*+an"a. # N 6er" n ",all +e electe& Me*+er % t,e Bata"anPa*+an"a a" 6r !incial> cit0 r &i"trict re6re"entati!e 1nle"" ,e i" a nat1ral#+ rn citiAen % t,e P,ili66ine" an&> n t,e &a0 % t,e electi n> i" at lea"t t=ent0# %i!e 0ear" % a-e> a+le t rea& an& =rite> a re-i"tere& ! ter in t,e c n"tit1enc0 in =,ic, ,e ",all +e electe&> an& a re"i&ent t,ere % % r a 6eri & % n t le"" t,an "i7 * nt," i**e&iatel0 6rece&in- t,e &a0 % t,e electi n.

1,&

A "ect ral re6re"entati!e ",all +e a nat1ral#+ rn citiAen % t,e P,ili66ine"> a+le t rea& an& =rite> a re"i&ent % t,e P,ili66ine"> a+le t rea& an& =rite> a re"i&ent % t,e P,ili66ine" % r a 6eri & % n t le"" t,an ne 0ear i**e&iatel0 6rece&in- t,e &a0 % t,e electi n> a + na %i&e *e*+er % t,e "ect r ,e "ee<" t re6re"ent> an& in t,e ca"e % a re6re"entati!e % t,e a-ric1lt1ral r in&1"trial la+ r "ect r> ",all +e a re-i"tere& ! ter> an& n t,e &a0 % t,e electi n i" at lea"t t=ent0#%i!e 0ear" % a-e. T,e 0 1t, "ect ral re6re"entati!e ", 1l& at lea"t +e ei-,teen an& n t +e * re t,an t=ent0#%i!e 0ear" % a-e n t,e &a0 % t,e electi n? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at an0 0 1t, "ect ral re6re"entati!e =, attain" t,e a-e % t=ent0#%i!e 0ear" &1rin- ,i" ter* ",all +e entitle& t c ntin1e in %%ice 1ntil t,e e76irati n % ,i" ter*.

DU/ISP/UDENCE DOMINO !". COMELEC (1) SC/A 482 <t is doctrinally settled t2at t2e term Dresidence4E as used in t2e la= prescribing t2e /uali%ications %or su%%rage and %or electi"e o%%ice4 means t2e same t2ing as Ddomicile4E =2ic2 imports not only an intention to reside in a %i-ed place but also personal presence in t2at place4 coupled =it2 conduct indicati"e o% suc2 intention. A personAs DdomicileE once establis2ed is considered to continue and =ill not be deemed lost until a ne= one is establis2ed.

1,(

62ile DresidenceE simply re/uires bodily presence in a gi"en place4 DdomicileE re/uires not only suc2 bodily presence in t2at place but also a declared and probable intent to ma;e it oneAs %i-ed and permanent place o% abode4 oneAs 2ome. <ntention to ac/uire a domicile =it2out actual residence in t2e locality does not result in ac/uisition o% domicile4 nor does t2e %act o% p2ysical presence =it2out intention. T2e lease contract may be indicati"e o% a personAs intention to reside in a particular locality but it does not engender t2e ;ind o% permanency re/uired to pro"e abandonment o% oneAs original domicile. 62ile "oting is not conclusi"e o% residence4 it does gi"e rise to a strong presumption o% residence O e-ercising t2e rig2t o% election %ranc2ise is a deliberate public assertion o% t2e %act o% residence4 and is said to 2a"e decided preponderance is a doubt%ul case upon t2e place t2e elector claims as4 or belie"es to be4 2is residence. <t is no= settled doctrine t2at t2e candidate =2o obtains t2e second 2ig2est number o% "otes may not be proclaimed =inner in case t2e =inning candidate is dis/uali%ied. <t =ould be e-tremely repugnant to t2e basic concept o% t2e constitutionally guaranteed rig2t to su%%rage i% a candidate =2o 2as not ac/uired t2e maCority or plurality o% "otes is proclaimed a =inner and imposed as t2e representati"e o% a constituency4 t2e maCority o% =2ic2 2a"e positi"ely declared t2roug2 t2eir ballots t2at t2ey do not c2oose 2im. T2e e%%ect o% a decision declaring a person ineligible to 2old an o%%ice is only t2at t2e election %ails entirely4 in suc2 case4 t2e electors 2a"e %ailed to ma;e a c2oice and t2e election is a nullity. 62en t2e Constitution spea;s o% residence4 t2e =ord s2ould be understood4 consistent =it2 6ebster4 to mean actual4 p2ysical and personal presence in t2e district t2at a candidate see;s to represent. T2e original concept o% domicile4 =2ic2 arose %rom American Curisprudence4 =as not intended to go"ern political rig2ts4 it =as designed to resol"e t2e con%lict o% la=s bet=een or among states =2ere a decedent may 2a"e li"ed %or "arious reasons4 %or t2e purpose o% determining =2ic2 la= =as applicable as regards 2is estate.

1,)

Applying t2e concept o% domicile in determining residence as a /uali%ication %or an electi"e o%%ice =ould negate t2e obCecti"e be2ind t2e residence re/uirement o% one year (or si- mont2s4 in t2e case o% local positions).

/OMUALDE;#MA/COS !". COMELEC $88 SC/A ()) Residence4 %or t2e purpose o% meeting t2e /uali%ication %or an electi"e position4 2as a settled meaning in our Curisdiction. 0ie= t2at it is not t2e mere %act o% marriage but t2e deliberate c2oice o% a di%%erent domicile by t2e 2usband t2at =ill c2ange t2e domicile o% a =i%e %rom =2at it =as prior to t2eir marriage. .omicile includes t2e t=in elements o% t2e %act o% residing or p2ysical presence in a %i-ed place and animus manendi4 or t2e intention o% returning t2ere permanently. T2e essential distinction bet=een residence and domicile in la= is t2at residence in"ol"es t2e intent to lea"e =2en t2e purpose %or =2ic2 t2e resident 2as ta;en up 2is abode ends. As t2ese concepts 2a"e e"ol"ed in our election la=4 =2at 2as clearly and une/ui"ocally emerged is t2e %act t2at residence %or election purposes is used synonymously =it2 domicile. 62en t2e Constitution spea;s o% DresidenceE in election la=4 it actually means DdomicileE. <t is t2e %act o% residence4 not a statement in a certi%icate o% candidacy =2ic2 oug2t to be decisi"e in determining =2et2er or not an indi"idual 2as satis%ied t2e ConstitutionAs residency /uali%ication re/uirement. T2e 2onest mista;e in t2e certi%icate o% candidacy regarding t2e period o% residency does not negate t2e %act o% residence in a congressional district i% suc2 %act is establis2ed by means more con"incing t2an a mere entry on a piece o% paper An indi"idual does not lose 2is domicile e"en i% 2e 2as li"ed and maintained residences in di%%erent places.

1,*

A minor %ollo=s t2e domicile o% 2is parents. To success%ully e%%ect a c2ange o% domicile4 one must demonstrateJ 1. An actual remo"al or an actual c2ange o% domicileH 2. A bona %ide intention o% abandoning t2e %ormer place o% residence and establis2ing a ne= oneH and 3. Acts =2ic2 correspond =it2 t2e purpose. Abandonment re/uires t2e "oluntary act o% relin/uis2ing %ormer domicile =it2 intent to supplant t2e %ormer domicile =it2 one o% 2er o=n c2oosing (domicilium "oluntarium). T2e presumption t2at t2e =i%e automatically gains t2e 2usbandAs domicile by operation o% la= upon marriage cannot be in%erred %rom t2e use o% t2e term DresidenceE in Article 11, o% t2e Ci"il Code because t2e Ci"il Code is one area =2ere t2e t=o concepts are =ell delineated. A sur"ey o% Curisprudence yields not2ing =2ic2 =ould suggest t2at t2e %emale spouse automatically loses 2er domicile o% origin in %a"or o% t2e 2usbandAs c2oice o% residence upon marriage. <t is illogical to conclude t2at Article 11, o% t2e Ci"il Code re%ers to DdomicileE and not to DresidenceE. 62at petitioner gained upon marriage =as actual residence but s2e did not lose 2er domicile o% origin. T2e common la= concept o% Dmatrimonial domicileE appears to 2a"e been incorporated4 as a result o% our Curisprudential e-periences a%ter t2e dra%ting o% t2e Ci"il Code o% 1*#,4 into t2e ?e= 'amily Code. T2e term residence may mean one t2ing in ci"il la= (or under t2e Ci"il Code) and /uite anot2er t2ing in political la=. <t is a settled doctrine t2at a statute re/uiring rendition o% Cudgment =it2in a speci%ied time is generally construed to be merely directory. AFUINO !". COMELEC $88 SC/A 8)) T2e Constitution re/uires t2at a person see;ing election to t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es s2ould be a resident o% t2e district in =2ic2 2e see;s election %or a period o% not less t2an on (1) year prior to t2e elections.

11,

Clearly4 t2e place D=2ere a party actually or constructi"ely 2as 2is permanent 2ome4E i.e.4 2is domicile4 is t2at to =2ic2 t2e Constitution re%ers =2en it spea;s o% residence %or t2e purpose o% election la=. 62ile t2ere is not2ing =rong =it2 t2e practice o% establis2ing residence in a gi"en area %or meeting election la= re/uirements4 t2is nonet2eless de%eats t2e essence o% representation4 =2ic2 is to place t2roug2 t2e assent o% "oters t2ose most cogni9ant and sensiti"e to t2e needs o% a particular district4 i% a candidate %alls s2ort o% t2e period o% residency mandated by la= %or 2im to /uali%y. T2e absence o% clear and positi"e proo% s2o=ing a success%ul abandonment o% domicile under t2e conditions in t2e instant case O sentimental4 actual or ot2er=ise O =it2 t2e area4 and t2e suspicious circumstances under =2ic2 a lease agreement =as e%%ected all belie petitionerAs claim o% residency %or t2e period re/uired by t2e Constitution.

Sec. 24. F1ali%icati n" % electi!e l cal %%icial". # T,e B1ali%icati n" % r electi!e 6r !incial> cit0> *1nici6al an& +aran-a0 %%icial" ",all +e t, "e 6r !i&e& % r in t,e L cal G !ern*ent C &e.

DU/ISP/UDENCE ALDO'INO> Dr.> et al. !". COMELEC an& ASILO G./. N . 1888(2> Dece*+er $(> $)). T2e =ord KtermK in a legal sense means a %i-ed and de%inite period o% time =2ic2 t2e la= describes t2at an o%%icer may 2old an o%%ice. According to +ec2em4 t2e term o% o%%ice is t2e period during =2ic2 an o%%ice may be 2eld. 8pon e-piration o% t2e o%%icerAs term4 unless 2e is aut2ori9ed by la= to 2oldo"er4 2is rig2ts4 duties and aut2ority as a public o%%icer must ipso %acto cease. <n t2e la= o% public o%%icers4 t2e most and natural %re/uent met2od by =2ic2 a public o%%icer ceases to be suc2 is by t2e e-piration o% t2e terms %or =2ic2 2e =as elected or appointed. T2e pre"enti"e suspension o% an elected public o%%icial does not interrupt o% 2is term o% o%%ice %or purposes o% t2e t2ree1term limit rule

111

under Section )4 Article R o% t2e Constitution and Section Republic Act ?o. (1&,.

3(b) o%

To allo= a pre"enti"ely suspended electi"e o%%icial to run %or a %ourt2 and pro2ibited term is to close our eyes to t2is reality and to allo= a constitutional "iolation t2roug2 sop2istry by e/uating t2e temporary inability to disc2arge t2e %unctions o% o%%ice =it2 t2e interruption o% term t2at t2e constitutional pro"ision contemplates. To be sure4 many reasons e-ist4 "oluntary or in"oluntary O some o% t2em personal and some o% t2em by operation o% la= O t2at may temporarily pre"ent an electi"e o%%ice 2older %rom e-ercising t2e %unctions o% 2is o%%ice in t2e =ay t2at pre"enti"e suspension does. A serious e-tended illness4 inability t2roug2 %orce maCeure4 or t2e en%orcement o% a suspension as a penalty4 to cite some in"oluntary e-amples4 may pre"ent an o%%ice 2older %rom e-ercising t2e %unctions o% 2is o%%ice %or a time =it2out %or%eiting title to o%%ice. $re"enti"e suspension is no di%%erent because it disrupts actual deli"ery o% ser"ice %or a time =it2in a term. Adopting suc2 interruption o% actual ser"ice as t2e standard to determine e%%ecti"e interruption o% term under t2e t2ree1term rule raises at least t2e possibility o% con%usion in implementing t2is rule4 gi"en t2e many modes and occasions =2en actual ser"ice may be interrupted in t2e course o% ser"ing a term o% o%%ice. T2e standard may reduce t2e en%orcement o% t2e t2ree1term limit rule to a case1to1case and possibly see1sa=ing determination o% =2at an e%%ecti"e interruption is.

PUNDAODA:A !". COMELEC> et al. G./. N . 13.(1(> Se6te*+er 13> $)). <n Jap9on ". Commission on Elections (@.R. ?o. 1),,))4 January 1*4 2,,*)4 it =as 2eld t2at t2e term DresidenceE is to be understood not in its common acceptation as re%erring to Dd=ellingE or D2abitation4E but rat2er to DdomicileE or legal residence4 t2at is4 Dt2e place =2ere a party actually or constructi"ely 2as 2is permanent 2ome4 =2ere 2e4 no matter =2ere 2e may be %ound at any gi"en time4 e"entually intends to return and remain (animus manendi).E <n .omino ". Commission on Elections4 t2e Court e-plained t2at domicile denotes a %i-ed permanent residence to =2ic24 =2ene"er absent %or business4 pleasure4 or some ot2er reasons4 one intends to return. <t is a /uestion o% intention and circumstances. <n t2e consideration o% circumstances4 t2ree rules must be borne in mind4 namelyJ (1) t2at a man must 2a"e a residence or domicile some=2ereH

112

(2) =2en once establis2ed it remains until a ne= one is ac/uiredH and (3) a man can 2a"e but one residence or domicile at a time. <% one =is2es to success%ully e%%ect a c2ange o% domicile4 2e must demonstrate an actual remo"al or an actual c2ange o% domicile4 a bona %ide intention o% abandoning t2e %ormer place o% residence and establis2ing a ne= one4 and de%inite acts =2ic2 correspond =it2 t2e purpose. 6it2out clear and positi"e proo% o% t2e concurrence o% t2ese t2ree re/uirements4 t2e domicile o% origin continues.

LIMBONA !". COMELEC G./. N . 181).3> D1ne $4> $))8 T2e Comelec correctly %ound t2at petitioner %ailed to satis%y t2e one1 year residency re/uirement. T2e term KresidenceK as used in t2e election la= is synonymous =it2 Kdomicile4K =2ic2 imports not only intention to reside in a %i-ed place but also personal presence in t2at place4 coupled =it2 conduct indicati"e o% suc2 intention. T2e mani%est intent o% t2e la= in %i-ing a residence /uali%ication is to e-clude a stranger or ne=comer4 unac/uainted =it2 t2e conditions and needs o% a community and not identi%ied =it2 t2e latter4 %rom an electi"e o%%ice to ser"e t2at community. 'or purposes o% election la=4 t2e /uestion o% residence is mainly one o% intention. T2ere is no 2ard and %ast rule by =2ic2 to determine =2ere a person actually resides. T2ree rules are4 2o=e"er4 =ell establis2edJ %irst4 t2at a man must 2a"e a residence or domicile some=2ereH second4 t2at =2ere once establis2ed it remains until a ne= one is ac/uiredH and t2ird4 a man can 2a"e but one domicile at a time. <n order to ac/uire a domicile by c2oice4 t2ere must concur (1) residence or bodily presence in t2e ne= locality4 (2) an intention to remain t2ere4 and (3) an intention to abandon t2e old domicile. A personAs KdomicileK once establis2ed is considered to continue and =ill not be deemed lost until a ne= one is establis2ed. To success%ully e%%ect a c2ange o% domicile one must demonstrate an actual remo"al or an actual c2ange o% domicileH a bona %ide intention o% abandoning t2e %ormer place o% residence and establis2ing a ne= one4 and de%inite acts =2ic2 correspond =it2 t2e purpose. <n ot2er =ords4 t2ere must basically be animus manendi coupled =it2 animus non re"ertendi. T2e purpose to remain in or at t2e domicile o% c2oice must be %or an inde%inite period o% timeH t2e c2ange o% residence must be

113

"oluntaryH and t2e residence at t2e place c2osen %or t2e ne= domicile must be actual.

PAPANDA:AN> D/. !. COMELEC an& BALT G./. N . 183.).> A6ril 12> $))$ 'ACTSJ <n t2e 2,,1 elections4 t2ree candidates ran %or t2e position o% mayor o% Tubaran4 :anao del SurJ $apandayan4 Jr.4 3alt4 and 3antuas. 3alt4 t2e incumbent mayor see;ing re1election4 soug2t t2e dis/uali%ication o% $apandayan4 Jr.4 alleging t2at 2e =as not a resident o% Tangcal4 Tubaran4 :anao del Sur but a permanent resident o% 3ayang4 :anao del Sur. !n +ay )4 2,,14 t2e C!+E:EC (Second .i"ision) issued a resolution. <t declared $apandayan4 Jr. to be dis/uali%ied and ordered 2is name to be stric;en o%% t2e list o% candidates and all "otes cast in 2is %a"or not to be counted but considered as stray "otes. <t ruled t2at it =as t2e %act o% $apandayanAs residence4 not t2e statement in 2is certi%icate o% candidacy4 =2ic2 determined =2et2er or not 2e 2ad satis%ied t2e residency re/uirement o% one (1) year preceding t2e +ay 1 4 2,,1 elections. <n %inding t2at $apandayan4 Jr. ne"er intended to relin/uis2 2is %ormer domicile in 3ayang4 t2e C!+E:EC too; note o% t2e testimony o% petitioner in t2e e-clusion proceedings against 2im be%ore t2e municipal trial4 in =2ic2 2e stated t2at 2e =as li"ing in +ara=i City =2ere 2e =as t2e pri"ate secretary o% +ayor Abdilla2 Ampatua. !n +ay 1#4 2,,14 $apandayan4 Jr. recei"ed a telegram %rom t2e C!+E:EC noti%ying 2im o% t2e resolution o% t2e C!+E:EC en banc dated +ay 124 2,,14 o% t2e C!+E:EC =2ic2 denied 2is motion %or reconsideration. !n +ay 1(4 2,,14 2e %iled t2e present petition %or certiorari =it2 prayer %or t2e issuance o% a temporary restraining order andMor =rit o% preliminary inCunction. +ean=2ile4 on +ay 1*4 2e %iled a petition =it2 t2e C!+E:EC see;ing t2e issuance o% an order directing t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors (3E<) o% Tubaran to count and tally t2e ballots cast in 2is %a"or. !n t2e ot2er 2and4 3alt %iled a pre1proclamation case in t2e C!+E:EC.

11

!n +ay 2*4 2,,14 t2e C!+E:EC issued an order suspending t2e proclamation o% $apandayan4 Jr. as t2e duly elected mayor o% Tubaran pending t2e resolution o% t2is present petition. 7o=e"er4 despite t2e said order4 t2e +unicipal 3oard o% Can"assers o% Tubaran proceeded =it2 t2e proclamation. 8pon motion o% 3alt4 t2e C!+E:EC issued an order setting aside t2e proclamation o% $apandayan4 Jr.4 =it2out preCudice to t2e %iling o% t2e appropriate c2arges against t2e members o% t2e 3oard responsible %or t2e proclamation. T2erea%ter4 t2e C!+E:EC en banc issued a resolution4 sustaining t2e annulment o% t2e proclamation o% $apandayan4 Jr. As a conse/uence t2ereo%4 t2e incumbent 0ice1+ayor o% Tubaran assumed t2e position o% mayor pursuant to t2e C!+E:EC en banc resolution. !n +ay 224 2,,14 t2e Supreme Court re/uired t2e C!+E:EC and 3alt to comment on t2e petition and4 upon t2e posting o% a bond by $apandayan4 Jr. in t2e amount o% $1,4,,,.,,4 it issued a temporary restraining order enCoining t2e C!+E:EC %rom implementing its resolutions o% +ay ) and +ay 124 2,,1.

<SS8ESJ 1. 62et2er or not t2e petition %or certiorari %iled by $apandayan4 Jr. s2ould be grantedH 2. 62et2er or not t2e C!+E:EC acted =it2 gra"e abuse o% discretion in declaring $apandayan4 Jr. dis/uali%ied on t2e ground t2at 2e is not a resident o% Tuburan. R8:<?@J 1. Les. T2e petition s2ould be granted. At t2e time t2e elections =ere 2eld in +ay 1 4 2,,14 t2e resolution4 dated +ay 124 2,,14 2ad not become %inal and e-ecutory. 7ence4 t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors (3E<) =as duty bound to tally and count t2e "otes cast in %a"or o% petitioner.

2. Les. 6it2 due regard %or t2e e-pertise o% t2e C!+E:EC4 t2e SC %ound t2e e"idence to be insu%%icient to sustain its resolution. $apandayan4 Jr. 2as duly pro"en t2at4 alt2oug2 2e =as %ormerly a resident o% t2e +unicipality o% 3ayang4 2e later trans%erred residence to Tangcal in t2e +unicipality o% Tubaran as s2o=n by 2is actual and p2ysical presence t2erein %or 1, years prior to t2e +ay

11#

1 4 2,,1 elections. T2e principle o% animus re"ertendi 2as been used to determine =2et2er a candidate 2as an Kintention to returnK to t2e place =2ere 2e see;s to be elected. Corollary to t2is is a determination =2et2er t2ere 2as been an KabandonmentK o% 2is %ormer residence =2ic2 signi%ies an intention to depart t2ere %rom.

As it =as 2eld in Romualde9 ". RTC4 3r. (4 Tacloban City4 KdomicileK and KresidenceK are synonymous. T2e term Kresidence4K as used in t2e election la=4 imports not only an intention to reside in a %i-ed place but also personal presence in t2at place4 coupled =it2 conduct indicati"e o% suc2 intention. K.omicileK denotes a %i-ed permanent residence to =2ic2 =2en absent %or business or pleasure4 or %or li;e reasons4 one intends to return.

T2e Court e-plained t2at in order to ac/uire a ne= domicile by c2oice4 t2e %ollo=ing must concur (1) residence or bodily presence in t2e ne= locality4 (2) an intention to remain t2ere4 and (3) an intention to abandon t2e old domicile. T2ere must be animus manendi coupled =it2 animus non re"ertendi. T2e purpose to remain in or at t2e domicile o% c2oice must be %or an inde%inite period o% timeH t2e c2ange o% residence must be "oluntaryH and t2e residence at t2e place c2osen %or t2e ne= domicile must be actual. T2e record s2o=s t2at =2en $apandayan4 Jr. and 2is =i%e got married in 1**,4 t2ey resided in Tangcal4 Tubaran. 'rom t2en on4 t2ere =as mani%est intention on 2is part reside in Tubaran4 =2ic2 2e deemed to be t2e place o% 2is conCugal abode =it2 2is =i%e. T2e %act t2at 2e and 2is =i%e trans%erred residence %rom 3ayang to Tubaran s2o=s t2at 2e =as relin/uis2ing 2is %ormer place o% residence in 3ayang and t2at 2e intended Tubaran to be 2is place o% domicile. Alt2oug2 2e =or;ed as a pri"ate secretary o% t2e mayor o% 3ayang4 2e =ent 2ome to Tubaran e"ery day a%ter =or;. T2is is proo% o% animus manendi. 'urt2er4 t2e e"idence s2o=s t2at in t2e +ay 114 1**) election4 2e =as registered as a "oter in Tubaran and t2at in %act 2e %iled 2is certi%icate o% candidacy alt2oug2 2e later =it2dre= t2e same. <n t2e +ay )4 1*** registration o% "oters4 2e =as again

11&

registered as a "oter in $recinct ?o. 2)1A o% 3arangay Tangcal in Tubaran.

LON;ANIDA !". COMELEC (11 SC/A 2)$ Conditions %or t2e application o% t2e dis/uali%icationJ (1) t2at t2e o%%icial concerned 2as been elected %or t2ree consecuti"e terms in t2e same local go"ernment post and (2) t2at 2e 2as %ully ser"ed t2ree consecuti"e terms. $roclamation subse/uently declared "oid is no proclamation at all and =2ile a proclaimed candidate may assume o%%ice on t2e strengt2 o% t2e proclamation o% t2e 3oard o% Can"assers 2e is only a presumpti"e =inner =2o assumes o%%ice subCect to t2e %inal outcome o% t2e election protest. 0oluntary renunciation o% a term does not cancel t2e renounced term in t2e computation o% t2e t2ree term limitH con"ersely4 in"oluntary se"erance %rom o%%ice %or any lengt2 o% time s2ort o% t2e %ull term pro"ided by la= amounts to an interruption o% continuity o% ser"ice. T2e proclamation or t2e assumption to t2e o%%ice o% a candidate against =2om a petition %or dis/uali%ication is pending be%ore t2e C!+E:EC does not di"est t2e C!+E:EC o% Curisdiction to continue 2earing t2e case and to resol"e it on t2e merits.

ME/CADO !". MAN;ANO G./. N . 1(4)8(. Ma0 $2> 1... 'ACTSJ $etitioner Ernesto +ercado and $ri"ate respondent Eduardo +an9ano are candidates %or t2e position o% 0ice1+ayor o% +a;ati City in t2e +ay4 1**) elections. $ri"ate respondent =as t2e =inner o% t2e said election but t2e proclamation =as suspended due to t2e petition o% Ernesto +amaril regarding t2e citi9ens2ip o% pri"ate respondent. +amaril alleged t2at t2e pri"ate respondent is not a citi9en o% t2e $2ilippines but o% t2e 8nited States. C!+E:EC granted t2e petition and dis/uali%ied t2e pri"ate respondent %or being a dual citi9en4 pursuant to t2e :ocal @o"ernment code t2at pro"ides t2at persons =2o possess dual citi9ens2ip are dis/uali%ied %rom running any public position.

11(

$ri"ate respondent %iled a motion %or reconsideration =2ic2 remained pending until a%ter election. $etitioner soug2t to inter"ene in t2e case %or dis/uali%ication. C!+E:EC re"ersed t2e decision and declared pri"ate respondent /uali%ied to run %or t2e position. $ursuant to t2e ruling o% t2e C!+E:EC4 t2e board o% can"assers proclaimed pri"ate respondent as "ice mayor. T2is petition soug2t t2e re"ersal o% t2e resolution o% t2e C!+E:EC and to declare t2e pri"ate respondent dis/uali%ied to 2old t2e o%%ice o% t2e "ice mayor o% +a;ati <SS8EJ 62et2er or ?ot pri"ate respondent is /uali%ied to 2old o%%ice as 0ice1+ayor. R8:<?@J .ual citi9ens2ip is di%%erent %rom dual allegiance. T2e %ormer arises =2en4 as a result o% t2e concurrent application o% t2e di%%erent la=s o% t=o or more states4 a person is simultaneously considered a national by t2e said states. 'or instance4 suc2 a situation may arise =2en a person =2ose parents are citi9ens o% a state =2ic2 ad2eres to t2e principle o% Cus sanguinis is born in a state =2ic2 %ollo=s t2e doctrine o% Cus soli. $ri"ate respondent is considered as a dual citi9en because 2e is born o% 'ilipino parents but =as born in San 'rancisco4 8SA. Suc2 a person4 ipso %acto and =it2out any "oluntary act on 2is part4 is concurrently considered a citi9en o% bot2 states. Considering t2e citi9ens2ip clause (Art. <0) o% our Constitution4 it is possible %or t2e %ollo=ing classes o% citi9ens o% t2e $2ilippines to posses dual citi9ens2ipJ (1) T2ose born o% 'ilipino %at2ers andMor mot2ers in %oreign countries =2ic2 %ollo= t2e principle o% Cus soliH (2) T2ose born in t2e $2ilippines o% 'ilipino mot2ers and alien %at2ers i% by t2e la=s o% t2eir %at2ersA country suc2 c2ildren are citi9ens o% t2at countryH (3) T2ose =2o marry aliens i% by t2e la=s o% t2e latterAs country t2e %ormer are considered citi9ens4 unless by t2eir act or omission t2ey are deemed to 2a"e renounced $2ilippine citi9ens2ip. .ual allegiance4 on t2e ot2er concurrently considered a citi9en o% bot2 states. Considering t2e citi9ens2ip clause (Art. <0) o% our Constitution4 it is possible %or t2e %ollo=ing classes o% citi9ens o% t2e $2ilippines to posses dual citi9ens2ipJ (1) T2ose born o% 'ilipino %at2ers andMor mot2ers in %oreign countries =2ic2 %ollo= t2e principle o% Cus soliH (2) T2ose born in t2e $2ilippines o% 'ilipino mot2ers and alien %at2ers i% by t2e la=s o% t2eir %at2ersA country suc2 c2ildren are citi9ens o% t2at countryH (3) T2ose =2o marry aliens i% by t2e la=s o% t2e latterAs country t2e %ormer are considered citi9ens4 unless by t2eir act or omission t2ey are deemed to 2a"e renounced $2ilippine citi9ens2ip. .ual allegiance4 on t2e ot2er 2and4 re%ers to t2e situation in =2ic2 a person simultaneously o=es4 by some positi"e act4 loyalty to t=o or more states. 62ile dual citi9ens2ip is in"oluntary4 dual allegiance is t2e result o% an indi"idualAs "olition.

11)

3y %iling a certi%icate o% candidacy =2en 2e ran %or 2is present post4 pri"ate respondent elected $2ilippine citi9ens2ip and in e%%ect renounced 2is American citi9ens2ip. T2e %iling o% suc2 certi%icate o% candidacy su%%iced to renounce 2is American citi9ens2ip4 e%%ecti"ely remo"ing any dis/uali%ication 2e mig2t 2a"e as a dual citi9en. 3y declaring in 2is certi%icate o% candidacy t2at 2e is a 'ilipino citi9enH t2at 2e is not a permanent resident or immigrant o% anot2er countryH t2at 2e =ill de%end and support t2e Constitution o% t2e $2ilippines and bear true %ait2 and allegiance t2ereto and t2at 2e does so =it2out mental reser"ation4 pri"ate respondent 2as4 as %ar as t2e la=s o% t2is country are concerned4 e%%ecti"ely repudiated 2is American citi9ens2ip and anyt2ing =2ic2 2e may 2a"e said be%ore as a dual citi9en. !n t2e ot2er 2and4 pri"ate respondentAs oat2 o% allegiance to t2e $2ilippine4 =2en considered =it2 t2e %act t2at 2e 2as spent 2is yout2 and adult2ood4 recei"ed 2is education4 practiced 2is pro%ession as an artist 4and ta;en part in past elections in t2is country4 lea"es no doubt o% 2is election o% $2ilippine citi9ens2ip.

Sec. 22. Can&i&ate" , l&in- a66 inti!e %%ice r 6 "iti n". # An0 6er" n , l&in- a 61+lic a66 inti!e %%ice r 6 "iti n> incl1&in- acti!e *e*+er" % t,e Ar*e& F rce" % t,e P,ili66ine"> an& %%icer" an& e*6l 0ee" in - !ern*ent# =ne& r c ntr lle& c r6 rati n"> ",all +e c n"i&ere& i6" %act re"i-ne& %r * ,i" %%ice 16 n t,e %ilin- % ,i" certi%icate % can&i&ac0.

DU/ISP/UDENCE FUINTO an& TOLENTINO> Dr. !". COMELEC G./. N . 18.2.8> Dece*+er 1> $)). <n considering persons 2olding appointi"e positions as ipso %acto resigned %rom t2eir posts upon t2e %iling o% t2eir CoCs4 but not considering as resigned all ot2er ci"il ser"ants4 speci%ically t2e electi"e ones4 t2e la= unduly discriminates against t2e %irst class. T2e %act alone t2at t2ere is substantial distinction bet=een t2ose =2o 2old appointi"e positions and t2ose occupying electi"e posts4 does not Custi%y suc2 di%%erential treatment.

11*

Sec. 23. Can&i&ate" , l&in- electi!e %%ice. # An0 electi!e %%icial> =,et,er nati nal r l cal> r1nnin- % r an0 %%ice t,er t,an t,e ne =,ic, ,e i" , l&in- in a 6er*anent ca6acit0> e7ce6t % r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent> ",all +e c n"i&ere& i6" %act re"i-ne& %r * ,i" %%ice 16 n t,e %ilin- % ,i" certi%icate % can&i&ac0. DU/ISP/UDENCE AGUINALDO !. COMELEC ()8 SC/A 33) Section &( o% t2e !mnibus Election Code =as cra%ted =it2 t2e intention o% gi"ing %les2 to t2e constitutional pronouncement t2at public ser"ice is a public trust. T2e situation t2at results =it2 t2e application o% Section &( is co"ered by t2e term K"oluntary renunciationK.

Sec. 28. Di"B1ali%icati n". # An0 can&i&ate =, > in an acti n r 6r te"t in =,ic, ,e i" a 6art0 i" &eclare& +0 %inal &eci"i n % a c *6etent c 1rt -1ilt0 %> r % 1n& +0 t,e C **i""i n % ,a!in- (a) -i!en * ne0 r t,er *aterial c n"i&erati n t in%l1ence> in&1ce r c rr16t t,e ! ter" r 61+lic %%icial" 6er% r*in- elect ral %1ncti n"@ (+) c **itte& act" % terr ri"* t en,ance ,i" can&i&ac0@ (c) "6ent in ,i" electi n ca*6ai-n an a* 1nt in e7ce"" % t,at all =e& +0 t,i" C &e@ (&) " licite&> recei!e& r *a&e an0 c ntri+1ti n 6r ,i+ite& 1n&er Secti n" 8.> .4> .2> .3 an& 1)8@ r (e) !i late& an0 % Secti n" 8)> 8(> 84> 82 an& $21> 6ara-ra6," &> e> <> !> an& cc> "1+6ara-ra6, 2> ",all +e &i"B1ali%ie& %r * c ntin1in- a" a can&i&ate> r i% ,e ,a" +een electe&> %r * , l&in- t,e %%ice. An0 6er" n =, i" a 6er*anent re"i&ent % r an i**i-rant t a % rei-n c 1ntr0 ",all n t +e B1ali%ie& t r1n % r an0 electi!e %%ice 1n&er t,i" C &e> 1nle"" "ai& 6er" n ,a" =ai!e& ,i" "tat1" a" 6er*anent re"i&ent r i**i-rant % a % rei-n c 1ntr0 in acc r&ance =it, t,e re"i&ence reB1ire*ent 6r !i&e& % r in t,e electi n la=".

DISCUSSIONS

12,

DISFUALIFICATIONS? 1. T2ose declared by %inal decision or %ound by t2e Commission to 2a"eJ a. gi"en money or ot2er material consideration to in%luence4 induce or corrupt t2e "oters or public o%%icials per%orming electoral %unctions. b. committed acts o% terrorism to en2ance 2is candidacy. c. spent in 2is election campaign an amount in e-cess o% t2at allo=ed by t2is Code d. solicited4 recei"ed or made any contribution pro2ibited under Sections )*4 *#4 *&4 *( and 1, J Transportation4 %ood and drin;s Enumerates t2e list o% pro2ibited contributions Sec. *& Soliciting or recei"ing contributions %rom %oreign sources Sec. *( $ro2ibited raising o% %unds Sec. 1, $ro2ibited donations by candidates4 treasurers o% parties or t2eir agents. e. "iolated any o% Sections ),4 )34 )#4 )& and 2&14 paragrap2s d4 e4 ;4 "4 and cc4 subparagrap2 &4 s2all be dis/uali%ied %rom continuing as a candidate4 or i% 2e 2as been elected4 %rom 2olding t2e o%%iceJ Sec. ), Sec. )3 Sec. )# Sec. )& Sec 2&1 (d) Sec 2&1 (e) Sec 2&1 (;) Election campaign or partisan political acti"ity outside campaign period Remo"al4 destruction or de%acement o% la=%ul election propaganda pro2ibited Enumerates pro2ibited %orms o% election propaganda Regulation o% election propaganda t2roug2 mass media Coercion o% subordinates T2reats4 intimidation4 terrorism4 use o% %raudulent de"ice or ot2er %orms o% coercion 8nla=%ul electioneering Sec. )* Sec. *#

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$ro2ibition against release4 disbursement or e-penditure o% public %unds Sec. 2&1(cc) Any person =2o solicits "otes or underta;es subparagrap2 any propaganda4 on t2e day o% election4 %or & or against any candidate or any political party =it2in t2e polling place or =it2in a radius o% t2irty meters t2ereo% 2. Candidates =2o are permanent resident or <mmigrant o% a %oreign country. To /uali%y to run %or an electi"e o%%ice4 t2ey s2ould =ai"e t2eir status as a permanent resident or immigrant o% t2e %oreign country.

Sec 2&1 (")

DU/ISP/UDENCE GON;ALES !". COMELEC G./. 1.$842> Marc, 8> $)11 Cancellation o% Certi%icate o% Candidacy. T2e pro2ibited acts co"ered by Section &) re%er to election campaign or political acti"ity outside t2e campaign period (Section ),)H remo"al4 destruction or de%acement o% la=%ul election propaganda (Section )3)H certain %orms o% election propaganda (Section )#)H "iolation o% rules and regulations on election propaganda t2roug2 mass mediaH coercion o% subordinates (Section 2&1 VdW)H t2reats4 intimidation4 terrorism4 use o% %raudulent de"ice or ot2er %orms o% coercion (Section 2&1 VeW)H unla=%ul electioneering (Section 2&1 V;W)H release4 disbursement or e-penditure o% public %unds (Section 2&1 V"W)H solicitation o% "otes or underta;ing any propaganda on t2e day o% t2e election (Section 2&1 VccW4 sub1par.&).

PANLAFUI !". COMELEC an& 'ELASCO G./. N . 188231> Fe+r1ar0 $8> $)1) !n t2e ot2er 2and4 C!C denialMcancellation proceedings in"ol"e t2e issue o% =2et2er t2ere is a %alse representation o% a material %act. T2e %alse representation must necessarily pertain not to a mere innocuous mista;e but to a material %act or t2ose t2at re%er to a candidateAs /uali%ications %or electi"e o%%ice. Apart %rom t2e re/uirement o% materiality4 t2e %alse representation must consist o% a deliberate attempt to mislead4 misin%orm4 or 2ide a %act =2ic2 =ould ot2er=ise

122

render a candidate ineligible or4 ot2er=ise stated4 =it2 t2e intention to decei"e t2e electorate as to t2e =ould1be candidateAs /uali%ications %or public o%%ice. <n 0elasco4 t2e Court reCected 0elascoAs contention t2at t2e Comelec improperly ruled on t2e rig2t to "ote =2en it cancelled 2is C!C. T2e Court stated t2at t2e Comelec merely relied on or recogni9ed t2e RTCAs %inal and e-ecutory decision on t2e matter o% t2e rig2t to "ote in t2e precinct =it2in its territorial Curisdiction. <n t2e present petition4 it is $anla/uiAs turn to pro%%er t2e no"el interpretation t2at t2e RTC properly cancelled 0elascoAs C!C =2en it ruled on 2is rig2t to "ote. T2e Court reCects t2e same. <t is not =it2in t2e pro"ince o% t2e RTC in a "oterAs inclusionMe-clusion proceedings to ta;e cogni9ance o% and determine t2e presence o% a %alse representation o% a material %act. <t 2as no Curisdiction to try t2e issues o% =2et2er t2e misrepresentation relates to material %act and =2et2er t2ere =as an intention to decei"e t2e electorate in terms o% oneAs /uali%ications %or public o%%ice. T2e %inding t2at 0elasco =as not /uali%ied to "ote due to lac; o% residency re/uirement does not translate into a %inding o% a deliberate attempt to mislead4 misin%orm4 or 2ide a %act =2ic2 =ould ot2er=ise render 2im ineligible. FUINTO an& TOLENTINO> Dr. !". COMELEC G./. N . 18.2.8> Fe+r1ar0 $$> $)1) Appointi"e !%%icialsH 'iling o% Certi%icate o% Candidacy. T2is Court =ould do =ell to proceed =it2 tiptoe caution4 particularly =2en it comes to t2e application o% t2e o"erbreadt2 doctrine in t2e analysis o% statutes t2at purportedly attempt to restrict or burden t2e e-ercise o% t2e rig2t to %reedom o% speec24 %or suc2 approac2 is mani%estly strong medicine t2at must be used sparingly4 and only as a last resort. <n t2e 8nited States4 claims o% %acial o"erbreadt2 2a"e been entertained only =2ere4 in t2e Cudgment o% t2e court4 t2e possibility t2at protected speec2 o% ot2ers may be muted and percei"ed grie"ances le%t to %ester (due to t2e possible in2ibitory e%%ects o% o"erly broad statutes) out=eig2s t2e possible 2arm to society in allo=ing some unprotected speec2 or conduct to go unpunis2ed. 'acial o"erbreadt2 2as li;e=ise not been in"o;ed =2ere a limiting construction could be placed on t2e c2allenged statute4 and =2ere t2ere are readily apparent constructions t2at =ould cure4 or at least substantially reduce4 t2e alleged o"erbreadt2 o% t2e statute. <n t2e case at bar4 t2e probable 2arm to society in permitting incumbent appointi"e o%%icials to remain in o%%ice4 e"en as t2ey acti"ely pursue electi"e posts4 %ar out=eig2s t2e less li;ely e"il o% 2a"ing arguably protected candidacies bloc;ed by t2e possible in2ibitory e%%ect o% a potentially o"erly broad statute. <n t2is

123

lig2t4 t2e concei"ably impermissible applications o% t2e c2allenged statutes O =2ic2 are4 at best4 bold predictions O cannot Custi%y in"alidating t2ese statutes in toto and pro2ibiting t2e State %rom en%orcing t2em against conduct t2at is4 and 2as %or more t2an 1,, years been4 un/uestionably =it2in its po=er and interest to proscribe. <nstead4 t2e more prudent approac2 =ould be to deal =it2 t2ese concei"ably impermissible applications t2roug2 case1by1case adCudication rat2er t2an t2roug2 a total in"alidation o% t2e statute itsel%. <ndeed4 t2e anomalies spa=ned by our assailed .ecision 2a"e ta;en place. <n 2is +otion %or Reconsideration4 inter"enor .rilon stated t2at a number o% 2ig21ran;ing Cabinet members 2ad already %iled t2eir Certi%icates o% Candidacy =it2out relin/uis2ing t2eir posts. Se"eral C!+E:EC election o%%icers 2ad li;e=ise %iled t2eir Certi%icates o% Candidacy in t2eir respecti"e pro"inces. E"en t2e Secretary o% Justice 2ad %iled 2er certi%icate o% substitution %or representati"e o% t2e %irst district o% >ue9on pro"ince last .ecember 1 4 2,,*O e"en as 2er position as Justice Secretary includes super"ision o"er t2e City and $ro"incial $rosecutors4 =2o4 in turn4 act as 0ice1C2airmen o% t2e respecti"e 3oards o% Can"assers. T2e Judiciary 2as not been spared4 %or a Regional Trial Court Judge in t2e Sout2 2as t2ro=n 2is 2at into t2e political arena. 6e cannot allo= t2e tilting o% our electoral playing %ield in t2eir %a"or. 'or t2e %oregoing reasons4 =e no= rule t2at Section (a) o% Resolution )&() and Section 13 o% RA *3&*4 =2ic2 merely reiterate Section && o% t2e !mnibus Election Code4 are not unconstitutionally o"erbroad.

BAGATSING !". COMELEC ($) SC/A 813 T2e Supreme Court did not stri;e do=n C!+E:EC Resolution ?o. 2,#, in Sunga "s. C!+E:EC4 2)) SCRA (& (1*)*). A dis/uali%ication case may 2a"e t=o (2) aspects4 t2e administrati"e4 =2ic2 re/uires only a preponderance o% e"idence to pro"e dis/uali%ication4 and t2e criminal4 =2ic2 necessitates proo% beyond reasonable doubt to con"ict. T2ere is no pro"ision in R.A. && & t2at treats o% a situation =2ere t2e complaint %or dis/uali%ication is %iled a%ter t2e election.

12

62y t2ere is a di%%erence bet=een a petition %or dis/uali%ication %iled be%ore and a%ter t2e election4 t2e /uestion o% dis/uali%ication is raised as an issue be%ore t2e electorate and t2ose =2o "ote %or t2e candidate assume t2e ris; t2at s2ould said candidate be dis/uali%ied a%ter t2e election4 t2eir "otes =ould be declared stray or in"alid "otes and t2at =ould not be true in t2e case o% one %iled a%ter t2e electorate 2as already "oted. T2e mere %iling o% a petition %or dis/uali%ication is not a ground suspend t2e proclamation o% t2e =inning candidate O in t2e absence an order suspending proclamation4 t2e =inning candidate =2o soug2t to be dis/uali%ied is entitled to be proclaimed as a matter la=. to o% is o%

T2e mere pendency o% a dis/uali%ication case against a candidate4 and a =inning candidate at t2at4 does not Custi%y t2e suspension o% 2is proclamation a%ter =inning in t2e election. T2e Court does not loo; =it2 %a"or t2e practice o% see;ing remedy %rom t2e Supreme Court =it2out =aiting %or t2e resolution o% t2e pending action be%ore t2e tribunal belo=4 absent e-traordinary circumstances =arranting appropriate action by t2e Supreme Court.

Sec. 2.. N1i"ance can&i&ate". # T,e C **i""i n *a0 * t1 6r 6ri r 16 n a !eri%ie& 6etiti n % an intere"te& 6art0> re%1"e t -i!e &1e c 1r"e t r cancel a certi%icate % can&i&ac0 i% it i" ", =n t,at "ai& certi%icate ,a" +een %ile& t 61t t,e electi n 6r ce"" in * c<er0 r &i"re61te r t ca1"e c n%1"i n a* n- t,e ! ter" +0 t,e "i*ilarit0 % t,e na*e" % t,e re-i"tere& can&i&ate" r +0 t,er circ1*"tance" r act" =,ic, clearl0 &e* n"trate t,at t,e can&i&ate ,a" n + na %i&e intenti n t r1n % r t,e %%ice % r =,ic, t,e certi%icate % can&i&ac0 ,a" +een %ile& an& t,1" 6re!ent a %ait,%1l &eter*inati n % t,e tr1e =ill % t,e elect rate. T,e C **i""i n *a0 * t1 6r 6i r 16 n a !eri%ie& 6etiti n *a0 re%1"e t -i!e &1e c 1r"e r cancel t,e certi%icate % can&i&ac0 % a 6er" n % 1n& t +e a n1i"ance can&i&ate.

DISCUSSIONS

12#

9,

are N1i"ance Can&i&ate"

1. T2ose =2ose certi%icate 2as been %iled %or t2e purposes o% creating a moc;ery or disrepute on t2e election process or4 2. T2ose =2ose certi%icate 2as been to cause con%usion among t2e "oters by t2e similarity o% names o% t2e registered candidates 3. !t2er circumstances or acts clearly demonstrates t2at t2e candidate 2as no bona %ide intention to run.

Sec. 3). G1e"t can&i&ac0. # A 6 litical 6art0 *a0 n *inate an&H r "166 rt can&i&ate" n t +el n-in- t it. G1e"t Can&i&ate"# a can&i&ate n *inate& 6 litical 6art0 n t c nnecte& =it, t,e*. r "166 rte& +0 a

Sec. 3$. E%%ect" % &i"B1ali%icati n ca"e" an& 6ri rit0. # T,e C **i""i n an& t,e c 1rt" ",all -i!e 6ri rit0 t ca"e" % &i"B1ali%icati n +0 rea" n % !i lati n % t,i" Act t t,e en& t,at a %inal &eci"i n ",all +e ren&ere& n t later t,an "e!en &a0" +e% re t,e electi n in =,ic, t,e &i"B1ali%icati n i" " 1-,t. An0 can&i&ate =, ,a" +een &eclare& +0 %inal C1&-*ent t +e &i"B1ali%ie& ",all n t +e ! te& % r> an& t,e ! te" ca"t % r ,i* ",all n t +e c 1nte&. Ne!ert,ele""> i% % r an0 rea" n> a can&i&ate i" n t &eclare& +0 %inal C1&-*ent +e% re an electi n t +e &i"B1ali%ie& an& ,e i" ! te& % r an& recei!e" t,e =inninn1*+er % ! te" in "1c, electi n> ,i" !i lati n % t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,e 6rece&in- "ecti n" ",all n t 6re!ent ,i" 6r cla*ati n an& a""1*6ti n t %%ice.

DISCUSSIONS

Pri rit0

% Di"B1ali%icati n Ca"e"

12&

T2e court s2all gi"e priority to dis/uali%ication cases to render a %inal decision not later t2an se"en (() days be%ore election o% t2e position soug2t.

E%%ect" 1.

% Di"B1ali%icati n .eclared dis/uali%ied =it2 'inal Judgment be%ore

election 0otes cast %or 2im s2all not be counted. 2. ?ot be%ore election declared dis/uali%ied =it2 'inal Judgment

<% t2e candidate =ins4 2e s2ould not be pre"ented to be proclaimed and assume o%%ice.

DU/ISP/UDENCE ALBAKA !". COMELEC G./. N . 12(()$> D1l0 $(> $))8 <t is =ell1settled t2at t2e ineligibility o% a candidate recei"ing maCority "otes does not entitle t2e eligible candidate recei"ing t2e ne-t 2ig2est number o% "otes to be declared elected. A minority or de%eated candidate cannot be deemed elected to t2e o%%ice. T2e "otes intended %or t2e dis/uali%ied candidate s2ould not be considered null and "oid4 as it =ould amount to disen%ranc2ising t2e electorate in =2om so"ereignty resides. As =e 2eld in Reyes "s. Commission on ElectionsJ To simplistically assume t2at t2e second placer =ould 2a"e recei"ed t2e ot2er "otes =ould be to substitute our Cudgment %or t2e mind o% t2e "oter. T2e second placer is Cust t2at4 a second placer. 7e lost t2e elections. 7e =as repudiated by eit2er a maCority or plurality o% "oters. 7e could not be considered t2e %irst among /uali%ied candidates because in a %ield =2ic2 e-cludes t2e dis/uali%ied candidate4 t2e conditions =ould 2a"e substantially c2anged. 6e are not prepared to e-trapolate t2e results under t2e circumstances.

12(

Sec. 3(. Certi%icate % can&i&ac0. # N 6er" n ",all +e eli-i+le % r an0 electi!e 61+lic %%ice 1nle"" ,e %ile" a "= rn certi%icate % can&i&ac0 =it,in t,e 6eri & %i7e& ,erein. A 6er" n =, ,a" %ile& a certi%icate % can&i&ac0 *a0> 6ri r t t,e electi n> =it,&ra= t,e "a*e +0 "1+*ittin- t t,e %%ice c ncerne& a =ritten &eclarati n 1n&er at,. N 6er" n ",all +e eli-i+le % r * re t,an ne %%ice t +e %ille& in t,e "a*e electi n> an& i% ,e %ile" ,i" certi%icate % can&i&ac0 % r * re t,an ne %%ice> ,e ",all n t +e eli-i+le % r an0 % t,e*. H =e!er> +e% re t,e e76irati n % t,e 6eri & % r t,e %ilin- % certi%icate" % can&i&ac0> t,e 6er" n =, =a" %ile& * re t,an ne certi%icate % can&i&ac0 *a0 &eclare 1n&er at, t,e %%ice % r =,ic, ,e &e"ire" t +e eli-i+le an& cancel t,e certi%icate % can&i&ac0 % r t,e t,er %%ice r %%ice". T,e %ilin- r =it,&ra=al % a certi%icate % can&i&ac0 ",all n t a%%ect =,ate!er ci!il> cri*inal r a&*ini"trati!e lia+ilitie" =,ic, a can&i&ate *a0 ,a!e inc1rre&.

DISCUSSIONS

+e eli-i+le % r an electi!e 61+lic

%%ice?

A person s2ould %ile a s=orn certi%icate o% candidacy. T2e %iling o% certi%icate o% candidacy s2ould be =it2in t2e %i-ed period gi"en.

9it,&ra=al

% Certi%icate

% Can&i&ac0

<t s2ould be made prior to t2e election. T2e candidate must submit under oat2 a =ritten declaration o% =it2dra=al to t2e Commission o% Election. Filin- % M1lti6le Certi%icate" Sa*e Electi n n M re t,an One O%%ice in t,e

12)

<t =ill render t2e candidate not to be eligible %or any o% t2em. 7o=e"er4 be%ore t2e e-piration o% t2e period o% %iling a certi%icate o% candidacy 2e may declare under oat2 %or =2ic2 2e desires to be eligible as candidate and cancel t2e certi%icate o% candidacy %or t2e ot2er o%%ices. 6it2dra=al o% certi%icate o% candidacy =ill not a%%ect t2e liabilities a candidate incurred. T2e %iling or =it2dra=al o% a certi%icate o% candidacy s2all not a%%ect =2ate"er ci"il4 criminal or administrati"e liabilities =2ic2 a candidate may 2a"e incurred.

DU/ISP/UDENCE GO !". COMELEC (43 SC/A 3(. T2e re/uirement t2at t2e =it2dra=al be %iled be%ore t2e election o%%icer o% t2e place =2ere t2e certi%icate o% candidacy =as %iled4 suc2 re/uirement is merely directory4 and is intended %or con"enience. <t is not mandatory or Curisdictional.

Sec. 38. C ntent" % certi%icate % can&i&ac0. # T,e certi%icate % can&i&ac0 ",all "tate t,at t,e 6er" n %ilin- it i" ann 1ncin,i" can&i&ac0 % r t,e %%ice "tate& t,erein an& t,at ,e i" eli-i+le % r "ai& %%ice@i% % r Me*+er % t,e Bata"anPa*+an"a> t,e 6r !ince> incl1&in- it" c *6 nent citie"> ,i-,l0 1r+aniAe& cit0 r &i"trict r "ect r =,ic, ,e "ee<" t re6re"ent@t,e 6 litical 6art0 t =,ic, ,e +el n-"@ ci!il "tat1"@ ,i" &ate % +irt,@re"i&ence@ ,i" 6 "t %%ice a&&re"" % r all electi n 61r6 "e"@ ,i" 6r %e""i n r cc16ati n@ t,at ,e =ill "166 rt an& &e%en& t,e C n"tit1ti n % t,e P,ili66ine" an& =ill *aintain tr1e %ait, an& alle-iance t,eret @ t,at ,e =ill +e0 t,e la="> le-al r&er"> an& &ecree" 6r *1l-ate& +0 t,e &1l0 c n"tit1te& a1t, ritie"@ t,at ,e i" n t a 6er*anent re"i&ent r i**i-rant t a % rei-n c 1ntr0@t,at t,e +li-ati n i*6 "e& +0 ,i" at, i" a""1*e& ! l1ntaril0> =it, 1t *ental re"er!ati n r 61r6 "e % e!a"i n@ an& t,at t,e +li-ati n i*6 "e& +0 ,i" at, i" a""1*e& ! l1ntaril0> =it, 1t *ental re"er!ati n r 61r6 "e % e!a"i n@

12*

Unle"" a can&i&ate ,a" %%iciall0 c,an-e& ,i" na*e t,r 1-, a c 1rt a66r !e& 6r cee&in-> a certi%icate ",all 1"e in a certi%icate % can&i&ac0 t,e na*e +0 =,ic, ,e ,a" +een +a6tiAe&> r i% ,a" n t +een +a6tiAe& in an0 c,1rc, r reli-i n> t,e na*e re-i"tere& in t,e %%ice % t,e l cal ci!il re-i"trar r an0 t,er na*e all =e& 1n&er t,e 6r !i"i n" % e7i"tin- la= r> in t,e ca"e % a M1"li*> ,i" Ha&Ci na*e a%ter 6er% r*int,e 6re"cri+e& reli-i 1" 6il-ri*a-e? Pr !i&e&> T,at =,en t,ere are t= r * re can&i&ate" % r an %%ice =it, t,e "a*e na*e an& "1rna*e> eac, can&i&ate> 16 n +ein- *a&e a=are r "1c, %act> ",all "tate ,i" 6aternal an& *aternal "1rna*e> e7ce6t t,e inc1*+ent =, *a0 c ntin1e t 1"e t,e na*e an& "1rna*e "tate& in ,i" certi%icate % can&i&ac0 =,en ,e =a" electe&. He *a0 al" incl1&e ne nic<na*e r "ta-e na*e +0 =,ic, ,e i" -enerall0 r 6 61larl0 <n =n in t,e l calit0. T,e 6er" n %ilin- a certi%icate % can&i&ac0 ",all al" a%%i7 ,i" late"t 6, t -ra6,> 6a""6 rt "iAe@ a "tate*ent in &16licate c ntainin- ,i" +i #&ata an& 6r -ra* % - !ern*ent n t e7cee&in- ne ,1n&re& = r&"> i% ,e " &e"ire".

DISCUSSIONS

C ntent" 1.

% certi%icate

% can&i&ac0

S2all state t2at t2e person %iling it is announcing 2is candidacy %or t2e o%%ice stated t2erein and t2at 2e is eligible %or said o%%ice. or Members of the Catasang Pambansa they should also include the province, including its component cities, highly urbani!ed city or district or sector which he seeAs to represent

2. 7is $olitical $arty 3. Ci"il Status . .ate o% 3irt2 #. Residence &. $ro%ession or !ccupation

13,

(.

T2at 2e =ill support and de%end t2e Constitution o% t2e $2ilippines and =ill maintain true %ait2 and allegiance t2ereto. ). T2at 2e =ill obey t2e la=s4 legal orders4 and decrees promulgated by t2e duly constituted aut2orities. *. T2at 2e is not a permanent resident or immigrant to a %oreign country. 1,. T2at t2e obligation imposed by 2is oat2 is assumed "oluntarily4 =it2out mental reser"ation or purpose o% e"asion. 11. T2at t2e obligation imposed by 2is oat2 is assumed "oluntarily4 =it2out mental reser"ation or purpose o% e"asion. T2e person %iling a certi%icate o% candidacy s2all also a%%i- 2is latest p2otograp24 passport si9eH a statement in duplicate containing 2is bio1 data and program o% go"ernment not e-ceeding one 2undred =ords4 i% 2e so desires.

Can&i&ate" Na*e 8nless t2e candidate c2anged 2is name o%%icially t2roug2 court proceedings4 2e s2all use t2e name by =2ic2 2e 2ad been bapti9ed. 'or t2ose =2o =2ere not bapti9ed in any c2urc2 or religion4 t2e name registered in t2e o%%ice o% t2e local ci"il registrar or any ot2er name allo=ed under t2e pro"isions o% e-isting la=. <n t2e case o% a +uslim4 2is 7adCi name a%ter per%orming t2e prescribed religious pilgrimage. 7e may also include one nic;name or stage name by =2ic2 2e is generally or popularly ;no=n in t2e locality.

F r Can&i&ate" =it, t,e Sa*e Na*e 62en t2ere are t=o or more candidates %or an o%%ice =it2 t2e same name and surname4 bot2 o% t2em =ill be in%ormed or suc2 %act and s2all state 2is paternal and maternal surname. E-cept t2e incumbent o%%icial =2o may continue to use t2e name and surname stated in 2is certi%icate o% candidacy =2en 2e =as elected.

131

DU/ISP/UDENCE MIT/A !". COMELEC> et al. G./. N . 1.1.(8> Oct +er 1.> $)1) T2e present petition arose %rom a petition to deny due course or to cancel +itraAs C!C. T2is is t2e conte-t o% and ta;e1o%% point %or our re"ie=. 'rom t2is perspecti"e4 t2e nature and re/uisites o% t2e C!C cancellation proceedings are primary considerations in resol"ing t2e present petition. Section ( 4 in relation to Section ()4 o% t2e !mnibus Election Code (!EC) go"erns t2e cancellation o%4 and grant or denial o% due course to4 C!Cs. T2e combined application o% t2ese sections re/uires t2at t2e candidateAs stated %acts in t2e C!C be true4 under pain o% t2e C!CAs denial or cancellation i% any %alse representation o% a material %act is made. To /uote t2ese pro"isionsJ 62ile it is undisputed t2at +itraAs domicile o% origin is $uerto $rincesa City4 +itra ade/uately pro"ed by substantial e"idence t2at 2e trans%erred by incremental process to Aborlan beginning 2,,)4 and concluded 2is trans%er in early 2,,*.[ @i"en t2is proo%4 t2e burden o% e"idence lies =it2 t2e pri"ate respondents to establis2 t2e contrary4 =2ic2 t2e latter %ailed to do. !n t2e ot2er 2and4 t2e C!+E:EC based its ruling t2at +itra did not ta;e up residence in Aborlan largely on t2e p2otograp2s o% +itraAs Aborlan premisesH it concluded t2at t2e p2otograp2ed premises could not 2a"e been a residence because o% its assessment o% t2e interior design and %urnis2ings o% t2e room.[ T2us4 t2e C!+E:EC Second .i"isionAs Resolution (=2ic2 t2e C!+E:EC en banc %ully supported) did not merely conclude t2at +itra does not li"e in t2e p2otograp2ed premisesH more t2an t2is4 it ruled t2at t2ese premises cannot be considered a 2ome or a residence4 %or lac; o% t2e /ualities o% a 2ome t2at t2e Second .i"ision =anted to see. T2e C!+E:EC not only grossly misread t2e e"idence but e"en used personal and subCecti"e standards in its assessment o% +itraAs d=elling =2en4 in %act4 t2e la= is replete =it2 standards4 i.e.4 t2e d=elling must be =2ere a person permanently intends to return and to remain.

Sec. 34. Filin- an& &i"tri+1ti n % certi%icate % can&i&ac0. # T,e certi%icate % can&i&ac0 ",all +e %ile& n an0 &a0 %r * t,e

132

c **ence*ent % t,e electi n 6eri & +1t n t later t,an t,e &a0 +e% re t,e +e-innin- % t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri &? Pr !i&e&> T,at in ca"e" % 6 "t6 ne*ent r %ail1re % electi n 1n&er Secti n" 4 an& 2 ,ere %> n a&&iti nal certi%icate % can&i&ac0 ",all +e acce6te& e7ce6t in ca"e" % "1+"tit1ti n % can&i&ate" a" 6r !i&e& 1n&er Secti n 33 ,ere %. T,e certi%icate" % can&i&ac0 % r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent % t,e P,ili66ine" ",all +e %ile& in ten le-i+le c 6ie" =it, t,e C **i""i n =,ic, ",all r&er t,e 6rintin- % c 6ie" t,ere % % r &i"tri+1ti n t all 6 llin- 6lace". T,e certi%icate" % can&i&ac0 % r t,e t,er %%ice" ",all +e %ile& in &16licate =it, t,e %%ice" ,erein +el = *enti ne&> t -et,er =it, a n1*+er % clearl0 le-i+le c 6ie" eB1al t t=ice t,e n1*+er % 6 llin- 6lace" in t,e 6r !ince> cit0> &i"trict> *1nici6alit0 r +aran-a0> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e? a. F r re6re"entati!e in t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a> =it, t,e C **i""i n> t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r> cit0 electi n re-i"trar in ca"e % ,i-,l0 1r+aniAe& citie"> r an %%icer &e"i-nate& +0 t,e C **i""i n ,a!in- C1ri"&icti n !er t,e 6r !ince> cit0 r re6re"entati!e &i"trict =, ",all "en& c 6ie" t,ere % t all 6 llin- 6lace" in t,e 6r !ince> cit0 r &i"trict@ +. F r 6r !incial %%ice"> =it, t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r % t,e 6r !ince c ncerne& =, ",all "en& c 6ie" t,ere % t all 6 llin- 6lace" in t,e 6r !ince@ c. F r cit0 an& *1nici6al %%ice"> =it, t,e cit0 r *1nici6al electi n re-i"trar =, ",all "en& c 6ie" t,ere % t all 6 llin- 6lace" in t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0@ an& &. F r 61n n- +aran-a0 r <a-a=a& n- "an--1nian+aran-a0> t,e certi%icate" % can&i&ac0 ",all +e %ile& in acc r&ance =it, t,e 6r !i"i n" % Secti n (. % Article 'I % t,i" C &e. T,e &1l0 a1t, riAe& recei!in- %%icer ",all i**e&iatel0 "en& t,e ri-inal c 60 % all certi%icate" % can&i&ac0 recei!e& +0 ,i* t t,e C **i""i n.

133

DISCUSSIONS

Filin-

% Certi%icate

% Can&i&ac0

!n any day %rom t2e commencement o% t2e election period but not later t2an t2e day be%ore t2e beginning o% t2e campaign period. E-ceptionsJ 1. Section # and &. 2. <n cases o% substitution o% candidates as pro"ided under Section (( 2ereo%. % Certi%icate % Can&i&ac0 $ostponement or %ailure o% election under

Di"tri+1ti n

I. F r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent <t s2all be %iled in ten legible copies =it2 t2e Commission =2ic2 s2all order t2e printing o% copies t2ereo% %or distribution to all polling places.

II. F r

t,er O%%ice"

T2e certi%icates o% candidacy %or t2e ot2er o%%ices s2all be %iled in duplicate =it2 t2e o%%ices 2erein belo= mentioned4 toget2er =it2 a number o% clearly legible copies e/ual to t=ice t2e number o% polling places in t2e pro"ince4 city4 district4 municipality or barangay4 as t2e case may beJ a. /e6re"entati!e" in t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a 6it2 t2e Commission4 t2e pro"incial election super"isor4 city election registrar in case o% 2ig2ly urbani9ed cities4 or an o%%icer designated by t2e Commission 2a"ing Curisdiction o"er t2e pro"ince4 city or representati"e district =2o s2all send copies t2ereo% to all polling places in t2e pro"ince4 city or district.

13

+. F r Pr !incial O%%ice" 6it2 t2e pro"incial election super"isor o% t2e pro"ince concerned =2o s2all send copies t2ereo% to all polling places in t2e pro"ince. c. F r Cit0 an& M1nici6al O%%ice" 6it2 t2e city or municipal election registrar =2o s2all send copies t2ereo% to all polling places in t2e city or municipality &. F r P1n n- Baran-a0 Baran-a0 r Ia-a=a& n- San--1nian-

T2e certi%icates o% candidacy s2all be %iled in accordance =it2 t2e pro"isions o% Section 3* o% Article 0< o% t2is Code. ,he duly authori!ed receiving officer shall immediately send the original copy of all certificates of candidacy received by him to the .ommission

Sec. 32. Mini"terial &1t0 % recei!in- an& ac<n =le&-inrecei6t. # T,e C **i""i n> 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r> electi n re-i"trar r %%icer &e"i-nate& +0 t,e C **i""i n r t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" 1n&er t,e "1ccee&in- "ecti n ",all ,a!e t,e *ini"terial &1t0 t recei!e an& ac<n =le&-e recei6t % t,e certi%icate % can&i&ac0.

DISCUSSIONS

9,

*a0 recei!e t,e Certi%icate

% Can&i&ac0

T2e %ollo=ing recei"ing o%%icers s2all 2a"e ministerial duty to recei"e and ac;no=ledge receipt o% t2e certi%icate o% candidacy. 1. T2e Commission 2. $ro"incial Election Super"isor

13#

3. Election Registrar . !%%icers designated by t2e Commission or t2e board o% election inspectors.

Sec. 33. Can&i&ate" in ca"e % &eat,> &i"B1ali%icati n r =it,&ra=al % an t,er. # I% a%ter t,e la"t &a0 % r t,e %ilin- % certi%icate" % can&i&ac0> an %%icial can&i&ate % a re-i"tere& r accre&ite& 6 litical 6art0 &ie"> =it,&ra=" r i" &i"B1ali%ie& % r an0 ca1"e> nl0 a 6er" n +el n-in- t > an& certi%ie& +0> t,e "a*e 6 litical 6art0 *a0 %ile a certi%icate % can&i&ac0 t re6lace t,e can&i&ate =, &ie&> =it,&re= r =a" &i"B1ali%ie&. T,e "1+"tit1te can&i&ate n *inate& +0 t,e 6 litical 6art0 c ncerne& *a0 %ile ,i" certi%icate % can&i&ac0 % r t,e %%ice a%%ecte& in acc r&ance =it, t,e 6rece&in- "ecti n" n t later t,an *i&#&a0 % t,e &a0 % t,e electi n. I% t,e &eat,> =it,&ra=al r &i"B1ali%icati n ", 1l& cc1r +et=een t,e &a0 +e% re t,e electi n an& *i&#&a0 % electi n &a0> "ai& certi%icate *a0 +e %ile& =it, an0 + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" in t,e 6 litical "1+&i!i"i n =,ere ,e i" a can&i&ate> r> in t,e ca"e % can&i&ate" t +e ! te& % r +0 t,e entire elect rate % t,e c 1ntr0> =it, t,e C **i""i n.

DISCUSSIONS

S1+"tit1ti n 9it,&ra=al

% Can&i&ate" in ca"e

% Deat,> Di"B1ali%icati n

A%ter t2e last day %or t2e %iling o% certi%icates o% candidacy4 an o%%icial candidate o% a registered or accredited political party dies4 =it2dra=s or is dis/uali%ied may be substituted.

a. 62o may substitute\ A person belonging to4 and certi%ied by t2e same political party.

13&

b. 62en can t2e substitute %ile 2is certi%icate o% candidacy\ T2e substitute may %ile 2is certi%icate o% candidacy %or t2e o%%ice a%%ected not later t2an t2e mid1day o% t2e day o% t2e election c. 62at i% t2e deat24 =it2dra=al or dis/uali%ication s2ould occur bet=een t2e day be%ore t2e election and mid1day o% election day\ T2e said certi%icate may be %iled =it2 any board o% election inspectors in t2e political subdi"ision =2ere 2e is a candidate. <n t2e case o% candidates to be "oted %or by t2e entire electorate o% t2e country4 =it2 t2e Commission.

DU/ISP/UDENCE SINACA !". MULA (14 SC/A $22 Rule on substitution o% an o%%icial candidate o% a registered or accredited political party =2o dies4 =it2dra=s or is dis/uali%ied %or any cause a%ter t2e last day %or t2e %iling o% certi%icates o% candidacy is go"erned by Section (( o% t2e !mnibus Election Code. A certi%icate o% candidacy is in t2e nature o% a %ormal mani%estation to t2e =2ole =orld o% t2e candidateBs political creed or lac; o% political creed. As t2e o%%icial candidate o% an organi9ed political party4 2e is bound by t2e partyBs rule. 7e o=es loyalty to t2e party4 its tenet and its policies4 its plat%orms and programs o% go"ernment. To t2e electorate 2e represents t2e party4 its principles4 ideals and obCecti"es. T2ere is not2ing in t2e Constitution or t2e statute =2ic2 re/uires as a condition precedent t2at a substitute candidate must 2a"e been a member o% t2e party concerned %or a certain period o% time be%ore 2e can be nominated as suc2. T2e decision o% a candidate on =2et2er to run as an independent candidate or to Coin a political party4 group or aggrupation is le%t entirely to 2is discretion. T2e determination o% disputes as to party nominations rests =it2 t2e party4 in t2e absence o% statutes gi"ing t2e courtBs Curisdiction. 62ere t2ere is no controlling statute or clear legal rig2t in"ol"ed4 t2e court =ill not assume Curisdiction to determine %actional contro"ersies =it2in a political party4

13(

but =ill lea"e t2e matter %or determination by t2e proper tribunals o% t2e party itsel% or by t2e electors at t2e polls. <n t2e absence o% a statutory pro"ision to t2e contrary4 an election may not e"en be in"alidated by t2e %act t2at t2e nomination o% t2e success%ul candidate =as broug2t about by %raud4 and not in t2e manner prescribed by t2e statute4 pro"ided it appears t2at noncompliance =it2 t2e la= did not pre"ent a %air and %ree "ote. 6it2 respect to election la=s4 it is an establis2ed rule o% interpretation t2at mandatory pro"isions re/uiring certain steps be%ore election =ill be construed as directory a%ter t2e elections4 to gi"e e%%ect to t2e =ill o% t2e electorate. 62ere a candidate 2as recei"ed popular mandate4 o"er=2elmingly and clearly e-pressed4 all possible doubts s2ould be resol"ed in %a"or o% t2e candidateBs eligibility %or to rule ot2er=ise is to de%eat t2e =ill o% t2e people.

Sec. 38. Petiti n t &en0 &1e c 1r"e t r cancel a certi%icate % can&i&ac0. # A !eri%ie& 6etiti n "ee<in- t &en0 &1e c 1r"e r t cancel a certi%icate % can&i&ac0 *a0 +e %ile& +0 t,e 6er" n e7cl1"i!el0 n t,e -r 1n& t,at an0 *aterial re6re"entati n c ntaine& t,erein a" reB1ire& 1n&er Secti n 38 ,ere % i" %al"e. T,e 6etiti n *a0 +e %ile& at an0 ti*e n t later t,an t=ent0#%i!e &a0" %r * t,e ti*e % t,e %ilin% t,e certi%icate % can&i&ac0 an& ",all +e &eci&e&> a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-> n t later t,an %i%teen &a0" +e% re t,e electi n.

DISCUSSIONS

Gr 1n&" % r Petiti n t Certi%icate % Can&i&ac0

Den0 D1e C 1r"e t

r Cancel a

<t may be %iled e-clusi"ely on t2e ground t2at any in%ormation contained on t2e certi%icate o% candidacy as re/uired under section ( is %alse. 9,en t,e Petiti n *a0 +e File&

13)

<t s2all be %iled at any time not later t2an t=enty1%i"e (2#) days %rom t2e time o% t2e %iling o% t2e certi%icate o% candidacy and s2all be decided4 a%ter due notice and 2earing4 not later t2an %i%teen days be%ore t2e election. DU/ISP/UDENCE GON;ALES !". COMELEC G./. 1.$842> Marc, 8> $)11 As to t2e ground o% %alse representation in t2e C!C under Section ()4 it =as 2eld in Salcedo << ". Commission on Elections4 @.R. ?o. 13#))&4 August 1&4 1***4 t2at in order to Custi%y t2e cancellation o% C!C4 it is essential t2at t2e %alse representation mentioned t2erein pertain to a material matter t2at =ould a%%ect t2e substanti"e rig2ts o% a candidate O t2e rig2t to run %or t2e electi"e post %or =2ic2 2e %iled t2e certi%icate o% candidacy. Alt2oug2 t2e la= does not speci%y =2at =ould be considered as a Dmaterial representationE4 t2e Court concluded t2at t2is re%ers to /uali%ications %or electi"e o%%ice. Citing pre"ious cases in =2ic2 t2e Court interpreted t2is p2rase4 it =as 2eld t2at Section () contemplates statements regarding age4 residence and citi9ens2ip or non1possession o% natural1born 'ilipino status. 'urt2ermore4 aside %rom t2e re/uirement o% materiality4 t2e %alse representation must consist o% a deliberate attempt to mislead4 misin%orm4 or 2ide a %act =2ic2 =ould ot2er=ise render a candidate ineligible. <n ot2er =ords4 it must be made =it2 an intention to decei"e t2e electorate as to oneAs /uali%ication %or public o%%ice.

MA/UHOM !". COMELEC an& ABINAL G./. N . 13.8()> D1l0 $3> $)). 8nder Section () o% t2e !mnibus Election Code (!EC)4 a %alse representation o% material %act in t2e Certi%icate o% Candidacy (C!C) is a ground %or t2e denial or cancellation o% t2e C!C. T2e %alse representation must pertain to a material %act t2at a%%ects t2e rig2t o% t2e candidate to run %or t2e election %or =2ic2 2e %iled 2is C!C. Suc2 material %act re%ers to a candidateAs eligibility or /uali%ication %or electi"e o%%ice li;e citi9ens2ip4 residence or status as a registered "oter. Aside %rom t2e re/uirement o% materiality4 t2e %alse representation must consist o% a deliberate attempt to mislead4 misin%orm4 or 2ide a %act t2at =ould ot2er=ise render a candidate ineligible. <n ot2er =ords4 it must be made =it2 t2e intention to decei"e

13*

t2e electorate as to t2e =ould1be candidateAs /uali%ications %or public o%%ice. <t is settled t2at t2e C!+E:EC 2as Curisdiction o"er a petition %iled under Section () o% t2e !EC. <n t2e e-ercise o% suc2 Curisdiction4 it is =it2in t2e competence o% t2e C!+E:EC to determine =2et2er %alse representation as to material %acts =as made in t2e C!C. <% t2e candidate states a material representation in t2e C!C t2at is %alse4 t2e C!+E:EC is empo=ered to deny due course to or cancel t2e C!C. T2e person =2ose C!C is denied due course or cancelled under Section () o% t2e !EC is not treated as a candidate at all4 as i% suc2 person ne"er %iled a C!C. MI/ANDA !". ABA:A (11 SC/A 2.8 62ile Section () o% t2e Election Code enumerated t2e occasions =2ere a candidate may "alidly substituted4 t2ere is no mention o% t2e case =2ere a candidate is e-cluded not only by dis/uali%ication but also by denial and cancellation o% 2is certi%icate o% candidacy. A person =it2out a "alid certi%icate o% candidacy cannot be considered a candidate in muc2 t2e same =ay as any person =2o 2as not %iled any certi%icate o% candidacy at all cannot4 by any stretc2 o% t2e imagination4 be a candidate at all. A certi%icate o% candidacy %iled beyond t2e period %i-ed by la= is "oid4 and t2e person =2o %iled it is not4 in la=4 a candidate. A "alid certi%icate o% candidacy is li;e=ise an indispensable re/uisite in t2e case o% a substitution o% a dis/uali%ied candidate under t2e pro"isions o% Section (( o% t2e Election Code.

SALCEDO II !". COMELEC (1$ SC/A 883 <n order to Custi%y t2e cancellation o% t2e certi%icate o% candidacy under Section () o% t2e !mnibus Election Code4 it is essential t2at t2e %alse representation mentioned t2erein pertain to a material matter. T2ere are t=o instances =2ere a petition /uestioning t2e /uali%ications o% a

1 ,

registered candidate to run %or t2e o%%ice %or =2ic2 2is certi%icate o% candidacy =as %iled can be raised under t2e !mnibus Election Code (3.$. 3lg. ))1)4 to =itJ D(1) 3e%ore election4E pursuant to Section () t2ereo%H and D(2) A%ter election4E pursuant to Section 2#3 t2ereo%. 8nder Section () o% t2e !mnibus Election Code4 t2e /uali%ications %or electi"e o%%ice are misrepresented in t2e certi%icate o% candidacy and t2e proceedings must be initiated be%ore t2e elections. 8nder Section 2#3 o% t2e !mnibus Election Code4 a candidate is ineligible i% 2e is dis/uali%ied to be elected to o%%ice4 and 2e is dis/uali%ied i% 2e lac;s any o% t2e /uali%ications %or electi"e o%%ice. T2e material misrepresentation contemplated by Section () o% t2e !mnibus Election Code re%ers to /uali%ications %or electi"e o%%ice. A %alse representation under Section () o% t2e !mnibus Election Code must consist o% a deliberate attempt to mislead4 misin%orm4 or 2ide a %act =2ic2 =ould ot2er=ise render a candidate ineligible.

GA/'IDA !". SALES> D/.> HON. /IOS an& P/O'INCIAL SUPE/'ISO/ PIPO G./. N . 1$88.(> A6ril 18> 1..3 Section #32 (a) o% t2e :ocal @o"ernment Code o% 1**1 pro"ides t2at t2e conduct o% t2e S5 elections is under t2e super"ision o% t2e C!+E:EC and s2all be go"erned by t2e !mnibus Election Code. T2e !mnibus Election Code4 in Section ()4 Article <R4 go"erns t2e procedure to deny due course to or cancel a certi%icate o% candidacy. <n relation t2ereto4 Rule 23 o% t2e C!+E:EC Rules o% $rocedure pro"ides t2at a petition to deny due course to or cancel a certi%icate o% candidacy %or an electi"e o%%ice may be %iled =it2 t2e :a= .epartment o% t2e C!+E:EC on t2e ground t2at t2e candidate 2as made a %alse material representation in 2is certi%icate. T2e petition may be 2eard and e"idence recei"ed by any o%%icial designated by t2e C!+E:EC a%ter =2ic2 t2e case s2all be decided by t2e C!+E:EC itsel% and t2at t2e Curisdiction o"er a petition to cancel a certi%icate o% candidacy lies =it2 t2e C!+E:EC sitting in .i"ision4 not en banc. Cases be%ore a .i"ision may only be entertained by t2e C!+E:EC en banc =2en t2e re/uired number o% "otes to reac2 a decision4 resolution4 order or ruling is not obtained in t2e .i"ision. +oreo"er4 only motions to reconsider decisions4 resolutions4 orders or rulings o% t2e C!+E:EC in .i"ision are resol"ed by t2e C!+E:EC en banc. <t is t2ere%ore t2e C!+E:EC sitting in .i"isions t2at can 2ear and decide election cases.

1 1

T2e 5atipunan ng 5abataan =as originally created by $. &) in 1*(# as t2e 5abataang 3arangay4 a barangay yout2 organi9ation composed o% all residents o% t2e barangay =2o =ere at least 1# years but less t2an 1) years o% age. RA (1&, c2anged t2e 5abataang 3arangay into t2e 5atipunan ng 5abataan. <t4 2o=e"er4 retained t2e age limit o% t2e members laid do=n in 3.$. 33( at 1# but not more t2an 21 years old. T2e a%%airs o% t2e 5atipunan ng 5abataan are administered by t2e Sangguniang 5abataan (S5) composed o% a c2airman and se"en (() members =2o are elected by t2e 5atipunan ng 5abataan. T2e c2airman automatically becomes e-1o%%icio member o% t2e Sangguniang 3arangay. A member o% t2e S5 2olds o%%ice %or a term o% t2ree (3) years4 unless sooner remo"ed %or cause4 or becomes permanently incapacitated4 dies or resigns %rom o%%ice. 8nder Section 2 o% t2e :ocal @o"ernment Code4 a member o% t2e 5atipunan ng 5abataan must beJ (a) a 'ilipino citi9enH (b) an actual resident o% t2e barangay %or at least si- mont2sH (c) 1# but not more t2an 21 years o% ageH and (d) duly registered in t2e list o% t2e Sangguniang 5abataan or in t2e o%%icial barangay list. Section 2) o% t2e Code re/uires t2at an electi"e o%%icial o% t2e Sangguniang 5abataan must beJ (a) a 'ilipino citi9enH (b) a /uali%ied "oter in t2e 5atipunan ng 5abataanH (c) a resident o% t2e barangay at least one (1) year immediately preceding t2e electionH (d) at least 1# years but not more t2an 21 years o% age on t2e day o% 2is electionH (e) able to read and =riteH and (%) must not 2a"e been con"icted o% any crime in"ol"ing moral turpitude. 'or t2e +ay &4 1**& S5 elections4 t2e C!+E:EC interpreted Sections 2 and 2) o% t2e :ocal @o"ernment Code o% 1**1 in Resolution ?o. 2)2 and de%ined 2o= a member o% t2e 5atipunan ng 5abataan becomes a /uali%ied "oter and an electi"e o%%icial] "oter must be born bet=een +ay &4 1*(# and +ay &4 1*)14 inclusi"eH and (c) a resident o% t2e $2ilippines %or at least one (1) year and an actual resident o% t2e barangay at least si- (&) mont2s immediately preceding t2e elections. A candidate %or t2e S5 mustJ (a) possess t2e %oregoing /uali%ications o% a "oterH (b) be a resident in t2e barangay at least one (1) year immediately preceding t2e electionsH and (c) able to read and =rite. E-cept %or t2e /uestion o% age4 petitioner 2as all t2e /uali%ications o% a member and "oter in t2e 5atipunan ng 5abataan and a candidate %or t2e Sangguniang 5abataan. $etitionerAs age is admittedly beyond t2e limit set in Section 3 VbW o% C!+E:EC Resolution ?o. 2)2 . $etitioner4 2o=e"er4 argues t2at

1 2

Section 3 VbW o% Resolution ?o. 2)2 is unla=%ul4 ultra "ires and beyond t2e scope o% Sections 2 and 2) o% t2e :ocal @o"ernment Code o% 1**1. S2e contends t2at t2e Code itsel% does not pro"ide t2at t2e "oter must be e-actly 21 years o% age on election day. S2e urges t2at so long as s2e did not turn t=enty1t=o (22) years old4 s2e =as still t=enty1one years o% age on election day and t2ere%ore /uali%ied as a member and "oter in t2e 5atipunan ng 5abataan and as candidate %or t2e S5 elections. Section 2 o% t2e Code sets a memberAs ma-imum age at 21 years only. T2ere is no %urt2er pro"ision as to =2en t2e member s2all 2a"e turned 21 years o% age. !n t2e ot2er 2and4 Section 2) pro"ides t2at t2e ma-imum age o% an electi"e S5 o%%icial is 21 years old Don t2e day o% 2is election.E T2e addition o% t2e p2rase Don t2e day o% 2is electionE is an additional /uali%ication. T2e member may be more t2an 21 years o% age on election day or on t2e day 2e registers as member o% t2e 5atipunan ng 5abataan. T2e electi"e o%%icial4 2o=e"er4 must not be more t2an 21 years old on t2e day o% election. T2e distinction is understandable considering t2at t2e Code itsel% pro"ides more /uali%ications %or an electi"e S5 o%%icial t2an %or a member o% t2e 5atipunan ng 5abataan. .issimilum dissimilis est ratio. T2e courts may distinguis2 =2en t2ere are %acts and circumstances s2o=ing t2at t2e legislature intended a distinction or /uali%ication. T2e pro"ision t2at an electi"e o%%icial o% t2e S5 s2ould not be more t2an 21 years o% age on t2e day o% 2is election is "ery clear. T2e :ocal @o"ernment Code spea;s o% years4 not mont2s nor days. 62en t2e la= spea;s o% years4 it is understood t2at years are o% 3&# days eac2. !ne born on t2e %irst day o% t2e year is conse/uently deemed to be one year old on t2e 3&#t2 day a%ter 2is birt2 N t2e last day o% t2e year. <n computing years4 t2e %irst year is reac2ed a%ter completing t2e %irst 3&# days. A%ter t2e %irst 3&#t2 day4 t2e %irst day o% t2e second 3&#1day cycle begins. T2e p2rase Dnot more t2an 21 years o% ageE means not o"er 21 years4 not beyond 21 years. <t means 21 3&#1day cycles. <t does not mean 21 years and one or some days or a %raction o% a year because t2at =ould be more t2an 21 3&#1day cycles. D?ot more t2an 21 years oldE is not e/ui"alent to Dless t2an 22 years old4E contrary to petitionerAs claims. T2e la= does not state t2at t2e candidate be less t2an 22 years on election day. T2e re/uirement t2at a candidate possess t2e age /uali%ication is %ounded on public policy and i% 2e lac;s t2e age on t2e day o% t2e election4 2e can be declared ineligible. <neligibility4 on t2e ot2er 2and4 re%ers to t2e lac; o% t2e /uali%ications prescribed in t2e Constitution or t2e statutes %or 2olding public o%%ice.

1 3

<neligibility is not one o% t2e grounds enumerated in Section succession o% t2e S5 C2airman.

3# %or

To a"oid a 2iatus in t2e o%%ice o% S5 C2airman4 t2e Court deems it necessary to order t2at t2e "acancy be %illed by t2e S5 member c2osen by t2e incumbent S5 members o% 3arangay San :oren9o4 3angui4 <locos ?orte by simple maCority %rom among t2emsel"es. T2e member c2osen s2all assume t2e o%%ice o% S5 C2airman %or t2e une-pired portion o% t2e term4 and s2all disc2arge t2e po=ers and duties4 and enCoy t2e rig2ts and pri"ileges appurtenant to said o%%ice. <? 0<E6 67ERE!'4 t2e petition is dismissed and petitioner :ynette @. @ar"ida is declared ineligible %or being o"er t2e age /uali%ication %or candidacy in t2e +ay &4 1**& elections o% t2e Sangguniang 5abataan4 and is ordered to "acate 2er position as C2airman o% t2e Sangguniang 5abataan o% 3arangay San :oren9o4 3angui4 <locos ?orte. T2e Sangguniang 5abataan member "oted by simple maCority by and %rom among t2e incumbent Sangguniang 5abataan members o% 3arangay San :oren9o4 3angui4 <locos ?orte s2all assume t2e o%%ice o% Sangguniang 5abataan C2airman o% 3arangay San :oren9o4 3angui4 <locos ?orte %or t2e une-pired portion o% t2e term.

A/TICLE 5
CAMPAIGN AND ELECTION P/OPAGANDA
Sec. 3.. De%initi n". # A" 1"e& in t,i" C &e? (a) T,e ter* Jcan&i&ateJ re%er" t an0 6er" n a"6irin% r r "ee<in- an electi!e 61+lic %%ice> =, ,a" %ile& a

certi%icate % can&i&ac0 +0 ,i*"el% r t,r 1-, an accre&ite& 6 litical 6art0> a--r 16*ent> r c aliti n % 6artie"@ (+) T,e ter* Jelecti n ca*6ai-nJ r J6arti"an 6 litical acti!it0J re%er" t an act &e"i-ne& t 6r * te t,e electi n r &e%eat % a 6artic1lar can&i&ate r can&i&ate" t a 61+lic %%ice =,ic, ",all incl1&e? (1) F r*inr-aniAati n"> a"" ciati n"> cl1+"> c **ittee" r t,er -r 16" % 6er" n" % r t,e 61r6 "e % " licitin- ! te" an&H r 1n&erta<in- an0 ca*6ai-n % r r a-ain"t a can&i&ate@ ($) H l&in6 litical ca1c1"e"> c n%erence"> *eetin-"> rallie"> 6ara&e"> r t,er "i*ilar a""e*+lie"> % r t,e 61r6 "e % " licitin- ! te" an&H r 1n&erta<in- an0 ca*6ai-n r 6r 6a-an&a % r r a-ain"t a can&i&ate@ (() Ma<in"6eec,e"> ann 1nce*ent" r c **entarie"> r , l&in- inter!ie=" % r r a-ain"t t,e electi n % an0 can&i&ate % r 61+lic %%ice@ (8) P1+li",in- r &i"tri+1tin- ca*6ai-n literat1re r *aterial" &e"i-ne& t "166 rt r 66 "e t,e electi n % an0 can&i&ate@ r (4) Directl0 "166 rt % r r in&irectl0 " licitin- ! te"> 6le&-e" r a-ain"t a can&i&ate. r

T,e % re- in- en1*erate& act" i% 6er% r*e& % r t,e 61r6 "e % en,ancin- t,e c,ance" % a"6irant" % r n *inati n % r can&i&ac0 t a 61+lic %%ice +0 a 6 litical 6art0> a--r 16*ent> r c aliti n % 6artie" ",all n t +e c n"i&ere& a" electi n ca*6ai-n r 6arti"an electi n acti!it0. P1+lic e76re""i n" r 6ini n" r &i"c1""i n" % 6r +a+le i""1e" in a % rt,c *in- electi n r n attri+1te" % r critici"*" a-ain"t 6r +a+le can&i&ate" 6r 6 "e& t +e n *inate& in a % rt,c *in- 6 litical 6art0 c n!enti n ",all n t +e c n"tr1e& a" 6art % an0 electi n ca*6ai-n r 6arti"an 6 litical acti!it0 c nte*6late& 1n&er t,i" Article.

1 #

DISCUSSIONS

Can&i&ate Re%ers to any person aspiring %or or see;ing an electi"e public o%%ice4 =, ,a" %ile& a certi%icate % can&i&ac0 by 2imsel% or t2roug2 an accredited political party4 aggroupment4 or coalition o% parties.

Electi n Ca*6ai-n

r Parti"an P litical Acti!it0

Re%ers to an act designed to promote t2e election or de%eat o% a particular candidate or candidates to a public o%%ice.

Iin&"

% All =a+le P litical Acti!it0 1. 'orming organi9ations4 associations4 clubs4 committees or ot2er groups o% persons %or t2e purpose o% soliciting "otes andMor underta;ing any campaign %or or against a candidateH 2. 7olding political caucuses4 con%erences4 meetings4 rallies4 parades4 or ot2er similar assemblies4 %or t2e purpose o% soliciting "otes andMor underta;ing any campaign or propaganda %or or against a candidateH 3. +a;ing speec2es4 announcements or commentaries4 or 2olding inter"ie=s %or or against t2e election o% any candidate %or public o%%iceH $ublis2ing or distributing campaign literature or materials designed to support or oppose t2e election o% any candidateH or .irectly or indirectly soliciting "otes4 pledges or support %or or against a candidate.

#.

1 &

DU/ISP/UDENCE PANE/A !". COMELEC an& ANDANA/ G./. N . 18121(> Se6te*+er 11> $)). T2e conduct o% a motorcade is a %orm o% election campaign or partisan political acti"ity4 %alling s/uarely =it2in t2e ambit o% Section (*(b)(2) o% t2e !mnibus Election Code4 on D2olding political caucuses4 con%erences4 meetings4 rallies4 parades4 or ot2er similar assemblies4 %or t2e purpose o% soliciting "otes andMor underta;ing any campaign or propaganda %or or against a candidate.E A motorcade is a procession or parade o% automobiles or ot2er motor "e2icles. T2e conduct t2ereo% during election periods by t2e candidates and t2eir supporters is a %act t2at need not be belabored due to its =idespread and per"asi"e practice. T2e ob"ious purpose o% t2e conduct o% motorcades is to introduce t2e candidates and t2e positions4 to =2ic2 t2ey see; to be elected4 to t2e "oting publicH or to ma;e t2em more "isible so as to %acilitate t2e recognition and recollection o% t2eir names in t2e minds o% t2e "oters come election time. 8nmista;ably4 motorcades are underta;en %or no ot2er purpose t2an to promote t2e election o% a particular candidate or candidates. <n t2e instant $etition4 $enera ne"er denied t2at s2e too; part in t2e conduct o% t2e motorcade a%ter s2e %iled 2er C!C on t2e day be%ore t2e start o% t2e campaign period. 'or "iolating Section ), o% t2e !mnibus Election Code4 proscribing election campaign or partisan political acti"ity outside t2e campaign period4 $enera must be dis/uali%ied %rom 2olding t2e o%%ice o% +ayor o% Sta. +onica.

Sec. 8). Electi n ca*6ai-n r 6arti"an 6 litical acti!it0 1t"i&e ca*6ai-n 6eri &. # It ",all +e 1nla=%1l % r an0 6er" n> =,et,er r n t a ! ter r can&i&ate> r % r an0 6art0> r a"" ciati n % 6er" n"> t en-a-e in an electi n ca*6ai-n r 6arti"an 6 litical acti!it0 e7ce6t &1rin- t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri &? Pr !i&e&> T,at 6 litical 6artie" *a0 , l& 6 litical c n!enti n" r *eetin-" t n *inate t,eir %%icial can&i&ate" =it,in t,irt0 &a0" +e% re t,e c **ence*ent % t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri & an& % rt0#%i!e &a0" % r Pre"i&ential an& 'ice#Pre"i&ential electi n.

1 (

DISCUSSIONS

P litical Acti!it0 O1t"i&e Ca*6ai-n Peri & i" Pr ,i+ite& <t s2all be unla=%ul %or any person4 =2et2er or not a "oter or candidate4 or %or any party4 or association o% persons4 to engage in an election campaign or partisan political acti"ity e-cept during t2e campaign period. $ro"ided4 T2at political parties may 2old political con"entions or meetings to nominate t2eir o%%icial candidates =it2in t2irty days be%ore t2e commencement o% t2e campaign period and %orty1%i"e days %or $residential and 0ice1$residential election.

DU/ISP/UDENCE PANE/A !". COMELEC an& ANDANA/ G./. N . 18121(> Se6te*+er 11> $)). T2e .issenting !pinion ultimately concludes t2at because o% Section 1# o% Republic Act ?o. ) 3&4 as amended4 t2e pro2ibited act o% premature campaigning in Section ), o% t2e !mnibus Election Code4 is practically impossible to commit at any time. 6e disagree. Section ), o% t2e !mnibus Election Code remains rele"ant and applicable despite Section 1# o% Republic Act ?o. ) 3&4 as amended. A close reading o% t2e entire Republic Act ?o. *3&*4 =2ic2 amended Republic Act ?o. ) 3&4 =ould readily re"eal t2at t2at it did not contain an e-press repeal o% Section ), o% t2e !mnibus Election Code. An e-press repeal is one =2erein a statute declares4 usually in its repealing clause4 t2at a particular and speci%ic la=4 identi%ied by its number or title4 is repealed. Absent t2is speci%ic re/uirement4 an e-press repeal may not be presumed. To our mind4 t2ere is no

1 )

absolute and irreconcilable incompatibility bet=een Section 1# o% Republic Act ?o. ) 3&4 as amended4 and Section ), o% t2e !mnibus Election Code4 =2ic2 de%ines t2e pro2ibited act o% premature campaigning. <t is possible to 2armoni9e and reconcile t2ese t=o pro"isions and4 t2us4 gi"e e%%ect to bot2.

Sec. 81. Inter!enti n % % rei-ner". # It ",all +e 1nla=%1l % r an0 % rei-ner> =,et,er C1&icial r nat1ral 6er" n> t ai& an0 can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> r ta<e 6art in r in%l1ence in an0 *anner an0 electi n> r t c ntri+1te r *a<e an0 e76en&it1re in c nnecti n =it, an0 electi n ca*6ai-n r 6arti"an 6 litical acti!it0.

DISCUSSIONS

Inter!enti n 1.

% F rei-ner"

'oreigners are not allo=ed to aid candidate or political party. 2. Ta;e part in or in%luence in any manner any election. 3. To contribute or ma;e e-penditure =it2 any election campaign or partisan political acti"ity.

Sec. 8$. La=%1l electi n 6r 6a-an&a ",all incl1&e?

6r 6a-an&a.

La=%1l

electi n

a. Pa*6,let"> lea%let"> car&"> &ecal"> "tic<er" r t,er =ritten r 6rinte& *aterial" % a "iAe n t * re t,an ei-,t an& ne#,al% inc,e" in =i&t, an& % 1rteen inc,e" in len-t,@ +. Han&=ritten r 6rinte& letter" 1r-in- ! ter" t ! te % r r a-ain"t an0 6artic1lar can&i&ate@

1 *

c. Cl t,> 6a6er r car&+ ar& 6 "ter"> =,et,er %ra*e& r 6 "te&> =it, an area e7cee&in- t= %eet +0 t,ree %eet> e7ce6t t,at> at t,e "ite an& n t,e cca"i n % a 61+lic *eetin- r rall0> r in ann 1ncin- t,e , l&in- % "ai& *eetin- r rall0> "trea*er" n t e7cee&in- t,ree %eet +0 ei-,t %eet in "iAe> ",all +e all =e&? Pr !i&e&> T,at "ai& "trea*er" *a0 n t +e &i"6la0e& e7ce6t ne =ee< +e% re t,e &ate % t,e *eetin- r rall0 an& t,at it ",all +e re* !e& =it,in "e!ent0#t= , 1r" a%ter "ai& *eetin- r rall0@ r &. All t,er % r*" % electi n 6r 6a-an&a n t 6r ,i+ite& +0 t,i" C &e a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 a1t, riAe a%ter &1e n tice t all intere"te& 6artie" an& ,earin- =,ere all t,e intere"te& 6artie" =ere -i!en an eB1al 66 rt1nit0 t +e ,ear&? Pr !i&e&> T,at t,e C **i""i nE" a1t, riAati n ",all +e 61+li",e& in t= ne="6a6er" % -eneral circ1lati n t,r 1-, 1t t,e nati n % r at lea"t t=ice =it,in ne =ee< a%ter t,e a1t, riAati n ,a" +een -rante&.

.<SC8SS<!?S

Li"t

% La=%1l Electi n Pr 6a-an&aJ a. $amp2lets4 lea%lets4 cards4 decals4 stic;ers or ot2er =ritten or printed materials o% a si9e not more t2an eig2t and one12al% inc2es in =idt2 and %ourteen inc2es in lengt2H b. 7and=ritten or printed letters urging "oters to "ote %or or against any particular candidateH c. Clot24 paper or cardboard posters4 =2et2er %ramed or posted4 =it2 an area e-ceeding t=o %eet by t2ree %eet4 e-cept t2at4 at t2e site and on t2e occasion o% a public meeting or rally4 or in announcing t2e 2olding o% said meeting or rally4 streamers not e-ceeding t2ree %eet by eig2t %eet in si9e4 s2all be allo=edJ $ro"ided4 T2at said streamers may not be displayed e-cept one =ee; be%ore t2e date o% t2e meeting or rally and t2at it s2all be remo"ed =it2in se"enty1t=o 2ours a%ter said meeting or rallyH or

1#,

d. All ot2er %orms o% election propaganda not pro2ibited by t2is Code as t2e Commission may aut2ori9e a%ter due notice to all interested parties and 2earing =2ere all t2e interested parties =ere gi"en an e/ual opportunity to be 2eardJ $ro"ided4 T2at t2e CommissionBs aut2ori9ation s2all be publis2ed in t=o ne=spapers o% general circulation t2roug2out t2e nation %or at least t=ice =it2in one =ee; a%ter t2e aut2ori9ation 2as been granted.

8nder Sec. 3 o% R.A. no. *,,& :a=%ul Election $ropaganda includesJ %ection #. /awful 0lection Propaganda. 0lection propaganda, whether on television, cable television, radio, newspapers or any other medium is hereby allowed for all registered political parties, national, regional, sectoral parties or organi!ations participating under the party list elections and for all bona fide candidates seeAing national and local elective positions sub?ect to the limitation on authori!ed expenses of candidates and political parties, observance of truth in advertising and to the supervision and regulation by the .ommission on 0lections 3.6M0/0.8. or the purpose of this *ct, lawful election propaganda shall include: #.1. Pamphlets, leaflets, cards, decals, sticAers or other written or printed materials the si!e of which does not exceed eight and one half inches in width and fourteen inches in lengthF #.". )andwritten or printed letters urging voters to vote for or against any particular political party or candidate for public officeF #.#. .loth, paper or cardboard posters, whether framed or posted, with an area not exceeding two 3"8 feet by three 3#8 feet, except that, at the site and on the occasion of a public meeting or rally, or in announcing the holding of said meeting or rally, streamers not exceeding three 3#8 feet by eight 3:8 feet in si!e, shall be allowed: Provided, ,hat said streamers may be displayed five 3&8 days before

1#1

the date of the meeting or rally and shall be removed within twenty=four 3"$8 hours after said meeting or rallyF #.$. Paid advertisements in print or broadcast media: Provided, ,hat the advertisements shall follow the re(uirements set forth in 5ection $ of this *ctF and #.&. *ll other forms of election propaganda not prohibited by the 6mnibus 0lection .ode or this *ct.

7ence4 t2e %ollo=ing means are deemed to be %orms o% Election $ropaganda as pro"ided and allo=ed by la=J <. $rinted or publis2ed materials $amp2lets :ea%lets Cards .ecals Stic;ers 7and=ritten or $rinted letters $osters (Clot24 $aper or Cardboard Streamers

<<.

$aid ad"ertisementsin broadcast media and in print ?e=spaper ?e=sletter ?e=s=ee;ly @a9ette or +aga9ine Ad"ertising Comic 3oo;s

1#2

7andbills Circulars Radio Ad"ertisment Tele"ision Ad"ertisement

<<<.

!t2er means analogous to pro2ibited by t2e C!+E:EC $ublic Rallies $ublic +eetings

t2ose

mentioned

and

not

T2e %ollo=ing re/uirements %or di%%erent %orms o% election propaganda s2all be complied =it2J i. Any ne=spaper4 ne=sletter4 ne=s=ee;ly4 ga9ette or maga9ine ad"ertising4 posters4 pamp2lets4 comic boo;s4 circulars4 2andbills4 bumper stic;ers4 streamers4 sample list o% candidates or any publis2ed or printed political matter and any broadcast o% election propaganda by tele"ision or radio %or or against a candidate or group o% candidates to any public o%%ice s2all bear and be identi%ied by t2e reasonably legible or audible =ords Kpolitical ad"ertisement paid %or4K %ollo=ed by t2e true and correct name and address o% t2e candidate or party %or =2ose bene%it t2e election propaganda =as printed or aired. ( Secti n 8> 6ara-ra6, 8.1> /.A. N . .))2) $amp2lets4 lea%lets4 cards4 decals4 stic;ers or ot2er =ritten or printed materials s2all not e-ceedJ iii. )1M2 inc2 in =idt2 and 1 inc2es in lengt2

ii.

Clot24 paper or cardboard posters4 =2et2er %ramed or posted4 =it2 an area not e-ceedingJ 2 %eet by 3 %eet

1#3

i".

Streamers4 at t2e site o% and on occassion o% public meeting or rally4 or in announcing t2e 2olding o% suc2 4 are allo=ed and s2allJ ?ot e-ceed 3 %eet by ) %eet +aybe displayed or posted # days be%ore t2e date o% suc2 meeting or rally 3e remo"ed =it2in 2 2ours a%ter suc2 meeting or rally

".

<% t2e broadcast is gi"en %ree o% c2arge by t2e radio or tele"ision station4 it s2all be identi%ied by t2e =ords Jairti*e % r t,i" +r a&ca"t =a" 6r !i&e& %ree % c,ar-e +0J %ollo=ed by t,e tr1e an& c rrect na*e an& a&&re"" % t,e +r a&ca"t entit0. (Sec. 8 6ar. 8.$ /.A. N . .))2) $rint4 broadcast or outdoor ad"ertisements donated to t2e candidate or political party ",all n t +e 6rinte&> 61+li",e&> +r a&ca"t> r e7,i+ite& =it, 1t t,e =ritten acce6tance +0 t,e "ai& can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0. Suc2 =ritten acceptance ",all +e attac,e& t t,e a&!erti"in- c ntract an& ",all +e "1+*itte& t t,e COMELEC as pro"ided in Subsection &.3. 2ereo%. ( Sec. 8 6ar. 8.( /.A. N . .))2) $rint ad"ertisements ",all n t e7cee& ne#% 1rt, (1H8) 6a-e> in +r a& ",eet and ne#,al% (1H$) 6a-e in ta+l i&" t2rice a =ee; per ne=spaper4 maga9ine or ot2er publications4 during t2e campaign period. ( Sec. 2 6ar. 2.1 /.A. N . .))2). Un&er Sec. 2 6ar. 2.$ /.A. N . .))2J a. Eac2 bona %ide candidate or registered political party %or a nationally electi"e o%%ice s2all be entitled to not more t2an one 2undred t=enty (12,) minutes o% tele"ision ad"ertisement and one 2undred eig2ty (1),) minutes o% radio ad"ertisement =2et2er by purc2ase or donation. b. Eac2 bona %ide candidate or registered political party %or a locally electi"e o%%ice ",all +e entitle& t n t * re t,an "i7t0 (2)) *in1te" % tele!i"i n a&!erti"e*ent and ninet0 (.)) *in1te" % ra&i a&!erti"e*ent =2et2er by purc2ase or

"i.

"ii.

"iii.

1#

'or t2is purpose4 t2e C!+E:EC ",all reB1ire an0 +r a&ca"t "tati n r entit0 t "1+*it t t,e COMELEC a c 60 % it" +r a&ca"t l -" an& certi%icate" % 6er% r*ance %or t2e re"ie= and "eri%ication o% t2e %re/uency4 date4 time and duration o% ad"ertisements broadcast %or any candidate or political party.

i-.

Sec. )& o% 3.$. 3lg. ))1 pro"idesJ Secti n 82. Regulation o% election propaganda t2roug2 mass media. a. T2e Commission s2all promulgate rules and regulations regarding t2e sale o% air time %or partisan political purposes during t2e campaign period t in"1re t,e eB1al ti*e a" t &1rati n an& B1alit0 in a!aila+le t all can&i&ate" % r t,e "a*e %%ice r 6 litical 6artie" at t,e "a*e rate" r -i!en %ree % c,ar-e@ t,at "1c, rate" are rea" na+le an& n t ,i-,er t,an t, "e c,ar-e& t,er +10er" r 1"er" % air ti*e % r n n#6 litical 61r6 "e"@ t2at t2e pro"isions o% t2is Code regarding t2e limitation o% e-penditures by candidates and political parties and contributions by pri"ate persons4 entities and institutions are e%%ecti"ely en%orced @ an& t en"1re t,at "ai& ra&i +r a&ca"tin- an& tele!i"i n "tati n" ",all n t 1n&1l0 all = t,e "c,e&1lin- % an0 6r -ra* r 6er*it an0 "6 n" r t *ani%e"tl0 %a! r r 66 "e an0 can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0 +0 1n&1l0 r re6eate&l0 re%errin- t r incl1&in- "ai& can&i&ate an&H r 6 litical 6art0 in "1c, 6r -ra* respecting4 2o=e"er4 in all instances t2e rig2t o% said stations to broadcast accounts o% signi%icant or ne=s=ort2y e"ents and "ie=s on matters o% public interest. b. All c ntract" % r a&!erti"in- in any ne=spaper4 maga9ine4 periodical or any %orm o% publication promoting or opposing t2e candidacy o% any person %or public o%%ice s2all4 be%ore its implementation4 +e re-i"tere& +0 "ai& ne="6a6er> *a-aAine> 6eri &ical r 61+licati n =it, t,e C **i""i n. <n e"ery case4 it ",all +e "i-ne& +0 t,e can&i&ate c ncerne& r +0 t,e &1l0 a1t, riAe& re6re"entati!e % t,e 6 litical 6art0.

1##

c. N %ranc,i"e r 6er*it to operate a radio or tele"ision station ",all +e -rante& r i""1e&> "1"6en&e& r cancelle& &1rin- t,e electi n 6eri &. Any radio or tele"ision stations4 including t2at o=ned or controlled by t2e @o"ernment4 ",all -i!e %ree % c,ar-e eB1al ti*e an& 6r *inence t an accre&ite& 6 litical 6art0 r it" can&i&ate" i% it -i!e" %ree % c,ar-e air ti*e t an accre&ite& 6 litical 6art0 r it" can&i&ate" % r 6 litical 61r6 "e". <n all instances4 t2e Commission s2all super"ise t2e use and employment o% press4 radio and tele"ision %acilities so as t -i!e can&i&ate" eB1al 66 rt1nitie" 1n&er eB1al circ1*"tance" t *a<e <n =n t,eir B1ali%icati n" an& t,eir "tan& n 61+lic i""1e" =it,in t,e li*it" "et % rt, in t,i" C &e n electi n "6en&in-. -. SubCect to t2e re/uirements o% local ordinances on t2e issuance o% permits> an0 6 litical 6art0 "166 rtin%%icial can&i&ate" r an0 can&i&ate in&i!i&1all0 r C intl0 =it, t,er a"6irant" *a0 , l& 6eace%1l 6 litical rallie"> *eetin-"> an& t,er "i*ilar acti!itie" &1rint,e ca*6ai-n 6eri &J $ro"ided4 T2at all applications %or 6er*it" t , l& *eetin-"> rallie" an& t,er "i*ilar 6 litical acti!itie"> recei6t % =,ic, *1"t +e ac<n =le&-e& in =ritin- an& =,ic, a66licati n ",all +e i**e&iatel0 6 "te& in a c n"6ic1 1" 6lace in t,e cit0 r *1nici6al +1il&in-> ",all +e acte& 16 n in =ritin- +0 l cal a1t, ritie" c ncerne& =it,in t,ree &a0" a%ter t,e %ilin- t,ere % and any application not acted upon =it2in said period s2all be deemed appro"edJ and $ro"ided4 %urt2er4 T2at denial o% any application %or said permit s2all be appealable to t2e pro"incial election super"isor or to t2e Commission =2ose decision s2all be made =it2in %orty1eig2t 2ours and =2ic2 s2all be %inal and e-ecutoryJ $ro"ided4 %inally4 T2at one only Custi%iable ground %or denial is a prior =ritten application by any candidate or political party %or t2e same purpose 2as been appro"ed. (Sec. )(4 3.$. 3lg. ))1) Any political party or candidate s2all n ti%0 t,e electi n re-i"trar c ncerne& % an0 61+lic rall0 "ai& 6 litical 6art0 r can&i&ate inten&" t r-aniAe an& , l& in t,e

-i.

1#&

cit0 r *1nici6alit04 and =it2in se"en =or;ing days t2erea%ter submit to t2e election registrar a statement o% e-penses incurred in connection t2ere=it2. (Sec )(4 3.$. 3lg. ))1) -ii. T2e C!+E:EC s2all 6r c1re ",all in at lea"t ne (1) ne="6a6er % -eneral circ1lati n an& air ti*e in at lea"t ne (1) *aC r +r a&ca"tin- "tati n r entit0 in e!er0 6r !ince r cit0? P!o ided* howe e!* T,at in t,e a+"ence % "ai& ne="6a6er> 61+licati n ",all +e & ne in an0 t,er *a-aAine r 6eri &ical in "ai& 6r !ince r cit0> =,ic, ",all +e <n =n a" JCOMELEC S6aceJ J Provided, further, T2at in t,e a+"ence o% said broadcasting station or entity4 broadcasting s2all be done in any radio or tele"ision station in said pro"ince or city4 =2ic2 s2all be ;no=n as KC!+E:EC TimeK. Sai& ti*e ",all +e all cate& t t,e COMELEC %ree % c,ar-e> =,ile "ai& "6ace ",all +e all cate& t t,e COMELEC 16 n 6a0*ent % C1"t c *6en"ati n. T2e C!+E:EC time and space s2all be 1tiliAe& e7cl1"i!el0 +0 t,e COMELEC % r 61+lic in% r*ati n &i""e*inati n n electi n#relate& c ncern". (Sec. )4 R.A. no *,,&) C!+E:EC may aut2ori9e political parties and party1list groups to erect common poster areas %or t2eir candidates in n t * re t,an ten (1)) 61+lic 6lace" suc2 as pla9as4 mar;ets4 barangay centers and t2e li;e4 =2erein candidates can post4 display or e-2ibit election propagandaJ Provided4 T2at t2e si9e o% t2e poster areas s2all n t e7cee& t=el!e (1$) +0 "i7teen (12) %eet r it" eB1i!alent. (Sec. * R.A *,,&) <ndependent candidates =it2 n 6 litical 6artie" *a0 li<e=i"e +e a1t, riAe& t erect c ** n 6 "ter area" in n t * re t,an ten (1)) 61+lic 6lace"> t,e "iAe % =,ic, ",all n t e7cee& % 1r (8) +0 "i7 (2) %eet r it" eB1i!alent. (Sec. * R.A. no. *,,&) Candidates may post an0 la=%1l 6r 6a-an&a *aterial in 6ri!ate 6lace" =it, t,e c n"ent % t,e =ner t,ere %> an& in 61+lic 6lace" r 6r 6ert0 =2ic2 s2all be allocated e/uitably and impartially among t2e candidates. (Sec. *4 R.A. no *,,&)

-iii.

-i".

-".

1#(

Sec. 8(. /e* !al> &e"tr1cti n r &e%ace*ent % la=%1l electi n 6r 6a-an&a 6r ,i+ite&. # It ",all +e 1nla=%1l % r an0 6er" n &1rin- t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri & t re* !e> &e"tr 0> +literate> r in an0 *anner &e%ace r ta*6er =it,> r 6re!ent t,e &i"tri+1ti n % la=%1l electi n 6r 6a-an&a. DISCUSSIONS

It ",all +e 1nla=%1l % r an0 6er" n &1rin- t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri &? a. To remo"e4 destroy4 obliterate4 in any manner de%ace or tamper a la=%ul election propaganda. b. To pre"ent t2e distribution o% la=%ul election propaganda.

Sec. 88. /eB1ire*ent" % r 61+li",e& r 6rinte& electi n 6r 6a-an&a. # An0 ne="6a6er> ne="letter> ne="=ee<l0> -aAette r *a-aAine a&!erti"in-> 6 "ter"> 6a*6,let"> circ1lar"> ,an&+ill"> +1*6er "tic<er"> "trea*er"> "i*6le li"t % can&i&ate" r an0 61+li",e& r 6rinte& 6 litical *atter % r r a-ain"t a can&i&ate r -r 16 % can&i&ate" t an0 61+lic %%ice ",all +ear an& +e i&enti%ie& +0 t,e = r&" J6ai& % r +0J % ll =e& +0 t,e tr1e an& c rrect na*e an& a&&re"" % t,e 6a0 r an& +0 t,e = r&" J6rinte& +0J % ll =e& +0 t,e tr1e an& c rrect na*e an& a&&re"" % t,e 6rinter.

.<SC8SS<!?S

/eB1ire*ent"

% 61+li",e&

r 6rinte& electi n 6r 6a-an&a?

Any publis2ed or printed election propaganda s2ould bear and be identi%ied by t2e =ordsJ 1. Kpaid %or byK %ollo=ed by name and address o% t2e payor andH

1#)

2. by t2e =ords Kprinted byK %olo=ed by t2e name and address o% t2e printer.

Sec. 84. Pr ,i+ite& % r*" 1nla=%1l?

% electi n 6r 6a-an&a. # It ",all +e

(a) T 6rint> 61+li",> 6 "t r &i"tri+1te an0 6 "ter> 6a*6,let> circ1lar> ,an&+ill> r 6rinte& *atter 1r-in! ter" t ! te % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate 1nle"" t,e0 +ear t,e na*e" an& a&&re""e" % t,e 6rinter an& 6a0 r a" reB1ire& in Secti n 88 ,ere %@ (+) T erect> 61t 16> *a<e 1"e %> attac,> %l at r &i"6la0 an0 +ill+ ar&> tin6late#6 "ter> +all n" an& t,e li<e> % =,ate!er "iAe> ",a6e> % r* r <in&> a&!erti"in- % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0@ (c) T 61rc,a"e> *an1%act1re> reB1e"t> &i"tri+1te r acce6t elect ral 6r 6a-an&a -a&-et"> "1c, a" 6en"> li-,ter"> %an" % =,ate!er nat1re> %la",li-,t"> at,letic - &" r *aterial"> =allet"> ",irt"> ,at"> +an&ana"> *atc,e"> ci-arette" an& t,e li<e> e7ce6t t,at ca*6ai-n "166 rter" acc *6an0in- a can&i&ate ",all +e all =e& t =ear ,at" an&H r ",irt" r T#",irt" a&!erti"in- a can&i&ate@ (&) T ", = r &i"6la0 61+licl0 an0 a&!erti"e*ent r 6r 6a-an&a % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate +0 *ean" % cine*at -ra6,0> a1&i #!i"1al 1nit" r t,er "creen 6r Cecti n" e7ce6t teleca"t" =,ic, *a0 +e all =e& a" ,ereina%ter 6r !i&e&@ an& (e) F r an0 ra&i +r a&ca"tin- r tele!i"i n "tati n t "ell r -i!e %ree % c,ar-e air ti*e % r ca*6ai-n an& t,er 6 litical 61r6 "e" e7ce6t a" a1t, riAe& in t,i" C &e 1n&er t,e r1le" an& re-1lati n" 6r *1l-ate& +0 t,e C **i""i n 61r"1ant t,eret . An0 6r ,i+ite& electi n 6r 6a-an&a -a&-et r a&!erti"e*ent ",all +e "t 66e&> c n%i"cate& r t rn & =n +0 t,e re6re"entati!e % t,e C **i""i n 16 n "6eci%ic a1t, rit0 % t,e C **i""i n.

1#*

T,e % ll =in- are li"t 6r 6a-an&a?

% Pr ,i+ite& % r*"

% electi n

a.) T 6rint> 61+li",> 6 "t r &i"tri+1te an0 6 "ter> 6a*6,let> circ1lar> ,an&+ill> r 6rinte& *atter 1r-in! ter" t ! te % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate 1nle"" t,e0 +ear t,e na*e" an& a&&re""e" % t,e 6rinter an& 6a0 r a" reB1ire& in Secti n 88 ,ere %@ +.) T erect> 61t 16> *a<e 1"e %> attac,> %l at r &i"6la0 an0 +ill+ ar&> tin6late#6 "ter> +all n" an& t,e li<e> % =,ate!er "iAe> ",a6e> % r* r <in&> a&!erti"in- % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0. c.) T 61rc,a"e> *an1%act1re> reB1e"t> &i"tri+1te r acce6t elect ral 6r 6a-an&a -a&-et"> "1c, a" 6en"> li-,ter"> %an" % =,ate!er nat1re> %la",li-,t"> at,letic - &" r *aterial"> =allet"> ",irt"> ,at"> +an&ana"> *atc,e"> ci-arette" an& t,e li<e> e7ce6t t,at ca*6ai-n "166 rter" acc *6an0in- a can&i&ate ",all +e all =e& t =ear ,at" an&H r ",irt" r T#",irt" a&!erti"in- a can&i&ate. &.) T ", = r &i"6la0 61+licl0 an0 a&!erti"e*ent r 6r 6a-an&a % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate +0 *ean" % cine*at -ra6,0> a1&i #!i"1al 1nit" r t,er "creen 6r Cecti n" e7ce6t teleca"t" =,ic, *a0 +e all =e& a" ,ereina%ter 6r !i&e& e.) F r an0 ra&i +r a&ca"tin- r tele!i"i n "tati n t "ell r -i!e %ree % c,ar-e air ti*e % r ca*6ai-n an& t,er 6 litical 61r6 "e" e7ce6t a" a1t, riAe& in t,i" C &e 1n&er t,e r1le" an& re-1lati n" 6r *1l-ate& +0 t,e C **i""i n 61r"1ant t,eret . An0 6r ,i+ite& electi n 6r 6a-an&a ",all +e "t 66e&> c n%i"cate& r t rn & =n +0 t,e re6re"entati!e % t,e C **i""i n 16 n "6eci%ic a1t, rit0 % t,e C **i""i n. Sec. 82. /e-1lati n % electi n 6r 6a-an&a t,r 1-, *a"" *e&ia. # (a) T,e C **i""i n ",all 6r *1l-ate r1le" an& re-1lati n" re-ar&in- t,e "ale % air ti*e % r 6arti"an 6 litical 61r6 "e" &1rin- t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri & t in"1re t,e eB1al ti*e a" t &1rati n an& B1alit0 in a!aila+le t all can&i&ate" % r t,e

1&,

"a*e %%ice r 6 litical 6artie" at t,e "a*e rate" r -i!en %ree % c,ar-e@ t,at "1c, rate" are rea" na+le an& n t ,i-,er t,an t, "e c,ar-e& t,er +10er" r 1"er" % air ti*e % r n n# 6 litical 61r6 "e"@ t,at t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" C &e re-ar&int,e li*itati n % e76en&it1re" +0 can&i&ate" an& 6 litical 6artie" an& c ntri+1ti n" +0 6ri!ate 6er" n"> entitie" an& in"tit1ti n" are e%%ecti!el0 en% rce&@ an& t en"1re t,at "ai& ra&i +r a&ca"tin- an& tele!i"i n "tati n" ",all n t 1n&1l0 all = t,e "c,e&1lin- % an0 6r -ra* r 6er*it an0 "6 n" r t *ani%e"tl0 %a! r r 66 "e an0 can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0 +0 1n&1l0 r re6eate&l0 re%errin- t r incl1&in- "ai& can&i&ate an&H r 6 litical 6art0 in "1c, 6r -ra* re"6ectin-> , =e!er> in all in"tance" t,e ri-,t % "ai& "tati n" t +r a&ca"t acc 1nt" % "i-ni%icant r ne="= rt,0 e!ent" an& !ie=" n *atter" % 61+lic intere"t. (+) All c ntract" % r a&!erti"in- in an0 ne="6a6er> *a-aAine> 6eri &ical r an0 % r* % 61+licati n 6r * tin- r 66 "int,e can&i&ac0 % an0 6er" n % r 61+lic %%ice ",all> +e% re it" i*6le*entati n> +e re-i"tere& +0 "ai& ne="6a6er> *a-aAine> 6eri &ical r 61+licati n =it, t,e C **i""i n. In e!er0 ca"e> it ",all +e "i-ne& +0 t,e can&i&ate c ncerne& r +0 t,e &1l0 a1t, riAe& re6re"entati!e % t,e 6 litical 6art0. (c) N %ranc,i"e r 6er*it t 6erate a ra&i r tele!i"i n "tati n ",all +e -rante& r i""1e&> "1"6en&e& r cancelle& &1rin- t,e electi n 6eri &.An0 ra&i r tele!i"i n "tati n"> incl1&in- t,at =ne& r c ntr lle& +0 t,e G !ern*ent> ",all -i!e %ree % c,ar-e eB1al ti*e an& 6r *inence t an accre&ite& 6 litical 6art0 r it" can&i&ate" i% it -i!e" %ree % c,ar-e air ti*e t an accre&ite& 6 litical 6art0 r it" can&i&ate" % r 6 litical 61r6 "e". In all in"tance"> t,e C **i""i n ",all "16er!i"e t,e 1"e an& e*6l 0*ent % 6re""> ra&i an& tele!i"i n %acilitie" " a" t -i!e can&i&ate" eB1al 66 rt1nitie" 1n&er eB1al circ1*"tance" t *a<e <n =n t,eir B1ali%icati n" an& t,eir "tan& n 61+lic i""1e" =it,in t,e li*it" "et % rt, in t,i" C &e n electi n "6en&in-. /1le" an& re-1lati n" 6r *1l-ate& an& +0 a1t, rit0 % t,i" "ecti n "e!ent, &a0 a%ter t,eir 61+licati ne="6a6er" % -eneral circ1lati n. +0 t,e C **i""i n 1n&er ",all ta<e e%%ect n t,e n in at lea"t t= &ail0 Pri r t t,e e%%ecti!it0 %

1&1

"ai& r1le" an& re-1lati n"> n 6 litical a&!erti"e*ent r 6r 6a-an&a % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0 ",all +e 61+li",e& r +r a&ca"t t,r 1-, t,e *a"" *e&ia. 'i lati n % t,e r1le" an& re-1lati n" % t,e C **i""i n i""1e& t i*6le*ent t,i" "ecti n ",all +e an electi n %%en"e 61ni",a+le 1n&er Secti n $28 ,ere %. /e-1lati n a.) re-1lati n" T,e % Electi n Pr 6a-an&a t,r 1-, Ma"" Me&ia. C **i""i n ",all 6r *1l-ate r1le" an&

/e-ar&in- t,e "ale % air ti*e &1rin- t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri & Ma<e "1re t,at t,e li*itati n % e76en&it1re" are e%%ecti!el0 en% rce& En"1re t,at "ai& ra&i +r a&ca"tin- an& tele!i"i n "tati n" ",all n t all = "c,e&1lin- % an0 6r -ra* r 6er*it an0 "6 n" r t *ani%e"tl0 %a! r r 66 "e an0 can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0 e7ce6t % r ne="= rt,0 e!ent" an& *atter" % 61+lic intere"t.

+.) All c ntract" % r a&!erti"in- in an0 ne="6a6er> *a-aAine> 6eri &ical r an0 % r* % 61+licati n 6r * tin- r 66 "in- t,e can&i&ac0 % an0 6er" n % r 61+lic %%ice ",all? 1.)Be% re it" i*6le*entati n> +e re-i"tere& =it, t,e C **i""i n. $.)Be "i-ne& +0 t,e can&i&ate c ncerne& r +0 t,e &1l0 a1t, riAe& re6re"entati!e % t,e 6 litical 6art0. (.)N %ranc,i"e r 6er*it t 6erate a ra&i r tele!i"i n "tati n ",all +e -rante& r i""1e&> "1"6en&e& r cancelle& &1rin- t,e electi n 6eri &. An0 ra&i r tele!i"i n "tati n"> incl1&in- t,at =ne& r c ntr lle& +0 t,e G !ern*ent> ",all -i!e %ree % c,ar-e eB1al ti*e an& 6r *inence t an accre&ite& 6 litical 6art0 r it" can&i&ate" i% it -i!e" %ree % c,ar-e air ti*e t an accre&ite&

1&2

6 litical 6art0 61r6 "e".

it"

can&i&ate"

% r

6 litical

In all in"tance"> t,e C **i"" n ",all "16er!i"e t,e 1"e an& e*6l 0*ent % 6re""> ra&i an& tele!i"i n %acilitie" " a" t -i!e can&i&ate" eB1al 66 rt1nitie" 1n&er eB1al circ1*"tance" t *a<e <n =n t,eir B1ali%icati n" an& t,eir "tan& n 61+lic i""1e" =it,in t,e li*it" "et % rt, in t,i" C &e n electi n "6en&in-. An0 !i lati n % t,e r1le" an& re-1lati n" % t,e C **i""i n n t,i" "ecti n ",all +e an electi n %%en"e 61ni",a+le 1n&er Secti n $28 ,ere %. Sec. 83. /allie"> *eetin-" an& t,er 6 litical acti!itie". # S1+Cect t t,e reB1ire*ent" % l cal r&inance" n t,e i""1ance % 6er*it"> an0 6 litical 6art0 "166 rtin- %%icial can&i&ate" r an0 can&i&ate in&i!i&1all0 r C intl0 =it, t,er a"6irant" *a0 , l& 6eace%1l 6 litical rallie"> *eetin-"> an& t,er "i*ilar acti!itie" &1rin- t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri &? Pr !i&e&> T,at all a66licati n" % r 6er*it" t , l& *eetin-"> rallie" an& t,er "i*ilar 6 litical acti!itie"> recei6t % =,ic, *1"t +e ac<n =le&-e& in =ritin- an& =,ic, a66licati n ",all +e i**e&iatel0 6 "te& in a c n"6ic1 1" 6lace in t,e cit0 r *1nici6al +1il&in-> ",all +e acte& 16 n in =ritin- +0 l cal a1t, ritie" c ncerne& =it,in t,ree &a0" a%ter t,e %ilin- t,ere % an& an0 a66licati n n t acte& 16 n =it,in "ai& 6eri & ",all +e &ee*e& a66r !e&? an& Pr !i&e&> %1rt,er> T,at &enial % an0 a66licati n % r "ai& 6er*it ",all +e a66eala+le t t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r r t t,e C **i""i n =, "e &eci"i n ",all +e *a&e =it,in % rt0#ei-,t , 1r" an& =,ic, ",all +e %inal an& e7ec1t r0? Pr !i&e&> %inall0> T,at ne nl0 C1"ti%ia+le -r 1n& % r &enial i" a 6ri r =ritten a66licati n +0 an0 can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0 % r t,e "a*e 61r6 "e ,a" +een a66r !e&.

DISCUSSIONS

/eB1ire*ent" % r I""1ance

% Per*it"?

1&3

1. Receipt o% applications %or permits must be ac;no=ledge in =riting. 2. $osting o% t2e application in a conspicuous place in t2e city or municipal building. T2e application s2all be acted upon in =riting by local aut2orities concerned =it2in t2ree days a%ter t2e %iling t2ereo% and any application not acted upon =it2in said period s2all be deemed appro"ed.

9,ere t

a66eal a Denie& Per*it

1. To t2e pro"incial election super"isor orH 2. T2e Commission

9,en Deci"i n ",all +e *a&e .ecision s2all be made =it2in %orty1eig2t 2ours and =2ic2 s2all be %inal and e-ecutory.

Gr 1n& % r Denial

% a Per*it

T2e one and only Custi%iable ground %or denial is a prior =ritten application by any candidate or political party %or t2e same purpose 2as been appro"ed. Sec. 88. P1+lic rall0. # An0 6 litical 6art0 r can&i&ate ",all n ti%0 t,e electi n re-i"trar c ncerne& % an0 61+lic rall0 "ai& 6 litical 6art0 r can&i&ate inten&" t r-aniAe an& , l& in t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0> an& =it,in "e!en = r<in- &a0" t,erea%ter "1+*it t t,e electi n re-i"trar a "tate*ent % e76en"e" inc1rre& in c nnecti n t,ere=it,.

.<SC8SS<!?S

1&

P1+lic /allie" 1. T2e election registrar s2ould be in%ormed =it2 regard to any public rally a political party or candidate intends to organi9e and 2old. 2. and =it2in ( days submit to t2e election registrar a statement o% e-penses incurred in t2e public rally t2eyA"e organi9ed.

Sec. 8.. Tran"6 rtati n> % & an& &rin<". # It ",all +e 1nla=%1l % r an0 can&i&ate> 6 litical 6art0> r-aniAati n> r an0 6er" n t -i!e r acce6t> %ree % c,ar-e> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> tran"6 rtati n> % & r &rin<" r t,in-" % !al1e &1rin- t,e %i!e , 1r" +e% re an& a%ter a 61+lic *eetin-> n t,e &a0 6rece&int,e electi n> an& n t,e &a0 % t,e electi n@ r t -i!e r c ntri+1te> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> * ne0 r t,in-" % !al1e % r "1c, 61r6 "e.

DISCUSSIONS

9,en & e" it +ec *e 1nla=%1lL <t s2all be unla=%ul to gi"e or accept4 %ree o% c2arge4 directly or indirectly4 transportation4 %ood or drin;s or t2ings o% "alueJ 1. 2. 3. %i"e 2ours be%ore and a%ter a public meetingH on t2e day preceding t2e electionH and on t2e day o% t2e election

1&#

Sec. .). C *elec "6ace. # T,e C **i""i n ",all 6r c1re "6ace in at lea"t ne ne="6a6er % -eneral circ1lati n in e!er0 6r !ince r cit0? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at in t,e a+"ence % "ai& ne="6a6er> 61+licati n ",all +e & ne in an0 t,er *a-aAine r 6eri &ical in "ai& 6r !ince r cit0> =,ic, ",all +e <n =n a" JC *elec S6aceJ =,erein can&i&ate" can ann 1nce t,eir can&i&ac0. Sai& "6ace ",all +e all cate&> %ree % c,ar-e> eB1all0 an& i*6artiall0 +0 t,e C **i""i n a* n- all can&i&ate" =it,in t,e area in =,ic, t,e ne="6a6er i" circ1late&.

DISCUSSIONS

T,e C **i""i n ",all 6r c1re "6ace? 1. At least one ne=spaper o% general circulation in t2e said pro"ince or city. 2. <n t2e absence o% said ne=spaper in any ot2er maga9ine or periodical in said pro"ince or city. T2e space ac/uired s2all be ;no=n as ^Comelec SpaceA =2ere t2e candidates can announce t2eir candidacy. T2e said space s2all be allocated4 %ree o% c2arge4 e/ually and impartially by t2e Commission among all candidates =it2in t2e area in =2ic2 t2e ne=spaper is circulated.

DU/ISP/UDENCE PHILIPPINE P/ESS INSTITUTE> INC. !". COMELEC

1&&

$88 SC/A $3$ A =ritten communication o%%icially directing a print media company to supply %ree print space4 dispatc2ed by a go"ernment agency and signed by a member o% t2e Commission presumably legally aut2ori9ed to do so4 is bound to produce a coerci"e e%%ect upon t2e company so addressed. To compel print media companies to donate DC!+E:EC spaceE o% t2e dimensions speci%ied in Section 2 o% Resolution ?o. 2((24 amounts to Dta;ingE o% pri"ate property %or public use or purpose. T2e element o% necessity %or t2e ta;ing 2as not been s2o=n by respondent C!+E:EC. T2e ta;ing o% pri"ate property %or public use is aut2ori9ed by t2e Constitution4 but not =it2out payment o% DCust compensation.E Section 2 o% Resolution ?o. 2((2 does not constitute a "alid e-ercise o% t2e po=er o% eminent domain.

Sec. .1. C *elec 6 "ter area. # 9,ene!er 6ractica+le> t,e C **i""i n ",all al" &e"i-nate an& 6r !i&e % r a c ** n 6 "ter are in "trate-ic 6lace" in eac, t =n =,erein can&i&ate" can ann 1nce an& %1rt,er t,eir can&i&ac0 t,r 1-, 6 "ter"> "ai& "6ace t +e li<e=i"e all cate& %ree % c,ar-e> eB1all0 an& i*6artiall0 +0 t,e C **i""i n a* n- all t,e can&i&ate" c ncerne&

DISCUSSIONS

C *elec 6 "ter area A common poster space designated and pro"ided by t2e Commission.

1&(

T2e space s2all li;e=ise be allocated %ree o% c2arge4 e/ually and impartially by t2e Commission among all t2e candidates concerned .

Sec. .$. C *elec ti*e. # T,e C **i""i n ",all 6r c1re ra&i an& tele!i"i n ti*e t +e <n =n a" JC *elec Ti*eJ =,ic, ",all +e all cate& eB1all0 an& i*6artiall0 a* n- t,e can&i&ate" =it,in t,e area % c !era-e % all ra&i an& tele!i"i n "tati n". F r t,i" 61r6 "e> t,e %ranc,i"e % all ra&i +r a&ca"tin- an& tele!i"i n "tati n are ,ere+0 a*en&e& " a" t 6r !i&e ra&i tele!i"i n ti*e> %ree % c,ar-e> &1rin- t,e 6eri & % t,e ca*6ai-n.

DISCUSSIONS

C *elec Ti*e *ir time obtained from radio and television. 'or t2is purpose4 t2e %ranc2ise o% all radio broadcasting and tele"ision station are 2ereby amended so as to pro"ide radio tele"ision time4 %ree o% c2arge4 during t2e period o% t2e campaign T2e space s2all li;e=ise be allocated %ree o% c2arge4 e/ually and impartially by t2e Commission among all t2e candidates concerned.

Sec. .(. C *elec in% r*ati n +1lletin. # T,e C **i""i n ",all ca1"e t,e 6rintin-> an& "16er!i"e t,e &i""e*inati n % +1lletin" t +e <n =n a" JC *elec B1lletinJ =,ic, ",all +e % "1c, "iAe a" t a&eB1atel0 c ntain t,e 6ict1re> +i #&ata an& 6r -ra* % - !ern*ent % e!er0 can&i&ate. Sai& +1lletin ",all +e &i""e*inate& t t,e ! ter" r &i"6la0e& in "1c, 6lace" a" t -i!e &1e 6r *inence t,eret . An0 can&i&ate *a0 re6rint at ,i" e76en"e> an0 "Comelec +ulletin" 16 n 6ri r a1t, rit0 % t,e C **i""i n? Pr !i&e&> T,at t,e 6rintin- % t,e na*e" % t,e &i%%erent can&i&ate" =it, t,eir +i #&ata *1"t +e in al6,a+etical r&er irre"6ecti!e % 6art0 a%%iliati n.

1&)

DISCUSSIONS

C *elec In% r*ati n B1lletin * ?ournal containing the picture, bio=data and program of government of every candidate. Said bulletin s2all be disseminated to t2e "oters or displayed in suc2 places as to gi"e due prominence t2ereto. Any candidate may reprint at 2is e-pense4 any H.omelec CulletinH upon prior aut2ority o% t2e Commission.

A/TICLE 5I
ELECTO/AL CONT/IBUTIONS AND E5PENDITU/ES

Sec. .8. De%initi n". # A" 1"e& in t,i" Article?

1&*

(a) T,e ter* Jc ntri+1ti nJ incl1&e" a -i%t> & nati n> "1+"cri6ti n> l an> a&!ance r &e6 "it % * ne0 r an0t,in- % !al1e> r a c ntract> 6r *i"e r a-ree*ent t c ntri+1te> =,et,er r n t le-all0 en% rcea+le> *a&e % r t,e 61r6 "e % in%l1encin- t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n" +1t ",all n t incl1&e "er!ice" ren&ere& =it, 1t c *6en"ati n +0 in&i!i&1al" ! l1nteerin- a 6 rti n r all % t,eir ti*e in +e,al% % a can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0. It ",all al" incl1&e t,e 1"e % %acilitie" ! l1ntaril0 & nate& +0 t,er 6er" n"> t,e * ne0 !al1e % =,ic, can +e a""e""e& +a"e& n t,e rate" 6re!ailin- in t,e area. (+) T,e ter* Je76en&it1reJ incl1&e" t,e 6a0*ent r &eli!er0 % * ne0 % an0t,in- % !al1e> r a c ntract> 6r *i"e r a-ree*ent t *a<e an e76en&it1re> % r t,e 61r6 "e % in%l1encin- t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n. It ",all al" incl1&e t,e 1"e % %acilitie" 6er" nall0 =ne& +0 t,e can&i&ate> t,e * ne0 !al1e % t,e 1"e % =,ic, can +e a""e""e& +a"e& n t,e rate" 6re!ailin- in t,e area. (c) T,e ter* J6er" nJ incl1&e" an in&i!i&1al> 6artner",i6> c **ittee> a"" ciati n> c r6 rati n> an& an0 t,er r-aniAati n r -r 16 % 6er" n".

DISCUSSIONS

C ntri+1ti n <ncludes a gi%t4 donation4 subscription4 loan4 ad"ance or deposit o% money or anyt2ing o% "alue4 or a contract4 promise or agreement to contribute4 =2et2er or not legally en%orceable4 made %or t2e purpose o% in%luencing t2e results o% t2e elections. <t s2all also include t2e use o% %acilities "oluntarily donated by ot2er persons4 t2e money "alue o% =2ic2 can be assessed based on t2e rates pre"ailing in t2e area.

1(,

E7ce6ti n? Ser"ices rendered =it2out compensation by indi"iduals "olunteering a portion or all o% t2eir time in be2al% o% a candidate or political party.

E76en&it1re <ncludes t2e payment or deli"ery o% money o% anyt2ing o% "alue4 or a contract4 promise or agreement to ma;e an e-penditure4 %or t2e purpose o% in%luencing t2e results o% t2e election. <t s2all also include t2e use o% %acilities personally o=ned by t2e candidate4 t2e money "alue o% t2e use o% =2ic2 can be assessed based on t2e rates pre"ailing in t2e area.

De%initi n

% Per" n

An indi"idual4 partners2ip4 committee4 association4 corporation4 and any ot2er organi9ation or group o% persons.

Sec. .4. Pr ,i+ite& c ntri+1ti n". # N c ntri+1ti n % r 61r6 "e" % 6arti"an 6 litical acti!it0 ",all +e *a&e &irectl0 r in&irectl0 +0 an0 % t,e % ll =in-? (a) P1+lic r 6ri!ate %inancial in"tit1ti n"? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at n t,in- ,erein ",all 6re!ent t,e *a<in% an0 l an t a can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0 +0 an0 "1c, 61+lic r 6ri!ate %inancial in"tit1ti n" le-all0 in t,e +1"ine"" % len&in- * ne0> an& t,at t,e l an i" *a&e in acc r&ance =it, la=" an& re-1lati n" an& in t,e r&inar0 c 1r"e % +1"ine""@ (+) Nat1ral an& C1ri&ical 6er" n" 6eratin- a 61+lic 1tilit0 r in 6 ""e""i n % r e76l itin- an0 nat1ral re" 1rce" % t,e nati n@

1(1

(c) Nat1ral an& C1ri&ical 6er" n" =, , l& c ntract" r "1+#c ntract" t "166l0 t,e - !ern*ent r an0 % it" &i!i"i n"> "1+&i!i"i n" r in"tr1*entalitie"> =it, - &" r "er!ice" r t 6er% r* c n"tr1cti n r t,er = r<"@ (&) Nat1ral an& C1ri&ical 6er" n" =, ,a!e +een -rante& %ranc,i"e"> incenti!e"> e7e*6ti n"> all cati n" r "i*ilar 6ri!ile-e" r c nce""i n" +0 t,e - !ern*ent r an0 % it" &i!i"i n"> "1+&i!i"i n" r in"tr1*entalitie"> incl1&in- !ern*ent# =ne& r c ntr lle& c r6 rati n"@ (e) Nat1ral an& C1ri&ical 6er" n" =, > =it,in ne 0ear 6ri r t t,e &ate % t,e electi n> ,a!e +een -rante& l an" r t,er acc ** &ati n" in e7ce"" % P1))>))) +0 t,e - !ern*ent r an0 % it" &i!i"i n"> "1+&i!i"i n" r in"tr1*entalitie" incl1&in- !ern*ent# =ne& r c ntr lle& c r6 rati n"@ (%) E&1cati nal in"tit1ti n" =,ic, ,a!e recei!e& -rant" 61+lic %1n&" a* 1ntin- t n le"" t,an P1))>))).))@ (-) O%%icial" r e*6l 0ee" in t,e Ci!il Ser!ice> *e*+er" % t,e Ar*e& F rce" % t,e P,ili66ine" @ an& (,) F rei-ner" an& % rei-n c r6 rati n". It ",all +e 1nla=%1l % r an0 6er" n t c ntri+1ti n %r * an0 % t,e 6er" n" ,erein. " licit r recei!e an0 r entitie" en1*erate& % r

DISCUSSIONS

<t s2all be unla=%ul %or any person to solicit or recei"e any contribution %rom any o% t2e persons or entities enumerated 2erein. 1. $ublic or pri"ate %inancial institutions e-cept %or loans %rom public or pri"ate %inancial institutions legally in t2e business o% lending money

1(2

2.

?atural and Curidical persons operating a public utility or in possession o% or e-ploiting any natural resources o% t2e nation ?atural and Curidical persons =2o 2old contracts or sub1contracts to supply t2e go"ernment or any o% its di"isions4 subdi"isions or instrumentalities4 =it2 goods or ser"ices or to per%orm construction or ot2er =or;s ?atural and Curidical persons =2o 2a"e been granted %ranc2ises4 incenti"es4e-emptions4 allocations or similar pri"ileges or concessions by t2e go"ernment or any o% its di"isions4 subdi"isions or instrumentalities4 including go"ernment1o=ned or controlled corporations ?atural and Curidical persons =2o4 =it2in one year prior to t2e date o% t2e election4 2a"e been granted loans or ot2er accommodations in e-cess o% $1,,4,,, by t2e go"ernment or any o% its di"isions4 subdi"isions or instrumentalities including go"ernment1o=ned or controlled corporations Educational institutions =2ic2 2a"e recei"ed grants o% public %unds amounting to no less t2an $1,,4,,,.,, !%%icials or employees in t2e Ci"il Ser"ice4 or members o% t2e Armed 'orces o% t2e $2ilippines 'oreigners and %oreign corporations

3.

#.

&.

(. ).

Secti n .2. S licitin- r recei!in- c ntri+1ti n" %r * % rei-n " 1rce". $ It ",all +e 1nla=%1l % r an0 6er" n> incl1&in- a 6 litical 6art0 r 61+lic r 6ri!ate entit0 t " licit r recei!e> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> an0 ai& r c ntri+1ti n % =,ate!er % r* r nat1re %r * an0 % rei-n nati nal> - !ern*ent r entit0 % r t,e 61r6 "e" % in%l1encin- t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n. Secti n .3. Pr ,i+ite& rai"in- % %1n&" . $ It ",all +e 1nla=%1l % r an0 6er" n t , l& &ance"> l tterie"> c c<%i-,t"> -a*e"> + 7in- + 1t"> +in- > +ea1t0 c nte"t"> entertain*ent"> r cine*at -ra6,ic> t,eatrical r t,er 6er% r*ance" % r t,e 61r6 "e % rai"in- %1n&" % r an electi n ca*6ai-n r % r t,e

1(3

"166 rt % an0 can&i&ate %r * t,e c **ence*ent % t,e electi n 6eri & 16 t an& incl1&in- electi n &a0@ r % r an0 6er" n r r-aniAati n> =,et,er ci!ic r reli-i 1"> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> t " licit an&H r acce6t %r * an0 can&i&ate % r 61+lic %%ice> r %r * ,i" ca*6ai-n *ana-er> a-ent r re6re"entati!e> r an0 6er" n actin- in t,eir +e,al%> an0 -i%t> % &> tran"6 rtati n> c ntri+1ti n r & nati n in ca", r in <in& %r * t,e c **ence*ent % t,e electi n 6eri & 16 t an& incl1&in- electi n &a0@ Pr !i&e&> T,at n r*al an& c1"t *ar0 reli-i 1" "ti6en&"> tit,e"> r c llecti n" n S1n&a0" an&H r t,er &e"i-nate& c llecti n &a0"> are e7cl1&e& %r * t,i" 6r ,i+iti n. Secti n .8. Tr1e na*e % c ntri+1t r reB1ire&. $ N 6er" n ",all *a<e an0 c ntri+1ti n in an0 na*e e7ce6t ,i" =n n r ",all an0 can&i&ate r trea"1rer % a 6 litical 6art0 recei!e a c ntri+1ti n r enter r rec r& t,e "a*e in an0 na*e t,er t,an t,at % t,e 6er" n +0 =, * it =a" act1all0 *a&e. Secti n ... /e6 rt % c ntri+1ti n". # E!er0 6er" n -i!inc ntri+1ti n" t an0 can&i&ate> trea"1rer % t,e 6art0> r a1t, riAe& re6re"entati!e % "1c, can&i&ate r trea"1rer ",all> n t later t,an t,irt0 &a0" a%ter t,e &a0 % t,e electi n> %ile =it, t,e C **i""i n a re6 rt 1n&er at, "tatin- t,e a* 1nt % eac, c ntri+1ti n> t,e na*e % t,e can&i&ate> a-ent % t,e can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0 recei!in- t,e c ntri+1ti n> an& t,e &ate % t,e c ntri+1ti n. Secti n 1)) an& Secti n 1)1 a" a*en&e& +0 Secti n 1( 3122@ % /.A.

%ection ,#. Autho!i-ed E.penses of Candidates and Political Pa!ties. # T,e a-ree*ent a* 1nt t,at a can&i&ate r re-i"tere& 6 litical 6art0 *a0 "6en& % r electi n ca*6ai-n ",all +e a" % ll ="? (a) F r can&i&ate". # Ten 6e" " (P1).))) % r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent@ an& % r t,er can&i&ate" T,ree Pe" " (P(.))) % r e!er0 ! ter c1rrentl0 re-i"tere& in t,e c n"tit1enc0 =,ere ,e %ile& ,i" certi%icate % can&i&ac0? Pr !i&e&> T,at a can&i&ate =it, 1t an0 6 litical 6art0 an& =it, 1t "166 rt %r * an0 6 litical 6art0 *a0 +e all =e& t "6en& Fi!e Pe" " (P4.))) % r e!er0 "1c, ! ter@ an&

1(

(+) F r 6 litical 6artie". # Fi!e 6e" " (P4.))) % r e!er0 ! ter c1rrentl0 re-i"tere& in t,e c n"tit1enc0 r c n"tit1encie" =,ere it ,a" %%icial can&i&ate". An0 6r !i"i n % la= t t,e c ntrar0 n t=it,"tan&in- an0 c ntri+1ti n in ca", r in <in& t an0 can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0 r c aliti n % 6artie" % r ca*6ai-n 61r6 "e"> &1l0 re6 rte& t t,e C **i""i n ",all n t +e "1+Cect t t,e 6a0*ent % an0 -i%t ta7. Secti n 1)$. La=%1l e76en&it1re". $ T carr0 1t t,e +Cecti!e" % t,e 6rece&in- "ecti n"> n can&i&ate r trea"1rer % a 6 litical 6art0 ",all> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> *a<e an0 e76en&it1re e7ce6t % r t,e % ll =in- 61r6 "e"? (a) F r tra!ellin- e76en"e" % t,e can&i&ate" an& ca*6ai-n 6er" nnel in t,e c 1r"e % t,e ca*6ai-n an& % r 6er" nal e76en"e" inci&ent t,eret @ (+) F r c *6en"ati n % ca*6ai-ner"> cler<"> "ten -ra6,er"> *e""en-er"> an& t,er 6er" n" act1all0 e*6l 0e& in t,e ca*6ai-n@ (c) F r tele-ra6, an& tele6, ne t ll"> 6 "ta-e> %rei-,t an& e76re"" &eli!er0 c,ar-e"@ (&) F r "tati ner0> 6rintin- an& &i"tri+1ti n *atter" relati!e t can&i&ac0@ (e) F r e*6l 0*ent % =atc,er" at t,e 6 ll"@ % ca*6ai-n % 6rinte&

(%) F r rent> *aintenance an& %1rni",in,ea&B1arter"> %%ice r 6lace % *eetin-"@

(-) F r 6 litical *eetin-" an& rallie" an& t,e 1"e % " 1n& "0"te*"> li-,t" an& &ec rati n" &1rin- "ai& *eetin-" an& rallie"@ (,) F r ne="6a6er> ra&i > tele!i"i n an& a&!erti"e*ent"@ t,er 61+lic

(i) F r e*6l 0*ent % c 1n"el> t,e c "t % =,ic, ",all n t +e ta<en int acc 1nt in &eter*inin- t,e a* 1nt %

1(#

e76en"e" =,ic, a can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0 *a0 ,a!e inc1rre& 1n&er Secti n 1)) an& 1)1 ,ere %@ (C) F r c 60in- an& cla""i%0in- li"t % ! ter"> in!e"ti-atinan& c,allen-in- t,e ri-,t t ! te % 6er" n" re-i"tere& in t,e li"t" t,e c "t" % =,ic, ",all n t +e ta<en int acc 1nt in &eter*inin- t,e a* 1nt % e76en"e" =,ic, a can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0 *a0 ,a!e inc1rre& 1n&er Secti n" 1)) an& 1)1 ,ere %@ r (<) F r 6rintin- "a*6le +all t" in "1c, c l r> "iAe an& *a7i*1* n1*+er a" *a0 +e a1t, riAe& +0 t,e C **i""i n an& t,e c "t % "1c, 6rintin- ",all n t +e ta<en int acc 1nt in &eter*inin- t,e a* 1nt % e76en"e" =,ic, a can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0 *a0 ,a!e inc1rre& 1n&er Secti n" 1)) an& 1)1 ,ere %. Secti n 1)(. Per" n" a1t, riAe& t inc1r electi n e76en&it1re". $ N 6er" n> e7ce6t t,e can&i&ate> t,e trea"1rer % a 6 litical 6art0 r an0 6er" n a1t, riAe& +0 "1c, can&i&ate r trea"1rer> ",all *a<e an0 e76en&it1re in "166 rt % r in 66 "iti n t an0 can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0. E76en&it1re" &1l0 a1t, riAe& +0 t,e can&i&ate r t,e trea"1rer % t,e 6art0 ",all +e c n"i&ere& a" e76en&it1re" % "1c, can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0. T,e a1t, rit0 t inc1r e76en&it1re" ",all +e in =ritin-> c 60 % =,ic, ",all +e %1rni",e& t,e C **i""i n "i-ne& +0 t,e can&i&ate r t,e trea"1rer % t,e 6art0 an& ", =in- t,e e76en&it1re" " a1t, riAe&> an& ",all "tate t,e %1ll na*e an& e7act a&&re"" % t,e 6er" n " &e"i-nate&. Secti n 1)8. Pr ,i+ite& & nati n" +0 can&i&ate"> trea"1rer" % 6artie" r t,eir a-ent". $ N can&i&ate> ,i" r ,er "6 1"e r an0 relati!e =it,in t,e "ec n& ci!il &e-ree % c n"an-1init0 r a%%init0> r ,i" ca*6ai-n *ana-er> a-ent r re6re"entati!e ",all &1rin- t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri &> n t,e &a0 +e% re an& n t,e &a0 % t,e electi n> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> *a<e an0 & nati n> c ntri+1ti n r -i%t in ca", r in <in&> r 1n&erta<e r c ntri+1te t t,e c n"tr1cti n r re6air % r a&"> +ri&-e"> "c, l +1"e"> 61eric1lt1re center"> *e&ical clinic" an& , "6ital"> c,1rc,e" r c,a6el" ce*ent 6a!e*ent"> r an0 "tr1ct1re % r 61+lic 1"e r % r t,e 1"e % an0 reli-i 1" r ci!ic r-aniAati n? Pr !i&e&> T,at n r*al an& c1"t *ar0 reli-i 1"

1(&

&1e" r c ntri+1ti n"> "1c, a" reli-i 1" "ti6en&"> tit,e" r c llecti n" n S1n&a0" r t,er &e"i-nate& c llecti n &a0"> a" =ell a" 6eri &ic 6a0*ent" % r le-iti*ate "c, lar",i6" e"ta+li",e& an& "c, l c ntri+1ti n" ,a+it1all0 *a&e +e% re t,e 6r ,i+ite& 6eri &> are e7cl1&e& %r * t,e 6r ,i+iti n. T,e "a*e 6r ,i+iti n a66lie" t trea"1rer"> re6re"entati!e" % an0 6 litical 6art0. a-ent" r

Secti n 1)4. Acc 1ntin- +0 a-ent" % can&i&ate r trea"1rer . $ E!er0 6er" n recei!in- c ntri+1ti n" r inc1rrin- e76en&it1re" +0 a1t, rit0 % t,e can&i&ate r trea"1rer % t,e 6art0 ",all> n &e*an& +0 t,e can&i&ate r trea"1rer % t,e 6art0 an& in an0 e!ent =it,in %i!e &a0" a%ter recei!in- "1c, c ntri+1ti n r inc1rrin- "1c, e76en&it1re> ren&er t t,e can&i&ate r t,e trea"1rer % t,e 6art0 c ncerne&> a &etaile& acc 1nt t,ere % =it, 6r 6er ! 1c,er" r %%icial recei6t". Secti n 1)2. /ec r&" % c ntri+1ti n" an& e76en&it1re". $

(a) It ",all +e t,e &1t0 % e!er0 can&i&ate> trea"1rer % t,e 6 litical 6art0 an& 6er" n actin- 1n&er t,e a1t, rit0 % "1c, can&i&ate r trea"1rer t i""1e a recei6t % r e!er0 c ntri+1ti n recei!e& an& t +tain an& <ee6 a recei6t "tatin- t,e 6artic1lar" % e!er0 e76en&it1re *a&e. (+) E!er0 can&i&ate an& trea"1rer % t,e 6art0 ",all <ee6 &etaile&> %1ll> an& acc1rate rec r&" % all c ntri+1ti n" recei!e& an& e76en&it1re" inc1rre& +0 ,i* an& +0 t, "e actin- 1n&er ,i" a1t, rit0> "ettin- % rt, t,erein all in% r*ati n reB1ire& t +e re6 rte&. (c) E!er0 can&i&ate an& trea"1rer % t,e 6art0 ",all +e re"6 n"i+le % r t,e 6re"er!ati n % t,e rec r&" % c ntri+1ti n" an& e76en&it1re"> t -et,er =it, all 6ertinent & c1*ent"> % r at lea"t t,ree 0ear" a%ter t,e , l&in- % t,e electi n t =,ic, t,e0 6ertain an& % r t,eir 6r &1cti n % r in"6ecti n +0 t,e C **i""i n r it" &1l0 a1t, riAe& re6re"entati!e> r 16 n 6re"entati n % a "1+6 ena &1ce" tec1* &1l0 i""1e& +0 t,e C **i""i n. Fail1re % t,e can&i&ate r trea"1rer t 6re"er!e "1c, rec r&" r & c1*ent" ",all +e &ee*e& 6ri*a %acie e!i&ence % !i lati n % t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" Article.

1((

Secti n 1)3. State*ent % c ntri+1ti n" an& e76en&it1re". $ E!er0 can&i&ate an& trea"1rer % t,e 6 litical 6art0 ",all> n t later t,an "e!en &a0"> r earlier t,an ten &a0" +e% re t,e &a0 % t,e electi n> %ile in &16licate =it, t,e %%ice in&icate& in t,e % ll =in- "ecti n> %1ll> tr1e an& ite*iAe&> "tate*ent % all c ntri+1ti n" an& e76en&it1re" in c nnecti n =it, t,e electi n. 9it,in t,irt0 &a0" a%ter t,e &a0 % t,e electi n> "ai& can&i&ate an& trea"1rer ",all al" %ile in &16licate a "166le*ental "tate*ent % all c ntri+1ti n an& e76en&it1re" n t incl1&e& in t,e "tate*ent %ile& 6ri r t t,e &a0 % t,e electi n. Secti n 1)8. Place % r %ilin- "tate*ent". $ T,e "tate*ent" c ntri+1ti n" an& e76en&it1re" ",all +e %ile& a" % ll ="? %

(a) T, "e % can&i&ate" % r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent> =it, t,e C **i""i n. (+) T, "e % can&i&ate" % r Me*+er" % t,e Bata"anPa*+an"a> =it, t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r c ncerne&> e7ce6t t, "e % can&i&ate" in t,e Nati nal Ca6ital /e-i n =,ic, ",all +e %ile& =it, t,e re-i nal electi n &irect r % "ai& re-i n. (c) T, "e % can&i&ate" % r 6r !incial %%ice"> =it, t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r c ncerne&. (&) T, "e % can&i&ate" % r cit0> *1nici6al an& +aran-a0 %%ice"> =it, t,e electi n re-i"trar c ncerne&. I% t,e "tate*ent i" "ent +0 *ail> it ",all +e +0 re-i"tere& *ail> an& t,e &ate n =,ic, it =a" re-i"tere& =it, t,e 6 "t %%ice *a0 +e c n"i&ere& a" t,e %ilin- &ate t,ere % i% c n%ir*e& n t,e "a*e &ate +0 tele-ra* r ra&i -ra* a&&re""e& t t,e %%ice r %%icial =it, =, * t,e "tate*ent ", 1l& +e %ile&. T,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r" an& electi n re-i"trar" c ncerne& ",all> =it,in %i%teen &a0" a%ter t,e la"t &a0 % r t,e %ilin- % t,e "tate*ent"> "en& t t,e C **i""i n &16licate c 6ie" % all "tate*ent" %ile& =it, t,e*.

DU/ISP/UDENCE

1()

PILA/ !". COMELEC $84 SC/A 34. Section 1 o% Republic Act ?o. (1&& states t2at e"ery candidate 2as t2e obligation to %ile 2is statement o% contributions and e-penditures. T2e rule is =ell recogni9ed t2at =2ere t2e la= does not distinguis2 courts s2ould not distinguis2. T2e term De"ery candidateE must be deemed to re%er not only to a candidate =2o pursued 2is campaign but also to one =2o =it2dre= 2is candidacy. Section 13 o% Resolution ?o. 23 ) categorically re%ers to Dall candidates =2o %iled t2eir certi%icate o% candidacy.E $etitionerAs =it2dra=al o% 2is candidacy did not e-tinguis2 2is liability %or t2e administrati"e %ine. 0ie= t2at Section 1 o% Republic Act ?o. (1&& states t2at e"ery candidate 2as t2e obligation to %ile 2is statement o% contributions and e-penditures. 0ie= t2at t2e term DcandidateE is used to designate a person =2o actually submits 2imsel% and is "oted %or at our election.

Secti n 1).. F r* an& c ntent" % "tate*ent. $ T,e "tate*ent ",all +e in =ritin-> "1+"cri+e& an& "= rn t +0 t,e can&i&ate r +0 t,e trea"1rer % t,e 6art0> ",all +e c *6lete a" % t,e &ate ne7t 6rece&in- t,e &ate % %ilin- an& ",all "et % rt, in &etail (a) t,e a* 1nt % c ntri+1ti n> t,e &ate % recei6t> an& t,e %1ll na*e an& e7act a&&re"" % t,e 6er" n %r * =, * t,e c ntri+1ti n =a" recei!e&@ (+) t,e a* 1nt % e!er0 e76en&it1re> t,e &ate t,ere %> t,e %1ll na*e an& e7act a&&re"" % t,e 6er" n t =, * 6a0*ent =a" *a&e> an& t,e 61r6 "e % t,e e76en&it1re@ (c) an0 1n6ai& +li-ati n> it" nat1re an& a* 1nt> an& t =, * "ai& +li-ati n i" =in-@ an& (&) "1c, t,er 6artic1lar" =,ic, t,e C **i""i n *a0 reB1ire. I% t,e can&i&ate r trea"1rer % t,e 6art0 ,a" recei!e& n c ntri+1ti n> *a&e n e76en&it1re> r ,a" n 6en&in+li-ati n> t,e "tate*ent ",all re%lect "1c, %act.

1(*

Secti n 11). Pre"er!ati n an& in"6ecti n % "tate*ent". $ All "tate*ent" % c ntri+1ti n" an& e76en&it1re" ",all +e <e6t an& 6re"er!e& at t,e %%ice =,ere t,e0 are %ile& an& ",all c n"tit1te 6art % t,e 61+lic rec r&" t,ere % % r t,ree 0ear" a%ter t,e electi n t =,ic, t,e0 6ertain. T,e0 ",all n t +e re* !e& t,ere%r * e7ce6t 16 n r&er % t,e C **i""i n r % a c *6etent c 1rt an& ",all> &1rin- re-1lar %%ice , 1r"> +e "1+Cect an& 6en t in"6ecti n +0 t,e 61+lic. T,e %%icer in# c,ar-e t,ere %> ",all> n &e*an&> %1rni", certi%ie& c 6ie" % an0 "tate*ent 16 n 6a0*ent % t,e %ee 6re"cri+e& 1n&er Secti n $3) ,ere %. It ",all +e t,e &1t0 % t,e C **i""i n t e7a*ine all "tate*ent" % c ntri+1ti n" an& e76en&it1re" % can&i&ate" an& 6 litical 6artie" t &eter*ine c *6liance =it, t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" Article. Secti n 111 =a" a*en&e& +0 Secti n 18 111 ,ere %@ % /.A. 3122 Secti n

Secti n 18. %tatement of Cont!ibutions and E.penditu!es/ Effect of 0ailu!e to 0ile %tatement. # E!er0 can&i&ate an& trea"1rer % t,e 6 litical 6art0 ",all> =it,in t,irt0 (()) &a0" a%ter t,e &a0 % t,e electi n> %ile in &16licate =it, t,e %%ice" % t,e C **i""i n t,e %1ll> tr1e an& ite*iAe& "tate*ent % all c ntri+1ti n" an& e76en&it1re" in c nnecti n =it, t,e electi n. N 6er" n electe& t an0 61+lic %%ice" ",all enter 16 n t,e &1tie" % ,i" %%ice 1ntil ,e ,a" %ile& t,e "tate*ent % c ntri+1ti n" an& e76en&it1re" ,erein reB1ire&. T,e "a*e 6r ,i+iti n ",all a66l0 i% t,e 6 litical 6art0 =,ic, n *inate& t,e =innin- can&i&ate %ail" t %ile t,e "tate*ent reB1ire& ,erein =it,in t,e 6eri & 6re"cri+e& +0 t,i" Act. E7ce6t can&i&ate" % r electi!e +aran-a0 %%ice> %ail1re t %ile t,e "tate*ent" r re6 rt" in c nnecti n =it, elect ral c ntri+1ti n" an& e76en&it1re" are reB1ire& ,erein ",all c n"tit1te an a&*ini"trati!e %%en"e % r =,ic, t,e %%en&er" ",all +e lia+le t 6a0 an a&*ini"trati!e %ine ran-in- %r * One t, 1"an& 6e" "

1),

(P1>))).))) t T,irt0 t, 1"an& 6e" " (P()>))).)))> in t,e &i"creti n % t,e C **i""i n. T,e %ine ",all +e 6ai& =it,in t,irt0 (()) &a0" %r * recei6t % n tice % "1c, %ail1re@ t,er=i"e> it ",all +e en% rcea+le +0 a =rit % e7ec1ti n i""1e& +0 t,e C **i""i n a-ain"t t,e 6r 6ertie" % t,e %%en&er. It ",all +e t,e &1t0 % e!er0 cit0 r *1nici6al electi n re-i"trar t a&!i"e in =ritin-> +0 6er" nal &eli!er0 r re-i"tere& *ail> =it,in %i!e (4) &a0" %r * t,e &ate % electi n all can&i&ate" re"i&in- in ,i" C1ri"&icti n t c *6l0 =it, t,eir +li-ati n t %ile t,eir "tate*ent" % c ntri+1ti n" an& e76en&it1re". F r t,e c **i""i n % a "ec n& r "1+"eB1ent %%en"e 1n&er t,i" "ecti n> t,e a&*ini"trati!e %ine ",all +e %r * T= t, 1"an& 6e" " (P$>))).))) t Si7t0 t, 1"an& 6e" " (P2)>))).)))> in t,e &i"creti n % t,e C **i""i n. In a&&iti n> t,e %%en&er ",all +e "1+Cect t 6er6et1al &i"B1ali%icati n t , l& 61+lic %%ice. Secti n 18 % /.A. 3122 "tate" t,at Me!er0 can&i&ateN ,a" t,e +li-ati n t %ile ,i" "tate*ent an& c ntri+1ti n" an& e76en&it1re". T,e la= *a<e" n &i"tincti n r B1ali%icati n a" t =,et,er t,e can&i&ate 61r"1e& ,i" can&i&ac0 r =it,&re= t,e "a*e> t,ere% re t,e ter* Me!er0 can&i&ateN *1"t +e &ee*e& t re%er n t nl0 t a can&i&ate =, 61r"1e& ,i" ca*6ai-n> +1t al" t ne =, =it,&re= ,i" can&i&ac0. Secti n 11$. /e6 rt % c ntract r an& +1"ine"" %ir*". # E!er0 6er" n r %ir* t =, * an0 elect ral e76en&it1re i" *a&e ",all> =it,in t,irt0 &a0" a%ter t,e &a0 % t,e electi n> %ile =it, t,e C **i""i n a re6 rt "ettin- % rt, t,e %1ll na*e" an& e7act a&&re""e" % t,e can&i&ate"> trea"1rer" % 6 litical 6artie"> an& t,er 6er" n" inc1rrin- "1c, e76en&it1re"> t,e nat1re r 61r6 "e % eac, e76en&it1re> t,e &ate an& c "t" t,ere %> an& "1c, t,er 6artic1lar" a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 reB1ire. T,e re6 rt ",all +e "i-ne& an& "= rn t +0 t,e "166lier r c ntract r> r in ca"e % a +1"ine"" %ir* r a"" ciati n> +0 it" 6re"i&ent r -eneral *ana-er.

1)1

It ",all +e t,e &1t0 % "1c, 6er" n r %ir* t =, * an elect ral e76en&it1re i" *a&e t reB1ire e!er0 a-ent % a can&i&ate r % t,e trea"1rer % a 6 litical 6art0 t 6re"ent =ritten a1t, rit0 t inc1r elect ral e76en&it1re" in +e,al% % "1c, can&i&ate r trea"1rer> an& t <ee6 an& 6re"er!e at it" 6lace % +1"ine""> "1+Cect t in"6ecti n +0 t,e C **i""i n r it" a1t, riAe& re6re"entati!e"> c 6ie" % "1c, =ritten a1t, rit0> c ntract"> ! 1c,er"> in! ice" an& t,er rec r&" an& & c1*ent" relati!e t "ai& e76en&it1re" % r a 6eri & % t,ree 0ear" a%ter t,e &ate % t,e electi n t =,ic, t,e0 6ertain. It ",all +e 1nla=%1l % r an0 "166lier> c ntract r r +1"ine"" %ir* t enter int c ntract in! l!in- electi n e76en&it1re" =it, re6re"entati!e" % can&i&ate" r 6 litical 6artie" =it, 1t "1c, =ritten a1t, rit0.

1)2

A/TICLE 5II
/EGIST/ATION OF 'OTE/S

Secti n 11(. 1epealed by /A 818. O Secti n 3 Secti n 3. 2ene!al 1e)ist!ation of 3ote!s. I**e&iatel0 a%ter t,e +aran-a0 electi n" in 1..3> t,e e7i"tincerti%ie& li"t % ! ter" ",all cea"e t +e e%%ecti!e an& 6erati!e. F r 61r6 "e& % t,e Ma0 1..8 electi n" an& all electi n"> 6le+i"cite"> re%eren&a> initiati!e"> an& recall" "1+"eB1ent t,eret > t,e C **i""i n ",all 1n&erta<e a -eneral re-i"trati n % ! ter" +e% re t,e B ar& % Electi n In"6ect r" n D1ne 18> 14> $1> an& $$ an&> "1+Cect t t,e &i"creti n % t,e C **i""i n> n D1ne $8 an& $.> 1..3 in acc r&ance =it, t,i" Act. Secti n 118. 1epealed by /A 818. O Secti n 8 Secti n 8. %ystem of Continuin) 1e)ist!ation of 3ote!s. T,e 6er" nal %ilin- % a66licati n % re-i"trati n % ! ter" ",all +e c n&1cte& &ail0 in t,e %%ice % t,e Electi n O%%icer &1rin- re-1lar %%ice , 1r". N re-i"trati n ",all> , =e!er> +e c n&1cte& &1rin- t,e 6eri & "tartin- ne ,1n&re& t=ent0 (1$)) &a0" +e% re a re-1lar electi n an& ninet0 (.)) &a0" +e% re a "6ecial electi n. Secti n 114. 1epealed by /A 818. O Secti n 8 Secti n 8. Pe!manent &ist of 3ote!s. T,ere ",all +e a 6er*anent li"t % ! ter" 6er 6recinct in eac, cit0 r

1)3

*1nici6alit0 c n"i"tin- % all re-i"tere& ! ter" re"i&in=it,in t,e territ rial C1ri"&icti n % e!er0 6recinct in&icate& +0 t,e 6recinct *a6". S1c, 6recinct#le!el li"t % ! ter" ",all +e acc *6anie& +0 an a&&iti n &eleti n li"t % t,e 61r6 "e % 16&atin- t,e li"t. F r t,e 61r6 "e % t,e 1..3 -eneral re-i"trati n> t,e C **i""i n ",all ca1"e t,e 6re6arati n an& 6 "tin- % all 6recinct *a6" in e!er0 +aran-a0 nati n=i&e. Fi!e &a0" +e% re t,e 1..3 -eneral re-i"trati n> in&i!i&1al 6recinct *a6" ",all +e 6 "te& at t,e & r % eac, 6 llin6lace. S1+"eB1entl0> t,e Electi n O%%icer ",all +e re"6 n"i+le % r t,e &i"6la0> t,r 1-, 1t t,e 0ear> % 6recinct *a6" in ,i" %%ice an& in t,e +1lletin + ar& % t,e cit0 r *1nici6al ,all. T,e 6recinct a""i-n*ent % a ! ter in t,e 6er*anent li"t % ! ter" ",all n t +e c,an-e& r altere& r tran"%erre& t an t,er 6recinct =it, 1t t,e e76re"" =ritten c n"ent % t,e ! ter? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at t,e ! ter ",all n t 1nrea" na+l0 =it,, l& "1c, c n"ent. An0 !i lati n t,ere % ",all c n"tit1te an electi n %%en"e =,ic, ",all +e 61ni",e& in acc r&ance =it, la=. Secti n 112 an& Secti n 113 1epealed by /.A. 818. # Secti n . %ection 4. 5ho may 1e)iste!. All citiAen" % t,e P,ili66ine" n t t,er=i"e &i"B1ali%ie& +0 la= =, are at lea"t ei-,teen (18) 0ear" % a-e> an& =, ",all ,a!e re"i&e& in t,e P,ili66ine" % r at lea"t ne (1) 0ear> an& in t,e 6lace =,erein t,e0 6r 6 "e t ! te> % r at lea"t "i7 (2) * nt," i**e&iatel0 6rece&in- t,e electi n> *a0 re-i"ter a" a ! ter. An0 6er" n =, te*6 raril0 re"i&e" in an t,er cit0> *1nici6alit0 r c 1ntr0 " lel0 +0 rea" n % ,i" cc16ati n> 6r %e""i n> e*6l 0*ent in 6ri!ate r 61+lic "er!ice> e&1cati nal acti!itie"> = r< in t,e *ilitar0 r na!al re"er!ati n" =it,in t,e P,ili66ine"> "er!ice in t,e Ar*e& F rce" % t,e P,ili66ine"> t,e Nati nal P lice F rce"> r c n%ine*ent r &etenti n in - !ern*ent

1)

in"tit1ti n" in acc r&ance =it, la=> ",all n t +e &ee*e& t ,a!e l "t ,i" ri-inal re"i&ence. An0 6er" n> =, > n t,e &a0 % re-i"trati n *a0 n t ,a!e reac,e& t,e reB1ire& a-e r 6eri & % re"i&ence +1t> =, > n t,e &a0 % t,e electi n ",all 6 ""e"" "1c, B1ali%icati n"> *a0 re-i"ter a" a ! ter. Only citi-en of the Philippines may !e)iste! to ote. As a )ene!al p!oposition* all citi-ens of a)e* not othe!wise dis6ualified by law who meet the !esidency !e6ui!ements en7oy the !i)ht to suff!a)e. Howe e!* one cannot e.e!cise the !i)ht to suff!a)e without fi!st !e)iste!in) to ote. It i" inc1*+ent 16 n ne =, clai*" P,ili66ine citiAen",i6 t 6r !e t t,e "ati"%acti n % t,e c 1rt t,at ,e i" reall0 a Fili6in . N 6re"1*6ti n can +e in&1l-e& in %a! r % t,e clai*ant % t,e P,ili66ine citiAen",i6 an& an0 & 1+t re-ar&in- t,e citiAen",i6 *1"t +e re" l!e& in %a! r % t,e "tate. It i" a "ettle& r1le t,at nl0 le-iti*ate c,il&ren % ll = t,e citiAen",i6 % t,e %at,er an& t,at ille-iti*ate c,il&ren are 1n&er t,e 6arental a1t, rit0 % t,e * t,er an& % ll = ,er nati nalit0. M re !er> =e ,a!e al" r1le& t,at an ille-iti*ate c,il& % a Fili6ina nee& n t 6er% r* an0 act t c n%er 16 n ,i* all t,e ri-,t" an& 6ri!ile-e" attac,e& t citiAen" % t,e P,ili66ine"@ ,e a1t *aticall0 +ec *e" citiAen ,i*"el%. C,an-e % /e"i&ence t an t,er Cit0 r M1nici6alit0

%ection ,2. Chan)e of 1esidence to Anothe! City o! 8unicipality. An0 re-i"tere& ! ter =, ,a" tran"%erre& re"i&ence t an t,er cit0 r *1nici6alit0 *a0 a66l0 =it, t,e Electi n O%%icer % ,i" ne= re"i&ence % r t,e tran"%er % ,i" re-i"trati n rec r&". T,e a66licati n % r tran"%er % re-i"trati n ",all +e "1+Cect t t,e reB1ire*ent" % n tice an& ,earin- an& t,e a66r !al % t,e Electi n /e-i"trati n B ar&> in acc r&ance =it, t,i" Act. U6 n a66r !al % t,e a66licati n % r tran"%er> an& a%ter n tice % "1c, a66r !al

1)#

t t,e Electi n O%%icer % t,e % r*er re"i&ence % t,e ! ter> "ai& Electi n O%%icer ",all tran"*it +0 re-i"tere& *ail t,e ! terP" re-i"trati n rec r& t t,e Electi n O%%icer % t,e ! terP" ne= re"i&ence. C,an-e % A&&re"" in t,e Sa*e Cit0 r M1nici6alit0

Secti n 1(. Chan)e of Add!ess in the %ame City o! 8unicipality. An0 ! ter =, ,a" c,an-e& ,i" a&&re"" in t,e "a*e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 ",all i**e&iatel0 n ti%0 t,e Electi n O%%icer in =ritin-. I% t,e c,an-e % a&&re"" in! l!e" a c,an-e in 6recinct> t,e B ar& ",all tran"%er ,i" re-i"trati n rec r& t t,e 6recinct + < % ! ter" % ,i" ne= 6recinct an& n ti%0 t,e ! ter % ,i" ne= 6recinct All c,an-e" % a&&re"" ",all +e re6 rte& t t,e %%ice % t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r an& t,e C **i""i n in Manila.

DU/ISP/UDENCE ASISTIO !". T/INIDAD#PE AGUI//E> et al. G./. N . 1.11$8> A6ril $3> $)1) T2e residency re/uirement o% a "oter is at least one (1) year residence in t2e $2ilippines and at least si- (&) mont2s in t2e place =2ere t2e person proposes or intends to "ote. DResidence4E as used in t2e la= prescribing t2e /uali%ications %or su%%rage and %or electi"e o%%ice4 is doctrinally settled to mean Ddomicile4E importing not only an intention to reside in a %i-ed place but also personal presence in t2at place4 coupled =it2 conduct indicati"e o% suc2 intention in%erable %rom a personAs acts4 acti"ities4 and utterances. D.omicileE denotes a %i-ed permanent residence =2ere4 =2en absent %or business or pleasure4 or %or li;e reasons4 one intends to return. <n t2e consideration o% circumstances obtaining in eac2 particular case4 t2ree rules must be borne in mind4 namelyJ (1) t2at a person must 2a"e a residence or domicile some=2ereH (2) once establis2ed4 it remains until a ne= one is ac/uiredH and (3) t2at a person can 2a"e but one residence or domicile at a time. .omicile is not easily lost. To success%ully e%%ect a trans%er t2ereo%4 one must demonstrateJ (1) an actual remo"al or c2ange o% domicileH (2) a bona %ide intention o% abandoning t2e %ormer place o% residence and establis2ing a ne= oneH and (3) acts =2ic2 correspond =it2 t2at purpose. T2ere must be animus manendi coupled

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=it2 animus non re"ertendi. T2e purpose to remain in or at t2e domicile o% c2oice must be %or an inde%inite period o% timeH t2e c2ange o% residence must be "oluntaryH and t2e residence at t2e place c2osen %or t2e ne= domicile must be actual.

Secti n 118. 1epealed by /.A. 818. O Secti n 11 Secti n 11. 9is6ualification. &i"B1ali%ie& %r * re-i"terin-? T,e % ll =in",all +e

a) An0 6er" n =, ,a" +een "entence& +0 %inal C1&-*ent t "1%%er i*6ri" n*ent % n t le"" t,an ne (1) 0ear> "1c, &i"a+ilit0 n t ,a!in- +een re* !e& +0 6lenar0 6ar& n r a*ne"t0? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at an0 6er" n &i"B1ali%ie& t ! te 1n&er t,i" 6ara-ra6, ",all a1t *aticall0 reacB1ire t,e ri-,t t ! te 16 n e76irati n % %i!e (4) 0ear" a%ter "er!ice % "entence@ +) An0 6er" n =, ,a" +een a&C1&-e& +0 %inal C1&-*ent +0 a c *6etent c 1rt r tri+1nal % ,a!in- c **itte& an0 cri*e in! l!in- &i"l 0alt0 t t,e &1l0 c n"tit1te& - !ern*ent "1c, a" re+elli n> "e&iti n> !i lati n % t,e %irear*" la=" r an0 cri*e a-ain"t nati nal "ec1rit0> 1nle"" re"t re& t ,i" %1ll ci!il an& 6 litical ri-,t" in acc r&ance =it, la=? Pr !i&e&> T,at ,e ",all a1t *aticall0 reacB1ire t,e ri-,t t ! te 16 n e76irati n % %i!e (4) 0ear" a%ter "er!ice % "entence@ an& c) In"ane r inc *6etent 6er" n" &eclare& a" "1c, +0 c *6etent a1t, rit0 1nle"" "1+"eB1entl0 &eclare& +0 6r 6er a1t, rit0 t,at "1c, 6er" n i" n l n-er in"ane r inc *6etent. Secti n 11.. Pre6arati n % t,e 6er*anent li"t % ! ter" . $ F r t,e 6re6arati n % t,e 6er*anent li"t % ! ter" in nineteen ,1n&re& an& ninet0#"i7 an& e!er0 t=el!e 0ear" t,erea%ter> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" re%erre& t in Article 5I' ,ere % % eac, electi n 6recinct ",all , l& % 1r *eetin-" n t,e "e!ent, Sat1r&a0> "e!ent, S1n&a0> "i7t, Sat1r&a0 an& "i7t, S1n&a0 6rece&in- t,e &ate % t,e re-1lar electi n t +e ,el&. At t,e"e *eetin-" t,e + ar& ",all 6re6are ei-,t c 6ie" % t,e li"t %

1)(

! ter" % t,e 6recinct =,erein it ",all re-i"ter t,e elect r" a66l0in- % r re-i"trati n. Secti n 1$) an& Secti n 1$1 1epealed by /.A. 818. O Secti n () %ection #0. P!epa!ation and Postin) of the Ce!tified &ist of 3ote!s. T,e B ar& ",all 6re6are an& 6 "t certi%ie& li"t % ! ter" ninet0 (.)) &a0" +e% re a re-1lar electi n an& "i7t0 (2)) &a0" +e% re a "6ecial electi n an& %1rni", c 6ie" t,ere % t t,e 6r !incial> re-i nal an& nati nal central %ile". C 6ie" % t,e certi%ie& li"t> al n- =it, a certi%ie& li"t % &eacti!ate& ! ter" cate- riAe& +0 6recinct 6er +aran-a0> =it,in t,e "a*e 6eri & ",all li<e=i"e +e 6 "te& in t,e %%ice % t,e Electi n O%%icer an& in t,e +1lletin + ar& % eac, cit0H*1nici6al ,all. U6 n 6a0*ent % t,e %ee" a" %i7e& +0 t,e C **i""i n> t,e can&i&ate" an& ,ea&" % re-i"tere& 6 litical 6artie" ",all al" +e %1rni",e& c 6ie" t,ere %. T,e B ar& ",all al" %1rni", t= ($) certi%ie& c 6ie" % "ai& certi%ie& li"t % ! ter"> al n- =it, a certi%ie& li"t &eacti!ate& ! ter" t t,e B ar& % Electi n In"6ect r" % 6 "tin- in t,e 6 llin- 6lace an& % r t,eir re%erence electi n &a0. Sealin% Precinct B < % ' ter" r % r n

Secti n (1. %ealin) of P!ecinct +oo: of 3ote!s. T,e B ar& ",all n ti%0 =it,in %i%teen (14) &a0" +e% re t,e "tart % t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri & % all re-i"tere& 6 litical 6artie" an& *e*+er" % t,e B ar& % Electi n In"6ect r" t in"6ect an& !eri%0 t,e c *6letene"" % t,e ! terP" re-i"trati n rec r&" % r eac, 6recinct c *6ile& in t,e + < % ! ter". A%ter !eri%icati n an& certi%icati n +0 t,e B ar& % Electi n In"6ect r" an& 6art0 re6re"entati!e" a" t t,e c *6letene"" % t,e ! ter"P re-i"trati n rec r&" in t,e 6recinct + < % ! ter"> t,e B ar& ",all "eal t,e + < % ! ter" in t,e 6re"ence % t,e % r*er at t,e "tart % t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri & an& ta<e c1"t &0 % t,e "a*e 1ntil t,eir &i"tri+1ti n t t,e B ar& % Electi n In"6ect r" n electi n &a0. T,e Electi n O%%icer ",all &eli!er t,e "eale& 6recinct + < % ! ter" t t,e c,air*an % t,e B ar& %

1))

Electi n In"6ect r" =,en t,e latter "ec1re" it" +all t" an& t,er 6ara6,ernalia % r Electi n Da0.

%%icial

Secti n 1$$. Tran"%er % na*e" % ! ter" %r * t,e 6er*anent li"t t t,e c1rrent ne. $ T,e tran"%er % t,e na*e" % t,e ! ter" % t,e 6recinct alrea&0 re-i"tere& in t,e li"t 1"e& in t,e 6rece&in- electi n t t,e li"t t +e *a&e a" 6r !i&e& % r in t,e t= 6rece&in- "ecti n" i" a *ini"terial &1t0 % t,e + ar&> an& an0 *i""i n r err r in c 60in- ",all +e c rrecte& * t1 6r 6ri > r 16 n 6etiti n % t,e intere"te& 6art0> =it, 1t &ela0 an& in n ca"e +e0 n& t,ree &a0" %r * t,e ti*e "1c, err r i" n tice&@ an& i% t,e + ar& ", 1l& re%1"e> t,e intere"te& 6art0 *a0 a66l0 % r "1c, c rrecti n t t,e 6r 6er *1nici6al r *etr 6 litan trial c 1rt =,ic, ",all &eci&e t,e ca"e =it, 1t &ela0 an& in n ca"e +e0 n& t,ree &a0" %r * t,e &ate t,e 6etiti n i" %ile&. T,e &eci"i n % t,e 6r 6er *1nici6al r *etr 6 litan trial c 1rt ",all +e %inal an& 1na66eala+le in =,ate!er % r* r *anner. T %acilitate t,e tran"%er % na*e" % ! ter"> t,e electi n re-i"trar ",all &eli!er t,e + < % ! ter" t t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" n t,e &a0 +e% re t,e re-i"trati n % ! ter"> t +e ret1rne& a%ter t,e la"t &a0 % re-i"trati n. Secti n 1$(. Cancellati n an& e7cl1"i n in t,e tran"%er % na*e". $ In tran"%errin- t,e na*e" % t,e ! ter" % t,e 6recinct %r * t,e li"t 1"e& in t,e 6rece&in- electi n t t,e c1rrent li"t> t,e + ar& ",all e7cl1&e t, "e =, ,a!e a66lie& % r t,e cancellati n % t,eir re-i"trati n> t, "e =, ,a!e &ie&> t, "e =, &i& n t ! te in t,e i**e&iatel0 6rece&in- t= "1cce""i!e re-1lar electi n"> t, "e =, ,a!e +een e7cl1&e& +0 c 1rt r&er" i""1e& in acc r&ance =it, t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" C &e> an& t, "e =, ,a!e +een &i"B1ali%ie&> 16 n * ti n % an0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& r % an0 elect r r =atc,er> 16 n "ati"%act r0 6r % t t,e + ar& an& 16 n "1** n" t t,e ! ter in ca"e" % &i"B1ali%icati n. T,e * ti n ",all +e &eci&e& +0 t,e + ar& =it, 1t &ela0 an& in n ca"e +e0 n& t,ree &a0" %r * it" %ilin-. S, 1l& t,e + ar& &en0 t,e * ti n> r %ail t act t,ere n =it,in t,e 6eri & ,erein %i7e&> t,e intere"te& 6art0 *a0 a66l0 % r "1c, e7cl1"i n t t,e *1nici6al r *etr 6 litan trial c 1rt =,ic, ",all &eci&e t,e 6etiti n =it, 1t &ela0 an& in n ca"e +e0 n& t,ree &a0" %r * t,e &ate t,e 6etiti n i" %ile&. T,e &eci"i n % t,e c 1rt ",all +e %inal. T,e 6 ll cler< ",all <ee6 a rec r& % t,e"e e7cl1"i n" an& ",all %1rni", t,ree c 6ie"

1)*

t,ere % t t,e electi n re-i"trar =, ",all> in t1rn <ee6 ne c 60 an& "en& t,e t= t,er c 6ie" t,ere % t t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r an& t,e C **i""i n> t +e attac,e& +0 t,e* t t,e 6er*anent li"t 1n&er t,eir c1"t &0. In ca"e % &eat,> re%er t /.A. 818.> Secti n $.

Secti n 1$8. Meetin- t cl "e t,e li"t % ! ter". $ T,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all al" *eet n t,e "ec n& Sat1r&a0 i**e&iatel0 6rece&in- t,e &a0 % t,e re-1lar electi n> r n t,e "ec n& &a0 i**e&iatel0 6rece&in- t,e &a0 % t,e "6ecial electi n> 6le+i"cite r re%eren&1* =,et,er it +e S1n&a0 r a le-al , li&a0> % r t,e 61r6 "e % *a<in- "1c, incl1"i n"> e7cl1"i n"> an& c rrecti n" a" *a0 +e r *a0 ,a!e +een r&ere& +0 t,e c 1rt"> "tatin66 "ite e!er0 na*e " c rrecte&> a&&e&> r cancelle&> t,e &ate % t,e r&er an& t,e c 1rt =,ic, i""1e& t,e "a*e@ an& % r t,e c n"ec1ti!e n1*+erin- % t,e ! ter" % t,e electi n 6recinct. S, 1l& t,e + ar& %ail t r&ere& +0 c *6etent ",all> 16 n 6re"entati incl1"i n an& 16 n 6r + ar& t ! te. incl1&e in t,e li"t % ! ter" an0 6er" n c 1rt t +e " incl1&e&> "ai& 6er" n n % a certi%ie& c 60 % t,e r&er % 6er i&enti%icati n> +e all =e& +0 t,e

S, 1l& t,e + ar& %ail t e7cl1&e %r * t,e li"t % ! ter" an0 6er" n r&ere& +0 t,e c 1rt t +e " e7cl1&e&> t,e + ar& ",all n t 6er*it "ai& 6er" n t ! te 16 n 6re"entati n t it +0 an0 intere"te& 6art0 % a certi%ie& c 60 % t,e r&er % e7cl1"i n. Secti n 1$4. /e#re-i"trati n. $ A ! ter =, i" re-i"tere& in t,e 6er*anent li"t % ! ter" nee& n t re-i"ter ane= % r "1+"eB1ent electi n" 1nle"" ,e tran"%er re"i&ence t an t,er cit0 r *1nici6alit0> r ,i" re-i"trati n ,a" +een cancelle& n t,e -r 1n& % &i"B1ali%icati n an& "1c, &i"B1ali%icati n ,a" +een li%te& r re* !e&. Li<e=i"e a ! ter =, "e re-i"trati n ,a" +een cancelle& &1e t %ail1re t ! te in t,e 6rece&inre-1lar electi n *a0 re-i"ter ane= in t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 =,ere ,e i" B1ali%ie& t ! te. Secti n 1$2. 1epealed by /.A. 818. O Secti n 1) %ection ,0. 1e)ist!ation of 3ote!s. A B1ali%ie& ! ter ",all +e re-i"tere& in t,e 6er*anent li"t % ! ter" in a 6recinct

1*,

% t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 =,erein ,e re"i&e" t +e a+le t ! te in an0 electi n. T re-i"ter a" a ! ter> ,e ",all 6er" nall0 acc *6li", an a66licati n % r* % r re-i"trati n a" 6re"cri+e& +0 t,e C **i""i n in t,ree (() c 6ie" +e% re t,e Electi n O%%icer n an0 &ate &1rin%%ice , 1r" a%ter ,a!in- acB1ire& t,e B1ali%icati n" % a ! ter. T,e a66licati n ",all c ntain t,e % ll =in- &ata? a) Na*e> "1rna*e@ +) Se7@ c) Date> an& 6lace &) CitiAen",i6@ e) Ci!il "tat1"> i% *arrie&> na*e %) Pr %e""i n> cc16ati n % "6 1"e@ % +irt,@ "1rna*e> *i&&le na*e> an&H r *aternal

r = r<@

-) Peri &" % re"i&ence in t,e P,ili66ine" an& in t,e 6lace % re-i"trati n@ ,) E7act a&&re"" =it, t,e na*e % t,e "treet an& , 1"e n1*+er % r l cati n in t,e 6recinct *a6" *aintaine& +0 t,e l cal %%ice % t,e C **i""i n> r in ca"e t,ere i" n ne> a +rie% &e"cri6ti n % ,i" re"i&ence> "iti > an& +aran-a0@ i) A "tate*ent t,at t,e a66licant 6 ""e""e" all t,e B1ali%icati n" % a ! ter@ C) A "tate*ent t,at t,e a66licant i" n t a re-i"tere& ! ter % an0 6recinct@ an& <) S1c, in% r*ati n C **i""i n. r &ata a" *a0 +e reB1ire& +0 t,e

T,e a66licati n % r re-i"trati n ",all c ntain t,ree (() "6eci*en "i-nat1re" % t,e a66licant> clear an& le-i+le

1*1

r lle& 6rint" % ,i" le%t an& ri-,t t,1*+6rint"> =it, % 1r (8) i&enti%icati n "iAe c 6ie" % ,i" late"t 6, t -ra6,> attac,e& t,eret > t +e ta<en at t,e e76en"e % t,e C **i""i n. Be% re t,e a66licant acc *6li",e" ,i" a66licati n % r re-i"trati n> t,e Electi n O%%icer ",all in% r* ,i* % t,e B1ali%icati n" an& &i"B1ali%icati n" 6re"cri+e& +0 la= % r a ! ter> an& t,erea%ter> "ee t it t,at t,e acc *6li",e& a66licati n c ntain" all t,e &ata t,erein reB1ire& an& t,at t,e a66licantP" "6eci*en "i-nat1re"> %in-er6rint"> an& 6, t -ra6," are 6r 6erl0 a%%i7e& in all c 6ie" % t,e ! terP" a66licati n.

DU/ISP/UDENCE AIBA:AN#:OUTH !". COMELEC (44 SC/A (18 T2e Dstandby po=erE o% t2e C!+E:EC to %i- additional dates and periods %or registration under Section 2* o% Republic Act ?o. && & and Section 2) o% Republic Act ?o. ) 3& must be understood in t2e conte-t o% t2e inade/uacy o% t2e registration period under t2e la= t2en pre"ailing4 i.e.4 t2e period pro"ided in Section 12& o% 3atas $ambansa 3lg. ))14 under =2ic2 pro"ision o% t2e registration o% "oters =as 2eld only on t2e se"ent2 and si-t2 Saturdays be%ore a regular election. !b"iously4 =2en Congress prescribed t2e ne= system o% registration under Republic Act ?o. )1)*4 it intended to discard t2e system set %ort2 in 3atas $ambansa 3lg. ))1. T2e rig2t to su%%rage is so important t2at e"ery citi9en ;no=s or oug2t to ;no= t2at it is 2is rig2t4 duty and pri"ilege to register and "ote4 i% /uali%ied. .etermination o% t2e %easibility o% conducting a special registration less t2an %i%ty (#,) days prior to t2e regular election must be dealt =it2 realistically and not %rom t2e standpoint o% pure t2eory. Since it is t2e C!+E:ECAs 2onest1to1goodness assessment t2at it cannot underta;e t2e conduct o% special registration =it2out compromising t2e integrity o% t2e entire election process4 t2en t2e Court =ould do =ell to respect t2is administrati"e D%inding o% %act.E

1*2

Secti n 1$3. 1epealed by /.A. 818. O Secti n 18 Secti n 18. ;llite!ate o! 9isabled Applicants. An0 illiterate 6er" n *a0 re-i"ter =it, t,e a""i"tance % t,e Electi n O%%icer r an0 *e*+er % an accre&ite& citiAenP" ar*". T,e Electi n O%%icer ",all 6lace "1c, illiterate 6er" n 1n&er at,> a"< ,i* t,e B1e"ti n"> an& rec r& t,e an"=er" -i!en in r&er t acc *6li", t,e a66licati n % r* in t,e 6re"ence % t,e *aC rit0 % t,e *e*+er" % t,e B ar&. T,e Electi n O%%icer r an0 *e*+er % an accre&ite& citiAenP" ar* ",all rea& t,e acc *6li",e& % r* al 1& t t,e 6er" n a""i"te& an& a"< ,i* i% t,e in% r*ati n -i!en i" tr1e an& c rrect T,e acc *6li",e& % r* ",all +e "1+"cri+e& +0 t,e a66licant in t,e 6re"ence % t,e B ar& +0 *ean" % t,1*+ *ar< r " *e t,er c1"t *ar0 *ar< an& it ",all +e "1+"cri+e& an& atte"te& +0 t,e *aC rit0 % t,e *e*+er" % t,e B ar&. T,e atte"tati n ",all "tate t,e na*e % t,e 6er" n a""i"te&> t,e na*e % t,e Electi n O%%icer r t,e *e*+er % t,e accre&ite& citiAenP" ar* =, a""i"te& t,e a66licant> t,e %act t,at t,e Electi n O%%icer 6lace& t,e a66licant 1n&er at,> t,at t,e Electi n O%%icer r t,e *e*+er % t,e accre&ite& citiAenP" ar* =, a""i"te& t,e a66licant rea& t,e acc *6li",e& % r* t t,e 6er" n a""i"te&> an& t,at t,e 6er" n a""i"te& a%%ir*e& it" tr1t, an& acc1rac0> +0 6lacin- ,i" t,1*+*ar< r " *e t,er c1"t *ar0 *ar< n t,e a66licati n in t,e 6re"ence % t,e B ar&. T,e a66licati n % r re-i"trati n % a 6,0"icall0 &i"a+le& 6er" n *a0 +e 6re6are& +0 an0 relati!e =it,in t,e % 1rt, ci!il &e-ree % c n"an-1init0 r a%%init0 r +0 t,e Electi n O%%icer r an0 *e*+er % an accre&ite& citiAenP" ar* 1"in- t,e &ata "166lie& +0 t,e a66licant. T,e %act % illiterac0 r &i"a+ilit0 ",all +e " in&icate& in t,e a66licati n. An illiterate r &i"a+le& 6er" n re%er" t ne =, cann t +0 ,i*"el% 6re6are an a66licati n % r re-i"trati n +eca1"e % ,i" 6,0"ical &i"a+ilit0 an&H r ina+ilit0 t rea& an& =rite (/.A. 818.> Sec. (). An illiterate r &i"a+le&

1*3

! ter 1n&er t,e la= i" ne =, i" &1l0 re-i"tere& a" "1c,> an& t,e %act % =,ic, i" clearl0 in&icate& t,e ! terP" re-i"trati n rec r& ('//). N 6er" n *a0 ! te a" an illiterate r &i"a+le& ! ter> reB1irin- a""i"tance =it, 1t 6ri r re-i"trati n % "1c, at t,e ti*e % ,i" a66licati n % r re-i"trati n. Un&er Sec. () % t,e COMELECP" in"tr1cti n" t t,e B ar& % Electi n In"6ect r" &ate& Dece*+er $.> $)).> n ! ter ",all +e all =e& t ! te a" illiterate r 6er" n =it, &i"a+ilit0H&i"a+le&> 1nle"" "1c, %act i" in&icate& in t,e EDCL r t,e '//. H =e!er> n te t,at t,ere i" an e7ce6ti n t t,e reB1ire*ent t 6ri r re-i"trati n> 1n&er t,e "a*e "ecti n> t,1" a M6er" n =it, 6,0"icall0 i*6aire& ca6acit0 t 1"e t,e AES *0 al" +e a""i"te& in %ee&in- ,i" +all t int t,e PCOS.N C n"eB1entl0> " *e ne "1%%erin- %r * tre* r" +eca1"e % Par<in" nP" Di"ea"e> % r e7a*6le> *a0 +e a""i"te& in t,e %ee&in- % t,e +all t int t,e *ac,ine> +1t n t =it, t,e act1al ! tin- it"el%. Secti n 1$8. 1epealed by /.A. 818. O Secti n $4 Secti n $4. 3ote!<s ;dentification Ca!d. T,e ! ter" i&enti%icati n car& i""1e& t t,e re-i"tere& ! ter ",all "er!e a" a & c1*ent % r ,i" i&enti%icati n. In ca"e % l "" r &e"tr1cti n> n c 60 t,ere % *a0 +e i""1e& e7ce6t t t,e re-i"tere& ! ter ,i*"el% an& nl0 16 n t,e a1t, rit0 % t,e C **i""i n. T,e C **i""i n ",all a& 6t a &e"i-n % r t,e ! terP" i&enti%icati n car& =,ic, ",all +e> a" *1c, a" 6 ""i+le> ta*6er 6r %. It ",all 6r !i&e t,e % ll =in-? t,e na*e an& a&&re"" % t,e ! ter> ,i" &ate % +irt,> "e7> 6, t -ra6,> t,1*+*ar<> an& t,e n1*+er % 6recinct =,ere ,e i" re-i"tere&> t,e "i-nat1re % t,e ! ter an& t,e c,air*an % t,e Electi n /e-i"trati n B ar& an& t,e ! terP" i&enti%icati n n1*+er ('IN). Secti n $2. 3ote!<s ;dentification =umbe! >3;=?. T,e C **i""i n ",all a""i-n e!er0 re-i"tere& ! ter a ! terP" i&enti%icati n n1*+er ('1N) c n"i"tin- % t,ree 6art"> eac, "e6arate& +0 a &a",. F r e7a*6le? 34)1 #))1.1 #C184BCD.

1*

a) Part 1? C1rrent A&&re"" 1) t,e %ir"t t= an&

% t,e ' ter

&i-it" 34 "tan& % r t,e 6r !ince@

$) T,e la"t t= &i-it"> )1> "tan& % r t,e cit0> *1nici6alit0> r a &i"trict> 6artic1larl0 in Manila. T,e c &e a""i-n*ent % r 6r !ince"> citie" an& *1nici6alitie" ",all % ll = t,e Ur+an C &e &e!i"e& +0 t,e Nati nal Cen"1" an& Stati"tic" O%%ice (NCSO). +) Part II? C1rrent Precinct A""i-n*ent % t,e ' ter

1) T,e %ir"t % 1r &i-it"> ))1.> "tan& % r t,e 6er*anent n1*+er % t,e 6recinct =,ere t,e ! ter i" c1rrentl0 a""i-ne&? an& $) T,e letter in&icate" =,et,er it i" a * t,er &a1-,ter 6recinct. r a

T,e n1*+er a""i-ne& t t,e 6recinct in e!er0 cit0 r *1nici6alit0 ",all +e 6er*anent +1t t,e ! ter *a0 tran"%er ,i" 6recinct n1*+er. T,e 'IN re%lect" t,e c1rrent 6recinct a""i-n*ent % t,e ! ter. c) Part III? Per*anent Birt, an& Na*e C &e UniB1e t ' ter t,e

1) T,e letter> C> "tan&" % r t,e * nt,> i.e.> A % r Dan1ar0> B % r Fe+r1ar0> an& " % rt,@ $) T,e ne7t t= +irt,@ () T,e ne7t t= +irt,@ an& &i-it"> 18> "tan& % r t,e &ate &i-it"> 41> "tan& % r t,e 0ear % %

8) T,e la"t t,ree letter"> BCD> "tan& % r t,e na*e c &e> i.e.> Ba0ani Cr1A Da!i&e.

1*#

T,e la"t t,ree letter" ",all "tan& % r t,e %ir"t letter % t,e %ir"t na*e> t,e *i&&le na*e> an& t,e la"t na*e in t,at r&er. T,e C **i""i n ",all en"1re t,at Part III ,ere % % t,e ! terP" i&enti%icati n n1*+er ('IN) ",all +e 6er*anent an& 1niB1e t eac, ! ter. I% nece""ar0> t,e C **i""i n *a0 e76an& an& * &i%0 t,e "a*e. &) T,e c *+ine& +irt, an& na*e c &e i" a""i-ne& &1rint,e li%eti*e % e!er0 ! ter. U6 n tran"%er % t,e ! ter t an t,er 6recinct> t,e %ir"t t= 6art" % t,e 'IN ",all c,an-e. Petiti n" % r E7cl1"i n an& Incl1"i n /.A. 818.> Secti n 1.. Powe! to Administe! Oath and ;ssue %ummons. F r 61r6 "e" % &eter*inin- t,e ri-,t % t,e a66licant" t +e re-i"tere& a" a ! ter> t,e Electi n O%%icer ",all ,a!e t,e 6 =er t a&*ini"ter at,> i""1e "1+6 ena &1ce" tec1* an& "=ear in =itne""e". T,e %ee" an& e76en"e" inci&ental t,eret ",all +e 6ai& in a&!ance +0 t,e 6art0 in =, "e +e,al% t,e "1** n" i" i""1e&. In ca"e" % a66r !al an& &i"a66r !al> an0 a--rie!e& 6art0 *a0 %ile a 6etiti n % r e7cl1"i n r incl1"i n> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e> t,e 6r 6er M1nici6al r Metr 6 litan Trial C 1rt a" 6r !i&e& % r in t,i" act. Secti n 1$.. Acti n +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" . $ U6 n recei6t % t,e ! terE" a%%i&a!it> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all e7a*ine t,e &ata t,erein. I% it %in&" t,at t,e a66licant 6 ""e""e" all t,e B1ali%icati n" an& n ne % t,e &i"B1ali%icati n" % a ! ter> ,e ",all +e re-i"tere&. Ot,er=i"e> ,e ",all n t +e re-i"tere&. T,e na*e an& a&&re"" % eac, re-i"tere& ! ter ",all> i**e&iatel0 16 n ,i" re-i"trati n> +e entere& in t,e 6r 6er al6,a+etical -r 16 in t,e li"t a%ter =,ic, t,e ! ter i&enti%icati n car& ",all +e i""1e& t t,e ! ter. Secti n 1(). Pr !incial central %ile % re-i"tere& ! ter" . $ T,ere ",all +e a 6r !incial central %ile % re-i"tere& ! ter" c ntainint,e &16licate c 6ie" % all a66r !e& ! terE" a%%i&a!it" in eac,

1*&

cit0 an& *1nici6alit0 in t,e 6r !ince =,ic, ",all +e 1n&er t,e c1"t &0 an& "16er!i"i n % t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r. T,e a66licati n" ",all +e c *6ile& al6,a+eticall0 +0 6recinct" " a" t *a<e t,e %ile an e7act re6lica % t,e + < % ! ter" in t,e 6 ""e""i n % t,e electi n re-i"trar. S, 1l& t,e + < % ! ter" in t,e c1"t &0 % t,e electi n re-i"trar +e l "t r &e"tr 0e& at a ti*e " cl "e t t,e electi n &a0 t,at t,ere i" n ti*e t rec n"tit1te t,e "a*e> t,e c rre"6 n&in- + < % ! ter" in t,e 6r !incial %ile ",all +e 1"e& &1rin- t,e ! tin-. Secti n 1(1. 1epealed by /.A. 818. O Secti n $8 %ection 2@. =ational Cent!al 0ile. T,ere ",all +e a nati nal central %ile 1n&er t,e c1"t &0 % t,e C **i""i n in Manila c n"i"tin- % t,e t,ir& c 6ie" % all a66r !e& ! ter re-i"trati n rec r&" in eac, cit0 r *1nici6alit0. It ",all +e c *6ile& +0 6recinct in eac, cit0H*1nici6alit0 an& arran-e& al6,a+eticall0 +0 "1rna*e " a" t *a<e t,e %ile a re6lica % t,e + < % ! ter" in t,e 6 ""e""i n % t,e Electi n O%%icer. T,erea%ter a nati nal li"t ",all +e 6re6are& % ll =in- t,e al6,a+etical arran-e*ent" % "1rna*e" % ! ter". T,ere ",all +e a nati nal %ile c n"i"tin% t,e c *61teriAe& ! ter"P li"t (C'L)> + t, in 6rint an& in &i"<ette> "1+*itte& +0 t,e Electi n O%%icer" in eac, cit0 an& *1nici6alit0 c ncerne&> 1n&er t,e c1"t &0 % t,e C **i""i n in Manila. T,e c *61teriAe& ! ter"P li"t ",all *a<e 1"e % a "in-le an& 1ni% r* c *61ter 6r -ra* t,at =ill ,a!e a &etaile& " rtin- ca6a+ilit0 t li"t ! ter" al6,a+eticall0 +0 t,e 6recinct" =,ere t,e0 ! te> +0 t,e +aran-a0"> *1nici6alitie"> citie" r 6r !ince" =,ere t,e0 re"i&e an& +0 t,eir ! ter" i&enti%icati n n1*+er ('IN). Deacti!ati n % /e-i"trati n

Secti n $3. 9eacti ation of 1e)ist!ation. T,e + ar& ",all &eacti!ate t,e re-i"trati n an& re* !e t,e re-i"trati n rec r&" % t,e % ll =in- 6er" n" %r * t,e c rre"6 n&in6recinct + < % ! ter" an& 6lace t,e "a*e> 6r 6erl0

1*(

*ar<e& an& &ate& in in&eli+le in<> in t,e inacti!e %ile a%ter enterin- t,e ca1"e r ca1"e" % &eacti!ati n? a) An0 6er" n =, ,a" +een "entence& +0 %inal C1&-*ent t "1%%er i*6ri" n*ent % r n t le"" t,an ne (1) 0ear> "1c, &i"a+ilit0 n t ,a!in- +een re* !e& +0 6lenar0 6ar& n r a*ne"t0? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at an0 6er" n &i"B1ali%ie& t ! te 1n&er t,i" 6ara-ra6, ",all a1t *aticall0 reacB1ire t,e ri-,t t ! te 16 n e76irati n % %i!e (4) 0ear" a%ter "er!ice % "entence a" certi%ie& +0 t,e cler<" % c 1rt" % t,e M1nici6alHM1nici6al Circ1itHMetr 6 litanH/e-i nal Trial C 1rt" an& t,e San&i-an+a0an@ +) An0 6er" n =, ,a" +een a&C1&-e& +0 %inal C1&-*ent +0 a c *6etent c 1rt r tri+1nal % ,a!inca1"e&Hc **itte& an0 cri*e in! l!in- &i"l 0alt0 t t,e &1l0 c n"tit1te& - !ern*ent "1c, a" re+elli n> "e&iti n> !i lati n % t,e anti#"1+!er"i n an& %irear*" la="> r an0 cri*e a-ain"t nati nal "ec1rit0> 1nle"" re"t re& t ,i" %1ll ci!il an& 6 litical ri-,t" in acc r&ance =it, la=@ Pr !i&e&> T,at ,e ",all re-ain ,i" ri-,t t ! te a1t *aticall0 16 n e76irati n % %i!e (4) 0ear" a%ter "er!ice % "entence@ c) An0 6er" n &eclare& +0 c *6etent a1t, rit0 t +e in"ane r inc *6etent 1nle"" "1c, &i"B1ali%icati n ,a" +een "1+"eB1entl0 re* !e& +0 a &eclarati n % a 6r 6er a1t, rit0 t,at "1c, 6er" n i" n l n-er in"ane r inc *6etent@ &) An0 6er" n =, &i& n t ! te in t,e t= ($) "1cce""i!e 6rece&in- re-1lar electi n" a" ", =n +0 t,eir ! tinrec r&". F r t,i" 61r6 "e> re-1lar electi n" & n t incl1&e t,e San--1nian- Ia+ataan (SI) electi n"@ e) An0 6er" n =, "e re-i"trati n ,a" +een e7cl1&e& +0 t,e C 1rt@ an& %) An0 6er" n =, ,a" l "t ,i" Fili6in citiAen",i6. r&ere&

F r t,i" 61r6 "e> t,e cler<" % c 1rt % r t,e M1nici6alHM1nici6al Circ1itHMetr 6 litanH/e-i nal Trial C 1rt" an& t,e San&i-an+a0an ",all %1rni", t,e Electi n

1*)

O%%icer % t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 c ncerne& at t,e en& % eac, * nt, a certi%ie& li"t % 6er" n" =, are &i"B1ali%ie& 1n&er 6ara-ra6, (a) ,ere %> =it, t,eir a&&re""e". T,e C **i""i n *a0 reB1e"t a certi%ie& li"t % 6er" n" =, ,a!e l "t t,eir Fili6in CitiAen",i6 r &eclare& a" in"ane r inc *6etent =it, t,eir a&&re""e" %r * t,er - !ern*ent a-encie". T,e Electi n O%%icer ",all 6 "t in t,e +1lletin + ar& % ,i" %%ice a certi%ie& li"t % t, "e 6er" n" =, "e re-i"trati n =ere &eacti!ate& an& t,e rea" n" t,ere% r> an& %1rni", c 6ie" t,ere % t t,e l cal ,ea&" % 6 litical 6artie"> t,e nati nal central %ile> 6r !incial %ile> an& t,e ! ter c ncerne&. /eacti!ati n % /e-i"trati n

Secti n $8. 1eacti ation of 1e)ist!ation. An0 ! ter =, "e re-i"trati n ,a" +een &eacti!ate& 61r"1ant t t,e 6rece&in- Secti n *a0 %ile =it, t,e Electi n O%%icer a "= rn a66licati n % r reacti!ati n % ,i" re-i"trati n in t,e % r* % an a%%i&a!it "tatin- t,at t,e -r 1n&" % r t,e &eacti!ati n n l n-er e7i"t an0 ti*e +1t n t later t,an ne ,1n&re& t=ent0 (1$)) &a0" +e% re a re-1lar electi n an& ninet0 (.)) &a0" +e% re a "6ecial electi n. T,e Electi n O%%icer ",all "1+*it "ai& a66licati n t Electi n /e-i"trati n B ar& % r a66r 6riate acti n. t,e

In ca"e t,e a66licati n i" a66r !e&> t,e Electi n O%%icer ",all retrie!e t,e re-i"trati n rec r& %r * t,e inacti!e %ile an& incl1&e t,e "a*e in t,e c rre"6 n&in- 6recinct + < % ! ter. L cal ,ea&" r re6re"entati!e" % 6 litical 6artie" ",all +e 6r 6erl0 n ti%ie& n a66r !e& a66licant". Cancellati n % /e-i"trati n

%ection 24. Cancellation of 1e)ist!ation. T,e B ar& ",all cancel t,e re-i"trati n rec r&" % t, "e =, ,a!e &ie& a" certi%ie& +0 t,e L cal Ci!il /e-i"trar. T,e L cal Ci!il /e-i"trar ",all "1+*it eac, * nt, a certi%ie& li"t % 6er" n" =, &ie& &1rin- t,e 6re!i 1" * nt, t t,e Electi n O%%icer % t,e 6lace =,ere t,e &ecea"e& are re-i"tere&. In t,e a+"ence % in% r*ati n c ncernin- t,e

1**

6lace =,ere t,e &ecea"e& i" re-i"tere&> t,e li"t ",all +e "ent t t,e Electi n O%%icer % t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 % t,e &ecea"e&P" re"i&ence a" a66earin- in ,i" &eat, certi%icate. In an0 ca"e> t,e L cal Ci!il /e-i"trar ",all %1rni", a c 60 % t,i" li"t t t,e nati nal central %ile an& t,e 6r 6er 6r !incial %ile. T,e Electi n O%%icer ",all 6 "t in t,e +1lletin + ar& % ,i" %%ice a li"t % t, "e 6er" n" =, &ie& =, "e re-i"trati n" =ere cancelle&> an& %1rni", c 6ie" t,ere % t t,e l cal ,ea&" % t,e 6 litical 6artie"> t,e nati nal central %ile> an& t,e 6r !incial %ile. Secti n 1($. Pre"er!ati n % ! terE" a%%i&a!it". $ A c 60 % t,e a%%i&a!it % eac, ! ter ",all +e <e6t +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" 1ntil a%ter t,e electi n =,en it ",all &eli!er t,e "a*e t t,e electi n re-i"trar t -et,er =it, t,e c 6ie" % t,e li"t % ! ter" an& t,er electi n 6a6er" % r 1"e in t,e ne7t electi n. T,e electi n re-i"trar ",all c *6ile t,e ! terE" a%%i&a!it" +0 6recinct al6,a+eticall0 in a + < % ! ter". T,e t,er t= c 6ie" ",all +e "ent +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" n t,e &a0 % ll =in- t,e &ate % t,e a%%i&a!it t t,e %%ice % t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r an& t,e C **i""i n in Manila. T,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r an& t,e C **i""i n ",all re"6ecti!el0 %ile an& 6re"er!e t,e ! terE" a%%i&a!it" +0 cit0 an& *1nici6alit0 an& in al6,a+etical r&er % t,eir "1rna*e". T,e % 1rt, c 60 ",all +e -i!en t t,e ! ter a" e!i&ence % ,i" re-i"trati n. Secti n 1((. C l1*n" in t,e li"t % ! ter". $ T,e li"t % ! ter" ",all +e arran-e& in c l1*n" a" % ll ="? In t,e %ir"t c l1*n t,ere ",all +e entere&> at t,e ti*e % cl "in- % t,e li"t +e% re t,e electi n> a n1*+er 66 "ite t,e na*e % eac, ! ter re-i"tere&> +e-innin- =it, n1*+er ne an& c ntin1in- in c n"ec1ti!e r&er 1ntil t,e en& % t,e li"t. In t,e "ec n& c l1*n> t,e "1rna*e" % t,e re-i"tere& ! ter" ",all +e =ritten in al6,a+etical r&er % ll =e& +0 t,eir re"6ecti!e %ir"t na*e"> =it, 1t a++re!iati n" % an0 <in&. In t,e t,ir& c l1*n> t,e re"6ecti!e re"i&ence" % "1c, 6er" n" =it, t,e na*e % t,e "treet an& n1*+er> r> in ca"e t,ere +e n ne> a +rie% &e"cri6ti n % t,e l calit0 r 6lace. In t,e % 1rt, c l1*n> ",all +e entere& t,e 6eri &" % re"i&ence in t,e P,ili66ine" an& in t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0. In t,e %i%t, c l1*n> t,ere ",all +e entere& n t,e &a0 % t,e electi n t,e n1*+er" % t,e +all t"

2,,

=,ic, =ere -i!en "1cce""i!el0 t eac, ! ter. In t,e "i7t, c l1*n> t,e ! ter ",all "ta*6 n t,e &a0 % t,e electi n t,e *ar< % t,e t,1*+ % ,i" ri-,t ,an& an& 1n&er "ai& *ar< ,i" "i-nat1re. An& in t,e "e!ent, c l1*n> t,e "i-nat1re % t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" =, ,a" ,an&e& t,e +all t t t,e ! ter. It =ill +e "1%%icient t,at t,e %i%t,> "i7t,> an& "e!ent, c l1*n" ",all +e %ille& in t,e c 60 % t,e li"t 1n&er t,e c1"t &0 % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" =,ic, ",all "ee t it t,at t,e t,1*+ *ar< i" "ta*6e& 6lainl0. Secti n 1(8. Certi%icate % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" in t,e li"t % ! ter". $ U6 n t,e a&C 1rn*ent % eac, *eetin- % r t,e re-i"trati n % ! ter"> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all cl "e eac, al6,a+etical -r 16 % "1rna*e" % ! ter" +0 =ritin- t,e &ate" n t,e ne7t line in +lan<> =,ic, ",all +e % rt,=it, "i-ne& +0 eac, *e*+er> an&> +e% re a&&in- a ne= na*e n t,e "a*e 6a-e at t,e ne7t *eetin-> it ",all =rite t,e % ll =in-? JA&&e& at t,e Q Q Q *eetin-J "6eci%0in- i% it i" t,e "ec n& t,ir& r % 1rt, *eetin- % t,e + ar&> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e. I% t,e *eetin- a&C 1rne& i" t,e la"t ne % r t,e re-i"trati n % ! ter"> t,e + ar& ",all> +e"i&e" cl "in- eac, al6,a+etical -r 16 % ! ter" a" a+ !e 6r !i&e&> a&& at t,e en& % t,e li"t a certi%icate (a) % t,e c rrecti n" an& cancellati n" *a&e in t,e 6er*anent li"t> "6eci%0in- t,e*> r t,at t,ere ,a" +een n ne> an& (+) % t,e t tal n1*+er % ! ter" re-i"tere& in t,e 6recinct. Secti n 1(4. P1+licati n % t,e li"t. $ At t,e %ir"t , 1r % t,e = r<in- &a0 % ll =in- t,e la"t &a0 % re-i"trati n % ! ter"> t,e 6 ll cler< ",all &eli!er t t,e electi n re-i"trar a c 60 % t,e li"t certi%ie& t +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" a" 6r !i&e& in t,e 6rece&in- "ecti n@ an t,er c 60> al" certi%ie&> ",all +e "ent t t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r % t,e 6r !ince> an& an t,er> li<e=i"e certi%ie&> ",all +e "ent t t,e C **i""i n> in =, "e %%ice" "ai& c 6ie" ",all +e 6en t 61+lic in"6ecti n &1rin- re-1lar %%ice , 1r". On t,e "a*e &a0 an& , 1r> t,e 6 ll cler< ",all al" 6 "t a c 60 % t,e li"t in t,e 6 llin- 6lace in a "ec1re 6lace n t,e & r r near t,e "a*e at a ,ei-,t % a *eter an& a ,al%> =,ere it *a0 +e c n!enientl0 c n"1lte& +0 t,e intere"te& 6artie". T,e c,air*an> 6 ll cler< an& t,e t= *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all eac, <ee6 a c 60 % t,e li"t =,ic, *a0 +e in"6ecte& +0 t,e 61+lic in t,eir re"i&ence r %%ice &1rin- re-1lar %%ice , 1r". I**e&iatel0 a%ter t,e *eetin- % r t,e cl "in- % t,e li"t> t,e

2,1

6 ll cler< ",all al" "en& a n tice t t,e electi n re-i"trar> 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r an& t,e C **i""i n re-ar&int,e c,an-e" an& t,e n1*+erin- a+ !e re%erre& t > t +e attac,e& t t,e c 60 % t,e li"t 1n&er t,eir c1"t &0. Secti n 1(2. C,allen-e % ri-,t t re-i"ter. $ An0 6er" n a66l0in- % r re-i"trati n *a0 +e c,allen-e& +e% re t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" n an0 re-i"trati n &a0 +e an0 *e*+er> ! ter> can&i&ate> r =atc,er. T,e + ar& ",all t,en e7a*ine t,e c,allen-e& 6er" n an& ",all recei!e "1c, t,er e!i&ence a" it *a0 &ee* 6ertinent> a%ter =,ic, it ",all &eci&e =,et,er t,e elect r ",all +e incl1&e& in r e7cl1&e& %r * t,e li"t a" *a0 +e 6r 6er. All c,allen-e" ",all +e ,ear& an& &eci&e& =it, 1t &ela0> an& in n ca"e +e0 n& t,ree &a0" %r * t,e &ate t,e c,allen-e =a" *a&e. A%ter t,e B1e"ti n ,a" +een &eci&e&> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all -i!e t eac, 6art0 a +rie% certi%ie& "tate*ent "ettin- % rt, t,e c,allen-e an& t,e &eci"i n t,ere n. Secti n 1(3. P =er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t a&*ini"ter at," an& i""1e "1** n". # F r t,e 61r6 "e % &eter*inin- t,e ri-,t % a66licant" t +e re-i"tere& a" ! ter" in t,e li"t> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all ,a!e t,e "a*e 6 =er t a&*ini"ter at,"> t i""1e "1+6 ena an& "1+6 ena &1ce" tec1* an& t c *6el =itne""e" t a66ear an& te"ti%0> +1t t,e latterE" %ee" an& e76en"e" inci&ent t t,e 6r ce"" ",all +e 6ai& in a&!ance +0 t,e 6art0 in =, "e +e,al% t,e "1** n" i" i""1e&. Secti n 1(8. D1ri"&icti n in incl1"i n an& e7cl1"i n ca"e". $ T,e *1nici6al an& *etr 6 litan trial c 1rt" ",all ,a!e ri-inal an& e7cl1"i!e C1ri"&icti n !er all *atter" % incl1"i n an& e7cl1"i n % ! ter" %r * t,e li"t in t,eir re"6ecti!e *1nici6alitie" r citie". Deci"i n" % t,e *1nici6al r *etr 6 litan trial c 1rt" *a0 +e a66eale& &irectl0 +0 t,e a--rie!e& 6art0 t t,e 6r 6er re-i nal trial c 1rt =it,in %i!e &a0" %r * recei6t % n tice t,ere %> t,er=i"e "ai& &eci"i n % t,e *1nici6al r *etr 6 litan trial c 1rt ",all +ec *e %inal an& e7ec1t r0 a%ter "ai& 6eri &. T,e re-i nal trial c 1rt ",all &eci&e t,e a66eal =it,in ten &a0" %r * t,e ti*e t,e a66eal =a" recei!e& an& it" &eci"i n ",all +e i**e&iatel0 %inal an&

2,2

e7ec1t r0. N * ti n % r rec n"i&erati n ",all +e entertaine& +0 t,e c 1rt".

DU/ISP/UDENCE CANICOSA !". COMELEC G./. N . 1$)(18> Dece*+er 4> 1..3 'ACTSJ Ricardo D3oyE Canicosa and Se"erino :aCara =ere candidates %or +ayor in Calamba4 :aguna during t2e ) +ay 1**# elections. :aCara =as proclaimed =inner by t2e +unicipal 3oard o% Can"assers. !n 1# +ay Canicosa %iled =it2 t2e C!+E:EC a $etition to .eclare 'ailure o% Election and to .eclare ?ull and 0oid t2e Can"ass and $roclamation because o% alleged =idespread %rauds and anomalies. 7o=e"er4 t2e C!+E:EC en banc dismissed t2e petition on t2e ground t2at t2e allegations t2erein did not Custi%y a declaration o% %ailure o% election. <SS8EJ 62et2er or not a C!+E:EC di"ision s2ould 2a"e %irst 2eard t2e petition be%ore deciding on it en banc on a motion %or reconsideration. 7E:.J ?!. Section 34 Article <R1C applies only =2en t2e C!+E:EC acts in t2e e-ercise o% its adCudicatory or /uasi1Cudicial %unctions and not =2en it merely e-ercises purely administrati"e %unctions. +oreo"er4 it is e-pressly pro"ided in Rule 2(4 Section ( o% t2e C!+E:EC Rules o% $rocedure t2at any party dissatis%ied =it2 t2e ruling o% t2e board o% can"assers s2all 2a"e a rig2t to appeal to t2e C!+E:EC en banc. >uestions as to =2et2er elections 2a"e been 2eld or =2et2er certain returns =ere %alsi%ied or manu%actured and t2ere%ore s2ould be e-cluded %rom t2e can"ass do not in"ol"e t2e rig2t to "ote. Suc2 /uestions are properly =it2in t2e administrati"e Curisdiction o% C!+E:EC4 2ence4 may be acted upon directly by t2e C!+E:EC en banc =it2out 2a"ing to pass t2roug2 any o% its di"isions. T2ere are only t2ree instances =2ere a %ailure o% election may be declared4 namelyJ a. T2e election in any polling place 2as not been 2eld on t2e date %i-ed on account o% %orce maCeure4 "iolence4 terrorism4 %raud4 or ot2er analogous causesH b. T2e election in any polling place 2as been suspended be%ore t2e 2our %i-ed by la= %or t2e closing o% t2e "oting on account o%

2,3

%orce maCeure4 "iolence4 terrorism4 %raud4 or ot2er analogous causesH or c. A%ter t2e "oting and during t2e preparation and transmission o% t2e election returns or in t2e custody or can"ass t2ereo%4 suc2 election results in a %ailure to elect on account o% %orce maCeure4 "iolence4 terrorism4 %raud4 or ot2er analogous causes. T2e /uestion o% inclusion or e-clusion %rom t2e list o% "oters in"ol"es t2e rig2t to "ote =2ic2 is not =it2in t2e po=er and aut2ority o% C!+E:EC to rule upon. T2e determination o% =2et2er one 2as t2e rig2t to "ote is a Custiciable issue properly cogni9able by our regular courts. <t is only in t2e e-ercise o% its adCudicatory or /uasi1Cudicial po=ers t2at t2e C!+E:EC is mandated to 2ear and decide cases %irst by .i"ision and t2en4 upon motion %or reconsideration4 by t2e C!+E:EC en banc. T2is is =2en it is Curisdictional. T2e C!+E:EC e-ercises direct and immediate super"ision and control o"er national and local o%%icials or employees4 including members o% any national or local la= en%orcement agency and instrumentality o% t2e go"ernment re/uired by la= to per%orm duties relati"e to t2e conduct o% elections. <ts po=er to direct super"ision and control includes t2e po=er to re"ie=4 modi%y4 or set aside any act o% suc2 national and local o%%icials. <t e-ercises immediate super"ision o"er t2e members o% t2e boards o% election inspectors and can"assers. <ts statutory po=er o% super"ision and control includes t2e po=er to re"ise4 re"erse4 or set aside t2e action o% t2e boards4 as =ell as to do =2at t2e boards s2ould 2a"e done4 e"en i% /uestions relati"e t2ereto 2a"e not been ele"ated to it by an aggrie"ed party4 %or suc2 po=er includes t2e aut2ority to initiate motu proprio or by itsel% suc2 steps or actions as may be re/uired pursuant to la=.

Secti n 1(.. 1epealed by /.A. 818. O Secti n (8 Secti n (8. Petition fo! ;nclusion of 3ote!s in the &ist. An0 6er" n =, "e a66licati n % r re-i"trati n ,a" +een &i"a66r !e& +0 t,e B ar& r =, "e na*e ,a" +een "tric<en 1t %r * t,e li"t *a0 %ile =it, t,e c 1rt a 6etiti n t incl1&e ,i" na*e in t,e 6er*anent li"t % ! ter" in ,i" 6recinct at an0 ti*e e7ce6t ne ,1n&re& %i!e (1)4) &a0" 6ri r t a re-1lar electi n r "e!ent0#%i!e (34) &a0" 6ri r t a "6ecial electi n. It ",all +e "166 rte& +0 a certi%icate % &i"a66r !al % ,i" a66licati n an& 6r % % "er!ice % n tice % ,i" 6etiti n 16 n t,e B ar&.

2,

T,e 6etiti n ",all +e &eci&e& =it,in %i%teen (14) &a0" a%ter it" %ilin-. I% t,e &eci"i n i" % r t,e incl1"i n % ! ter" in t,e 6er*anent li"t % ! ter"> t,e B ar& ",all 6lace t,e a66licati n % r re-i"trati n 6re!i 1"l0 &i"a66r !e& in t,e c rre"6 n&in- + < % ! ter" an& in&icate in t,e a66licati n % r re-i"trati n t,e &ate % t,e r&er % incl1"i n an& t,e c 1rt =,ic, i""1e& t,e "a*e. Secti n 18). 1epealed by /.A. 818. O Secti n (3 an& Secti n (8 Secti n (3. 3ote! E.cluded Th!ou)h ;nad e!tence o! 1e)iste!ed with an E!!oneous o! 8isspelled name. # An0 re-i"tere& ! ter =, ,a" n t +een incl1&e& in t,e 6recinct certi%ie& li"t % ! ter" r =, ,a" +een incl1&e& t,erein =it, a =r n- r *i""6elle& na*e *a0 %ile =it, t,e B ar& an a66licati n % r rein"tate*ent r c rrecti n % na*e. I% it i" &enie& r n t acte& 16 n> ,e *a0 %ile n an0 &ate =it, t,e 6r 6er M1nici6al Circ1it> M1nici6al r Metr 6 litan Trial C 1rt a 6etiti n % r an r&er &irectint,at ,i" na*e +e entere& r c rrecte& in t,e li"t. He ",all attac, t t,e 6etiti n a certi%ie& c 60 % ,i" re-i"trati n rec r& r i&enti%icati n car& r t,e entr0 % ,i" na*e in t,e certi%ie& li"t % ! ter" 1"e& in t,e 6rece&in- electi n> t -et,er =it, t,e 6r % t,at ,i" a66licati n =a" &enie& r n t acte& 16 n +0 t,e B ar& an& t,at ,e ,a" "er!e& n tice t t,e B ar&. Secti n (8. 3ote!s E.cluded th!ou)h ;nad e!tence o! 1e)iste!ed with an E!!oneous o! 8isspelled =ame. # An0 re-i"tere& ! ter =, "e re-i"trati n rec r& ,a" n t +een incl1&e& in t,e 6recinct + < % ! ter"> r =, "e na*e ,a" +een *itte& in t,e li"t % ! ter" r =, ,a" +een incl1&e& t,erein =it, a =r n- r *i""6elle& na*e *a0 %ile =it, t,e B ar& an a66licati n % r incl1"i n % ,i" rec r&> r rein"tate*ent r c rrecti n % ,i" na*e a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e. I% it i" &enie& r n t acte& 16 n> t,e ! ter *a0 %ile n an0 &ate =it, t,e 6r 6er M1nici6al r Metr 6 litan Trial C 1rt a 6etiti n % r an r&er &irectint,at t,e ! terP" na*e +e entere& r c rrecte& in t,e li"t. T,e ! ter" ",all attac, t t,e 6etiti n a certi%ie& tr1e c 60 % ,i" re-i"trati n rec r& r i&enti%icati n car& r

2,#

t,e entr0 % ,i" na*e in t,e li"t % ! ter" 1"e& in t,e 6rece&in- electi n> t -et,er =it, 6r % t,at ,i" a66licati n =a" &enie& r n t acte& 16 n +0 t,e B ar& an& t,at ,e ,a" "er!e& n tice t,ere % t t,e B ar&. Ann1l*ent at B < % ' ter"

Secti n (.. Annulment at +oo: of 3ote!s. T,e C **i""i n ",all> 16 n !eri%ie& 6etiti n % an0 ! ter r electi n %%icer r &1l0 re-i"tere& 6 litical 6art0> an& a%ter n tice an& ,earin-> ann1l an0 + < % ! ter" t,at i" n t 6re6are& in acc r&ance =it, t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" Act r =a" 6re6are& t,r 1-, %ra1&> +ri+er0> % r-er0> i*6er" nati n> inti*i&ati n> % rce r an0 "i*ilar irre-1larit0> r =,ic, c ntain" &ata t,at are "tati"ticall0 i*6r +a+le. N r&er> r1lin- r &eci"i n ann1llin- a + < % ! ter" ",all +e e7ec1te& =it,in ninet0 (.)) &a0" +e% re an electi n. Secti n 181. C,an-e % na*e % re-i"tere& ! ter. $ An0 6re!i 1"l0 re-i"tere& ! ter =, "e na*e ,a" +een c,an-e& +0 rea" n % *arria-e r +0 !irt1e % a c 1rt r&er *a0 reB1e"t t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" &1rin- an0 % it" *eetin-" ,el& 1n&er t,i" Article t,at ,i" re-i"trati n in t,e li"t +e rec r&e& 1n&er ,i" r ,er ne= na*e. Secti n 18$. 1epealed by /.A. 818. O Secti n (4 Secti n (4. Petition fo! E.clusion of 3ote!s f!om the &ist. An0 re-i"tere& ! ter"> re6re"entati!e % a 6 litical 6art0 r t,e Electi n O%%icer> *a0 %ile =it, t,e c 1rt a "= rn 6etiti n % r t,e e7cl1"i n % a ! ter %r * t,e 6er*anent li"t % ! ter" -i!in- t,e na*e> a&&re"" an& t,e 6recinct % t,e c,allen-e& ! ter at an0 ti*e e7ce6t ne ,1n&re& (1))) &a0" 6ri r t a re-1lar electi n r "i7t0#%i!e (24) &a0" +e% re a "6ecial electi n. T,e 6etiti n ",all +e acc *6anie& +0 6r % % n tice t t,e B ar& an& t t,e c,allen-e& ! ter an& ",all +e &eci&e& =it,in ten (1)) &a0" %r * it" %ilin-. I% t,e &eci"i n i" % r t,e e7cl1"i n % t,e ! ter %r * t,e li"t> t,e B ar& ",all> 16 n recei6t % t,e %inal &eci"i n> re* !e t,e ! terP" re-i"trati n rec r& %r * t,e c rre"6 n&in- + < % ! ter"> enter t,e r&er %

2,&

e7cl1"i n t,erein> an& t,erea%ter 6lace t,e rec r& in t,e inacti!e %ile. Secti n 18(. 1epealed by /.A. 818. O Secti n ($ Secti n ($. Common 1ules 2o e!nin) Audicial* P!oceedin)s in the 8atte! of ;nclusion* E.clusion* and Co!!ection of =ames of 3ote!s. a) Petiti n % r incl1"i n> e7cl1"i n r c rrecti n % ! ter" ",all +e %ile& &1rin- %%ice , 1r"@ % na*e"

+) N tice % t,e 6lace> &ate an& ti*e % t,e ,earin- % t,e 6etiti n ",all +e "er!e& 16 n t,e *e*+er" % t,e B ar& an& t,e c,allen-e& ! ter 16 n %ilin% t,e 6etiti n. Ser!ice % "1c, n tice *a0 +e *a&e +0 "en&ina c 60 t,ere % +0 6er" nal &eli!er0> +0 lea!in- it in t,e 6 ""e""i n % a 6er" n % "1%%icient &i"creti n in t,e re"i&ence % t,e c,allen-e& ! ter> r +0 re-i"tere& *ail. S, 1l& t,e % re- in- 6r ce&1re" n t +e 6ractica+le> t,e n tice ",all +e 6 "te& in t,e +1lletin + ar& % t,e cit0 r *1nici6al ,all an& in t= ($) t,er c n"6ic1 1" 6lace" =it,in t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0@ c) A 6etiti n ",all re%er nl0 t i*6lea& t,e B ar& a" re"6 n&ent"@ ne (1) 6recinct an&

&) N c "t" ",all +e a""e""e& a-ain"t an0 6art0 in t,e"e 6r cee&in-". H =e!er> i% t,e c 1rt ", 1l& %in& t,at t,e a66licati n ,a" +een %ile& " lel0 t ,ara"" t,e a&!er"e 6art0 an& ca1"e ,i* t inc1r e76en"e"> it ",all r&er t,e c1l6a+le 6art0 t 6a0 t,e c "t" an& inci&ental e76en"e"@ e) An0 ! ter> can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0 =, *a0 +e a%%ecte& +0 t,e 6r cee&in-" *a0 inter!ene an& 6re"ent ,i" e!i&ence@ %) T,e &eci"i n ",all +e +a"e& n t,e e!i&ence 6re"ente& an& in n ca"e ren&ere& 16 n a "ti61lati n % %act". I% t,e B1e"ti n i" =,et,er r n t t,e ! ter i" real r %ictiti 1"> ,i" n n#a66earance n t,e &a0 "et % r ,earin- ",all +e 6ri*a %acie e!i&ence t,at t,e c,allen-e& ! ter i" %ictiti 1"@ an&

2,(

-) T,e 6etiti n ",all +e ,ear& an& &eci&e& =it,in ten (1)) &a0" %r * t,e &ate % it" %ilin-. Ca"e" a66eale& t t,e /e-i nal Trial C 1rt ",all +e &eci&e& =it,in ten (1)) &a0" %r * recei6t % t,e a66eal. In all ca"e"> t,e c 1rt ",all &eci&e t,e"e 6etiti n" n t later t,an %i%teen (14) &a0" +e% re t,e electi n an& t,e &eci"i n ",all +ec *e %inal an& e7ec1t r0.

DU/ISP/UDENCE ME/CADO> et al. !". DUDGE D:SANGCO> an& ESTEBAN A.M. N . MTD#))#1()1> D1l0 ()> $))$ 'ACTSJ T2e complainants alleged t2at prior to t2e 3arangay Elections o% +ay 124 1**(4 ) persons (* =ere supporters o% +ercado4 =2ile 3* =ere supporters o% @on9ales) %iled =it2 t2e +unicipal Circuit Trial Court o% ?ati"idad1:lanera4 ?ue"a EciCa a petition %or inclusion in t2e "otersA list. +ercado and @on9ales =ere candidates %or t2e position o% 3arangay C2airman o% 5abuli2an4 @en. ?ati"idad4 ?ue"a EciCa. Conse/uently4 complainants %iled an opposition to t2e petition o% t2e 3* supporters o% @on9ales. Se"eral 2earing dates =ere set. T2e %irst t2ree 2earings =ere cancelled due to t2e absence o% eit2er Judge .ysangco or petitionersA counsel. T2e +ay ) 2earing proceeded4 t2e * petitioners (+ercadoAs supporters) presented t2eir e"idence. T2e 3* petitioners (@on9alesA supporters) re/uested t2e postponement o% t2e 2earing to +ay *. 7o=e"er4 t2ey did not appear t2e %ollo=ing day4 t2us4 t2e Judge dismissed t2eir petitions. !n +ay 1,4 t2e Judge assured t2e complainants t2at 2e did not issue an order %or t2e inclusion o% t2e 3* +ercadoAs supporters in t2e "otersA list. 7o=e"er4 on t2e day o% t2e election4 t2ey =ere surprised to %ind t2e 3 (out o% t2e 3* petitioners) =it2 an order signed by t2e Judge and attested by t2e cler; o% court4 directing t2eir inclusion in t2e "otersA list. !n +ay 2*4 1**(4 t2e complainants %iled a complaint against t2e respondents %or aiding t2e %lying "oters in "iolating t2e Election :a=s and in%luencing t2e result o% t2e 3arangay Elections in 5abuli2an4 @en. ?ati"idad4 ?ue"a EciCa. !n January 34 2,,,4 E-ecuti"e Judge 3allutay %ound t2at t2e act o% t2e Judge .ysangco o% ordering t2e inclusion o% t2e 3 petitioners on t2e "otersA list and allo=ing t2em to "ote based on t2e strengt2 o% personal inter"ie= conducted by t2e Judge =it2out t2e presence o% t2e counsel4 is not only repre2ensible4 but also denial o% due process. 7e recommended t2at t2e Judge be %ined $#4,,, =it2 a =arning t2at a

2,)

repetition =ill be dealt =it2 more se"erely and on t2e part o% Esteban4 t2e Cler; o% Court4 s2e must be reprimanded and =arned t2at s2e s2ould be more care%ul in 2er actuation and s2e s2ould act strictly in accordance =it2 2er duties. T2e Court Administrator concurred =it2 t2e obser"ation o% E-ecuti"e Judge 3allutay4 2o=e"er4 t2e liability o% t2e Cler; o% Court =as not su%%iciently establis2ed. Accordingly4 t2e SC dismissed t2e complaint against Esteban. R8:<?@J Section 1 3 o% 3atas $ambansa 3lg. ))14 ot2er=ise ;no=n as t2e !mnibus Election Code4 e-plicitly lays do=n t2e procedure go"erning petitions %or inclusion4 e-clusion4 and correction o% names o% "oters. T2e clear mandate o% t2e la= is %or t2e municipal Cudge a) to decide t2e petition on t2e basis o% t2e e"idence presented4 b) to conduct a 2earing t2ereon4 and c) to render a decision =it2in 1, days %rom t2e %iling o% t2e petition. Respondent Cudge4 un%ortunately4 does not ;no= t2e abo"e legal pro"isions. T2e respondent Cudge claimed t2at 2e personally inter"ie=ed 3 petitioners on April 2#4 1**( and t2at t2is =as t2e basis o% 2is !rder. And4 second4 2e issued t2e !rder beyond t2e ten1day period re/uired by Section 1 3. T2e petitions o% t2e 3* @on9ales supporters =ere %iled prior to April 1(4 1**(4 yet t2e !rder granting t2em =as issued only on +ay *4 1**(. <n releasing t2e !rder t=o days be%ore t2e 3arangay Elections4 2e e%%ecti"ely depri"ed t2e complainants o% t2eir rig2t to appeal to t2e Regional Trial Court. Clearly4 t2ey =ere depri"ed o% t2eir rig2t to due process.

Secti n 188. 1epealed by /.A. 818. O Secti n (2 Secti n (2. 3e!ification of 1e)iste!ed 3ote!s. T,e Electi n %%icer ",all> in r&er t 6re"er!e t,e inte-rit0 % t,e 6er*anent li"t % ! ter"> %ile e7cl1"i n 6r cee&in-" =,en nece""ar0> an& !eri%0 t,e li"t % t,e re-i"tere& ! ter" % an0 6recinct +0 re-1lar *ail r , 1"e t , 1"e can!a"". T,e C **i""i n *a0 enli"t t,e ,el6 % re6re"entati!e" % 6 litical 6artie" an& &e61tiAe n n#- !ern*ent r-aniAati n" (NGO")> ci!ic r-aniAati n" an& +aran-a0

2,*

%%icial" t a""i"t in t,e !eri%icati n an& , 1"e t can!a"" % re-i"tere& ! ter" in e!er0 6recinct.

, 1"e

Secti n 184. Ann1l*ent % 6er*anent li"t" % ! ter". $ An0 + < % ! ter" n t 6re6are& in acc r&ance =it, t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" C &e r t,e 6re6arati n % =,ic, ,a" +een e%%ecte& =it, %ra1&> +ri+er0> % r-er0> i*6er" nati n> inti*i&ati n> % rce> r an0 t,er "i*ilar irre-1larit0 r =,ic, li"t i" "tati"ticall0 i*6r +a+le *a0> 16 n !eri%ie& 6etiti n % an0 ! ter r electi n re-i"trar> r &1l0 re-i"tere& 6 litical 6art0> an& a%ter n tice an& ,earin-> +e ann1lle& +0 t,e C **i""i n? Pr !i&e&> T,at n r&er> r1lin- r &eci"i n ann1llin- a + < % ! ter" ",all +e e7ec1te& =it,in "i7t0 &a0" +e% re an electi n.

A*en&e& +0 Secti n1)

% /.A. 3122 ,ere %?

Secti n 1). Annulment of the &ist of 3ote!s. # An0 + < % ! ter" t,e 6re6arati n % =,ic, ,a" +een a%%ecte& =it, %ra1&> +ri+er0> % r-er0> i*6er" nati n> inti*i&ati n> % rce r an0 t,er "i*ilar irre-1larit0 r =,ic, i" "tati"ticall0 i*6r +a+le *a0 +e ann1lle&> a%ter &1e n tice % a !eri%ie& c *6laint? Pr !i&e&> T,at> n r&er> r1lin- r &eci"i n ann1llin- a + < % ! ter" ",all +e e7ec1te& =it,in "i7t0 (2)) &a0" +e% re an electi n. 1ule #, of the CO8E&EC 1ules of P!ocedu!e Secti n 1. 2!ounds. # An0 + < % ! ter" n t 6re6are& in acc r&ance =it, t,e 6r !i"i n" % la=> r t,e 6re6arati n % =,ic, ,a" +een e%%ecte& =it, %ra1&> +ri+er0> % r-er0> i*6er" nati n> inti*i&ati n> % rce> r an0 t,er "i*ilar irre-1larit0> r =,ic, li"t i" "tati"ticall0 i*6r +a+le> *a0 +e ann1lle& +0 t,e C **i""i n. Secti n $. Petition to Annul. # An0 ! ter> electi n re-i"trar> r &1l0 re-i"tere& 6 litical 6art0> r-aniAati n r c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie" *a0 %ile =it, t,e La= De6art*ent % t,e C **i""i n a 6etiti n t ann1l a 6er*anent li"t % ! ter". Secti n (. =otice of Hea!in). # 9it,in t,ree &a0" %r * t,e %ilin- % t,e 6etiti n> t,e Cler< % C 1rt c ncerne& ",all

21,

*a<e a re6 rt % t,e 6etiti n % t,e C **i""i n =,ic, ",all &eter*ine eit,er t -i!e it &1e c 1r"e r t &en0 t,e "a*e. I% t,e C **i""i n ",all &eci&e t -i!e it &1e c 1r"e> an Or&er t t,at e%%ect> %i7in- t,e &ate % ,earin-> ",all +e 61+li",e& in a ne="6a6er % -eneral circ1lati n in t,e 6r !ince r cit0 c ncerne& nce a =ee< % r t= c n"ec1ti!e =ee<"> t,e la"t % =,ic, ",all n t +e le"" t,an ten &a0" 6ri r t t,e &ate % ,earin-. C 6ie" % t,e r&er ",all li<e=i"e +e %1rni",e& t all re-i"tere& 6 litical 6artie"> r-aniAati n r c aliti n r 6 litical 6artie" in t,e 6r !ince r cit0 c ncerne&. E76en"e" % r t,e 61+licati n an& n tice" ",all +e + rne +0 t,e 6etiti ner> =,ic, a" 6reli*inar0 e"ti*ate&> ",all +e &e6 "ite& =it, t,e C **i""i n. I% t,e 6etiti ner i" an Electi n /e-i"trar t,e e76en"e" % r 61+licati n ",all +e + rne +0 t,e C **i""i n. Secti n 8. Time to 0ile Opposition. # On r +e% re t,e &ate "et % r t,e ,earin-> an0 intere"te& 6art0 *a0 %ile a !eri%ie& 66 "iti n t t,e 6etiti n. Secti n 4. %umma!y P!oceedin)s. # T,e 6etiti n *a0 +e ,ear& "1**aril0. Secti n 2. 9ele)ation of Hea!in) and 1eception of E idence. # T,e ,earin- an& rece6ti n % e!i&ence *a0 +e &ele-ate& +0 t,e C **i""i n t an0 % it" %%icial" =, are *e*+er" % t,e P,ili66ine Bar. Secti n 3. P!ohibition of E.ecution of 9ecision . # An0 6r !i"i n % t,e"e /1le" t t,e c ntrar0 n t=it,"tan&in-> a &eci"i n t ann1l a + < % ! ter" ",all n t +e e7ec1te& =it,in "i7t0 (2)) &a0" +e% re an electi n. Secti n 182. 1epealed by /.A. 818. O Secti n 8) Secti n 8). 1econstitution of &ost o! 9est!oyed 1e)ist!ation 1eco!ds. T,e C **i""i n ",all rec n"tit1te all re-i"trati n rec r&" =,ic, ,a!e +een l "t r &e"tr 0e& +0 1"in- t,e c rre"6 n&in- c 6ie" % t,e 6r !incial r nati nal central %ile". In ca"e % c n%lict t,e C **i""i n ",all &eter*ine =,ic, %ile ",all +e 1"e& % r rec n"tit1ti n 61r6 "e". I% t,i" i" n t %ea"i+le> t,e C **i""i n ",all c n&1ct a -eneral re-i"trati n %

211

! ter" in t,e a%%ecte& area? Pr !i&e&> T,at t,ere i" a "c,e&1le& electi n +e% re t,e ne7t "c,e&1le& -eneral re-i"trati n % ! ter" in acc r&ance =it, t,e O*ni+1" Electi n C &e. All "1c, ! ter" ",all retain t,eir ! terP" i&enti%icati n n1*+er. /ec n"tit1te& % r*" ",all +e clearl0 *ar<e& =it, t,e = r& Jrec n"tit1te&.J It ",all +e t,e &1t0 % t,e Electi n O%%icer t i**e&iatel0 re6 rt t t,e C **i""i n an0 ca"e % l "" r &e"tr1cti n % re-i"trati n rec r& in ,i" c1"t &0. T,e rec n"tit1ti n % an0 l "t r &e"tr 0e& re-i"trati n rec r&" ",all n t a%%ect t,e cri*inal lia+ilit0 % an0 6er" n =, i" re"6 n"i+le % r "1c, l "" r &e"tr1cti n. Secti n 8(. Compute!i-ation at Pe!manent &ist of 3ote!s. # A 6er*anent an& c *61teriAe& li"t arran-e& +0 6recinct> cit0 r *1nici6alit0> 6r !ince an& re-i n ",all +e 6re6are& +0 t,e C **i""i n. T,erea%ter> an t,er li"t ",all +e 6re6are& c n"i"tin- % t,e na*e" % t,e ! ter"> arran-e& al6,a+eticall0 acc r&in- t "1rna*e". T,e c *61ter 6rint# 1t" % t,e li"t % ! ter" &1l0 certi%ie& +0 t,e B ar& are %%icial & c1*ent" an& ",all +e 1"e& % r ! tin- an& t,er electi n relate& 61r6 "e" a" =ell a" % r le-iti*ate re"earc, nee&". T,e t tal n1*+er % ! ter" in t,e 6er*anent li"t ",all +e t,e +a"i" % r t,e 6rintin- % t,e %%icial +all t" +0 t,e C **i""i n. Secti n 183. E7a*inati n % re-i"trati n rec r&".# All re-i"trati n rec r&" in t,e 6 ""e""i n % t,e cit0 r *1nici6al electi n re-i"trar> t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r> an& t,e C **i""i n ",all> &1rin- re-1lar %%ice , 1r"> +e 6en t e7a*inati n +0 t,e 61+lic =it, le-iti*ate inB1irie" % r 61r6 "e" % electi n. La= en% rce*ent a-encie" ",all> 16 n 6ri r a1t, riAati n +0 t,e C **i""i n> ,a!e acce"" t "ai& re-i"trati n rec r&" ", 1l& t,e "a*e +e nece""ar0 t > r in ai& %> t,eir in!e"ti-ati!e %1ncti n" an& &1tie"> "1+Cect t re-1lati n" 6r *1l-ate& +0 t,e C **i""i n.

212

C **ent? T,i" i" t a""1re t,e 61+lic tran"6arenc0 an& inte-rit0 % t,e C **i""i n.

t,e

Secti n 188. Li"t % ! ter".# Fi%teen &a0" +e% re t,e &ate % t,e re-1lar electi n r "6ecial electi n> re%eren&1* r 6le+i"cite> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" *1"t 6 "t t,e %inal li"t % ! ter" in eac, 6recinct =it, eac, an& e!er0 6a-e t,ere % &1l0 "i-ne& an& "1+"cri+e& an& "= rn t +0 t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& t,at %ail1re t c *6l0 =it, t,i" 6r !i"i n =ill c n"tit1te an electi n %%en"e. An0 can&i&ate r a1t, riAe& re6re"entati!e % an accre&ite& 6 litical 6art0> 16 n % r*al reB1e"t *a&e t an electi n re-i"trar> ",all +e entitle& t a certi%ie& c 60 % t,e * "t recent li"t % ! ter" in an0 6recinct> *1nici6alit0> cit0 r 6r !ince> 16 n 6a0*ent % a rea" na+le %ee a" *a0 +e 6re"cri+e& +0 t,e C **i""i n. /.A. N . 818. r T,e ' ter"P /e-i"trati n Act % 1..2 a*en&e& t,e 6r !i"i n" in Article 5II n /e-i"trati n % ' ter". T,e B < % ' ter"> nce it i" "eale&> cann t +e 6ene& 1ntil electi n &a0. T,i" *ean" t,at n ' ter"P /e-i"trati n /ec r& ('//) *a0 +e a&&e& r re* !e& %r * it a%ter it i" "eale&.

DISCUSSIONS

/e-i"trati n

% ' ter"

213

Registration is a condition precedent to t2e e-ercise o% t2e rig2t o% su%%rage. (LRA "s. Abano4 @.R. :13,1)(4 ?o"ember 1#4 1*2)). T2e State 2as adopted a met2od to systemati9e registration in order to establis2 a clear4 complete4 permanent and updated list o% "oters4 described 2ereunderJ T2e act o% registration is done by a /uali%ied "oter by accomplis2ing and %iling a s=orn application %or registration be%ore t2e Election !%%icer o% t2e city or municipality =2ere 2e resides. An application %or registration duly appro"ed by t2e Election Registration 3oard is called a Registration Record =2ile a compilation o% Registration Records per precinct is called a 3oo; o% 0oters. T2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors use t2e 3oo; o% 0oters as re%erence in case /uestions arise on t2e list o% registered "oters certi%ied by t2e Election Registration 3oard and posted in t2e precincts %or use on election day. T2e State recogni9es t2at t2e rig2t o% su%%rage is in line =it2 t2e State policy o% people empo=erment. Congress mandated a continuing registration o% "oters4 daily4 during o%%ice 2ours in t2e o%%ice o% t2e Election !%%icer4 (3autista "s. C!+E:EC4 1 SCRA 2**4 @.R. ?os. 1# (*&1*(4 !ctober 234 2,,3)4 e-cept during t2e period starting 12, days be%ore a regular election and *, days be%ore a special election (5abataan $arty :ist "s. C!+E:EC 4 @R ?o. 1)*)&)4 .ec. 1#4 2,,*) to gi"e C!+E:EC enoug2 time to ma;e all t2e necessary preparations =it2 respect to t2e coming elections. +oreo"er4 C!+E:EC cannot be compelled to conduct a special registration o% "oters because it is not a ministerial act but a discretionary one. (A53ALA? Lout2 "s. C!+E:EC4 @R ?o. 1 (,&&4 2& +arc2 2,,1)

9,

are B1ali%ie& t

re-i"ter

1. Citi9ens o% t2e $2ilippines 'ilipino citi9ens2ip must be pro"en to t2e satis%action o% t2e court. :egitimate c2ildren %ollo= t2e citi9ens2ip o% t2e %at2er =2ile illegitimate c2ildren under t2e parental aut2ority o% t2e mot2er4 =ill %ollo= 2er nationality (Carlos T. @o4 Sr. "s. :uis T. RamosM 7on. Alipio 'ernande9 "s. Jimmy T. @oH @R ?os. 1&(#&*M#(, and 1(1* & Sept. 4 2,,*) 2. T2ose not dis/uali%ied by la= to register. $ersons dis/uali%ied are t2e %ollo=ingJ

21

a. T2ose sentenced by %inal Cudgment to su%%er imprisonment o% not less t2an one (1) year4 not 2a"ing recei"ed pardon or amnesty . 7o=e"er4 t2e rig2t to "ote s2all be reac/uired upon e-piration o% %i"e years a%ter ser"ing sentence. b. T2ose adCudged by %inal Cudgment by Court or Tribunal o% 2a"ing committed rebellion4 sedition4 "iolation o% %irearms or any crime against national security4 unless restored to 2is %ull ci"il and political rig2ts in accordance =it2 la=. T2e rig2t to "ote s2all be reac/uired a%ter t2e lapse o% %i"e years a%ter ser"ice o% sentence. c. <nsane or incompetent persons declared as suc2 by competent aut2ority unless later declared by proper aut2ority t2at 2eMs2e is no longer insane or incompetent d. Section # o% Republic Act *1)* also pro"ides dis/uali%ication %or t2ose =2o 2a"e lost t2eir 'ilipino citi9ens2ip in accordance =it2 $2ilippine la=s4 t2ose =2o 2a"e renounced t2eir $2ilippine citi9ens2ip or t2ose =2o 2a"e pledged allegiance to a %oreign country and recogni9ed as suc2 by t2e 2ost country4 unless 2eMs2e e-ecutes an a%%ida"it declaring t2at 2eMs2e s2all resume p2ysical permanent residence in t2e $2ilippines not later t2an 3 years %rom t2e appro"al o% 2isM2er registration to "ote. (+a;alintal "s. C!+E:EC4 @R ?o. 1#(,13 1, July 2,,3 ) S ( ?icolas1 :e=is "s. C!+E:EC @.R. ?o. 1&2(#*4 August 2,,&) 3. T2ose 1) years old and abo"e . T2ose =2o 2a"e resided in t2e $2ilippines %or at least one year #. Resident in t2e City or +unicipality =2ere 2e proposes to "ote %or at least & mont2s immediately preceding t2e election. <n Election :a=4 t2e term D residence D =2ic2 s2o=s intention to reside in a %i-ed place =it2 personal presence in t2at place and conduct indicati"e o% suc2 intention 4 2as t2e same meaning as D domicile D =2ic2 is a %i-ed permanent residence to =2ic2 one =2o is absent %or business or pleasure intend to return. ($2ilip @. Romualde9 "s. RTC 3r. (4 @R ?o. 1, *&,4 Sept. 1 4 1**3)4 ($ere9 "s. C!+E:EC4 @.R. ?o. 133* 4 31( SCRA & 1 (1***) and (.omino "s. C!+E:EC4 @.R. ?o. 13 ,1#4 1* July 1***)

21#

An illiterate or disabled "oter 4 =2ose disability to read and =rite renders 2im unable to prepare %or 2imsel% 2is application %or registration (suc2 %act must be indicated in t2e 0oterAs Registration Record)4 2is "oterAs a%%ida"it maybe prepared by any relati"e =it2in t2e %ourt2 ci"il degree o% consanguinity or a%%inity or by any member o% t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors =2o s2all prepare t2e A%%ida"it in accordance =it2 t2e data supplied by t2e applicant (1*)( 3ar >uestion ?o. R<<) 6it2 respect to t2e Automated Election System4 a person p2ysically impaired to use t2e AES4 maybe assisted in %eeding t2e ballot into t2e $C!S mac2ine.

/e-i"trati n Pr ce&1re .uring o%%ice 2ours on any date =it2in t2e registration period set by t2e C!+E:EC 4 a /uali%ied "oter s2all personally go to t2e o%%ice o% t2e Election !%%icer o% t2e city or municipality =2ere 2e resides Accomplis2 t2e C!+E:EC Application 'orm %or Registration in 3 copies be%ore t2e Election !%%icer. T2e Application 'orm s2all 2a"e t2e %ollo=ing data J t2e applicantAs name4 surname4 middle name andMor maternal surnameH se-H date and place o% birt2H citi9ens2ipH ci"il status and i% married4 name o% spouseH pro%ession4 occupation or =or;H periods o% residence in t2e $2ilippines and in t2e place o% registrationH e-act address =it2 street and 2ome no.H statement t2at t2e applicant possess all t2e /uali%ications o% a "oter and a statement t2at t2e applicant is not a registered "oter o% any precinct. T2e applicant s2all t2en a%%i- 2is signature on t2e application %orm t2ree times (3) and 2is clean and legible le%t and rig2t t2umbprints and 2is <. pictures 4 to be ta;en at t2e e-pense o% t2e C!+E:EC. T2e Election !%%icer sets a 2earing %or t2e applications %or registration4 notice o% =2ic2 s2all be posted in t2e City or +unicipal bulletin board and in t2e o%%ice o% t2e Election !%%icer at least one =ee; be%ore t2e 2earing. Copies t2ereo% s2all be gi"en to t2e applicant4 representati"es o% political parties and ot2er groups =2ic2 acti"ely participate in t2e electoral process in t2e city or municipality.

21&

7earing and processing o% registration s2all be on /uarterly basis so t2e Election Registration 3oard s2all con"ene on t2e 3 rd +onday o% April4 July4 !ctober and January o% e"ery calendar year4 e-cept in an election year to con%orm =it2 t2e 12, days pro2ibiti"e period be%ore election day. T2e 3oard s2all adCourn %rom day to day i% all accepted applications can be processed =it2in one day. An applicantAs application %or inclusion in t2e 0otersA list can be c2allenged by any "oter4 candidate or representati"e o% a registered political party. T2e c2allenge s2all be in =riting4 under oat2 and attac2ed to t2e application4 =it2 proo% o% notice to t2e applicant and t2e c2allenger. <t s2ould be %iled not later t2an t2e second +onday o% t2e mont2 =2en it is sc2eduled to be 2eard by t2e Election Registration 3oard. T2e 2earing o% t2e c2allenge s2all be on t2e 3rd +onday o% t2e mont2. .uring t2e 2earing4 t2e Election !%%icer s2all recei"e e"idence %or or against t2e applicant. <% t2ere is opposition4 t2e applicant s2ould appear in t2e 2earing to re%ute e"idence presented against 2is registration. T2e decision is rendered be%ore t2e end o% t2e mont2 and any party aggrie"ed in cases o% appro"al or disappro"al o% t2e "oterAs application4 may %ile a petition %or e-clusion or inclusion =it2 t2e proper +unicipal or +etropolitan Trial Court. V!9amis "s. _osa4 3 SCRA 2 (1*(,)W

Di"B1ali%icati n" A. <% sentenced by %inal Cudgment to su%%er imprisonment %or not less t2an one (1) year and suc2 disability =as not remo"ed by plenary pardon or 2as not been granted amnesty. 7o=e"er4 any person dis/uali%ied to "ote s2all automatically reac/uire t2e rig2t to "ote upon e-piration o% # years a%ter ser"ice o% sentence. 3. Any person =2o 2as been adCudged by %inal Cudgment by competent court or tribunal o% 2a"ing committed any crime in"ol"ing disloyalty to t2e duly constituted go"ernment suc2 as rebellion or any crime against national securityJ 1. 8?:ESS restored to 2is %ull ci"il and political rig2ts in accordance =it2 la=.

21(

2. 7o=e"er4 2e s2all regain 2is rig2t to "ote automatically upon e-piration o% # years a%ter ser"ice o% sentence. C. <nsane or incompetent persons as declared by competent aut2ority.

D1ri"&icti n in Incl1"i nHE7cl1"i n ca"e" A. T2e municipal and metropolitan trial courts s2all 2a"e original and e-clusi"e Curisdiction o"er all matters o% inclusion and e-clusion o% "oters %rom t2e list in t2eir respecti"e municipalities or cities. $etition %iled at any time e-cept 1,# days be%ore regular election or (# days be%ore special election 3. .ecisions may be appealed to t2e RTC =it2in # days %rom receipt o% notice o% decision. C. RTC =ill decide t2e appeal =it2in 1, days. .ecision is %inal and e-ecutory. .. ?oteJ Relate t2is to Article <R o% t2e Constitution =2ic2 pro"ides t2at t2e C!+E:EC 2as no Curisdiction o"er /uestions in"ol"ing t2e rig2t to "ote. E. E-clusion is t2roug2 s=orn petition and not later t2an 1,, days be%ore regular electionH &# days be%ore special election.

P "tin-

% t,e Certi%ie& Li"t

% ' ter"

T2e Election Registration 3oard s2all prepare and post t2e certi%ied list o% "oters 4 along =it2 a certi%ied list o% deacti"ated "oters by precinct per barangay4 ninety days be%ore a regular election and &, days be%ore a special election. T2e list s2all be posted in t2e o%%ice o% t2e Election !%%icer and in t2e bulletin board o% eac2 city or municipal 2all. T=o certi%ied true copies o% said list s2all be gi"en to t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors %or posting in t2e polling place and re%erence on election day. SubCect to reasonable regulations o% t2e C!+E:EC4 t2e public and t2e duly aut2ori9ed representati"es o% a registered political party or bona%ide candidate 2a"e t2e rig2t to inspect or copy t2e list o% registered "oters.

Sealin-

% t,e Precinct B

<

% ' ter"

21)

'i%teen days be%ore t2e start o% t2e campaign period4 t2e Election Registration 3oard s2all in%orm all registered political parties and members o% t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors to inspect and "eri%y t2e completeness o% t2e "otersA registration records %or eac2 precinct compiled in t2e 3oo; o% 0oters. A%ter certi%ication o% completeness is issued by t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors and party representati"es4 t2e Election Registration 3oard s2all seal t2e 3oo; o% 0oters and ta;e custody o% t2e same until election day =2en t2e Election !%%icer =ill deli"er t2e sealed 3oo; o% 0oters to t2e C2airman o% t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors.

A%ter ?otice and 7earing4 a 3oo; !% 0oters pro"en to be prepared t2roug2 irregularities li;e impersonation4 %orgery4 bribery4 %raud or intimidation4 =it2 data t2at are statistically improbable4 s2all be annulled by C!+E:EC be%ore *, days prior to an election.

<n case o% loss or destruction o% Registration Records4 eit2er t2e pro"incial or national central %iles s2all be used %or reconstitution purposes. <% not %easible4 a general registration o% "oters s2all be conducted by t2e C!+E:EC in t2e area a%%ected. <n accordance =it2 t2e !mnibus Election Code4 t2is is done i% t2ere is a sc2eduled election be%ore t2e ne-t sc2eduled general registration o% "oters. $ersons responsible %or loss or destruction o% t2e registration o% "oters s2all be criminally liable %or suc2 action.

Gr 1n&" =,en t,e Li"t 0xclusive8

% ' ter" *a0 +e altere&? 3,his list is

1. .eacti"ationM Reacti"ation 2. E-clusionM <nclusion 3. Cancellation o% Registration in case o% .eat2 . ?e= "oters #. Annulment o% 3oo; o% 0oters &. Trans%er o% Residence

21*

Di"a+le&

r Illiterate ' ter"

?o "oter =2o is illiterate or disabled s2all not be allo=ed or depri"ed o% 2is rig2t to "ote based on suc2 ground alone. <lliterate or disabled persons maybe assisted in t2e preparation o% 2is ballot by a relati"e4 by a%%inity or consanguinity4 =it2in t2e %ourt2 ( t2) ci"il degree4 in t2e absence o% suc2 by any person =2o belongs to t2e same 2ouse2old or any member o% t2e 3E<. <t must be noted 2o=e"er t2at suc2 "oter cannot "ote as an illiterate or disabled and be assisted by anot2er person4 unless it is indicated in 2is registration record t2at suc2 person is illiterate or disabled and t2at suc2 %act appears in t2e Election .ay Computeri9ed 0oters :ist (E.C0:) and t2e 0RR. T2e person t2us c2osen must only do so not more t2an t2ree (3) times =it2 t2e only e-ception o% t2e non1party member o% t2e 3E< =2o may assist any number o% illiterate or disabled persons. Any "iolation o% t2ese pro"isions s2all be considered as an election o%%ense. 6it2 respect to t2e %eeding o% t2e ballots in t2e $C!S +ac2ine4 a person =2o is unable to %eed t2e ballot into t2e $C!S +ac2ine may li;e=ise be assisted in %eeding 2is ballot in t2e mac2ine. .uring t2e process o% %eeding t2e assistant must ma;e sure t2at t2e contents o% t2e ballot are not e-posed to t2e "ie= o% ot2er people during t2e process o% %eeding.

C,allen-in- Ille-al

r Fl0in- ' ter"

1. $ersons =2o can C2allenge <llegal 0otersJ a. 0oters b. Accredited 6atc2ers 2. @rounds %or C2allenging t2e 0oter a. <dentity O t2e 3E< s2all resol"e t2e issue by re/uiring a "alid identi%ication %rom t2e alleged illegal "oter. <% 2e can present

22,

a "alid identi%ication and 2is name appears in t2e Election .ay Computeri9ed 0oters :ist (E.0C:) 2e s2ould be allo=ed to "ote4 subCect to t2e =ritten protest o% t2e =atc2er s2ould 2e insist on protesting t2e "oterAs identity. 3arangay certi%ications and Community Ta- Certi%icates (Cedula) are not acceptable %or only go"ernment issued identi%ication cards are allo=ed. 7e4 t2e "oter is not re/uired to present 2is "oters a%%ida"it on t2e day o% t2e election i% 2e can be identi%ied by any ot2er manner as pro"ided by t2e election code or under t2e instructions o% C!+E:EC under Resolution ?o. )(3*. b. !t2er <llegal Acts O a "oter maybe c2allenged i% 2e 2as recei"ed or e-pects to recei"e4 2as paid4 o%%ered4 or promised to pay4 2as contributed4 o%%ered or promised to contribute money4 or anyt2ing o% "alue as consideration %or 2is "ote or %or anot2er personAs "ote4 or i% 2e 2as recei"ed a promise or 2as made a promise to in%luence t2e gi"ing or =it22olding o% any to suc2 "oter4 or i% 2e 2as made a bet or is directly or indirectly interested in a bet =2ic2 depends in t2e result o% t2e election. 3e%ore t2e c2allenged "oter is allo=ed to cast 2is "ote 2e must %irst ta;e an oat2 be%ore t2e 3E< t2at 2e 2as not in any =ay s2ape or %orm committed any o% t2e acts as alleged by t2e c2allenger. T2e c2allenge s2all be dismissed a%ter t2e oat2. 7o=e"er i% t2e "oter re%uses to ta;e t2e oat2 and t2e c2allenge is sustained t2en suc2 "oter s2all be pro2ibited %rom "oting.

3AR >8EST<!? 1. DAE4 =2ile o% legal age and o% sound mind4 is illiterate. 7e 2as as;ed you %or ad"ice on 2o= 2e can "ote in t2e coming elections %or 2is brot2er4 =2o is running %or mayor. T2is =ill be t2e %irst time t2at DAE =ill "ote and 2e 2as ne"er registered as a "oter be%ore. 62at ad"ice =ill you gi"e 2im on t2e procedure t2at 2e needs to %ollo= in order to be able to "ote (1*)( 3ar E-aminations >uestion 12). Ans=erJ T2e constitution pro"ides t2at until t2e congress s2all 2a"e pro"ided ot2er=ise. <lliterate and disabled "oters s2all be allo=ed to "ote under e-isting la=s and regulations (Art. 0 Sec. 2). <t is

221

necessary %or any /uali%ied "oter to register in order to be allo=ed to "ote. <n t2e case o% illiterate and disabled "oters4 t2eir "oters a%%ida"it may be prepared by any relati"e =it2in t2e %ourt2 ( t2) ci"il degree o% consanguinity or a%%inity or by any member o% t2e 2ouse2old or by any member o% t2e 3E< =2o s2all prepare t2e a%%ida"it in accordance =it2 t2e data supplied by t2e applicant. (Ans=er Supplied by t2e 8.$ :a= Center) :et us suppose t2at congress enacted a la= =2ic2 amended t2e !mnibus Election Code (3.$ ))1) (particularly secs. 13)4 13*4 1 24 1 3) by "esting in t2e C!+E:EC t2e Curisdiction o"er inclusion and e-clusion cases %iled by "oters4 instead o% in t2e courts (+TC4 t2en RTC).

2. <s t2e la= "alid or not4 =2y\

Ans=erJ

T2e la= granting t2e C!+E:EC Curisdiction o"er t2e inclusion or e-clusion cases is unconstitutional. 8nder Sec. 2(3)4 Art. <R1C o% t2e Constitution4 t2e C!+E:EC cannot decide t2e rig2t to "ote4 =2ic2 re%ers to t2e inclusion and e-clusion o% "oters. 8nder Sec. 2(&)4 Art. <R1C o% t2e Constitution 4 it can only %ile petitions in court %or inclusion or e-clusion o% "oters.

Gr 1n&" % r Deacti!ati n

% /e-i"trati n

T2e registration records o% persons =2o are co"ered by t2e dis/uali%ication rules discussed earlier and t2ose =2o did not "ote in t=o successi"e regular elections as s2o=n by t2eir "oting records or t2ose =2o lose t2eir 'ilipino citi9ens2ip or =2ose registration 2as been ordered e-cluded by t2e Court 4 s2all be placed in t2e inacti"e %ile.

222

?ot later t2an 12, days be%ore a regular election and *, days be%ore a special election4 any deacti"ated "oter may %ile =it2 t2e Election !%%icer a s=orn application %or reacti"ation t2ru an a%%ida"it stating t2at t2e grounds %or deacti"ation no longer e-ist and s2all be submitted to t2e Election Registration 3oard %or appropriate action. <n case t2e Election Registration 3oard appro"es t2e application4 2is registration record =ill be retrie"ed %rom t2e inacti"e %ile and included in t2e precinct boo; o% "oters.

Cancellati n

% /e-i"trati n

T2e :ocal Ci"il Registrar s2all submit mont2ly to t2e Election !%%icer a certi%ied list o% persons =2o died in t2e pre"ious mont2. T2e list o% dead persons =2ose registration =ere canceled s2all be posted in t2e o%%ice o% t2e Election !%%icer and copies sent to t2e local 2eads o% t2e political parties4 t2e pro"incial %ile and t2e national central %ile.

<% any "oter =as unintentionally e-cluded %rom t2e certi%ied list o% "oters or =2ose name =as misspelled t2erein4 2eMs2e may %ile an application %or reinstatement %or correction o% name. <% denied or not acted upon4 t2e "oter can %ile on any date =it2 +unicipalM +etropolitan Trial Court4 a petition %or an order directing t2at t2e "oterAs name be corrected or entered in t2e list. T2e petition s2ould include a certi%ied true copy o% 2is registration record and <. Card as =ell as t2e list o% "oters in t2e preceding election =it2 2is name on it and proo% t2at 2is application %or <nclusion ME-clusion o% name =as denied or =as not acted upon by t2e 3oard. V.omino "s. C!+E:EC4 31, SCRA # &4 @.R. ?o. 13 ,1 (July 1*4 1***)W

223

A/TICLE 5III
P/ECINCTS AND POLLING PLACES

Secti n 8

% /.A. 3122 a*en&e& Secti n 18. ,ere %?

%ection B. P!ecincts and thei! Establishment .# An0 6r !i"i n % la= t t,e c ntrar0 n t=it,"tan&in-> =,ere it i" n t 6ractica+le t &i!i&e t,e 6recinct +0 territ r0>

22

t,e C **i""i n *a0 a&C1"t r "6lit t,e 6recinct +0 a""i-nin- t,e re-i"tere& ! ter" t,erein al6,a+eticall0 an& eB1ita+l0 a* n- t,e a&C1"te& r "6lit 6recinct"? Pr !i&e&> T,at> t,e 6 llin- 6lace" % "ai& 6recinct" ",all +e in t,e "a*e +1il&in- r 6re*i"e". T,e C **i""i n *a0 re" rt t t,i" an& t,e circ1*"tance" =arrant. nl0 =,en nece""ar0

Secti n 14). Arran-e*ent" % electi n 6recinct".# (a) Eac, electi n 6recinct ",all ,a!e> a" %ar a" 6 ""i+le n t * re t,an t,ree ,1n&re& ! ter" an& ",all c *6ri"e> a" %ar a" 6ractica+le> c nti-1 1" an& c *6act territ r0. (+) 9,en it a66ear" t,at an electi n 6recinct c ntain" * re t,an t,ree ,1n&re& ! ter"> t,e C **i""i n ",all> in t,e intere"t % r&erl0 electi n> an& in r&er t %acilitate t,e ca"tin- % ! te"> +e a1t, riAe& t &i!i&e a 6recinct n t later t,an ne =ee< a%ter t,e la"t &a0 % re-i"trati n % ! ter". B1t t,e 6 llin- 6lace % all t,e 6recinct" create& t,ere+0 ",all +e l cate& in t,e "a*e +1il&in- r c *6 1n& =,ere t,e 6 llin6lace % t,e ri-inal 6recinct i" l cate&> an& i% t,i" +e n t %ea"i+le> in a 6lace a" cl "e a" 6 ""i+le t t,e 6 llin- 6lace % t,e ri-inal 6recinct? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at t,e 6 llin- 6lace % t,e ne= 6recinct *a0 +e l cate& el"e=,ere 16 n =ritten 6etiti n % t,e *aC rit0 % t,e ! ter" % t,e ne= 6recinct? Pr !i&e&> %1rt,er> T,at =,en a 6recinct i" &i!i&e& int t= r * re 6recinct"> t,e re-i"tere& ! ter" ",all +e incl1&e& in t,e 6recinct =,erein t,e0 re"i&e. E!er0 ca"e % alterati n % a 6recinct ",all +e &1l0 61+li",e& +0 6 "tin- a n tice % an0 c,an-e in c n"6ic1 1" l cati n in t,e 6recinct> an& in t,e *1nici6al +1il&in- r cit0 ,all> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e. (c) A *1nici6alit0 =,ic, ,a" *1nici6alit0 ",all c n"tit1te at t,e &i"tance +et=een t,e re* *1nici6alit0 an& t,e neare"t 6 t =,ic, it ,a" +een *er-e& e7cee& %i!e <il *eter". +een *er-e& =it, an t,er lea"t ne electi n 6recinct> i% te"t +aran-a0 % t,e *er-e& llin- 6lace in t,e *1nici6alit0 ",all> +0 t,e ", rte"t r a&>

(&) An i"lan& r -r 16 % i"lan&" ,a!in- ne ,1n&re& an& %i%t0 r * re ! ter" ",all c n"tit1te a 6recinct.

22#

(e) An0 alterati n % t,e electi n 6recinct" r t,e e"ta+li",*ent % ne= ne" ",all +e c **1nicate& t t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r> t,e 6r !incial "16erinten&ent % "c, l"> etc. t -et,er =it, t,e c rre"6 n&in- *a6"> =,ic, ",all +e 61+li",e& a" 6re"cri+e& in t,e ne7t "1ccee&in"ecti n". C **ent? T,e C **i""i n i" e*6 =ere& t & t,i" t *aintain t,e r&erl0 a&*ini"trati n % t,e ! tin- 6r ce"" an& t e76e&ite t,e ! tin- an& c 1ntin- in e!er0 6recinct. Secti n 141. P1+licati n % *a6" r 6recinct".# At lea"t %i!e &a0" +e% re t,e %ir"t re-i"trati n &a0 6rece&in- a re-1lar electi n r "6ecial electi n r a re%eren&1* r a 6le+i"cite> t,e C **i""i n ",all> t,r 1-, it" &1l0 a1t, riAe& re6re"entati!e> 6 "t in t,e cit0 ,all r *1nici6al +1il&in- an& in t,ree t,er c n"6ic1 1" 6lace" in t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 an& n t,e & r % eac, 6 llin- 6lace> a *a6 % t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 ", =init" &i!i"i n int 6recinct" =it, t,eir re"6ecti!e + 1n&arie" an& in&icatin- t,erein all "treet" an& alle0" in 6 61l 1" area" an& t,e l cati n % eac, 6 llin- 6lace. T,e"e *a6" ",all +e <e6t 6 "te& 1ntil a%ter t,e electi n> re%eren&1* r 6le+i"cite. C **ent? T,ere i" a nee& % t,e 6 "tin- " t,at n t,e &a0 % t,e electi n t,e ! ter" % eac, 6recinct = 1l& <n = =,ere t - t an& ca"t t,eir ! te". T,i" =ill = r< t t,e a&!anta-e % t,e C **i""i n t le""en it" +1r&en n t,e electi n &a0 an& % r t,e "6ee&0 ! tin- an& c 1ntin-. Secti n 14$. P llin- Place.# A 6 llin- 6lace i" t,e +1il&in- r 6lace =,ere t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" c n&1ct" it" 6r cee&in-" an& =,ere t,e ! ter" ",all ca"t t,eir ! te". C **ent? It i" t,e * "t i*6 rtant 6lace c *e electi n &a0. Secti n 14(. De"i-nati n % 6 llin- 6lace".# T,e l cati n % 6 llin- 6lace" &e"i-nate& in t,e 6rece&in- re-1lar electi n ",all c ntin1e =it, "1c, c,an-e" a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 %in& nece""ar0> a%ter n tice t re-i"tere& 6 litical 6artie" an&

22&

can&i&ate" in t,e 6 litical 1nit a%%ecte&> i% an0> an& ,earin-? Pr !i&e&> T,at n l cati n ",all +e c,an-e& =it,in % rt0#%i!e &a0" +e% re a re-1lar electi n an& t,irt0 &a0" +e% re a "6ecial electi n r a re%eren&1* r 6le+i"cite> e7ce6t in ca"e it i" &e"tr 0e& r it cann t +e 1"e&. C **ent? T,e l cati n % 6 llin- 6lace" *a0 +e c,an-e& =,en nece""ar0 % r t,e "a%et0 an& c n!enience % t,e ! ter". Secti n 148. /eB1ire*ent" % r 6 llin- 6lace".# Eac, 6 llin6lace ",all +e> a" %ar a" 6ractica+le> a -r 1n& %l r an& ",all +e % "1%%icient "iAe t a&*it an& c *% rta+l0 acc ** &ate % rt0 ! ter" at ne ti*e 1t"i&e t,e -1ar& rail % r t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". T,e 6 llin- 6lace ",all +e l cate& =it,in t,e territ r0 % t,e 6recinct a" centrall0 a" 6 ""i+le =it, re"6ect t t,e re"i&ence % t,e ! ter" t,erein an& =,ene!er 6 ""i+le> "1c, l cati n ",all +e al n- a 61+lic r a&. N &e"i-nati n % 6 llin- 6lace" ",all +e c,an-e& e7ce6t 16 n =ritten 6etiti n % t,e *aC rit0 % t,e ! ter" % t,e 6recinct r a-ree*ent % all t,e 6 litical 6artie" r +0 re" l1ti n % t,e C **i""i n 16 n 6ri r n tice an& ,earin-. A 61+lic +1il&in- ,a!in- t,e reB1ire*ent" 6re"cri+e& in t,e 6rece&in- 6ara-ra6, ",all +e 6re%erre& a" 6 llin- 6lace. C **ent? It i" % r t,e ea"0 acce"" % r t,e ! ter" i% t,e l cati n % t,e 6 llin- 6lace i" al n- a 61+lic r a&. Secti n 144. B1il&in- t,at ",all n t +e 1"e& a" 6 llin- 6lace".# N 6 llin- 6lace ",all +e l cate& in a 61+lic r 6ri!ate +1il&in=ne&> lea"e&> r cc16ie& +0 an0 can&i&ate r % an0 6er" n =, i" relate& t an0 can&i&ate =it,in t,e % 1rt, ci!il &e-ree % c n"an-1init0 r a%%init0> r an0 %%icer % t,e - !ern*ent r lea&er % an0 6 litical 6art0> -r 16 r %acti n> n r in an0 +1il&in- r "1rr 1n&in- 6re*i"e" 1n&er t,e act1al c ntr l % a 6ri!ate entit0> 6 litical 6art0 r reli-i 1" r-aniAati n. In 6lace" =,ere n "1ita+le 61+lic +1il&in- i" a!aila+le> 6ri!ate "c, l +1il&in-" *a0 +e 1"e& a" 6 llin- 6lace". N 6 llin6lace ",all +e l cate& =it,in t,e 6eri*eter % r in"i&e a *ilitar0 r 6 lice ca*6 r re"er!ati n r =it,in a 6ri" n c *6 1n&.

22(

An0 re-i"tere& ! ter> can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0 *a0 6etiti n t,e C **i""i n n t later t,an t,irt0 &a0" +e% re t,e %ir"t re-i"trati n &a0 % r t,e tran"%er % t,e 6 llin- 6lace %r * t,e 6r ,i+ite& +1il&in-" 6r !i&e& ,erein. S1c, 6etiti n ",all +e ,ear& an& &eci&e& +0 t,e C **i""i n =it,in t=ent0 &a0" %r * t,e %ilin- % t,e 6etiti n. Fail1re t e%%ect t,e tran"%er % t,e 6 llin- 6lace a%ter t,e C **i""i n % 1n& it t +e l cate& in !i lati n % t,i" "ecti n =it,in t,e 6eri & 6re"cri+e& ,erein ",all +e a -r 1n& % r t,e 6 "t6 ne*ent % t,e electi n in t,e 6 llin- 6lace c ncerne&. C **ent? T,e rati nale % t,i" 6r !i"i n i" t *aintain t,e in&e6en&ence an& inte-rit0 % t,e C **i""i n. Secti n 142. Si-n" an& %la-" % 6 llin- 6lace".# On t,e &a0 % t,e ! tin- a" =ell a" n an0 &a0 t,at t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" *i-,t *eet> e!er0 6 llin- 6lace ",all ,a!e in %r nt a "i-n ", =in- t,e n1*+er % t,e 6recinct t =,ic, it +el n-" an& t,e P,ili66ine %la- ",all +e , i"te& at t,e 6r 6er ,ei-,t. C **ent? T,i" i" t in% r* t,e ! ter" 6r cee& an& ca"t t,eir ! te". n =,ere t

Secti n 143. Arran-e*ent an& c ntent" % 6 llin- 6lace".# Eac, 6 llin- 6lace ",all c n% r* a" *1c, a" 6 ""i+le t t,e "<etc, n t,e % ll =in- 6a-e. C **ent? P llin- 6lace" *1"t +e *i"lea& t,e re-i"tere& ! ter". Secti n 11 r-aniAe& " a" n t t

% /.A. N . 3122 a*en&e& Secti n 148 ,ere %?

%ection ,,. 3otin) +ooth.# An0 6r !i"i n % la= t t,e c ntrar0 n t=it,"tan&in-> t,ere ",all +e in eac, 6 llin6lace at lea"t ten (1)) ! tin- + t," % "1c, "iAe> "6eci%icati n" an& *aterial" a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 6r !i&e t ena+le t,e ! ter" t %ill 1t t,eir +all t" "ecretl0.

DISCUSSIONS

22)

S2all t2e election in certain municipalities be declared null and "oid %or t2e reason t2at proper "oting boot2s 2ad not been prepared4 by reason o% =2ic2 t2e "oters =ere not able to prepare t2eir ballots in secret\ <t =as 2eld in t2e case o% @ardiner ". Romulo4 (2& $2il. #21) t2at Dt2e re/uirements o% t2e Election :a=4 pro"iding %or t2e location o% polling stations and t2e construction o% boot2s and guard rails %or t2e latter4 may be departed %rom in some particulars and yet preser"e in substantial %orm %rom t2e secrecy =2ic2 t2e la= re/uires. 3ut t2e %ailure to pro"ide doors and guard rails %or t2e boot2s and t2e placing o% t2e =riting s2el% so t2at it %aces t2e side instead o% t2e rear o% t2e boot2 are4 combined4 a %atal disregard o% t2e la=4 inasmuc2 as suc2 an arrangement does not o%%er4 e"en in substantial %orm4 t2e secrecy and seclusion =2ic24 according to t2e purpose and spirit o% t2e Election :a=4 it is most mandatory re/uirement.E

A. Precint" E"ery barangay must 2a"e atleast one precintH t2e C!+E:EC may also introduce adCustments4 c2anges4 create ne= di"isions or abolis2 a precint itsel% i% necessary. <t must 2o=e"er be remembered t2at t2e territory comprising an election precint must not be altered or create a ne= precint =it2in %orty ( ,) days be%ore t2e regular election or =it2in t2irty (3,) days be%ore a special election4 re%erendum or plebiscite. (Sec. 1 * 3.$ ))1) T2e C!+E:EC during t2e last election passed Resolution ?o. )&** =2ic2 pro"ides t2at precints s2all be clustered into groups o% not less t2an t2ree (3) or more t2an se"en ((). 'or t2e purpose o% suc2 clustering t2e e/uitable distribution o% "oters per precint s2all be ta;en into consideration. <n no case 2o=e"er s2all t2e aggregate number o% registered "oters in t2e clustered or grouped precint e-ceed !ne T2ousand (14,,,). T2e passing o% suc2 resolution amended Sec. 1#, o% 3.$ ))1 =2ic2 limited t2e number o% "oters per precint to merely t2ree 2undredH t2us no= due to suc2 clustering a precint may 2a"e t2e ma-imum o% one t2ousand "oters casting t2eir "otes.

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B. P llin- Place"

a. @eneral $ro"isions $olling places are buildings or places =2ere t2e 3E< conducts its proceedings and =2ere t2e "oters cast t2eir "otes (Sec. 1#2 3.$ ))1). <t must be as %ar as possible on t2e ground %loor4 o% su%%icient si9e to admit and com%ortably accommodate at least %orty ( ,) "oters at one time. <t must be located =it2in t2e territory o% t2e precinct4 and i% possible it must be along a public road. A public building 2a"ing t2e same re/uirements may li;e=ise be used as a polling place Sec. 1# 3.$ ))1). !n t2e day or t2e election4 as =ell as on any day t2at t2e 3E< mig2t meet4 e"ery polling place must 2a"e in %ront a sign s2o=ing t2e number o% t2e precint to =2ic2 it belongs and t2e $2ilippine %lag s2all be Coisted at t2e proper 2eig2t (sec. 1#& 3.$ ))1). T2e C!+E:EC may also c2ange t2e location o% t2e polling place i% it is necessary4 2o=e"er be%ore doing t2at it must %irst noti%y t2e political parties or candidates t2at are a%%ected by suc2 c2ange and t2en conduct a 2earing. T2e Commission must not 2o=e"er c2ange t2e location o% t2e polling place =it2in %orty1%i"e ( #) days a regular election or =it2in t2irty (3,) days be%ore a special election4 re%erendum or plebiscite. !nly e-cept =2en suc2 polling place is destroyed or dilapidated4 t2e use t2ereo% mig2t cause inCury to t2e "oters or =2en it can no longer be used (Sec. 1#3 3.$ ))1). 3e%ore t2e day o% t2e election t2e C2airman o% t2e C!+E:EC s2all4 t2roug2 2is aut2ori9ed representati"es4 see to it t2at all polling places are inspected and suc2 omissions and de%ects corrected. T2e C!+E:EC s2all ;eep a record o% suc2 reports (Sec. 1&3 3.$ ))1).

b. 3uildings t2at s2all not be used as $olling $laces

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1. Any building4 pri"ate or publicly o=ned4 leased4 or occupied by any candidate or any person =2o is related to any candidate =it2in t2e %ourt2 ( t2) ci"il degree o% consanguinity or a%%inity or any o%%icer o% t2e go"ernment or leader o% any political party4 group or %actionH 2. Any building or surrounding premises under t2e control o% a pri"ate entity4 political party or religious organi9ation. 3. Any building located =it2in t2e perimeter o% or inside a military or police camp or reser"ation or =it2in a prison compound (Sec. 1## 3.$ ))1).

DU/ISP/UDENCER <n t2e case o% $aulino ". Cailles4 (?o. :112(#34 3( $2il. )2#) 2o=e"er4 boot2s =ere prepared4 so %ar as t2e record s2o=s4 in accordance =it2 t2e pro"isions o% t2e la=. .uring t2e progress o% t2e "oting4 2o=e"er4 some o% t2e partitions bet=een t2e di%%erent boot2s4 =2ic2 seem to 2a"e been made o% paper4 =ere4 by a strong =ind4 destroyed or bro;en do=n to some e-tent. ?o one seems to 2a"e been responsible e-cept t2at t2e inspectors %ailed to ta;e t2e proper precaution in t2e construction o% t2e boot2s. ?eit2er does it appear t2at t2ere =ere not su%%icient boot2s le%t intact to permit all t2ose "oters4 =2o4 in %act4 desired to prepare t2eir ballots in secret4 to do so. 62ile t2ere =as almost an ine-cusable negligence on t2e part o% t2ose in aut2ority in t2e construction o% t2e boot2s4 t2e Court %ound no reason %or modi%ying t2e conclusion o% t2e lo=er court. 62ile t2e la= pro"ides t2e manner o% constructing "oting boot2s4 and =2ile t2e pro"isions are in a sense mandatory yet t2e purpose o% t2e la= is to re/uire "oting boot2s =2ic2 a%%ord t2e "oter an opportunity4 i% 2e desires4 to prepare 2is ballot in absolute secrecy. Secrecy is t2e obCect o% t2e boot2. An opportunity to prepare t2e ballot in pri"ate is t2e purpose o% t2e pro"ision. 62en t2e boot2 a%%ords t2at protection t2e purpose o% t2e la= is %ul%illed. To 2old ot2er=ise1 to establis2 a di%%erent rule O =ould ma;e t2e manner o% per%orming a public duty more important t2an t2e per%ormance o% t2e duty itsel%. (:ino :una ". Rodrigue94 ?o. 13( 4 3* $2il. 2,))

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Secti n 14.. G1ar& rail".# (a) In e!er0 6 llin- 6lace t,ere ",all +e a -1ar& rail +et=een t,e ! tin- + t," an& t,e ta+le % r t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" =,ic, ",all ,a!e "e6arate entrance an& e7it. T,e + t," ",all +e " arran-e& t,at t,e0 can +e acce""i+le nl0 +0 6a""in- t,r 1-, t,e -1ar& rail an& +0 enterin- t,r 1-, it" 6en "i&e %acin- t,e ta+le % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". (+) T,ere ",all al" +e a -1ar& rail % r t,e =atc,er" +et=een t,e 6lace re"er!e& % r t,e* an& t,e ta+le % r t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& at a &i"tance % n t * re t,an %i%t0 centi*eter" %r * t,e latter " t,at t,e =atc,er" *a0 "ee an& rea& clearl0 &1rin- t,e c 1ntin- % t,e c ntent" % t,e +all t" an& "ee an& c 1nt t,e ! te" rec r&e& +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" *e*+er n t,e c rre"6 n&in- tall0 ",eet". ( c ) T,ere ",all al" +e> i% 6 ""i+le> -1ar& rail" "e6aratin- t,e ta+le % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" %r * t,e ! ter" =aitin- % r t,eir t1rn t ca"t t,eir ! te"> =it, entrance an& e7it t -i!e t,e* r&erl0 acce"" t t,e ta+le an& t,e + t," &1rin- t,e ! tin-. (&) T,e 6 llin- 6lace ",all +e " arran-e& t,at t,e + t,"> t,e ta+le> t,e +all t + 7e" an& t,e =, le 6 llin- 6lace> e7ce6t =,at i" +ein- =ritten =it,in t,e + t,"> ",all +e in 6lain !ie= % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> t,e =atc,er" an& t,er 6er" n" =, *a0 +e =it,in t,e 6 llin- 6lace. T,i" i" re" rte& t % r t,e r&erl0 an& r-aniAe& ! tin- 6r ce"" an& t "ancti n 6ara*eter" a* n- ! ter"> =atc,er"> electi n in"6ect r" an& t, "e =, *a0 +e =it,in t,e 6 llin- 6lace. Secti n 12). Ball t + 7e".# (a) T,ere ",all +e in eac, 6 llin6lace n t,e &a0 % t,e ! tin- a +all t + 7 ne "i&e % =,ic, ",all +e tran"6arent =,ic, ",all +e "et in a *anner !i"i+le t t,e ! tin- 61+lic c ntainin- t= c *6art*ent"> na*el0> t,e c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t" =,ic, i" in&icate& +0 an interi r c !er 6ainte& =,ite an& t,e c *6art*ent % r "6 ile& +all t" =,ic, i" in&icate& +0 an interi r c !er 6ainte& re&. T,e + 7e" ",all +e 1ni% r* t,r 1-, 1t t,e P,ili66ine" an& ",all +e " li&l0 c n"tr1cte& an& ",all +e cl "e& =it, t,ree &i%%erent l c<" a" =ell a" t,ree n1*+ere& "ec1rit0 l c<" an& "1c, t,er "a%et0 &e!ice" a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 6re"cri+e in "1c, a =a0 t,at

232

t,e0 can n t +e 6ene& e7ce6t +0 *ean" an& +0 &e"tr 0in- "1c, "a%et0 &e!ice".

% t,ree &i"tinct <e0"

(+) In ca"e % t,e &e"tr1cti n r &i"a66earance % an0 +all t + 7 n electi n &a0> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all i**e&iatel0 re6 rt it t t,e cit0 r *1nici6al trea"1rer =, ",all %1rni", an t,er + 7 r rece6tacle a" eB1all0 a&eB1ate a" 6 ""i+le. T,e electi n re-i"trar ",all re6 rt t,e inci&ent an& t,e &eli!er0 % a ne= +all t + 7 +0 t,e %a"te"t *ean" % c **1nicati n n t,e "a*e &a0 t t,e C **i""i n an& t t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r. Secti n 121. Tall0 + ar&".# At t,e +e-innin- % t,e c 1ntin-> t,ere ",all +e 6lace& =it,in t,e 6lain !ie= % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> =atc,er" an& t,e 61+lic> a tall0 + ar& =,ere t,e na*e" % all re-i"tere& can&i&ate" r t,e i""1e" r B1e"ti n" t +e ! te& 16 n ",all +e =ritten> an& t,e 6 ll cler< ",all rec r& t,ere n t,e ! te" recei!e& +0 eac, % t,e* a" t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" rea&" t,e +all t. Secti n 12$. F1rni",in- % +all t + 7e"> % r*"> "tati nerie" an& *aterial" % r electi n.# T,e C **i""i n ",all 6re6are an& %1rni", t,e +all t + 7e"> % r*"> "tati nerie" an& *aterial" nece""ar0 % r t,e re-i"trati n % ! ter" an& t,e , l&in- % t,e electi n. T,e 6r !incial> cit0 an& *1nici6al trea"1rer ",all ,a!e c1"t &0 % "1c, electi n 6ara6,ernalia> "166lie" an& *aterial" a" are entr1"te& t ,i* 1n&er t,e la= r r1le" % t,e C **i""i n an& ",all +e re"6 n"i+le % r t,eir 6re"er!ati n an& "t ra-e> an& % r an0 l ""> &e"tr1cti n> i*6air*ent r &a*a-e % an0 electi n eB1i6*ent> *aterial r & c1*ent in t,eir 6 ""e""i n %1rni",e& 1n&er t,i" C &e.

DISCUSSIONS

/e" l1ti n N . 82.2 --- T2e %ollo=ing policy directions %or t2e Automated Election System in t2e +ay 1,4 2,1, national and local elections4 as %ollo=sJ

233

1. T2e ballot bo- s2all 2a"e only one compartment. 2. ReCected ballots =ill be returned to t2e "oter4 =2o =ill in turn gi"e t2e same to t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors. T2e "oter =ill not be issued a replacement ballot. 3. A "ote is considered "alid i% t2e mar; or s2ade on t2e o"al reac2es t2e t2res2old o% #,U. . T2e ballot s2all contain t2e name o% t2e candidate4 nameMnic;name and political party a%%iliation. 'or position4 eac2 candidate s2all be assigned a number s2all be in se/uential order beginning =it2 t2e number accordance =it2 t2eir alp2abetical listing. stage e"ery =2ic2 D1E in

#. $arty1list groups s2all be listed on t2e ballot by t2eir acronym. T2e %ull name o% t2e party1list group s2all be indicated in a certi%ied list =2ic2 s2all be printed in ne=sprint %or distribution to all precincts or clustered precincts. Eac2 party1list group s2all also be assigned a number =2ic2 s2all be in se/uential order beginning =it2 t2e number D1E in accordance =it2 t2eir alp2abetical listing. &. T2e procurement o% ballot bo-es s2all be t2roug2 any o% t2e applicable alternati"e met2ods o% procurement aut2ori9ed under Republic Act ?o. *1) . To e-pedite t2e manu%acturing process4 t2e manu%acturing contract may be multi1sourced4 pro"ided suc2 %act o% multi1sourcing s2all be disclosed in t2e re/uest %or $roposal. ---

Secti n 12(. In"6ecti n % 6 llin- 6lace".# Be% re t,e &a0 % t,e electi n> re%eren&1* r 6le+i"cite> t,e C,air*an % t,e C **i""i n ",all> t,r 1-, it" a1t, riAe& re6re"entati!e"> "ee t it t,at all 6 llin- 6lace" are in"6ecte& an& "1c, *i""i n" an& &e%ect" a" *a0 +e % 1n& c rrecte&. T,e C **i""i n ",all <ee6 t,e re6 rt" n t,e"e in"6ecti n". C,ec<in- t,e ' tin- Center" an& P llin- Place" 6ri r t Electi n" +0 t,e B ar& % Electi n In"6ect r" (BEI). T,e BEI"> =it, t,e a""i"tance % t,e S16er!i" r" r Princi6al"> ", 1l& !eri%0 an& c,ec< %r * t,e E.O.> t,e e7act l cati n % t,e 6 llin6lace 6re%era+l0 ne r t= =ee<" +e% re electi n. T,e BEI"

23

", 1l& in"6ect t,e 6 llin- 6lace t &eter*ine i% t,ere i" a&eB1ate li-,tin-> etc. " t,at re6air" can +e rec **en&e& an& 6er% r*e& +e% re Electi n Da0.

A/TICLE 5I'
BOA/D OF ELECTION INSPECTO/S

Secti n 128. C *6 "iti n an& a66 int*ent % + ar& % electi n in"6ect r".# At lea"t t,irt0 &a0" +e% re t,e &ate =,en t,e ! ter" li"t i" t +e 6re6are& in acc r&ance =it, t,i" C &e> in t,e ca"e % a re-1lar electi n r %i%teen &a0" +e% re a "6ecial electi n> t,e C **i""i n ",all> &irectl0 r t,r 1-, it" a1t, riAe& re6re"entati!e"> c n"tit1te a + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" % r eac, 6recinct t +e c *6 "e& % a c,air*an an& a 6 ll cler< =, *1"t +e 61+lic "c, l teac,er"> 6ri rit0 t +e -i!en t ci!il "er!ice eli-i+le"> an& t= *e*+er"> eac, re6re"entin- t,e t= accre&ite& 6 litical 6artie". T,e a66 int*ent ",all "tate t,e 6recinct t =,ic, t,e0 are a""i-ne& an& t,e &ate % t,e a66 int*ent.

DISCUSSIONS

Section 13 o% RA ?o. && & amended Section 1& 2ereo%J 5ection 1#. Coard of 0lection -nspectors .1 T2e board o% election inspectors to be constituted by t2e Commission under Section 1& o% 3atas $ambansa 3lg. ))1 s2all be composed o% a c2airman and t=o (2) members4 one o% =2om s2all be designated as poll cler;4 all o% =2om s2all be public sc2ool teac2ers4 gi"ing pre%erence to t2ose =it2 permanent appointments. <n case t2ere are not enoug2 public sc2ool

23#

teac2ers4 teac2ers in pri"ate sc2ools4 employees in t2e ci"il ser"ice4 or ot2er citi9ens o% ;no=n probity and competence =2o are registered "oters o% t2e city or municipality may be appointed %or election duty.

Secti n 124. Oat, % t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r".# T,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> =,et,er 6er*anent> "1+"tit1te r te*6 rar0> ",all +e% re a""1*in- t,eir %%ice> ta<e an& "i-n an at, 16 n % r*" 6re6are& +0 t,e C **i""i n> +e% re an %%icer a1t, riAe& t a&*ini"ter at," r> in ,i" a+"ence> +e% re an0 t,er *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" 6re"ent> r in ca"e n ne i" 6re"ent> t,e0 ",all ta<e it +e% re an0 ! ter. T,e at," ",all +e "ent i**e&iatel0 t t,e cit0 r *1nici6al trea"1rer. T,i" i" +eca1"e % t,e nat1re % t,eir %%ice. T,e0 are "er!int,e /e61+lic % t,e P,ili66ine"> t,1" it i" a &elicate &1t0 +eca1"e t,eir ta"< i" t a"certain t,e =ill % t,e 6e 6le. Secti n 122. F1ali%icati n % *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r".# N 6er" n ",all +e a66 inte& c,air*an> *e*+er r "1+"tit1te *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" 1nle"" ,e i" % - & * ral c,aracter an& irre6r ac,a+le re61tati n> a re-i"tere& ! ter % t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0> ,a" ne!er +een c n!icte& % an0 electi n %%en"e r % an0 t,er cri*e 61ni",a+le +0 * re t,an "i7 * nt," % i*6ri" n*ent> r i% ,e ,a" 6en&in- a-ain"t ,i* an in% r*ati n % r an0 electi n %%en"e. He *1"t +e a+le t "6ea< an& =rite En-li", r t,e l cal &ialect. N te? T,i" i" t *aintain t,e inte-rit0 t,e C **i""i n it"el%. % t,e ! te" an&

Secti n 123. Di"B1ali%icati n.# N 6er" n ",all "er!e a" c,air*an r *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" i% ,e i" relate& =it,in t,e % 1rt, ci!il &e-ree % c n"an-1init0 r a%%init0 t an0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" r t an0 can&i&ate t +e ! te& % r in t,e 6 llin- 6lace r ,i" "6 1"e.

23&

DISCUSSIONS

8nder Comelec Resolution ?o. ((*)4 t2ere is a pro2ibition %or barangay o%%icials to become members o% t2e 3E<. T2is pro"ision is basic4 in order to pre"ent %raud.

Secti n 128. P =er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r".# T,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all ,a!e t,e % ll =in- 6 =er" an& %1ncti n"? a. C n&1ct t,e ! tin- an& c 1ntin- % ! te" in t,eir re"6ecti!e 6 llin- 6lace"@ +. Act a" &e61tie" % t,e C **i""i n in t,e "16er!i"i n an& c ntr l % t,e electi n in t,e 6 llin6lace" =,erein t,e0 are a""i-ne&> t a""1re t,e , l&in- % t,e "a*e in a %ree> r&erl0 an& , ne"t *anner@ an& c. Per% r* "1c, t,er %1ncti n" 6re"cri+e& +0 t,i" C &e r +0 t,e r1le" an& re-1lati n" 6r *1l-ate& +0 t,e C **i""i n. Secti n 12.. ' tin- 6ri!ile-e % *e*+er" % + ar& % electi n in"6ect r".# Me*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& t,eir "1+"tit1te" *a0 ! te in t,e 6 llin6lace =,ere t,e0 are a""i-ne& n electi n &a0? Pr !i&e&> T,at t,e0 are re-i"tere& ! ter" =it,in t,e 6r !ince> cit0 r *1nici6alit0 =,ere t,e0 are a""i-ne&? an& Pr !i&e&> %inall0> t,at t,eir ! tin- in t,e 6 llin- 6lace" =,ere t,e0 are n t re-i"tere& ! ter" +e n te& in t,e *in1te" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". T,i" 6ri!ile-e i" -i!en t in"1re t,at t,e ri-,t t ! te % t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" i" n t &e%eate&.

23(

Secti n 13). /elie% an& "1+"tit1ti n % *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r".# P1+lic "c, l teac,er" =, are *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all n t +e relie!e& n r &i"B1ali%ie& %r * actin- a" "1c, *e*+er"> e7ce6t % r ca1"e an& a%ter &1e ,earin-. An0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> n *inate& +0 a 6 litical 6art0> a" =ell a" ,i" "1+"tit1te *a0 at an0 ti*e +e relie!e& %r * %%ice an& "1+"tit1te& =it, an t,er ,a!in- t,e le-al B1ali%icati n" 16 n 6etiti n % t,e a1t, riAe& re6re"entati!e % t,e 6art0 16 n =, "e n *inati n t,e a66 int*ent =a" *a&e> an& it ",all +e 1nla=%1l t 6re!ent "ai& 6er" n %r *> r &i"t1r+e& ,i* in> t,e 6er% r*ance % t,e &1tie" % t,e "ai& %%ice. A rec r& % eac, ca"e % "1+"tit1ti n ",all +e *a&e> "ettin- % rt, t,erein t,e , 1r in =,ic, t,e re6lace& *e*+er ,a" cea"e& in t,e %%ice an& t,e "tat1" % t,e = r< % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". Sai& rec r& ",all +e "i-ne& +0 eac, *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" incl1&in- t,e inc *in- an& t,e 1t- in- %%icer". N te? T,i" i" re" rte& t =arrant. =,ene!er t,e circ1*"tance" "

Secti n 131. 'acanc0 in t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r".# E!er0 !acanc0 in t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all +e %ille& in t,e re*ainin- 6eri & in t,e *anner ,erein+e% re 6re"cri+e&. Secti n 13$. Pr cee&in-" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r".# T,e *eetin-" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all +e 61+lic an& ",all +e ,el& nl0 in t,e 6 llin- 6lace a1t, riAe& +0 t,e C **i""i n. T,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all ,a!e %1ll a1t, rit0 t *aintain r&er =it,in t,e 6 llin- 6lace an& it" 6re*i"e"> t <ee6 acce"" t,eret 6en an& 1n +"tr1cte&> an& t en% rce +e&ience t it" la=%1l r&er". I% an0 6er" n ",all re%1"e t +e0 la=%1l r&er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> r ",all c n&1ct ,i*"el% in a &i" r&erl0 *anner in it" 6re"ence r =it,in it" ,earin- an& t,ere+0 interr16t r &i"t1r+ it" 6r cee&in-"> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" *a0 i""1e an

23)

r&er in =ritin- &irectin- an0 6eace %%icer t ta<e "1c, 6er" n int c1"t &0 1ntil t,e a&C 1rn*ent % t,e *eetin-> +1t "1c, r&er ",all n t +e e7ec1te& a" t 6re!ent an0 6er" n " ta<en int c1"t &0 %r * e7erci"in- ,i" ri-,t t ! te. S1c, r&er ",all +e e7ec1te& +0 an0 6eace %%icer t =, * it *a0 +e &eli!ere&> +1t i% n ne +e 6re"ent> +0 an0 t,er 6er" n &e61tiAe& +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" in =ritin-. N te? T,e r&er *1"t +e in =ritin-.

Secti n 13(. Pr ,i+iti n % 6 litical acti!it0.# N *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all en-a-e in an0 6arti"an 6 litical acti!it0 r ta<e 6art in t,e electi n e7ce6t t &i"c,ar-e ,i" &1tie" a" "1c, an& t ! te. Secti n 138. F1ncti nin- % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r".# T,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all act t,r 1-, it" c,air*an> an& ",all &eci&e =it, 1t &ela0 +0 *aC rit0 ! te all B1e"ti n" =,ic, *a0 ari"e in t,e 6er% r*ance % it" &1tie". Secti n 134. Te*6 rar0 !acancie".# I%> at t,e ti*e % t,e *eetin- % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> an0 *e*+er i" a+"ent> r t,e %%ice i" "till !acant> t,e *e*+er" 6re"ent ",all call 16 n t,e "1+"tit1te r t,e a+"ent *e*+er" t 6er% r* t,e &1tie" % t,e latter@ an&> in ca"e "1c, "1+"tit1te cann t +e % 1n&> t,e *e*+er" 6re"ent ",all a66 int an0 n n#6arti"an re-i"tere& ! ter % t,e 6 llin- 6lace t te*6 raril0 %ill "ai& !acanc0 1ntil t,e a+"ent *e*+er a66ear" r t,e !acanc0 i" %ille&. In ca"e t,ere are t= r * re *e*+er 6re"ent> t,e0 ",all act C intl0? Pr !i&e&> T,at i% t,e a+"ent *e*+er i" ne =, ,a" +een 6r 6 "e& +0 an accre&ite& 6 litical 6art0> t,e re6re"entati!e % "ai& 6 litical 6art0 r in ,i" a+"ence t,e =atc,er" +el n-in- t "ai& 6art0 ",all &e"i-nate a re-i"tere& ! ter % t,e 6 llin- 6lace t te*6 raril0 %ill "ai& !acanc0? Pr !i&e&> %1rt,er> T,at in t,e e!ent r re%1"al r %ail1re % eit,er re6re"entati!e r =atc,er" % "ai& 6 litical 6art0 t *a<e t,e &e"i-nati n> t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" 6re"ent ",all c, "e a n n#6arti"an re-i"tere& ! ter % t,e 6 llin- 6lace t %ill t,e !acanc0.

23*

Secti n 132. Te*6 rar0 &e"i-nati n % *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" +0 =atc,er".# I% at t,e ti*e t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" *1"t *eet> all t,e 6 "iti n" in t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" are !acant> r i% n t ne % t,e a66 inte& *e*+er" ",all a66ear> t,e =atc,er" 6re"ent *a0 &e"i-nate ! ter" % t,e 6 llin- 6lace t act in t,e 6lace % "ai& *e*+er" 1ntil t,e a+"entee" ",all a66ear r t,e !acancie" are %ille&. Secti n 133. Arre"t % a+"ent *e*+er".# T,e *e*+er r *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" 6re"ent *a0 r&er t,e arre"t % an0 t,er *e*+er r "1+"tit1te t,ere %> =, in t,eir C1&-*ent> ,a" a+"ente& ,i*"el% =it, intenti n % +"tr1ctin- t,e 6er% r*ance % &1tie" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". N te? T,i" &e6en&" 16 n t,e " 1n& C1&-*ent % "1c, *e*+er r *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". T,e0 ", 1l& ,a!e a !ali& an& clear +a"i" +e% re *a<in"1c, an r&er.

DISCUSSIONS

T,e B ar&

% Electi n In"6ect r" (BEI)?

A. CompositionJ T2e board comprises o% a c2airman4 a poll cler; =2o must be bot2 public sc2ool teac2ers4 priority s2all be gi"en to ci"il ser"ice eligibles and t=o members eac2 representing to= accredited political parties. Among t2ose members o% t2e board Sec. 3 o% R.A *3&* re/uires t2at atleast one o% t2e members is an <n%ormation Tec2nology (<.T) capable person =2o =as eit2er trained or certi%ied by t2e .!ST to 2andle or use t2e Automated Election System (AES).

3. @eneral >uali%icationsJ

2 ,

3.$ ))1 Sec. 1&& ?o person s2all be appointed as c2airman4 member or substitute member o% t2e 3E< unless 2e isJ 1. !% good moral c2aracter and irreproac2able reputationH 2. A registered "oter o% t2e city or municipalityH 3. 7as ne"er been con"icted o% any ot2er crime punis2able by more t2an si- (&) mont2s imprisonment4 or i% 2e 2as pending against 2im an in%ormation %or any election . <n addition Sec. 3 o% R.A *3&* pro"ides t2at atleast one member o% t2e 3E< is an in%ormation tec2nology (<.T) capable person =2o =as trained or certi%ied by t2e .!ST to use t2e AES.

C. .is/uali%icationsJ

Sec. 1&( o% 3.$ ))1 pro"ides t2at a person s2all be dis/uali%ied to ser"e as t2e c2airman or member o% t2e 3E< i% 2e is relati"e =it2in t2e %ourt2 ( t2) ci"il degree o% consanguinity or a%%inity to any member o% t2e board o% election inspectors or to any candidate to be "oted upon in t2e polling place or 2is spouse. Simply put i% you t2 are t2e spouse or relati"e up to degree o% a%%inity or st consanguinity or a relati"e up to your 1 cousin o% a candidate or any member o% t2e board o% election inspectors you are dis/uali%ied to 2old t2e position o% eit2er c2airman or member o% t2e 3E<. T2e soundest reason %or suc2 pro2ibition is to pre"ent any possibility o% contri"ing to manipulate or alter t2e ballots t2at ultimately mig2t a%%ect t2e outcome o% t2e election.

.. $o=ers and 'unctionsJ

2 1

Sec. 1&) o% 3.$ ))1 pro"ides t2at t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors 2as t2e %ollo=ing po=ers and %unctionsH a. Conduct t2e "oting and counting o% "otes in t2eir respecti"e polling placesH b. Act as t2e deputies o% t2e C!+E:EC in t2e super"ision and control o% t2e election in t2e polling places =2erein t2ey are assigned4 to assure t2e 2olding o% t2e same in a %ree4 orderly and 2onest mannerH and c. $er%orm suc2 ot2er po=ers and prescribes by t2e code or by t2e rules and regulations promulgated by t2e C!+E:EC.

DU/ISP/UDENCE <n $angandaman ". Comelec4 (@.R. ?o. 13 3 ,4 ?o"ember 2#4 1***4 31* SCRA 2)3) it =as 2eld t2erein t2at t2e insistence o% petitioner t2at t2e Comelec "iolated Sections 1&&4 1(,4 1(# and 1(& o% 3.$. ))1 =2en it ordered elements o% t2e Armed 'orces o% t2e $2ilippines (A'$) and t2e $2ilippine ?ational $olice ($?$) =2o are not assigned to t2e a%%ected areas as members o% t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors (3E<s) is li;e=ise uncon"incing "is1P1"is t2e underlying reason o% t2e public respondent to 2a"e an e%%ecti"e and impartial military presence Dto a"oid t2e ris; o% anot2er %ailure o% elections.E

2 2

A/TICLE 5'
9ATCHE/S

Secti n 138. O%%icial =atc,er" % can&i&ate".# E!er0 re-i"tere& 6 litical 6art0> c aliti n r 6 litical 6artie" an& e!er0 in&e6en&ent can&i&ate ",all eac, +e entitle& t ne =atc,er in e!er0 6 llin- 6lace. N 6er" n ",all +e a66 inte& =atc,er 1nle"" ,e i" a B1ali%ie& ! ter % t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0> % - & re61tati n an& ",all n t ,a!e +een c n!icte& +0 %inal C1&-*ent % an0 electi n %%en"e r % an0 t,er cri*e> *1"t <n = , = t rea& an& =rite Pili6in > En-li",> S6ani", r an0 % t,e 6re!ailin- l cal &ialect"> an& n t relate& =it,in t,e % 1rt, ci!il &e-ree % c n"an-1init0 r a%%init0 t t,e c,air*an r an0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" in t,e 6 llin- 6lace =,ere ,e "ee<" a66 int*ent a" a =atc,er. Eac, can&i&ate> 6 litical 6art0 r c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie" ",all &e"i-nate in e!er0 6r !ince> ,i-,l0 1r+aniAe& cit0 r &i"trict in t,e Metr 6 litan Manila area> a re6re"entati!e" a1t, riAe& t a66 int =atc,er"> %1rni",in- t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r r t,e cit0 electi n re-i"trar> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e> t,e na*e" % "1c, re6re"entati!e". T,e 6r !incial

2 3

electi n "16er!i" r" ",all %1rni", t,e *1nici6al electi n re-i"trar" an& electi n re-i"trar" % c *6 nent citie" =it, t,e li"t % "1c, re6re"entati!e". In t,e ca"e % Metr 6 litan Manila> t,e &e"i-nati n % t,e 6er" n" a1t, riAe& t a66 int =atc,er" ",all +e %ile& =it, t,e C **i""i n> =,ic, ",all %1rni", t,e li"t % "1c, re6re"entati!e" t t,e re"6ecti!e cit0 an& *1nici6al electi n re-i"trar". Secti n $2 % /.A. 3122 a*en&e& Secti n 138 ,ere %?

Sec. $2. O%%icial 9atc,er".# E!er0 re-i"tere& 6 litical 6art0 r c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie"> an& e!er0 can&i&ate ",all eac, +e entitle& t ne =atc,er in e!er0 6 llin6lace an& can!a""in- center? Pr !i&e&> T,at> can&i&ate" % r t,e San--1nianPanlala=i-an> San--1nianPanl1n-" &> r San--1nian- Ba0an +el n-in- t t,e "a*e "late r tic<et ",all c llecti!el0 +e entitle& t nl0 ne =atc,er. T,ere ",all al" +e rec -niAe& "i7 (2) 6rinci6al =atc,er"> re6re"entin- t,e "i7 (2) accre&ite& *aC r 6 litical 6artie"> =, ",all +e &e"i-nate& +0 t,e C **i""i n 16 n n *inati n % t,e "ai& 6artie". T,e"e 6 litical 6artie" ",all +e &eter*ine& +0 t,e C **i""i n 16 n n tice an& ,earin- n t,e +a"i" % t,e % ll =in- circ1*"tance"? a. T,e e"ta+li",e& rec r& % t,e "ai& 6artie"> c aliti n r -r 16" t,at n = c *6 "e& t,e*> ta<in- int acc 1nt> a* nt,er t,in-"> t,eir ", =in- in t,e 6a"t electi n"@ +. T,e n1*+er % inc1*+ent electi!e %%icial" +el n-int t,e* ninet0 (.)) &a0" +e% re t,e &ate % electi n@ c. T,eir i&enti%ia+le 6 litical r-aniAati n" an& "tren-t," a" e!i&ence& +0 t,eir r-aniAe& c,a6ter"@ &. T,e a+ilit0 t %ill a c *6lete "late % can&i&ate" %r * t,e *1nici6al le!el t t,e 6 "iti n % 6re"i&ent@ an& e. Ot,er anal - 1" circ1*"tance" t,at *a0 &eter*ine t,eir relati!e r-aniAati n" an& "tren-t,".

Secti n 138> a" a*en&e& +0 Sec. $2 a*en&e& +0 Sec. (8 % /A .(2.. Sec. (8. Sec. $2 rea& a" % ll ="?

% /A N . 3122 i" %1rt,er

% /A N . 3122 i" ,ere+0 a*en&e& t

%ec. 2C. Official 5atche!s.# E!er0 re-i"tere& 6 litical 6art0 r c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie"> an& e!er0 can&i&ate" ",all eac, +e entitle& t ne =atc,er in e!er0 6 llin- 6lace an& can!a""in- center? Pr !i&e&> T,at> can&i&ate" % r t,e San--1nianPanlala=i-an> San--1nianPanl1n-" &> r San--1nianBa0an +el n-in- t t,e "a*e "late r tic<et ",all c llecti!el0 +e entitle& t nl0 ne =atc,er. T,e & *inant *aC rit0 6art0 an& & *inant *in rit0 6art0> =,ic, t,e C **i""i n ",all &eter*ine in acc r&ance =it, la=> ",all eac, +e entitle& t ne %%icial =atc,er =, ",all +e 6ai& a %i7 6er &ie* % F 1r ,1n&re& 6e" " (P8)).))). T,ere ",all al" +e rec -niAe& "i7 6rinci6al =atc,er"> re6re"entin- t,e "i7 accre&ite& *aC r 6 litical 6artie" e7cl1&in- t,e & *inant *aC rit0 an& *in rit0 6artie"> =, ",all +e &e"i-nate& +0 t,e C **i""i n 16 n n *inati n % t,e "ai& 6artie". T,e"e 6 litical 6artie" ",all +e &eter*ine& +0 t,e C **i""i n 16 n n tice an& ,earin- n t,e +a"i" % t,e % ll =in- circ1*"tance"? a. T,e e"ta+li",e& rec r& % t,e "ai& 6artie"> c aliti n % -r 16" t,at n = c *6 "e& t,e*> ta<in- int acc 1nt> a* n- t,er t,in-"> t,eir ", =in- in 6a"t electi n"@ +. T,e n1*+er % inc1*+ent electi!e %%icial" +el n-int t,e* ninet0 (.)) &a0" +e% re t,e &ata % electi n@ c. T,eir i&enti%ia+le 6 litical r-aniAati n" an& "tren-t," a" e!i&ence& +0 t,eir r-aniAe&Hc,a6ter"@ &. T,e a+ilit0 t %ill a c *6lete "late % can&i&ate" %r * t,e *1nici6al le!el t t,e 6 "iti n % Pre"i&ent@ an& e. Ot,er anal - 1" circ1*"tance t,at *a0 &eter*ine t,eir relati!e r-aniAati n" an& "tren-t,".

2 #

Secti n 13.. /i-,t" an& &1tie" % =atc,er".# U6 n enterin- t,e 6 llin- 6lace> t,e =atc,er" ",all 6re"ent an& &eli!er t t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ,i" a66 int*ent> an& % rt,=it,> ,i" na*e ",all +e rec r&e& in t,e *in1te" =it, a n tati n 1n&er ,i" "i-nat1re t,at ,e i" n t &i"B1ali%ie& 1n&er t,e "ec n& 6ara-ra6, % Secti n 138. T,e a66 int*ent" % t,e =atc,er" ",all +ear t,e 6er" nal "i-nat1re r t,e %ac"i*ile "i-nat1re % t,e can&i&ate r t,e &1l0 a1t, riAe& re6re"entati!e" % t,e 6 litical 6art0 r c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie" =, a66 inte& ,i* r % r-aniAati n" a1t, riAe& +0 t,e C **i""i n 1n&er Secti n 18). T,e =atc,er" ",all ,a!e t,e ri-,t t "ta0 in t,e "6ace re"er!e& % r t,e* in"i&e t,e 6 llin- 6lace. T,e0 ",all ,a!e t,e ri-,t t =itne"" an& in% r* t,e*"el!e" % t,e 6r cee&in-" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> incl1&in- it" 6r cee&in-" &1rin- t,e re-i"trati n % ! ter"> t ta<e n te" % =,at t,e0 *a0 "ee r ,ear> t ta<e 6, t -ra6," % t,e 6r cee&in-" an& inci&ent"> i% an0> &1rint,e c 1ntin- % ! te"> a" =ell a" % electi n ret1rn"> tall0 + ar&" an& +all t + 7e"> t %ile a 6r te"t a-ain"t an0 irre-1larit0 r !i lati n % la= =,ic, t,e0 +elie!e *a0 ,a!e +een c **itte& +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" r +0 an0 % it" *e*+er" r +0 an0 6er" n"> t +tain %r * t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" a certi%icate a" t t,e %ilin- % "1c, 6r te"t an&H r % t,e re" l1ti n t,ere n> t rea& t,e +all t" a%ter t,e0 ",all ,a!e +een rea& +0 t,e c,air*an> a" =ell a" t,e electi n ret1rn" a%ter t,e0 ",all ,a!e +een c *6lete& an& "i-ne& +0 t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" =it, 1t t 1c,in- t,e*> +1t t,e0 ",all n t "6ea< t an0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> r t an0 ! ter> r a* nt,e*"el!e"> in "1c, a *anner a" = 1l& &i"tract t,e 6r cee&in-"> an& t +e %1rni",e& =it, a certi%icate % t,e n1*+er % ! te" in = r&" an& %i-1re" ca"t % r eac, can&i&ate> &1l0 "i-ne& an& t,1*+*ar<e& +0 t,e c,air*an an& all t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". /e%1"al % t,e c,air*an an& t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t "i-n an& %1rni", "1c, certi%icate ",all c n"tit1te an electi n %%en"e an& ",all +e 6enaliAe& 1n&er t,i" C &e. Secti n 18). Ot,er =atc,er".# T,e &1l0 accre&ite& citiAen" ar* % t,e C **i""i n ",all +e entitle& t a66 int a =atc,er in e!er0 6 llin- 6lace. Ot,er ci!ic> reli-i 1"> 6r %e""i nal> +1"ine""> "er!ice> 0 1t, an& an0 t,er "i*ilar r-aniAati n"> =it, 6ri r a1t, rit0 % t,e C **i""i n> ",all +e entitle& c llecti!el0 t a66 int ne =atc,er in e!er0 6 llin- 6lace.

2 &

DISCUSSIONS

A. $o=er to Appoint 6atc2ers

Sec. 1() o% 3.$ ))1 pro"ides t2at e"ery registered political party4 coalition o% political parties and e"ery independent candidate is entitled to one poll =atc2er in e"ery polling place. T2is measure is used to assure or guarantee e"ery candidate =2et2er or not 2e belongs a political party t2at "otes cast in 2is %a"or are protected4 2o=e"er in order to a"oid any possible con%usion due to t2e number o% people inside t2e present only one =atc2er per candidate or party is allo=ed.

3. >uali%ications o% 6atc2ers 1. >uali%ied "oter o% t2e city or municipality 2. !% good reputation 3. S2all not 2a"e been con"icted by %inal Cudgment o% any o%%ense o% any election o%%ense or o% any ot2er crime . +ust ;no= 2o= to read and =rite 'ilipino4 Englis24 Spanis2 or any o% t2e pre"ailing local dialects4 and #. ?ot related =it2in t2e %ourt2 ( t2) ci"il degree o% consanguinity or a%%inity to t2e c2airman or any member o% t2e board o% election inspectors in t2e polling place =2ere 2e see;s appointment as a =atc2er. ?oteJ Eac2 candidate4 political party or coalition o% political parties can designate in e"ery pro"ince4 2ig2ly urbani9ed city or district in t2e +etropolitan +anila area4 a representati"e to appoint =atc2er4 %urnis2ing t2e pro"incial election super"isor or t2e city election registrar4 as t2e case maybe4 t2e names o% suc2 representati"es. <n +etro +anila4 t2e designation o%

2 (

t2e persons aut2ori9ed to appoint =atc2ers s2all be %iled in t2e Commission itsel%.

C. Rig2ts and .uties o% 6atc2ers

T2e =atc2ers must upon entering t2e polling place present 2is appointment to t2e c2airman o% t2e 3E<4 a%ter =2ic2 2is name s2all be recorded in t2e minutes =it2 a notation under 2is signature t2at 2e is not dis/uali%ied under t2e second paragrap2 o% Sec. 1(). 7is appointment must bear t2e personal signature or t2e %acsimile signature o% t2e candidate or political party =2o appointed 2im.

Sec 1() o% 3.$ ))1 pro"ides t2at e"ery =atc2er s2all 2a"e t2e rig2t among ot2er t2ings toH %irst4 stay in t2e place or space reser"ed %or t2em inside t2e polling precint.H second4 to =itness and in%orm t2emsel"es o% t2e proceedings o% t2e board o% election inspectors4 including its proceedings during t2e registration o% "otersH t2ird4 to ta;e notes o% =2at t2ey mig2t 2ear or see4 to ta;e p2otograp2s o% t2e proceedings and incidents4 i% any4 during t2e counting o% "otes4 as =ell as election returns4 tally boards and ballot bo-esH %ourt24 to %ile any protest against any irregularity or "iolation o% la= =2ic2 t2ey belie"e may 2a"e been committed by t2e 3E< or by any ot2er personH and lastly4 to obtain %rom t2e board o% election inspectors a certi%icate as to t2e %iling o% suc2 protest andMor o% t2e resolution t2ereon.

.ue to t2e ad"ent o% t2e passing o% R.A *3&* some rig2ts may no longer be applicable suc2 as t2e reading o% t2e ballots a%ter t2ey 2ad been read by t2e c2airman o% t2e 3E< a%ter t2ey 2ad been completed and signed by t2e members t2ereo% =it2out touc2ing t2em4 because due to t2e automation t2ere is no longer a need to manually read t2e ballots.

2 )

2 *

A/TICLE 5'I
OFFICIAL BALLOTS AND ELECTION /ETU/NS
Sec. 181. O%%icial +all t". # Ball t" % r nati nal an& l cal %%ice" ",all +e % 1ni% r* "iAe an& c l r an& ",all +e 6r !i&e& at 61+lic e76en"e. T,e0 ",all +e 6rinte& n 6a6er =it, =ater*ar<" r t,er *ar<" t,at =ill rea&il0 &i"tin-1i", t,e +all t 6a6er %r * r&inar0 6a6er. Eac, +all t ",all +e in t,e ",a6e % a "tri6 =it, "t1+ an& &etac,a+le c 16 n c ntainint,e "erial n1*+er % t,e +all t> an& a "6ace % r t,e t,1*+ *ar< % t,e ! ter n t,e &etac,a+le c 16 n. It ",all +ear at t,e t 6 n t,e *i&&le 6 rti n t,ere % t,e c at % ar*" % t,e /e61+lic % t,e P,ili66ine"> t,e = r&" JO%%icial Ball tJ> t,e na*e % t,e cit0 r t,e *1nici6alit0 an& 6r !ince in =,ic, t,e electi n i" ,el&> t,e &ate % t,e electi n> an& t,e % ll =inn tice? JFill 1t t,i" +all t "ecretl0 in"i&e t,e ! tin- + t,. D n t 61t an0 &i"tincti!e *ar< n an0 6art % t,i" +all t.J T,e +all t ",all al" c ntain t,e na*e" % all t,e %%ice" t +e ! te& % r in t,e electi n> all =in- 66 "ite t,e na*e % eac, %%ice> "1%%icient "6ace r "6ace" =it, , riA ntal line" =,ere t,e ! ter *a0 =rite t,e na*e r na*e" % t,e in&i!i&1al can&i&ate" ! te& % r +0 ,i*. T,ere ",all n t +e an0t,inn t,e re!er"e "i&e % t,e +all t.

Ball t" in citie" an& *1nici6alitie" =,ere Ara+ic i" % -eneral 1"e ",all ,a!e eac, % t,e title" % %%ice" t +e ! te& 6rinte&

2#,

in Ara+ic in a&&iti n t title.

an& i**e&iatel0 +el = t,e En-li",

N t=it,"tan&in- t,e 6rece&in- 6r !i"i n" % t,i" "ecti n> t,e C **i""i n i" ,ere+0 e*6 =ere& t 6re"cri+e a &i%%erent % r* % +all t t %acilitate ! tin- +0 illiterate ! ter" an& t 1"e r a& 6t t,e late"t tec,n l -ical an& electr nic &e!ice" a" a1t, riAe& 1n&er 6ara-ra6, (i) % Secti n 4$ ,ere %.

DU/ISP/UDENCE ALBE/TO !". COMELEC (11 SC/A $14 62ile it may be true t2at t2ere is no speci%ic C!+E:EC rule go"erning t2e p2otocopying o% ballots4 it 2as become a practice allo=ed by t2e Commission itsel% in numerous election cases. :a=s go"erning election contests must be liberally construed to t2e end t2at t2e =ill o% t2e people in t2e c2oice o% public o%%icials may not be de%eated by mere tec2nical obCections. Election contests s2ould be rapidly and economically decided4 a"oiding unnecessary delays.

DUAN !". COMELEC G./. N . 1222(.> A6ril $8> $))3 A ballot indicates t2e "oterAs =ill. T2ere is no re/uirement t2at t2e entries in t2e ballot be =ritten nicely or t2at t2e name o% t2e candidate be spelled accurately. <n t2e reading and appreciation o% ballots4 e"ery ballot is presumed "alid unless t2ere is a clear reason to Custi%y its reCection. T2e obCect in t2e appreciation o% ballots is to ascertain and

2#1

carry into e%%ect t2e intention o% t2e "oter4 i% it can be determined =it2 reasonable certainty. 62en placed in issue4 as in t2is case4 t2e appreciation o% contested ballots and election documents =2ic2 in"ol"es a /uestion o% %act4 is best le%t to t2e determination o% t2e C!+E:EC.

Sec. 18$. E*er-enc0 +all t". # N +all t" t,er t,an t,e %%icial +all t" ",all +e 1"e& r c 1nte&> e7ce6t in t,e e!ent % %ail1re t recei!e t,e %%icial +all t" n ti*e> r =,ere t,ere are n "1%%icient +all t" % r all re-i"tere& ! ter" r =,ere t,e0 are &e"tr 0e& at "1c, ti*e a" ",all ren&er it i*6 ""i+le t 6r !i&e t,er %%icial +all t"> in =,ic, ca"e" t,e cit0 r *1nici6al trea"1rer ",all 6r !i&e t,er +all t" =,ic, ",all +e a" "i*ilar t t,e %%icial ne" a" circ1*"tance" =ill 6er*it an& =,ic, ",all +e 1ni% r* =it,in eac, 6 llin- 6lace. T,e trea"1rer ",all i**e&iatel0 re6 rt "1c, acti n t t,e C **i""i n. T,e *1nici6al trea"1rer ",all n t 1n&erta<e t,e 6re6arati n % t,e e*er-enc0 +all t" 1nle"" t,e 6 litical 6artie"> can&i&ate" an& t,e r-aniAati n" c llecti!el0 a1t, riAe& +0 t,e C **i""i n t &e"i-nate =atc,er" ,a!e +een "1%%icientl0 n ti%ie& t "en& t,eir re6re"entati!e" an& ,a!e a-ree& in =ritin- t t,e 6re6arati n an& 1"e % e*er-enc0 +all t". Sec. 18(. /eB1i"iti n % %%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn". # O%%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn" ",all +e 6rinte& 16 n r&er" % t,e C **i""i n. /eB1i"iti n % %%icial +all t" ",all +e % r eac, cit0 an& *1nici6alit0> at t,e rate % ne an& ne# %i%t, +all t" % r e!er0 re-i"tere& ! ter in t,e ne7t 6rece&inelecti n@ an& % r electi n ret1rn"> at ne "et t,ere % % r e!er0 6 llin- 6lace. Sec. 188. Printin- % %%icial +all t" an& electi n" ret1rn". # T,e %%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn" ",all +e 6rinte& +0 t,e G !ern*ent Printin- O%%ice an&H r t,e Central Ban< 6rintin%acilitie" e7cl1"i!el0> 1n&er t,e e7cl1"i!e "16er!i"i n an& c ntr l % t,e C **i""i n =,ic, ",all &eter*ine an& 6r !i&e t,e nece""ar0 "ec1rit0 *ea"1re" in t,e 6rintin-> "t ra-e an& &i"tri+1ti n t,ere %.

2#2

Eac, +all t ",all +e C ine& +0 a 6er% rate& line t a "t1+ n1*+ere& c n"ec1ti!el0> +e-innin- =it, n1*+er J1J in eac, cit0 an& *1nici6alit0. Eac, +all t ",all al" ,a!e at t,e + tt * a &etac,a+le c 16 n +earin- t,e "a*e n1*+er % t,e "t1+. Eac, 6a& % +all t" ",all +ear n it" c !er t,e na*e % t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 in =,ic, t,e +all t" are t +e 1"e& an& t,e incl1"i!e "erial n1*+er" % t,e +all t" c ntaine& t,erein. T,e %%icial +all t" ",all +e + 1n& in "e6arate 6a&" ne ,1n&re& +all t" eac, a" *a0 +e reB1ire&. % %i%t0 r

T,e electi n ret1rn" ",all +e 6re6are& in "et" % "i7 c 6ie" 6er "et an& ",all +e n1*+ere& c n"ec1ti!el0> +e-innin- =it, n1*+er J1J in eac, cit0 an& *1nici6alit0. Eac, "et % t,e electi n ret1rn" ",all +e 6rinte& in "1c, a *anner t,at =ill en"1re t,at t,e entrie" n t,e ri-inal % t,e ret1rn" are clearl0 re6r &1ce& n t,e t,er c 6ie" t,ere % an& ",all +ear t,e na*e % t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 in =,ic, t,e ret1rn" are t +e 1"e&. F r t,i" 61r6 "e"> t,e C **i""i n ",all acB1ire> i% nece""ar0> a "6ecial <in& % car+ n 6a6er r c,e*icall0 treate& 6a6er. Sec. 184. Sa*6le %%icial +all t". # T,e C **i""i n ",all 6r !i&e t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" =it, "a*6le %%icial +all t" at t,e rate % t,irt0 +all t" 6er 6 llin- 6lace. T,e "a*6le %%icial +all t" ",all +e 6rinte& n c l re& 6a6er> in all re"6ect" li<e t,e %%icial +all t" +1t +earin- in"tea& t,e = r&" JSa*6le O%%icial Ball tJ> t +e ", =n t t,e 61+lic an& 1"e& in &e* n"tratin- , = t %ill 1t an& % l& t,e %%icial +all t" 6r 6erl0. N na*e % an0 act1al can&i&ate ",all +e =ritten n t,e "6ace" % r ! tin- n t,e "a*6le %%icial +all t" 6r !i&e& +0 t,e C **i""i n> n r ",all t,e0 +e 1"e& % r ! tin-. Sec. 182. Di"tri+1ti n % %%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn". # T,e %%icial +all t" an& t,e electi n ret1rn" ",all +e &i"tri+1te& +0 t,e C **i""i n t eac, cit0 an& *1nici6alit0 at t,e rate % ne an& ne#%i%t, +all t" % r e!er0 ! ter re-i"tere& in eac, 6 llin- 6lace@ an& % r electi n ret1rn"> at t,e rate % ne "et eac, % r e!er0 6 llin- 6lace. 1. $. =, T,e +all t + 7 ",all ,a!e nl0 ne c *6art*ent. /eCecte& +all t" =ill +e ret1rne& t t,e ! ter> =ill in t1rn -i!e t,e "a*e t t,e B ar& % Electi n

2#3

In"6ect r". T,e ! ter =ill n t +e i""1e& a re6lace*ent +all t. (. 8. A ! te i" c n"i&ere& !ali& i% t,e *ar< n t,e !al reac,e" t,e t,re", l& % 4)S. r ",a&e

T,e +all t ",all c ntain t,e na*e % t,e can&i&ate> "ta-e na*eHnic<na*e an& 6 litical 6art0 a%%iliati n. F r e!er0 6 "iti n> eac, can&i&ate ",all +e a""i-ne& a n1*+er =,ic, ",all +e in "eB1ential r&er +e-innin- =it, t,e n1*+er M1N in acc r&ance =it, t,eir al6,a+etical li"tin-. Part0#li"t -r 16" ",all +e li"te& n t,e +all t +0 t,eir acr n0*. T,e %1ll na*e % t,e 6art0#li"t -r 16 ",all +e in&icate& in a certi%ie& li"t =,ic, ",all +e 6rinte& in ne="6rint % r &i"tri+1ti n t all 6recinct r cl1"tere& 6recinct". Eac, 6art0#li"t -r 16 ",all al" +e a""i-ne& a n1*+er =,ic, ",all +e in "eB1ential r&er +e-innin- =it, t,e n1*+er M1N in acc r&ance =it, t,eir al6,a+etical li"tin-. T,e 6r c1re*ent % +all t + 7e" ",all +e t,r 1-, an0 % t,e a66lica+le alternati!e *et, &" % 6r c1re*ent a1t, riAe& 1n&er /e61+lic Act N . .188. T e76e&ite t,e *an1%act1rin6r ce""> t,e *an1%act1rinc ntract *a0 +e *1lti#" 1rce&> 6r !i&e& "1c, %act % *1lti#" 1rcin- ",all +e &i"cl "e& in t,e /eB1e"t % r Pr 6 "al. % /.A. 2282.

4.

2.

Secti n 183 =a" a*en&e& +0 Secti n 8

%ection B. 1ep!esentati es of pa!ties du!in) p!intin) of !etu!ns and ballots.$ T,e re-i"tere& 6 litical 6artie" r c aliti n % 6artie"> r t,eir c *6 nent" ", 1l& t,ere +e an0 &i"" l1ti n r &i!i"i n % "ai& c aliti n> =, "e can&i&ate" +taine& at lea"t ten 6ercent (1)S) % t,e t tal ! te" ca"t in t,e ne7t 6rece&in- "enat rial electi n ",all eac, ,a!e a =atc,er an&H r re6re"entati!e in t,e 6r c1re*ent an& =ater*ar<in- % 6a6er" t +e 1"e& in t,e 6rintin- % electi n ret1rn" an& %%icial +all t" an& in t,e 6rintin-> n1*+erin-> "t ra-e> an& &i"tri+1ti n t,ere %.

2#

Secti n 188. D1tie" % t,e c **ittee n 6rintin- % %%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn".# Un&er "1c, r&er" r in"tr1cti n" a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 i""1e> an& in a&&iti n t -eneral "16er!i"i n an& c ntr l !er t,e 6rintin- an& ",i6*ent % %%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn"> t,e c **ittee n 6rintin% %%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn" ",all (a) ta<e c,ar-e % t,e r * r r *" =,ere t,e 6a6er an& 6ara6,ernalia 1"e& in t,e 6rintin- % %%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn" are "t re& an& =,ere 6rinte& %%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn" are 6ac<e& an& 6re6are& % r ",i6*ent> (+) "16er!i"e all a"6ect" relatin- t t,e 6rintin-> "t ra-e an& ",i6*ent % %%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn" an& re6 rt t t,e C **i""i n an0 irre-1larit0 =,ic, t,e0 +elie!e *a0 ,a!e +een c **itte&> an& (c) 6er% r* "1c, t,er relate& %1ncti n" a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 &irect. Secti n 18.. /e6re"entati!e" % t,e re-i"tere& 6 litical 6artie" in t,e !eri%icati n an& &i"tri+1ti n % %%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn".# T,e r1lin- 6art0 an& t,e & *inant 66 "iti n 6art0 r t,eir re"6ecti!e &1l0 a1t, riAe& re6re"entati!e" in t,e &i%%erent 6r !ince"> citie" an& *1nici6alitie"> ",all "1+*it t,e na*e" % t,eir re"6ecti!e =atc,er" =, > t -et,er =it, t,e re6re"entati!e" % t,e C **i""i n an& t,e 6r !incial> cit0 an& *1nici6al trea"1rer ",all !eri%0 t,e c ntent" % t,e + 7e" c ntainin- t,e ",i6*ent % %%icial +all t"> electi n ret1rn" an& "a*6le %%icial +all t" recei!e& +0 t,e "ai& trea"1rer". T,e 6r !incial trea"1rer" ",all <ee6 a rec r& % t,eir recei6t an& &i"tri+1ti n t eac, *1nici6al trea"1rer> =,ile t,e cit0 an& *1nici6al trea"1rer ",all eac, <ee6 a rec r& % t,eir &i"tri+1ti n t t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". N te? 9atc,er" ", 1l& <ee6 a =atc,%1l e0e n t,e BEI *e*+er". It i" &1rin- t,i" critical 6eri & t,at t,e BEI *e*+er" are e76 "e& t all " rt" % te*6tati n.

DISCUSSIONS

T2e Commission s2all prescribe t2e %ormat o% t2e electronic display andMor t2e si9e and %orm o% t2e o%%icial ballot4 =2ic2 s2all containJ

2##

t2e titles o% t2e position to be %illed andMor t2e proposition to be "oted upon in an initiati"e4 re%erendum or plebiscite. 62ere practicable4 electronic displays must be constructed to present t2e names o% all candidates %or t2e same position in t2e same page or screen4 ot2er=ise4 t2e electronic displays must be constructed to present t2e entire ballot to t2e "oter4 in a series o% se/uential pages4 and to ensure t2at t2e "oter sees all o% t2e ballot options on all pages be%ore completing 2is or 2er "ote and to allo= t2e "oter to re"ie= and c2ange all ballot c2oices prior to completing and casting 2is or 2er ballot. 8nder eac2 position to be %illed4 t2e names o% candidates s2all be arranged alp2abetically by surname and uni%ormly indicated using t2e same type si9e. T2e maiden or married name s2all be listed in t2e o%%icial ballot4 as pre%erred by t2e %emale candidate. 8nder eac2 proposition to be "ote upon4 t2e c2oices s2ould be uni%ormly indicated using t2e same %ont and si9e. A %i-ed space =2ere t2e c2airman o% t2e board o% election inspector s2all a%%i- 2erM2er signature to aut2enticate t2e o%%icial ballot s2all be pro"ided. KTo pre"ent t2e use o% %a;e ballots4 t2e Commission t2roug2 t2e Committee s2all ensure t2at t2e necessary sa%eguards4 suc2 as4 but not limited to4 bar codes4 2olograms4 color s2i%ting in;4 microprinting4 are pro"ided on t2e ballot. (Sec. 1#4 R.A. no *3&*)

6it2 respect to a paper1based election system4 t2e o%%icial ballots s2all be printed by t2e ?ational $rinting !%%ice andMor t2e CangAo 5entral ng Pilipinas at t2e price comparable =it2 t2at o% pri"ate printers under proper security measures =2ic2 t2e Commission s2all adopt. T2e Commission may contact t2e ser"ices o% pri"ate printers upon certi%ication by t2e ?ational $rinting !%%iceM CangAo 5entral ng Pilipinas t2at it cannot meet t2e printing re/uirements. Accredited political parties and deputi9ed citi9enBs arms o% t2e Commission s2all assign =atc2ers in t2e printing4 storage and distribution o% o%%icial ballots. (Sec. 1#4 R.A. *3&*) T2e o%%icial ballots s2all be printed and distributed to eac2 cityMmunicipality at t2e rate o% one ballot %or e"ery registered "oter =it2 a pro"ision o% additional t2ree ballots per precinct. (Sec. 1# R.A. no *3&*)

2#&

S6 ile& +all t" $re"ious to t2e use o% t2e Automated Election System4 t2ere =ere =2at =ere called spoiled ballots. 8nder Sec. 1*( o% 3.$. 3lg. ))14 spoiled ballots areJ <% a "oter s2ould accidentally spoil or de%ace a ballot in suc2 a =ay t2at it cannot la=%ully be used4 2e s2all surrender i% %olded to t2e c2airman =2o s2all note in t2e corresponding space in t2e "oting record t2at said ballot is spoiled. T2e "oter s2all t2en be entitled to anot2er ballot =2ic2 t2e c2airman s2all gi"e 2im a%ter announcing t2e serial number o% t2e second ballot and recording said serial number in t2e corresponding spaces in t2e "oting record. <% t2e second ballot is again spoiled or de%aced in suc2 a =ay t2at it cannot la=%ully be used4 t2e same s2all be surrendered to t2e c2airman and recorded in t2e same manner as t2e %irst spoiled or de%aced ballot. 7o=e"er4 no "oter s2all c2ange 2is ballot more t2an t=ice. T2e spoiled ballot s2all4 =it2out being un%olded and =it2out remo"ing t2e detac2able coupon4 be distinctly mar;ed =it2 t2e =ord KspoiledK and signed by t2e board o% election inspectors on t2e endorsement %old t2ereo% and immediately placed in t2e compartment %or spoiled ballots.

7o=e"er due to t2e Automated Election System t2e %ollo=ing matters relating to ballots are pro"ided by Resolution no. )()&J Secti n (8. +e?ected ballotsF Procedure. 1 3allots may be reCected by t2en $C!S during t2e scanning. T2ere =ill be t2ree (3) di%%erent types o% messages =2en t2e $C!S reCects a ballot. 'or eac2 messages4 t2e 3E< s2all obser"e t2e %ollo=ing proceduresJ >As 1e ised? a. KA+3<@8!8S +AR5K i. :et t2e "oter re"ie= 2is ballot and ensure t2at t2e o"als opposite t2e name o% candidateMparty "oted %or are %ully s2aded. b. K+<SREA. 3A::!TK 1 let t2e "oter re1%eed t2e ballot in di%%erent orientations o% ballot. c. K<?0A:<. 3A::!TK

2#(

i. 0eri%y i% t2e ballot belongs to t2e precinct. <% t2e ballot belongs to anot2er precinct4 t2e "oter s2all return t2e ballot to t2e C2airman =2o s2all proceed to Step and # 2ereo%H ii. <% t2e ballot belongs to t2e precinct4 let t2e "oter re1 %eed t2e ballot in di%%erent orientations. d. <n all cases4 i% t2e $C!S reCects a ballot4 t2e "oter s2all return t2e ballot to t2e C2airman =2o s2allJ i. .istinctly mar; t2e bac; t2ereo% as KREJECTE.KH ii. Re/uire all members o% t2e 3E< to sign at t2e bac; t2ereo%4 and place inside t2e En"elope %or ReCected 3allots (A1#). e. ?o replacement ballot s2all be issued to a "oter =2ose ballot is reCected by t2e $C!SH %. Any party obCecting to t2e reCection o% t2e ballot s2all reduce 2is obCection in =riting4 =2ic2 t2e 3E< s2all attac2 and note in t2e +inutes. Secti n (.. Jisposition of unused ballots. 1 A%ter t2e "oting4 t2e c2airman in t2e presence o% t2e 3E< s2allJ >1enumbe!ed? a. Record in t2e +inutes t2e /uantity o% unused ballotsH >1enumbe!ed? b. Tear t2e unused ballots in 2al% lengt2=iseH >1enumbe!ed? c. $lace one 2al% in t2e en"elope (A1#)4 and submit to t2e E! %or sa%e;eepingH and >1enumbe!ed? d. $lace t2e ot2er 2al% in anot2er en"elope (A1#)4 and t2en deposit inside t2e compartment o% t2e ballot bo- %or "alid ballots. Suc2 %acts s2all be entered in t2e +inutes. >1enumbe!ed?

2#)

A/TICLE 5'II
CASTING OF 'OTES

Secti n 1.). ' tin- , 1r".# T,e ca"tin- % ! te" ",all "tart at "e!en Pcl c< in t,e * rnin- an& ",all en& at t,ree Pcl c< in t,e a%tern n> e7ce6t =,en t,ere are ! ter" 6re"ent =it,in t,irt0 *eter" in %r nt % t,e 6 llin- 6lace =, ,a!e n t 0et ca"t t,eir ! te"> in =,ic, ca"e t,e ! tin- ",all c ntin1e +1t nl0 t all = "ai& ! ter" t ca"t t,eir ! te" =it, 1t interr16ti n. T,e 6 ll cler< ",all> =it, 1t &ela0> 6re6are a c *6lete li"t c ntainint,e na*e" % "ai& ! ter" c n"ec1ti!el0 n1*+ere&> an& t,e ! ter" " li"te& ",all +e calle& t ! te +0 ann 1ncin- eac, na*e re6eate&l0 t,ree ti*e" in t,e r&er in =,ic, t,e0 are li"te&. An0 ! ter in t,e li"t

2#*

=, i" n t 6re"ent =,en ,i" na*e i" calle& 6er*itte& t ! te.

1t ",all n t +e

' tin- c **ence" at e7actl0 3?)) A.M. an& en&" at e7actl0 (?)) P.M. H =e!er> ! ter" =it,in t,irt0 *eter" in %r nt % t,e 6 llin- 6lace =, ,a!e n t 0et ca"t t,eir ! te" ",all +e all =e& t ca"t t,eir ! te" e!en a%ter (?)) P.M. H =e!er> in t,e Ma0 1)> $)1) nati nal an& l cal electi n" t,e C **i""i n e7ten&e& t,e ! tin- , 1r" 1ntil 2?)) P.M. Sec. 1.1. Preli*inarie" t t,e ! tin-. # (a) T,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all *eet at t,e 6 llin- 6lace at "i7#t,irt0 Ecl c< in t,e * rnin- % electi n &a0 an& ",all ,a!e t,e + < % ! ter" c ntainin- all t,e a66r !e& a66licati n" % re-i"trati n % ! ter" 6ertainin- t t,e 6 llin- 6lace> t,e certi%ie& li"t % ! ter"> t,e certi%ie& li"t % can&i&ate"> t,e +all t + 7> t,e %%icial +all t"> "1%%icient in&eli+le 6encil" r +all 6en" % r t,e 1"e % t,e ! ter"> t,e % r*" t +e 1"e&> an& all t,er *aterial" =,ic, *a0 +e nece""ar0. (+) I**e&iatel0 t,erea%ter> t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all 6en t,e +all t + 7> e*6t0 + t, % it" c *6art*ent"> e7,i+it t,e* t all t, "e 6re"ent an& +eine*6t0> l c< it" interi r c !er" =it, t,ree 6a&l c<". (c) T,e c,air*an ",all % rt,=it, ", = t t,e 61+lic an& t,e =atc,er" 6re"ent t,e 6ac<a-e % %%icial +all t" recei!e& %r * t,e cit0> r *1nici6al trea"1rer &1l0 =ra66e& an& "eale& an& t,e n1*+er % 6a&"> t,e "erial n1*+er" an& t,e t06e % r*" % t,e +all t" in eac, 6a& a66earin- n t,e c !er> an& t,e + < % ! ter" &1l0 "eale&. T,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all t,en +rea< t,e "eal" % t,e 6ac<a-e % %%icial +all t" an& t,e + < % ! ter". T,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all enter in t,e *in1te" t,e %act t,at t,e 6ac<a-e % +all t"> an& t,e + < % ! ter" =ere ", =n t t,e 61+lic =it, t,eir =ra66in- an& c rre"6 n&in- "eal" intact an&H r i% t,e0 %in& t,at t,e =ra66in- an& "eal" are +r <en> "1c, %act *1"t +e "tate& in t,e *in1te" a" =ell a" t,e n1*+er % 6a&" an& t,e "erial n1*+er" % +all t" t,at t,e0 %in& in t,e 6ac<a-e. Ball t" =it, "e6aratel0 6rinte& "erial n1*+er" ",all +e &ee*e& "61ri 1" an& ",all n t +e 1tiliAe& +0 t,e + ar& % electi n

2&,

in"6ect r" 1nle"" t,e C **i""i n re6re"entati!e ",all t,eir 1"e in =ritin-> "tatin- t,e rea" n" t,ere% r.

r&er

(&) T,e c,air*an an& t,e t= 6art0 *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all retain in t,eir 6 ""e""i n t,eir re"6ecti!e <e0" t t,e 6a&l c<" &1rin- t,e ! tin-. (e) T,e + 7 ",all re*ain l c<e& 1ntil t,e ! tin- i" %ini",e& an& t,e c 1ntin- +e-in". H =e!er> i% it ", 1l& +ec *e nece""ar0 t *a<e r * % r * re +all t"> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" *a0 6en t,e + 7 in t,e 6re"ence % t,e =, le + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& t,e =atc,er"> an& t,e c,air*an ",all 6re"" & =n =it, ,i" ,an&" t,e +all t" c ntaine& t,erein =it, 1t re* !in- an0 % t,e*> a%ter =,ic, t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all cl "e t,e + 7 an& l c< it =it, t,ree 6a&l c<" a" ,erein+e% re 6r !i&e&.

DISCUSSIONS

/e" l1ti n N . 82.2 --- Relati"e to t2e conduct o% t2e Automated Election System (AES) %or t2e +ay 1,4 2,1, national and local elections in order to pro"ide directions to t2e C!+E:EC $roCect +anagement !%%ice and t2e Smartmatic OT<+ $roCect management Team on t2e preparations necessary to ensure as success%ul implementation o% t2e AES. ---

Secti n 1.$. Per" n" all =e& in an& ar 1n& t,e 6 llin- 6lace . $ D1rin- t,e ! tin-> n 6er" n ",all +e all =e& in"i&e t,e 6 llin6lace> e7ce6t t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> t,e =atc,er"> t,e re6re"entati!e" % t,e C **i""i n> t,e ! ter" ca"tin- t,eir ! te"> t,e ! ter" =aitin- % r t,eir t1rn t -et in"i&e t,e + t," =, "e n1*+er ",all n t e7cee& t=ice t,e n1*+er % + t," an& t,e ! ter" =aitin- % r t,eir t1rn t ca"t t,eir ! te" =, "e n1*+er ",all n t e7cee& t=ent0 at an0 ne ti*e. T,e =atc,er" ",all "ta0 nl0 in t,e "6ace re"er!e& % r t,e*> it +ein- ille-al % r t,e* t enter 6lace" re"er!e& % r t,e

2&1

! ter" r % r t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" tal< =it, t,e ! ter" =it,in t,e 6 llin- 6lace.

r t

*in-le an&

It ",all +e 1nla=%1l % r an0 %%icer r *e*+er % t,e Ar*e& F rce" % t,e P,ili66ine" incl1&in- t,e P,ili66ine C n"ta+1lar0 r t,e Inte-rate& Nati nal P lice r 6eace %%icer r an0 ar*e& 6er" n +el n-in- t an0 e7tra#le-al 6 lice a-enc0> "6ecial % rce"> reacti n % rce"> "tri<e % rce"> , *e &e%en"e 1nit"> +aran-a0 tan &> r t,er "i*ilar % rce" r 6ara#*ilitar0 % rce"> incl1&in- "6ecial % rce"> "ec1rit0 -1ar&"> "6ecial 6 lice*an> an& all t,er <in&" % ar*e& r 1nar*e& e7tra#le-al 6 lice %%icer"> t enter an0 6 llin- 6lace> 1nle"" it i" ,i" 6 llin- 6lace =,ere ,e =ill ! te +1t in "1c, ca"e ,e ", 1l& i**e&iatel0 lea!e t,e 6 llin- 6lace> n 6 lice*an r 6eace %%icer ",all +e all =e& t enter r "ta0 in"i&e t,e 6 llin- 6lace e7ce6t =,en t,ere i" an act1al &i"t1r+ance % t,e 6eace an& r&er t,erein. H =e!er> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" 16 n *aC rit0 ! te> i% it &ee*" nece""ar0> *a0 *a<e a call in =ritin-> &1l0 entere& in t,e *in1te"> % r t,e &etail % a 6 lice*an r an0 6eace %%icer % r t,eir 6r tecti n r % r t,e 6r tecti n % t,e electi n & c1*ent" an& 6ara6,ernalia> in =,ic, ca"e> t,e "ai& 6 lice*an r 6eace %%icer ",all "ta0 1t"i&e t,e 6 llin- 6lace =it,in a ra&i1" % t,irt0 *eter" near en 1-, t +e ea"il0 calle& +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" at an0 ti*e> +1t ne!er at t,e & r> an& in n ca"e ",all t,e "ai& 6 lice*an r 6eace %%icer , l& an0 c n!er"ati n =it, an0 ! ter r &i"t1r+ r 6re!ent r in an0 *anner +"tr1ct t,e %ree acce"" % t,e ! ter" t t,e 6 llin- 6lace. It ",all li<e=i"e +e 1nla=%1l % r an0 +aran-a0 %%icial t enter an& "ta0 in"i&e an0 6 llin- 6lace e7ce6t t ! te r e7ce6t =,en "er!in- a" a =atc,er r *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> in =,ic, ca"e> ,e ",all lea!e t,e 6 llin- 6lace i**e&iatel0 a%ter ! tin-. Secti n 1.(. Or&er % ! tin-. $ T,e ! ter" ",all ! te in t,e r&er % t,eir entrance int t,e 6 llin- 6lace. T,e ! ter" ",all ,a!e t,e ri-,t t %reel0 enter t,e 6 llin- 6lace a" " n a" t,e0 arri!e 1nle"" t,ere are ! ter" =aitin- in"i&e> in =,ic, ca"e t,e0 ",all %all in line in t,e r&er % t,eir arri!al an& ",all n t cr =& ar 1n& t,e ta+le % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". T,e ! ter" a%ter ,a!in- ca"t t,eir ! te" ",all i**e&iatel0 &e6art. N te? SUPPLEMENTED B: COMELEC /ESOLUTION 33.3 (Ma0 18> $))3) In /e? A+"entee ' tin-

2&2

Secti n 1.8. Manner % +tainin- +all t". $ T,e ! ter ",all a66r ac, t,e c,air*an an& ",all -i!e ,i" na*e an& a&&re"" t -et,er =it, t,er &ata c ncernin- ,i" 6er" n. In ca"e an0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" & 1+t" t,e i&entit0 % t,e ! ter> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all c,ec< ,i" ! terE" i&enti%icati n car& r> i% ,e & e" n t ,a!e an0> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all re%er t ,i" 6, t -ra6, an& "i-nat1re in t,e ! terE" a66licati n % r re-i"trati n. I% t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" i" "ati"%ie& =it, ,i" i&entit0> t,e c,air*an ",all &i"tinctl0 ann 1nce t,e ! terE" na*e in a t ne l 1& en 1-, t +e 6lainl0 ,ear& t,r 1-, 1t t,e 6 llin- 6lace. I% "1c, ! ter ,a" n t +een c,allen-e&> r i% ,a!in- +een c,allen-e&> t,e B1e"ti n ,a" +een &eci&e& in ,i" %a! r> t,e ! ter ",all % rt,=it, a%%i7 ,i" "i-nat1re in t,e 6r 6er "6ace in t,e ! tin- rec r&> an& t,e c,air*an ",all> a%ter %ir"t enterint,e n1*+er % t,e +all t in t,e c rre"6 n&in- "6ace % t,e ! tin- rec r&> &eli!er t t,e ! ter ne +all t c rrectl0 % l&e&. N 6er" n t,er t,an t,e c,air*an ",all &eli!er %%icial +all t" n r ",all * re t,an ne +all t +e &eli!ere& at ne ti*e.

DISCUSSIONS

SUPPLEMENTED B: Secti n $8 /A 3122 5ignature of .hairman at the CacA of 0very Callot. 1 <n e"ery case be%ore deli"ering an o%%icial ballot to t2e "oter4 t2e c2airman o% t2e board o% election inspectors s2all4 in t2e presence o% t2e "oter4 a%%i- 2is signature at t2e bac; t2ereo%. 'ailure to so aut2enticate s2all be noted in t2e minutes o% t2e board o% election inspectors and s2all constitute an election o%%ense punis2able under Section 2&3 and 2& o% t2e !mnibus Election Code.

Secti n 1.4. Manner % 6re6arin- t,e +all t. $ T,e ! ter> 16 n recei!in- ,i" % l&e& +all t> ",all % rt,=it, 6r cee& t ne % t,e e*6t0 ! tin- + t," an& ",all t,ere %ill ,i" +all t +0 =ritin- in t,e 6r 6er "6ace % r eac, %%ice t,e na*e % t,e in&i!i&1al can&i&ate % r =, * ,e &e"ire" t ! te.

2&3

N ! ter ",all +e all =e& t enter a + t, cc16ie& +0 an t,er> n r enter t,e "a*e acc *6anie& +0 " *e+ &0> e7ce6t a" 6r !i&e& % r in t,e "1ccee&in- "ecti n ,ere %> n r "ta0 t,erein % r a l n-er ti*e t,an nece""ar0> n r "6ea< =it, an0 ne t,er t,an a" ,erein 6r !i&e& =,ile in"i&e t,e 6 llin6lace. It ",all +e 1nla=%1l t 6re6are t,e +all t 1t"i&e t,e ! tin- + t,> r t e7,i+it it" c ntent" t an0 6er" n> r t era"e an0 6rintin- %r * t,e +all t> r t intenti nall0 tear r &e%ace t,e "a*e r 61t t,ere n an0 &i"tin-1i",in- *ar<. It ",all li<e=i"e +e 1nla=%1l t 1"e car+ n 6a6er> 6ara%%in 6a6er> r t,er *ean" % r *a<in- a c 60 % t,e c ntent" % t,e +all t r *a<e 1"e % an0 t,er *ean" t i&enti%0 t,e ! te % t,e ! ter. Secti n 1.2. Pre6arati n % +all t" % r illiterate an& &i"a+le& 6er" n". $ A ! ter =, i" illiterate r 6,0"icall0 1na+le t 6re6are t,e +all t +0 ,i*"el% *a0 +e a""i"te& in t,e 6re6arati n % ,i" +all t +0 a relati!e> +0 a%%init0 r c n"an-1init0 =it,in t,e % 1rt, ci!il &e-ree r i% ,e ,a" n ne> +0 an0 6er" n % ,i" c n%i&ence =, +el n- t t,e "a*e , 1"e, l& r an0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> e7ce6t t,e t= 6art0 *e*+er"? Pr !i&e&> T,at n ! ter ",all +e all =e& t ! te a" illiterate r 6,0"icall0 &i"a+le& 1nle"" it i" " in&icate& in ,i" re-i"trati n rec r&? Pr !i&e&> %1rt,er> T,at in n ca"e ",all an a""i"t r a""i"t * re t,an t,ree ti*e" e7ce6t t,e n n#6art0 *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". T,e 6er" n t,1" c, "en ",all 6re6are t,e +all t % r t,e illiterate r &i"a+le& ! ter in"i&e t,e ! tin- + t,. T,e 6er" n a""i"tin- ",all +in& ,i*"el% in a % r*al & c1*ent 1n&er at, t %ill 1t t,e +all t "trictl0 in acc r&ance =it, t,e in"tr1cti n" % t,e ! ter an& n t t re!eal t,e c ntent" % t,e +all t 6re6are& +0 ,i*. 'i lati n % t,i" 6r !i"i n ",all c n"tit1te an electi n %%en"e. Secti n 1.3. S6 ile& +all t". $ I% a ! ter ", 1l& acci&entall0 "6 il r &e%ace a +all t in "1c, a =a0 t,at it cann t la=%1ll0 +e 1"e&> ,e ",all "1rren&er i% % l&e& t t,e c,air*an =, ",all n te in t,e c rre"6 n&in- "6ace in t,e ! tin- rec r& t,at "ai& +all t i" "6 ile&. T,e ! ter ",all t,en +e entitle& t an t,er +all t =,ic, t,e c,air*an ",all -i!e ,i* a%ter ann 1ncin- t,e "erial n1*+er % t,e "ec n& +all t an& rec r&in- "ai& "erial n1*+er in t,e c rre"6 n&in- "6ace" in t,e ! tin- rec r&. I% t,e "ec n& +all t i" a-ain "6 ile& r &e%ace& in "1c, a =a0 t,at it cann t la=%1ll0 +e 1"e&> t,e "a*e ",all +e "1rren&ere& t t,e

2&

c,air*an an& rec r&e& in t,e "a*e *anner a" t,e %ir"t "6 ile& r &e%ace& +all t. H =e!er> n ! ter ",all c,an-e ,i" +all t * re t,an t=ice. T,e "6 ile& +all t ",all> =it, 1t +ein- 1n% l&e& an& =it, 1t re* !in- t,e &etac,a+le c 16 n> +e &i"tinctl0 *ar<e& =it, t,e = r& J"6 ile&J an& "i-ne& +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" n t,e en& r"e*ent % l& t,ere % an& i**e&iatel0 6lace& in t,e c *6art*ent % r "6 ile& +all t". Secti n 1.8. ' tin-. $ (a) A%ter t,e ! ter ,a" %ille& ,i" +all t ,e ",all % l& it in t,e "a*e *anner a" =,en ,e recei!e& it an& ret1rn it t t,e c,air*an. (+) In t,e 6re"ence % all t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> ,e ",all a%%i7 ,i" t,1*+ *ar< n t,e c rre"6 n&in- "6ace in t,e c 16 n> an& &eli!er t,e % l&e& +all t t t,e c,air*an. (c) T,e c,air*an> in t,e 6re"ence an& !ie= % t,e ! ter an& all t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> =it, 1t 1n% l&in- t,e +all t r "eein- it" c ntent"> ",all !eri%0 it" n1*+er %r * t,e ! tin- rec r& =,ere it =a" 6re!i 1"l0 entere&. (&) T,e ! ter ",all % rt,=it, a%%i7 ,i" t,1*+ *ar< +0 t,e "i&e % ,i" "i-nat1re in t,e "6ace inten&e& % r t,at 61r6 "e in t,e ! tin- rec r& an& t,e c,air*an ",all a66l0 "il!er nitrate an& c **a""ie +l1e n t,e ri-,t % re%in-er nail r n an0 t,er a!aila+le %in-er nail> i% t,ere +e n % re%in-er nail. (e) T,e c,air*an ",all "i-n in t,e 6r 6er "6ace +e"i&e t,e t,1*+ *ar< % t,e ! ter. (%) T,e c,air*an> a%ter %in&in- e!er0t,in- t +e in r&er> ",all t,en &etac, t,e c 16 n in t,e 6re"ence % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& % t,e ! ter an& ",all &e6 "it t,e % l&e& +all t in t,e c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t"> an& t,e &etac,e& c 16 n in t,e c *6art*ent % r "6 ile& +all t".

2&#

(-) T,e ! ter ",all t,en &e6art. An0 +all t ret1rne& t t,e c,air*an =, "e &etac,a+le c 16 n ,a" +een re* !e& n t in t,e 6re"ence % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& % t,e ! ter> r an0 +all t =, "e n1*+er & e" n t c inci&e =it, t,e n1*+er % t,e +all t &eli!ere& t t,e ! ter> a" entere& in t,e ! tin- rec r&> ",all +e c n"i&ere& a" "6 ile& an& ",all +e " *ar<e& an& "i-ne& +0 t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". Secti n 1... C,allen-e % ille-al ! ter". $

(a) An0 ! ter> r =atc,er *a0 c,allen-e an0 6er" n %%erin- t ! te % r n t +ein- re-i"tere&> % r 1"in- t,e na*e % an t,er r "1%%erin%r * e7i"tin&i"B1ali%icati n. In "1c, ca"e> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all "ati"%0 it"el% a" t =,et,er r n t t,e -r 1n& % r t,e c,allen-e i" tr1e +0 reB1irin- 6r % % re-i"trati n r t,e i&entit0 % t,e ! ter@ an& (+) N ! ter ",all +e reB1ire& t 6re"ent ,i" ! terE" a%%i&a!it n electi n &a0 1nle"" ,i" i&entit0 i" c,allen-e&. Hi" %ail1re r ina+ilit0 t 6r &1ce ,i" ! terE" a%%i&a!it 16 n +ein- c,allen-e&> ",all n t 6recl1&e ,i* %r * ! tin- i% ,i" i&entit0 +e ", =n %r * t,e 6, t -ra6,> %in-er6rint"> r "6eci*en "i-nat1re" in ,i" a66r !e& a66licati n in t,e + < % ! ter" r i% ,e i" i&enti%ie& 1n&er at, +0 a *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& "1c, i&enti%icati n ",all +e re%lecte& in t,e *in1te" % t,e + ar&. Secti n $)). C,allen-e +a"e& n certain ille-al act". $ An0 ! ter r =atc,er *a0 c,allen-e an0 ! ter %%erin- t ! te n t,e -r 1n& t,at t,e c,allen-e& 6er" n ,a" recei!e& r e76ect" t recei!e> ,a" 6ai&> %%ere& r 6r *i"e& t 6a0> ,a" c ntri+1te&> %%ere& r 6r *i"e& t c ntri+1te * ne0 r an0t,in- % !al1e a" c n"i&erati n % r ,i" ! te r % r t,e ! te % an t,er@ t,at ,e ,a" *a&e r recei!e& a 6r *i"e t in%l1ence t,e -i!in- r =it,, l&in- % an0 "1c, ! te r t,at ,e ,a" *a&e a +et r i" intere"te& &irectl0 r in&irectl0 in a +et =,ic, &e6en&" 16 n t,e re"1lt % t,e electi n. T,e c,allen-e& 6er" n ",all ta<e a 6re"cri+e& at, +e% re t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t,at ,e ,a" n t c **itte& an0 % t,e act" alle-e& in t,e c,allen-e. U6 n t,e ta<in- % "1c, at,> t,e

2&&

c,allen-e ",all +e &i"*i""e& an& t,e c,allen-e& ! ter ",all +e all =e& t ! te> +1t in ca"e % ,i" re%1"al t ta<e "1c, at,> t,e c,allen-e ",all +e "1"taine& an& ,e ",all n t +e all =e& t ! te. Secti n $)1. A&*i""i n % c,allen-e& ! te i**aterial in cri*inal 6r cee&in-". $ T,e a&*i""i n % t,e c,allen-e& ! te 1n&er t,e t= 6rece&in- "ecti n" ",all n t +e c ncl1"i!e 16 n an0 c 1rt a" t t,e le-alit0 % t,e re-i"trati n % t,e ! ter c,allen-e& r ,i" ! te in a cri*inal acti n a-ain"t "1c, 6er" n % r ille-al re-i"trati n r ! tin-. Secti n $)$. /ec r& % c,allen-e" an& at," . $ T,e 6 ll cler< ",all <ee6 a 6re"cri+e& rec r& % c,allen-e" an& at," ta<en in c nnecti n t,ere=it, an& t,e re" l1ti n % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" in eac, ca"e an&> 16 n t,e ter*inati n % t,e ! tin-> ",all certi%0 t,at it c ntain" all t,e c,allen-e" *a&e. T,e ri-inal % t,i" rec r& ",all +e attac,e& t t,e ri-inal c 60 % t,e *in1te" % t,e ! tin- a" 6r !i&e& in t,e "1ccee&in- "ecti n. Secti n $)(. Min1te" % ! tin- an& c 1ntin- % ! te" . $ T,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all 6re6are an& "i-n a "tate*ent in % 1r c 6ie" "ettin- % rt, t,e % ll =in-? 1. T,e ti*e t,e ! tin- c **ence& an& en&e&@ $. T,e "erial n1*+er" % t,e %%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn"> "6ecial en!el 6e" an& "eal" recei!e&@ (. T,e n1*+er le%t 1n1"e&@ 8. T,e n1*+er 4. T,e n1*+er 2. T,e na*e" % %%icial +all t" 1"e& an& t,e n1*+er ca"t t,eir ! te"@

% ! ter" =,

% ! ter" c,allen-e& &1rin- t,e ! tin-@ % t,e =atc,er" 6re"ent@ % ! te" c **ence& an& % 1n& in"i&e t,e

3. T,e ti*e t,e c 1ntinen&e&@

8. T,e n1*+er % %%icial +all t" c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t"@

2&(

.. T,e n1*+er % !ali& +all t"> i% an0> retrie!e& %r * t,e c *6art*ent % r "6 ile& +all t"@ 1). T,e n1*+er t -et,er@ % +all t"> i% an0> % 1n& % l&e&

11. T,e n1*+er % "6 ile& +all t" =it,&ra=n %r * t,e c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t"@ 1$. 1(. 18. T,e n1*+er T,e n1*+er T,e n1*+er % e7ce"" +all t"@ % *ar<e& +all t"@ % +all t" rea& an& c 1nte&@

14. T,e ti*e t,e electi n ret1rn" =ere "i-ne& an& "eale& in t,eir re"6ecti!e "6ecial en!el 6e"@ 12. T,e n1*+er an& nat1re =atc,er"@ an& 13. S1c, reB1ire. % 6r te"t" *a&e +0

t,er *atter" t,at t,e C **i""i n *a0

C 6ie" % t,i" "tate*ent a%ter +ein- &1l0 acc *6li",e& ",all +e "eale& in "e6arate en!el 6e" an& ",all +e &i"tri+1te& a" % ll ="? (a) t,e ri-inal t t,e cit0 r *1nici6al electi n re-i"trar@ (+) t,e "ec n& c 60 t +e &e6 "ite& in"i&e t,e c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t" % t,e +all t + 7@ an& (c) t,e t,ir& an& % 1rt, c 6ie" t t,e re6re"entati!e" % t,e accre&ite& 6 litical 6artie". Secti n $)8. Di"6 "iti n % 1n1"e& +all t" at t,e cl "e % t,e ! tin- , 1r". $ T,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all 6re6are a li"t ", =in- t,e n1*+er % 1n1"e& +all t" t -et,er =it, t,e "erial n1*+er". T,i" li"t ",all +e "i-ne& +0 all t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> a%ter =,ic, all t,e 1n1"e& +all t" ",all +e t rn ,al%=a0 in t,e 6re"ence % t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". Secti n $)4. Pr ,i+iti n % 6re*at1re ann 1nce*ent % ! tin-. $ N *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all> +e% re t,e ter*inati n % t,e ! tin-> *a<e an0 ann 1nce*ent

2&)

a" t =,et,er a certain re-i"tere& ! ter ,a" alrea&0 ! te& r n t> a" t , = *an0 ,a!e alrea&0 ! te& r , = *an0 " %ar ,a!e %aile& t ! te> r an0 t,er %act ten&in- t ", = r ", =in- t,e "tate % t,e 6 ll"> n r ",all ,e *a<e an0 "tate*ent at an0 ti*e> e7ce6t a" =itne"" +e% re a c 1rt> a" t , = an0 6er" n ! te&.

DISCUSSIONS

A. ' tin- H 1r" T2e !mnibus Election Code particularly under Sec. 1*, pro"ides t2at "oting s2all commence at se"en oA cloc; ((J,, A+) in t2e morning and s2all end at t2ree oA cloc; in t2e a%ternoon (3J,, $+)4 unless t2ere are "oters present =it2in t2irty (3,) meters in %ront o% t2e polling place =2o 2a"e not yet cast t2eir "otes4 in =2ic2 case t2ey s2all be allo=ed to cast t2eir "otes. 7o=e"er t2is rule is not ironclad %or as =e 2a"e seen during t2e election last +ay 1,4 2,1, =2erein t2e C!+E:EC as t2e result o% t2e number o% "oters per precint rela-ed t2e "oting 2ours up to se"en oA cloc; in t2e e"ening ((J,, $+) in some precints to allo= "oters to e-ercise t2eir rig2t to su%%rage. 8pon termination o% t2e casting o% "otes t2e counting o% "otes s2all begin.

J8R<S$R8.E?CE BASHE/ !". COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS an& AMPATUA G./. N . 1(.)$8> A6ril 1$> $)))

2&*

T2e Supreme Court t2roug2 t2e case o% rein%orced said pro"ision by stating t2at t2e KelectionK %or 3arangay +aidan o%%icials t2at =as 2eld a%ter *J,, p.m. o% August 3,4 1**( until t2e =ee 2ours o% t2e %ollo=ing day is patently irregular. T2e election conducted =as not in accordance =it2 la= or t2e Comelec Rules. T2e Comelec erred in interpreting t2e second sentence o% Section 224 Article <0 o% Comelec Resolution 2*(14 =2ic2 states t2at Ki% at t2ree oBcloc; in t2e a%ternoon4 t2ere are still "oters =it2in t2irty meters in %ront o% t2e polling place =2o 2a"e not cast t2eir "otes4 t2e "oting s2all continue to allo= said "oters to cast t2eir "otes =it2out interruption.K T2is sentence presupposes t2at t2e election commenced during t2e o%%icial time and is simply continued beyond 3J,, p.m. in order to accommodate "oters =2o are =it2in t2irty meters o% t2e polling place4 already =aiting %or t2eir turn to cast t2eir "otes. T2is is clearly t2e meaning and intent o% t2e =ord continue N Kto go on in a speci%ied course o% action or condition.K T2e action or condition already subsists and is allo=ed to go on. !t2er=ise4 t2e la= s2ould 2a"e stated instead t2at Kt2e "oting may also start e"en beyond 3J,, p.m. i% t2ere are "oters =it2in t2irty meters in %ront o% t2e polling place.KT2is strained interpretation o% t2e Comelec encourages t2e conduct o% clandestine Kelections4K %or it "irtually aut2ori9es t2e 2olding o% elections beyond 2ours e-pressly pro"ided %or by la=4 e"en at midnig2t =2en circumstances could be more t2reatening and conducti"e to unla=%ul acti"ities. !n a doctrinal basis4 suc2 nocturnal electoral practice discourages t2e peopleBs e-ercise o% t2eir %undamental rig2t o% su%%rage4 because it e-poses t2em to t2e dangers attributed to nig2t4 especially in %ar1%lung barangays constantly t2reatened =it2 rebel and military gun%ires.

B. Preli*inarie" t

' tin-

T2e 3E< is re/uired to meet at t2e polling place at around si- oA cloc; in t2e morning (&J,, A+) and ensure t2at t2ey 2a"e all election parap2ernalia including t2e C2airmanAs security ;ey %or operating t2e $recint Count !ptical System ($C!S) and $ersonal <denti%ication ?umber ($<?) o% eac2 member o% t2e 3E< %or digitally signing t2e Election Returns (ER) be%ore its transmission.

$rior to actual "oting t2e 3E< mustJ

2(,

a. S2o= to t2e public and =atc2ers present t2atH i. T2e $C!S bo- is sealed

ii. T2e ballot bo- is empty and loc;edH and iii. T2e pac;age o% o%%icial ballots and t2e boo; o% 0oters are bot2 duly sealed4 and t2erea%ter4 brea; t2emH b. Count t2e 3allot 3o- +anually and state in t2e minutes t2e number o% ballotsH and t2e %act t2at t2e $C!S bo-4 pac;age o% ballots and 3oo; o% 0oters =ere s2o=n to t2e public =it2 its seals intact. c. Remo"e t2e seal o% t2e $C!S bo-4 retrie"e t2e $C!S %rom t2e bo- and s2o= t2at t2e seals o% t2e printer co"er4 main memory card slot and bac; up memory card slot o% t2e $C!S mac2ine are intact. d. <nstall t2e $C!S mac2ines and initiali9e t2e same O a%ter opening t2e mac2ine by t2e use o% t2e security ;ey and t2e $<? t2e mac2ine s2all print t2e <?<T<A:<_AT<!? RE$!RT =2ic2 must s2o= 9ero "otes %or eac2 candidate. T2is procedure is to ensure t2at t2e mac2ine is not stu%%ed =it2 "otes.

Ca"tin-

% ' te"

$rior to t2e actual casting o% "otes by t2e "oter 2e must %irst approac2 t2e c2airman o% t2e 3E<4 gi"e 2is name and address. <n addition to t2is in%ormation t2e "oter s2ould present 2is se/uence number in t2e $recint Computeri9ed 0oterAs :ist ($C0:) posted outside t2e polling place. !nly "oters listed in t2e Election .ay Computeri9ed 0oters :ist (E.C0:) s2all be allo=ed to "ote. <n case o% any doubts as to t2e identity o% suc2 "oter4 t2e 3E< may c2ec; 2is "oters <.4 i% 2e 2as none t2en 2is p2oto and signature in t2e E.C0: or any go"ernment issued <.. <% t2e 3E< is satis%ied as to 2is identity4 2is name s2all be announced loudly by t2e C2airman4 and i% t2ere are no c2allengers as to 2is identity 2e may a%%i- 2is signature in t2e "oting record4 t2e c2airman s2all t2en =rite t2e number o% t2e ballot in t2e corresponding space

2(1

usually ne-t to 2is name. A%ter =2ic2 t2e ballot s2all be deli"ered %olded to t2e "oter. A%ter t2e deli"ery o% t2e %olded ballot to t2e "oter 2e may t2en proceed to t2e "oting boot2s and %ill t2e ballot by s2ading t2e o"als corresponding to a candidateAs name =it2 a pen pro"ided by t2e 3E<. A%ter =2ic2 t2e "oter s2all proceed to t2e $C!S mac2ine and insert 2is ballot. <% 2is ballot is accepted a%ter reading t2e %ront or bac; side o% t2e same4 t2e "oterAs %ore%inger s2all be mar;ed by indelible in;. <% t2e ballot is 2o=e"er reCected 2e is allo=ed to re1insert it again. <% a%ter t2e second time 2is ballot is still reCected t2e ballot s2all be mar;ed as reCected and t2e c2airman s2all re/uire all t2e members o% t2e 3E< to put t2eir signature at t2e bac; t2ereo%. T2e ballot s2all t2en be place in an en"elope %or DReCected 3allotsE pro"ided by t2e C!+E:EC. <n no =ay s2all replacement ballots be issued. T2e o=ner o% t2e reCected ballot s2all be li;e=ise be mar;ed by t2e indelible in; in 2is %ore%inger. 3allots under t2e Automated Election System 2as been made to be precint speci%ic4 t2is means t2at a ballot in one precint cannot be used in anot2erH %or e-ample a ballot %or +untinlupa City s2ould be used only in +untinlupa City and not in :as $inas City. .e%aced or t2ose =2ic2 contain unaut2ori9ed mar;ings may also reCected. T2e reCection and t2e reason or circumstances attending suc2 reCection s2all be recorded in t2e minutes o% "oting.

2(2

A/TICLE 5'III
COUNTING OF 'OTES

Secti n $)2. C 1ntin- t +e 61+lic an& =it, 1t interr16ti n. $ A" " n a" t,e ! tin- i" %ini",e&> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all 61+licl0 c 1nt in t,e 6 llin- 6lace t,e ! te" ca"t an& a"certain t,e re"1lt". T,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all n t a&C 1rn r 6 "t6 ne r &ela0 t,e c 1nt 1ntil it ,a" +een %1ll0 c *6lete&> 1nle"" t,er=i"e r&ere& +0 t,e C **i""i n. T,e C **i""i n> in t,e intere"t % %ree> r&erl0> an& , ne"t electi n"> *a0 r&er t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t c 1nt t,e ! te" an& t acc *6li", t,e electi n ret1rn" an& t,er % r*" 6re"cri+e& 1n&er t,i" C &e in an0 t,er 6lace =it,in a 61+lic +1il&in- in t,e "a*e *1nici6alit0 r cit0? Pr !i&e&> T,at t,e "ai& 61+lic +1il&in- ",all n t +e l cate& =it,in t,e 6eri*eter % r in"i&e a *ilitar0 r 6 lice ca*6 r re"er!ati n n r in"i&e a 6ri" n c *6 1n&. Secti n. $)2 % Bata" Pa*+an"a Bl-. 881 (a" AMENDED B: Sec. (4 /A .(2.) i" ,ere+0 a*en&e& t rea& a" % ll ="? "%EC. 20C Countin) to be Public and without ;nte!!uption. # A" " n a" t,e ! tin- i" %ini",e&> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all 61+licl0 c 1nt in t,e 6 llin- 6lace t,e ! te" ca"t an& a"certain t,e re"1lt". T,e + ar& *a0 rearran-e t,e 6,0"ical "et 16 % t,e 6 llin- 6lace % r t,e c 1ntin- r 6er% r* an0 t,er acti!it0 =it, re"6ect t t,e tran"iti n %r * ! tin- c 1ntin-. H =e!er> it *a0 & " nl0 in t,e 6re"ence % t,e =atc,er" an& =it,in cl "e !ie= % t,e 61+lic. At all ti*e"> t,e +all t + 7e" an& all electi n & c1*ent" an& 6ara6,ernalia ",all +e =it,in cl "e !ie= % t,e =atc,er" an& t,e 61+lic. JT,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all n t a&C 1rn r 6 "t6 ne r &ela0 t,e c 1nt 1ntil it ,a" +een %1ll0 c *6lete&> 1nle"" t,er=i"e r&ere& +0 t,e C **i""i n.

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JT,e C **i""i n> in t,e intere"t % %ree> r&erl0> an& , ne"t electi n> *a0 a1t, riAe t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t c 1nt t,e ! te" an& t acc *6li", t,e electi n ret1rn an& t,er % r*" 6re"cri+e& 1n&er t,e c &e in an0 t,er 6lace =it,in a 61+lic +1il&in- in t,e "a*e *1nici6alit0 r cit0 n acc 1nt % i**inent &an-er % =i&e"6rea& !i lence r "i*ilar ca1"e" % c *6ara+le *a-nit1&e? P!o ided> T,at t,e tran"%er ",all +een rec **en&e& in =ritin- +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" +0 1nani* 1" ! te an& en& r"e& in =ritin- +0 t,e *aC rit0 % =atc,er" 6re"ent? P!o ided* fu!the!> t,at t,e "ai& 61+lic +1il&in- ",all n t l cate& =it,in t,e 6eri*eter % r in"i&e a *ilitar0 r 6 lice ca*6> re"er!ati n> ,ea&B1arter"> &etac,*ent r %iel& %%ice n r =it,in t,e 6re*i"e" % a 6ri" n r &etenti n +1rea1 r an0 la= en% rce*ent r in!e"ti-ati n a-enc0. JAn0 !i lati n % t,i" "ecti n> r it" 6ertinent 6 rti n> ",all c n"tit1te an& electi n %%en"e an& ",all +e 6enaliAe& in acc r&ance =it, Bata" Pa*+an"a Bl-. 881.J %ection 20D. E.cess ballots. $ Be% re 6r cee&in- t c 1nt t,e ! te" t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all c 1nt t,e +all t" in t,e c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t" =it, 1t 1n% l&in- t,e* r e76 "in- t,eir c ntent"> e7ce6t " %ar a" t a"certain t,at eac, +all t i" "in-le> an& c *6are t,e n1*+er % +all t" in t,e + 7 =it, t,e n1*+er % ! ter" =, ,a!e ! te&. I% t,ere are e7ce"" +all t"> t,e0 ",all +e ret1rne& in t,e + 7 an& t, r 1-,l0 *i7e& t,erein> an& t,e 6 ll cler<> =it, 1t "eein- t,e +all t" an& =it, ,i" +ac< t t,e + 7> ",all 61+licl0 &ra= 1t a" *a0 +all t" a" *a0 +e eB1al t t,e e7ce"" an& =it, 1t 1n% l&in- t,e*> 6lace t,e* in an en!el 6e =,ic, ",all +e *ar<e& Je7ce"" +all t"J an& =,ic, ",all +e "eale& an& "i-ne& +0 t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". T,e en!el 6e ",all +e 6lace& in t,e c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t"> +1t it" c ntent" ",all n t +e rea& in t,e c 1ntin- % ! te". I% in t,e c 1r"e % t,e e7a*inati n +all t" are % 1n& % l&e& t -et,er +e% re t,e0 =ere &e6 "ite& in t,e + 7> t,e0 ",all +e 6lace& in t,e en!el 6e % r e7ce"" +all t". In ca"e +all t" =it, t,eir &etac,a+le c 16 n" +e % 1n& in t,e + 7> "1c, c 16 n" ",all +e re* !e& an& &e6 "ite& in t,e c *6art*ent % r "6 ile& +all t"> an& t,e +all t" ",all +e incl1&e& in t,e

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%ile % !ali& +all t". I% +all t" =it, t,e = r&" J"6 ile&J +e % 1n& in t,e + 7> "1c, +all t" ",all li<e=i"e +e 6lace& in t,e c *6art*ent % r "6 ile& +all t". %ection 20B. 8a!:ed ballots. $ T,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all t,en 1n% l& t,e +all t" an& &eter*ine =,et,er t,ere are an0 *ar<e& +all t"> an&> i% an0 +e % 1n&> t,e0 ",all +e 6lace& in an en!el 6e la+elle& J*ar<e& +all t"J =,ic, ",all +e "eale& an& "i-ne& +0 t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& 6lace& in t,e c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t" an& ",all n t +e c 1nte&. A *aC rit0 ! te % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all +e "1%%icient t &eter*ine =,et,er an0 +all t i" *ar<e& r n t. N n# %%icial +all t" =,ic, t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" *a0 %in&> e7ce6t t, "e =,ic, ,a!e +een 1"e& a" e*er-enc0 +all t"> ",all +e c n"i&ere& a" *ar<e& +all t".

DU/ISP/UDENCE CUNDANGAN !". COMELEC G./. N . 138(.$> A1-1"t $8> $))3 <n !ng ". Commission on Elections4 @.R. ?o. 1 1*(4 .ecember 134 2,,, t2e Court 2eld t2at big bold letters t2at occupy all t2e spaces %or t2e speci%ic position s2ould be in"alidated4 inasmuc2 as t2is e"inces an e"ident intent to mar; t2e ballot.

PE/MAN !". COMELEC G./. N . 138)1)> Fe+r1ar0 8> $))3 <n order %or a ballot to be considered mar;ed4 in t2e sense necessary to in"alidate it4 it must appear t2at t2e "oter designedly placed some super%luous sign or mar; on t2e ballot =2ic2 mig2t ser"e to identi%y it t2erea%ter. ?o ballot s2ould be discarded as a mar;ed ballot unless its c2aracter as suc2 is unmista;able. T2e distinguis2ing mar; =2ic2 t2e la= %orbids to be placed on t2e ballots is t2at =2ic2 t2e elector may 2a"e placed =it2 t2e intention o% %acilitating t2e means o% identi%ying said ballot4 %or t2e purpose o% de%eating t2e secrecy o% su%%rage =2ic2

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t2e la= establis2es. T2us4 mar;ed ballots are ballots containing distinguis2ing mar;s4 t2e purpose o% =2ic2 is to identi%y t2em.

'ILLAG/ACIA !". COMELEC G./. N . 128$.2> Dan1ar0 (1> $))3 T2e distinction s2ould al=ays be bet=een mar;s t2at =ere apparently carelessly or innocently made4 =2ic2 do not in"alidate t2e ballot4 and mar;s purposely placed t2ereon by t2e "oter =it2 a "ie= to possible %uture identi%ication4 =2ic2 in"alidates it. T2e mar;s =2ic2 s2all be considered su%%icient to in"alidate t2e ballot are t2ose =2ic2 t2e "oter 2imsel% deliberately placed on 2is ballot %or t2e purpose o% identi%ying it t2erea%ter.

%ection 204. Compa!tment fo! spoiled ballots. $ T,e +all t" &e6 "ite& in t,e c *6art*ent % r "6 ile& +all t" ",all +e 6re"1*e& t +e "6 ile& +all t"> =,et,er r n t t,e0 c ntain "1c, n tati n@ +1t i% t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ", 1l& %in& t,at &1rin- t,e ! tin- an0 !ali& +all t =a" err ne 1"l0 &e6 "ite& in t,i" c *6art*ent> r i% an0 +all t "e6arate& a" e7ce"" r *ar<e& ,a& +een err ne 1"l0 &e6 "ite& t,erein> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all 6en "ai& c *6art*ent a%ter t,e ! tinan& +e% re t,e c 1ntin- % ! te" % r t,e " le 61r6 "e % &ra=in- 1t t,e +all t" err ne 1"l0 &e6 "ite& t,erein. It ",all t,en 6re6are an& "i-n a "tate*ent % "1c, %act an& l c< t,e + 7 =it, it" t,ree <e0" i**e&iatel0 t,erea%ter. T,e !ali& +all t" " =it,&ra=n ",all +e *i7e& =it, t,e t,er !ali& +all t"> an& t,e e7ce"" r *ar<e& +all t" ",all +e 6lace& in t,eir 6r 6er en!el 6e" =,ic, ",all % r "1c, 61r6 "e" +e 6ene& an& a-ain la+elle&> "eale&> "i-ne& an& <e6t a" ,ereina%ter 6r !i&e&. %ection 2,0. 8anne! of countin) otes. $ T,e c 1ntin- % ! te" ",all +e *a&e in t,e % ll =in- *anner? t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all 1n% l& t,e +all t" an& % r* "e6arate 6ile" % ne ,1n&re& +all t" eac,> =,ic, ",all +e ,el& t -et,er =it, r1++er +an&"> =it, car&+ ar& % t,e "iAe % t,e +all t" t "er!e a" % l&er". T,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all ta<e t,e +all t"

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% t,e %ir"t 6ile ne +0 ne an& rea& t,e na*e" % can&i&ate" ! te& % r an& t,e %%ice" % r =,ic, t,e0 =ere ! te& in t,e r&er in =,ic, t,e0 a66ear t,ere n> a""1*in- "1c, a 6 "iti n a" t ena+le all % t,e =atc,er" t rea& "1c, na*e". T,e c,air*an ",all "i-n an& a%%i7 ,i" ri-,t ,an& t,1*+*ar< at t,e +ac< % t,e +all t i**e&iatel0 a%ter it i" c 1nte&. T,e 6 ll cler<> an& t,e t,ir& *e*+er> re"6ecti!el0> ",all rec r& n t,e electi n ret1rn" an& t,e tall0 + ar& r ",eet eac, ! te a" t,e na*e" ! te& % r eac, %%ice are rea&. Eac, ! te ",all +e rec r&e& +0 a !ertical line> e7ce6t e!er0 %i%t, ! te =,ic, ",all +e rec r&e& +0 a &ia- nal line cr ""in- t,e 6re!i 1" % 1r !ertical line". One 6art0 *e*+er ",all "ee t it t,at t,e c,air*an rea&" t,e ! te a" =ritten n t,e +all t> an& t,e t,er ",all c,ec< t,e rec r&in- % t,e ! te" n t,e tall0 + ar& r ",eet an& t,e electi n ret1rn" "eein- t it t,at t,e "a*e are c rrectl0 acc *6li",e&. A%ter %ini",in- t,e %ir"t 6ile % +all t"> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all &eter*ine t,e t tal n1*+er % ! te" rec r&e& % r eac, can&i&ate> t,e "1* +ein- n te& n t,e tall0 + ar& r ",eet an& n t,e electi n ret1rn". In ca"e % &i"cre6anc0 "1c, rec 1nt a" *a0 +e nece""ar0 ",all +e *a&e. T,e +all t" ",all t,en +e -r 16e& t -et,er a-ain a" +e% re t,e rea&in-. T,erea%ter> t,e "a*e 6r ce&1re ",all +e % ll =e& =it, t,e "ec n& 6ile % +all t" an& " n "1cce""i!el0. A%ter all t,e +all t" ,a!e +een rea&> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all "1* 16 t,e t tal" rec r&e& % r eac, can&i&ate> an& t,e a--re-ate "1* ",all +e rec r&e& + t, n t,e tall0 + ar& r ",eet an& n t,e electi n ret1rn". It ",all t,en 6lace t,e c 1nte& +all t" in an en!el 6e 6r !i&e& % r t,e 61r6 "e> =,ic, ",all +e cl "e& "i-ne& an& &e6 "ite& in t,e c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t". T,e tall0 + ar& r ",eet a" acc *6li",e& an& certi%ie& +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all n t +e c,an-e& r &e"tr 0e& +1t ",all +e <e6t in t,e c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t". T,e *anner % ca"tin- ! te" =a" AMENDED B: SEC. (1 /.A. .(2.. Secti n $4 % /e61+lic Act N . 3122 i" ,ere+0 a*en&e& t rea& a" % ll ="?

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Sec $4. 8anne! of Countin) 3otes. # In a&&iti n t t,e reB1ire*ent in t,e % 1rt, 6ara-ra6, % Secti n 1$ % t,e /e61+lic Act N . 2282 an& Secti n $1) % t,e O*ni+1" Electi n C &e> in rea&in- t,e %%icial +all t" &1rin- t,e c 1ntin-> t,e c,air*an> t,e 6 ll cler< an& t,e t,ir& *e*+er ",all a""1*e "1c, 6 "iti n" a" t 6r !i&e t,e =atc,er" an& t,e *e*+er" % t,e 61+lic a" *a0 +e c n!enientl0 acc ** &ate& in t,e 6 llin- 6lace> an 1ni*6e&e& !ie= % t,e +all t +ein- rea&0 +0 t,e c,air*an> % t,e electi n ret1rn an& t,e tall0 + ar& +ein- "i*1ltane 1"l0 acc *6li",e& +0 t,e> 6 ll cler< an& t,e t,ir& *e*+er re"6ecti!el0> =it, 1t t 1c,in- an0 % t,e"e electi n & c1*ent". T,e ta+le ",all +e cleare& % all 1nnece""ar0 =ritin- 6ara6,ernalia. An0 !i lati n % t,i" reB1ire*ent ",all c n"tit1te an electi n %%en"e 61ni",a+le 1n&er Secti n $2( an& $28 t,e O*ni+1" Electi n C &e. T,e c,air*an ",all %ir"t rea& t,e ! te" % r nati nal 6 "iti n". An0 !i lati n % t,i" Secti n> r it" 6ertinent 6 rti n> ",all c n"tit1te an electi n %%en"e an& ",all +e 6enaliAe& in acc r&ance =it, Bata" Pa*+an"a Bl-. 881. Secti n $11. /1le" % r t,e a66reciati n % +all t" . $ In t,e rea&in- an& a66reciati n % +all t"> e!er0 +all t ",all +e 6re"1*e& t +e !ali& 1nle"" t,ere i" clear an& - & rea" n t C1"ti%0 it" reCecti n. T,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all +"er!e t,e % ll =in- r1le"> +earin- in *in& t,at t,e +Cect % t,e electi n i" t +tain t,e e76re""i n % t,e ! terE" =ill? 1. 9,ere nl0 t,e %ir"t na*e % a can&i&ate r nl0 ,i" "1rna*e i" =ritten> t,e ! te % r "1c, can&i&ate i" !ali&> i% t,ere i" n t,er can&i&ate =it, t,e "a*e %ir"t na*e r "1rna*e % r t,e "a*e %%ice. $. 9,ere nl0 t,e %ir"t na*e % a can&i&ate i" =ritten n t,e +all t> =,ic, =,en rea&> ,a" a " 1n& "i*ilar t t,e "1rna*e % an t,er can&i&ate> t,e ! te ",all +e c 1nte& in %a! r % t,e can&i&ate =it, "1c, "1rna*e. I% t,ere are t= r * re can&i&ate" =it, t,e "a*e %1ll na*e> %ir"t na*e r "1rna*e an& ne % t,e* i" t,e inc1*+ent> an& n t,e +all t i" =ritten nl0 "1c, %1ll na*e> %ir"t na*e r

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"1rna*e> t,e ! te ",all +e c 1nte& in %a! r inc1*+ent.

% t,e

(. In ca"e t,e can&i&ate i" a = *an =, 1"e" ,er *ai&en r *arrie& "1rna*e r + t, an& t,ere i" an t,er can&i&ate =it, t,e "a*e "1rna*e> a +all t +earin- nl0 "1c, "1rna*e ",all +e c 1nte& in %a! r % t,e can&i&ate =, i" an inc1*+ent. 8. 9,en t= r * re = r&" are =ritten n t,e "a*e line n t,e +all t> all % =,ic, are t,e "1rna*e" % t= r * re can&i&ate"> t,e "a*e ",all n t +e c 1nte& % r an0 % t,e*> 1nle"" ne i" a "1rna*e % an inc1*+ent =, ,a" "er!e& % r at lea"t ne 0ear in =,ic, ca"e it ",all +e c 1nte& in %a! r % t,e latter. 9,en t= r * re = r&" are =ritten n &i%%erent line" n t,e +all t all % =,ic, are t,e "1rna*e" % t= r * re can&i&ate" +earin- t,e "a*e "1rna*e % r an %%ice % r =,ic, t,e la= a1t, riAe" t,e electi n % * re t,an ne an& t,ere are t,e "a*e n1*+er % "1c, "1rna*e" =ritten a" t,ere are can&i&ate" =it, t,at "1rna*e> t,e ! te ",all +e c 1nte& in %a! r % all t,e can&i&ate" +earin- t,e "1rna*e. 4. 9,en n t,e +all t i" =ritten a "in-le = r& =,ic, i" t,e %ir"t na*e % a can&i&ate an& =,ic, i" at t,e "a*e ti*e t,e "1rna*e % ,i" 66 nent> t,e ! te ",all +e c 1nte& in %a! r % t,e latter. 2. 9,en t= = r&" are =ritten n t,e +all t> ne % =,ic, i" t,e %ir"t na*e % t,e can&i&ate an& t,e t,er i" t,e "1rna*e % ,i" 66 nent> t,e ! te ",all n t +e c 1nte& % r eit,er. 3. A na*e r "1rna*e inc rrectl0 =ritten =,ic,> =,en rea&> ,a" a " 1n& "i*ilar t t,e na*e r "1rna*e % a can&i&ate =,en c rrectl0 =ritten ",all +e c 1nte& in ,i" %a! r@ 8. 9,en a na*e % a can&i&ate a66ear" in a "6ace % t,e +all t % r an %%ice % r =,ic, ,e i" a can&i&ate an& in an t,er "6ace % r =,ic, ,e i" n t a can&i&ate> it ",all +e c 1nte& in ,i" %a! r % r t,e %%ice % r =,ic, ,e i" a

2(*

can&i&ate an& t,e ! te % r t,e %%ice % r =,ic, ,e i" n t a can&i&ate ",all +e c n"i&ere& a" "tra0> e7ce6t =,en it i" 1"e& a" a *ean" t i&enti%0 t,e ! ter> in =,ic, ca"e> t,e =, le +all t ",all +e ! i&. I% t,e = r& r = r&" =ritten n t,e a66r 6riate +lan< n t,e +all t i" t,e i&entical na*e r "1rna*e r %1ll na*e> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e> % t= r * re can&i&ate" % r t,e "a*e %%ice n ne % =, * i" an inc1*+ent> t,e ! te ",all +e c 1nte& in %a! r % t,at can&i&ate t =, "e tic<et +el n- all t,e t,er can&i&ate" ! te& % r in t,e "a*e +all t % r t,e "a*e c n"tit1enc0. .. 9,en in a "6ace in t,e +all t t,ere a66ear" a na*e % a can&i&ate t,at i" era"e& an& an t,er clearl0 =ritten> t,e ! te i" !ali& % r t,e latter. 1). T,e err ne 1" initial % t,e %ir"t na*e =,ic, acc *6anie" t,e c rrect "1rna*e % a can&i&ate> t,e err ne 1" initial % t,e "1rna*e acc *6an0in- t,e c rrect %ir"t na*e % a can&i&ate> r t,e err ne 1" *i&&le initial % t,e can&i&ate ",all n t ann1l t,e ! te in %a! r % t,e latter. 11. T,e %act t,at t,ere e7i"t" an t,er 6er" n =, i" n t a can&i&ate =it, t,e %ir"t na*e r "1rna*e % a can&i&ate ",all n t 6re!ent t,e a&C1&icati n % t,e ! te % t,e latter. 1$. Ball t" =,ic, c ntain 6re%i7e" "1c, a" JSr.J> JMr.J> JDat1J> JD nJ> JGin J> JH n.J> JG +.J r "1%%i7e" li<e JHiC J> JDr.J> JSe-1n& J> are !ali&. 1(. T,e 1"e % t,e nic<na*e" an& a66ellati n" % a%%ecti n an& %rien&",i6> i% acc *6anie& +0 t,e %ir"t na*e r "1rna*e % t,e can&i&ate> & e" n t ann1l "1c, ! te> e7ce6t =,en t,e0 =ere 1"e& a" a *ean" t i&enti%0 t,e ! ter> in =,ic, ca"e t,e =, le +all t i" in!ali&? Pr !i&e&> T,at i% t,e nic<na*e 1"e& i" 1nacc *6anie& +0 t,e na*e r "1rna*e % a can&i&ate an& it i" t,e ne +0 =,ic, ,e i" -enerall0 r 6 61larl0 <n =n in t,e l calit0> t,e na*e ",all +e c 1nte& in %a! r % "ai& can&i&ate> i% t,ere i" n t,er can&i&ate % r t,e "a*e %%ice =it, t,e "a*e nic<na*e.

2),

18. An0 ! te c ntainin- initial" nl0 r =,ic, i" ille-i+le r =,ic, & e" n t "1%%icientl0 i&enti%0 t,e can&i&ate % r =, * it i" inten&e& ",all +e c n"i&ere& a" a "tra0 ! te +1t ",all n t in!ali&ate t,e =, le +all t. 14. I% n t,e +all t i" c rrectl0 =ritten t,e %ir"t na*e % a can&i&ate +1t =it, a &i%%erent "1rna*e> r t,e "1rna*e % t,e can&i&ate i" c rrectl0 =ritten +1t =it, &i%%erent %ir"t na*e> t,e ! te ",all n t +e c 1nte& in %a! r % an0 can&i&ate ,a!in- "1c, %ir"t na*e an&H r "1rna*e +1t t,e +all t ",all +e c n"i&ere& !ali& % r t,er can&i&ate". 12. An0 +all t =ritten =it, cra0 n> lea& 6encil> =, ll0 r in 6art> ",all +e !ali&. r in in<>

13. 9,ere t,ere are t= r * re can&i&ate" ! te& % r in an %%ice % r =,ic, t,e la= a1t, riAe" t,e electi n % nl0 ne> t,e ! te ",all n t +e c 1nte& in %a! r % an0 % t,e*> +1t t,i" ",all n t a%%ect t,e !ali&it0 % t,e t,er ! te" t,erein. 18. I% t,e can&i&ate" ! te& % r e7cee& t,e n1*+er % t, "e t +e electe&> t,e +all t i" !ali&> +1t t,e ! te" ",all +e c 1nte& nl0 in %a! r % t,e can&i&ate" =, "e na*e" =ere %ir"tl0 =ritten +0 t,e ! ter =it,in t,e "6ace" 6r !i&e& % r "ai& %%ice in t,e +all t 1ntil t,e a1t, riAe& n1*+er i" c !ere&. 1.. An0 ! te in %a! r % a 6er" n =, ,a" n t %ile& a certi%icate % can&i&ac0 r in %a! r % a can&i&ate % r an %%ice % r =,ic, ,e &i& n t 6re"ent ,i*"el% ",all +e c n"i&ere& a" a "tra0 ! te +1t it ",all n t in!ali&ate t,e =, le +all t. $). Ball t" c ntainin- t,e na*e % a can&i&ate 6rinte& an& 6a"te& n a +lan< "6ace % t,e +all t r a%%i7e& t,eret t,r 1-, an0 *ec,anical 6r ce"" are t tall0 n1ll an& ! i&. $1. Circle"> cr ""e" r line" 61t n t,e "6ace" n =,ic, t,e ! ter ,a" n t ! te& ",all +e c n"i&ere& a" "i-n" t in&icate ,i" &e"i"tance %r * ! tin- an& ",all n t in!ali&ate t,e +all t.

2)1

$$. Unle"" it ", 1l& clearl0 a66ear t,at t,e0 ,a!e +een &eli+eratel0 61t +0 t,e ! ter t "er!e a" i&enti%icati n *ar<"> c **a"> & t"> line"> r ,06,en" +et=een t,e %ir"t na*e an& "1rna*e % a can&i&ate> r in t,er 6art" % t,e +all t> trace" % t,e letter JTJ> JDJ> an& t,er "i*ilar ne"> t,e %ir"t letter" r "0lla+le" % na*e" =,ic, t,e ! ter & e" n t c ntin1e> t,e 1"e % t= r * re <in&" % =ritin- an& 1nintenti nal r acci&ental %l 1ri",e"> "tr <e"> r "train"> ",all n t in!ali&ate t,e +all t. $(. An0 +all t =,ic, clearl0 a66ear" t ,a!e +een %ille& +0 t= &i"tinct 6er" n" +e% re it =a" &e6 "ite& in t,e +all t + 7 &1rin- t,e ! tin- i" t tall0 n1ll an& ! i&. $8. An0 ! te ca"t in %a! r % a can&i&ate =, ,a" +een &i"B1ali%ie& +0 %inal C1&-*ent ",all +e c n"i&ere& a" "tra0 an& ",all n t +e c 1nte& +1t it ",all n t in!ali&ate t,e +all t. $4. Ball t" =, ll0 =ritten in Ara+ic in l calitie" =,ere it i" % -eneral 1"e are !ali&. T rea& t,e*> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" *a0 e*6l 0 an inter6reter =, ",all ta<e an at, t,at ,e ",all rea& t,e ! te" c rrectl0. $2. T,e acci&ental tearinn t ann1l it. r 6er% rati n % a +all t & e"

$3. Fail1re t re* !e t,e &etac,a+le c 16 n %r * a +all t & e" n t ann1l "1c, +all t. $8. A ! te % r t,e Pre"i&ent ",all al" +e a ! te % r t,e 'ice#Pre"i&ent r1nnin- 1n&er t,e "a*e tic<et % a 6 litical 6art0> 1nle"" t,e ! ter ! te" % r a 'ice# Pre"i&ent =, & e" n t +el n- t "1c, 6art0.

DU/ISP/UDENCE TOLENTINO !". COMELEC> et al. G./. N ". 183.48> 183.21 G 183.2$> A6ril 3> $)1) <n regular election contests4 t2e general a"erment o% %raud or irregularities in t2e counting o% "otes Custi%ies t2e e-amination o% t2e

2)2

ballots and recounting o% "otes. T2is process o% e-amination is t2e re"ision o% t2e ballots pursuant to Section &4 Rule 2, o% t2e 1**3 C!+E:EC Rules o% $rocedure. T2e protests in"ol"ed 2erein assailed t2e aut2enticity o% t2e election returns and t2e "eracity o% t2e counting o% t2e ballots. <n t2at regard4 t2e ballots t2emsel"es are t2e best e"idence. T2e only means to o"ercome t2e presumption o% legitimacy o% t2e election returns is to e-amine and determine %irst =2et2er t2e ballot bo-es 2a"e been substantially preser"ed in t2e manner mandated by la=. 7ence4 t2e necessity to issue t2e order o% re"ision. ?o ruling could be 2anded do=n against t2e integrity o% t2e ballot bo-es t2at =ould e%%ecti"ely render naug2t t2e e"identiary "alue o% t2e ballots t2ey contained unless a %ull blo=n trial on t2e merits =as %irst conducted. Tolentino s2ould accept t2e legal impossibility %or t2e .i"ision to rule on t2e issue o% inclusion or e-clusion o% t2e set1aside ballot bo-es e-cept a%ter t2e re"ision process. BATALLA !". COMELEC an& BATALLE/ G./. N . 188$28> Se6te*+er 14> $)). T2e neig2bor2ood rule is a settled rule stating t2at =2ere t2e name o% a candidate is not =ritten in t2e proper space in t2e ballot4 but is preceded by t2e name o% t2e o%%ice %or =2ic2 2e is a candidate4 t2e "ote s2ould be counted as "alid %or said candidate. Suc2 rule is usually applied in consonance =it2 t2e intent rule =2ic2 stems %rom t2e principle t2at in t2e appreciation o% t2e ballot4 t2e obCect s2ould be to ascertain and carry into e%%ect t2e intention o% t2e "oter4 i% it could be determined =it2 reasonable certainty.

CUNDANGAN !". COMELEC G./. N . 138(.$> A1-1"t $8> $))3 T2e C!+E:EC correctly counted t2e t=o claimed ballots in %a"or o% C2ua by reason o% t2e neig2bor2ood rule4 considering t2at t2e name o% C2ua =as =ritten on t2e %irst space %or 5aga=ads and t2at t2e space %or $unong 3arangay =as le%t blan;. DE LOS /E:ES !". COMELEC

2)3

G./. N . 13))3)> Fe+r1ar0 $8> $))3 <n t2e present case4 t2e %inding o% t2e C!+E:EC %ell s2ort o% t2e %oregoing standard. <t sa= no di%%erences in t2e 2and=ritings on t2e ballots yet it is silent on =2et2er it discerned in t2e ballots similarities and di"ergences in t2e class and indi"idual c2aracteristics o% t2e 2and=ritings as =ould conclusi"ely establis2 t2at t2ese =ere made by t2e same 2and. T2ere =as t2ere%ore incompleteness in C!+E:ECAs appreciation o% t2e ballots t2at it acted prematurely =2en it declared said ballots in"alid. +oreo"er4 t2e C!+E:EC re%erred solely to t2e ballots to resol"e t2e issue o% =2et2er t2ey =ere prepared by one person. .elos Reyes /uestions t2is4 arguing t2at to determine =2et2er t2e ballots =ere in"alid %or 2a"ing been =ritten by one person4 it =as not su%%icient %or t2e C!+E:EC to 2a"e merely relied on t2e ballots aloneH it s2ould 2a"e also consulted t2e +inutes o% 0oting and Counting in t2e contested precincts.

'ELASCO !". COMELEC G./. N . 122.(1> Fe+r1ar0 $$> $))3 <n t2is ballot4 t2e "oter =rote respondentAs name t=ice ` on t2e upper rig2t side o% t2e ballot abo"e t2e instructions to t2e "oter and on t2e %irst line %or Sangguniang 3arangay 5aga=ad4 lea"ing blan; t2e space %or $unong 3arangay. 3ot2 names are %ollo=ed by t2e =ord KC2arman.K T2e C!+E:EC correctly credited respondent =it2 t2e "ote cast %or 2im in t2is ballot %ollo=ing t2e e-ception to Section 211(1*) o% ballots =it2 a single misplaced name %ollo=ed by t2e title o% t2e contested o%%ice. T2e "oterAs repetition o% respondentAs name in t2e %irst line %or Sangguniang 3arangay 5aga=ad %ollo=ed by t2e =ord KC2armanK renders t2e "ote "alid. T2e "oterAs intent to cast 2is "ote %or respondent as $unong 3arangay or barangay c2airman is ob"ious =2en 2e =rote t2e =ord KC2armanK O =2ic2 can only stand %or KV3arangayW C2airmanK O a%ter respondentAs name. ---T2is Court is e"er mind%ul o% t2e need4 under our republican %orm o% go"ernment4 to gi"e %ull e-pression to t2e "otersA =ill as indicated in t2e ballots. T2is e-plains t2e numerous e-ceptions =e 2a"e car"ed out o% Section 211(1*). 7o=e"er4 liberality in ballot appreciation ends =2ere sub"ersion o% t2e legislatureAs =ill begins. Congress enacted Sections 1*# and 211(1*) precisely to guard against t2e e-treme

2)

irregularity E-2ibits K*K and K13K present. T2us4 =e 2ere dra= t2e line bet=een permissible de"iations %rom Sections 1*# and 211(1*) and %lagrant disregard o% an elementary rule in "oting under our present electoral system.

CA:ETANO !". COMELEC G./. N ". 122(88 G 12224$> Dan1ar0 $(> $))2 T2e abo"e %actual %indings o% t2e C!+E:EC supported by e"idence4 are accorded4 not only respect4 but %inality. T2is is so because Kt2e conduct o% plebiscite and determination o% its result 2a"e al=ays been t2e business o% t2e C!+E:EC and not t2e regular courts. Suc2 a case in"ol"es t2e appreciation o% ballots =2ic2 is best le%t to t2e C!+E:EC. As an independent constitutional body e-clusi"ely c2arged =it2 t2e po=er o% en%orcement and administration o% all la=s and regulations relati"e to t2e conduct o% an election4 plebiscite4 initiati"e4 re%erendum and recall4 t2e C!+E:EC 2as t2e indisputable e-pertise in t2e %ield o% election and related la=s.K <ts acts4 t2ere%ore4 enCoy t2e presumption o% regularity in t2e per%ormance o% o%%icial duties.

DE GU;MAN> Dr. !". SISON (44 SC/A 2. <t is perple-ing =2y respondent Cudge insisted in applying 3atas $ambansa 3lg. 222 =2ic2 pertained only to t2e election o% barangay o%%icials in 1*)2 instead o% 3atas $ambansa 3lg. ))2 =2ic2 e-pressly go"erns mayoralty elections including t2ose 2eld in 1**)H :a=s and statutes go"erning election contests especially t2e appreciation o% ballots must be liberally construed to t2e end t2at t2e =ill o% t2e electorate in t2e c2oice o% public o%%icials may not be de%eated by tec2nical in%irmities. 'ILLA/OSA !". COMELEC (1. SC/A 83) 62en t2e C!+E:EC dra=s its conclusion t2at a particular nic;name is not one by =2ic2 a candidate is generally or popularly ;no=n purely %rom t2e allegations o% a letter1petition =it2out %irst a%%ording t2e

2)#

candidate t2e opportunity to e-plain 2er side4 it acts in e-cess o% its Curisdiction. .epri"ation o% due process cannot be success%ully in"o;ed =2ere a party =as gi"en t2e c2ance to be 2eard on 2is motion %or reconsideration is not applicable =2ere t2e mo"antAs immediate concern %or doing so =as not mainly to e-ercise 2er rig2t to be 2eard4 but to 2a"e t2e C!+E:EC seasonably reconsider its resolution =2ile can"assing =as still at t2e precinct or municipal le"el. T2e C!+E:EC Rules o% $rocedure re/uire t2at all actions %iled =it2 t2e Commission be prosecuted and de%ended in t2e name o% t2e real party in interest. All election cases s2all %irst be 2eard and decided by a di"ision o% t2e C!+E:EC be%ore being broug2t to t2e Commission en banc %or reconsideration. A directi"e by t2e C!+E:EC to disallo= a candidateAs use o% a particular nic;name clearly necessitates a determination o% =2et2er suc2 candidate is in %act not generally or popularly ;no=n as suc2 in t2e locality4 calling %or t2e CommissionBs e-ercise o% its adCudicatory po=ers and %alls =it2in t2e concept o% an Kelection contest.K T2e Supreme Court is 2ard put to treat t2e issue as administrati"e =2en petitioner stands to be so ad"ersely a%%ected by t2e relie% as;ed %or and t2e %act t2at t2e petition is in t2e %orm o% a letter does not ma;e t2e issues posed t2erein less substantial.

Secti n $1$. Electi n ret1rn". $ T,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all 6re6are t,e electi n ret1rn" "i*1ltane 1"l0 =it, t,e c 1ntin% t,e ! te" in t,e 6 llin- 6lace a" 6re"cri+e& in Secti n $1) ,ere %. T,e ret1rn ",all +e 6re6are& in "e7t16licate. T,e rec r&in% ! te" ",all +e *a&e a" 6re"cri+e& in "ai& "ecti n. T,e entr0 % ! te" in = r&" an& %i-1re" % r eac, can&i&ate ",all +e cl "e& =it, t,e "i-nat1re an& t,e clear i*6rint % t,e t,1*+*ar< % t,e ri-,t ,an& % all t,e *e*+er"> li<e=i"e t +e a%%i7e& in %1ll !ie= % t,e 61+lic> i**e&iatel0 a%ter t,e la"t ! te rec r&e& r i**e&iatel0 a%ter t,e na*e % t,e can&i&ate =, &i& n t recei!e an0 ! te.

2)&

T,e ret1rn" ",all al" ", = t,e &ate % t,e electi n> t,e 6 llin6lace> t,e +aran-a0 an& t,e cit0 % *1nici6alit0 in =,ic, it =a" ,el&> t,e t tal n1*+er % +all t" % 1n& in t,e c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t"> t,e t tal n1*+er % !ali& +all t" =it,&ra=n %r * t,e c *6art*ent % r "6 ile& +all t" +eca1"e t,e0 =ere err ne 1"l0 6lace& t,erein> t,e t tal n1*+er % e7ce"" +all t"> t,e t tal n1*+er % *ar<e& r ! i& +all t"> an& t,e t tal n1*+er % ! te" +taine& +0 eac, can&i&ate> =ritin- 1t t,e "ai& n1*+er in = r&" an& %i-1re" an&> at t,e en& t,ere %> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all certi%0 t,at t,e c ntent" are c rrect. T,e ret1rn" ",all +e acc *6li",e& in a "in-le ",eet % 6a6er> +1t i% t,i" i" n t 6 ""i+le> a&&iti nal ",eet" *a0 +e 1"e& =,ic, ",all +e 6re6are& in t,e "a*e *anner a" t,e %ir"t ",eet an& li<e=i"e certi%ie& +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". T,e C **i""i n ",all ta<e "te6" " t,at t,e entrie" n t,e %ir"t c 60 % t,e electi n ret1rn" are clearl0 re6r &1ce& n t,e "ec n&> t,ir&> % 1rt,> %i%t,> an& "i7t, c 6ie" t,ere %> an& % r t,i" 61r6 "e t,e C **i""i n ",all 1"e a "6ecial <in& % 6a6er. I**e&iatel0 16 n t,e acc *6li",*ent % t,e electi n ret1rn"> eac, c 60 t,ere % ",all +e "eale& in t,e 6re"ence % t,e =atc,er" an& t,e 61+lic> an& 6lace& in t,e 6r 6er en!el 6e> =,ic, ",all li<e=i"e +e "eale& an& &i"tri+1te& a" ,erein 6r !i&e&. An0 electi n ret1rn =it, a "e6aratel0 6rinte& "erial n1*+er r =,ic, +ear" a &i%%erent "erial n1*+er %r * t,at a""i-ne& t t,e 6artic1lar 6 llin- 6lace c ncerne& ",all n t +e can!a""e&. T,i" i" t +e &eter*ine& +0 t,e + ar& % can!a""er" 6ri r t it" can!a""in- n t,e +a"i" % t,e certi%icati n % t,e 6r !incial> cit0 r *1nici6al trea"1rer a" t t,e "erial n1*+er % t,e electi n ret1rn a""i-ne& t t,e "ai& ! tin- 6recinct> 1nle"" t,e C **i""i n ",all r&er in =ritin- % r it" can!a""in-> "tatint,e rea" n % r t,e !ariance in "erial n1*+er". I% t,e "i-nat1re" an&H r t,1*+*ar<" % t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" r " *e % t,e* a" reB1ire& in t,i" 6r !i"i n are *i""in- in t,e electi n ret1rn"> t,e + ar& % can!a""er" *a0 "1** n t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" c ncerne& t c *6lete t,e ret1rn".

2)(

DISCUSSIONS

Section 212 o% 3atas $ambansa 3lg. ))1 as amended4 is 2ereby to read as %ollo=s (A+E?.E. 3L Sec. 32 RA *3&*)J SEC. 212. 0lection +eturns. 1 T2e board o% election inspectors s2all prepare t2e election returns simultaneously =it2 t2e counting o% "otes in t2e polling places as prescribe in Section 21, 2ereo%. T2e recording o% "ote s2all be made as prescribed in said section. T2e entry o% "otes in =ords and %igures %or eac2 candidate s2all be closed =it2 t2e signature and t2e clear imprint o% t2e t2umbmar; o% t2e rig2t 2and o% all t2e members4 li;e=ise to be a%%i-ed in %ull "ie= o% t2e public4 immediately a%ter t2e last "ote recorded or immediately a%ter t2e name o% t2e candidate =2o did not recei"e any "ote. T2e returns s2all also s2o= t2e date o% t2e election4 t2e polling place4 t2e barangay and t2e city or municipality in =2ic2 it =as 2eld4 t2e total number o% ballots %ound in t2e compartment %or "alid ballots4 t2e total number o% "alid ballots =it2dra=n %rom t2e compartment %or spoiled ballots because t2ey =ere erroneously placed t2erein4 t2e total number o% e-cess ballots4 t2e total number o% mar;ed or "oid ballots4 and t2e total numbers o% "otes obtained by eac2 candidate4 =riting out t2e said number in =ords and %igures and4 at t2e end t2ereo%4 t2e board o% election inspectors s2all certi%y t2at t2e contents are correct. T2e returns s2all be accomplis2ed in a single s2eet o% paper4 but i% t2is is not possible4 additional s2eets may be used =2ic2 s2all be prepared in t2e same manner as t2e %irst s2eet and li;e=ise certi%ied by t2e board o% election inspectors. T2e commission s2all ta;e steps so t2at t2e entries on t2e %irst copy o% t2e election returns are clearly reproduced on t2e second4 t2ird4 %ourt24 %i%t24 si-t2 copies t2ereo%4 and %or t2e purpose t2is Commission s2all use a special ;ind o% paper. <mmediately upon t2e accomplis2ment o% t2e election return %or national position4 t2e poll cler; s2all announce t2e posting o% t2e

2))

second copy o% t2e election return on a =all =it2 su%%icient lig2ting =it2in t2e premises o% t2e polling place or counting center. 7e s2all t2en proceed to do t2e same in t2e presence o% t2e ot2er members o% t2e 3oard4 t2e =atc2ers and t2ose present in t2e polling place or counting center. 6it2out delay and4 =2en %easible4 2e s2all secure an image o% t2e election return using a secured data capturing de"ice and immediately t2erea%ter4 =2ile in t2e premises o% t2e polling place or counting center4 directly print t2irty (3,) copies o% t2e election return. !nce t2e prints 2a"e been produced4 t2e poll cler; s2all call t2e ot2er members o% t2e board to aut2enticate eac2 print copy by closely comparing t2e same =it2 t2e election return posted on t2e =all in t2e presence o% t2e =atc2ers and =it2in "ie= o% t2e public. <% t2e 3oard %inds eac2 print a %ait2%ul reproduction o% t2e election return4 all members t2ereo% s2all annotate and sign a certi%ication to t2at e%%ect on t2e bottom %ront o% t2e print. Eac2 certi%ied printed copy s2all be placed in an en"elope and distributed as 2erein pro"ided. .esignated recipients o% t2e certi%ied print copies may recei"e t2eir copies at t2e polling place or counting center. <mmediately upon t2e accomplis2ment o% t2e election returns %or local position4 t2e second copy o% t2e same s2all be posted on a =all =it2 su%%icient lig2ting =it2in t2e premises o% t2e polling place. T2e ot2er copies o% election returns %or bot2 national and local position s2all be sealed in t2e presence o% t2e =atc2ers and t2e public4 and placed in t2e proper en"elope4 =2ic2 s2all li;e=ise be sealed and distributed as 2erein pro"ided.K Any election return =it2 a separately printed serial number or =2ic2 bears a di%%erent serial number %rom t2at assigned to t2e particular polling place concerned s2all not be can"assed. T2is is to be determined by t2e board can"assers prior to its can"assing on t2e basis o% t2e certi%ication o% t2e pro"incial4 city or municipal treasurer as to t2e serial number o% t2e election return assigned to said "oting precinct4 unless t2e Commission s2all order in =riting %or its can"assing4 stating t2e reason %or t2e "ariance in serial numbers. <% t2e signatures andMor t2umb mar;s o% t2e members o% t2e board o% election inspectors or some o% t2em as re/uired in t2is

2)*

pro"ision are missing in t2e election returns4 t2e board o% can"assers may summon t2e members o% t2e board o% election inspectors concerned to complete t2e returns. T2e citi9enBs arm is mandated to present %or perusal its copy o% t2e election return to t2e board o% election can"assers upon t2e re/uest o% any interested candidate. Any "iolation o% t2is election or its pertinent portion4 s2all constitute an election o%%ense and s2all be penali9ed in accordance =it2 3atas $ambansa 3lg. ))1 . <n addition4 t2e %ollo=ing s2all li;e=ise be guilty o% an election o%%enseJ (a) Any $erson =2o remo"es t2e election return posted on t2e =all4 =2et2er =it2in or a%ter t2e prescribed %orty1eig2t ( )) 2ours o% posting4 or de%aces t2e same in any mannerH (b) Any person =2o simulates an actual election return or a print or digital copy t2ereo%H (c) Any person =2o simulates t2e certi%ication in a print o% an election returnH (d) T2e c2airman or any member o% t2e board o% election inspectors =2o4 during t2e prescribe period o% posting4 remo"es t2e election return %rom t2e =all on =2ic2 it 2ad been posted ot2er t2an %or t2e purpose o% immediately trans%erring it to a more suitable placeH (e) T2e c2airman or any member o% t2e board o% election inspectors =2o signs or aut2enticates a print o% t2e election return outside o% t2e polling placeH and (%) T2e c2airman or any member o% t2e board o% election inspectors =2o signs or aut2enticates a print =2ic2 bears an image di%%erent %rom t2e election return produced a%ter counting and posted on t2e =all.

DU/ISP/UDENCE

2*,

TO//ES !". HOUSE OF /EP/ESENTATI'ES ELECTO/AL T/IBUNAL (41 SC/A (1$ 62ere t2e protesteeBs allegation t2at t2e "alid "otes cast in 2is or 2er %a"or =ere substituted =it2 %a;e stray ballots during t2e post1counting stage4 it is imperati"e to resol"e =2et2er t2ere =ere indeed %a;e ballots and =2et2er t2ese =ere placed inside t2e ballot bo-es to replace t2e "otes o% t2e protestee. <n an election contest =2ere =2at is in"ol"ed is t2e correctness o% t2e number o% "otes o% eac2 candidate4 t2e best and most conclusi"e e"idence are t2e ballots t2emsel"es4 but =2ere t2e ballots cannot be produced or are not a"ailable4 t2e election returns =ould be t2e best e"idence. T2e Supreme CourtBs Curisdiction to re"ie= decisions and orders o% electoral tribunals operates only upon a s2o=ing o% gra"e abuse o% discretion on t2e part o% t2e tribunal. T2e cardinal obCecti"e o% ballot appreciation is to disco"er and gi"e e%%ect to4 rat2er t2an %rustrate t2e intention o% t2e "oters4 t2us4 e"ery ballot s2all be presumed "alid unless clear and good reasons Custi%y its reCection.

/ECABO> Dr. !. COMELEC ()8 SC/A 3.( A certi%icate o% "otes does not constitute su%%icient e"idence o% t2e true and genuine results o% t2e electionH only election returns are. T2e doctrine t2at a mere tec2nicality cannot be used to %rustrate t2e people =ill %ind no application in a case =2ere t2e results o% t2e election 2a"e not been %ully establis2ed. .isunity and discord amongst members o% a political party s2ould not be allo=ed to create a moc;ery o% t2e electoral process4 =2ic2 en"isions one candidate %rom a political party %or eac2 position. <t is =ell1settled t2at a certi%icate %iled beyond t2e deadline is not "alid.<t is settled t2at t2e dis/uali%ication or non1 /uali%ication o% t2e =inner in a "ice mayoralty race does not Custi%y t2e proclamation o% t2e de%eated candidate =2o obtained t2e second 2ig2est number o% "otes. T2e "acancy in t2e position o% "ice1mayor due to t2e ineligibility o% t2e =inning candidate s2ould be %illed up in accordance =it2 Section o% t2e :ocal @o"ernment Code o% 1**1

2*1

=2ic2 pro"ides t2at t2e 2ig2est ran;ing sanggunian member s2all become t2e "ice1mayor.

Secti n $1(. Pr cla*ati n % t,e re"1lt % t,e electi n in t,e 6 llin- 6lace. $ U6 n t,e c *6leti n % t,e electi n ret1rn"> t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all rall0 an& 61+licl0 ann 1nce t,e t tal n1*+er % ! te" recei!e& in t,e electi n in t,e 6 llin- 6lace +0 eac, an& e!er0 ne % t,e can&i&ate"> "tatin- t,eir c rre"6 n&in- %%ice. Secti n $18. Di"6 "iti n % electi n ret1rn". $

(1) In a 6re"i&ential electi n? t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all 6re6are in ,an&=ritin- an& "i-n t,e ret1rn" % t,e electi n in "e7t16licate in t,eir re"6ecti!e 6 llin- 6lace in a % r* t +e 6re"cri+e& +0 t,e C **i""i n. One c 60 ",all +e &e6 "ite& in t,e c *6art*ent % t,e +all t + 7 % r !ali& +all t"> an& in t,e ca"e % *1nici6alitie" t= c 6ie" incl1&in- t,e ri-inal c 60 ",all +e ,an&e& t t,e *1nici6al electi n re-i"trar =, ",all i**e&iatel0 &eli!er t,e ri-inal c 60 t t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r an& % r=ar& t,e t,er c 60 t t,e C **i""i n> an& ne c 60 eac, t t,e a1t, riAe& re6re"entati!e" % t,e accre&ite& 6 litical 6artie". In t,e ca"e % t,e citie"> t,e cit0 re-i"trar ",all retain t,e ri-inal c 60 % r "1+*i""i n t t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r> an& % r=ar& t,e t,er c 60 t t,e C **i""i n. ($) In t,e electi n % r Me*+er" % t,e Bata"anPa*+an"a? t,e ri-inal % t,e electi n ret1rn" ",all +e &eli!ere& t t,e electi n re-i"trar % t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 % r tran"*ittal t t,e c,air*an % t,e 6r !incial + ar& % can!a""er"> an& &irect t t,e c,air*an % t,e cit0 r &i"trict + ar& % can!a""er" in t,e 1r+aniAe& citie" an& t,e &i"trict" % Metr 6 litan Manila> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e> % r 1"e in t,e can!a"". T,e "ec n& c 60 ",all li<e=i"e +e &eli!ere& t t,e electi n re-i"trar % r tran"*ittal t t,e C **i""i n. T,e t,ir& c 60 ",all +e &e6 "ite& in t,e c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t". T,e % 1rt, c 60 ",all +e &eli!ere& t t,e electi n re-i"trar =, ",all 1"e "ai& c 60 in t,e ta+1lati n % t,e a&!ance

2*2

re"1lt" % t,e electi n in t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0. T,e %i%t, an& "i7t, c 6ie" ",all eac, re"6ecti!el0 +e &eli!ere& t t,e *e*+er" re6re"entin6 litical 6artie" re6re"ente& in t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". (() In l cal electi n"? t,e ri-inal c 60 % t,e electi n ret1rn" ",all +e &eli!ere& t t,e cit0 r *1nici6al + ar& % can!a""er" a" a + &0 % r it" 1"e in t,e cit0 % *1nici6al can!a"". T,e "ec n& c 60 ",all +e &eli!ere& t t,e electi n re-i"trar % t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 % r tran"*ittal t t,e 6r !incial + ar& % can!a""er" a" a + &0 % r it" 1"e in t,e 6r !incial can!a"". T,e t,ir& c 60 ",all li<e=i"e +e &eli!ere& t t,e electi n re-i"trar % r tran"*ittal t t,e C **i""i n. T,e % 1rt, c 60 ",all +e &e6 "ite& in t,e c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t". T,e %i%t, an& "i7t, c 6ie" ",all eac, re"6ecti!el0 +e &eli!ere& t t,e *e*+er" re6re"entint,e 6 litical 6artie" re6re"ente& in t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". T,e C **i""i n ",all 6r *1l-ate r1le" % r t,e "6ee&0 an& "a%e &eli!er0 % t,e electi n ret1rn". AMENDED B: SEC. (( /A .(2.. Secti n $3 % /e61+lic Act N . 3122> a" a*en&e& +0 /e61+lic Act N . 8)84 an& /e61+lic Act N . 813( i" ,ere+0 %1rt,er a*en&e& t rea& a" % ll ="? SEC. $3. =umbe! of Copies of Election 1etu!ns and thei! 9ist!ibution. # T,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all 6re6are in ,an&=ritin- t,e electi n ret1rn" in t,eir re"6ecti!e 6 llin- 6lace> in t,e n1*+er % c 6ie" ,erein 6r !i&e& an& in t,e % r* t +e 6re"cri+e& an& 6r !i&e& +0 t,e C **i""i n. JT,e c 6ie" % electi n ret1rn" ",all +e &i"tri+1te& +0 t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" a" % ll ="? (a) In t,e electi n % 6re"i&ent> !ice#6re"i&ent> "enat r" an& *e*+er" % t,e H 1"e % /e6re"entati!e" incl1&int,e 6art0#li"t re6re"entati!e"? (1) T,e %ir"t c 60 ",all +e &eli!ere& t *1nici6al + ar& % can!a""er"@ t,e cit0 r

2*3

($) T,e "ec n& c 60 t +e 6 "te& t,e 6re*i"e" % t,e 6 llin- 6lace@

n a =all =it,in t,e

(() T,e t,ir& c 60> t t,e c n-re""> &irecte& t Pre"i&ent % t,e Senate@ (8) T,e % 1rt, c 60. t t,e C **i""i n@

(4) T,e %i%t, c 60> t t,e & *inant *aC rit0 6art0 a" &eter*ine& +0 t,e C **i""i n in acc r&ance =it, la=@ (2) T,e "i7t, c 60> t t,e & *inant *in rit0 6art0 a" &eter*ine& +0 t,e C **i""i n in acc r&ance =it, la=@ (3) T,e "e!ent, c 60> t a citiAen"E a1t, riAe& +0 t,e C **i""i n t c n&1ct an 1n %%icial c 1nt? P!o ided* howe e!> T,at t,e accre&itati n % t,e citiAen"E ar* ",all +e "1+Cect t t,e 6r !i"i n % Secti n 4$(<) % Bata" Pa*+an"a Bl&-. 881@ an& (8) T,e ei-,t c 60 ",all +e &e6 "ite& in"i&e t,e c *6art*ent % t,e +all t + 7 % r !ali& +all t"@ an& (+) In t,e electi n % l cal %%icial"@ t,e cit0 r

(1) T,e Fir"t c 60 ",all +e &eli!ere& t *1nici6al + ar& % can!a""er"@ ($) T,e "ec n& c 60 t +e 6 "te& t,e 6re*i"e" % t,e 6 llin- 6lace@ (() T,e t,ir& c 60> t

n a =all =it,in

t,e C **i""i n@ t,e 6r !incial + ar& %

(8) T,e % 1rt, c 60> t can!a""er"@

(4) T,e %i%t, c 60> t t,e & *inant *aC rit0 6art0 a" &eter*ine& +0 t,e C **i""i n in acc r&ance =it, la=@

2*

(2) T,e "i7t, c 60> t t,e & *inant *in rit0 6art0 a" &eter*ine& +0 t,e C **i""i n in acc r&ance =it, la=@ (3) T,e "e!ent, c 60> t a citiAen"E a1t, riAe& +0 t,e C **i""i n t c n&1ct an 1n %%icial c 1nt? P!o ided* howe e!> T,at t,e accre&itati n % t,e citiAen"E ar* ",all +e "1+Cect t t,e 6r !i"i n" % Secti n 4$(<) % Bata" Pa*+an"a Bl&-. 881@ an& (8) T,e ei-,t, c 60 ",all +e &e6 "ite& in"i&e t,e c *6art*ent % t,e +all t + 7 % r !ali& ! te". T,e c 60 % t,e electi n ret1rn 6 "te& n t,e =all ",all +e 6en % r 61+lic !ie=in- at an0 ti*e % t,e &a0 % r % rt0#ei-,t (88) , 1r" % ll =in- it" 6 "tin-. An0 6er" n *a0 !ie= r ca6t1re an i*a-e % t,e electi n ret1rn +0 *ean" % an0 &ata ca6t1rin- &e!ice "1c, a"> +1t n t li*ite& t > ca*era" at an0 ti*e % t,e &a0 % r % rt0#ei-,t (88) , 1r" % ll =in- it" 6 "tin-. A%ter t,e 6re"cri+e& 6eri & % r 6 "tin-> t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all c llect t,e 6 "te& electi n ret1rn" an& <ee6 t,e "a*e in ,i" c1"t &0 t +e 6r &1ce& % r i*a-e r &ata ca6t1rin- a" *a0 +e reB1e"te& +0 an0 ! ter r an0 la=%1l 61r6 "e a" *a0 +e r&ere& +0 c *6etent a1t, rit0. E7ce6t % r t, "e c 6ie" t,at are reB1ire& t +e &eli!ere&> c 6ie" % electi n ret1rn" *a0 +e clai*e& at t,e 6 llin6lace. An0 1nclai*e& c 60 ",all +e +r 1-,t +0 t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t t,e can!a""in- center =,ere t,e reci6ient" r t,eir re6re"entati!e" *a0 clai* t,e*. C 6ie" "till 1nclai*e& at t,e can!a""in- center ",all +e &ee*e& 6lace& in t,e c1"t &0 % t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> =, ",all 6r &1ce t,e* =,en reB1e"te& +0 t,e reci6ient r =,en r&ere& +0 a c *6etent a1t, rit0. T,e T,irt0 (()) certi%ie& 6rint c 6ie" % t,e electi n ret1rn % r nati nal 6 "iti n" ",all +e &i"tri+1te& a" % ll ="? (a) T,e %ir"t % 1rteen (18) c 6ie" ",all +e -i!en t t,e % 1rteen (18) accre&ite& *aC r nati nal 6artie" in

2*#

acc r&ance =it, a ! l1ntar0 a-ree*ent a* n- t,e*. I% n "1c, a-ree*ent i" reac,e&> t,e C **i""i n ",all &eci&e =,ic, 6artie" ",all recei!e t,e c 6ie" n t,e +a"i" % t,e criteria 6r !i&e& in Secti n $2 ,ere %@ (+) T,e ne7t t,ree c 6ie" ",all +e -i!en t t,e t,ree accre&ite& *aC r l cal 6artie" in acc r&ance =it, a ! l1ntar0 a-ree*ent a* n- t,e*. I% n "1c, a-ree*ent i" reac,e&> t,e C **i""i n ",all &eci&e =,ic, 6artie" ",all recei!e t,e c 6ie" n t,e +a"i" % criteria anal - 1" t t,at 6r !i&e& in Secti n $2 Here %@ (c) T,e ne7t %i!e c 6ie" ",all +e -i!en t nati nal +r a&ca"t r 6rint *e&ia entitie" a" *a0 +e eB1ita+l0 &eter*ine& +0 t,e C **i""i n in !ie= % 6r 6a-atint,e c 6ie" t t,e =i&e"t e7tent 6 ""i+le@ (&) T,e ne7t t= c 6ie" ",all +e -i!en t l cal +r a&ca"t r 6rint *e&ia entitie" a" *a0 +e eB1ita+l0 &eter*ine& +0 t,e C **i""i n in !ie= % 6r 6a-atin- t,e c 6ie" t t,e =i&e"t e7tent 6 ""i+le@ (e) T,e ne7t % 1r c 6ie" t t,e *aC r citiAen"E ar*"> incl1&in- t,e accre&ite& citiAen"E ar*" an& t,er n n# 6arti"an -r 16" r r-aniAati n" enli"te& +0 t,e C **i""i n 61r"1ant t Secti n 4$(<) % Bata" Pa*+an"a Bl-. 881@ (%) T,e ne7t c 60 t +e 6lace& in"i&e t,e c *6art*ent t,e +all t + 7 % r !ali& +all t"@ an& (-) T,e la"t c 60 t t,e 6r !incial + ar& % can!a""er". %

T,e certi%ie& 6rint c 6ie" *a0 +e clai*e& at t,e 6 llin6lace. An0 1nclai*e& c 60 ",all +e +r 1-,t +0 t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t t,e can!a""incenter =,ere t,e reci6ient" r re6re"entati!e" *a0 clai* t,e*. C 6ie" "till 1nclai*e& at t,e can!a""in- center ",all +e 6lace& in t,e c1"t &0 % t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& electi n in"6ect r"> =, ",all 6r &1ce t,e* =,en reB1e"te& +0 t,e reci6ient r =,en r&ere& +0 a c *6etent a1t, rit0.

2*&

An0 6r !i"i n % la= t t,e c ntrar0 n t=it,"tan&in-> an0 % t,e reci6ient" % t,e 6rint r &i-ital c 6ie" % t,e electi n ret1rn *a0 c n&1ct an 1n %%icial c n" li&ati n % ! te" an& *a0 ann 1nce t,e re"1lt t t,e 61+lic. T,e C **i""i n ",all 6 "t it" &i-ital %ile" in it" =e+"ite % r t,e 61+lic t !ie= r & =nl a& at an0 ti*e % t,e &a0. T,e C **i""i n ",all *aintain t,e %ile" at lea"t t,ree 0ear" %r * t,e &ate % 6 "tin-. JAn0 !i lati n % t,i" "ecti n> r it" 6ertinent 6 rti n> ",all c n"tit1te an electi n %%en"e an& ",all +e 6enaliAe& in acc r&ance =it, Bata" Pa*+an"a Bl-. 881@ Secti n $14. B ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t i""1e a certi%icate % t,e n1*+er % ! te" 6 lle& +0 t,e can&i&ate" % r an %%ice t t,e =atc,er". $ A%ter t,e ann 1nce*ent % t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n an& +e% re lea!in- t,e 6 llin- 6lace> it ",all +e t,e &1t0 % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t i""1e a certi%icate % t,e n1*+er % t,e ! te" recei!e& +0 a can&i&ate 16 n reB1e"t % t,e =atc,er". All t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all "i-n t,e certi%icate. AMENDED B: Secti n 12 /A 2282. Ce!tificates of 3otes. # A%ter t,e c 1ntin% t,e ! te" ca"t in t,e 6recinct an& ann 1nce*ent % t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n> an& +e% re lea!in- t,e 6 llin- 6lace> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all i""1e a certi%icate % ! te" 16 n reB1e"t % t,e &1l0 accre&ite& =atc,er". T,e certi%icate ",all c ntain t,e n1*+er % ! te" +taine& +0 eac, can&i&ate =ritten in = r&" an& %i-1re"> t,e n1*+er % t,e 6recinct> t,e na*e % t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 an& 6r !ince> t,e t tal n1*+er % ! ter" =, ! te& in t,e 6recinct an& t,e &ate an& ti*e i""1e&> an& ",all +e "i-ne& an& t,1*+ *ar<e& +0 eac, *e*+er % t,e + ar&. Secti n $12. Alterati n" an& c rrecti n" in t,e electi n ret1rn". $ An0 c rrecti n r alterati n *a&e in t,e electi n> ret1rn" +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" +e% re t,e ann 1nce*ent % t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n in t,e 6 llin6lace ",all +e &1l0 initiale& +0 all t,e *e*+er" t,ere %. A%ter t,e ann 1nce*ent % t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n in t,e 6 llin- 6lace ,a" +een *a&e> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all n t *a<e an0 alterati n r a*en&*ent in an0 % t,e

2*(

c 6ie" % t,e electi n ret1rn"> 1nle"" " r&ere& +0 t,e C **i""i n 16 n 6etiti n % t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" =it,in %i!e &a0" %r * t,e &ate % t,e electi n r t=ent0#% 1r , 1r" %r * t,e ti*e a c 60 % t,e electi n ret1rn" c ncerne& i" 6ene& +0 t,e + ar& % can!a""er"> =,ic,e!er i" earlier. T,e 6etiti n ",all +e acc *6anie& +0 6r % % "er!ice 16 n all can&i&ate" a%%ecte&. I% t,e 6etiti n i" +0 all *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n = 1l& n t +e a%%ecte& +0 "ai& c rrecti n an& n ne % t,e can&i&ate" a%%ecte& +Cect" t,eret > t,e C **i""i n> 16 n +ein- "ati"%ie& % t,e !eracit0 % t,e 6etiti n an& % t,e err r alle-e& t,erein> ",all r&er t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t *a<e t,e 6r 6er c rrecti n n t,e electi n ret1rn". H =e!er> i% a can&i&ate a%%ecte& +0 "ai& 6etiti n +Cect" t,eret > =,et,er t,e 6etiti n i" %ile& +0 all r nl0 a *aC rit0 % t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n = 1l& +e a%%ecte& +0 t,e c rrecti n " 1-,t t +e *a&e> t,e C **i""i n ",all 6r cee& "1**aril0 t ,ear t,e 6etiti n. I% it %in&" t,e 6etiti n *erit ri 1" an& t,ere are n e!i&ence r "i-n" in&icatin- t,at t,e i&entit0 an& inte-rit0 % t,e +all t + 7 ,a!e +een !i late&> t,e C **i""i n ",all r&er t,e 6enin- % t,e +all t + 7. A%ter "ati"%0in- it"el% t,at t,e inte-rit0 % t,e +all t" t,erein ,a" al" +een &1l0 6re"er!e&> t,e C **i""i n ",all r&er t,e rec 1ntin- % t,e ! te" % t,e can&i&ate" a%%ecte& an& t,e 6r 6er c rrecti n" *a&e n t,e electi n ret1rn"> 1nle"" t,e c rrecti n " 1-,t i" "1c, t,at it can +e *a&e =it, 1t nee& % 6enin- t,e +all t + 7. Secti n $13. Deli!er0 % t,e +all t + 7e"> <e0" an& electi n "166lie" an& & c1*ent". $ U6 n t,e ter*inati n % t,e c 1ntin- % ! te"> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all 6lace in t,e c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t"> t,e en!el 6e" % r 1"e& +all t" ,erein+e% re re%erre& t > t,e 1n1"e& +all t"> t,e tall0 + ar& r ",eet> a c 60 % t,e electi n ret1rn"> an& t,e *in1te" % it" 6r cee&in-"> an& t,en ",all l c< t,e +all t + 7 =it, t,ree 6a&l c<" an& "1c, "a%et0 &e!ice" a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 6re"cri+e. I**e&iatel0 a%ter t,e + 7 i" l c<e&> t,e t,ree <e0" % t,e 6a&l c<" ",all +e 6lace& in t,ree "e6arate en!el 6e" an& ",all +e "eale& an& "i-ne& +0 all t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r".

2*)

T,e a1t, riAe& re6re"entati!e" % t,e C **i""i n ",all % rt,=it, ta<e &eli!er0 % "ai& en!el 6e"> "i-nin- a recei6t t,ere% r> an& &eli!er =it, 1t &ela0 ne en!el 6e t t,e 6r !incial trea"1rer> an t,er t t,e 6r !incial %i"cal an& t,e t,er t t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r. T,e +all t + 7> all "166lie" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& all 6ertinent 6a6er" an& & c1*ent" ",all i**e&iatel0 +e &eli!ere& +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& t,e =atc,er" t t,e cit0 r *1nici6al trea"1rer =, ",all <ee6 ,i" %%ice 6en all ni-,t n t,e &a0 % electi n i% nece""ar0 % r t,i" 61r6 "e> an& ",all 6r !i&e t,e nece""ar0 %acilitie" % r "ai& &eli!er0 at t,e e76en"e % t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0. T,e + < % ! ter" ",all +e ret1rne& t t,e electi n re-i"trar =, ",all <ee6 it 1n&er ,i" c1"t &0. T,e trea"1rer an& t,e electi n re-i"trar> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e> ",all n t,e &a0 a%ter t,e electi n reB1ire t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" =, %aile& t "en& t,e +Cect" re%erre& t ,erein t &eli!er t,e "a*e t ,i* i**e&iatel0 an& ac<n =le&-e recei6t t,ere % in &etail. Secti n $18. Pre"er!ati n % t,e ! tin- rec r& . $ T,e ! tinrec r& % eac, 6 llin- 6lace ",all +e &eli!ere& t t,e electi n re-i"trar =, ",all ,a!e c1"t &0 % t,e "a*e> <ee6in- t,e* in a "a%e 6lace> 1ntil "1c, ti*e t,at t,e C **i""i n ",all -i!e in"tr1cti n" n t,eir &i"6 "iti n. Secti n $1.. Pre"er!ati n % t,e +all t + 7e"> t,eir <e0" an& &i"6 "iti n % t,eir c ntent". $ (a) T,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r> t,e 6r !incial trea"1rer an& t,e 6r !incial %i"cal ",all <ee6 t,e en!el 6e c ntainin- t,e <e0" in t,eir 6 ""e""i n intact &1rin- t,e 6eri & % t,ree * nt," % ll =in- t,e electi n. U6 n t,e la6"e % t,i" 6eri &> 1nle"" t,e C **i""i n ,a" r&ere& t,er=i"e> t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r an& t,e 6r !incial %i"cal ",all &eli!er t t,e 6r !incial trea"1rer t,e en!el 6e c ntainin- t,e <e0" 1n&er t,eir c1"t &0. (+) T,e cit0 an& *1nici6al trea"1rer ",all <ee6 t,e +all t + 7e" 1n&er t,eir re"6 n"i+ilit0 % r t,ree * nt," an& "t re& 1n 6ene& in a "ec1re 6lace> 1nle"" t,e C **i""i n r&er" t,er=i"e =,ene!er "ai& +all t + 7e"

2**

are nee&e& in an0 6 litical e7erci"e =,ic, *i-,t +e calle& =it,in t,e "ai& 6eri &> 6r !i&e& t,e"e are n t in! l!e& in an0 electi n c nte"t r %%icial in!e"ti-ati n> r t,e C **i""i n r t,er c *6etent a1t, rit0 ",all &e*an& t,e* " ner r ",all r&er t,eir 6re"er!ati n % r a l n-er ti*e in c nnecti n =it, an0 6en&in- c nte"t r in!e"ti-ati n. H =e!er> 16 n ", =in- +0 an0 can&i&ate t,at t,e + 7e" =ill +e in &an-er % +ein- !i late& i% <e6t in t,e 6 ""e""i n % "1c, %%icial"> t,e C **i""i n *a0 r&er t,e* <e6t +0 an0 t,er %%icial =, * it *a0 &e"i-nate. U6 n t,e la6"e % "ai& ti*e an& i% t,ere ", 1l& +e n r&er t t,e c ntrar0> t,e C **i""i n *a0 a1t, riAe t,e cit0 an& *1nici6al trea"1rer in t,e 6re"ence % it" re6re"entati!e t 6en t,e + 7e" an& +1rn t,eir c ntent"> e7ce6t t,e c 60 % t,e *in1te" % t,e ! tin- an& t,e electi n ret1rn" &e6 "ite& t,erein =,ic, t,e0 ",all ta<e an& <ee6. (c) In ca"e % cala*it0 r % rt1it 1" e!ent "1c, a" %ire> %l &> "t r*> r t,er "i*ilar cala*itie" =,ic, *a0 act1all0 ca1"e &a*a-e t t,e +all t + 7e" an&H r t,eir c ntent"> t,e C **i""i n *a0 a1t, riAe t,e 6enin- % "ai& +all t + 7e" t "al!a-e t,e +all t" an& t,er c ntent" +0 6lacin- t,e* in t,er +all t + 7e"> ta<in"1c, t,er 6reca1ti nar0 *ea"1re" a" *a0 +e nece""ar0 t 6re"er!e "1c, & c1*ent". Secti n $$). D c1*ent" an& article" *itte& r err ne 1"l0 6lace& in"i&e t,e +all t + 7. # I% a%ter t,e &eli!er0 % t,e <e0" % t,e +all t + 7 t t,e 6r 6er a1t, ritie"> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all &i"c !er t,at " *e & c1*ent" r article" reB1ire& t +e 6lace& in t,e +all t + 7 =ere n t 6lace& t,erein> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> in"tea& % 6enint,e +all t + 7 in r&er t 6lace t,erein "ai& & c1*ent" r article"> ",all &eli!er t,e "a*e t t,e C **i""i n r it" &1l0 a1t, riAe& re6re"entati!e". In n in"tance ",all t,e +all t + 7 +e re 6ene& t 6lace t,erein r ta<e 1t t,ere%r * an0 & c1*ent r article e7ce6t t retrie!e c 6ie" % t,e electi n ret1rn" =,ic, =ill +e nee&e& in an0 can!a"" an& in "1c, e7ce6te& in"tance"> t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& =atc,er" % t,e can&i&ate" ",all +e n ti%ie& % t,e ti*e an& 6lace % t,e 6enin- % "ai& +all t + 7? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at i% t,ere are t,er c 6ie" % t,e electi n ret1rn" 1t"i&e % t,e +all t + 7 =,ic, can +e 1"e& in can!a""> "1c,

3,,

c 6ie" % t,e electi n ret1rn" ",all +e 1"e& in "ai& can!a"" an& t,e 6enin- % t,e +all t + 7 t retrie!e c 6ie" % t,e electi n ret1rn" 6lace& t,erein ",all t,en +e &i"6en"e& =it,.

DISCUSSIONS

C 1ntin-

% ' te"

T2e C!+E:EC is aut2ori9ed to prescribe t2e manner and procedure o% counting o% "otes under t2e automated system4 pro"ided t2at apart %rom t2e electronically stored result4 t2irty (3,) copies o% t2e election returns are printed (Sec. 1) R.A *3&*). Section 31 o% Republic Act *3&* pro"ides t2at added to t2e manner o% counting o% "otes under Sec. 12 $ar. o% R.A && & and Sec. 21, o% 3.$ ))14 t2e c2airman4 poll cler; and t2e t2irdmember must assume t2e position as to pro"ide t2e =atc2ers and t2e public to an unimpeded "ie= o% t2e ballot being read by t2e c2airman4 o% t2e election returns4 and t2e tally board being accomplis2ed by t2e poll cler; =it2out e"er allo=ing t2em to touc2 t2ese election documents. T2e table s2ould be cleared o% all =riting materials. <n all instances t2e c2airman must %irst read t2e "otes %or national positions. Any "iolation o% t2ese re/uirements s2all be considered as an election o%%ense punis2able under Secs.2&3 and 2& o% 3.$ ))1. As to t2e actual counting procedure t2e c2airman s2all %irst insert 2is Security ;ey in t2e appropriate slot in t2e $C!S +ac2ine4 t2en 2e s2all press t2e DC:!SE 0!T<?@ !$T<!?E in t2e screen menu. T2e mac2ine s2all t2en prompt t2e operator to con%irm t2e closing o% t2e "oting a%ter =2ic2 t2e mac2ine s2all no longer accept any ballot. A%ter =2ic2 t2e poll cler; and t2e t2ird member o% t2e 3E< s2all enter t2eir respecti"e $<? t2e $C!S +ac2ine s2all t2en automatically count t2e "otes. A%ter t2e counting t2e $C!S mac2ine s2all automatically print eig2t ()) copies o% election returns %or national positions %ollo=ed by anot2er eig2t ()) copies %or t2e local positions in t2eir respecti"e polling place. Eac2 copy o% t2e election returns must bear t2e appropriatecontrol mar;s to determine t2e time and place o% printing4 it must li;e=ise be signed and t2umbmar;ed by all t2e members o% t2e 3E< and =atc2ers

3,1

present. T2e copies s2all be t2en distributed by t2e c2airman o% t2e 3E< in t2e %ollo=ing mannerJ A. 'or ?ational positions suc2 as t2e election o% president4 "ice1 president4 senators and members o% t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es including t2e $arty1:istJ a. 'irst (1st) Copy O to t2e city or municipal 3oard o% Can"assersH b. Second (2nd) Copy O posted on a =all =it2in t2e premises o% t2e polling placeH c. T2ird (3rd) Copy O to t2e Congress directed to t2e $resident o% t2e SenateH d. 'ourt2 (
t2

) Copy O to t2e C!+E:EC

e. 'i%t2 (#t2) Copy O to t2e dominant maCority party as determined by t2e C!+E:EC in accordance =it2 la=H %. Si-t2 (&t2) Copy O t2e dominant minority party as determined by t2e C!+E:EC in accordance =it2 la=H g. Se"ent2 ((t2) Copy O to a citi9enAs arm aut2ori9ed by t2e C!+E:EC to conduct an uno%%icial count pro"ided t2at t2e accreditation o% t2e citi9enAs arm s2all be subCect to t2e pro"ision o% Sec. #2(;) o% 3.$ ))1H and 2. Eig2t2 ()t2) Copy O s2all be deposited inside t2e compartment o% t2e ballot bo- %or "alid ballots

3. As %or local o%%icialsH a. 'irst (1st) Copy O to t2e city or municipal 3oard o% Can"assersH

b. Second (2nd) Copy O posted on a =all =it2in t2e premises o% t2e polling placeH c. T2ird (3rd) Copy O to t2e C!+E:ECH d. 'ourt2 (
t2

) Copy O to t2e pro"incial board o% can"assersH

3,2

e. 'i%t2 (#t2) Copy O to t2e dominant maCority party as determined by t2e C!+E:EC in accordance =it2 la=H %. Si-t2 (&t2) Copy O t2e dominant minority party as determined by t2e C!+E:EC in accordance =it2 la=H g. Se"ent2 ((t2) Copy O to a citi9enAs arm aut2ori9ed by t2e C!+E:EC to conduct an uno%%icial count pro"ided t2at t2e accreditation o% t2e citi9enAs arm s2all be subCect to t2e pro"ision o% Sec. #2(;) o% 3.$ ))1H and 2. Eig2t2 ()t2) Copy O s2all be deposited inside t2e compartment o% t2e ballot bo- %or "alid ballots (Sec. 1* R.A *3&*)

?oteJ T2e C2airman s2all announce t2e posting o% t2e second copy o% t2e ER %or bot2 t2e national and local positions on a =all =it2in t2e premises o% t2e polling place4 it s2ould be su%%iciently lig2ted and accessible to t2e public. T2e public may "ie= or capture an image o% t2e election returns by means o% any data capturing de"ice suc2 as but not limited to cameras. A%ter %orty1eig2t ( )) 2ours %ollo=ing t2e posting o% t2e c2airman o% t2e 3E< s2all ta;e do=n t2e posted election returns and ;eep t2e same in 2is custody to be produced %or image or data capturing as maybe re/uested by any "oter or %or any la=%ul purpose as maybe ordered by competent aut2ority (Sec. 33 R.A *3&*). 'or t2e purpose o% can"assing t2e "otes t2e election returns s2all be electronically transmitted to be used by t2e 3oard o% Can"assers (3!C). T2e election returns must be digitally signed by t2e members o% t2e 3E< %or re%usal to sign t2e same is considered as an election o%%ense. <% t2e returns are success%ully recei"ed a message to t2at e%%ect s2all appear on t2e screen o% t2e $C!S mac2ine. Sec. 3) (%) o% C!+E:EC Resolution ?o. )(3* pro"ides t2at a%ter t2e printing o% all t2e reportsJ 1. T2e members o% t2e 3E< s2all a%%i- t2eir signatures and t2umb mar;s on t2e 3, printed ERs. 2. T2e 3E< s2all as; t2e =atc2ers present to a%%i- t2eir signatures on t2e printed election returns. 8nless ot2er=ise ordered by t2e Commission4 t2e 3E< s2all not stop or postpone t2e counting until it 2as been completed. <n case a $C!S %ails to count t2e "ote or transmitMprint t2e results4 t2e !perator s2all announce t2e error and underta;e t2e necessary correcti"e measures.

3,3

S2ould t2e !perator be unable to correct t2e error4 2e s2all call on t2e Tec2nical Support personnel assigned to t2e 0oting Center %or assistance. Suc2 %act s2all be noted in t2e +inutes (Sec. 3) (%) C!+E:EC Resolution ?o. )(3*).

A/TICLE 5I5
CAN'ASS AND P/OCLAMATION

Secti n $$1. B ar& % can!a""er". $ T,ere ",all +e a + ar& can!a""er" % r eac, 6r !ince> cit0> *1nici6alit0> an& &i"trict Metr 6 litan Manila a" % ll ="?

% %

(a) Pr !incial + ar& % can!a""er". # t,e 6r !incial + ar& % can!a""er" ",all +e c *6 "e& % t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r r a "eni r la=0er in t,e re-i nal %%ice % t,e C **i""i n> a" c,air*an> t,e 6r !incial %i"cal> a" !ice#c,air*an> an& t,e 6r !incial "16erinten&ent % "c, l"> an& ne re6re"entati!e %r * eac, % t,e r1lin- 6art0 an& t,e & *inant 66 "iti n 6 litical 6art0 in t,e c n"tit1enc0 c ncerne& entitle& t +e re6re"ente&> a" *e*+er". (+) Cit0 + ar& % can!a""er". # t,e cit0 + ar& % can!a""er" ",all +e c *6 "e& % t,e cit0 electi n re-i"trar r a la=0er % t,e C **i""i n> a" c,air*an> t,e cit0 %i"cal an& t,e cit0 "16erinten&ent % "c, l"> an&

3,

ne re6re"entati!e %r * eac, % t,e r1lin- 6art0 an& t,e & *inant 66 "iti n 6 litical 6art0 entitle& t +e re6re"ente&> a" *e*+er". (c) Di"trict + ar& % can!a""er" % Metr 6 litan Manila # t,e &i"trict + ar& % can!a""er" ",all +e c *6 "e& % a la=0er % t,e C **i""i n> a" c,air*an> an& a ran<in%i"cal in t,e &i"trict an& t,e * "t "eni r &i"trict "c, l "16er!i" r in t,e &i"trict t +e a66 inte& 16 n c n"1ltati n =it, t,e Mini"tr0 % D1"tice an& t,e Mini"tr0 % E&1cati n> C1lt1re an& S6 rt"> re"6ecti!el0> an& ne re6re"entati!e %r * eac, % t,e r1lin- 6art0 an& t,e & *inant 66 "iti n 6 litical 6art0 in t,e c n"tit1enc0 c ncerne&> a" *e*+er". (&) M1nici6al + ar& % can!a""er". # t,e *1nici6al + ar& % can!a""er" ",all +e c *6 "e& % t,e electi n re-i"trar r a re6re"entati!e % t,e C **i""i n> a" c,air*an> t,e *1nici6al trea"1rer> an& t,e &i"trict "16er!i" r r in ,i" a+"ence an0 61+lic "c, l 6rinci6al in t,e *1nici6alit0 an& ne re6re"entati!e %r * eac, % t,e r1lin- 6art0 an& t,e & *inant 66 "iti n 6 litical 6art0 entitle& t +e re6re"ente&> a" *e*+er". (e) B ar& % can!a""er" % r ne=l0 create& 6 litical "1+&i!i"i n" # t,e C **i""i n ",all c n"tit1te a + ar& % can!a""er" an& a66 int t,e *e*+er" t,ere % % r t,e %ir"t electi n in a ne=l0 create& 6r !ince> cit0 r *1nici6alit0 in ca"e t,e %%icial" =, ",all act a" *e*+er" t,ere % ,a!e n t 0et a""1*e& t,eir &1tie" an& %1ncti n". Secti n $$$. /elati n",i6 =it, can&i&ate" an& t,er *e*+er". $ T,e c,air*an an& t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all n t +e relate& =it,in t,e % 1rt, ci!il &e-ree % c n"an-1init0 r a%%init0 t an0 % t,e can&i&ate" =, "e ! te" =ill +e can!a""e& +0 "ai& + ar&> r t an0 *e*+er % t,e "a*e + ar&. Secti n $$(. Pr ,i+iti n a-ain"t lea!in%%icial "tati n . $ D1rin- t,e 6eri & +e-innin- electi n &a0 1ntil t,e 6r cla*ati n % t,e =innin- can&i&ate"> n *e*+er r "1+"tit1te *e*+er % t,e &i%%erent + ar&" % can!a""er" ",all +e tran"%erre&> a""i-ne& r &etaile& 1t"i&e % ,i" %%icial

3,#

"tati n> n r ",all ,e lea!e "ai& "tati n =it, 1t 6ri r a1t, rit0 % t,e C **i""i n. Secti n $$8. Fei-ne& illne"". $ An0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" %ei-nin- illne"" in r&er t +e "1+"tit1te& n electi n &a0 1ntil t,e 6r cla*ati n % t,e =innin- can&i&ate" ",all +e -1ilt0 % an electi n %%en"e. Secti n $$4. ' te reB1ire&. $ A *aC rit0 ! te % all t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all +e nece""ar0 t ren&er a &eci"i n. Secti n $$2. Inca6acit0 an& "1+"tit1ti n % *e*+er" % + ar&" % can!a""er". $ In ca"e % n n#a!aila+ilit0> a+"ence> &i"B1ali%icati n &1e t relati n",i6> r inca6acit0 % r an0 ca1"e % t,e c,air*an> t,e C **i""i n ",all &e"i-nate t,e 6r !incial r cit0 %i"cal t act a" c,air*an. Li<e=i"e> in ca"e % n n# a!aila+ilit0> a+"ence> &i"B1ali%icati n &1e t relati n",i6> r inca6acit0 % r an0 ca1"e> % "1c, &e"i-nee> t,e ne7t ran<in6r !incial r cit0 %i"cal ",all +e &e"i-nate& +0 t,e C **i""i n an& "1c, &e"i-nati n ",all 6a"" t t,e ne7t in ran< 1ntil t,e &e"i-nee B1ali%ie". 9it, re"6ect t t,e t,er *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % can!a""er"> t,e C **i""i n ",all a66 int a" "1+"tit1te t,e 6r !incial> cit0 r *1nici6al %%icer" % t,er - !ern*ent a-encie" in t,e 6r !ince> cit0 r *1nici6alit0> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e> an& =it, re"6ect t t,e re6re"entati!e" % t,e accre&ite& 6 litical 6artie"> t,e C **i""i n ",all a66 int a" "1+"tit1te" t, "e n *inate& +0 t,e "ai& 6 litical 6artie". AMENDED B: Secti n $1 /A 2282. %ubstitution of Chai!man and 8embe!s of the +oa!d of Can asse!s. # In ca"e % n n# a!aila+ilit0> a+"ence> &i"B1ali%icati n &1e t relati n",i6> r inca6acit0 % r an0 ca1"e % t,e c,air*an> t,e C **i""i n ",all a66 int a" "1+"tit1te a ran<in- la=0er % t,e C **i""i n. 9it, re"6ect t t,e t,er *e*+er" % t,e + ar&> t,e C **i""i n ",all a66 int a" "1+"tit1te t,e % ll =in- in t,e r&er na*e&? T,e Pr !incial A1&it r> t,e /e-i"trar % Dee&"> t,e Cler< % C 1rt n *inate& +0 t,e E7ec1ti!e D1&-e % t,e /e-i nal Trial C 1rt> an& an0 t,er a!aila+le a66 inti!e 6r !incial %%icial in t,e ca"e % t,e 6r !incial + ar& % can!a""er"@ t,e %%icial" in t,e cit0 c rre"6 n&in- t t, "e en1*erate&> in t,e ca"e % t,e cit0 + ar& % can!a""er"@ an& t,e M1nici6al A&*ini"trat r> t,e M1nici6al A""e"" r> t,e Cler< % C 1rt n *inate& +0 t,e E7ec1ti!e D1&-e % t,e M1nici6al

3,&

Trial C 1rt> r an0 t,er a!aila+le a66 inti!e *1nici6al %%icial"> in t,e ca"e % t,e *1nici6al + ar& % can!a""er". Secti n $$3. S16er!i"i n an& c ntr l !er + ar& % can!a""er". $ T,e C **i""i n ",all ,a!e &irect c ntr l an& "16er!i"i n !er t,e + ar& % can!a""er". An0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" *a0> at an0 ti*e> +e relie!e& % r ca1"e an& "1+"tit1te& * t1 6r 6ri +0 t,e C **i""i n. Secti n $$8. N tice % *eetin- % t,e + ar&. $ At lea"t %i!e &a0" +e% re t,e *eetin- % t,e + ar&> t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& ",all -i!e n tice t all *e*+er" t,ere % an& t eac, can&i&ate an& 6 litical 6art0 % t,e &ate> ti*e an& 6lace % t,e *eetin-. AMENDED B: Secti n $( /A 2282. =otice of 8eetin)s of the +oa!d. # At lea"t %i!e (4) &a0" +e% re t,e initial *eetin- % t,e + ar& % can!a""er"> t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& ",all -i!e =ritten n tice t all *e*+er" t,ere % an& t eac, can&i&ate an& 6 litical 6art0 6re"entin- can&i&ate" % r electi n in t,e 6 litical "1+&i!i"i n c ncerne& % t,e &ate> ti*e an& 6lace % t,e *eetin-. Si*ilar n tice ",all al" +e -i!en % r "1+"eB1ent *eetin-" 1nle"" n tice ,a" +een -i!en in 6en "e""i n % t,e + ar&. Pr % % "er!ice % n tice t eac, *e*+er> can&i&ate an& 6 litical 6art0 ",all +e attac,e& t an& ",all % r* 6art % t,e rec r&" % t,e 6r cee&in-". I% n tice i" -i!en in 6en "e""i n> "1c, %act ",all +e rec r&e& in t,e *in1te" % t,e 6r cee&in-". Secti n $$.. Manner ret1rn". $ % &eli!er0 an& tran"*ittal % electi n

(a) F r t,e cit0 an& *1nici6al + ar& % can!a""er"> t,e c 60 % t,e electi n ret1rn" % a 6 llin- 6lace inten&e& % r t,e cit0 r *1nici6al + ar& % can!a""er"> &1l0 6lace& in"i&e a "eale& en!el 6e "i-ne& an& a%%i7e& =it, t,e i*6rint % t,e t,1*+ % t,e ri-,t ,an& % all t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> ",all +e 6er" nall0 &eli!ere& +0 t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t t,e cit0 r *1nici6al + ar& % can!a""er" 1n&er 6r 6er recei6t t +e "i-ne& +0 all t,e *e*+er" t,ere %.

3,(

(+) F r t,e 6r !incial an& &i"trict + ar&" % can!a""er" in Metr 6 litan Manila> t,e c 60 % t,e electi n ret1rn" % a 6 llin- 6lace inten&e& % r t,e 6r !incial r &i"trict + ar& % can!a""er" in t,e ca"e % Metr 6 litan Manila> ",all +e 6er" nall0 &eli!ere& +0 t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t t,e electi n re-i"trar % r tran"*ittal t t,e 6r 6er + ar& % can!a""er" 1n&er 6r 6er recei6t t +e "i-ne& +0 all t,e *e*+er" t,ere %. T,e electi n re-i"trar c ncerne& ",all 6lace all t,e ret1rn" inten&e& % r t,e + ar& % can!a""er" in"i&e a +all t + 7 6r !i&e& =it, t,ree 6a&l c<" =, "e <e0" ",all +e <e6t a" % ll ="? ne +0 t,e electi n re-i"trar> an t,er +0 t,e re6re"entati!e % t,e r1lin- 6art0 an& t,e t,ir& +0 t,e re6re"entati!e % t,e & *inant 6 litical 66 "iti n 6art0. F r t,i" 61r6 "e> t,e t= 6 litical 6artie" ",all &e"i-nate t,eir re6re"entati!e" =, "e na*e" ",all +e "1+*itte& t t,e electi n re-i"trar c ncerne& n r +e% re t,e tent, &a0 6rece&in- t,e electi n. T,e t,ree in 6 ""e""i n % t,e <e0" ",all 6er" nall0 tran"*it t,e +all t + 7> 6r 6erl0 l c<e&> c ntainin- t,e electi n ret1rn" t t,e + ar& % can!a""er". 9atc,er" % 6 litical 6artie"> c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie"> an& % r-aniAati n" c llecti!el0 a1t, riAe& +0 t,e C **i""i n t &e"i-nate =atc,er" ",all ,a!e t,e ri-,t t acc *6an0 tran"*ittal % t,e +all t + 7e" c ntainin- t,e electi n ret1rn". It ",all +e 1nla=%1l % r an0 6er" n t &ela0> +"tr1ct> i*6e&e r 6re!ent t,r 1-, % rce> !i lence> c erci n> inti*i&ati n r +0 an0 *ean" =,ic, !itiate" c n"ent> t,e tran"*ittal % t,e electi n ret1rn" r t ta<e a=a0> a+"c n& =it,> &e"tr 0> &e%ace r *1tilate r "1+"tit1te t,e electi n ret1rn" r t,e en!el 6e r t,e +all t + 7 c ntainin- t,e electi n ret1rn" r t !i late t,e ri-,t % t,e =atc,er". T,e =atc,er" % t,e 6 litical 6artie"> c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie" an& t,e can&i&ate" ",all ,a!e t,e ri-,t t acc *6an0 t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" r t,e electi n re-i"trar in *a<in- t,e &eli!er0 t t,e + ar&" % can!a""er". Secti n $(). Sa%e<ee6in- % tran"*itte& electi n ret1rn" . $ T,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all <ee6 t,e +all t + 7e" c ntainin- t,e electi n ret1rn" in a "a%e an& "ec1re r * +e% re an& a%ter t,e can!a"". T,e & r t t,e r * *1"t +e 6a&l c<e& +0 t,ree

3,)

l c<" =it, t,e <e0" t,ere % <e6t a" % ll ="? ne =it, t,e c,air*an> t,e t,er =it, t,e re6re"entati!e % t,e r1lin6art0> an& t,e t,er =it, t,e re6re"entati!e % t,e & *inant 66 "iti n 6 litical 6art0. T,e =atc,er" % can&i&ate"> 6 litical 6artie"> c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie" an& r-aniAati n c llecti!el0 a1t, riAe& +0 t,e C **i""i n t a66 int =atc,er" ",all ,a!e t,e ri-,t t -1ar& t,e r *. 'i lati n % t,i" ri-,t ",all c n"tit1te an electi n %%en"e. Secti n $(1. Can!a"" +0 t,e + ar& . $ T,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all *eet n t later t,an "i7 Ecl c< in t,e a%tern n % electi n &a0 at t,e 6lace &e"i-nate& +0 t,e C **i""i n t recei!e t,e electi n ret1rn" an& t i**e&iatel0 can!a"" t, "e t,at *a0 ,a!e alrea&0 +een recei!e&. It ",all *eet c ntin1 1"l0 %r * &a0 t &a0 1ntil t,e can!a"" i" c *6lete&> an& *a0 a&C 1rn +1t nl0 % r t,e 61r6 "e % a=aitin- t,e t,er electi n ret1rn" %r * t,er 6 llin- 6lace" =it,in it" C1ri"&icti n. Eac, ti*e t,e + ar& a&C 1rn"> it ",all *a<e a t tal % all t,e ! te" can!a""e& " %ar % r eac, can&i&ate % r eac, %%ice> %1rni",in- t,e C **i""i n in Manila +0 t,e %a"te"t *ean" % c **1nicati n a certi%ie& c 60 t,ere %> an& *a<ina!aila+le t,e &ata c ntaine& t,erein t t,e *a"" *e&ia an& t,er intere"te& 6artie". A" " n a" t,e t,er electi n ret1rn" are &eli!ere&> t,e + ar& ",all i**e&iatel0 re"1*e can!a""in1ntil all t,e ret1rn" ,a!e +een can!a""e&. T,e re"6ecti!e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all 6re6are a certi%icate % can!a"" &1l0 "i-ne& an& a%%i7e& =it, t,e i*6rint % t,e t,1*+ % t,e ri-,t ,an& % eac, *e*+er> "166 rte& +0 a "tate*ent % t,e ! te" recei!e& +0 eac, can&i&ate in eac, 6 llin- 6lace an&> n t,e +a"i" t,ere %> ",all 6r clai* a" electe& t,e can&i&ate" =, +taine& t,e ,i-,e"t n1*+er % ! te" ca"t in t,e 6r !ince> cit0> *1nici6alit0 r +aran-a0. Fail1re t c *6l0 =it, t,i" reB1ire*ent ",all c n"tit1te an electi n %%en"e. S1+Cect t rea" na+le e7ce6ti n"> t,e + ar& % can!a""er" *1"t c *6lete t,eir can!a"" =it,in t,irt0#"i7 , 1r" in *1nici6alitie"> % rt0#ei-,t , 1r" in citie" an& "e!ent0#t= , 1r" in 6r !ince". 'i lati n ,ere % ",all +e an electi n %%en"e 61ni",a+le 1n&er Secti n $28 ,ere %. 9it, re"6ect t t,e electi n % r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent> t,e 6r !incial an& cit0 + ar&" % can!a""er" ",all 6re6are in

3,*

B1int16licate a certi%icate % can!a"" "166 rte& +0 a "tate*ent % ! te" recei!e& +0 eac, can&i&ate in eac, 6 llin6lace an& tran"*it t,e %ir"t c 60 t,ere % t t,e S6ea<er % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a. T,e "ec n& c 60 ",all +e tran"*itte& t t,e C **i""i n> t,e t,ir& c 60 ",all +e <e6t +0 t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r r cit0 electi n re-i"trar@ t,e % 1rt, an& t,e %i%t, c 6ie" t eac, % t,e t= accre&ite& 6 litical 6artie". AMENDED B: SEC. 8) .(2.. Secti n $. % /e61+lic Act N . 3122 i" ,ere+0 a*en&e& t rea& a" % ll ="? JSEC.$.. =umbe! of Copies of Ce!tificate of Can ass and thei! 9ist!ibution. # a) t,e certi%icate % can!a"" % r 6re"i&ent> !ice#6re"i&ent> "enat r an& *e*+er % t,e , 1"e % /e6re"entati!e" an& electi!e 6r !incial %%icial ",all +e 6re6are& in "e!en c 6ie" +0 t,e cit0 r *1nici6al + ar& % can!a""er" an& &i"tri+1te& a" % ll ="? (1) T,e %ir"t c 60 ",all +e &eli!ere& t t,e 6r !incial + ar& % can!a""er" % r 1"e in t,e can!a"" electi n re"1lt" % r 6re"i&ent> !ice# 6re"i&ent> "enat r an& *e*+er % t,e H 1"e % re6re"entati!e" an& electi!e 6r !incial %%icial"? ($) T,e "ec n& c 60 ",all +e "ent t (() T,e t,ir& c 60 ",all +e 6 "te& 6re*i"e" % t,e can!a""in- center t,e C **i""i n@ n a =all =it,in t,e % t,e

(8) T,e % 1rt, c 60 ",all +e <e6t +0 t,e c,air*an B ar&? an&

(4) t,e %i%t, c 60 ",all +e -i!en t,e citiAen"E ar* &e"i-nate& +0 t,e C **i""i n t c n&1ct a *e&ia#+a"e& 1n %%icial c 1nt> an& t,e "i7t, an& "e!ent, c 6ie" ",all +e -i!en t t,e citiAenE" ar* &e"i-nate& +0 t,e C **i""i n t c n&1ct a *e&ia # +a"e& 1n %%icial c 1nt > an& t,e "i7t, an& "e!ent, c 6ie" ",all +e -i!en t t,e re6re"entati!e" % t= % t,e "i7 *aC r 6 litical 6artie" in acc r&ance =it, t,e ! l1ntar0 a-ree*ent % t,e 6artie". I% n "1c, a-ree*ent i" reac,e&> t,e c **i""i n ",all &eci&e =,ic, 6artie" ",all recei!e t,e c 6ie" % t,e certi%icate % t,e can!a"" n t,e +a"i" % t,e criteria 6r !i&e& in Secti n $2 ,ere %. T,e 6artie" recei!in- t,e

31,

certi%icate ",all ,a!e +li-ati n t %1rni", t,e t,er 6artie" =it, a1t,entic c 6ie" t,ere % =it, t,e at lea"t 6 ""i+le &ela0. +) T,e certi%icate" % can!a"" % r 6re"i&ent> !ice 6re"i&ent> "enat r" ",all +e 6re6are& in "e!en (3) c 6ie" +0 t,e cit0 + ar&" % can!a""er" % citie" c *6ri"in- ne r * re le-i"lati!e &i"trict"> +0 6r !incial + ar&" % can!a""er" in t,e Metr Manila Area> an& &i"tri+1te& a" % ll ="? (1) T,e %ir"t c 60 ",all +e "ent t t,e C n-re"" &irecte& t t,e Pre"i&ent % t,e Senate % r 1"e in t,e can!a"" % electi n re"1lt" % r 6re"i&ent an& !ice#6re"i&ent@ ($) T,e "ec n& c 60 ",all +e "ent t t,e C **i""i n % r 1"e in t,e can!a"" % t,e electi n re"1lt" % r Senat r"@ (() T,e t,ir& c 60 ",all +e 6 "te& 6re*i"e" % t,e can!a""in- center@ n a =all =it,in t,e % t,e

(8) T,e % 1rt, c 60 ",all +e <e6t +0 t,e C,air*an B ar&@ an&

(4) T,e %i%t, c 60 ",all +e -i!en t t,e citiAen"E " ar* &e"i-nate& +0 t,e C **i""i n t c n&1ct a *e&ia #+a"e& 1n %%icial c 1nt> an& t,e "i7t, an& "e!ent, c 6ie" ",all +e -i!en t t,e re6re"entati!e" % t= % t,e "i7 *aC r 6 litical 6artie". I% n "1c, a-ree*ent i" reac,e&> t,e c **i""i n ",all &eci&e =,ic, 6artie" ",all recei!e t,e c 6ie" % t,e certi%icate % can!a"" n t,e +a"i" % t,e criteria 6r !i&e& in Secti n $2 ,ere %. T,e 6artie" recei!in- t,e certi%icate" ",all ,a!e t,e +li-ati n t %1rni", t,e t,er 6artie" =it, a1t,entic c 6ie" t,ere % =it, t,e lea"t 6 ""i+le &ela0. T,e % t,e certi%icate % can!a"" 6 "te& n t,e =all ",all +e 6en % r 61+lic !ie=in- at an0 ti*e % t,e &a0 % r % rt0 #ei-,t (88) , 1r" % ll =in- it" 6 "tin-. An0 6er" n *a0 !ie= r ca6t1re an i*a-e % t,e certi%icate % can!a"". A%ter t,e 6re"cri+e& 6eri & % r 6 "tin-> t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all c llect t,e 6 "te& certi%icate % can!a"" an& <ee6 t,e "a*e in ,i" c1"t &0 t +e 6r &1ce& % r i*a-e r &ata ca6t1rin- a"

311

*a0 +e reB1e"te& +0 an0 ! ter r % r an0 la=%1l 61r6 "e a" *a0 +e r&ere& c *6etent a1t, rit0. E7ce6t % r t, "e c 6ie" t,at are reB1ire& t +e &eli!ere&> c 6ie" % certi%icate" % can!a"" *a0 +e clai*e& at t,e can!a""in- center. An0 1nclai*e& c 60 ",all +e &ee*e& 6lace& in t,e c1"t &0 % t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % can!a""er"> =, ",all 6r &1ce t,e* reB1e"te& +0 t,e reci6ient r =,en r&ere& +0 a c *6etent a1t, rit0. T,e t,irt0 (()) certi%ie& 6rint c 6ie" % t,e certi%icate can!a"" % r nati nal 6 "iti n" ",all +e &i"tri+1te& a" % ll ="? (a) T,e %ir"t % 1rteen (18) c 6ie" ",all +e -i!en t t,e % 1rteen (18) accre&ite& *aC r nati nal 6artie" in acc r&ance =it, a ! l1ntar0 a-ree*ent a* n- t,e*. I% n "1c, a-ree*ent i" reac,e&> t,e c **i""i n ",all &eci&e =,ic, 6artie" ",all recei!e t,e c 6ie" n t,e +a"i" % t,e criteria 6r !i&e& in Secti n $2 ,ere %@ (+) T,e ne7t t,ree c 6ie" ",all +e -i!en t t,e t,ree accre&ite& *aC r l cal 6artie" in acc r&ance =it, a ! l1ntar0 a-ree*ent a* n- t,e*. I% n "1c, a-ree*ent i" reac,e&> t,e C **i""i n ",all &eci&e =,ic, 6artie" ",all recei!e t,e c 6ie" in t,e +a"i" % criteria anal - 1" t t,e 6r !i&e& in Secti n $2 ,ere %@ (c) T,e ne7t %i!e c 6ie" ",all +e -i!en t nati nal +r a&ca"t r 6rint *e&ia entitie" a" *a0 +e eB1ita+l0 &eter*ine& +0 t,e c **i""i n in !ie= % 6r 6a-atint,e c 6ie" t t,e =i&e"t e7tent 6 ""i+le@ (&) T,e ne7t t= c 6ie" ",all +e -i!en t l cal +r a&ca"t r 6rint *e&ia entitle" a" *a0 +e eB1ita+l0 &eter*ine& +0 t,e C **i""i n in !ie= 6r 6a-atin- t,e c 6ie" t t,e =i&e"t e7tent 6 ""i+le@ (e) T,e ne7t % 1r c 6ie" t t,e *aC r citiAenE" ar*"> incl1&in- accre&ite& citiAenE" ar*> an& t,er n n# 6arti"an -r 16" r r-aniAati n" enli"te& +0 t,e c **i""i n 61r"1ant t "ecti n 4$(I) % Bata" Pa*+an"a Bl-. 881@ an&

312

(%) T,e la"t t= c 6ie" t +e <e6t in %ile +0 t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" t +e "1+"eB1entl0 &i"tri+1te& a" t,e nati nal + ar& % can!a""er" *a0 &irect. T,e certi%ie& 6rint c 6ie" *a0 +e clai*e& at t,e can!a""in- center. An0 1nclai*e& c 60 ",all +e &ee*e& 6lace in t,e c1"t &0 % t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % can!a""er"> =, ",all 6r &1ce t,e* =,en reB1e"te& +0 t,e reci6ient r =,en r&ere& +0 a c *6etent a1t, rit0. T,e c **i""i n ",all 6 "t it" &i-ital %ile" in it" =e+"ite % r t,e 61+lic t !ie= r & =nl a& at an0 ti*e % t,e &a0. T,e c **i""i n ",all *aintain t,e %ile" % r at lea"t t,ree 0ear" %r * t,e &ate % 6 "tin-. An0 !i lati n % t,i" "ecti n> r it" 6ertinent 6 rti n> ",all c n"tit1te an electi n %%en"e an& ",all +e 6enaliAe& in acc r&ance =it, Bata" Pa*+an"a Bl-. 881.J Secti n $($. Per" n" n t all =e& in"i&e t,e can!a""in- r *. $ It ",all +e 1nla=%1l % r an0 %%icer r *e*+er % t,e Ar*e& F rce" % t,e P,ili66ine"> incl1&int,e P,ili66ine C n"ta+1lar0> r t,e Inte-rate& Nati nal P lice r an0 6eace %%icer r an0 ar*e& r 1nar*e& 6er" n" +el n-in- t an e7tra#le-al 6 lice a-enc0> "6ecial % rce"> reacti n % rce"> "tri<e % rce"> , *e &e%en"e % rce"> +aran-a0 "el%#&e%en"e 1nit"> +aran-a0 tan &> r % an0 *e*+er % t,e "ec1rit0 r 6 lice r-aniAati n" % - !ern*ent *ini"trie"> c **i""i n"> c 1ncil"> +1rea1"> %%ice"> in"tr1*entalitie"> r - !ern*ent# =ne& r c ntr lle& c r6 rati n" r t,eir "1+"i&iarie" r % an0 *e*+er % a 6ri!atel0 =ne& r 6erate& "ec1rit0> in!e"ti-ati!e> 6r tecti!e r intelli-ence a-enc0 6er% r*in- i&entical r "i*ilar %1ncti n" t enter t,e r * =,ere t,e can!a""in- % t,e electi n ret1rn" are ,el& +0 t,e + ar& % can!a""er" an& =it,in a ra&i1" % %i%t0 *eter" %r * "1c, r *? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at t,e + ar& % can!a""er" +0 a *aC rit0 ! te> i% it &ee*" nece""ar0> *a0 *a<e a call in =ritin- % r t,e &etail % 6 lice*en r an0 6eace %%icer" % r t,eir 6r tecti n r % r t,e 6r tecti n % t,e electi n & c1*ent" an& 6ara6,ernalia in t,e 6 ""e""i n % t,e + ar&> r % r t,e *aintenance % 6eace an& r&er> in =,ic, ca"e "ai& 6 lice*en r 6eace %%icer"> =, ",all +e in 6r 6er 1ni% r*> ",all "ta0 1t"i&e t,e r * =it,in a

313

ra&i1" % t,irt0 *eter" near en 1-, t + ar& % can!a""er" at an0 ti*e.

+e ea"il0 calle& +0 t,e

Secti n $((. 9,en t,e electi n ret1rn" are &ela0e&> l "t r &e"tr 0e&. $ In ca"e it" c 60 % t,e electi n ret1rn" i" *i""in-> t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all> +0 *e""en-er r t,er=i"e> +tain "1c, *i""in- electi n ret1rn" %r * t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" c ncerne&> r i% "ai& ret1rn" ,a!e +een l "t r &e"tr 0e&> t,e + ar& % can!a""er"> 16 n 6ri r a1t, rit0 % t,e C **i""i n> *a0 1"e an0 % t,e a1t,entic c 6ie" % "ai& electi n ret1rn" r a certi%ie& c 60 % "ai& electi n ret1rn" i""1e& +0 t,e C **i""i n> an& % rt,=it, &irect it" re6re"entati!e t in!e"ti-ate t,e ca"e an& i**e&iatel0 re6 rt t,e *atter t t,e C **i""i n. T,e + ar& % can!a""er"> n t=it,"tan&in- t,e %act t,at n t all t,e electi n ret1rn" ,a!e +een recei!e& +0 it> *a0 ter*inate t,e can!a"" an& 6r clai* t,e can&i&ate" electe& n t,e +a"i" % t,e a!aila+le electi n ret1rn" i% t,e *i""in- electi n ret1rn" =ill n t a%%ect t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n.

DU/ISP/UDENCE CHU !". COMELEC (1. SC/A 88$ $re1proclamation contro"ersy re%ers to any /uestion pertaining to or a%%ecting t2e proceedings o% t2e board o% can"assers =2ic2 may be raised by any candidate or by any registered political party or coalition o% political parties be%ore t2e board or directly =it2 t2e Commission4 or any matter raised under Sections 2334 23 4 23# and 23& in relation to t2e preparation4 transmission4 receipt4 custody and appreciation o% t2e election returns. All pre1proclamation contro"ersies on election returns or certi%icates o% can"ass s2all be disposed o% summarily O %irst4 by t2e board o% can"assers4 and t2en4 by t2e C!+E:EC. <n a pre1proclamation contro"ersy4 t2e board o% can"assers and t2e C!+E:EC are not to loo; beyond or be2ind election returns =2ic2 are on t2eir %ace regular and aut2entic returns.

31

T2e legislati"e intent be2ind t2e summary disposition o% pre1 proclamation contro"ersies is to gi"e li%e to t2e policy t2at t2e can"ass and proclamation be delayed as little as possible %or it is in t2e public interest t2at t2e position %or =2ic2 t2e election =as 2eld s2ould be %illed promptly4 e"en t2oug2 t2e proclamation o% t2e =inning candidates be pro"isional in nature4 in t2at t2e same may still be subCect to t2e results o% t2e election protests t2at may be subse/uently %iled. !ne o% t2e issues properly pertaining to a pre1proclamation contro"ersy is t2at Nt2e election returns =ere prepared under duress4 t2reats4 coercion4 or intimidation4 or t2ey are ob"iously manu%actured or not aut2entic. To pro"e t2e intimidation =2ic2 petitioner asserts =as e-erted upon t2e members o% t2e 3E< by Sanc2e9 and 2er supporters s2ould be properly raised in an election protest. <% t2ere 2ad been s2am "oting or minimal "oting =2ic2 =as made to appear as normal t2roug2 t2e %alsi%ication o% t2e election returns4 suc2 grounds are properly cogni9able in an election protest and not in a pre1 proclamation contro"ersy. <n t2e absence o% palpable errors andMor material de%ects =2ic2 are clearly discernible on t2e %ace o% an election return4 t2e same s2ould be included in t2e can"assing by t2e 3oard o% Can"assers.

Secti n $(8. Material &e%ect" in t,e electi n ret1rn" . $ I% it ", 1l& clearl0 a66ear t,at " *e reB1i"ite" in % r* r &ata ,a& +een *itte& in t,e electi n ret1rn"> t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all call % r all t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" c ncerne& +0 t,e * "t e76e&iti 1" *ean"> % r t,e "a*e + ar& t e%%ect t,e c rrecti n? Pr !i&e&> T,at in ca"e % t,e *i""i n in t,e electi n ret1rn" % t,e na*e % an0 can&i&ate an&H r ,i" c rre"6 n&in- ! te"> t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all reB1ire t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" c ncerne& t c *6lete t,e nece""ar0 &ata in t,e electi n ret1rn" an& a%%i7 t,erein t,eir initial"? Pr !i&e&> %1rt,er> T,at i% t,e ! te" *itte& in t,e ret1rn" cann t +e a"certaine& +0 t,er *ean" e7ce6t +0 rec 1ntin- t,e +all t"> t,e C **i""i n> a%ter "ati"%0in- it"el% t,at t,e i&entit0 an& inte-rit0 % t,e +all t + 7 ,a!e n t +een !i late&> ",all r&er t,e + ar& %

31#

electi n in"6ect r" t 6en t,e +all t + 7> an&> al" a%ter "ati"%0in- it"el% t,at t,e inte-rit0 % t,e +all t" t,erein ,a" +een &1l0 6re"er!e&> r&er t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t c 1nt t,e ! te" % r t,e can&i&ate =, "e ! te" ,a!e +een *itte& =it, n tice t,ere % t all can&i&ate" % r t,e 6 "iti n in! l!e& an& t,erea%ter c *6lete t,e ret1rn". T,e ri-,t % a can&i&ate t a!ail % t,i" 6r !i"i n ",all n t +e l "t r a%%ecte& +0 t,e %act t,at an electi n 6r te"t i" "1+"eB1entl0 %ile& +0 an0 % t,e can&i&ate". Secti n $(4. 9,en electi n ret1rn" a66ear t +e ta*6ere& =it, r %al"i%ie&. $ I% t,e electi n ret1rn" "1+*itte& t t,e + ar& % can!a""er" a66ear t +e ta*6ere& =it,> altere& r %al"i%ie& a%ter t,e0 ,a!e le%t t,e ,an&" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> r t,er=i"e n t a1t,entic> r =ere 6re6are& +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" 1n&er &1re""> % rce> inti*i&ati n> r 6re6are& +0 6er" n" t,er t,an t,e *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all 1"e t,e t,er c 6ie" % "ai& electi n ret1rn" an&> i% nece""ar0> t,e c 60 in"i&e t,e +all t + 7 =,ic, 16 n 6re!i 1" a1t, rit0 -i!en +0 t,e C **i""i n *a0 +e retrie!e& in acc r&ance =it, Secti n $$) ,ere %. I% t,e t,er c 6ie" % t,e ret1rn" are li<e=i"e ta*6ere& =it,> altere&> %al"i%ie&> n t a1t,entic> 6re6are& 1n&er &1re""> % rce> inti*i&ati n> r 6re6are& +0 6er" n" t,er t,an t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> t,e + ar& % can!a""er" r an0 can&i&ate a%%ecte& ",all +rin- t,e *atter t t,e attenti n % t,e C **i""i n. T,e C **i""i n ",all t,en> a%ter -i!in- n tice t all can&i&ate" c ncerne& an& a%ter "ati"%0in- it"el% t,at n t,in- in t,e +all t + 7 in&icate t,at it" i&entit0 an& inte-rit0 ,a!e +een !i late&> r&er t,e 6enin% t,e +all t + 7 an&> li<e=i"e a%ter "ati"%0in- it"el% t,at t,e inte-rit0 % t,e +all t" t,erein ,a" +een &1l0 6re"er!e& ",all r&er t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t rec 1nt t,e ! te" % t,e can&i&ate" a%%ecte& an& 6re6are a ne= ret1rn =,ic, ",all t,en +e 1"e& +0 t,e + ar& % can!a""er" a" +a"i" % t,e can!a"". Secti n $(2. Di"cre6ancie" in electi n ret1rn" . $ In ca"e it a66ear" t t,e + ar& % can!a""er" t,at t,ere e7i"t" &i"cre6ancie" in t,e t,er a1t,entic c 6ie" % t,e electi n ret1rn" %r * a 6 llin- 6lace r &i"cre6ancie" in t,e ! te" % an0 can&i&ate in = r&" an& %i-1re" in t,e "a*e ret1rn> an& in eit,er ca"e t,e &i%%erence a%%ect" t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n>

31&

t,e C **i""i n> 16 n * ti n % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" r an0 can&i&ate a%%ecte& an& a%ter &1e n tice t all can&i&ate" c ncerne&> ",all 6r cee& "1**aril0 t &eter*ine =,et,er t,e inte-rit0 % t,e +all t + 7 ,a& +een 6re"er!e&> an& nce "ati"%ie& t,ere % ",all r&er t,e 6enin- % t,e +all t + 7 t rec 1nt t,e ! te" ca"t in t,e 6 llin- 6lace " lel0 % r t,e 61r6 "e % &eter*inin- t,e tr1e re"1lt % t,e c 1nt % ! te" % t,e can&i&ate" c ncerne&.

DISCUSSIONS

SECT<!?S 23#M23& A+E?.E. 3L Section 1( RA && &. .ertificate of 2otes as 0vidence. 1 T2e pro"isions o% Sections 23# and 23& o% 3atas $ambansa 3lg. ))1 not=it2standing4 t2e certi%icate o% "otes s2all be admissible in e"idence to pro"e tampering4 alteration4 %alsi%ication or any anomaly committed in t2e election returns concerned4 =2en duly aut2enticated by testimonial or documentary e"idence presented to t2e board o% can"assers by at least t=o members o% t2e board o% election inspectors =2o issued t2e certi%icateJ $ro"ided4 T2at %ailure to present any certi%icate o% "otes s2all be a bar to t2e presentation o% ot2er e"idence to impugn t2e aut2enticity o% t2e election returns.

DU/ISP/UDENCE OLOND/I;> Dr. !". COMELEC (1( SC/A 1$8

31(

A recount o% "otes is in order =2ere a discrepancy e-ists bet=een t2e "otes =ritten in =ords or in %igures. $ublic interest and so"ereign =ill o% t2e people e-pressed in t2eir ballots must4 at all times4 be t2e paramount consideration in an election contro"ersy.

Secti n $(3. 9,en inte-rit0 % +all t" i" !i late& . $ I% 16 n t,e 6enin- % t,e +all t + 7 a" r&ere& +0 t,e C **i""i n 1n&er Secti n" $(8> $(4 an& $(2> ,ere %> it ", 1l& a66ear t,at t,ere are e!i&ence r "i-n" % re6lace*ent> ta*6erin- r !i lati n % t,e inte-rit0 % t,e +all t"> t,e C **i""i n ",all n t rec 1nt t,e +all t" +1t ",all % rt,=it, "eal t,e +all t + 7 an& r&er it" "a%e<ee6in-. Secti n $(8. Can!a"" % re*ainin- r 1nB1e"ti ne& ret1rn" t c ntin1e. $ In ca"e" 1n&er Secti n" $((> $(8> $(4 an& $(2 ,ere %> t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all c ntin1e t,e can!a"" % t,e re*ainin- r 1nB1e"ti ne& electi n ret1rn". I%> a%ter t,e can!a"" % all t,e "ai& ret1rn"> it ", 1l& +e &eter*ine& t,at t,e ret1rn" =,ic, ,a!e +een "et a"i&e =ill a%%ect t,e re"1lt % t,e electi n> n 6r cla*ati n ",all +e *a&e e7ce6t 16 n r&er" % t,e C **i""i n a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-. An0 6r cla*ati n *a&e in !i lati n ,ere % ",all +e n1ll an& ! i&.

DU/ISP/UDENCE CA/UNCHO III !". COMELEC (14 SC/A 2.( .ue process in /uasi1Cudicial proceedings be%ore t2e C!+E:EC re/uires due notice and 2earing. T2e proclamation o% a =inning candidate cannot be annulled i% 2e 2as not been noti%ied o% t2e motion to set aside 2is proclamation. 3y real interest is meant a present substantial interest4 as distinguis2ed %rom a mere e-pectancy or a %uture4 contingent4 subordinate4 or conse/uential interest. >uasi1Cudicial agencies s2ould be Coined as public respondents but it is t2e duty o% t2e pri"ate respondent to appear and de%end suc2 agency.

31)

An incomplete can"ass o% "otes is illegal and cannot be t2e basis o% a subse/uent proclamation. A can"ass cannot be re%lecti"e o% t2e true "ote o% t2e electorate unless all returns are considered and none is omitted.

Secti n $(.. 9atc,er". $ Eac, can&i&ate> 6 litical 6art0 r c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie" ",all +e entitle& t a66 int ne =atc,er in t,e + ar& % can!a""er". T,e =atc,er ",all ,a!e t,e ri-,t t +e 6re"ent at> an& ta<e n te %> all t,e 6r cee&in-" % t,e + ar& % can!a""er"> t rea& t,e electi n ret1rn" =it, 1t t 1c,in- t,e*> t %ile a 6r te"t a-ain"t an0 irre-1larit0 in t,e electi n ret1rn" "1+*itte&> an& t +tain %r * t,e + ar& % can!a""er" a re" l1ti n t,ere n. Sec. $8). Electi n re"1ltin- in tie. # 9,ene!er it ",all a66ear %r * t,e can!a"" t,at t= r * re can&i&ate" ,a!e recei!e& an eB1al an& ,i-,e"t n1*+er % ! te"> r in ca"e" =,ere t= r * re can&i&ate" are t +e electe& % r t,e "a*e 6 "iti n an& t= r * re can&i&ate" recei!e& t,e "a*e n1*+er % ! te" % r t,e la"t 6lace in t,e n1*+er t +e electe&> t,e + ar& % can!a""er"> a%ter rec r&in- t,i" %act in it" *in1te"> ",all +0 re" l1ti n> 16 n %i!e &a0" n tice t all t,e tie& can&i&ate"> , l& a "6ecial 61+lic *eetin- at =,ic, t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all 6r cee& t t,e &ra=in- % l t" % t,e can&i&ate" =, ,a!e tie& an& ",all 6r clai* a" electe& t,e can&i&ate" =, *a0 +e %a! re& +0 l1c<> an& t,e can&i&ate" " 6r clai*e& ",all ,a!e t,e ri-,t t a""1*e %%ice in t,e "a*e *anner a" i% ,e ,a& +een electe& +0 6l1ralit0 % ! te. T,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all % rt,=it, *a<e a certi%icate "tatin- t,e na*e % t,e can&i&ate =, ,a& +een %a! re& +0 l1c< an& ,i" 6r cla*ati n n t,e +a"i" t,ere %. N t,in- in t,i" "ecti n ",all +e c n"tr1e& a" &e6ri!in- a can&i&ate % ,i" ri-,t t c nte"t t,e electi n.

DISCUSSIONS

BOA/D OF CAN'ASSE/S

31*

Iin&" an& C *6 "iti n

% t,e B ar&"

% Can!a""er"?

1. ?ational 3oard o% Can"assers %or $resident and 0ice1$resident O composed o% t2e Senate and t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es in a Coint public session assembled. A%ter transmission o% t2e certi%icates o% can"ass and upon receipt4 t2e $resident o% t2e Senate s2all4 not later t2an t2irty (3,) days a%ter election day4 open all t2e certi%icates upon determination o% aut2enticity and due e-ecution o% t2e same can"ass t2e results %or t2e president and "ice1president and ultimately proclaim t2e =inner (Sec. 23 R.A *3&*). 2. ?ational 3oard o% Can"assers %or Senators and $arty1list Representati"es O composed o% t2e C2airman and t2e members o% t2e C!+E:EC sitting en banc. <t s2all can"ass t2e results by consolidating t2e certi%icates o% can"ass electronically transmitted and ultimately proclaim t2e =inners. 3. $ro"incial 3oard o% Can"assers O composed o% t2e pro"incial election super"isor or a la=yer in t2e regional o%%ice o% t2e C!+E:EC as c2airman4 t2e pro"incial %iscal4 as "ice1c2airman4 and t2e pro"incial superintendent o% sc2ools as member. <t s2all can"ass t2e "otes %or president4 "ice1president4 senators4 members o% t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es and local electi"e pro"incial o%%icials by consolidating all t2e results electronically transmitted %rom t2e cityMmunicipalconsolidating centers contained in t2e data storage de"ices submitted by t2e 3!C o% municipalities and component cities. 8pon completion o% t2e can"ass it s2all produce t2e certi%icates o% can"ass "otes %or t2e president4 "ice1 president and senators and t2erea%ter proclaim t2e elected =inners o% t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es and $ro"incial !%%icials (Sec. 2, R.A *3&*). . City 3oard o% Can"assers O composed o% t2e city election registrar or a la=yer o% t2e C!+E:EC4 as c2airman4 t2e city %iscal as "ice1c2airman and t2e city superintendent o% sc2ools as member. <n case t2ere t=o or more city election registrar t2e C!+E:EC s2all designate t2e one =2o s2all act as c2airman. <t s2all can"ass t2e "otes %or president4 "ice1president4 senators4 members o% t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es and electi"e city o%%icials by consolidating all t2e certi%icates o% can"ass electronically transmitted or t2e results contained in t2e data storage de"ices used in t2e printing o% t2e election returns. 8pon completion o% t2e can"ass it s2all proceed =it2 t2e

32,

can"ass o% t2e "otes %or president4 "ice1president4 and senators and t2erea%ter proclaim t2e =inning member o% t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es and city o%%icials. #. +unicipal 3oard o% Can"assers O composed o% t2e election registrar or a representati"e o% t2e C!+E:EC4 as c2airman4 t2e municipal treasurer4 as "ice1c2airman and t2e most senior district sc2ool super"isor or in 2is absence a principal o% t2e sc2ool district or elementary sc2ool as member. <t s2all can"ass t2e "otes %or t2e president4 "ice1president4 senators4 and parties or organi9ations or coalitions participating under t2e party1list systemby consolidating t2e electronically transmitted results. 8pon completion o% t2e can"ass it s2all print t2e certi%icate o% can"ass o% "otes %or t2e president4 "ice1president4 and senators and members o% t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es and electi"e pro"incial o%%icials and t2erea%ter proclaim t2e =inning municipal candidates. &. .istrict 3oard o% Can"assers 1 <n t2e +etro +anila area4 eac2 municipality comprising a legislati"e district s2all 2a"e a district board o% can"assers =2ic2 s2all can"ass t2e "otes %or president4 "ice1president4 senators4 members o% t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es and electi"e municipal o%%icials by consolidating t2e electronically transmitted results or t2e results contained in t2e data storage de"ices used in t2e printing o% t2e election returns. 8pon completion o% t2e can"ass4 it s2all produce t2e certi%icate o% can"ass o% "otes %or president4 "ice1president4 and senators and t2erea%ter4 proclaim t2e elected members o% t2e 7ouse Representati"es and municipal o%%icials. T2e district board o% can"assers o% eac2 legislati"e district comprising t=o municipalities in t2e +etro +anila area s2all can"ass t2e "otes %or president4 "ice1president4 senators and members o% t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es by consolidating t2e certi%icates o% can"ass electronically transmitted %rom t2e cityMmunicipal consolidating centers or t2e results contained in t2e data storage de"ices submitted by t2e municipal board o% can"assers o% t2e component municipalities. 8pon completion o% t2e can"ass. <t s2all produce a certi%icate o% t2e can"ass "otes %or president4 "ice1president4 senators and t2erea%ter4 proclaim t2e elected members o% t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es in t2e legislati"e district.

321

/1le" an& Pr ce&1re 1. T2e c2airperson o% t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors must "alidate t2e <3utton security ;ey. 2. Suc2 c2airperson t2en closes t2e "oting4 by pressing t2e C:!SE 0!T<?@ option on t2e screen o% t2e $C!S mac2ine4 no ballots s2all be accepted a%ter t2is process. 3. T2e t=o ot2er members o% t2e 3oard o% Election inspectors4 being t2e poll cler; and t=o ot2er members must enter t2eir assigned $<?4 a%ter=2ic2 t2e $C!S mac2ine =ill count t2e "otes cast and accepted. . Eig2t ()) copies o% bot2 t2e national and local election4 respecti"ely4 s2all be printed a%ter t2e mac2ine is done counting t2e "otes. #. T2e c2airman o% t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors s2all announce t2e total number o% "otes recei"ed by t2e candidates and t2eir respecti"e positions. T2e poll cler; =ill announce t2e posting o% a second copy o% t2e election returns %or national and local positions. &. <t s2all be posted on a =all =it2in t2e premises o% t2e polling place.

DU/ISP/UDENCE DO/OMAL !". BI/ON an& COMELEC G./. N . 1818).> Fe+r1ar0 13> $)1) <n sum4 it =as 2ig2ly irregular %or t2e C!+E:EC to outrig2tly e-clude t2e subCect returns resulting in t2e disen%ranc2isement o% some 1412( "oters as per t2e records o% t2is case. T2e proper procedure in case o% discrepancy in t2e ot2er aut2entic copies o% t2e election returns is

322

clearly spelled out in Section 23& o% t2e !EC. 'or contra"ening t2is legal pro"ision4 t2e C!+E:EC acted =it2 gra"e abuse o% discretion amounting to lac; or e-cess o% Curisdiction.

SAKO> Dr. !". COMELEC> et al. G./. N . 18$$$1> Fe+r1ar0 (> $)1) Consistent =it2 t2e summary c2aracter and limited scope o% a pre1 proclamation contro"ersy4 Section 2, o% RA (1&& lays do=n t2e procedure to be %ollo=ed =2en Election Returns (ER) are contested be%ore t2e 3oard o% Can"assers (3!C). Compliance =it2 t2is procedure is mandatory4 so as to permit t2e 3!C to resol"e t2e obCections as /uic;ly as possible. Section 2, o% RA (1&& and Section 3& o% C!+E:EC Resolution 2*&2 pro"ide t2at any candidate may contest t2e inclusion o% an ER by ma;ing an oral obCection at t2e time t2e /uestioned return is submitted %or can"assH t2e obCecting party s2all also submit 2is obCections in =riting simultaneously =it2 t2e oral obCections. T2e 3!C s2all consider t2e =ritten obCections and opposition4 i% any4 and summarily rule on t2e petition %or e-clusion. Any party ad"ersely a%%ected by suc2 ruling must immediately in%orm t2e 3!C i% 2e intends to appeal suc2 ruling. A%ter t2e 3!C rules on t2e contested returns and can"asses all t2e uncontested returns4 it s2all suspend t2e can"ass. Any party ad"ersely a%%ected by t2e ruling 2as ) 2ours to %ile a ?otice o% AppealH t2e appeal s2all be %iled =it2in %i"e days. 8pon receipt o% t2e notice o% appeal4 t2e 3!C =ill ma;e its report to t2e C!+E:EC4 and ele"ate t2e records and e"idence. +oreo"er4 pursuant to Section 23# o% t2e !mnibus Election Code4 in cases =2ere t2e ERs appear to 2a"e been tampered =it24 altered or %alsi%ied4 t2e C!+E:EC s2all e-amine t2e ot2er copies o% t2e /uestioned returns and4 i% t2e ot2er copies are li;e=ise tampered =it24 altered4 %alsi%ied4 or ot2er=ise spurious4 a%ter 2a"ing gi"en notice to all candidates and satis%ied itsel% t2at t2e integrity o% t2e ballot bo- and o% t2e ballots t2erein 2a"e been duly preser"ed4 s2all order a recount o% t2e "otes cast4 prepare a ne= return =2ic2 s2all be used by t2e 3!C as basis %or t2e can"ass4 and direct t2e proclamation o% t2e =inner accordingly. 3ased on t2e records o% t2is case4 =e %ind t2at petitioner %ailed to timely ma;e 2is obCections to t2e contested ERs.

323

A/TICLE 55
P/E#P/OCLAMATION CONT/O'E/SIES

Sec. $81. De%initi n. # A 6re#6r cla*ati n c ntr !er"0 re%er" t an0 B1e"ti n 6ertainin- t r a%%ectin- t,e 6r cee&in-" % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" =,ic, *a0 +e rai"e& +0 an0 can&i&ate r +0 an0 re-i"tere& 6 litical 6art0 r c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie" +e% re t,e + ar& r &irectl0 =it, t,e C **i""i n> r an0 *atter rai"e& 1n&er Secti n" $((> $(8> $(4 an& $(2 in relati n t t,e 6re6arati n> tran"*i""i n> recei6t> c1"t &0 an& a66reciati n % t,e electi n ret1rn".

DISCUSSIONS

32

T2e 1*)( Constitution4 Art. <R1C4 Section 2 (3) pro"ides t2at Commission s2all Ddecide4 e-cept t2ose in"ol"ing t2e rig2t to "ote4 all /uestions a%%ecting elections.E T2e Commission s2all decide /uestions a%%ecting t2e conduct o% casting and counting o% "otes and it =ill be determined based on t2e e"idences presented by t2e parties i% it amounts to a pre1proclamation contro"ersy or i% it is an election contest. As =e are adopted t2e automated election4 t2e old =ay o% "oting is long gone. T2e 3oard o% Can"assers are re/uired to use t2e electronically transmitted returns %or t2e process o% generating t2eir certi%icate o% can"ass. T2e purpose o% pre1proclamation contro"ersy is to ascertain t2e =innerMs in t2e election on t2e basis o% t2e election returns transmitted to t2e 3oard o% Can"assers.

Pre#Pr cla*ati n C ntr !er"ie" A $re1$roclamation Contro"ersy under Rule 3 o% Resolution no. )), J Secti n 1. Pre=Proclamation .ontroversy. 1 A pre1proclamation contro"ersy re%ers to t2e proceedings o% t2e board o% can"assers =2ic2 may be raised by any candidates or by any registered political party or coalition o% political parties4 or by any accredited and participating party list group4 be%ore t2e board or directly =it2 t2e Commission. <t co"ers only t=o issuesJ a. <llegal composition o% t2e 3oard o% Can"assers (3!C)H T2ere is illegal composition o% t2e 3!C =2en4 among ot2er similar circumstances4 any o% t2e members do not possess legal /uali%ications and appointments. T2e in%ormation tec2nology capable person re/uired to assist t2e 3!C by Republic Act ?o. *3&* s2all be included as among t2ose =2ose lac; o% /uali%ications may be /uestioned. (Sec. 1 Rule o% Resolution no. )), ) b. <llegal proceedings o% t2e 3!C.

T2ere is illegal proceedings o% t2e 3!C =2en t2e can"assing is a s2am or mere ceremony4 t2e results o% =2ic2 are pre1

32#

determined and manipulated as =2en any o% t2e %ollo=ing circumstances are presentJ 1. precipitate can"assingH 2. terrorismH 3. lac; o% su%%icient notice to t2e members o% t2e 3!CBsH . <mproper "enue (Sec. 24 Rule o% Resolution no. )), )

T2e basis o% t2e can"ass s2all be electronically transmitted results. T2e C!+E:EC 2as e-clusi"e Curisdiction in pre1proclamation contro"ersies arising %rom national4 regional pr local elections. A pre1proclamation contro"ersy may be raisedJ 1. by any candidate 2. by any registered political party4 organi9ation4 or coalition o% political parties be%ore t2e 3!C4 or directly =it2 t2e Commission. (Sec. 2 Rule 3 o% Resolution no. )), ) T2e %ollo=ing are t2e Rig2ts o% $olitical $arties and Candidates 3e%ore t2e 3oard o% Can"assers in $re1$roclamation cases J 1. All registered political parties4 organi9ations4 or coalitions o% political parties4 and accredited citi9ensB arms4 and candidates4 2a"e t2e rig2t to be present and to be represented by counsel during t2e can"ass o% election returns4 or certi%icates o% can"ass. 2. !nly one counsel may argue %or eac2 registered political party4 organi9ation4 or coalition o% political parties4 accredited citi9ensB arm or candidate. 3. ?o dilatory action s2all be allo=ed by t2e 3!C. <t may impose time limits %or oral arguments. . All registered political parties4 organi9ations4 or coalitions o% political parties4 and candidates4 are entitled to obtain a copy o% t2e Statement o% 0otes per precinct and a copy o% t2e certi%icate o% can"ass duly aut2enticated by t2e 3!C. (Sec. 34 Rule 3 o% Resolution no. )), )

32&

DU/ISP/UDENCE As 2eld in t2e case o% .agloc "s. C!+E:EC (@.R. ?o. 13)*&*4 .ecember 1(4 1***)4 it is summary in nature and it intends to stop t2e practice o% Dgrabbing t2e proclamation and prolonging t2e protest4E balancing suc2 situations against s2ortening t2e time =2ere no =inners are proclaimed.

LUCMAN !". COMELEC G./. N . 122$$.> D1ne $.> $))4 $re1proclamation contro"ersies are limited to c2allenges directed against t2e 3oard o% Can"assers and proceedings be%ore said 3oard relating to particular election returns to =2ic2 pri"ate respondent s2ould 2a"e made speci%ic "erbal obCections subse/uently reduced to =riting. A pre1proclamation contro"ersy is limited to an e-amination o% t2e election returns on t2eir %ace. As a rule4 t2e C!+E:EC is limited to an e-amination o% t2e election returns on t2eir %ace. <t is beyond t2e C!+E:ECAs Curisdiction to go beyond t2e %ace o% t2e returns or in"estigate election irregularities. T2e proceedings in a pre1 proclamation contro"ersy are summary in nature. Reception o% e"idence aliunde4 suc2 as t2e :ist o% 0oters =it2 0oting Record and t2e 0RRs4 is proscribed. <ssues suc2 as %raud or terrorism attendant to t2e election process4 t2e resolution o% =2ic2 =ould compel or necessitate t2e C!+E:EC to pierce t2e "eil o% election returns =2ic2 appear to be prima %acie regular4 on t2eir %ace4 are anat2ema to a pre1proclamation contro"ersy. Suc2 issues s2ould be posed and resol"ed in a regular election protest4 =2ic2 is =it2in t2e original Curisdiction o% t2e Regional Trial Court (RTC). <n a regular election protest4 t2e parties may litigate all t2e legal and %actual issues raised by t2em inasmuc2 detail as t2ey may deem necessary or appropriate.

SA/ANGANI !". COMELEC G./. N ". 14442)#2$> N !e*+er 11> $))(

32(

T2e Supreme Court stated t2at its %unction is merely to c2ec; or to ascertain =2ere C!+E:EC mig2t 2a"e gone %ar astray %rom parameters laid do=n by la= but not to supplant its %actual %indings. So long as its %indings are not arbitrary and un%ounded4 t2e Court is not at liberty to discard and ignore suc2 %indings. <n a pre1proclamation contro"ersy4 t2e board o% can"assers and t2e C!+E:EC are not re/uired to loo; beyond or be2ind t2e election returns =2ic2 are on t2eir %ace regular and aut2entic. 62ere a party see;s to raise issues t2e resolution on =2ic2 =ould necessitate t2e C!+E:EC to pierce t2e "eil o% election returns =2ic2 are prima %acie regular4 t2e proper remedy =ould be a regular election protest and not a pre1proclamation contro"ersy. T2e records4 as =ell as t2e %indings o% t2e C!+E:EC en banc4 =ould disclose t2at t2e old $3C did not con"ene on its sc2eduled 2earing on 3, June 2,,1 =2ere it =as supposed to promulgate its rulingH instead4 it merely submitted t2e same to t2e !%%ice o% t2e Secretary o% t2e C!+E:EC on ,2 July 2,,1. !n said date (o% ,2 July 2,,1)4 t2e C!+E:EC4 =it2out being a=are t2at t2e original $3C submitted its rulings to t2e !%%ice o% t2e Secretary o% C!+E:EC4 issued an order c2anging t2e composition o% t2e 3oard o% Can"assers. <t =as t2en be%ore t2e ne= 3oard o% Can"assers t2at petitioner could raise 2is obCections to t2e ruling o% t2e original board. <n sum4 t2e C!+E:EC en banc 2as not committed gra"e abuse o% discretion in annulling and setting aside t2e ruling o% its Second .i"ision and in ordering t2e inclusion o% t2e C!Cs %rom t2e municipalities o% 6ao and 3ubong4 :anao del Sur4 in t2e can"ass o% t2e 1 t2 +ay 2,,1 election results %or t2e position o% go"ernor o% :anao del Sur. T2e Court reiterates t2e rule t2at4 unless t2e C!+E:EC is s2o=n to 2a"e committed gra"e abuse o% discretion4 its decision =ill not be inter%ered =it2 by t2e Court.

MACABAGO !". COMELEC an& SALACOP G./. N . 14$12(> N !e*+er 18> $))$ !n +ay 224 2,,14 +acabago =as proclaimed by t2e +unicipal 3oard o% Can"assers as t2e =inning candidate %or t2e +unicipal +ayor o% Saguiran4 :anao del Sur4 =it2 a lead o% 1*) "otes as against Salacop. Salacop %iled a petition against t2e proclaimed o%%icials4 including t2e 0ice +ayor and Councilors4 as =ell as t2e members o% t2e +unicipal 3oard o% Can"assers. 7e alleged t2at t2ere =as a massi"e substitution o% "otes and rampant irregularities in "oting procedures in a number o% precincts4 and %ailure o% t2e 3E< to comply =it2 t2e !mnibus Election Code. +acabago denied t2e allegations o% Salacop t2at raised a pre1

32)

proclamation contro"ersy and rationali9ed t2at t2e grounds relied by Salacop =ould be proper in an election protest. T2e C!+E:EC en banc too; cogni9ance o% t2e petition and directed t2e Election !%%icer o% Saguiran4 :anao del Sur4 to bring to and produce be%ore t2e C!+E:EC !%%ice in +anila t2e original 0oter Registration Records4 presented by Salacop4 o% t2e /uestioned precincts %or tec2nical e-amination. T2e C!+E:EC concluded t2at t2ere =as con"incing proo% o% massi"e %raud in t2e conduct o% t2e elections. <t %urt2er noted t2at t2e outcome o% t2e petition =ould ad"ersely a%%ect t2e result o% t2e elections. +acabago %iled a petition %or certiorari under Rule &#. <t =as 2eld t2at t2e petition %iled by Salacop is not a pre1proclamation contro"ersy or %ailure o% election. $re1proclamation contro"ersies are properly limited to c2allenges directed against t2e 3oard o% Can"assers and proceedings be%ore said 3oard relating to particular election returns to =2ic2 Salacop s2ould 2a"e made speci%ic "erbal obCections subse/uently reduced to =riting. T2e proceedings are summary in natureH t2us4 t2e reception o% e"idence aliunde4 e.g. t2e original copies o% t2e 0RRs4 is proscribed. <n %ine4 in pre1proclamation proceedings4 t2e C!+E:EC is not to loo; beyond or be2ind election returns =2ic2 are on t2eir %ace regular and aut2entic returns. <ssues suc2 as %raud or terrorism attendant to t2e election process4 t2e resolution o% =2ic2 =ould compel or necessitate t2e C!+E:EC to pierce t2e "eil o% election returns =2ic2 appear to be prima %acie regular4 on t2eir %ace4 are anat2ema to a pre1proclamation contro"ersy. Suc2 issues s2ould be posed and resol"ed in a regular election protest. SalacopAs petition =it2 t2e C!+E:EC alleged t2at %raud and irregularities are perpetrated by unscrupulous indi"iduals4 in conspiracy =it2 t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors. Suc2 grounds are not proper bases %or a pre1proclamation contro"ersy but are appropriate %or a regular election contest =it2in t2e original Curisdiction o% t2e Regional Trial Court. ?eit2er is SalacopAs petition one %or declaration o% a %ailure o% elections in Saguiran4 :anao del Sur. Section &4 Article 1 o% R.A. ?o. (1&&. 8nder Section #4 Article 1 o% t2e a%orementioned la=4 t2e matter o% t2e postponement or declaration o% %ailure o% election and t2e calling o% a special election as pro"ided %or in Section &4 s2all be decided by t2e C!+E:EC sitting En 3anc by a maCority o% its members. 3e%ore t2e C!+E:EC can grant a "eri%ied petition see;ing to declare a %ailure o% election4 t2e concurrence o% t=o (2) conditions must be

32*

establis2ed4 namelyJ (a) no "oting 2as ta;en place in t2e precincts concerned on t2e date %i-ed by la= or4 e"en i% t2ere =as "oting4 t2e election ne"ert2eless resulted in a %ailure to electH (b) t2e "otes cast =ould a%%ect t2e result o% t2e election. 62ile %raud is a ground to declare a %ailure o% election4 suc2 %raud must be one t2at pre"ents or suspends t2e 2olding o% an election4 including t2e preparation and transmission o% t2e election returns. K'ailure to electK must be understood in its literal senseN=2ic2 is4 nobody emerges as a =inner. T2e bare%aced %act t2at a candidate 2as been proclaimed and 2as assumed o%%ice does not depri"e t2e C!+E:EC o% its aut2ority to annul any can"ass and illegal proclamation. A petition %or t2e annulment o% election is not t2e same as one in"ol"ing a pre1 proclamation contro"ersy. Salacop alleged in 2is petition =it2 t2e C!+E:EC En 3anc t2at t2e elections ensued in t2e subCect precincts and t2at +acabago emerged as t2e =inner and =as in %act proclaimed as suc2 by t2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors. <n sum t2en4 t2e grounds alleged are t2ose %or a regular election protest and are not proper in a pre1proclamation contro"ersyH nor is suc2 petition one %or annulment o% t2e elections or %or a declaration o% %ailure o% elections in t2e municipality o% Saguiran4 :anao del Sur. T2e C!+E:EC s2ould 2a"e ordered t2e dismissal o% t2e petition instead o% issuing t2e assailed order. T2e C!+E:EC t2us committed a gra"e abuse o% its discretion amounting to e-cess or lac; o% Curisdiction in issuing t2e same. T2e error is correctible by t2e special ci"il action %or certiorari.

Sec. $8$. C **i""i nE" e7cl1"i!e C1ri"&icti n % all 6re# 6r cla*ati n c ntr !er"ie". # T,e C **i""i n ",all ,a!e e7cl1"i!e C1ri"&icti n % all 6re#6r cla*ati n c ntr !er"ie". It *a0 * t1 6r 6ri r 16 n =ritten 6etiti n> an& a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-> r&er t,e 6artial r t tal "1"6en"i n % t,e 6r cla*ati n % an0 can&i&ate#elect r ann1al 6artiall0 r t tall0 an0 6r cla*ati n> i% ne ,a" +een *a&e> a" t,e e!i&ence ",all =arrant in acc r&ance =it, t,e "1ccee&in"ecti n".

33,

DU/ISP/UDENCE SANDO'AL !". COMELEC an& O/ETA G./. N . 1((88$> Dan1ar0 $2> $))) As a general rule4 candidates and registered political parties in"ol"ed in an election are allo=ed to %ile pre1proclamation cases be%ore t2e C!+E:EC. $re1proclamation cases re%er to any /uestion pertaining to or a%%ecting t2e proceedings o% t2e board o% can"assers =2ic2 may be raised by any candidate or by any registered political party or coalition o% political parties be%ore t2e board or directly =it2 t2e Commission4 or any matter raised under Sections 2334 23 4 23# and 23& in relation to t2e preparation4 transmission4 receipt4 custody and appreciation o% election returns. T2e C!+E:EC 2as e-clusi"e Curisdiction o"er all pre1 proclamation contro"ersies. As an exception4 2o=e"er4 to t2e general rule4 Section 1# o% Republic Act (RA) (1&& pro2ibits candidates in t2e presidential4 "ice1presidential4 senatorial and congressional elections %rom %iling pre1proclamation cases. T2e p2rase Kmotu proprioK does not re%er to t2e annulment o% proclamation but to t2e manner o% initiating t2e proceedings to annul a proclamation made by t2e board o% can"assers. T2e la= pro"ides t=o =ays by =2ic2 annulment proceedings may be initiated. <t may be at t2e o=n initiati"e o% t2e C!+E:EC ( motu proprio) or by =ritten petition. <n eit2er caseH notice and 2earing is re/uired. T2is is clear %rom t2e language o% t2e la=.

Sec. $8(. I""1e" t,at *a0 +e rai"e& in 6re#6r cla*ati n c ntr !er"0. # T,e % ll =in- ",all +e 6r 6er i""1e" t,at *a0 +e rai"e& in a 6re#6r cla*ati n c ntr !er"0? (a) Ille-al c *6 "iti n can!a""er"@ r 6r cee&in-" % t,e + ar& %

Pr cee&in-" % an i*6r 6erl0 c n"tit1te& B ar& % Can!a""er" are ille-al. It i" al" ille-al % r t,e + ar& t tran"act +1"ine"" =it, 1t a B1 r1* r =it, 1t &1e n tice t it" *e*+er". F1e"ti n" a%%ectin- t,e c *6 "iti n r 6r cee&in% t,e + ar& *a0 +e initiate& in t,e + ar& r t t,e c **i""i n. In Paci" !". COMELEC> it ,el& t,at t,e 6artie" a&!er"el0 a%%ecte& +0 a r1lin- % t,e + ar& re-ar&in- t,e a+ !e *atter *a0

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a66eal t,e *atter t t,e C **i""i n =it,in t,ree (() &a0" %r * t,e r1lin- t,ere n> an& it ",all +e "1**aril0 &eci&e& =it,in %i!e (4) &a0" %r * t,e %ilin- t t,e C **i""i n.

DU/ISP/UDENCE <n $acis "s. C!+E:EC4 2# SCRA 3*1 it stated t2erein t2at =2ere sisubstitute members o% t2e 3oard o% Can"assers =ere dra=n %rom t2e same party =it2out as;ing t2e ot2er party to recommend t2eir substitute t2e can"ass and t2e resulting proclamation are bot2 null and "oid. <n ?a"arro "s. C!+E:EC (@.R. 1#,(**4 'ebruary 34 2,,3)4 2o=e"er4 non1compliance by a 3!C o% t2e prescribed can"assing procedure is not an illegal proceeding under paragrap2 (a) o% sec 2 3 o% t2e !mnibus Election Code4 gi"en t2e summary nature o% a pre1 proclamation contro"ersy4 consistent =it2 t2e la=As desire to can"ass and proclamation be delayed as little as possible. Acti"e participation in t2e proceedings o% t2e 3oard o% Can"assers may be deemed =ai"er on t2e part o% a petitioner. (+) T,e can!a""e& electi n ret1rn" are inc *6lete> c ntain *aterial &e%ect"> a66ear t +e ta*6ere& =it, r %al"i%ie&> r c ntain &i"cre6ancie" in t,e "a*e ret1rn" r in t,er a1t,entic c 6ie" t,ere % a" *enti ne& in Secti n" $((> $(8> $(4 an& $(2 % t,i" C &e@ Un&er /.A. .(2.> =e n = ,a!e an electr nic can!a""in=,erein electi n ret1rn" are in electr nic an& 6rinte& % r* &irectl0 6r &1ce& +0 t,e c 1ntinr ! tin*ac,ine an& t,e electi n" ret1rn" t,at =ill +e 1"e& are t, "e t,at are electr nicall0 tran"*itte& +0 t,e B ar& % In"6ect r" =,ic, +ear t,eir &i-ital "i-nat1re" =,ic, are ,ar& t ta*6er 1nle""> t,e0 +l c< t,e tran"*i""i n> 1"e Ca**er" r t,er &e!ice t,at =ill tran"*it r "en& a %al"e electi n ret1rn". T,e + ar& % can!a""er" *a0 6r clai* t,e can&i&ate" electe& n t=it,"tan&in- t,e %act t,at n t all ret1rn" ,a!e +een tran"*itte& electr nicall0 a" l na" t,e *i""in- electi n ret1rn" =ill n t a%%ect t,e re"1lt % t,e electi n.

332

(c) T,e electi n ret1rn" =ere 6re6are& 1n&er &1re""> t,reat"> c erci n> r inti*i&ati n> r t,e0 are +!i 1"l0 *an1%act1re& r n t a1t,entic@ an& An electi n ret1rn 6re6are& at t,e 6 int % a -1n i" n t a ret1rn at all. In t,e a1t *ate& electi n" &1re""> t,reat"> c erci n> r inti*i&ati n i" li*ite& "ince t,e BEI =ill nl0 ,a!e t 61", t,e +1tt n an& a%%i7 t,eir "i-nat1re t tran"*it t,e electi n ret1rn". In Baterina !". COMELEC> a+"ence r lac< % &i-ital "i-nat1re" in t,e tran"*itte& ret1rn"> =,ile inten&e& t &i"c 1ra-e t,e 6re6arati n % %al"i%ie& ret1rn"> & e" n t -i!e ri"e t a 6re"1*6ti n t,at t,e electi n ret1rn" are *an1%act1re& r "61ri 1" an& ", 1l& c n"eB1entl0 +e e7cl1&e& in t,e can!a"". Se+a"tian !". COMELEC> t,at a 6re#6r cla*ati n c ntr !er"0 i" li*ite& t an e7a*inati n % t,e electi n ret1rn" n t,eir %ace. T,e COMELEC a" a -eneral r1le nee& n t +e0 n& t,e %ace % t,e ret1rn" an& in!e"ti-ate t,e alle-e& electi n irre-1laritie". (&) 9,en "1+"tit1te r %ra1&1lent ret1rn" in c ntr !erte& 6 llin- 6lace" =ere can!a""e&> t,e re"1lt" % =,ic, *ateriall0 a%%ecte& t,e "tan&in% t,e a--rie!e& can&i&ate r can&i&ate".

DU/ISP/UDENCE BELAC !". COMELEC (42 SC/A (.8 Section 2 1 o% t2e !mnibus Election Code pro"ides t2at a pre1 proclamation contro"ersy re%ers to any /uestion pertaining to or a%%ecting t2e proceedings o% t2e 3oard o% Can"assers =2ic2 may be raised by any candidate or by any registered political party or coalition o% political parties be%ore t2e 3oard or directly =it2 t2e Commission. Section 2 3 o% t2e !mnibus Election Code enumerates t2e speci%ic issues t2at may be raised in a pre1proclamation contro"ersy. <n a pre1

333

proclamation contro"ersy4 t2e Commission on Elections (C!+E:EC)4 as a rule4 is restricted to an e-amination o% t2e election returns and is =it2out Curisdiction to go beyond or be2ind t2em and in"estigate election irregularities. T2e policy consideration underlying t2e delimitation bot2 o% substanti"e ground and procedure is t2e policy to determine as /uic;ly as possible t2e result o% t2e election on t2e basis o% t2e can"ass. $re1proclamation contro"ersies are mandated by la= to be summarily disposed o%. $re1proclamation contro"ersies4 by t2eir "ery nature4 are to be resol"ed in summary proceedings =2ic2 ob"iously s2ould be disposed o% =it2out any unnecessary delay.

Sec. $88. C nte"te& c *6 "iti n r 6r cee&in-" % t,e + ar&. # 9,en t,e c *6 "iti n r 6r cee&in-" % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" are c nte"te&> t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all> =it,in t=ent0#% 1r , 1r"> *a<e a r1lin- t,ere n =it, n tice t t,e c nte"tant =, > i% a&!er"el0 a%%ecte&> *a0 a66eal t,e *atter t t,e C **i""i n =it,in %i!e &a0" a%ter t,e r1lin- =it, 6r 6er n tice t t,e + ar& % can!a""er". A%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-> t,e C **i""i n ",all &eci&e t,e ca"e =it,in ten &a0" %r * t,e %ilin- t,ere %. D1rin- t,e 6en&enc0 % t,e ca"e> t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all "1"6en& t,e can!a"" 1ntil t,e C **i""i n r&er" t,e c ntin1ati n r re"1*6ti n t,ere % an& citin- t,eir rea" n" r -r 1n&" t,ere% r. Sec. $84. C nte"te& electi n ret1rn". # An0 can&i&ate> 6 litical 6art0 r c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie"> c nte"tin- t,e incl1"i n r e7cl1"i n in t,e can!a"" % an0 electi n ret1rn" n an0 % t,e -r 1n&" a1t, riAe& 1n&er t,i" article r in Secti n" $(8> $(4 an& $(2 % Article 5I5 ",all "1+*it t,eir !er+al +Cecti n" t t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" at t,e ti*e t,e B1e"ti ne& ret1rn" i" 6re"ente& % r incl1"i n r e7cl1"i n> =,ic, +Cecti n" ",all +e n te& in t,e *in1te" % t,e can!a""in-. T,e + ar& % can!a""er" 16 n recei6t % an0 "1c, +Cecti n" ",all a1t *aticall0 &e%er t,e can!a"" % t,e c nte"te& ret1rn" an& ",all 6r cee& t can!a"" t,e re"t % t,e ret1rn" =,ic, are n t c nte"te& +0 an0 6art0. 9it,in t=ent0#% 1r , 1r" %r * an& a%ter t,e 6re"entati n % a !er+al +Cecti n> t,e "a*e ",all +e "1+*itte& in =ritten % r* t t,e + ar& % can!a""er". T,erea%ter> t,e + ar& %

33

can!a""er" ",all ta<e 16 eac, c nte"te& ret1rn> c n"i&er t,e =ritten +Cecti n" t,eret an& "1**aril0 r1le t,ere n. Sai& r1lin- ",all +e *a&e ral initiall0 an& t,en re&1ce& t =ritin+0 t,e + ar& =it,in t=ent0#% 1r , 1r" %r * t,e ti*e t,e ral r1lin- i" *a&e. An0 6art0 a&!er"el0 a%%ecte& +0 an ral r1linn it"H,i" +Cecti n ",all i**e&iatel0 "tate rall0 =,et,er itH,e inten&" t a66eal "ai& r1lin-. T,e "ai& intent t a66eal ",all +e "tate& in t,e *in1te" % t,e can!a""in-. I% a 6art0 *ani%e"t" it" intent t a66eal> t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all "et a"i&e t,e ret1rn an& 6r cee& t r1le n t,e t,er c nte"te& ret1rn". 9,en all t,e c nte"te& ret1rn" ,a!e +een r1le& 16 n +0 it> t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all "1"6en& t,e can!a"" an& ",all *a<e an a66r 6riate re6 rt t t,e C **i""i n> c 60 %1rni",e& t,e 6artie". T,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all n t 6r clai* an0 can&i&ate a" =inner 1nle"" a1t, riAe& +0 t,e C **i""i n a%ter t,e latter ,a" r1le& n t,e +Cecti n" +r 1-,t t it n a66eal +0 t,e l "in- 6art0 an& an0 6r cla*ati n *a&e in !i lati n ,ere % ",all +e ! i& a+ initi > 1nle"" t,e c nte"te& ret1rn" =ill n t a&!er"el0 a%%ect t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n.

DU/ISP/UDENCE OCAMPO !". COMELEC> MUNICIPAL BOA/D OF CAN'ASSE/S OF STA. /ITA> PAMPANGA an& SALALILA> G./. N . 1(2$8$> Fe+r1ar0 14> $))) T2at t2e election returns =ere ob"iously manu%actured must be e"ident %rom t2e %ace o% said documents. <n t2e absence o% a strong e"idence establis2ing spuriousness o% t2e returns4 t2e basic rule t2at t2e election returns s2all be accorded prima facie status as bona fide reports o% t2e results o% t2e count o% t2e "otes %or can"assing and proclamation purposes must per%orce pre"ail. T2e C!+E:EC en banc did not %ind any signs o% alterations or tampering on t2e election returns nor did t2e petitioner present any 2ard e"idence o% suc2 irregularity. T2e only t2ing =2ic2 =e surmise came too close to suc2 a c2ange =as t2e =ritten superimposition made on t2e %amily names o% t2e candidates in t2e election returns o% t2e clustered precincts *31A and * 1A. T2is =as certainly not an alteration or tampering since t2e

33#

C!+E:EC en banc %ound t2at suc2 superimposition =as necessarily done in order to ma;e t2e names readable. ?onet2eless4 petitioner %ailed to deduce e"idence to t2e contrary. T2e ot2er t2ing =2ic2 petitioner considered t2e returns to be Kob"iously manu%acturedK =as t2e %act t2at petitioner garnered 9ero (,) "otes in t2ree (3) precincts =2ic2 =as allegedly statistically improbable. 'or as long as t2e election returns =2ic2 on t2eir %ace appear regular and =anting o% any p2ysical signs o% tampering4 alteration or ot2er similar "ice4 suc2 election returns cannot Cust be unCusti%iably e-cluded. To loo; beyond or be2ind t2ese returns is not a proper issue in a pre1proclamation contro"ersy as in t2e case at bar.

Sec. $82. S1**ar0 6r cee&in-" +e% re t,e C **i""i n. # All 6re#6r cla*ati n c ntr !er"ie" ",all +e ,ear& "1**aril0 +0 t,e C **i""i n a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-> an& it" &eci"i n" ",all +e e7ec1t r0 a%ter t,e la6"e % %i!e &a0" %r * recei6t +0 t,e l "in- 6art0 % t,e &eci"i n % t,e C **i""i n> 1nle"" re"traine& +0 t,e S16re*e C 1rt. Sec. $83. Partial 6r cla*ati n. # N t=it,"tan&in- t,e 6en&enc0 % an0 6re#6r cla*ati n c ntr !er"0> t,e C **i""i n *a0> * t1 6r 6ri r 16 n t,e %ilin- % a !eri%ie& 6etiti n an& a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-> r&er t,e 6r cla*ati n % t,er =innin- can&i&ate" =, "e electi n =ill n t +e a%%ecte& +0 t,e 1tc *e % t,e c ntr !er"0. Sec. $88. E%%ect % %ilin- 6etiti n t ann1al r t "1"6en& t,e 6r cla*ati n. # T,e %ilin- =it, t,e C **i""i n % a 6etiti n t ann1al r t "1"6en& t,e 6r cla*ati n % an0 can&i&ate ",all "1"6en& t,e r1nnin- % t,e 6eri & =it,in =,ic, t %ile an electi n 6r te"t r B1 =arrant 6r cee&in-".

DISCUSSIONS

T2e pre1proclamation contro"ersies must %irst be 2eard and decided by a .i"ision o% t2e Commission. T2e Commission en banc does not 2a"e t2e aut2ority to 2ear and decide t2ese cases in t2e %irst instance.

33&

8nder t2e Comelec Rules and $rocedures4 it is classi%ied as special cases an under t2e Constitution4 t2e di"ision o% t2e Commission are "ested =it2 aut2ority to 2ear and decide it and 2a"e to be 2eard and adCudicated %irst in t2ese le"el. <t is not a procedural rule but Curisdictional. 7o=e"er4 a petition %or correction o% mani%est errors in t2e Statement o% 0otes or in t2e tabulation or tallying o% t2e results4 a pre1proclamation contro"ersy4 may be %iled directly =it2 t2e C!+E:EC en banc. <nstances =2ere it can be broug2t and be 2eard by t2e Commission en banc under t2e C!+E:EC Rules o% $rocedure includesJ 1. 62en t2e issue in"ol"es t2e illegal composition or proceedings o% t2e board o% can"assers as =2en a maCority o% all t2e members do not 2old legal appointments or are in %act usurpersH or =2en t2e can"assing 2as been a mere ceremony t2at =as predetermined and manipulated to result in not2ing but a s2am as =2ere t2ere =as con"ergence o% circumstances o% precipitate can"assing4 terrorism4 lac; o% su%%icient notice to t2e members o% t2e board o% can"assers and disregard o% mani%est irregularities on t2e %ace o% t2e /uestioned returns or certi%icates o% can"ass in appropriate casesH 2. 62en t2e issue in"ol"es t2e correction o% mani%est errors in t2e tabulation or tallying o% t2e results during t2e can"assing as =2ereJ 1. a copy o% t2e election returns or certi%icate o% can"as =as tabulated more t2an once4 2. t=o or more copies o% t2e election returns o% one precinct4 or t=o or more copies o% certi%icate o% can"as =ere tabulated separately4 3. t2ere 2ad been a mista;e in t2e copying o% t2e %igures into t2e statement o% "otes or into t2e certi%icate o% can"as4 . so called returns %rom non1e-istent precincts =ere included in t2e can"ass4 but suc2 errors could not 2a"e been disco"ered during t2e can"assing despite t2e e-ercise o% due diligence and proclamation o% t2e =inning candidates 2ad already been made. <n all t2e abo"e situations4 it is re/uired t2at t2e number o% /uestioned "otes =ill a%%ect t2e results o% t2e election. RA (1&& sec 1# pro"ides t2at %or purposes o% t2e election %or $resident4 0ice1$resident4 Senator and +ember o% t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es4 no pre1proclamation cases s2all be allo=ed on matters relating to t2e

33(

preparation4 transmission4 receipt4 custody and appreciation o% t2e election returns or t2e certi%icates o% can"ass4 as t2e case may be. Section 1( Article 0< o% t2e 1*)( Constitution pro"ides t2at t2e Electoral Tribunal o% t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es is t2e Dsole Cudge o% all contests relating to t2e election4 returns4 and /uali%icationsE o% its members. Electoral Tribunal o% t2e Senate and t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es t2e sole Cudge o% all contests relating to t2e election4 returns4 and /uali%ications o% t2eir respecti"e members. $etitionerAs obCection relating to t2e preparation transmission and appreciation o% t2e election returns or certi%icates o% can"ass %alls =it2in t2e sole Curisdiction o% t2e 7ouse Electoral Tribunal.

DU/ISP/UDENCE 0in9ons1C2ato "s C!+E:EC4 @.R. ?o. 1(&#&3 April 24 2,,(4 stated t2at t2e =inning candidate 2as been proclaimed4 ta;en 2is oat24 and assumed o%%ice as a +ember o% t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es4 t2e C!+E:ECAs Curisdiction o"er election contests relating to 2is election4 returns4 and /uali%ications ends4 and t2e 7RETAs o=n Curisdiction begins. Stated in anot2er manner4 =2ere t2e candidate 2as already been proclaimed =inner in t2e congressional elections4 t2e remedy o% t2e petitioner is to %ile an electoral protest =it2 t2e 7RET. 7o=e"er4 in C2a"e9 "s. C!+E:EC 2eld t2at t2e C!+E:EC 2as e-clusi"e Curisdiction o"er all pre1proclamation contro"ersies. As an e-ception4 2o=e"er4 to t2e general rule4 Sec 1# o% RA (1&& pro2ibits candidates in t2e presidential4 "ice1presidential4 senatorial and congressional elections %rom %iling pre1proclamation cases. T2e e-ception to t2e e-ception is t2e second sentence o% Sec 1# allo=s t2e %iling o% petitions %or correction o% mani%est errors in t2e certi%icate o% can"ass or election returns e"en in elections %or president4 "ice1 president and members o% t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es %or t2e simple reason t2at t2e correction o% mani%est error =ill not prolong t2e process o% can"assing nor delay t2e proclamation o% t2e =inner in t2e election. <n Sando"al "s. C!+E:EC @.R. ?o. 133) 24 January 2&4 2,,,4 it =as 2eld t2at t2e pro2ibition aims to a"oid delay in t2e proclamation o% t2e

33)

=inner in t2e election4 =2ic2 delay mig2t result in a "acuum t2ese sensiti"e posts. A candidate =2o 2as not been proclaimed and =2o 2as not ta;en 2is oat2 o% o%%ice cannot be said to be a member o% congress and 2e cannot in"o;e Art 0< sec 1( o% t2e 1*)( Constitution4 as against t2e C!+E:ECAs e-ercising Curisdiction to pass upon t2e /uestion o% t2e candidateAs /uali%ications or dis/uali%ications4 suc2 as t2e lac; o% residence re/uirement. <n $angilinan "s. C!+E:EC4 @.R. ?o. 1,#2()4 ?o"ember 1)4 1**34 t2e Court 2eld t2at t2e commission clearly 2as aut2ority o"er issues a%%ecting t2e elections o% members o% congress4 =2o 2a"e not been proclaimed and ta;en t2eir oat2 in cases in"ol"ingJ 1. mani%est errors in t2e certi%icates o% can"ass or election returns =2ic2 may be corrected by t2e can"assing board motu propio upon =ritten complaint o% interested persons4 or by t2e C!+E:EC in a petition %iled directly =it2 it or upon proper appeal %rom t2e ruling o% t2e bard o% can"assersH and 2. t2e composition o% t2e board or its proceedings =2ic2 may be decided by t2e can"assing board or by t2e C!+E:EC upon proper petition directly %iled =it2 it or upon appeal %rom t2e ruling o% t2e bard o% can"assers. <n $imentel "s. Comelec4 Supreme Court recogni9es an e-ception and allo=s t2e can"assing body motu propio or an interested person to %ile a =ritten complaint %or t2e correction o% mani%est errors in t2e election returns or certi%icates o% can"ass e"en in elections %or $resident4 0ice1 $resident4 Senators4 and +embers o% t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es %or t2e simple reason t2at t2e correction o% mani%est error must =ill not prolong t2e process o% can"assing nor delay t2e proclamation o% t2e =inner in t2e election. <ssues t2at cannot be raised in a pre1proclamation contro"ersyJ 1. cases t2at re/uire t2e appreciation o% ballots 2. tec2nical e-amination o% t2e signatures and t2umb mar;s o% "oters A pre1proclamation contro"ersy is limited to c2allenges directed against t2e 3oard o% Can"assers not 2e 3oard o% Election <nspectors. An action %or annulment o% election returns may be proper grounds %or pre1proclamation contro"ersies.

33*

A pre1proclamation contro"ersy s2all no longer be "iable a%ter t2e proclamation and assumption into o%%ice by t2e candidate =2ose election is contested. T2e pre1proclamation contro"ersy in most cases s2ould be dismissed and t2e proper remedy instead is an election protest be%ore t2e proper %orum. <n :ee "s. C!+E:EC (@.R. ?o. 1#(,, 4 July 4 2,,3)4 analogously4 i% t2e apparent return loo;s regular on its %ace but one can present prima %acie e"idence t2at t2e return4 t2oug2 apparently regular4 is not genuine not only because it may 2a"e been transmitted %rom an irregular and uno%%icial site4 t2e C!+E:EC may not be entirely po=erless to %ind a basis %or t2e e-clusion o% t2e contested return. T2is scenario4 2o=e"er4 it re/uires tec2nical e-pertise and t2e translation o% electronic e"idence into one legally acceptable %or obCection purposes in a proper pre1proclamation contro"ersy.

DAGLOC !". COMELEC ($1 SC/A $3( T2e period %or %iling an election protest under Section 2)* o% t2e %ormer Election Code is suspended by t2e %iling o% a petition %or annulment o% proclamation. T2e period %or %iling an election protest under Section 2)* o% t2e %ormer Election Code is suspended by t2e %iling o% a petition %or annulment o% proclamation. 'iling o% pre1proclamation contro"ersies under Section 2 ) o% t2e !mnibus Election Code is not t2e only ground %or t2e suspension o% proclamation. T=o ot2er instances are pro"ided in Republic Act ?o. && &4 ;no=n as KT2e Electoral Re%orms :a= o% 1*)(.K ?ot all actions see;ing t2e annulment o% proclamation suspend t2e running o% t2e period %or %iling an election protest or a petition %or /uo =arranto. @rounds =2ic2 are proper %or electoral protests s2ould not be allo=ed to delay t2e proclamation o% t2e =inners.

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A/TICLE 55I
ELECTION CONTESTS

Electi n C nte"t" are a&!er"arial *atter" in! l!in- t,e title r clai* "ettle&> *a&e +e% re r a%ter 6r re-ar&le"" % =,et,er r n t t,e c %%ice in &i"61te. It" 61r6 "e i" t la=%1ll0 electe& t %%ice.

6r cee&in-" +0 =,ic, t an electi!e %%ice are cla*ati n % a =inner> nte"tant i" clai*in- t,e &eter*ine t,e can&i&ate

T,e ter* Electi n Pr te"t i" a c nte"t +et=een t,e &e%eate& an& =innin- can&i&ate n t,e -r 1n& % %ra1& r an *alie" acc *6an0in- t,e ca"tin- an& c 1ntin- % +all t" an& t,e 6re6arati n % t,e electi n ret1rn". It rai"e& t,e B1e"ti n a" t =,ic, can&i&ate act1all0 recei!e& t,e ,i-,e"t n1*+er % ! te" an& i" t,ere% re entitle& t , l& %%ice. T,e la=" an& "tat1te" - !ernin- electi n c nte"t" e"6eciall0 a66reciati n % +all t" *1"t +e li+erall0 c n"tr1e& t t,e en&

3 1

t,at t,e =ill % t,e elect rate in t,e c, ice *a0 net +e &e%eate& +0 tec,nical in%ir*itie".

% 61+lic

%%icial"

General r1le> i" t,at t,e %ilin- % a 6re#6r cla*ati n ca"e "1"6en&" t,e 6eri & % r %ilin- an electi n 6r te"t an& t,e %ilin% a 6r 6er 6etiti n t ann1l t,e 6r cla*ati n % t,e re"6 n&ent "1"6en&" t,e r1nnin- % t,e 6eri & t %ile an electi n 6r te"t. C n!er"el0> an electi n 6r te"t r a 6etiti n % r B1 =arrant i" a +ar t t,e "1+"eB1ent %ilin- % a 6re# 6r cla*ati n c ntr !er"0 r a 6etiti n t ann1l 6r cla*ati n. It *a0 al" a* 1nt t t,e a+an& n*ent % t,e"e acti n" i% "1c, =ere %ile& earlier t,an t,e electi n c nte"t. E7ce6ti n> it *a0 "till 6r cee& t it" c ncl1"i n" &e"6ite t,e %ilin- % an electi n 6r te"t r 6etiti n % r B1 =arrant . T,e e7ce6ti n" are lai& & =n in Sa*a& ca"e 1) =,ere t,e + ar& % can!a""er" =a" i*6r 6erl0 c n"tit1te& $) =,ere B1 =arrant =a" n t 6r 6erl0 re*e&0 () =,ere =,at =a" %ile& =a" n t reall0 a 6etiti n % r B1 =arrant r an electi n 6r te"t +1t a 6etiti n t ann1l 6r cla*ati n 8) =,ere t,e %ilin- % a B1 =arrant 6etiti n r in electi n 6r te"t =a" e76re""l0 *a&e =it, 1t 6reC1&ice t t,e 6re#6r cla*ati n c ntr !er"0 r =a" *a&e a& ca1tela* 4) =,ere t,e 6r cla*ati n =a" n1ll ! i&.

DISCUSSIONS

ELECTION P/OTEST Intr &1cti n an& D1ri"&icti n T2e C!+E:EC is t2e sole Cudge o% all contests relating to election4 returns and /uali%ications o% all +embers o% Congress4 electi"e regional4 pro"incial and city o%%icials (Sec. 2 * 3.$ ))1). T2is pro"ision 2as been amended by t2e 1*)( Constitution particularly sec. 1( Art. 0< in so %ar as t2e Curisdiction to 2ear and decide all /uestions relating to election4 returns4 and /uali%ications o% senators and members o% t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es is no= "ested =it2 t2e respecti"e electoral tribunals o% t2e Senate and 7ouse o% Representati"es.

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8nder t2e abo"ementioned pro"ision4 electoral tribunals assumes Curisdiction only =2en t2e candidates become a member t2ereo%. T2us a candidate =2o 2as not =on and ta;en an oat2 o% o%%ice cannot in"o;e t2e pro"ision o% t2e constitution4 t2e C!+E:EC may t2ere%ore assume Curisdiction. A%ter t2e proclamation and oat2 ta;ing4 any /uestion relating to suc2 contro"ersies comes =it2in t2e Curisdiction o% t2e electoral tribunal4 =2ic2 may be raised as an election protest or petition %or /uo =arranto. !n t2e ot2er 2and4 election contests relating to municipal o%%ices come =it2in t2e Curisdiction o% t2e Regional Trial Courts (RTC) =2ile t2ose in"ol"ing barangay o%%icials %all under t2e Curisdiction o% t2e proper municipal or mertropolitan courts. T2e C!+E:EC still 2as an appellate Curisdiction o"er t2e appeals %rom eit2er court.

De%initi n

% Ter*"

1. Election $rotests O are t2ose election contests relating to election and returns. <t can be %iled by any candidate =2o 2as %iled a certi%icate o% candidacy and 2as been "oted upon %or t2e same o%%ice4 and =2o 2as not 2imsel% caused or contributed to t2e irregularities or %rauds o% =2ic2 2e complains. <t maybe %iled based on any or all o% t2e %ollo=ing groundH 'raud4 terrorism4 irregularities or illegal acts committed be%ore4 during or a%ter t2e casting and counting o% "otes. Election protests are considered as special summary proceedings due to t2e %act t2at t2e issues must be settled e-peditiously bet=een t2e =inning and losing candidates so as not to preCudice t2e public =2o badly needs t2eir representati"es. <t main purpose is to determine =2et2er or not t2e =inning candidate proclaimed by t2e 3oard o% Can"assers (3!C) is t2e candidate really c2osen by t2e electorate. Election protests maybe %iled =it2in 1, days %rom proclamation o% t2e results o% t2e election. T2is rule is %urt2er e-plained by t2e Supreme Court in t2e case o% Ro/uero "s. C!+E:EC 2)* SCRA 1#, =2erein t2ey said t2at i%4 a%ter # days %rom t2e proclamation o% t2e =inning candidate4 t2e loser %iles a motion %or reconsideration in t2e

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pre1proclamation contro"ersy4 t2ere are only # days =2ic2 remain o% t2e period =it2in =2ic2 to %ile an election protest. a. E%%ect o% t2e .eat2 o% t2e Appellant T2e Supreme Court in t2e case o% .e Castro ". C!+E:EC4 2&( SCRA ),& ruled t2at t2e deat2 o% t2e protestant does not e-tinguis2 an election protest. As stated earlier an election protest is one imbued =it2 public interest =2ic2 raises its le"el abo"e mere ordinary ci"il actions4 because it in"ol"es not only t2e determination o% t2e pri"ate interest o% t2e ri"al candidates but also t2e paramount need o% settling once and %or all t2e uncertainty t2at clouds t2e real c2oice o% t2e people =it2 respect to t2e one =2o s2all disc2arge t2e prerogati"es o% t2e o%%ice under consideration. 7o=e"er4 it is not t2e 2eirs o% t2e deceased =2o s2all be t2e successors1in1interest to t2e suit4 but t2e succeeding candidate1elect. 'or e-ample4 i% t2e deceased =as a mayoralty candidate4 t2e real party in interest in t2e continuation o% t2e proceedings is t2e 0ice1+ayor1elect4 as 2e =ill succeed in t2e e"ent t2at t2e protestant is declared to be t2e person la=%ully elected to t2e o%%ice. :i;e=ise in t2e case o% 'ernando $oe Jr. "s. @loria +acapagal1 Arroyo4 $residential Electoral Tribunal Case ?o. ,,24 +arc2 2*4 2,,#4 t2e Supreme Court said t2at i% persons not real parties in t2e action could be allo=ed to inter"ene4 proceedings =ill be unnecessarily complicated4 e-pensi"e and interminableNand t2is is not t2e policy o% t2e la=. <nasmuc2 as no real parties suc2 as t2e "ice1presidential aspirants in t2e 2,, elections 2a"e come %or=ard to inter"ene4 or to be substituted %or t2e deceased protestant4 it is %ar more prudent to abide by t2e e-isting and strict limitations on inter"ention and substitution under t2e la= and t2e rules. b. E%%ect o% Running and 6inning %or anot2er $osition T2e Supreme Court in t2e case o% +iriam .e%ensor Santiago "s. 'idel 0alde9 Ramos (2#3 SCRA #**) stated t2at election protest %iled by Santiago =as rendered moot and academic by t2e election o% Santiago as a Senator in t2e +ay 1**# elections and protest or at t2e "ery least4 in t2e language o% +oraleCa " Relo"a4 abandoned 2er determination to protect and pursue t2e public interest in"ol"ed on =2o is t2e real c2oice o% t2e electorate.

2. >uo 6arranto O can be %iled by any registered "oter in t2e constituency on t2e ground o% <neligibility or disloyalty to t2e Republic o% t2e $2ilippines. And li;e t2at o% election protests it must be %iled =it2in 1, days %rom proclamation o% t2e results o% t2e election. 'or t2ose contests regarding t2e election o% municipal or barangay o%%icials4 t2e contestant must %ile a s=orn petition %or /uo =arranto =it2 t2e Regional Trial Court (RTC) or to t2e +unicipal or +etropolitan Trial Court (+TC or +eTC)4 respecti"ely. 7o=e"er Sec. 2 Rule & o% resolution no. )), pro"ides t2atJ Section 2. Election protest. 1 A petition contesting t2e elections or returns o% an electi"e regional4 pro"incial4 or city o%%icial s2all be %iled =it2 t2e Commission by any candidate =2o =as "oted %or in t2e same o%%ice and =2o recei"ed t2e second o% t2ird 2ig2est number o% "otes or4 in a multi1slot position4 =as among t2e ne-t %our candidates %ollo=ing t2e last ran;ed =inner duly proclaimed4 as re%lected in t2e o%%icial results o% t2e election contained in t2e Statement o% 0otes. T2e party %iling t2e protest s2all be designated as t2e protestantH t2e ad"erse party s2all be ;no=n as t2e protestee.

T,e 6r ce&1re an& reB1ire*ent" % r %ilin- an Electi n Pr te"t? 1. An election protest or petition %or /uo =arranto s2all be %iled directly =it2 t2e Commission in ten (1,) legible copies plus suc2 number o% copies corresponding to t2e number o% protestees (Sec.3 Rule & o% Resolution no. )), ) 2. An election protest or petition %or /uo =arranto s2all speci%ically state t2e %ollo=ing %actsJ a. T2e position in"ol"edH b. T2at t2e protestant =as a candidate =2o 2as duly %iled a certi%icate o% candidacy and 2as been "oted %or t2e same o%%iceH c. T2e date o% proclamationH and d. T2e number o% proclamation. "otes credited to t2e parties per

3 #

An election protest s2all also stateJ e. T2e total number o% precincts o% t2e region4 pro"ince or city concernedH %. T2e protested precincts and "otes o% t2e parties in t2e protested precincts per t2e Statement o% 0otes 3y $recinct or4 i% t2e "otes o% t2e parties are not speci%ied an e-planation =2y t2e "otes are not speci%iedH g. A detailed speci%ication o% t2e acts or omissions complained o% s2o=ing t2e electoral %rauds4 anomalies or irregularities in t2e protested precincts. (Sec.( Rule & o% Resolution no. )), )

3. 6it2in a non1e-tendible period o% ten days %ollo=ing t2e date o% proclamation. (Sec.3 Rule & o% Resolution no. )), ) . Eac2 contest s2all re%er e-clusi"ely to one o%%ice but contents %or o%%ices o% t2e Sangguniang $ampoo;4 Sangguniang $anlala=igan or Sangguniang $anglungsod may be consolidated in one case. (Sec.3 Rule & o% Resolution no. )), ) #. Ser"ice and %iling o% pleadings4 including t2e initiatory petition and ot2er papers4 s2all be done personally. E-cept =it2 respect to papers emanating %rom t2e Commission4 a resort to ot2er modes o% ser"ice must be accompanied by a =ritten e-planation =2y t2e ser"ice or %iling =as not done personally. A "iolation o% t2is Rule s2all be a cause to consider t2e pleading or paper as not %iled. (Sec. Rule & o% Resolution no. )), ) &. An election protest s2all be "eri%ied by an a%%ida"it stating t2at t2e a%%iant 2as read t2e petition and t2at t2e allegations t2erein are true and correct o% a%%iantBs o=n ;no=ledge or based on aut2entic records. A "eri%ication based on Kin%ormation and belie%K or upon t2e K;no=ledge4 in%ormation and belie%K is not a su%%icient "eri%ication. (Sec.# Rule & o% Resolution no. )), ) (. T2e protestant s2all personally sign t2e certi%icate o% non1%orum s2opping =2ic2 must be anne-ed to t2e election protest. An un"eri%ied petition or one =it2 insu%%icient "eri%ication or unaccompanied by a certi%icate o% non1%orum s2opping s2all be dismissed outrig2t and s2all not suspend t2e running o% t2e

3 &

reglementary period to %ile an election protest.(Sec.# Rule & o% Resolution no. )), )

/ec 1nt Sec. 2 Rule 1# o% Resolution no. )), pro"ides t2atJ T2ere s2all be constituted suc2 number o% recount committees as may be necessary. T2e list o% t2e recount committees s2all be submitted by t2e .i"ision Cler; o% t2e Commission4 t2roug2 t2e .irector <04 Electoral Contests AdCudication .epartment4 to t2e $residing Commissioner o% eit2er t2e 'irst or Second .i"ision. Eac2 recount committee s2all be composed o% a Recount CoordinatorMC2airman =2o s2all be a la=yer o% t2e Commission4 recorder4 cler;4 typist and ballot bo- custodian and one representati"e eac2 %rom t2e protestant and t2e protestee. T2e Commission s2all designate t2e Recount CoordinatorsM C2airman %rom among its personnel. T2e parties s2all also designate t2eir respecti"e alternati"e representati"es. T2e recount committee s2all conduct t2e recount in t2e CommissionBs premises or at suc2 ot2er places as may be designated by t2e Commission4 but in e"ery case under its strict super"ision.

!nce commenced4 t2e recount s2all continue %rom day to day as %ar as practicable until terminated. a. Period for +ecount. 1 recount s2all be conducted %rom )J3, oBcloc; in t2e morning to 12J,, noon and %rom 1J3, to J3, oBcloc; in t2e a%ternoon %rom +onday to 'riday4 e-cept on non1=or;ing 2olidays. T2e members o% t2e Recount Committee may ta;e a %i%teen1minute brea; in eac2 session. b. +ecount to continue even if a party representative is absent or late. 1 T2e recount o% ballots s2all not be delayed or postponed by reason o% t2e absence or tardiness o% a party representati"e as long as t2e Recount Coordinator and one party representati"e are present. T2e Commission may at any time designate anot2er Recount Coordinator i% t2e regular Recount Coordinator %ails %or any reason to report.

3 (

c. -f the representative of the protestee is absent or late. 1 <% t2e representati"e o% t2e protestee is absent or late %or t2irty minutes and no alternate appears as a substitute4 t2e recount s2all4 ne"ert2eless4 commenceH t2e protestee s2all be deemed to 2a"e =ai"ed t2e rig2t to appear and to obCect to t2e ballots in t2e precinct or precincts sc2eduled %or recount on t2at particular day. d. -f the representative of protestant or counter=protestant, or of both parties fail to appear. 1 <% t2e representati"e o% t2e protestant4 or o% bot2 parties and alternates %ail to appear %or no Custi%iable reason =it2in one 2our a%ter %i-ed 2ours %rom t2e start o% t2e recount4 t2e ballot bo-es sc2eduled %or t2at day4 and t2e corresponding ;eys in t2e possession o% t2e c2airperson4 s2all be returned to t2e ballot bo- custodian o% t2e Commission and s2all no longer be recountedH it is understood t2at t2e parties =ai"e t2eir rig2t to recount t2e same4 and t2e Recount Coordinator concerned s2all state suc2 %acts in t2e corresponding Recount report. (Sec. Rule 1# o% Resolution )), )

Sec. &4 Rule 1# o% Resolution no. )), pro"idesJ T2e recount o% t2e "otes on t2e ballots s2all be done manually and "isually and according to t2e procedures 2ereunderJ a. At t2e preliminary con%erence t2e date and t2e place o% t2e recount and t2e number o% t2e recount committees s2all be set. b. At t2e appointed place and day4 t2e recount committeeMs s2all con"ene. c. At t2e same place and day4 t2e ballot bo-es containing t2e ballots %rom t2e protested precincts4 t2e data storage de"ice used in said precincts4 as =ell as t2e mac2ine or any de"ice t2at can be used to aut2enticate or assure t2e genuineness o% t2e ballots s2all be broug2t to t2e "enue o% t2e recount.

3 )

d. T2e di%%erent recount committees =ill be pro"ided =it2 an ade/uate =or;space4 =it2 tables and c2airs t2at =ould enable t2em to per%orm t2e recount in an e%%icient and transparent manner. e. T2e recount committee4 upon t2e re/uest in =riting o% parties4 =ill t2en randomly pic; t2e precinct %rom =2ic2 t2ey =ould do t2e recount. %. 3e%ore opening t2e ballot bo-4 t2e recount committee s2all note its condition as =ell as t2at o% t2e loc;s or loc;ing mec2anism and record t2e condition in t2e recount report. 'rom its obser"ation4 t2e recount committee must also ma;e a determination as to =2et2er t2e integrity o% t2e ballot bo- 2as been preser"ed. g. T2e ballot bo- s2all t2en be opened and t2e ballots s2all be ta;en out. T2e K"alidK ballots s2all %irst be counted4 =it2out regard to t2e "otes obtain by t2e parties. T2is =ill be %ollo=ed by t2e counting o% t2e torn4 unused and stray ballots4 as classi%ied at t2e poling place. 2. T2e 0otes appearing in election return copy %or t2e ballot bo- s2all t2en be recorded in t2e minutes. i. $rior to t2e actual conduct o% t2e recount o% t2e "otes t2e recount committee must aut2enticate eac2 and e"ery ballot to ma;e sure t2at t2ey =ere t2e same ballots t2at =ere cast and %ed to t2e $C!S mac2ine during t2e elections. T2e aut2entication s2all be t2roug2 t2e use o% t2e $C!S mac2ine actually used during t2e elections in t2e subCect precinct4 or by anot2er de"ice certi%ied by t2e Commission as one t2at can per%orm t2e desired aut2entication re/uirement t2roug2 t2e use o% bar code and ultra1"iolet ray code detection mec2anism. !nly =2en t2e recount committee4 t2roug2 t2e recount coordinator4 determines t2at t2e integrity o% t2e ballots 2as been preser"ed4 =ill t2e recount proceed.

C.

;. 8pon suc2 determination4 t2e recount committee s2all t2en loo; at t2e ballot and count t2e "otes as registered in eac2 and e"ery one o% t2em %or t2e contested position. l. <n loo;ing at t2e s2ades or mar;s used to register "otes4 t2e recount committee s2all bear in mind t2at t2e =ill o%

3 *

t2e "oters re%lected as "otes in t2e ballots s2all as muc2 as possible be gi"en e%%ect4 setting aside any tec2nicalities. 'urt2ermore4 t2e "otes t2ereon are presumed to 2a"e been 4made by t2e "oter and s2all be considered as suc2 unless reasons e-ist t2at =ill Custi%y t2eir reCection. 7o=e"er4 mar;s or s2ades =2ic2 are less t2an #,U o% t2e o"al s2all not be considered as "alid "otes. Any issue as to =2et2er a certain mar; or s2ade is =it2in t2e t2res2old s2all be determined by %eeding t2e ballot on t2e $C!S mac2ine4 and not by 2uman determination. m. T2e rules on appreciation o% ballots under Section 211 o% t2e !mnibus Election Code s2all apply suppletorily =2en appropriate. n. T2ere s2all be a tally s2eet4 o% at least # copies4 plus additional copies depending on t2e number o% additional parties4 t2at =ill be used %or t2e tallying o% t2e "otes as t2ey are counted4 t2roug2 t2e use o% t2e tara or stic;s. o. A%ter all t2e ballots %rom one ballot bo- 2a"e been counted4 t2e recount committee s2all secure t2e contested ballots and complete t2e recount report %or said precinct. T2erea%ter4 it s2all proceed to recount t2e "otes on t2e ballots %rom t2e ne-t precinct. p. <n case o% multiple recount committees4 t2e recount s2all be done simultaneously. /. <n t2e e"ent t2at t2e recount committee determine t2at t2e integrity o% t2e ballots and t2e ballot bo- =ere not preser"ed4 as =2en t2ere is proo% o% tampering or substitution4 it s2all proceed to instruct t2e printing o% t2e picture image o% t2e ballots o% t2e subCect precinct stored in t2e data storage de"ice %or t2e same precinct. T2e commission s2all pro"ide a non1partisan tec2nical person =2o s2all conduct t2e necessary aut2entication process to ensure t2at t2e data or image stored is genuine and not a substitute. <t is only upon suc2 determination t2at t2e printed picture image can be used %or t2e recount.

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DU/ISP/UDENCE PIMENTEL> D/. !". COMELEC> et al. G./. N . 1((4).> Fe+r1ar0 .> $))) T2ese circumstances4 in t2emsel"es4 constitute probable cause t2at Custi%ies t2e belie% t2at more li;ely t2an not4 t2e election o%%ense =as committed and =as committed by pri"ate respondents Salayon and :lorente. $robable cause is based neit2er on clear and con"incing e"idence o% guilt nor e"idence establis2ing absolute certainty o% guilt. <t is merely based on opinion and reasonable belie%4 and so it is enoug2 t2at t2ere e-ists suc2 state o% %acts as =ould lead a person o% ordinary caution and prudence to belie"e4 or entertain an 2onest or strong suspicion4 t2at a t2ing is so 1&. Considering t2at pri"ate respondents Salayon and :lorente4 in in"o;ing t2e de%ense o% 2onest mista;e4 o"ersig2t due to %atigue4 and per%ormance o% ministerial duties4 "irtually admitted t2e e-istence o% t2e discrepancies in t2e total number o% "otes garnered by petitioner and ot2er senatorial candidates4 =2ic2 discrepancies by no stretc2 o% t2e imagination could be dismissed as negligible or inconse/uential4 t2ere is not merely a strong suspicion t2at t2ey actually committed t2e election o%%ense =it2 =2ic2 t2ey are c2arged. T2e burden o% proo% appears to 2a"e s2i%ted to t2em to 2a"e s2i%ted to t2em to pro"e t2at t2e said discrepancies cannot be considered illegal and criminal.

Sec. $8.. D1ri"&icti n % t,e C **i""i n. # T,e C **i""i n ",all +e t,e " le C1&-e % all c nte"t" relatin- t t,e electi n"> ret1rn"> an& B1ali%icati n" % all Me*+er" % t,e Bata"anPa*+an"a> electi!e re-i nal> 6r !incial an& cit0 %%icial".

DISCUSSIONS

3#1

T2e Supreme Court 2a"e t2e e-clusi"e original Curisdiction4 Article 0<<4 section o% t2e 1**)( Constitution4 t2e Supreme Court4 sitting en banc4 s2all be t2e sole Cudge o% all contests relating to t2e election4 returns4 and /uali%ications o% t2e $resident4 0ice1$resident4 and may promulgate its rules %or t2is purpose. T2e Supreme Court 2as e-clusi"e original Curisdiction to issue =rits o% certiorari against any decisions o% an Electoral Tribunal. T2e Supreme Court 2as appellate Curisdiction o"er decisions o% t2e C!+E:EC in election contests relating to t2e elections4 returns and /uali%ications o% all electi"e Regional4 $ro"incial and City !%%icials. T2e petition s2all be %iled =it2in t2rity (3,) days %rom notice o% Cudgment or %inal order or resolution soug2t to be re"ie=ed. T2e C!+E:EC 2as e-clusi"e original Curisdiction o"er all election contests relating to t2e elections4 returns4 and /uali%ications o% all electi"eJ 1. regional o%%icialsH 2. pro"incial o%%icialsH and city o%%icials. T2e C!+E:EC 2as appellate Curisdiction o"er all contests in"ol"ing electi"e municipal o%%icials decided by trial courts o% general Curisdiction or in"ol"ing electi"e barangay o%%icials decided by trial courts o% limited Curisdiction. T2e Regional Trial Courts and +unicipal Trial Courts 2a"e e-clusi"e original Curisdiction o"er municipal and barangay o%%icials4 respecti"ely. All election contests in"ol"ing municipal o%%ices %iled =it2 t2e RTC s2all be decided e-peditiously. T2e decision may be appealed to t2e Commission =it2in %i"e days %rom promulgation or receipt o% a copy t2ereo% by t2e aggrie"ed party. T2e Commission s2all decide t2e appeal =it2in si-ty days a%ter it is submitted %or decision4 but not late t2an si- mont2s a%ter t2e %iling o% t2e appeal4 =2ic2 decision s2all be %inal4 unappealable and e-ecutory. SubCect to t2e CourtAs t2e ruling in 0eloria "s. Comelec4 a motion %or t2e reconsideration o% t2e RTC decision is a pro2ibited pleading and does not interrupt t2e running o% t2e %i"e day period o% appeal. T2e pro"ision o% R.A. ?o &&(* granting appellate Curisdiction to RTC o"er t2e decision o% +unicipal Courts in electoral cases in"ol"ing electi"e barangay o%%icials is unconstitutional4 per t2e ruling in 'lores "s C!+E:EC.

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An election protest more t2an see;s t2e ouster o% t2e =inner %rom o%%ice as it is strictly a contest bet=een t2e de%eated and t2e =inning candidate4 based on grounds o% election %raud or irregularity4 its purpose is to ascertain =2o actually obtained t2e maCority o% t2e legal "otes in t2e election and is t2ere%ore entitled to t2e o%%ice.

Sec. $4). Electi n c nte"t" % r Bata"an- Pa*+an"a> re-i nal> 6r !incial an& cit0 %%ice". # A "= rn 6etiti n c nte"tin- t,e electi n % an0 Me*+er % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a r an0 re-i nal> 6r !incial r cit0 %%icial ",all +e %ile& =it, t,e C **i""i n +0 an0 can&i&ate =, ,a" &1l0 %ile& a certi%icate % can&i&ac0 an& ,a" +een ! te& % r t,e "a*e %%ice> =it,in ten &a0" a%ter t,e 6r cla*ati n % t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n.

DU/ISP/UDENCE BA/BE/S !". COMELEC G./. N . 1242.1> D1ne $$> $))4 T2e alleged in"alidity o% 3ia9onAs proclamation in"ol"es a dispute or contest relating to t2e election returns o% members o% t2e Senate. <ndisputably4 t2e resolution o% suc2 dispute %alls =it2in t2e sole Curisdiction o% t2e SET. 'or t2is Court to ta;e cogni9ance o% t2e electoral protest against 3ia9on =ould usurp t2e constitutional %unctions o% t2e SET. <n addition4 t2e C!+E:EC did not commit any gra"e abuse o% discretion in issuing t2e assailed Resolutions a%%irming 3ia9onAs proclamation since t2e uncan"assed returns and t2e results o% t2e special elections to be 2eld =ould not materially a%%ect t2e results o% t2e elections.

GA/CIA !". HOUSE OF /EP/ESENTATI'ES ELECTO/AL T/IBUNAL (1$ SC/A (4(

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T2e %act t2at t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es Electoral Tribunal (7RET) is t2e sole Cudge o% all contests relating to t2e elections4 returns and /uali%ications o% its members does not bar t2e Supreme Court %rom entertaining petitions =2ic2 c2arge t2e 7RET =it2 gra"e abuse o% discretion.T2e cas2 deposit re/uired in /uo =arranto cases is %i-ed4 i.e.4 $#4,,,.,,4 and is re/uired to be paid toget2er =it2 t2e %iling %ee at t2e time t2e petition is %iled. T2e 7RET may dismiss a /uo =arranto petition %or %ailure to pay t2e re/uired cas2 deposit 1 it is its Cudgment call =2ic2 is clearly aut2ori9ed under its Rules. T2e alleged ineligibility o% a Congressman to 2old o%%ice %or not being a natural1born citi9en is a serious c2arge4 and in "ie= o% t2e delicate nature and importance o% t2e c2arge4 t2e obser"ance o% t2e 7RET Rules o% $rocedure must be ta;en seriously i% t2ey are to attain t2eir obCecti"e4 i.e.4 t2e speedy and orderly determination o% t2e true =ill o% t2e electorate.

/ASUL !". COMELEC (1( SC/A 18 T2e proper remedy o% a losing candidate =2o assails t2e Commission on ElectionsA resolution proclaiming t2e t=el%t2 (12 t2) =inning senatorial candidate is to %ile a regular election protest =2ic2 under t2e Constitution and t2e !mnibus Election Code e-clusi"ely pertains to t2e Senate Electoral Tribunal T2e p2rase Kelection4 returns and /uali%icationsK s2ould be interpreted in its totality as re%erring to all matters a%%ecting t2e "alidity o% t2e contesteeBs title. T2e =ord KsoleK in Section 1(4 Article 0< o% t2e 1*)( Constitution and Section 2#, o% t2e !mnibus Election Code underscore t2e e-clusi"ity o% t2e TribunalBs Curisdiction o"er election contests relating to its members.

BULAONG !". COMELEC $81 SC/A 18) Re/uest %or additional time =as properly denied =2ere petitioner 2ad been gi"en su%%icient time o% ## days to complete t2e tec2nical e-amination o% election documents and to pro"e 2is allegations. 'act t2at t2ere is a D2uge discrepancyE bet=een t2e result o% t2e can"ass and t2at o% t2e re"ision is no proo% t2at t2e Commission committed a gra"e abuse o% discretion in denying 2is re/uest %or additional time to conduct a tec2nical e-amination o% election documents and to 2a"e 2is

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=itnesses e-amine t2e ballots be%ore re/uiring t2em to ma;e t2eir a%%ida"its. As %or t2e allegedly %a;e ballots4 no better aut2ority t2an t2e Commission on Elections can determine t2eir aut2enticity4 2a"ing itsel% ordered and super"ised t2e printing o% all t2e o%%icial ballots. 8nless t2e Commission on Elections is s2o=n to 2a"e committed a gra"e abuse o% discretion4 its decision and rulings =ill not be inter%ered =it2 by t2e Supreme Court. T2e Commission on Elections is "ested by t2e Constitution =it2 e-clusi"e original Curisdiction o"er election contests in"ol"ing regional4 pro"incial and city o%%icials4 as =ell as appellate Curisdiction o"er election contests in"ol"ing electi"e municipal and barangay o%%icials.

/OMUALDE;#MA/COS !". COMELEC $88 SC/A ()) T2e 7ouse o% Representati"es Electoral TribunalAs Curisdiction as t2e sole Cudge o% all contests relating to t2e elections4 returns and /uali%ications o% members o% Congress begins only a%ter a candidate 2as become a member o% t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es. 0ie= t2at t2e C!+E:ECAs Curisdiction4 in t2e case o% congressional elections4 ends =2en t2e Curisdiction o% t2e Electoral Tribunal concerned begins. 0ie= t2at t2e Supreme Court s2ould re%rain %rom any undue encroac2ment on t2e ultimate e-ercise o% aut2ority by t2e Electoral Tribunals on matters =2ic24 by no less t2an a constitutional %iat4 are e-plicitly =it2in t2eir e-clusi"e domain.

AFUINO !". COMELEC $88 SC/A 8))

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T2e electoral tribunal assumes Curisdiction o"er all contests relati"e to t2e election4 returns and /uali%ications o% candidates %or eit2er Senate or t2e 7ouse only =2en t2e latter become members o% eit2er t2e Senate or t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es and4 a candidate =2o 2as not been proclaimed and 2as ta;en 2is oat2 o% o%%ice cannot be said to be a member. 62ile t2e proclamation o% a =inning candidate is ministerial4 3atas $ambansa 3lg. ))1 in conCunction =it2 Section & o% Republic Act ?o. && & allo=s suspension o% proclamation under circumstances mentioned t2erein O e"en a%ter t2e elections4 t2e C!+E:EC is empo=ered to continue to 2ear and decide /uestions relating to /uali%ications o% candidates.

Sec. $41. Electi n c nte"t" % r *1nici6al %%ice". # A "= rn 6etiti n c nte"tin- t,e electi n % a *1nici6al %%icer ",all +e %ile& =it, t,e 6r 6er re-i nal trial c 1rt +0 an0 can&i&ate =, ,a" &1l0 %ile& a certi%icate % can&i&ac0 an& ,a" +een ! te& % r t,e "a*e %%ice> =it,in ten &a0" a%ter 6r cla*ati n % t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n.

DU/ISP/UDENCE SAFUILA:AN !". COMELEC G./. N . 143$8.> N !e*+er $8> $))( 'ACTSJ $etitioner Sa/uilayan and respondent Jaro =ere candidates %or t2e !%%ice o% +unicipal +ayor o% <mus4 Ca"ite in t2e +ay 1 4 2,,1 local elections. A%ter t2e "otes =ere can"assed4 Sa/uilayan =as proclaimed t2e =inner %or 2a"ing recei"ed 2(4 * "otes against JaroAs 2&4( & "otes. !n +ay 2)4 2,,14 Jaro instituted an Election $rotest Case (E$C ?o. ,11,2) be%ore t2e RTC o% <mus4 Ca"ite contesting t2e results in all #3 election precincts in t2e +unicipality o% <mus. Sa/uilayan %iled 2is Ans=er =it2 +otion to .ismiss contending4 among ot2er t2ings4 t2at t2e election protest %ailed to state a cause o% action. T2e +otion to .ismiss =as denied by t2e RTC in an !rder dated July 314 2,,1. Sa/uilayan /uestioned t2e denial be%ore t2e ComelecAs Second .i"ision t2roug2 a petition %or certiorari and pro2ibition4 =2ic2 =as

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doc;eted as S$R ?o. 1*12,,1. !n January 224 2,,24 t2e Second .i"ision ruled in %a"or o% Sa/uilayan and ordered t2e dismissal o% t2e election protest. Jaro soug2t a reconsideration o% t2e order o% dismissal and t2e case =as ele"ated to t2e Comelec en banc. !n 'ebruary 2&4 2,,34 t2e Comelec en banc issued t2e /uestioned resolution granting JaroAs +otion %or Reconsideration. Sa/uilayanAs petition =as t2ereunder dismissed and E$C ?o. ,11,2 =as ordered to proceed. Aggrie"ed4 Sa/uilayan %iled t2e present petition. R8:<?@J T2e Supreme Court stated t2at election contests in"ol"e public interest4 and tec2nicalities and procedural barriers s2ould not be allo=ed to stand i% t2ey constitute an obstacle to t2e determination o% t2e true =ill o% t2e electorate in t2e c2oice o% t2eir electi"e o%%icials. :a=s go"erning election contests must be liberally construed to t2e end t2at t2e =ill o% t2e people in t2e c2oice o% public o%%icials may not be de%eated by mere tec2nical obCections. <n an election case4 t2e court 2as an imperati"e duty to ascertain by all means =it2in its command =2o is t2e real candidate elected by t2e electorate. T2e Supreme Court %ro=ns upon any interpretation o% t2e la= or t2e rules t2at =ould 2inder in any =ay not only t2e %ree and intelligent casting o% t2e "otes in an election but also t2e correct ascertainment o% t2e results. ?o doubt4 allo=ing t2e election protest to proceed =ould be t2e best =ay o% remo"ing any doubt as to =2o =as t2e real candidate c2osen by t2e electorate. 3arring t2e proceedings due to tec2nicalities and procedures accomplis2es not2ing e-cept possibly to suppress t2e =ill o% t2e maCority. T2e petition =as dismissed.

Sec. $4$. Electi n c nte"t % r +aran-a0 %%ice". # A "= rn 6etiti n c nte"tin- t,e electi n % a +aran-a0 %%icer ",all +e %ile& =it, t,e 6r 6er *1nici6al r *etr 6 litan trial c 1rt +0 an0 can&i&ate =, ,a" &1l0 %ile& a certi%icate % can&i&ac0 an& ,a" +een ! te& % r t,e "a*e %%ice> =it,in ten &a0" a%ter t,e 6r cla*ati n % t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n. T,e trial c 1rt ",all &eci&e t,e electi n 6r te"t =it,in %i%teen &a0" a%ter t,e %ilint,ere %. T,e &eci"i n % t,e *1nici6al r *etr 6 litan trial c 1rt *a0 +e a66eale& =it,in ten &a0" %r * recei6t % a c 60 t,ere % +0 t,e a--rie!e& 6art0 t t,e re-i nal trial c 1rt =,ic, ",all &eci&e t,e ca"e =it,in t,irt0 &a0" %r * it" "1+*i""i n> an& =, "e &eci"i n" ",all +e %inal.

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DU/ISP/UDENCE SAHALI !". COMELEC an& MATBA G./. N . 1(812.> Fe+r1ar0 $> $))) To /uestion t2e Curisdiction o% t2e lo=er court or t2e agency e-ercising Cudicial or /uasi1Cudicial %unctions4 t2e remedy is a special ci"il action %or certiorari under Rule &# o% t2e Rules o% Court. T2e petitioner in suc2 cases must clearly s2o= t2at t2e public respondent acted =it2out Curisdiction or =it2 gra"e abuse o% discretion amounting to lac; or e-cess o% Curisdiction. @ra"e abuse o% discretion de%ies e-act de%inition4 but generally re%ers to Kcapricious or =2imsical e-ercise o% Cudgment as is e/ui"alent to lac; o% Curisdiction. T2e abuse o% discretion must be patent and gross as to amount to an e"asion o% positi"e duty or a "irtual re%usal to per%orm a duty enCoined by la=4 or to act at all in contemplation o% la=4 as =2ere t2e po=er is e-ercised in an arbitrary and despotic manner by reason o% passion and 2ostility. <n %ine4 certiorari =ill issue only to correct errors o% Curisdiction4 not errors o% procedure or mista;es in t2e %indings or conclusions o% t2e lo=er court. As long as a court acts =it2in its Curisdiction4 any alleged errors committed in t2e e-ercise o% its discretion =ill amount to not2ing more t2an errors o% Cudgment =2ic2 are re"ie=able by timely appeal and not by special ci"il action %or certiorari.

MA/FUE; !". COMELEC (1( SC/A 1)( T2e election o% Sangguniang 5abataan are go"erned by t2e !mnibus Election Code. Any contest relating to t2e election o% members o% t2e Sangguniang 5abataan (including t2e c2airman) N =2et2er pertaining to t2eir eligibility or t2e manner o% t2eir election N is cogni9able by +TCs4 +CTCs4 and +eTCs. <t is t2e proclamation =2ic2 mar;s o%% t2e Curisdiction o% t2e courts %rom t2e Curisdiction o% election o%%icials. T2e

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doctrine o% +ercado "s. 3oard o% Election Super"isors4 2 3 SCRA 234 is no longer controlling. Section * o% C!+E:EC Resolution 2)2 co"ers bot2 election protests and /uo =arranto cases.

ME/CADO !". BOA/D OF ELECTION SUPE/'ISO/S BATANGAS $8( SC/A 8$$

% IBAAN>

T2e conduct and administration o% t2e elections %or Sangguniang 5abataan members s2all be go"erned by t2e rules promulgated by t2e C!+E:EC. C!+E:ECAs e-clusi"e appellate Curisdiction o"er contests in"ol"ing electi"e barangay o%%icials re%er to t2e electi"e barangay o%%icials under t2e pertinent la=s in %orce at t2e time t2e !mnibus Election Code =as enacted and upon t2e rati%ication o% t2e Constitution. Contests in"ol"ing elections o% S5 o%%icials do not %all =it2in Section 2#2 o% t2e !mnibus Election Code and paragrap2 24 Article <R1C o% t2e Constitution. Regional Trial Court is competent to re"ie= t2e decision o% t2e 3oard o% Election Super"isors (3ES) in election contro"ersies =it2in its le"el.

Sec. $4(. Petiti n % r B1 =arrant . # An0 ! ter c nte"tin- t,e electi n % an0 Me*+er % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a> re-i nal> 6r !incial> r cit0 %%icer n t,e -r 1n& % ineli-i+ilit0 r % &i"l 0alt0 t t,e /e61+lic % t,e P,ili66ine" ",all %ile a "= rn 6etiti n % r B1 =arrant =it, t,e C **i""i n =it,in ten &a0" a%ter t,e 6r cla*ati n % t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n. An0 ! ter c nte"tin- t,e electi n % an0 *1nici6al r +aran-a0 %%icer n t,e -r 1n& % ineli-i+ilit0 r % &i"l 0alt0 t t,e /e61+lic % t,e P,ili66ine" ",all %ile a "= rn 6etiti n % r B1 =arrant =it, t,e re-i nal trial c 1rt r *etr 6 litan r *1nici6al trial c 1rt> re"6ecti!el0> =it,in ten &a0" a%ter t,e 6r cla*ati n % t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n.

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DU/ISP/UDENCE ESPIDOL !". COMELEC G./. N . 128.$$> Oct +er 11> $))4 <t bears reiterating4 at t2is point4 t2at t2e Court 2as gi"en its imprimatur on t2e principle t2at t2e C!+E:EC is =it2 aut2ority to annul any can"ass and proclamation illegally made. T2e %act t2at a candidate illegally proclaimed 2as assumed o%%ice is not a bar to t2e e-ercise o% suc2 po=er. <t is also true t2at as a general rule4 t2e proper remedy a%ter t2e proclamation o% t2e =inning candidate %or t2e position contested =ould be to %ile a regular election protest or /uo =arranto. T2is rule4 2o=e"er4 admits o% e-ceptions and one o% t2ose is =2ere t2e proclamation =as null and "oid. <n suc2 a case4 i.e.4 =2ere t2e proclamation is null and "oid4 t2e proclaimed candidateAs assumption o% o%%ice cannot depri"e t2e C!+E:EC o% t2e po=er to declare suc2 proclamation a nullity.

DUMA:AS> Dr. !". COMELEC (43 SC/A (48 @enerally4 t2e %iling o% an election protest or a petition %or /uo =arranto precludes t2e subse/uent %iling o% a pre1proclamation contro"ersy or amounts to t2e abandonment o% one earlier %iled.

BA/ FUESTION A /uo =arranto proceeding4 is a proceeding to unseat t2e respondent %rom o%%ice but not necessary install petitioner in 2is place. 8nder t2e !mnibus Election Code (3.$.))14 as amended)4 brie%ly di%%erentiate an election protest %rom a /uo =arranto case4 as to =2om can %ile t2e case and t2e respecti"e grounds t2ere%ore.

Ans=er

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An election protest may be %iled by a losing candidate %or t2e same o%%ice %or =2ic2 t2e =inner %iled 2is certi%icate o% candidacy. A /uo =arranto case may be %iled by any "oter =2o is a registered "oter in t2e constituency =2ere t2e =inning candidate soug2t to be dis/uali%ied ran %or o%%ice. <n an election contest4 t2e issues areJ a) =2o recei"ed t2e maCority or plurality o% t2e "otes =2ic2 =ere legally cast and b) =2et2er t2ere =ere irregularities in t2e conduct o% t2e election =2ic2 a%%ected its results. <n a /uo =arranto case4 t2e issue is =2et2er t2e candidate =2o =as proclaimed elected s2ould be dis/uali%ied because o% ineligibility or disloyalty to t2e $2ilippines.

Sec. $48. Pr ce&1re in electi n c nte"t". # T,e C **i""i n ",all 6re"cri+e t,e r1le" t - !ern t,e 6r ce&1re an& t,er *atter" relatin- t electi n c nte"t" 6ertainin- t all nati nal> re-i nal> 6r !incial> an& cit0 %%ice" n t later t,an t,irt0 &a0" +e% re "1c, electi n". S1c, r1le" ",all 6r !i&e a "i*6le an& ine76en"i!e 6r ce&1re % r t,e e76e&iti 1" &i"6 "iti n % electi n c nte"t" an& ",all +e 61+li",e& in at lea"t t= ne="6a6er" % -eneral circ1lati n. H =e!er> =it, re"6ect t electi n c nte"t" in! l!in- *1nici6al an& +aran-a0 %%ice" t,e % ll =in- r1le" % 6r ce&1re ",all - !ern? (a) N tice % t,e 6r te"t c nte"tin- t,e electi n % a can&i&ate % r a *1nici6al r +aran-a0 %%ice ",all +e "er!e& 16 n t,e can&i&ate +0 *ean" % a "1** n" at t,e 6 "tal a&&re"" "tate& in ,i" certi%icate % can&i&ac0 e7ce6t =,en t,e 6r te"tee> =it, 1t =aitin- % r t,e "1** n"> ,a" *a&e t,e c 1rt 1n&er"tan& t,at ,e ,a" +een n ti%ie& % t,e 6r te"t r ,a" %ile& ,i" an"=er ,eret @ (+) T,e 6r te"tee ",all an"=er t,e 6r te"t =it,in %i!e &a0" a%ter recei6t % t,e "1** n"> r> in ca"e t,ere ,a" +een n "1** n" %r * t,e &ate % ,i" a66earance an& in all ca"e" +e% re t,e c **ence*ent % t,e ,earin- % t,e 6r te"t r c nte"t. T,e an"=er ",all &eal nl0 =it, t,e electi n in t,e 6 llin- 6lace" =,ic, are c !ere& +0 t,e alle-ati n" % t,e c nte"t@

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(c) S, 1l& t,e 6r te"tee &e"ire t i*61-n t,e ! te" recei!e& +0 t,e 6r te"tant in t,er 6 llin- 6lace"> ,e ",all %ile a c 1nter#6r te"t =it,in t,e "a*e 6eri & %i7e& % r t,e an"=er "er!in- a c 60 t,ere % 16 n t,e 6r te"tant +0 re-i"tere& *ail r +0 6er" nal &eli!er0 r t,r 1-, t,e ",eri%%@ (&) T,e 6r te"tant ",all an"=er t,e c 1nter#6r te"t =it,in %i!e &a0" a%ter n tice@ (e) 9it,in t,e 6eri & % %i!e &a0" c 1nte& %r * t,e %ilin% t,e 6r te"t an0 t,er can&i&ate % r t,e "a*e %%ice *a0 inter!ene in t,e ca"e a" t,er c nte"tant" an& a"< % r a%%ir*ati!e relie% in ,i" %a! r +0 a 6etiti n in inter!enti n> =,ic, ",all +e c n"i&ere& a" an t,er c nte"t> e7ce6t t,at it ",all +e "1+"tantiate& =it,in t,e "a*e 6r cee&in-". T,e 6r te"tant r 6r te"tee ",all an"=er t,e 6r te"t in inter!enti n =it,in %i!e &a0" a%ter n tice@ (%) I% n an"=er ",all +e %ile& t t,e c nte"t> c 1nter# 6r te"t> r t t,e 6r te"t in inter!enti n> =it,in t,e ti*e li*it" re"6ecti!el0 %i7e&> a -eneral &enial ",all +e &ee*e& t ,a!e +een entere&@ (-) In electi n c nte"t 6r cee&in-"> t,e 6er*anent re-i"tr0 li"t % ! ter" ",all +e c ncl1"i!e in re-ar& t t,e B1e"ti n a" t =, ,a& t,e ri-,t t ! te in "ai& electi n.

DISCUSSIONS

Election contest in"ol"es t2e adCudication not only o% pri"ate and pecuniary interests o% ri"al candidates4 but also public interest considering t2e need to dispel uncertainty o"er t2e real c2oice o% t2e electorate.

Pr ce&1re % r 6r te"t" %ile& =it, t,e COMELEC

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1.

protestant %iles a "eri%ied petition =it2 t2e C!+E:EC =it2in 1, days %rom proclamation and pays t2e re/uired doc;et %ees. 'ailure to pay t2e doc;et %ee =ill result in t2e dismissal o% t2e action. 2. T2e Cler; o% Court o% t2e C!+E:EC or t2e di"ision concerned issues t2e corresponding summons to t2e protestee =it2in t2ree days %rom t2e %iling o% t2e petition 3. $rotestee must %ile an ans=er =it2in %i"e days %rom ser"ice o% summons and a copy o% t2e petition. T2e protestee may incorporate in 2is ans=er a counter1protest or counter1 claim T2e Comelec may not entertain a counter1protest %iled beyond t2e reglementary period to %ile t2e same. $rotestant 2as # days %rom t2e receipt o% t2e ans=er or ans=er =it2 counter1claim or counter1protest to %ile 2is reply or ans=er to counter1protest or counter1claim respecti"ely <% no ans=er is %iled to t2e protest or counter1protest4 a general denial is deemed to 2a"e been entered A%ter t2e issues 2a"e been Coined4 t2e case s2all be set %or 2earing and presentation and reception o% e"idence A%ter t2e case 2as been submitted %or decision4 t2e C!+E:EC s2all render its decision. <% t2e case is being 2eard by a .i"ision4 t2e case s2all be decided =it2in 1, days. <% it is being 2eard by t2e C!+E:EC en banc4 it s2all be decided =it2in 3, days T2e decision o% t2e .i"ision becomes %inal and e-ecutory a%ter t2e lapse o% 1# days %ollo=ing its promulgation. T2e aggrie"ed party may %ile a timely motion %or reconsideration =it2in # days %rom promulgation o% t2e decision on t2e grounds t2at t2e e"idence is insu%%icient to Custi%y t2e decisionH or t2at t2e said decision is contrary to la= .ecisions o% t2e C!+E:EC en banc4 become %inal and e-ecutory 3, days %rom promulgation

. #.

&. (. ).

*.

1,.

3&3

F r 6r te"t" %ile& =it, t,e /TC 1. protestant %iles a "eri%ied petition =it2 t2e RTC =it2in 1, days %rom proclamation 2. protestee must %ile an ans=er =it2in # days a%ter receipt o% notice o% t2e %iling o% t2e petition and a copy o% t2e petition 3. s2ould t2e protestee desire to impugn t2e "otes recei"ed by t2e protestant in ot2er precincts4 2e may %ile a "eri%ied counter1protest =it2in t2e same period %i-ed %or t2e %iling o% t2e ans=er protestant 2as # days %rom receipt o% t2e counter1protest to %ile 2is ans=er to suc2 counter1protest any ot2er candidate %or t2e same o%%ice may inter"ene in t2e case =it2in # days %rom %iling o% t2e protest by %iling a "eri%ied petition1in1inter"ention. T2e protestant or t2e protestee s2all ans=er t2e protest1in1inter"ention =it2in %i"e days a%ter notice i% no ans=er is %iled to t2e protest4 counter1protest or protest1in1inter"ention =it2in t2e speci%ied time limits4 a general denial is deemed to 2a"e been entered.

. #.

&.

A%ter t2e issues 2a"e been Coined4 t2e case s2all be set %or 2earing. T2e presentation and reception o% e"idence s2all be completed =it2in 3, days %rom t2e commencement t2ereo%. T2e Court s2all decide t2e election contest =it2in 3, days %rom t2e date it is submitted %or decision4 but in e"ery case =it2in & mont2s a%ter its %iling. Suc2 decision s2all declare =2o among t2e parties 2as been elected4 or in a proper case4 t2at none o% t2em 2as been legally elected. T2e decision becomes %inal # days a%ter its promulgation. +otion %or reconsideration s2all not be entertained. An aggrie"ed party may appeal t2e decision to t2e C!+E:EC by %iling a notice o% appeal =it2in # days %rom promulgation o% t2e decision.

DU/ISP/UDENCE

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SANGGUNIANG BA:AN % TAGUIG> MET/O MANILA !". EST/ELLA (8. SC/A 82 62ere allegations in a protest or counter1protest so =arrant4 or =2ene"er in t2e opinion o% t2e court t2e interests o% Custice so re/uire4 it s2all immediately order t2e boo; o% "oters4 ballot bo-es and t2eir ;eys4 ballots and ot2er documents used in t2e election be broug2t be%ore it and t2at t2e ballots be e-amined and t2e "otes recounted.

TOMA/ONG !". LUBGUBAN G./. N ". 113.44#48> Marc, 1(> 1..3 'ACTSJ Se"eral candidates including Tomarong =ere de%eated in t2e 1** 3arangay Elections in Si/uiCor. T2ey all %iled an election protest be%ore t2e respecti"e +CTCAs. T2e =inning candidates %iled t2eir ans=ers praying t2at t2e petitions be dismissed based on t2e a%%irmati"e de%ense t2at t2e protestants %ailed to attac2 to t2eir petitions t2e re/uired certi%ication on non1%orum s2opping as pro"ided %or in SC1AC ?o. , 1* . T2e +CTC initially ruled to dismiss but de%erred to t2e Secretary o% Justice =2o t2en de%erred to t2e Court Administrator =2o ruled t2at t2e certi%ication on non1%orum s2opping s2ould be re/uired in elections contests be%ore t2e +TCAs. T2us4 t2is petition under Rule &#. <SS8EJ 62et2er or not t2e re/uirement o% t2e certi%ication o% non1 %orum s2opping is re/uired %or election contests. 7E:.J Les. T2e Court4 citing :oyola ". Court o% Appeals4 said t2atJ D6e do not agree t2at SC1AC ?o. , 1* is not applicable to election cases. T2ere is not2ing in t2e Circular t2at indicates t2at it does not apply to election cases. !n t2e contrary4 it e-pressly pro"ides t2at t2e re/uirements t2erein4 =2ic2 are in addition to t2ose in pertinent pro"isions o% t2e Rules o% Court and e-isting circulars4 ^s2all be strictly complied =it2 in t2e %iling o% complaints4 petitions4 applications or ot2er initiatory pleadings in all courts and agencies ot2er t2e Supreme Court and t2e Court o% Appeals.A 8bi le- non distinguit nec nos distinguire debemus.E <n t2is case4 t2e petitioners %iled t2e re/uired certi%ication 1) days a%ter %iling t2eir petitions. <t cannot be considered substantial compliance =it2 t2e re/uirements o% t2e Circular. >uite

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ob"iously4 t2e reglementary period %or %iling t2e protest 2ad4 by t2en4 already e-pired. $etition dismissed.

LO:OLA !". H/ET an& D/AGON G/. N . 1).)$2> Dan1ar0 8> 1..8 'ACTSJ T2e petitioner %iled %or an electoral protest be%ore t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es Electoral Tribunal (7RET) against t2e proclaimed elected Congressman Renato .ragon. !n September 2)4 1**2 .ragon %iled a motion to be gi"en an e-tension until !ctober 124 1**2 to %ile 2is ans=er but it =as denied by t2e 7RET. ?onet2eless4 .ragon still %iled 2is ans=er on !ctober 1#4 1**2 but it =as denied by t2e 7RET and according to t2e Re"ised Rules o% t2e 7ouse o% Representati"es Electoral Tribunal4 a general denial =ould be entered i% no ans=er is %iled to t2e protest. :oyola mo"es t2at t2e general denial entered %or .ragon is tantamount to 2is admission o% t2e material allegations in t2e protest and a decision s2all be based on 2is complaint and ultimately4 t2at 2e be declared as t2e duly elected congressman o% t2e 2nd district o% Ca"ite. T2e 7RET denied t2e said motion 2ence t2e petition. <SS8EJ 62et2er or not an entry o% general denial in election cases is e/ui"alent to an admission o% t2e material allegations in t2e protest. R8:<?@J T2e Supreme Court did not render a Cudgment in %a"or o% t2e petitioner. T2e petitioner cited t2e =or; o% a noted aut2or stating t2at i% a material a"erment is not speci%ically denied4 it is admitted to be true %or t2e purposes o% t2e action and t2e plainti%% need not pro"e t2e trut2 o% suc2 allegations. 7o=e"er4 suc2 contention =as not entertained because t2e issue at 2and deals =it2 general denials and not speci%ic denials. T2e court also e-plained t2at an entry o% general denial merely denies t2e protestee to present e"idence to pro"e any a%%irmati"e de%ense4 but 2e s2all still be allo=ed to present e"idence to dispro"e allegations against 2im.

BA/ FUESTION <n an election protest in"ol"ing t2e position o% @o"ernor o% t2e $ro"ince o% :aguna bet=een DAE4 t2e protestee4 and D3E4 t2e

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protestant4 t2e 'irst .i"ision o% t2e Commission on Elections rendered a decision up2olding 3As protest. Can DAE %ile a petition %or certiorari =it2 t2e Supreme Court under Rule &# o% t2e Rules o% Court4 %rom t2e decision o% t2e C!+E:EC 'irst .i"ision\ <% yes4 62y\ <% not4 =2at procedural step must 2e underta;e %irst\ Ans=er DAE cannot %ile a petition %or certiorari =it2 t2e Supreme Court . As 2eld in +astura "s. Commission on Elections4 2)# SCRA *3 (1*)))4 t2e Supreme Court cannot re"ie= t2e decisions or resolutions o% a di"ision o% t2e Commission on Elections. DAE s2ould %irst %ile a motion %or reconsideration =it2 t2e Commission on Elections en banc.

Sec. $44. D1&icial c 1ntin- % ! te" in electi n c nte"t. # 9,ere alle-ati n" in a 6r te"t r c 1nter#6r te"t " =arrant> r =,ene!er in t,e 6ini n % t,e c 1rt t,e intere"t" % C1"tice " reB1ire> it ",all i**e&iatel0 r&er t,e + < % ! ter"> +all t + 7e" an& t,eir <e0"> +all t" an& t,er & c1*ent" 1"e& in t,e electi n +e +r 1-,t +e% re it an& t,at t,e +all t" +e e7a*ine& an& t,e ! te" rec 1nte&. Sec. $42. A66eal". # A66eal" %r * an0 &eci"i n ren&ere& +0 t,e re-i nal trial c 1rt 1n&er Secti n $41 an& 6ara-ra6, t= > Secti n $4( ,ere % =it, re"6ect t B1 =arrant 6etiti n" %ile& in electi n c nte"t" a%%ectin- *1nici6al %%icer"> t,e a--rie!e& 6art0 *a0 a66eal t t,e Inter*e&iate A66ellate C 1rt =it,in %i!e &a0" a%ter recei6t % a c 60 % t,e &eci"i n. N * ti n % r rec n"i&erati n ",all +e entertaine& +0 t,e c 1rt. T,e a66eal ",all +e &eci&e& =it,in "i7t0 &a0" a%ter t,e ca"e ,a" +een "1+*itte& % r &eci"i n.

DU/ISP/UDENCE FE/NANDE; !". COMELEC G./. N . 132$.2> D1ne ()> $))8

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T2e 1*)( Constitution "ests in t2e C!+E:EC appellate Curisdiction o"er all contests in"ol"ing electi"e barangay o%%icials decided by trial courts o% limited Curisdiction. Construed in relation to t2e pro"ision in R.A. ?o. (1&, t2at includes in t2e enumeration o% barangay o%%icials t2e S5 c2airman4 t2e constitutional pro"ision indeed sanctions t2e appellate re"ie= by t2e C!+E:EC o% election protests in"ol"ing t2e position o% S5 c2airman4 as in t2e instant case. 7ence4 =e %ind not2ing improper in t2e C!+E:ECAs assumption o% Curisdiction o"er respondentAs appeal.

Sec. $43. Deci"i n in t,e C **i""i n. # T,e C **i""i n ",all &eci&e all electi n ca"e" +r 1-,t +e% re it =it,in ninet0 &a0" %r * t,e &ate % t,eir "1+*i""i n % r &eci"i n. T,e &eci"i n % t,e C **i""i n ",all +ec *e %inal t,irt0 &a0" a%ter recei6t % C1&-*ent. Sec. $48. Pre%erential &i"6 "iti n % c nte"t" in c 1rt". # T,e c 1rt"> in t,eir re"6ecti!e ca"e"> ",all -i!e 6re%erence t electi n c nte"t" !er all t,er ca"e"> e7ce6t t, "e % ,a+ea" c r61"> an& ",all =it, 1t &ela0> ,ear an&> =it,in t,irt0 &a0" %r * t,e &ate % t,eir "1+*i""i n % r &eci"i n> +1t in e!er0 ca"e =it,in "i7 * nt," a%ter %ilin-> &eci&e t,e "a*e.

DU/ISP/UDENCE LO/EN;O !". COMELEC G./. N . 148(31> Dece*+er 11> $))( 'ACTSJ $etitioner Sonia R. :oren9o and respondent ?estor 3. +agno =ere ri"al candidates %or +ayor o% San <sidro4 ?ue"a EciCa in t2e local elections o% +ay 1 4 2,,1. A certain Carlos +ontes4 resident o% San <sidro4 %iled =it2 t2e Commission on Elections a petition4 doc;eted as S$A ,111#34 %or t2e dis/uali%ication o% respondent +agno as a candidate on t2e ground o% 2is con"iction by t2e Sandiganbayan o% %our counts o% .irect 3ribery. !n +ay (4 2,,14 t2e C!+E:EC Second .i"ision issued a Resolution dis/uali%ying respondent +agno. T2is =as a%%irmed on appeal by t2e C!+E:EC En 3anc on +ay 124 2,,1. T2e a%oresaid Resolution =as disseminated %or implementation by t2e +unicipal 3oard o% Can"assers o% San <sidro. 7ence4 on +ay 1)4 2,,14 petitioner :oren9o =as proclaimed as t2e +ayor1elect o% San <sidro. +ean=2ile4 respondent +agno broug2t a petition %or certiorari be%ore

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t2is Court4 assailing 2is dis/uali%ication by t2e C!+E:EC4 =2ic2 petition =as doc;eted as @.R. ?o. 1 (*, . !n !ctober 4 2,,24 t2is Court rendered a .ecision re"ersing and setting aside t2e t=o c2allenged Resolutions o% t2e C!+E:EC dated +ay ( and 124 2,,14 and declaring t2at +agno =as under no dis/uali%ication to run %or mayor o% San <sidro4 ?ue"a EciCa in t2e +ay 1 4 2,,1 elections. !n !ctober 214 2,,24 respondent +agno %iled an !mnibus +otion =it2 t2e C!+E:EC in S$A ,111#34 see;ing t2at (a) t2at 2is name be reinstated in t2e certi%ied list o% candidates %or municipal mayor o% San <sidro4 ?ue"a EciCa in t2e +ay 1 4 2,,1 local electionH (b) t2e nulli%ication o% t2e proclamation o% :oren9o as mayor o% San <sidro4 ?ue"a EciCaH (c) t2at a special board o% can"assers be %ormed to continue t2e can"as o% "otes cast in %a"or o% respondent +agnoH and (d) a%ter completion o% t2e can"as4 t2at +agno be proclaimed t2e =inner. T2e C!+E:EC En 3anc t2erea%ter issued a Resolution dated +ay 134 2,,34 =2erein it (a) ordered t2e creation o% ne= 3oards o% Election <nspectors %or all precincts in t2e municipality o% San <sidro4 %or t2e purpose o% counting t2e "otes cast %or +agno and preparing ne= election returns %or submission to t2e +unicipal 3oard o% Can"assers o% San <sidroH and (b) constituted a ne= +unicipal 3oard o% Can"assers %or t2e purpose o% can"assing said election returns and submitting t2e results to t2e C!+E:EC. Subse/uently4 on +ay 224 2,,34 t2e C!+E:EC partially modi%ied t2e abo"e Resolution to order t2e immediate constitution o% a ne= +unicipal 3oard o% Can"assers4 it appearing t2at t2e old +unicipal 3oard o% Can"assers o% San <sidro4 ?ue"a EciCa 2ad already can"assed all t2e election returns %or all precincts e-cept t2e "otes %or +agno. T2e C!+E:EC reiterated t2e directi"e in an !rder dated June 1,4 2,,3. R8:<?@J T2e Supreme Court 2eld t2at =ell settled is t2e doctrine t2at election contests in"ol"e public interest4 and tec2nicalities and procedural barriers s2ould not be allo=ed to stand i% t2ey constitute an obstacle to t2e determination o% t2e true =ill o% t2e electorate in t2e c2oice o% t2eir electi"e o%%icials. Also settled is t2e rule t2at la=s go"erning election contests must be liberally construed to t2e end t2at t2e =ill o% t2e people in t2e c2oice o% public o%%icials may not be de%eated by mere tec2nical obCections. <n an election case4 t2e court 2as an imperati"e duty to ascertain by all means =it2in its command =2o is t2e real candidate elected by t2e electorate. As a general rule4 t2e proper remedy a%ter t2e proclamation o% t2e =inning candidate %or t2e position contested =ould be to %ile a regular election protest or a petition %or /uo =arranto. T2is rule4 2o=e"er4 admits o% e-ceptions4 to =itJ (1) =2ere t2e board o% can"assers =as improperly constitutedH (2) =2ere /uo =arranto =as not t2e proper

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remedyH 3) =2ere =2at =as %iled =as not really a petition %or /uo =arranto or an election protest but a petition to annul t2e proclamationH ( ) =2ere t2e %iling o% a /uo =arranto petition or an election protest =as e-pressly made =it2out preCudice to t2e pre1 proclamation contro"ersy or =as made ad cautelamH and #) =2ere t2e proclamation =as null and "oid +oreo"er4 as correctly argued by t2e Solicitor @eneral4 respondent +agno cannot be %aulted %or 2is %ailure to %ile an election protest. T2e /uestion o% 2is /uali%ication or dis/uali%ication %or t2e position o% +ayor 2ad not yet been settled as o% t2e e-piration o% t2e ten1day reglementary period. As suc24 +agno =as not yet eligible to %ile an election protest and4 t2ere%ore4 t2e %act t2at no suc2 protest =as %iled s2ould not be an impediment to 2is proclamation as mayor i% t2e results o% t2e can"ass o% t2e ne= +unicipal 3oard o% Can"assers =ould s2o= t2at 2e garnered t2e 2ig2est number o% "otes. 'irst4 t2e records o% t2e case clearly s2o= t2at petitioner =as gi"en %ull opportunity to participate in S$A ,111#34 bot2 "ia due notice o% and attendance at 2earings and t2e opportunity to submit memoranda and pleadings. Second4 t2ere =as no substantial modi%ication o% t2e C!+E:ECBs En 3anc Resolution dated +ay 134 2,,3. T2e !rders issued by respondent C!+E:EC C2airman dated +ay 224 2,,3 and June 1,4 2,,3 =ere merely to implement t2e C!+E:EC En 3ancBs Resolution4 =it2 t2e end goal o% can"assing t2e "otes cast in t2e most e-peditious =ay possible. T2e petition =as dismissed.

AL'A/E; !. COMELEC G./. N . 18$4$3> Marc, 1> $))1 Election cases ine-pensi"ely. must be resol"ed Custly4 e-peditiously and

$re%erential disposition applies to cases be%ore t2e courts and not t2ose be%ore t2e C!+E:EC. Election cases pertaining to barangay elections may be appealed by =ay o% a special ci"il action %or certiorari4 but recourse is a"ailable only =2en t2e C!+E:ECBs %actual determinations are marred by gra"e abuse o% discretion.

BINCE> Dr. !". COMELEC $8$ SC/A $3(

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Settled is t2e rule t2at la=s go"erning election contests must be liberally construed to t2e end t2at t2e =ill o% t2e people in t2e c2oice o% public o%%icials may not be de%eated by mere tec2nical obCections. C!+E:EC did not commit gra"e abuse o% discretion in setting aside t2e illegal proclamation.

Sec. $4.. Act1al r c *6en"at r0 &a*a-e". # Act1al r c *6en"at r0 &a*a-e" *a0 +e -rante& in all electi n c nte"t" r in B1 =arrant 6r cee&in-" in acc r&ance =it, la=. Sec. $2). N tice % &eci"i n". # T,e cler< % c 1rt an& t,e c rre"6 n&in%%icial in t,e C **i""i n +e% re =, * an electi n c nte"t r a B1 =arrant 6r cee&in- ,a" +een in"tit1te& r =,ere t,e a66eal % "ai& ca"e ,a" +een ta<en ",all n ti%0 i**e&iatel0 t,e Pre"i&ent % t,e P,ili66ine" % t,e %inal &i"6 "iti n t,ere %. In electi n c nte"t" in! l!in6r !incial> cit0> *1nici6al> r +aran-a0 %%ice"> n tice % "1c, %inal &i"6 "iti n ",all al" +e "ent t t,e "ecretar0 % t,e l cal "an--1nian c ncerne&. I% t,e &eci"i n +e t,at n ne % t,e 6artie" ,a" +een le-all0 electe&> "ai& %%icial ",all certi%0 "1c, &eci"i n t t,e Pre"i&ent % t,e P,ili66ine" an&> in a66r 6riate ca"e" t t,e C **i""i n.

DU/ISP/UDENCE <n :a9atin "s. 7RET (@.R. ?o. ) 2*(4 .ecember )4 1**))4 it =as 2eld t2at %or purpose o% election contests cogni9able by t2e 7RET4 t2e rules o% procedure o% suc2 tribunals s2all pre"ail o"er t2e pro"isions o% t2e !mnibus Election Code. And electoral tribunal4 in determining t2e true =ill o% t2e electorate4 2as t2e po=er4 to suspend its o=n rules. Recourse may be 2ad =it2 t2e Supreme Court i% t2e 7RET acted =it2 gra"e abuse o% discretion. T2e Supreme Court sitting en banc4 s2all be t2e sole Cudge o% all contest relating to t2e election4 returns4 and /uali%ications o% t2e $resident4 0ice1$resident4 and may promulgate its rules %or t2e purpose.

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A/TICLE 55II
ELECTION OFFENSES

Sec. $21. Pr ,i+ite& Act". # T,e % ll =in- ",all +e -1ilt0 electi n %%en"e? (a) ' te#+10in- an& ! te#"ellin-. #

% an

(1) An0 6er" n =, -i!e"> %%er" r 6r *i"e" * ne0 r an0t,in% !al1e> -i!e" r 6r *i"e" an0 %%ice r e*6l 0*ent> %ranc,i"e r -rant> 61+lic r 6ri!ate> r *a<e" r %%er" t *a<e an e76en&it1re> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> r ca1"e an e76en&it1re t +e *a&e t an0 6er" n> a"" ciati n> c r6 rati n> entit0> r c **1nit0 in r&er t in&1ce an0 ne r t,e 61+lic in -eneral t ! te % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate r =it,, l& ,i" ! te in t,e electi n> r t ! te % r r a-ain"t an0 a"6irant % r t,e n *inati n r c, ice % a can&i&ate in a c n!enti n r "i*ilar "electi n 6r ce"" % a 6 litical 6art0. ($) An0 6er" n> a"" ciati n> c r6 rati n> -r 16 r c **1nit0 =, " licit" r recei!e"> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> an0 e76en&it1re r 6r *i"e % an0 %%ice r e*6l 0*ent> 61+lic r 6ri!ate> % r an0 % t,e % re- in- c n"i&erati n". (+) C n"6irac0 t +ri+e ! ter". # T= r * re 6er" n"> =,et,er can&i&ate" r n t> =, c *e t an a-ree*ent c ncernin- t,e

3(2

c **i""i n % an0 !i lati n an& &eci&e t c **it it.

% 6ara-ra6, (a)

% t,i" "ecti n

(c) 9a-erin- 16 n re"1lt % electi n. # An0 6er" n =, +et" r =a-er" 16 n t,e 1tc *e %> r an0 c ntin-enc0 c nnecte& =it, an electi n. An0 * ne0 r t,in- % !al1e r &e6 "it % * ne0 r t,in- % !al1e "it1ate& an0=,ere in t,e P,ili66ine" 61t a" "1c, +et r =a-er ",all +e % r%eite& t t,e - !ern*ent. (&) C erci n % "1+ r&inate". #

(1) An0 61+lic %%icer> r an0 %%icer % an0 61+lic r 6ri!ate c r6 rati n r a"" ciati n> r an0 ,ea&> "16eri r> r a&*ini"trat r % an0 reli-i 1" r-aniAati n> r an0 e*6l 0er r lan&# =ner =, c erce" r inti*i&ate" r c *6el"> r in an0 *anner in%l1ence> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> an0 % ,i" "1+ r&inate" r *e*+er" r 6ari",i ner" r e*6l 0ee" r , 1"e ,el6er"> tenant"> !er"eer"> %ar* ,el6er"> tiller"> r lea"e , l&er" t ai&> ca*6ai-n r ! te % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate r an0 a"6irant % r t,e n *inati n r "electi n % can&i&ate". ($) An0 61+lic %%icer r an0 %%icer % an0 c **ercial> in&1"trial> a-ric1lt1ral> ec n *ic r " cial enter6ri"e r 61+lic r 6ri!ate c r6 rati n r a"" ciati n> r an0 ,ea&> "16eri r r a&*ini"trat r % an0 reli-i 1" r-aniAati n> r an0 e*6l 0er r lan& =ner =, &i"*i""e" r t,reaten" t &i"*i""> 61ni",e" r t,reaten" t 61ni", +e re&1cin- ,i" "alar0> =a-e r c *6en"ati n> r +0 &e* ti n> tran"%er> "1"6en"i n> "e6arati n> e7c **1nicati n> eCect*ent> r ca1"in- ,i* ann 0ance in t,e 6er% r*ance % ,i" C + r in ,i" *e*+er",i6> an0 "1+ r&inate *e*+er r a%%iliate> 6ari",i ner> e*6l 0ee r , 1"e ,el6er> tenant> !er"eer> %ar* ,el6er> tiller> r lea"e , l&er> % r &i" +e0in- r n t c *6l0in- =it, an0 % t,e act" r&ere& +0 t,e % r*er t ai&> ca*6ai-n r ! te % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate> r an0 a"6irant % r t,e n *inati n r "electi n % can&i&ate". (e) T,reat"> inti*i&ati n> terr ri"*> 1"e % %ra1&1lent &e!ice r t,er % r*" % c erci n. # An0 6er" n =, > &irectl0 r in&irectl0> t,reaten"> inti*i&ate" r act1all0 ca1"e"> in%lict" r 6r &1ce" an0 !i lence> inC1r0> 61ni",*ent> &a*a-e> l "" r &i"a&!anta-e 16 n an0 6er" n r 6er" n" r t,at % t,e

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i**e&iate *e*+er" % ,i" %a*il0> ,i" , n r r 6r 6ert0> r 1"e" an0 %ra1&1lent &e!ice r "c,e*e t c *6el r in&1ce t,e re-i"trati n r re%rainin- %r * re-i"trati n % an0 ! ter> r t,e 6artici6ati n in a ca*6ai-n r re%rainin- r &e"i"tance %r * an0 ca*6ai-n> r t,e ca"tin- % an0 ! te r *i""i n t ! te> r an0 6r *i"e % "1c, re-i"trati n> ca*6ai-n> ! te> r *i""i n t,ere%r *. (%) C erci n % electi n %%icial" an& e*6l 0ee". # An0 6er" n =, > &irectl0 r in&irectl0> t,reaten"> inti*i&ate"> terr riAe" r c erce" an0 electi n %%icial r e*6l 0ee in t,e 6er% r*ance % ,i" electi n %1ncti n" r &1tie". (-) A66 int*ent % ne= e*6l 0ee"> creati n % ne= 6 "iti n> 6r * ti n> r -i!in- "alar0 increa"e". # D1rin- t,e 6eri & % % rt0#%i!e &a0" +e% re a re-1lar electi n an& t,irt0 &a0" +e% re a "6ecial electi n> (1) an0 ,ea&> %%icial r a66 intin- %%icer % a - !ern*ent %%ice> a-enc0 r in"tr1*entalit0> =,et,er nati nal r l cal> incl1&in- - !ern*ent# =ne& r c ntr lle& c r6 rati n"> =, a66 int" r ,ire" an0 ne= e*6l 0ee> =,et,er 6r !i"i nal> te*6 rar0 r ca"1al> r create" an& %ill" an0 ne= 6 "iti n> e7ce6t 16 n 6ri r a1t, rit0 % t,e C **i""i n. T,e C **i""i n ",all n t -rant t,e a1t, rit0 " 1-,t 1nle""> it i" "ati"%ie& t,at t,e 6 "iti n t +e %ille& i" e""ential t t,e 6r 6er %1ncti nin- % t,e %%ice r a-enc0 c ncerne&> an& t,at t,e 6 "iti n ",all n t +e %ille& in a *anner t,at *a0 in%l1ence t,e electi n. A" an e7ce6ti n t t,e % re- in- 6r !i"i n"> a ne= e*6l 0ee *a0 +e a66 inte& in ca"e % 1r-ent nee&? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at n tice % t,e a66 int*ent ",all +e -i!en t t,e C **i""i n =it,in t,ree &a0" %r * t,e &ate % t,e a66 int*ent. An0 a66 int*ent r ,irin- in !i lati n % t,i" 6r !i"i n ",all +e n1ll an& ! i&. ($) An0 - !ern*ent %%icial =, 6r * te"> r -i!e" an0 increa"e % "alar0 r re*1nerati n r 6ri!ile-e t an0 - !ern*ent %%icial r e*6l 0ee> incl1&in- t, "e in - !ern*ent# =ne& r c ntr lle& c r6 rati n". (,) Tran"%er % %%icer" an& e*6l 0ee" in t,e ci!il "er!ice. # An0 61+lic %%icial =, *a<e" r ca1"e" an0 tran"%er r &etail =,ate!er % an0 %%icer r e*6l 0ee in t,e ci!il "er!ice

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incl1&in- 61+lic "c, l teac,er"> =it,in t,e electi n 6eri & e7ce6t 16 n 6ri r a66r !al % t,e C **i""i n. (i) Inter!enti n % 61+lic %%icer" an& e*6l 0ee". # An0 %%icer r e*6l 0ee in t,e ci!il "er!ice> e7ce6t t, "e , l&in- 6 litical %%ice"@ an0 %%icer> e*6l 0ee> r *e*+er r t,e Ar*e& F rce" % t,e P,ili66ine"> r an0 6 lice % rce> "6ecial % rce"> , *e &e%en"e % rce"> +aran-a0 "el%#&e%en"e 1nit" an& all t,er 6ara# *ilitar0 1nit" t,at n = e7i"t r =,ic, *a0 ,erea%ter +e r-aniAe& =, > &irectl0 r in&irectl0> inter!ene" in an0 electi n ca*6ai-n r en-a-e" in an0 6arti"an 6 litical acti!it0> e7ce6t t ! te r t 6re"er!e 61+lic r&er> i% ,e i" a 6eace %%icer. (C) Un&1e in%l1ence. # It i" 1nla=%1l % r an0 6er" n t 6r *i"e an0 %%ice r e*6l 0*ent> 61+lic r 6ri!ate> r t *a<e r %%er t *a<e an e76en&it1re> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> r t ca1"e an e76en&it1re t +e *a&e t an0 6er" n> a"" ciati n> c r6 rati n r entit0> =,ic, *a0 in&1ce an0 ne r t,e 61+lic in -eneral eit,er t ! te r =it,, l& ,i" ! te> r t ! te % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate in an0 electi n r an0 a"6irant % r t,e n *inati n r "electi n % an %%icial can&i&ate in a c n!enti n % a 6 litical 6art0. It i" li<e=i"e 1nla=%1l % r an0 6er" n> a"" ciati n> c r6 rati n r c **1nit0> t " licit r recei!e> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> an0 e76en&it1re r 6r *i"e r an0 %%ice> r e*6l 0*ent> 61+lic r 6ri!ate> % r an0 % t,e % re- inc n"i&erati n". (<) Unla=%1l electi neerin-. # It i" 1nla=%1l t " licit ! te" r 1n&erta<e an0 6r 6a-an&a n t,e &a0 % re-i"trati n +e% re t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& n t,e &a0 % electi n> % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate r an0 6 litical 6art0 =it,in t,e 6 llin- 6lace an& =it, a ra&i1" % t,irt0 *eter" t,ere %. (l) Pr ,i+iti n a-ain"t &i"*i""al % e*6l 0ee"> la+ rer"> r tenant". # N e*6l 0ee r la+ rer ",all +e &i"*i""e&> n r a tenant +e eCecte& %r * ,i" lan&, l&in-" % r re%1"in- r %ailint ! te % r an0 can&i&ate % ,i" e*6l 0er r lan& =ner. An0 e*6l 0ee> la+ rer r tenant " &i"*i""e& r eCecte& ",all +e rein"tate& an& t,e "alar0 r =a-e % t,e e*6l 0ee r la+ rer> r t,e ",are % t,e ,ar!e"t % t,e tenant> ",all +e re"t re& t t,e a--rie!e& 6art0 16 n a66licati n t t,e 6r 6er c 1rt. (*) A66 int*ent r 1"e % "6ecial 6 lice*en> "6ecial a-ent"> c n%i&ential a-ent" r t,e li<e. # D1rin- t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri &>

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n t,e &a0 +e% re an& n electi n &a0> an0 a66 intina1t, rit0 =, a66 int" r an0 6er" n =, 1tiliAe" t,e "er!ice" % "6ecial 6 lice*en> "6ecial a-ent"> c n%i&ential a-ent" r 6er" n" 6er% r*in- "i*ilar %1ncti n"@ 6er" n" 6re!i 1"l0 a66 inte& a" "6ecial 6 lice*en> "6ecial a-ent"> c n%i&ential a-ent" r 6er" n" 6er% r*in- "i*ilar %1ncti n" =, c ntin1e actin- a" "1c,> an& t, "e =, %ail t t1rn !er t,eir %irear*"> 1ni% r*"> in"i-nia" an& t,er +a&-e" % a1t, rit0 t t,e 6r 6er %%icer =, i""1e& t,e "a*e. At t,e "tart % t,e a% re*enti ne& 6eri &> t,e +aran-a0 c,air*an> *1nici6al *a0 r> cit0 *a0 r> 6r !incial - !ern r> r an0 a66 intin- a1t, rit0 ",all "1+*it t t,e C **i""i n a c *6lete li"t % all "6ecial 6 lice*en> "6ecial a-ent"> c n%i&ential a-ent" r 6er" n" 6er% r*in- "i*ilar %1ncti n" in t,e e*6l 0 % t,eir re"6ecti!e 6 litical "1+&i!i"i n"> =it, "1c, 6artic1lar" a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 reB1ire. (n) Ille-al relea"e % 6ri" ner" +e% re an& a%ter electi n. # T,e Direct r % t,e B1rea1 % Pri" n"> an0 6r !incial =ar&en> t,e <ee6er % t,e Cail r t,e 6er" n r 6er" n" reB1ire& +0 la= t <ee6 6ri" ner" in t,eir c1"t &0 =, ille-all0 r&er" r all =" an0 6ri" ner &etaine& in t,e nati nal 6enitentiar0> r t,e 6r !incial> cit0 r *1nici6al Cail t lea!e t,e 6re*i"e" t,ere % "i7t0 &a0" +e% re an& t,irt0 &a0" a%ter t,e electi n. T,e *1nici6al r cit0 =ar&en> t,e 6r !incial =ar&en> t,e <ee6er % t,e Cail r t,e 6er" n r 6er" n" reB1ire& +0 la= t <ee6 6ri" ner" in t,eir c1"t &0 ",all 6 "t in t,ree c n"6ic1 1" 61+lic 6lace" a li"t % t,e 6ri" ner" r &etenti n 6ri" ner" 1n&er t,eir care. Detenti n 6ri" ner" *1"t +e cate- riAe& a" "1c,. ( ) U"e % 61+lic %1n&"> * ne0 &e6 "ite& in tr1"t> eB1i6*ent> %acilitie" =ne& r c ntr lle& +0 t,e - !ern*ent % r an electi n ca*6ai-n. # An0 6er" n =, 1"e" 1n&er an0 -1i"e =,at" e!er> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> (1) 61+lic %1n&" r * ne0 &e6 "ite& =it,> r ,el& in tr1"t +0> 61+lic %inancin- in"tit1ti n" r +0 - !ern*ent %%ice"> +an<"> r a-encie"@ ($) an0 6rintin6re""> ra&i > r tele!i"i n "tati n r a1&i #!i"1al eB1i6*ent 6erate& +0 t,e G !ern*ent r +0 it" &i!i"i n"> "1+#&i!i"i n"> a-encie" r in"tr1*entalitie"> incl1&in- - !ern*ent# =ne& r c ntr lle& c r6 rati n"> r +0 t,e Ar*e& F rce" % t,e P,ili66ine"@ r (() an0 eB1i6*ent> !e,icle> %acilit0> a66arat1"> r 6ara6,ernalia =ne& +0 t,e - !ern*ent r +0 it" 6 litical

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"1+&i!i"i n"> a-encie" incl1&in- !ern*ent# =ne& r c ntr lle& c r6 rati n"> r +0 t,e Ar*e& F rce" % t,e P,ili66ine" % r an0 electi n ca*6ai-n r % r an0 6arti"an 6 litical acti!it0. (6) Dea&l0 =ea6 n". # An0 6er" n =, carrie" an0 &ea&l0 =ea6 n in t,e 6 llin- 6lace an& =it,in a ra&i1" % ne ,1n&re& *eter" t,ere % &1rin- t,e &a0" an& , 1r" %i7e& +0 la= % r t,e re-i"trati n % ! ter" in t,e 6 llin- 6lace> ! tin-> c 1ntin- % ! te"> r 6re6arati n % t,e electi n ret1rn". H =e!er> in ca"e" % a%%ra0> t1r* il> r &i" r&er> an0 6eace %%icer r 61+lic %%icer a1t, riAe& +0 t,e C **i""i n t "16er!i"e t,e electi n i" entitle& t carr0 %irear*" r an0 t,er =ea6 n % r t,e 61r6 "e % 6re"er!in- r&er an& en% rcin- t,e la=. (B) Carr0in- %irear*" 1t"i&e re"i&ence r 6lace % +1"ine"". # An0 6er" n =, > alt, 1-, 6 ""e""in- a 6er*it t carr0 %irear*"> carrie" an0 %irear*" 1t"i&e ,i" re"i&ence r 6lace % +1"ine"" &1rin- t,e electi n 6eri &> 1nle"" a1t, riAe& in =ritin- +0 t,e C **i""i n? Pr !i&e&> T,at a * t r !e,icle> =ater r air cra%t ",all n t +e c n"i&ere& a re"i&ence r 6lace % +1"ine"" r e7ten"i n ,ere %. T,i" 6r ,i+iti n ",all n t a66l0 t ca",ier" an& &i"+1r"in%%icer" =,ile in t,e 6er% r*ance % t,eir &1tie" r t 6er" n" =, +0 nat1re % t,eir %%icial &1tie"> 6r %e""i n> +1"ine"" r cc16ati n ,a+it1all0 carr0 lar-e "1*" % * ne0 r !al1a+le". D1rin- t,e electi n 6eri & > n 6er" n ",all +ear> carr0 r tran"6 rt %irear*" r t,er &ea&l0 =ea6 n" in 61+lic 6lace"> incl1&in- an0 61+lic "treet"> +1il&in-"> 6ar<> 6ri!ate !e,icle" r 61+lic c n!e0ance> e!en i% licen"e& t 6 ""e"" r carr0 t,e "a*e> 1nle"" a1t, riAe& in =ritin- +0 t,e C **i""i n. T,e i""1ance % %irear*" licen"e ",all +e "1"6en&e&. Onl0 re-1lar *e*+er" r %%icer" % t,e PNP> AFP an& t,er la= en% rce*ent a-encie" % t,e G !ern*ent =, are &1l0 &e61tiAe& in =ritin- +0 t,e C **i""i n % r electi n &1t0 *a0 +e a1t, riAe& in =ritin- +0 t,e C **i""i n % r electi n &1t0 *a0 +e a1t, riAe& t carr0 an& 6 ""e"" %irear*" &1rin- t,e electi n 6eri &? Pr !i&e&> T,at> =,en in t,e 6 ""e""i n % %irear*"> t,e &e61tiAe& la= en% rce*ent %%icer *1"t +e?

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a) in %1ll 1ni% r* ", =in- clearl0 an& le-i+l0 ,i" na*e> ran< an& "erial n1*+er =,ic, ",all re*ain !i"i+le at all ti*e"@ an& +) in t,e act1al 6er% r*ance % ,i" electi n &1t0 in t,e "6eci%ic area &e"i-nate& +0 t,e C **i""i n. (r) U"e % ar* re& lan&> =ater r air cra%t. # An0 6er" n =, 1"e" &1rin- t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri &> n t,e &a0 +e% re an& n electi n &a0> an0 ar* re& lan&> =ater r air cra%t> 6r !i&e& =it, an0 te*6 rar0 r 6er*anent eB1i6*ent r an0 t,er &e!ice r c ntra6ti n % r t,e * 1ntinr in"tallati n % cann n"> *ac,ine -1n" an& t,er "i*ilar ,i-, cali+er %irear*"> incl1&in- *ilitar0 t06e tan<"> ,al% tr1c<"> "c 1t tr1c<"> ar* re& tr1c<"> % an0 *a<e r * &el> =,et,er ne=> rec n&iti ne&> re+1ilt r re* &ele&? Pr !i&e&> T,at +an<in- r %inancial in"tit1ti n" an& all +1"ine"" %ir*" *a0 1"e n t * re t,an t= ar* re& !e,icle" "trictl0 % r> an& li*ite& t > t,e 61r6 "e % tran"6 rtin- ca",> - l& +1lli n r t,er !al1a+le" in c nnecti n =it, t,eir +1"ine"" %r * an& t t,eir 6lace % +1"ine""> 16 n 6re!i 1" a1t, rit0 % t,e C **i""i n. (") 9earin% 1ni% r*" an& +earin- ar*". # D1rin- t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri &> n t,e &a0 +e% re an& n electi n &a0> an0 *e*+er % "ec1rit0 r 6 lice r-aniAati n % - !ern*ent a-encie"> c **i""i n"> c 1ncil"> +1rea1"> %%ice"> r - !ern*ent# =ne& r c ntr lle& c r6 rati n"> r 6ri!atel0# =ne& r 6erate& "ec1rit0> in!e"ti-ati!e> 6r tecti!e r intelli-ence a-encie"> =, =ear" ,i" 1ni% r* r 1"e" ,i" in"i-nia> &ec rati n" r re-alia> r +ear" ar*" 1t"i&e t,e i**e&iate !icinit0 % ,i" 6lace % = r<? Pr !i&e&> T,at t,i" 6r ,i+iti n ",all n t a66l0 =,en "ai& *e*+er i" in 61r"1it % a 6er" n =, ,a" c **itte& r i" c **ittin- a cri*e in t,e 6re*i"e" ,e i" -1ar&in-@ r =,en e"c rtinr 6r !i&in"ec1rit0 % r t,e tran"6 rt % 6a0r ll"> &e6 "it"> r t,er !al1a+le"@ r =,en -1ar&in- t,e re"i&ence % 6ri!ate 6er" n" r =,en -1ar&in- 6ri!ate re"i&ence"> +1il&in-" r %%ice"? Pr !i&e&> %1rt,er> T,at in t,e la"t ca"e 6ri r =ritten a66r !al % t,e C **i""i n ",all +e +taine&. T,e C **i""i n ",all &eci&e all a66licati n" % r a1t, rit0 1n&er t,i" 6ara-ra6, =it,in %i%teen &a0" %r * t,e &ate % t,e %ilin% "1c, a66licati n.

3()

D1rin- t,e "a*e 6eri &> an& en&in- t,irt0 &a0" t,erea%ter an0 *e*+er % t,e Ar*e& F rce" % t,e P,ili66ine"> "6ecial> % rce"> , *e &e%en"e % rce"> +aran-a0 "el%#&e%en"e 1nit" an& all t,er 6ara#*ilitar0 1nit" t,at n = e7i"t r =,ic, *a0 ,erea%ter +e r-aniAe& =, =ear" ,i" 1ni% r* r +ear" ar*" 1t"i&e t,e ca*6> -arri" n r +arrac<" t =,ic, ,e i" a""i-ne& r &etaile& r 1t"i&e t,eir , *e"> in ca"e % *e*+er" % 6ara#*ilitar0 1nit"> 1nle"" (1) t,e Pre"i&ent % t,e P,ili66ine" ",all ,a!e -i!en 6re!i 1" a1t, rit0 t,ere% r> an& t,e C **i""i n n ti%ie& t,ere % in =ritin-> r ($) t,e C **i""i n a1t, riAe" ,i* t & " > =,ic, a1t, rit0 it ",all -i!e nl0 =,en nece""ar0 t a""i"t it in *aintainin- %ree> r&erl0 an& , ne"t electi n"> an& nl0 a%ter n tice an& ,earin-. All 6er" nnel % t,e Ar*e& F rce" a1t, riAe& +0 t,e Pre"i&ent r t,e C **i""i n t +ear ar*" r =ear t,eir 1ni% r*" 1t"i&e t,eir ca*6" an& all 6 lice an& 6eace %%icer" ",all +ear t,eir tr1e na*e> ran< an& "erial n1*+er> i% an0> "titc,e& in +l c< letter" n a =,ite +ac<-r 1n& n t,e le%t +rea"t % t,eir 1ni% r*> in letter" an& n1*+er" % a clearl0 le-i+le &e"i-n at lea"t t= centi*eter" tall> =,ic, ",all at all ti*e" re*ain !i"i+le an& 1nc !ere&. D1rin- t,e electi n 6eri &> =,ene!er t,e C **i""i n %in&" it nece""ar0 % r t,e 6r * ti n % %ree> r&erl0> , ne"t an& 6eace%1l electi n" in a "6eci%ic area> it ",all c n%i"cate r r&er t,e c n%i"cati n % %irear*" % an0 *e*+er r *e*+er" % t,e Ar*e& F rce" % t,e P,ili66ine"> 6 lice % rce"> , *e &e%en"e % rce"> +aran-a0 "el%#&e%en"e 1nit"> an& all t,er 6ara#*ilitar0 1nit" t,at n = e7i"t> r =,ic, *a0 ,erea%ter +e r-aniAe&> r an0 *e*+er r *e*+er" % t,e "ec1rit0 r 6 lice r-aniAati n> - !ern*ent *ini"trie"> c **i""i n"> c 1ncil"> +1rea1"> %%ice"> in"tr1*entalitie"> r - !ern*ent# =ne& r c ntr lle& c r6 rati n" an& t,er "1+"i&iarie"> r % an0 *e*+er r *e*+er" % 6ri!atel0 =ne& r 6erate& "ec1rit0> in!e"ti-ati!e> 6r tecti!e r intelli-ence a-encie" 6er% r*ini&entical r "i*ilar %1ncti n". (t) P lice*en an& 6r !incial -1ar&" actin- a" + &0-1ar&" r "ec1rit0 -1ar&". # D1rin- t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri &> n t,e &a0 +e% re an& n electi n &a0> an0 *e*+er % t,e cit0 r *1nici6al 6 lice % rce> an0 6r !incial r "1+#6r !incial -1ar&> an0 *e*+er % t,e Ar*e& F rce" % t,e P,ili66ine"> "6ecial % rce"> , *e &e%en"e % rce"> +aran-a0 "el%#&e%en"e 1nit" an& all t,er 6ara#*ilitar0 1nit" t,at n = e7i"t r =,ic, *a0 ,erea%ter +e r-aniAe& =, act" a" + &0-1ar& r "ec1rit0

3(*

-1ar& % an0 61+lic %%icial> can&i&ate r an0 t,er 6er" n> an& an0 % t,e latter =, 1tiliAe" t,e "er!ice" % t,e % r*er a" + &0-1ar& r "ec1rit0 -1ar&? Pr !i&e&> T,at> a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-> =,en t,e li%e an& "ec1rit0 % a can&i&ate i" in Ce 6ar&0> t,e C **i""i n i" e*6 =ere& t a""i-n at t,e can&i&ateE" c, ice> an0 *e*+er % t,e P,ili66ine C n"ta+1lar0 r t,e 6 lice % rce % an0 *1nici6alit0 =it,in t,e 6r !ince t act a" ,i" + &0-1ar& r "ec1rit0 -1ar& in a n1*+er t +e &eter*ine& +0 t,e C **i""i n +1t n t t e7cee& t,ree 6er can&i&ate? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at =,en t,e circ1*"tance" reB1ire i**e&iate acti n> t,e C **i""i n *a0 i""1e a te*6 rar0 r&er all =in- t,e a""i-n*ent % an0 *e*+er % t,e P,ili66ine C n"ta+1lar0 r t,e l cal 6 lice % rce t act a" + &0-1ar& r "ec1rit0 -1ar& % t,e can&i&ate> "1+Cect t c n%ir*ati n r re! cati n. (1) Or-aniAati n r *aintenance % reacti n % rce"> "tri<e % rce"> r t,er "i*ilar % rce". # An0 6er" n =, r-aniAe" r *aintain" a reacti n % rce> "tri<e % rce r "i*ilar % rce &1rint,e electi n 6eri &. T,e ,ea&" % all reacti n % rce"> "tri<e % rce"> r "i*ilar % rce" ",all> n t later t,an % rt0#%i!e &a0" +e% re t,e electi n> "1+*it t t,e C **i""i n a c *6lete li"t % all *e*+er" t,ere % =it, "1c, 6artic1lar" a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 reB1ire. (!) Pr ,i+iti n a-ain"t relea"e> &i"+1r"e*ent r e76en&it1re % 61+lic %1n&". # An0 61+lic %%icial r e*6l 0ee incl1&in+aran-a0 %%icial" an& t, "e % - !ern*ent# =ne& r c ntr lle& c r6 rati n" an& t,eir "1+"i&iarie"> =, > &1rin% rt0#%i!e &a0" +e% re a re-1lar electi n an& t,irt0 &a0" +e% re a "6ecial electi n> relea"e"> &i"+1r"e" r e76en&" an0 61+lic %1n&" % r? (1) An0 an& all <in&" % ll =in-? % 61+lic = r<"> e7ce6t t,e

(a) Maintenance % e7i"tin- an&H r c *6lete& 61+lic = r<" 6r Cect? Pr !i&e&> T,at n t * re t,an t,e a!era-e n1*+er % la+ rer" r e*6l 0ee" alrea&0 e*6l 0e& t,erein &1rin- t,e "i7#* nt, 6eri & i**e&iatel0 6ri r t t,e +e-innin- % t,e % rt0#%i!e &a0 6eri & +e% re electi n &a0 ",all +e 6er*itte& t = r< &1rin- "1c, ti*e? Pr !i&e&> %1rt,er> T,at n

3),

a&&iti nal la+ rer" ",all +e e*6l 0e& % r *aintenance = r< =it,in t,e "ai& 6eri & % % rt0#%i!e &a0"@ (+) 9 r< 1n&erta<en +0 c ntract t,r 1-, 61+lic +i&&in- ,el&> r +0 ne- tiate& c ntract a=ar&e&> +e% re t,e % rt0#%i!e &a0 6eri & +e% re electi n? Pr !i&e&> T,at = r< % r t,e 61r6 "e % t,i" "ecti n 1n&erta<en 1n&er t,e " #calle& Jta<a0J r J6aB1ia J "0"te* ",all n t +e c n"i&ere& a" = r< +0 c ntract@ (c) Pa0*ent % r t,e 1"1al c "t % 6re6arati n % r = r<in- &ra=in-"> "6eci%icati n"> +ill" % *aterial"> e"ti*ate"> an& t,er 6r ce&1re" 6re6arat r0 t act1al c n"tr1cti n incl1&in- t,e 61rc,a"e % *aterial" an& eB1i6*ent> an& all inci&ental e76en"e" % r =a-e" % =atc,*en an& t,er la+ rer" e*6l 0e& % r "1c, = r< in t,e central %%ice an& %iel& "t re, 1"e" +e% re t,e +e-innin- % "1c, 6eri &? Pr !i&e&> T,at t,e n1*+er % "1c, la+ rer" ",all n t +e increa"e& !er t,e n1*+er ,ire& =,en t,e 6r Cect r 6r Cect" =ere c **ence&@ an& (&) E*er-enc0 = r< nece""itate& +0 t,e cc1rrence % a 61+lic cala*it0> +1t "1c, = r< ",all +e li*ite& t t,e re"t rati n % t,e &a*a-e& %acilit0. N 6a0*ent ",all +e *a&e =it,in %i!e &a0" +e% re t,e &ate % electi n t la+ rer" =, ,a!e ren&ere& "er!ice" in 6r Cect" r = r<" e7ce6t t, "e %allin1n&er "1+6ara-ra6," (a)> (+)> (c)> an& (&)> % t,i" 6ara-ra6,. T,i" 6r ,i+iti n ",all n t a66l0 t n- in- 61+lic = r<" 6r Cect" c **ence& +e% re t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri & r "i*ilar 6r Cect" 1n&er % rei-n a-ree*ent". F r 61r6 "e" % t,i" 6r !i"i n> it ",all +e t,e &1t0 % t,e - !ern*ent %%icial" r a-encie" c ncerne& t re6 rt t t,e C **i""i n t,e li"t % all "1c, 6r Cect" +ein- 1n&erta<en +0 t,e*. ($) T,e Mini"tr0 % S cial Ser!ice" an& De!el 6*ent an& an0 t,er %%ice in t,er *ini"trie" % t,e - !ern*ent 6er% r*in- %1ncti n" "i*ilar t "ai& *ini"tr0> e7ce6t % r "alarie" % 6er" nnel> an& % r "1c, t,er r 1tine an&

3)1

n r*al e76en"e"> an& % r "1c, t,er e76en"e" a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 a1t, riAe a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-. S, 1l& a cala*it0 r &i"a"ter cc1r> all relea"e" n r*all0 r 1"1all0 c 1r"e& t,r 1-, t,e "ai& *ini"trie" an& %%ice" % t,er *ini"trie" ",all +e t1rne& !er t > an& a&*ini"tere& an& &i"+1r"e& +0> t,e P,ili66ine Nati nal /e& Cr ""> "1+Cect t t,e "16er!i"i n % t,e C **i""i n n A1&it r it" re6re"entati!e"> an& n can&i&ate r ,i" r ,er "6 1"e r *e*+er % ,i" %a*il0 =it,in t,e "ec n& ci!il &e-ree % a%%init0 r c n"an-1init0 ",all 6artici6ate> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> in t,e &i"tri+1ti n % an0 relie% r t,er - &" t t,e !icti*" % t,e cala*it0 r &i"a"ter@ an& (() T,e Mini"tr0 % H1*an Settle*ent" an& an0 t,er %%ice in an0 t,er *ini"tr0 % t,e - !ern*ent 6er% r*in- %1ncti n" "i*ilar t "ai& *ini"tr0> e7ce6t % r "alarie" % 6er" nnel an& % r "1c, t,er nece""ar0 a&*ini"trati!e r t,er e76en"e" a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 a1t, riAe a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-. (=) Pr ,i+iti n a-ain"t c n"tr1cti n % 61+lic = r<"> &eli!er0 % *aterial" % r 61+lic = r<" an& i""1ance % trea"1r0 =arrant" an& "i*ilar &e!ice". # D1rin- t,e 6eri & % % rt0#%i!e &a0" 6rece&in- a re-1lar electi n an& t,irt0 &a0" +e% re a "6ecial electi n> an0 6er" n =, (a) 1n&erta<e" t,e c n"tr1cti n % an0 61+lic = r<"> e7ce6t % r 6r Cect" r = r<" e7e*6te& in t,e 6rece&in- 6ara-ra6,@ r (+) i""1e"> 1"e" r a!ail" % trea"1r0 =arrant" r an0 &e!ice 1n&erta<in- %1t1re &eli!er0 % * ne0> - &" r t,er t,in-" % !al1e c,ar-ea+le a-ain"t 61+lic %1n&". (7) S1"6en"i n % electi!e 6r !incial> cit0> *1nici6al r +aran-a0 %%icer. # T,e 6r !i"i n" % la= t t,e c ntrar0 n t=it,"tan&in- &1rin- t,e electi n 6eri &> an0 61+lic %%icial =, "1"6en&"> =it, 1t 6ri r a66r !al % t,e C **i""i n> an0 electi!e 6r !incial> cit0> *1nici6al r +aran-a0 %%icer> 1nle"" "ai& "1"6en"i n =ill +e % r 61r6 "e" % a66l0in- t,e JAnti#Gra%t an& C rr16t Practice" ActJ in relati n t t,e "1"6en"i n an& re* !al % electi!e %%icial"@ in =,ic, ca"e t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" "ecti n ",all +e ina66lica+le. (0) On /e-i"trati n % ' ter"?

3)2

(1) An0 6er" n =, > ,a!in- all n ne % t,e &i"B1ali%icati n" % C1"ti%ia+le e7c1"e t re-i"ter a" 6le+i"cite r re%eren&1* in =,ic,

t,e B1ali%icati n" an& a ! ter> %ail" =it, 1t a ! ter in an electi n> ,e i" B1ali%ie& t ! te.

($) An0 6er" n =, <n =in-l0 *a<e" an0 %al"e r 1ntr1t,%1l "tate*ent relati!e t an0 % t,e &ata r in% r*ati n reB1ire& in t,e a66licati n % r re-i"trati n. (() An0 6er" n =, &eli+eratel0 i*6rint" r ca1"e" t,e i*6rintin- % +l1rre& r in&i"tinct %in-er6rint" n an0 % t,e c 6ie" % t,e a66licati n % r re-i"trati n r n t,e ! terE" a%%i&a!it@ r an0 6er" n in c,ar-e % t,e re-i"trati n % ! ter" =, &eli+eratel0 r t,r 1-, ne-li-ence> ca1"e" r all =" t,e i*6rintin- % +l1rre& r in&i"tinct %in-er6rint" n an0 % t,e a% re*enti ne& re-i"trati n % r*"> r an0 6er" n =, ta*6er" =it, t,e %in-er6rint" in "ai& re-i"trati n rec r&". (8) An0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" =, a66r !e" an0 a66licati n =,ic, n it" %ace ", =" t,at t,e a66licant & e" n t 6 ""e"" all t,e B1ali%icati n" 6re"cri+e& +0 la= % r a ! ter@ r =, &i"a66r !e" an0 a66licati n =,ic, n it" %ace ", =" t,at t,e a66licant 6 ""e""e" all "1c, B1ali%icati n". (4) An0 6er" n =, > +ein- a re-i"tere& ! ter> re-i"ter" ane= =it, 1t %ilin- an a66licati n % r cancellati n % ,i" 6re!i 1" re-i"trati n. (2) An0 6er" n =, re-i"ter" in "1+"tit1ti n % r an t,er =,et,er =it, r =it, 1t t,e latterE" <n =le&-e r c n"ent. (3) An0 6er" n =, ta*6er" =it, r c,an-e" =it, 1t a1t, rit0 an0 &ata r entr0 in an0 ! terE" a66licati n % r re-i"trati n. (8) An0 6er" n =, %r * re-i"terin-. &ela0"> ,in&er" r +"tr1ct an t,er

(.) An0 6er" n =, %al"el0 certi%ie" r i&enti%ie" an t,er a" a + na %i&e re"i&ent % a 6artic1lar 6lace r l calit0 % r

3)3

t,e 61r6 "e ! ter.

% "ec1rin- t,e latterE" re-i"trati n a" a

(1)) An0 6er" n =, 1"e" t,e ! terE" a%%i&a!it % an t,er % r t,e 61r6 "e % ! tin-> =,et,er r n t ,e act1all0 "1ccee&" in ! tin-. (11) An0 6er" n =, 6lace"> in"ert" r t,er=i"e incl1&e"> a" a66r !e& a66licati n % r re-i"trati n in t,e + < % ! ter" r in t,e 6r !incial r nati nal central %ile" % re-i"tere& ! ter"> t,e a66licati n % an0 %ictiti 1" ! ter r an0 a66licati n t,at ,a" n t +een a66r !e&@ r re* !e" %r *> r t,er=i"e ta<e" 1t % t,e + < % ! ter" r t,e 6r !incial r nati nal central %ile" % re-i"tere& ! ter" an0 &1l0 a66r !e& ! terE" a66licati n> e7ce6t 16 n la=%1l r&er % t,e C **i""i n> r % a c *6etent c 1rt r a%ter 6r 6er cancellati n a" 6r !i&e& in Secti n" 1$$> 1$(> 1$8 an& 1$4 ,ere %. (1$) An0 6er" n =, tran"%er" r ca1"e" t,e tran"%er % t,e re-i"trati n rec r& % a ! ter t t,e + < % ! ter" % an t,er 6 llin- 6lace> 1nle"" "ai& tran"%er =a" &1e t a c,an-e % a&&re"" % t,e ! ter an& t,e ! ter =a" &1l0 n ti%ie& % ,i" ne= 6 llin- 6lace. (1() An0 6er" n =, a"<"> &e*an&"> ta<e"> acce6t" r 6 ""e""e"> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> t,e ! terE" a%%i&a!it % an t,er> in r&er t in&1ce t,e latter t =it,, l& ,i" ! te> r t ! te % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate in an electi n r an0 i""1e in a 6le+i"cite r re%eren&1*. It ",all +e 6re"1*e& 6ri*a %acie t,at t,e a"<in-> &e*an&in-> ta<in-> acce6tin-> r 6 ""e""in- i" =it, "1c, intent i% & ne =it,in t,e 6eri & +e-innin- ten &a0" +e% re electi n &a0 an& en&in- ten &a0" a%ter electi n &a0> 1nle"" t,e ! terE" a%%i&a!it % an t,er an& t,e latter are + t, *e*+er" % t,e "a*e %a*il0. (18) An0 6er" n =, &eli!er"> ,an&" !er> entr1"t"> -i!e"> &irectl0 r in&irectl0 ,i" ! terE" a%%i&a!it t an t,er in c n"i&erati n % * ne0 r t,er +ene%it r 6r *i"e" t,ere %> r ta<e" r acce6t" "1c, ! terE" a%%i&a!it &irectl0 r in&irectl0> +0 -i!in- r ca1"in- t,e -i!in- % * ne0 r t,er +ene%it r *a<in- r ca1"int,e *a<in- % a 6r *i"e t,ere %.

3)

(14) An0 6er" n =, alter" in an0 *anner> tear"> &e%ace"> re* !e" r &e"tr 0" an0 certi%ie& li"t % ! ter". (12) An0 6er" n =, ta<e"> carrie" r 6 ""e""e" an0 +lan< r 1n1"e& re-i"trati n % r* alrea&0 i""1e& t a cit0 r *1nici6alit0 1t"i&e % "ai& cit0 r *1nici6alit0 e7ce6t a" t,er=i"e 6r !i&e& in t,i" C &e r =,en &irecte& +0 e76re"" r&er % t,e c 1rt r % t,e C **i""i n. (13) An0 6er" n =, *alici 1"l0 *it"> ta*6er" r tran"%er" t an t,er li"t t,e na*e % a re-i"tere& ! ter %r * t,e %%icial li"t % ! ter" 6 "te& 1t"i&e t,e 6 llin6lace. (A) On ! tin-? (1) An0 6er" n =, C1"ti%ia+le e7c1"e. %ail" t ca"t ,i" ! te =it, 1t

($) An0 6er" n =, ! te" * re t,an nce in t,e "a*e electi n> r =, > n t +ein- a re-i"tere& ! ter> ! te" in an electi n. (() An0 6er" n =, ! te" in "1+"tit1ti n % r an t,er =,et,er =it, r =it, 1t t,e latterE" <n =le&-e an&H r c n"ent. (8) An0 6er" n =, > n t +ein- illiterate r 6,0"icall0 &i"a+le&> all =" ,i" +all t t +e 6re6are& +0 an t,er> r an0 6er" n =, 6re6are" t,e +all t % an t,er =, i" n t illiterate r 6,0"icall0 &i"a+le&> =it, r =it, 1t t,e latterE" <n =le&-e an&H r c n"ent. (4) An0 6er" n =, a!ail" ,i*"el% % an0 *ean" % "c,e*e t &i"c !er t,e c ntent" % t,e +all t % a ! ter =, i" 6re6arin- r ca"tin- ,i" ! te r =, ,a" C1"t ! te&. (2) An0 ! ter =, > in t,e c 1r"e % ! tin-> 1"e" a +all t t,er t,an t,e ne -i!en +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" r ,a" in ,i" 6 ""e""i n * re t,an ne %%icial +all t.

3)#

(3) An0 6er" n =, 6lace" 1n&er arre"t r &etain" a ! ter =it, 1t la=%1l ca1"e> r * le"t" ,i* in "1c, a *anner a" t +"tr1ct r 6re!ent ,i* %r * - in- t t,e 6 llin- 6lace t ca"t ,i" ! te r %r * ret1rnin- , *e a%ter ca"tin- ,i" ! te> r t c *6el ,i* t re!eal , = ,e ! te&. (8) An0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" c,ar-e& =it, t,e &1t0 % rea&in- t,e +all t &1rint,e c 1ntin- % ! te" =, &eli+eratel0 *it" t rea& t,e ! te &1l0 =ritten n t,e +all t> r *i"rea&" t,e ! te act1all0 =ritten t,ere n r rea&" t,e na*e % a can&i&ate =,ere n na*e i" =ritten n t,e +all t. (.) An0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" c,ar-e& =it, t,e &1t0 % tall0in- t,e ! te" in t,e tall0 + ar& r ",eet> electi n ret1rn" r t,er 6re"cri+e& % r* =, &eli+eratel0 %ail" t rec r& a ! te t,erein r rec r&" err ne 1"l0 t,e ! te" a" rea&> r rec r&" a ! te =,ere n "1c, ! te ,a" +een rea& +0 t,e c,air*an. (1)) An0 *e*+er % a + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" =, ,a" *a&e 6 ""i+le t,e ca"tin- % * re ! te" t,an t,ere are re-i"tere& ! ter". (11) An0 6er" n =, > % r t,e 61r6 "e % &i"r16tin- r +"tr1ctin- t,e electi n 6r ce"" r ca1"in- c n%1"i n a* n- t,e ! ter"> 6r 6a-ate" %al"e an& alar*in- re6 rt" r in% r*ati n r tran"*it" r circ1late" %al"e r&er"> &irecti!e" r *e""a-e" re-ar&in- an0 *atter relatin- t t,e 6rintin- % %%icial +all t"> t,e 6 "t6 ne*ent % t,e electi n> t,e tran"%er % 6 llin- 6lace r t,e -eneral c n&1ct % t,e electi n. (1$) An0 6er" n =, > =it, 1t le-al a1t, rit0> &e"tr 0"> "1+"tit1te" r ta<e" a=a0 %r * t,e 6 ""e""i n % t, "e ,a!in- le-al c1"t &0 t,ere %> r %r * t,e 6lace =,ere t,e0 are le-all0 &e6 "ite&> an0 electi n % r* r & c1*ent r +all t + 7 =,ic, c ntain" %%icial +all t" r t,er & c1*ent" 1"e& in t,e electi n. (1() An0 6er" n ,a!in- le-al c1"t &0 % t,e +all t + 7 c ntainin- t,e %%icial +all t" 1"e& in t,e electi n =, 6en" r &e"tr 0" "ai& + 7 r re* !e" r &e"tr 0" it"

3)&

c ntent" =it, 1t r a-ain"t t,e r&er % t,e C **i""i n r =, > t,r 1-, ,i" ne-li-ence> ena+le" an0 6er" n t c **it an0 % t,e a% re*enti ne& act"> r ta<e" a=a0 "ai& +all t + 7 %r * ,i" c1"t &0. (18) An0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" =, <n =in-l0 1"e" +all t" t,er t,an t,e %%icial +all t"> e7ce6t in t, "e ca"e" =,ere t,e 1"e % e*er-enc0 +all t" i" a1t, riAe&. (14) An0 61+lic %%icial =, ne-lect" r %ail" t 6r 6erl0 6re"er!e r acc 1nt % r an0 +all t + 7> & c1*ent" an& % r*" recei!e& +0 ,i* an& <e6t 1n&er ,i" c1"t &0. (12) An0 6er" n =, re!eal" t,e c ntent" % t,e +all t % an illiterate r &i"a+le& ! ter =, * ,e a""i"te& in 6re6arin- a +all t. (13) An0 6er" n =, > =it, 1t a1t, rit0> tran"%er" t,e l cati n % a 6 llin- 6lace. (18) An0 6er" n =, > =it, 1t a1t, rit0> 6rint" r ca1"e" t,e 6rintin- % an0 +all t r electi n ret1rn" t,at a66ear" a" %%icial +all t" r electi n ret1rn" r =, &i"tri+1te" r ca1"e" t,e "a*e t +e &i"tri+1te& % r 1"e in t,e electi n> =,et,er r n t t,e0 are act1all0 1"e&. (1.) An0 6er" n =, > =it, 1t a1t, rit0> <ee6"> 1"e" r carrie" 1t r ca1"e" t +e <e6t> 1"e& r carrie& 1t> an0 %%icial +all t r electi n ret1rn" r 6rinte& 6r % t,ere %> t06e#% r* * 1l&> electr #t06e 6rintin- 6late" an& an0 t,er 6late> n1*+erin- *ac,ine" an& t,er 6rintin6ara6,ernalia +ein- 1"e& in c nnecti n =it, t,e 6rintin% %%icial +all t" r electi n ret1rn". ($)) An0 %%icial r e*6l 0ee % an0 6rintine"ta+li",*ent r % t,e C **i""i n r an0 *e*+er % t,e c **ittee in c,ar-e % t,e 6rintin- % %%icial +all t" r electi n ret1rn" =, ca1"e" %%icial +all t" r electi n ret1rn" t +e 6rinte& in B1antitie" e7cee&in- t, "e a1t, riAe& +0 t,e C **i""i n r =, &i"tri+1te"> &eli!er"> r in an0 *anner &i"6 "e" % r ca1"e" t +e &i"tri+1te&> &eli!ere&> r &i"6 "e& %> an0 %%icial +all t r electi n ret1rn" t an0 6er" n r 6er" n" n t

3)(

a1t, riAe& +0 la= r +0 t,e C **i""i n t recei!e r <ee6 %%icial +all t" r electi n ret1rn" r =, "en&" r ca1"e" t,e* t +e "ent t an0 6lace n t &e"i-nate& +0 la= r +0 t,e C **i""i n. ($1) An0 6er" n =, > t,r 1-, an0 act> *ean" r &e!ice> !i late" t,e inte-rit0 % an0 %%icial +all t r electi n ret1rn" +e% re r a%ter t,e0 are 1"e& in t,e electi n. ($$) An0 6er" n =, re* !e"> tear"> &e%ace" r &e"tr 0" an0 certi%ie& li"t % can&i&ate" 6 "te& in"i&e t,e ! tin+ t," &1rin- t,e , 1r" % ! tin-. ($() An0 6er" n =, , l&" r ca1"e" t,e , l&in- % an electi n n an0 t,er &a0 t,an t,at %i7e& +0 la= r +0 t,e C **i""i n> r "t 6" an0 electi n +ein- le-all0 ,el&. ($8) An0 6er" n =, t,e ! tin- rec r&. (aa) On Can!a""in-? (1) An0 c,air*an % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" =, %ail" t -i!e &1e n tice % t,e &ate> ti*e an& 6lace % t,e *eetin- % "ai& + ar& t t,e can&i&ate"> 6 litical 6artie" an&H r *e*+er" % t,e + ar&. ($) An0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" =, 6r cee&" =it, t,e can!a"" % t,e ! te" an&H r 6r cla*ati n % an0 can&i&ate =,ic, =a" "1"6en&e& r ann1lle& +0 t,e C **i""i n. (() An0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" =, 6r cee&" =it, t,e can!a"" % ! te" an&H r 6r cla*ati n % an0 can&i&ate in t,e a+"ence % B1 r1*> r =it, 1t -i!in&1e n tice % t,e &ate> ti*e an& 6lace % t,e *eetin- % t,e + ar& t t,e can&i&ate"> 6 litical 6artie"> an&H r t,er *e*+er" % t,e + ar&. (8) An0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" =, > =it, 1t a1t, rit0 % t,e C **i""i n> 1"e" in t,e can!a"" % ! te" an&H r 6r cla*ati n % an0 can&i&ate an0 & c1*ent t,er t,an t,e %%icial c 60 % t,e electi n ret1rn". &eli+eratel0 +l1r" ,i" %in-er6rint in

3))

(++) C ** n t can!a""er"?

all + ar&"

% electi n in"6ect r" an& + ar&"

(1) An0 *e*+er % an0 + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" r + ar& % can!a""er" =, &eli+eratel0 a+"ent" ,i*"el% %r * t,e *eetin-" % "ai& + &0 % r t,e 61r6 "e % +"tr1ctin- r &ela0in- t,e 6er% r*ance % it" &1tie" r %1ncti n". ($) An0 *e*+er % an0 + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" r + ar& % can!a""er" =, > =it, 1t C1"ti%ia+le rea" n> re%1"e" t "i-n an& certi%0 an0 electi n % r* reB1ire& +0 t,i" C &e r 6re"cri+e& +0 t,e C **i""i n alt, 1-, ,e =a" 6re"ent &1rin- t,e *eetin- % t,e "ai& + &0. (() An0 6er" n =, > +ein- ineli-i+le % r a66 int*ent a" *e*+er % an0 + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" r + ar& % can!a""er"> acce6t" an a66 int*ent t "ai& + &0> a""1*e" %%ice> an& act1all0 "er!e" a" a *e*+er t,ere %> r an0 % 61+lic %%icer r an0 6er" n actin- in ,i" +e,al% =, a66 int" "1c, ineli-i+le 6er" n <n =in- ,i* t +e ineli-i+le. (8) An0 6er" n =, > in t,e 6re"ence r =it,in t,e ,earin- % an0 + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" r + ar& % can!a""er" &1rin- an0 % it" *eetin-"> c n&1ct" ,i*"el% in "1c, a &i" r&erl0 *anner a" t interr16t r &i"r16t t,e = r< r 6r cee&in-" t t,e en& % 6re!entin- "ai& + &0 %r * 6er% r*in- it" %1ncti n"> eit,er 6artl0 r t tall0. (4) An0 61+lic %%icial r 6er" n actin- in ,i" +e,al% =, relie!e" an0 *e*+er % an0 + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" r + ar& % can!a""er" r =, c,an-e" r ca1"e" t,e c,an-e % t,e a""i-n*ent" % an0 *e*+er % "ai& + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" r + ar& % can!a""er" =it, 1t a1t, rit0 % t,e C **i""i n. (cc) On can&i&ac0 an& ca*6ai-n? (1) An0 6 litical 6art0 =,ic, , l&" 6 litical c n!enti n" r *eetin-" t n *inate it" %%icial can&i&ate" earlier t,at t,e 6eri & %i7e& in t,i" C &e.

3)*

($) An0 6er" n =, a+"tract"> &e"tr 0" r cancel" an0 certi%icate % can&i&ac0 &1l0 %ile& an& =,ic, ,a" n t +een cancelle& 16 n r&er % t,e C **i""i n. (() An0 6er" n =, *i"lea&" t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" +0 "1+*ittin- an0 %al"e r "61ri 1" certi%icate % can&i&ac0 r & c1*ent t t,e 6reC1&ice % a can&i&ate. (8) An0 6er" n =, > +ein- a1t, riAe& t recei!e certi%icate" % can&i&ac0> recei!e" an0 certi%icate % can&i&ac0 1t"i&e t,e 6eri & % r %ilin- t,e "a*e an& *a<e" it a66ear t,at "ai& certi%icate % can&i&ac0 =a" %ile& n ti*e@ r an0 6er" n =, > +0 *ean" % %ra1&> t,reat> inti*i&ati n> terr ri"* r c erci n> ca1"e" r c *6el" t,e c **i""i n % "ai& act. (4) An0 6er" n =, > +0 an0 &e!ice r *ean"> Ca*"> +"tr1ct" r inter%ere" =it, a ra&i r tele!i"i n +r a&ca"t % an0 la=%1l 6 litical 6r -ra*. (2) An0 6er" n =, " licit" ! te" r 1n&erta<e" an0 6r 6a-an&a> n t,e &a0 % electi n> % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate r an0 6 litical 6art0 =it,in t,e 6 llin- 6lace r =it,in a ra&i1" % t,irt0 *eter" t,ere %. (&&) Ot,er 6r ,i+iti n"? (1) An0 6er" n =, "ell"> %1rni",e"> %%er"> +10"> "er!e" r ta<e" int 7icatin- liB1 r n t,e &a0" %i7e& +0 la= % r t,e re-i"trati n % ! ter" in t,e 6 llin- 6lace> r n t,e &a0 +e% re t,e electi n r n electi n &a0? Pr !i&e&> T,at , tel" an& t,er e"ta+li",*ent" &1l0 certi%ie& +0 t,e Mini"tr0 % T 1ri"* a" t 1ri"t riente& an& ,a+it1all0 in t,e +1"ine"" % caterin- t % rei-n t 1ri"t" *a0 +e e7e*6te& % r C1"ti%ia+le rea" n" 16 n 6ri r a1t, rit0 % t,e C **i""i n? Pr !i&e&> %1rt,er> T,at % rei-n t 1ri"t" ta<in- int 7icatin- liB1 r in "ai& a1t, riAe& , tel" r e"ta+li",*ent" are e7e*6te& %r * t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" "1+6ara-ra6,. ($) An0 6er" n =, 6en" in an0 6 llin- 6lace r =it,in a ra&i1" % t,irt0 *eter" t,ere % n electi n &a0 an& &1rin- t,e c 1ntin- % ! te"> + t," r "tall" % an0 <in&

3*,

% r t,e "ale> &i"6en"in- r &i"6la0 % =are"> *erc,an&i"e r re%re",*ent"> =,et,er " li& r liB1i&> r % r an0 t,er 61r6 "e". (() An0 6er" n =, , l&" n electi n &a0> %air"> c c<%i-,t"> + 7in-> , r"e race"> Cai#alai r an0 t,er "i*ilar "6 rt". (8) /e%1"al t carr0 electi n *ail *atter. # An0 6erat r r e*6l 0ee % a 61+lic 1tilit0 r tran"6 rtati n c *6an0 6eratin- 1n&er a certi%icate % 61+lic c n!enience> incl1&in- - !ern*ent# =ne& r c ntr lle& 6 "tal "er!ice r it" e*6l 0ee" r &e61tiAe& a-ent" =, re%1"e t carr0 %%icial electi n *ail *atter" %ree % c,ar-e &1rin- t,e electi n 6eri &. In a&&iti n t t,e 6enalt0 6re"cri+e& ,erein> "1c, re%1"al ",all c n"tit1te a -r 1n& % r cancellati n r re! cati n % certi%icate % 61+lic c n!enience r %ranc,i"e. (4) Pr ,i+iti n a-ain"t &i"cri*inati n in t,e "ale % air ti*e. # An0 6er" n =, 6erate" a ra&i r tele!i"i n "tati n =, =it, 1t C1"ti%ia+le ca1"e &i"cri*inate" a-ain"t an0 6 litical 6art0> c aliti n r a--r 16*ent % 6artie" r an0 can&i&ate in t,e "ale % air ti*e. In a&&iti n t t,e 6enalt0 6re"cri+e& ,erein> "1c, re%1"al ",all c n"tit1te a -r 1n& % r cancellati n r re! cati n % t,e %ranc,i"e. Sec. $2$. Ot,er electi n %%en"e". # 'i lati n % t,e 6r !i"i n"> r 6ertinent 6 rti n"> % t,e % ll =in- "ecti n" % t,i" C &e ",all c n"tit1te electi n %%en"e"? Secti n" .> 18> 38> 34> 32> 8)> 81> 8$> 8(> 88> 84> 82> 83> 88> 8.> .4> .2> .3> .8> ..> 1))> 1)1> 1)$> 1)(> 1)8> 1)4> 1)2 1)3> 1)8> 1).> 11)> 111> 11$> 1$$> 1$(> 1$3> 1$8> 1$.> 1($> 1(8> 1(4> 184> 188> 14)> 14$> 13$> 13(> 138> 138> 18)> 18$> 188> 184> 182> 18.> 1.)> 1.1> 1.$> 1.8> 1.4> 1.2> 1.3> 1.8> $)$> $)(> $)8> $)4> $)2> $)3> $)8> $).> $1)> $11> $1$> $1(> $18> $14> $12> $13> $18> $1.> $$)> $$(> $$.> $()> $(1> $((> $(8> $(4> $(2> $(. an& $8).

DISCUSSIONS

3*1

Ot,er electi n

%%en"e"

<n addition to t2e pro2ibited acts and election o%%enses enumerated in Sections 2&2 and 2&2 o% 3$ ))14 as amended4 t2e %ollo=ing s2all be guilty o% election o%%ensesJ a) any person =2o causes t2e printing o% o%%icial ballots and election returns by any printing establis2ment =2ic2 is not under contract =it2 t2e C!+E:EC and any printing establis2ment =2ic2 underta;es suc2 unaut2ori9ed printing b) any member o% t2e board o% election inspectors or board o% election inspectors or board o% can"assers =2o tampers4 increases4 or decreases t2e "otes recei"ed by a candidate in any election or any member o% t2e board =2o re%uses4 a%ter proper "eri%ication and 2earing4 to credit t2e correct "otes or deduct suc2 tampered "otes c) any member o% t2e board o% election inspectors =2o re%uses too issue to duly accredited =atc2ers t2e certi%icate o% "otes pro"ided in Section 1& 2ereo% d) any person =2o "iolates section 11 2ereo% regarding pro2ibited %orms o% election propaganda e) any c2airman o% t2e board o% can"assers =2o %ails to gi"e notice o% meetings to ot2er members o% t2e board4 candidate4 or political party as re/uired under Section 23 2ereo% %) any person declared a nuisance candidate as de%ined in sec &* o% 3$ ))14 or is ot2er=ise dis/uali%ied4 by %inal and e-ecutory Cudgment4 =2o continues to misrepresent 2imsel%4 or 2olds 2im sel% out4 as a candidate4 suc2 as by continuing to campaign t2erea%ter4 andMor ot2er public o%%icer or pri"ate indi"idual4 =2o ;no=ingly induces or abets suc2 misrepresentation4 by commission or omission4 s2all be guilty o% an o%%ense and subCect to t2e penalty pro"ided in sec 2& 2ereo%.

A statutory o%%ense4 suc2 as "iolation o% election la=4 is mala pro2ibita. $roo% o% criminal intent is not necessary. @ood %ait24 ignorance or lac; o% malice is beside t2e point. Commission o% t2e act is su%%icient. <t is t2e act itsel% t2at is punis2ed and not mere intention.

3*2

!ne s2ould not con%use an action o% /uo =arranto =it2 t2e complaint %or a "iolation o% t2e Election Code e"en i% t2e same in a =ay 2a"e t2e e%%ect o% dis/uali%ying a candidate to 2old t2e o%%ice to =2ic2 2e is elected. !ne parta;es o% t2e nature o% a ci"il case =2erein t2e petitioner is t2e de%eated candidate =2ile t2e ot2er is a criminal action =2ic2 is prosecuted in t2e name o% t2e people. 3ot2 proceedings 2a"e di%%erent obCecti"es and are premeditated on t2e same grounds. T2e purpose o% a /uo =arranto is merely to pre"ent an electi"e o%%icial %rom assuming o%%ice on t2e ground o% ineligibility. To be eligible4 one must 2a"e t2e /uali%ications re/uired by la= =it2 regard to citi9ens2ip4 residence4 age4 loyalty4 etc. !n t2e ot2er 2and4 t2e principal purpose o% t2e criminal action is imprisonment o% t2e o%%ender4 be 2e a candidate or not4 and t2e grounds o% t2e action "ary depending upon t2e actions4 committed. 7ere t2e actions in"ol"ed are t2ose pro2ibited by section * o% t2e Election Code relati"e to corrupt practices. T2e %act t2at t2e present o%%ense carries =it2 it t2e necessary penalty o% dis/uali%ication %rom 2olding o%%ice does not con"ert it into an action o% /uo =arranto. T2ere is a di%%erence as regards t2e prescriptibility o% t2e action4 =2ile an action o% /uo =arranto s2ould be %iled =it2in one =ee; %rom proclamation4 an election o%%ense prescribes a%ter t=o years %rom t2e date o% its commission4 and i% t2e disco"ery is made on t2e occasion o% an election contest4 t2e period s2all commence on t2e date o% t2e Cudgment becomes %inal. Candidate elect may also be ineligible or dis/uali%ied to 2old position in t2e go"ernment o%%ice =2o are c2arged and con"icted o%J a. Espionage and ot2er o%%enses against t2e ?ational SecurityH b. +embers2ip in t2e outla=ed Communist $arty o% t2e $2ilippines and similar associationsH c. T2ose =2o are penali9ed o% capital o%%enses under t2e Re"ised $enal CodeH d. T2ose =2o are c2arged and con"icted by Anti1@ra%t and Corrupt $ractices ActH and e. T2ose =2o are c2arged and con"icted o% illegal recruitment =2ic2 t2e la= considered as economic sabotage.

DU/ISP/UDENCE

3*3

MAPPALA !". NUNE; $8) SC/A 2)) To support a con"iction under Section 2&1 (p) o% t2e !mnibus Election Code4 it is not necessary t2at t2e deadly =eapon s2ould 2a"e been sei9ed %rom t2e accused =2ile 2e =as in t2e precinct or =it2in a radius o% 1,, meters t2ere%rom4 as it is enoug2 t2at 2e carried t2e deadly =eapon Din t2e polling place or =it2in 1,, meters t2ereo%E during any o% t2e speci%ied days and 2ours.

EDDING !". COMELEC $82 SC/A 4)$ T2e C!+E:EC 2as t2e aut2ority to issue t2e e-traordinary =rits o% certiorari4 pro2ibition and mandamus in aid o% its appellate Curisdiction. 62ere t2e motion %or e-ecution pending appeal =as %iled =it2in t2e reglementary period %or per%ecting an appeal4 t2e %iling o% a notice o% appeal by t2e opposing party =as o% no moment and did not di"est t2e trial court o% its Curisdiction to resol"e t2e motion %or immediate e-ecution o% t2e Cudgment pending appeal. 'or t2e +ay 114 1**2 sync2roni9ed national and local elections4 t2e C!+E:EC %i-ed a longer election period o% one 2undred t=enty (12,) days be%ore t2e sc2eduled elections and t2irty (3,) days t2erea%ter. ?o o%%icer or employee in t2e ci"il ser"ice s2all engage directly or indirectly4 in any electioneering or partisan political campaign. Section 2&1 (2) o% 3atas $ambansa 3lg. ))1 does not per se outla= t2e trans%er o% a go"ernment o%%icer or employee during t2e election period. Elements o% a "iolation o% Section 2&1 (2) o% 3atas $ambansa 3lg. ))14 areJ (1) T2e %act o% trans%er or detail o% a public o%%icer or employee =it2in t2e election period as %i-ed by t2e C!+E:EC4 and (2) t2e trans%er or detail =as e%%ected =it2out prior appro"al o% t2e C!+E:EC in accordance =it2 its implementing rules and regulations. An o%%icer cannot be 2eld liable %or "iolation o% Section 2&1 (2) o% 3atas $ambansa 3lg. ))14 a penal pro"ision4 be%ore t2e e%%ecti"ity o%

3*

C!+E:EC Resolution implementing rules.

?o.

2333

promulgating

t2e

necessary

Sec. $2(. Per" n" cri*inall0 lia+le. # T,e 6rinci6al"> acc *6lice"> an& acce"" rie"> a" &e%ine& in t,e /e!i"e& Penal C &e> ",all +e cri*inall0 lia+le % r electi n %%en"e". I% t,e ne re"6 n"i+le +e a 6 litical 6art0 r an entit0> it" 6re"i&ent r ,ea&> t,e %%icial" an& e*6l 0ee" % t,e "a*e> 6er% r*in&1tie" c nnecte& =it, t,e %%en"e c **itte& an& it" *e*+er" =, *a0 +e 6rinci6al"> acc *6lice"> r acce"" rie" ",all +e lia+le> in a&&iti n t t,e lia+ilit0 % "1c, 6art0 r entit0. Sec. $28. Penaltie". # An0 6er" n % 1n& -1ilt0 % an0 electi n %%en"e 1n&er t,i" C &e ",all +e 61ni",e& =it, i*6ri" n*ent % n t le"" t,an ne 0ear +1t n t * re t,an "i7 0ear" an& ",all n t +e "1+Cect t 6r +ati n. In a&&iti n> t,e -1ilt0 6art0 ",all +e "entence& t "1%%er &i"B1ali%icati n t , l& 61+lic %%ice an& &e6ri!ati n % t,e ri-,t % "1%%ra-e. I% ,e i" a % rei-ner> ,e ",all +e "entence& t &e6 rtati n =,ic, ",all +e en% rce& a%ter t,e 6ri" n ter* ,a" +een "er!e&. An0 6 litical 6art0 % 1n& -1ilt0 ",all +e "entence& t 6a0 a %ine % n t le"" t,an ten t, 1"an& 6e" "> =,ic, ",all +e i*6 "e& 16 n "1c, 6art0 a%ter cri*inal acti n ,a" +een in"tit1te& in =,ic, t,eir c rre"6 n&in- %%icial" ,a!e +een % 1n& -1ilt0. In ca"e % 6ri" ner r 6ri" ner" ille-all0 relea"e& %r * an0 6enitentiar0 r Cail &1rin- t,e 6r ,i+ite& 6eri & a" 6r !i&e& in Secti n $21> 6ara-ra6, (n) % t,i" C &e> t,e &irect r % 6ri" n"> 6r !incial =ar&en> <ee6er % t,e Cail r 6ri" n> r 6er" n" =, are reB1ire& +0 la= t <ee6 "ai& 6ri" ner in t,eir c1"t &0 ",all> i% c n!icte& +0 a c *6etent c 1rt> +e "entence& t "1%%er t,e 6enalt0 % 6ri"i n *a0 r in it" *a7i*1* 6eri & i% t,e 6ri" ner r 6ri" ner" " ille-all0 relea"e& c **it an0 act % inti*i&ati n> terr ri"* % inter%erence in t,e electi n. An0 6er" n % 1n& -1ilt0 % t,e %%en"e % %ail1re t re-i"ter r %ail1re t ! te ",all> 16 n c n!icti n> +e %ine& ne ,1n&re& 6e" ". In a&&iti n> ,e ",all "1%%er &i"B1ali%icati n t r1n % r 61+lic %%ice in t,e ne7t "1ccee&in- electi n % ll =in- ,i" c n!icti n r +e a66 inte& t a 61+lic %%ice % r a 6eri & % ne 0ear % ll =in- ,i" c n!icti n.

3*#

DU/ISP/UDENCE BLANCO !". COMELEC G./. N . 18)128> D1ne 13> $))8 T2e records did not s2o= t2at a criminal complaint =as %iled against petitioner %or t2e election o%%ense o% "ote1buying under Sec. 2&1 (a) o% t2e !mnibus Election Code. T2ere =as also no e"idence t2at t2e accessory penalty o% dis/uali%ication to 2old public o%%ice under Sec. 2& o% t2e same Code =as imposed on petitioner by t2e proper court as a conse/uence o% con"iction %or an election o%%ense. Since t2ere is no proo% t2at petitioner =as con"icted o% an election o%%ense under t2e !mnibus Election Code and sentenced to su%%er dis/uali%ication to 2old public o%%ice4 t2e C!+E:EC4 Second .i"ision4 committed gra"e abuse o% discretion in pronouncing t2at absent any s2o=ing t2at petitioner 2ad been besto=ed a presidential pardon4 amnesty or any ot2er %orm o% e-ecuti"e clemency4 petitionerBs dis/uali%ication %rom being a candidate %or an electi"e position remains.

Sec. $24. Pr "ec1ti n. # T,e C **i""i n ",all> t,r 1-, it" &1l0 a1t, riAe& le-al %%icer"> ,a!e t,e e7cl1"i!e 6 =er t c n&1ct 6reli*inar0 in!e"ti-ati n % all electi n %%en"e" 61ni",a+le 1n&er t,i" C &e> an& t 6r "ec1te t,e "a*e. T,e C **i""i n *a0 a!ail % t,e a""i"tance % t,er 6r "ec1tin- ar*" % t,e - !ern*ent? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at in t,e e!ent t,at t,e C **i""i n %ail" t act n an0 c *6laint =it,in % 1r * nt," %r * ,i" %ilin-> t,e c *6lainant *a0 %ile t,e c *6laint =it, t,e %%ice % t,e %i"cal r =it, t,e Mini"tr0 % D1"tice % r 6r 6er in!e"ti-ati n an& 6r "ec1ti n> i% =arrante&.

DISCUSSIONS

Sec. 3. Section 2&# o% 3atas $ambansa 3lg. ))1 is 2ereby amended to read as %ollo=sJ

3*&

DSec. 2&#. $rosecution. 1 T2e Commission s2all4 t2roug2 its duly aut2ori9ed legal o%%icers4 2a"e t2e po=er4 concurrent =it2 t2e ot2er prosecuting arms o% t2e go"ernment4 to conduct preliminary in"estigation o% all election o%%enses punis2able under t2is Code4 and to prosecute t2e same.E T2us4 under t2e clear te-t o% RA *3&*4 t2e po=er to in"estigate election o%%enses is no= concurrent =it2 ot2er prosecuting arms o% t2e go"ernment. ?otably4 t2e =ord De-clusi"eE =as remo"ed %rom section 2&# o% t2e !mnibus Election Code.

Sec. $22. Arre"t in c nnecti n =it, t,e electi n ca*6ai-n. # N 6er" n ",all +e arre"te& an&H r &etaine& at an0 ti*e % r an0 alle-e& %%en"e c **itte& &1rin- an& in c nnecti n =it, an0 electi n t,r 1-, an0 act r lan-1a-e ten&in- t "166 rt r 66 "e an0 can&i&ate> 6 litical 6art0 r c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie" 1n&er r 61r"1ant t an0 r&er % =,ate!er na*e r nat1re an& +0 =, *" e!er i""1e& e7ce6t nl0 16 n a =arrant % arre"t i""1e& +0 a c *6etent C1&-e a%ter all t,e reB1ire*ent" % t,e C n"tit1ti n ",all ,a!e +een "trictl0 c *6lie& =it,. I% t,e %%en"e c,ar-e& i" 61ni",a+le 1n&er a 6re"i&ential &ecree =,et,er ri-inall0 r +0 a*en&*ent % a 6re!i 1" la=> t,e &eat, 6enalt0 ",all n t +e i*6 "e& 16 n t,e %%en&er e7ce6t =,ere *1r&er> ra6e r ar" n i" in! l!e&. In all ca"e"> t,e 6enalt0 ",all n t +e ,i-,er t,an recl1"i n 6er6et1a an& t,e %%en&er ",all +e entitle& t rea" na+le +ail 16 n "1%%icient "1retie" t +e -rante& "6ee&il0 +0 t,e c *6etent c 1rt. M re !er> l "" % t,e ri-,t % citiAen",i6 an& c n%i"cati n % 6r 6ert0 ",all n t +e i*6 "e&. An0 %%icer r a 6er" n =, ",all !i late an0 6r !i"i n % t,i" "ecti n ",all +e 61ni",e& +0 i*6ri" n*ent % n t le"" t,an "i7 (2) 0ear" an& ne (1) &a0 n r * re t,an t=el!e (1$) 0ear"> =it, t,e acce"" r0 6enaltie" % r electi n %%en"e". T,e 6r !i"i n % Secti n $23 % t,i" C &e ",all n t a66l0 t 6r "ec1ti n 1n&er t,i" "ecti n. Sec. $23. Pre"cri6ti n. # Electi n %%en"e" ",all 6re"cri+e a%ter %i!e 0ear" %r * t,e &ate % t,eir c **i""i n. I% t,e &i"c !er0 % t,e %%en"e +e *a&e in an electi n c nte"t 6r cee&in-"> t,e

3*(

6eri & % 6re"cri6ti n ",all c **ence t,e C1&-*ent in "1c, 6r cee&in-" e7ec1t r0.

n t,e &ate n =,ic, +ec *e" %inal an&

An0 in% r*ati n % r electi n %%en"e %ile& a%ter t,e la6"e % t,e 6re"cri6ti!e 6eri & % %i!e 0ear" c 1nte& %r * t,e &ate =,en an %%en"e c **itte& 61+licl0 an& +are%ace&l0 alrea&0 6re"cri+e&. Sec. $28. D1ri"&icti n % c 1rt". # T,e re-i nal trial c 1rt ",all ,a!e t,e e7cl1"i!e ri-inal C1ri"&icti n t tr0 an& &eci&e an0 cri*inal acti n r 6r cee&in-" % r !i lati n % t,i" C &e> e7ce6t t, "e relatin- t t,e %%en"e % %ail1re t re-i"ter r %ail1re t ! te =,ic, ",all +e 1n&er t,e C1ri"&icti n % t,e *etr 6 litan r *1nici6al trial c 1rt". Fr * t,e &eci"i n % t,e c 1rt"> a66eal =ill lie a" in t,er cri*inal ca"e". Sec. $2.. Pre%erential &i"6 "iti n % electi n %%en"e". # T,e in!e"ti-ati n an& 6r "ec1ti n % ca"e" in! l!in- !i lati n" % t,e electi n la=" ",all +e -i!en 6re%erence an& 6ri rit0 +0 t,e C **i""i n n Electi n" an& 6r "ec1tin%%icial". T,eir in!e"ti-ati n ",all +e c **ence& =it, 1t &ela0> an& ",all +e re" l!e& +0 t,e in!e"ti-atin- %%icer =it,in %i!e &a0" %r * it" "1+*i""i n % r re" l1ti n. T,e c 1rt" ",all li<e=i"e -i!e 6re%erence t electi n %%en"e" !er all t,er ca"e"> e7ce6t 6etiti n" % r =rit % ,a+ea" c r61". T,eir trial ",all li<e=i"e +e c **ence& =it, 1t &ela0> an& ",all +e c n&1cte& c ntin1 1"l0 1ntil ter*inate&> an& t,e ca"e ",all +e &eci&e& =it,in t,irt0 &a0" %r * it" "1+*i""i n % r &eci"i n.

DISCUSSIONS

9,at are electi n territ rialit0.

%%en"e"@ , = c **itte&@ 6er" n" lia+le@

Election o%%enses are acts and omissions punis2able under t2e !mnibus Election Code4 Re"ised $enal Code4 ot2er special election la=s4 rules S regulations as =ell as resolutions issued by t2e Comelec during regular elections or on t2e occasion t2ereo% during special elections.

3*)

D0iolation ma;es t2e perpetrator eit2er as a principal4 accomplice4 or accessoryH nominal nature o% t2e o%%ense =2ereby stages o% commission are not applicable (attempted4 %rustrated4 or consummated )H e-emptions %or accessories in lieu o% relations2ip =it2 t2e o%%ender =ill also not apply in lieu o% t2e mala pro2ibita nature o% t2e o%%ense =2erein intent is not a necessary element.E Election o%%enses may be committed by any person4 group or association not only t2ru direct participation4 inducement or indispensable cooperation as principals but also by =ay o% conspiracy (3$ ))14 Sec 2&14 (2)(b)). Accomplices and accessories are 2eld liable and t2e president or 2ead o% t2e group4 association or corporation =ill be principally S solidarily liable %or acts committed by t2eir subordinates or employees directly under t2eir super"ision (3$ ))14 Sec 2&3 ). T2e e-emptions gi"en under t2e Re"ised $enal Code %or accessories in lieu o% relations2ip =ill not absol"e criminal liability in lieu o% t2e nature o% t2e o%%ense being one o% a mala prohibita =2erein intent is not a necessary element %or its commission.

E7e*6ti n" %r * territ rialit0 T2us4 e"en public or pri"ate indi"iduals4 as =ell as aliens4 li"ing abroad but =2o inter%eres4 obstructs4 participates directly or indirectly =it2 t2e outcome o% t2e electoral process may be 2eld liable %or election o%%enses (R.A. *1)* O !"erseas Absentee 0oting Act4 Sec 2 .*). <t =ill be noted t2at because o% t2is e-ternal application o% t2e Act4 by inference4 diplomatic immunities or international agreements running bet=een nations suc2 as t2e 2isiting orces *greement =ill not absol"e t2e o%%ender %or liabilityH 2o=e"er subCect to e-isting e-tradition treaties obser"ed by t2e nations %or t2e en%orcement or prosecution o% t2e o%%ense. !r4 in ot2er instances =2erein t2e "oter4 being a citi9en and ta;ing ad"antage o% t2e absentee "oting act but t2erea%ter %ails to return =it2in t2e gi"en period o% 3 years and continues to "ote %or t2e ne-t succeeding elections may also be 2eld liable %or election o%%enses under t2is Act. T2e rule applies e"en to dual citi9ens or citi9ens2ip ( R.A. *1)* O !"erseas Absentee 0oting Act4 Section 2 .*4 paragrap2 ).

3**

9,en & e" t,e 6eri & % r electi n 6r "ec1te@ C1ri"&icti n % t,e c 1rt".

%%en"e" +e-in@ 6 =er t

$eriod =it2in =2ic2 an o%%ense may be considered as an election o%%enseJ @enerally4 most o%%enses =ould only be considered as an election o%%ense =2ene"er t2ey %all =it2in t2e Delectoral period Dor t2e period =it2in =2ic2 t2ere is a %ort2coming election. So t2e /uestion isJ 5hen does the actual Eelection pe!iodF be)in in o!de! fo! the offense to be conside!ed as an election offenseG <s it t2e time =2en t2e %iling %or certificates of candidacies 2as ended\ !r t2e time =2en t2e campaign period 2as commenced (albeit absence o% o%%icial list o% candidates) =2en candidates 2a"e no= become Do%%icialE\ 'urt2ermore4 /.A. 3)42> Sec 8 4 as =ell as t2e Constitution4 pro"ides t2at D].the election pe!iod fo! !e)ula! " special elections shall commence 40 days befo!e the day of the election and shall end #0 days the!eafte!Hwhe!eas campai)n pe!iods fo! !e)ula! " special elections a!e as follows/ ,20 days fo! P!esidential " 3ice$P!esidential electionsI 40 days fo! %enato!ial electionsI and @J days fo! Con)!essional elections which shall not include the day befo!e and the election day itself* 8aundy Thu!sday* and 2ood 0!iday du!in) which time campai)ns a!e st!ictly p!ohibited.F T2us4 most people =ould t2in; t2at by "irtue o% Constitutional mandate4 t2ose t=o periods mentioned (election S campaign periods) are undoubtedly t2e correct parameters to use and t2e determinant o% election period and =2en election o%%enses begin4 aside %rom t2e %act t2at most o%%enses under t2e !mnibus Election Code %all concommittant =it2 or attributable to =2en a candidateAs status 2as turned Do%%icialE and may no= be rig2t%ully ans=erable %or suc2 acts committed by 2im or 2ersel%4 2is or 2er %ello= supporters4 as =ell as t2e political parties in"ol"ed or opposing suc2 candidate. 7o=e"er4 =2en t2e Code and ot2er special la=s are closely scrutini9ed4 certain o%%enses under t2e !mnibus Election code4 as =ell as ot2er special election la=s and resolutions o% t2e Comelec =ill s2o= t2at some do not actually %all any=2ere =it2in t2e t=o periods speci%ied abo"e (campaign or election period o% *, days and 3, days t2erea%ter O R.A. (,#&) Stated ot2er=ise4 not all o%%enses are only possible or could be committed during t2e Dtime of official candidacyE or =2en t2eDcampaign periodE 2as begun but when the!e is a fo!thcomin) electo!al p!ocess and was committed in anticipation of it whethe! o! not it falls within the of ,20* 40 o! @J days.

,,

'or instance4 under Comelec Resolution ?o. )(1 4 Sec. 4 (9) i" nos. 1)12,4 in t2e early stages o% t2e electoral process =2ic2 may e"en be muc2 earlier t2an 12, or *, days4 a printer or contractor o% ballots S ot2er Comelec parap2ernalia4 may be 2eld liable %or overprinting4 unauthori!ed usage, retention4 or recAless discharge of spoilage =2ic2 =ould ma;e suc2 acts %all and be properly tagged as Delection o%%ensesE. !r4 2o= about t2ose acts =2ic2 %all =ay beyond 3, days a%ter proclamation suc2 as =2en an elected o%%icial =2ile in 2is or 2er oat21ta;ing D fails to assume officeE or Danticipates assumption of officeE be%ore2and and 2ad disc2arged or e-ercised certain acts in de facto. Suc2 acts %all li;e=ise as Delection o%%ensesE under t2e !mnibus Election Code and as =ell as t2e Re"ised $enal Code. <n ot2er =ords4 =2at =e see 2ere by in%erence and analysis4 a correct interpretation o% an election o%%ense is an offense of which its commission was made in anticipation of a forthcoming elections or one that is already taAing place regardless of whatever stage of the electoral process it is committedE. T2is =ould be t2e proper interpretation4 albeit correct de%inition4 o% t2e Delection periodE %or purposes o% election o%%enses and not t2e 12,4 *, or # day rule. Since elections by %ar4 regardless o% t2eir type being one or a regular or special4 are comprised o% "arious stages o% an entire process and t2e Delection periodEcontemplated by la= (t2e Constitution S RA (,#&) only re%ers to a minute portion o% t2e entire Delectoral processE4 =2ic2 may eit2er start %rom t2e earliest stages o% J 1. preparation o% t2e ballots 2. t2e "oters registration 3. %iling o% t2e certi%icates o% candidacy . t2e campaign period #. t2e election proper &. a%termat2 or post1election proclamationH and4 %inally (. t2e oat21ta;ing or assumption o% o%%ice o% t2e elected o%%icial. All o% t2ese stages combined ma;e up t2e entire Delectoral periodE =2ic2 is essentially di%%erent %rom an Delection periodE =2ic2 only dictates %or t2e period =2en election proper 2as commenced and =2en all ot2er preparations %or t2e entire Delectoral processE 2a"e been set in place. T2us4 stated belo= are t2e "arious stages o% t2e entire electoral process =it2in =2ic2 carries certain o%%enses =2ic2 may be committed on =2at stage4 regardless o% =2et2er it =as committed

,1

outside o% t2e *,1days1and13,1days period (election period) or =it2in t2e 12,1*,1 #1days period (campaign period). a. Electoral proper S campaign election o%%enses J 1. Registration o% 0oters O electioneering by non1"oter4 misrepresentationsS ot2er %orms o% "oter %raud4 li/uor S gun ban 2. 'iling o% Certi%icate o% Candidacy O o%%enses committed by or against a candidate 3. Campaign period O speci%ic "iolations committed by or against a candidate4 t2eir supporters4 political parties4 t2e print S broadcast media . Election .ay O stalls S small business o=ners "iolating t2e 3,1meter perimeter rule #. $roclamation or .ay o% !at2 Ta;ing O re%usal o%%ice or anticipation o% o%%ice b. $re1electoral S post1electoral election o%%enses J 1. Comelec pre1electoral preparations S printing O "iolations o% Comelec Res. )(1 4 o"erprinting4 unaut2ori9ed usage4 improper disposal o% Spoilage by t2e printer or contractorH 2. .uring incumbency o% t2e elected O "iolations o% t2e 31year period to return to t2e nati"e country by t2e absentee "oter a?oteJ 0lectoral sabotage4 =2ic2 is %airly a ne= o%%ense4 may occur at any stage o% t2e electoral process mentioned abo"e since by t2e "ery nature o% t2is o%%ense 4 it re/uires care%ul planning4 tec2nical e-pertise and =idespread systematic control o% t2e automated system in order %or it to be e%%ecti"e or o"erturn o%%icial data results. 7ence4 it is not a single1stage assault but a compre2ensi"e attac; on t2e entire electoral process =2ic2 may t2us 2appen at any stage o% t2e electoral process. <n lieu o% t2is4 a close re"ie= on t2e deliberations made by t2e la=ma;ers re"eal t2at t2e e-treme penalty o% afflictive = reclusion perpetua or li%e imprisonment =as meted (s2ort o% t2e obsoleted deat2 penalty). T2e obCecti"e\ To deter =ould1be perpertrators =2o =ould most li;ely be crux K handyworA of international cyber= terrorists. <n star; contrast to most election o%%enses =2erein t2e usual to assume

,2

penalty ranges %rom not less than 1 year and no more than D years imprisonment.

P =er t

6r "ec1te G c n&1ct 6reli*inar0 in!e"ti-ati n

<n e"ery election o%%ense4 any pri"ate indi"idual aggrie"ed or t2e Comelec itsel% motu propio may %ile t2e necessary action in court4 eit2er in t2e Regional Trial Court or t2e +unicipal Trial Court as t2e case may be. *rrests in connection with utterances made during a campaign shall be made only thru a warrant issued by a competent ?udge after all constitutional re(uirements have been met. 3CP::1, 5ec "DD8 <n all cases4 t2e penalty s2all not be 2ig2er t2an reclusion perpetua and t2e o%%ender s2all 2a"e t2e right to bail (1*)( Constitution). 8nder t2e code4 t2e Comelec 2as t2e po=er to conduct preliminary in"estigations related to all election o%%enses. 7o=e"er4 i% =it2in mont2s no action 2as been %iled4 t2e city %iscal or state prosecutor (.!J) may assume concurrent Curisdiction to prosecute S %ile t2e same ma;ing t2e pri"ate indi"idual aggrie"ed t2e stateAs =itness. (3$ ))1 4 Sec 2&#)

C 1rt C1ri"&icti n T2e +unicipal Trial Court 2as original e-clusi"e Curisdiction o"er cases in"ol"ing failure to voteH. All ot2er election1related o%%enses4 t2e Regional Trial Court 2as original e-clusi"e Curisdiction to 2ear t2em. 7o=e"er4 %or acts or omissions by t2e +unicipal Trial Court or Regional Trial Court on election1related cases4 t2e Comelec4 in aid o% its appellate Curisdiction4 2as t2e po=er to 2ear t2e same (Re"ised Rules o% Ci"il $rocedure4 Rule & ) e-cept t2e right to vote =2ic2 s2all be under t2e Curisdiction o% t2e regular courts (RTC) %iled t2ru an action %or declaratory relie%.

A66lica+ilit0 % %%en"e" t certain in&i!i&1al"@ 6enaltie"@ in&eter*inate "entence la=@ 6re"cri6ti n

,3

@enerally4 election o%%enses apply to almost all indi"iduals4 public or pri"ate4 "oter or non1"oter. 7o=e"er4 certain o%%enses4 by t2eir "ery nature4 may only apply to certain individuals or groups. T2us4 belo= are certain election o%%enses =2ic2 2ad been grouped or classi%ied accordingly based on =2o =ould most li;ely commit t2em or =ould be liable. 1. 2. 3. 3y a ?on1"oter conspiracy to bribe "oters V3.$. ))14 Section 2&14 2 (b) =agering V3.$. ))14 Section 2&14 2 (c)W 2arassment o% employees4 laborers and tenants V3.$. ))14 Section 2&14 2 (l)W propagating %alse rumors V3.$. ))14 Sec 2&14 3 (9) 4 item (11)W 3y a "endor4 small business o=ner4 %air S bet runners li/uor ban V3.$. ))14 Section 2&14 3(9)4 sub12eading i" (dd) items (1 S 2)W illegal operation o% %airs4 coc;%ig2ts4 2orse races4 Cai1alai V3.$. ))14 Section 2&14 3(9)4 sub12eading i" (dd) item (3)W 3y t2e 0oter %ailure to register or "ote V3.$. ))14 Section 2&14 3(y) 4 item (1) S 3 (9) 4 item (1)W misrepresentation V3.$. ))14 Section 2&14 3(y) 4 item (2)W double registration or "oting (%lying "oter) V3.$. ))14 Section4 Sec 2&14 3(y)4 item#) S 3 (9)4 item (2)W usurpation (3.$. ))14 Section4 3(y)4 items (& S 1,) illegal use o% spoilage V3.$. ))14 Section 2&14 3(y)4 item (1&) S 3 (9)4 item (&)W ot2er %orms o% %alsi%ication V3.$. ))14 Section4 3(9)4 item (2 )W

3y t2e printer or 2older o% t2e Comelec contract %or printing materials %alsi%ication V3.$. ))14 Section4 3(9)4 sub12eading i"4 items (1) S 1*)W rec;less disc2arge o% spoilage4 unaut2ori9ed printing4 o"erprinting

#. &. (. ).

3y a political party4 citi9enAs arm or group illegal con"entions or caucuses V3.$. ))14 Section4 3(9)4 sub12eading i" (cc) item (1)W re%usal to pro"ide tabulated data or in%ormation VR.A. ?o4 *3&*4 Section 3# (d S %)W "ote1buying or "ote1solicitation V3.$. ))14 Section 2&1 (cc)4 item (&)W 3y a postal courier re%usal to carry election mail matter V3.$. ))14 Section4 3(9)4 sub12eading i" (dd)4 item ( )W 3y a T04 print4 and radio broadcaster or operator discrimination in t2e sale o% airtime V3.$. ))14 Section 2&14 3(9)4 sub12eading i" (dd)4 item (#)W %ailure to identi%y or release t2e ad"ertisement sponsor 3y t2e election o%%icer or employee a?oteJ 'or purposes o% redundance4 t2e rest o% t2e o%%enses =ere no longer enumerated 2ere since maCority o% t2e pro"isions under t2e code S special la=s pertain to "iolations committed by election o%%icers4 can"assers4 inspectors4 public employees 4 =2ile in t2e per%ormance o% t2eir duties =2ile in an o%%icial or temporary capacity during t2e electoral process. ?ote=ort2y 2o=e"er in all t2e "iolations attributable to public o%%icials S election o%%icers4 is t2e %act t2at any or conni"ance =it2 a pri"ate

,#

indi"idual =ill not ma;e t2em an accomplice to t2e pri"ate o%%ense =2en suc2 o%%ense 2as a counterpart pro"ision and penalty speci%ic %or a public o%%icer or election o%%icer. T2e public o%%ender =ill be c2arged as a principal under t2e speci%ic "iolation e/ui"alent %or election o%%icers or employees. An e-ample =ould be falsification committed by a "oter during t2e registration =2erein t2e registration o%%icial =as a=are. T2e "oter =ill be c2arged %or t2e speci%ic o%%ense under t2e registration process as a principal H =2ile t2e registration o%%icer =ill li;e=ise be c2arged as a principal also under a speci%ic pro"ision related to o%%icials under t2e registration process =2o conni"es =it2 a %alsi%ication made by a "oter. T2is is t2e ot2er distinct aspect associated =it2 election o%%enses =2ic2 ma;es t2em generally non$collabo!ati e. +eaning4 t2e commission of the offense is usually t!eated as a Estand$aloneF o! one which does not accommodate collabo!atin) pa!ties into thei! commission but ma:es the accomplice o! accesso!y a E doe! and p!incipalF of thei! own sepa!ate acts of colludin) o! conni in) and punishable unde! a specific offense !elati e to thei! act by i!tue of thei! status o! office. Anot2er e-ample =ould be t2e o%%ense o% Dconspiracy to bribe "otersE =2ic2 ma;es t2e conspirators not as accomplices or accessories to t2e candidate =2o is "ote1 buying or selling and t2ere%ore liable as principal4 but instead ma;es t2e conspirators liable as principals %or t2eir o=n speci%ic act o% conspiracy mentioned in t2e Code. T2is non$collabo!ati e aspect becomes apparent in lieu o% counterpart pro"isions running alongside =it2 ot2er pro"isions one pro"ision spea;s o% a Dpri"ateE o%%ender ("oter)H =2ile4 anot2er spea;s o% a DpublicE o%%ender (eg. (registration o%%icer4 inspector4 can"asser4 etc) =2o colludes or conni"es or is a=are o% t2e acts done or being done by t2e pri"ate indi"idual. T2us4 eac2 one becomes liable as DprincipalsE %or t2eir o=n speci%ic o%%enses. (?on1collaborati"e .octrine in Criminal :a=) *. 3y any public o%%icer or employee illegal appointments4 promotions or trans%ers V3.$. ))14 Section 2&14 subdi"ision (d)4 item 2 (% S l)W

,&

unla=%ul disbursement or release o% public %unds4 ot2er e-penditures V3.$. ))14 Section 2&14 subdi"ision (d)4 item (o)W illegal inter"ention V3.$. ))14 Section 2&14 subdi"ision (d)4 item (i)W illegal release o% prisoners V3.$. ))14 Section 2&14 subdi"ision (d)4 item (n)W unla=%ul contracting %or public =or;s and similar proCects V3.$. ))14 Section 2&14 subdi"ision (d)4 item (") 1 (a t2ru d)W 3y t2e military or para1military

1,. 11.

deadly =eapons V3.$. ))14 Section 2&14 2 (p) S (/)W =earing o% uni%orms and bearing arms (Comelec Resolution ?o. )(1 4 Section ) unla=%ul use o% armored land4 =ater or aircra%t V3.$. ))14 Section 2&14 subdi"ision (d)4 item (r)W candidate4 2is or 2er supporters4 or party

3y t2e represented -

"ote1buying or "ote1selling V3.$. ))14 Section 2&1 (a)W coercion o% subordinates V3.$. ))14 Section 2&14 2 (d)W pro2ibitions against electoral propaganda (3.$. ))14 Section )2) misrepresentation (3.$. ))14 Section ()) nuisance candidate (Comelec Resolution )&()) %

Penaltie"> %ine" G t,er acce"" r0 61ni",*ent"@ a66licati n in&eter*inate "entence la=

E-cept %or electoral sabotage =2ic2 carries =it2 it t2e penalty o% reclusion perpetua or li%e imprisonment4 e"ery person %ound guilty o% an election o%%ense under t2e code s2all be punis2ed =it2 imprisonment o% not less than 1 year but not more than D years and s2all not be /uali%ied %or probation 2o=e"er (ualify for indeterminate

,(

sentence. <n addition4 t2e guilty party s2all su%%er a perpetual dis(ualification to hold public office and t2e right of suffrage. <% o%%ender is a %oreigner4 2e s2all su%%er imprisonment with deportation ta;ing e%%ect t2erea%ter sentence 2ad been ser"ed. Any political party %ound guilty s2all pay a fine not less than P1%, %%%.%% pesos a%ter Cudgement is made on t2e o%%icers or members %ound guilty o% t2e o%%ense. T2e penalty %or a "oter %ound guilty o% failing to register or vote s2all be a fine of P1%%.%% pesos =it2 temporary dis(ualification to run for public office in the next succeeding election following his conviction and to be appointed for public office for a period of 1 year following his conviction. <n all cases 2o=e"er4 no deprivation of citi!enship nor confiscation of property s2all be imposed. (3$ ))14 Sec. 2&&)

Pre"cri6ti n

%%en"e"

Election o%%enses s2all prescribe a%ter %i"e years %rom date o% its commission. 7o=e"er4 in case o% disco"ery o% t2e o%%ense during anelection contest proceedings4 t2e period o% prescription s2all begin only on t2e date =2en Cudgement in suc2 proceedings 2as become %inal and e-ecutory.

3AR >8EST<!? A. .espite lingering /uestions about 2is 'ilipino citi9ens2ip and 2is one1year residence in t2e district4 @abriel %iled 2is certi%icate o% candidacy %or congressman be%ore t2e deadline set by la=. 7is opponent4 0ito4 2ires you as la=yer to contest @abrielBs candidacy. 1. 3e%ore election day4 =2at action or actions =ill you institute against @abriel4 and be%ore =2ic2 court4 commission or tribunal =ill you %ile suc2 actionMs\ Reasons.

A?S6ERJ

,)

An action %or Petition for Jis(ualification for .andidacy may be %iled against @abriel and =it2 t2e /aw Jepartment of the )ouse of +epresentatives 0lectoral ,ribunal since t2e opponent is one o% a Congressional candidate =2ic2 comes under t2e proper Curisdiction o% t2e 7RET and not under t2e Comelec in =2ose Curisdiction co"ers +unicipal o%%icials and lo=er.

2. <%4 during t2e pendency o% suc2 actionMs but be%ore election day4 @abriel =it2dra=s 2is certi%icate o% candidacy4 can 2e be substituted as candidate\ <% so4 by =2om and =2y\ <% not4 =2y not\ A?S6ERJ Les4 2e may still be substituted since t2e deadline %or substitution under t2e code is noontime o% t2e day o% t2e elections4 pro"ided @abriel belongs to a party and not Cust a lone candidate. Also4 t2e substitute must come %rom t2e same political party =2ere @abriel belongs and is o%%icially nominated and certi%ied by t2eir party c2airman.

3. <% t2e actionMs instituted s2ould be dismissed =it2 %inality be%ore t2e election4 and @abriel assumes o%%ice a%ter being proclaimed t2e =inner in t2e election4 can t2e issue o% 2is candidacy andMor citi9ens2ip and residence still be /uestioned\ <% so4 =2at action or actions may be %iled and =2ere\ <% not4 =2y not\ A?S6ERJ Les4 t2e proclamation may still be /uestioned and raised by =ay o% .ertiorari =it2 t2e 5upreme .ourt under Rule & . A +otion %or Reconsideration =it2 t2e Commission en banc =ill no longer be prosper since Cudgement 2ad become %inal and e-ecutory under Comelec Rules o% $rocedure.

3. 6arlito4 a natural1born 'ilipino4 too; up permanent residence in t2e 8nited States4 and e"entually ac/uired American citi9ens2ip. 7e t2en married S2irley4 an American4 and sired t2ree c2ildren. <n

,*

August 2,,*4 6arlito decided to "isit t2e $2ilippines =it2 2is =i%e and c2ildrenJ Jo2nny4 23 years o% ageH 6arlito4 Jr.4 2,H and :uisa4 1(. 62ile in t2e $2ilippines4 a %riend in%ormed 2im t2at 2e could reac/uire $2ilippine citi9ens2ip =it2out necessarily losing 8.S. nationality. T2us4 2e too; t2e oat2 o% allegiance re/uired under R.A. *22#. 1. 7a"ing reac/uired $2ilippine citi9ens2ip4 is 6arlito a natural1 born or a naturali9ed 'ilipino citi9en today\ E-plain your ans=er.

A?S6ERJ 6arlito is a naturali9ed citi9en a%ter reneging S e-c2anging 2is 'ilipino citi9ens2ip =it2 t2at o% a 8S be%ore. As t2e la= pro"ides4 a naturalOborn citi9en is one =2o no longer needs to per%orm any act o% allegiance in order to ac/uire it. 6arlito 2ad to undergo naturali9ation proceedings in order to re1ac/uire t2e same. a?oteJ T2e di%%erence =it2 t2at o% a natural1born 'ilipino born in t2e 8S =2o similarly ac/uires 8S citi9ens2ip by reason o% birt2rig2t (Cus soli %ollo=ed in t2e 8S) against t2at o% 6arlito 4 is t2at t2e %ormer4 usually re%erred to as dual1citi9ens4 are natural1born 'ilipinos by reason o% parentage (Cus sanguinis). T2eir 8S birt2 being a matter o% conse/uence and not an act =2ic2 2ad to be per%ormed to ac/uire t2e same. T2us4 t2e birt2rig2t is a Dsecond citi9ens2ipE and not a Dsubse/uent citi9ens2ipE =2erein one 2ad to loose in order to e-c2ange %or anot2er. As in t2e case o% 6arlito4 =2o initially started =it2 a 'ilipino citi9ens2ip4 t2en reneged and subse/uently mo"ed on to an American. 62en t2is 2appens4 t2ere is de%initely =2at =e re%er to in la= as t2e Dneed (not) per%orm an act in order to gain or ac/uire itE. T2us4 in t2e same to;en4 6arlito 2ad to per%orm a subse/uent act o% naturali9ation in order to ac/uire t2e same 'ilipino citi9ens2ip again.

2. 6it2 6arlito 2a"ing regained $2ilippine citi9ens2ip4 =ill S2irley also become a 'ilipino citi9en\ <% so4 =2y\ <% not4 =2at =ould be t2e most speedy procedure %or S2irley to ac/uire $2ilippine citi9ens2ip\ E-plain. A?S6ERJ

1,

Since 6arlitoAs citi9ens2ip =as gained t2ru naturali9ation proceedings4 t2e e%%ects =ill 2a"e not2ing on S2irley4 =2o remains to be an American in all respects and =ill need to undergo t2e same naturali9ation proceedings t2at 6arlito under=ent intially. 7o=e"er4 s2e may state in 2er application 2er 2usbandAs naturali9ation to e-pedite and bring do=n t2e D1,1year residencyE re/uirement to less t2an # years4 aside %rom ot2er re/uisites s2e must %urt2er comply =it2. 3. .o t2e c2ildren 111 Jo2nny4 6arlito Jr.4 and :uisa 111 become 'ilipino citi9ens =it2 t2eir %at2erBs reac/uisition o% $2ilippine citi9ens2ip\ E-plain your ans=er. A?S6ERJ T2e e%%ects o% naturali9ation %or Jo2nny4 =2o is 23 years old4 =ould 2a"e no bearing or signi%icance since 2e is already beyond t2e age o% maCority. 3ut %or minors 6arlito Jr4 2,4 and :uisa4 1(4 t2e citi9ens2ip e-tends to bot2 o% t2em.

DU/ISP/UDENCE MENDO;A !". COMELEC an& PAGDANGANAN G./. N . 1.1)88> Marc0 $4> $)1) En banc "ersus di"ision rulingH Sec & 4 Comelec Rules o% $rocedure "is1P1"is Sec 34 Art <R o% t2e Constitution .omelec +ules of Procedure, 5ec D Procedure if 6pinion is 0(ually Jivided. 1 62en t2e Commission en banc is e/ually di"ided or %ails to reac2 a maCority decision4 t2e case is deemed to be re12eard and i% in re12earing no decision =as still reac2ed4 t2e action or proceeding =ill be dismissed i% t2e action =as originally commenced =it2 t2e Commission. <n appealed cases4 t2e Cudgement or order appealed %rom stands as it 2ad been originally or pre"iously recei"ed. .onstitution , *rt -1 , 5ec. # .

11

T2e Commission on Elections may sit 0n Canc or in t=o di"isions4 and s2all promulgate its rules o% procedure in order to e-pedite disposition o% election cases4 including pre1 proclamation contro"ersies. All suc2 election cases s2all be 2eard and decided in di"ision4 pro"ided t2at motions %or reconsideration o% decisions s2all be decided by t2e Commission 0n Canc.

A/TICLE 55III
LEGAL FEES

Sec. $3). C llecti n % le-al %ee". # T,e C **i""i n i" ,ere+0 a1t, riAe& t c llect %ee" a" % ll ="? (a) F r %1rni",in- certi%ie& tran"cri6t % rec r&" r c 6ie" % an0 rec r&> &eci"i n r r1lin- r entr0 % =,ic, an0 6er" n i" entitle& t &e*an& an& recei!e a c 60> % r e!er0 6a-e P $.)) (+) F r e!er0 certi%icate r =rit r 6r ce"" 1).))

(c) F r eac, certi%icate n t

n 6r ce"" $.))

(&) In a66r 6riate ca"e"> % r %ilin- a "ec n& an& "1ccee&in* ti n" % r rec n"i&erati n 4).)) (e) F r e!er0 "earc, % an0 rec r& "tan&in- an& rea&in- t,e "a*e 1).)) % * re t,an ne 0earE"

Sec. $31. Pa0*ent % Fee". # T,e %ee" *enti ne& in t,e 6rece&in- "ecti n ",all +e 6ai& t t,e ca",ier % t,e C **i""i n =, ",all in all ca"e" i""1e a recei6t % r t,e "a*e an& ",all enter t,e a* 1nt recei!e& 16 n ,i" + < "6eci%0int,e &ate =,en recei!e&> t,e %ee> an& t,e 6er" n %r * =, *

12

recei!e&. T,e ca",ier ",all i**e&iatel0 re6 rt "1c, 6a0*ent t t,e C **i""i n.

A/TICLE 55I'
T/ANSITO/: P/O'ISIONS

Sec. $3$. Pen&in- acti n". # Pen&in- acti n" an& ca1"e" % acti n ari"in- +e% re t,e e%%ecti!it0 % t,i" C &e ",all +e - !erne& +0 t,e la=" t,en in % rce. Sec. $3(. De"i-nati n % certain 6re#electi n act" i**e&iatel0 a%ter t,e a66r !al % t,i" C &e. # I% it ", 1l& n l n-er +e rea" na+l0 6 ""i+le t +"er!e t,e 6eri &" an& &ate" ,erein 6re"cri+e& % r certain 6re#electi n act" in t,e electi n i**e&iatel0 % ll =in- t,e a66r !al % t,i" C &e> t,e C **i""i n ",all %i7 t,er 6eri &" in r&er t en"1re t,at ! ter" ",all n t +e &e6ri!e& % t,eir ri-,t % "1%%ra-e. Sec. $38. Accre&itati n % & *inant 66 "iti n 6art0. # F r 61r6 "e" % t,e ne7t l cal electi n" in 1.82 an& t,e ne7t 6re"i&ential electi n" in 1.83 r earlier> t,e & *inant 66 "iti n 6art0 ",all +e t,at 6 litical 6art0> -r 16 r r-aniAati n r c aliti n % *aC r nati nal r re-i nal 6 litical 6artie" 66 "e& t t,e *aC rit0 6art0 =,ic, ,a" t,e ca6a+ilit0 t =a-e a + na %i&e nati n=i&e ca*6ai-n a" ", =n +0 t,e e7tent % it" r-aniAati n an& t,e n1*+er % Me*+er" %

13

Parlia*ent a%%iliate& =it, it? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at =it, "6eci%ic re%erence t t,e ne7t l cal electi n" in c n"tit1encie" =,ic, are re6re"ente& in t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a +0 Me*+er" =, & n t +el n- eit,er t t,e *aC rit0 6art0 r t t,e 6 litical 6art0 r c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie" &e"cri+e& a+ !e> t,e re6re"entati!e" % t,e 66 "iti n in t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> + ar& % can!a""er" r t,er "i*ilar + &ie" ",all +e 6r 6 "e& e7cl1"i!el0 +0 t,e 6art0 t =,ic, "ai& Me*+er % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a +el n-? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at it i" re-i"tere& +e% re t,e ne7t l cal electi n". An0 6 litical 6art0> -r 16 r r-aniAati n r c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie" "ee<in- accre&itati n 1n&er t,i" "ecti n ",all %ile a !eri%ie& 6etiti n =it, t,e C **i""i n n Electi n" "tatint,erein "1c, in% r*ati n a" *a0 +e nece""ar0 t ena+le t,e C **i""i n t &eter*ine t,e B1ali%icati n" % r accre&itati n in acc r&ance =it, t,e "tan&ar& ,erein 6r !i&e&. T,e C **i""i n n Electi n" ",all accre&it t,e & *inant 66 "iti n 6art0 n t later t,an t,irt0 &a0" +e% re t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri & in e!er0 electi n. In ca"e a 6re"i&ential electi n i" ,el& +e% re t,e ne7t l cal electi n" r +e% re t,e 6re"i&ential electi n in 1.83> t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,e C n"tit1ti n ",all +e en% rce& in &eter*inin=,ic, ",all +e t,e & *inant 66 "iti n 6art0 % r 61r6 "e" % t,e ne7t l cal electi n". Sec. $34. Part0 re6re"entati!e" in t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". # Until "1c, ti*e a" t,e t= accre&ite& 6 litical 6artie" are &eter*ine& in acc r&ance =it, t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,e C n"tit1ti n> t,e t= *e*+er" ",all eac, +e 6r 6 "e& +0 t,e r1lin- 6art0 an& t,e & *inant 66 "iti n 6art0 a" *a0 +e &eter*ine& +0 t,e C **i""i n 61r"1ant t t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" C &e. Sec. $32. A66r 6riati n"> an& in"1rance % r + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". # T,e c "t % , l&in- t,e ne7t l cal electi n" 6r !i&e& in t,i" C &e ",all +e %1n&e& 1t % t,e c1rrent a66r 6riati n" % t,e C **i""i n n Electi n" 6r !i&e& % r t,i" 61r6 "e. In ca"e % &e%icienc0> a&&iti nal %1n&in- *a0 +e 6r !i&e& 1t % t,e "6ecial acti!itie" %1n& inten&e& % r "6ecial 6ri rit0 acti!itie" a1t, riAe& in t,e General A66r 6riati n" Act.

T,e c,air*an an& t,e 6 ll cler< % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all recei!e 6er &ie* at t,e rate % ne ,1n&re& 6e" " n electi n &a0 an& %i%t0 6e" " n eac, % t,e re-i"trati n an& re!i"i n &a0". T,e in"6ect r" % t,e 6 litical 6artie" ",all +e -rante& a 6er &ie* % %i%t0 6e" " n electi n &a0 an& t=ent0#%i!e 6e" " n eac, % t,e re-i"trati n an& re!i"i n &a0". E&1cati n "166 rt 6er" nnel % t,e Mini"tr0 % E&1cati n> C1lt1re an& S6 rt" ",all recei!e a 6er &ie* % t=ent0#%i!e 6e" " &1rin- electi n &a0. S16er!i" r"> 6rinci6al" an& t,er a&*ini"trat r" % t,e Mini"tr0 % E&1cati n> C1lt1re an& S6 rt" =, *a0 +e a"<e& +0 t,e C **i""i n> an& act1all0 re6 rt> % r "16er!i" r0 a""i-n*ent &1rin- re-i"trati n an& electi n &a0 ",all +e entitle& t a 6er &ie* % %i%t0 6e" ". T,e 6r !incial> cit0 an& *1nici6al trea"1rer" ",all recei!e 6er &ie* at t,e rate % ne ,1n&re& 6e" " n electi n &a0. Pa0*ent" % 6er &ie*" 1n&er t,i" "ecti n ",all +e *a&e =it,in "e!ent0#t= , 1r" a%ter t,e electi n r re-i"trati n &a0. T,e c,air*an> 6 ll cler< an& 6art0 re6re"entati!e" in t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all +e in"1re& =it, t,e - !ern*ent Ser!ice In"1rance S0"te* at %i%t0 t, 1"an& 6e" " eac, 1n&er ter*" an& c n&iti n" t,at ",all +e a-ree& 16 n +0 t,e C,air*an % t,e C **i""i n> t,e Mini"trie" % t,e B1&-et> an& t,e Mini"ter % E&1cati n> C1lt1re an& S6 rt". Sec. $33. S6ecial electi n % r Pre"i&ent +e% re 1.83. # In ca"e a !acanc0 in t,e O%%ice % t,e Pre"i&ent cc1r" +e% re t,e 6re"i&ential electi n in 1.83> t,e S6ea<er % t,e Bata"anPa*+an"a ",all act a" Pre"i&ent 1ntil a Pre"i&ent an& a 'ice# Pre"i&ent r eit,er % t,e* ",all ,a!e +een electe& an& ",all ,a!e B1ali%ie&. T,eir ter* % %%ice ",all c **ence at n n % t,e tent, &a0 % ll =in- t,eir 6r cla*ati n> an& ",all en& at n n n t,e t,irtiet, &a0 % D1ne % t,e "i7t, 0ear t,erea%ter. T,e Actin- Pre"i&ent *a0 n t &eclare *artial la= r "1"6en& t,e 6ri!ile-e % t,e =rit % ,a+ea" c r61" =it, 1t t,e 6ri r c n"ent % at lea"t a *aC rit0 % all t,e Me*+er" % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a> r i""1e an0 &ecree> r&er r letter % in"tr1cti n" =,ile t,e la=*a<in- 6 =er % t,e Pre"i&ent i" in % rce. He ",all +e &ee*e& a1t *aticall0 n lea!e an& t,e

1#

S6ea<er Pr #Te*6 re ",all act a" S6ea<er. 9,ile actin- a" Pre"i&ent> t,e S6ea<er *a0 n t +e re* !e&. He ",all n t +e eli-i+le % r electi n in t,e i**e&iatel0 "1ccee&in- electi n % r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent. T,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a ",all> at ten Ecl c< in t,e * rnin- % t,e t,ir& &a0 a%ter t,e !acanc0 cc1r"> c n!ene in acc r&ance =it, it" r1le" =it, 1t nee& % a call an& =it,in "e!en &a0" enact a la= callin- % r a "6ecial electi n t elect a Pre"i&ent an& a 'ice#6re"i&ent t +e ,el& n t earlier t,an % rt0#%i!e &a0" n r later t,an "i7t0 &a0" %r * t,e ti*e % "1c, call. T,e +ill callin- "1c, "6ecial electi n ",all +e &ee*e& certi%ie& 1n&er 6ara-ra6, ($)> Secti n 1.> Article 'III % t,e C n"tit1ti n an& ",all +ec *e la= 16 n it" a66r !al n t,ir& rea&in- +0 t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a. A66r 6riati n" % r t,e "6ecial electi n ",all +e c,ar-e& a-ain"t an0 c1rrent a66r 6riati n" an& ",all +e e7e*6t %r * t,e reB1ire*ent" % 6ara-ra6, (8)> Secti n 12 % Article 'III % t,e C n"tit1ti n. A" 6r !i&e& in t,e t,ir& 6ara-ra6,> Secti n . % Article 'II t,ere %> t,e c n!enin- % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a cann t +e "1"6en&e& n r t,e "6ecial electi n 6 "t6 ne&. N "6ecial electi n ",all +e calle& i% t,e !acanc0 cc1r" =it,in "e!ent0 &a0" +e% re t,e &ate % t,e 6re"i&ential electi n % 1.83. A66 int*ent" e7ten&e& +0 t,e Actin- Pre"i&ent ",all re*ain e%%ecti!e> 1nle"" re! <e& +0 t,e ne=l0 electe& Pre"i&ent =it,in ninet0 &a0" %r * ,i" a""1*6ti n % %%ice. Sec. $38. S6ecial electi n t %ill e7i"tin- !acancie" in t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a. # T,e electi n % Me*+er" t %ill e7i"tin!acancie" in t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a ",all +e ,el& "i*1ltane 1"l0 =it, t,e ne7t l cal electi n in 1.82 r in t,e ne7t "6ecial nati nal electi n % r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent i% ne i" ,el& earlier. Sec. $3.. Electi!e %%icial" in e7i"tin- "1+#6r !ince". # T,e electi n % electi!e 61+lic %%icial" in e7i"tin- "1+#6r !ince" ",all li<e=i"e +e ,el& "i*1ltane 1"l0 =it, t,e ne7t l cal electi n" % 1.82 an& 1..) in acc r&ance =it, t,eir re"6ecti!e c,arter"> "1+Cect t t,e "a*e ter*> B1ali%icati n"> *anner % electi n an& re" l1ti n % electi n c ntr !er"ie" a" are ,erein 6r !i&e& % r c *6ara+le 6r !incial electi!e %%icial".

1&

A/TICLE 55'
FINAL P/O'ISIONS

1(

Sec. $8). /e r-aniAati n % t,e C **i""i n n Electi n". # In r&er t 6r * te *a7i*1* e%%icienc0 in carr0in1t it" c n"tit1ti nal &1t0 t in"1re %ree> r&erl0 an& , ne"t electi n" an& in &i"c,ar-in- it" C1&icial 6 =er" an& %1ncti n" 1n&er t,e C n"tit1ti n> t,e C **i""i n i" ,ere+0 a1t, riAe& t re r-aniAe it" %%ice =it,in t=el!e * nt," a%ter t,e %ir"t electi n t +e ,el& 1n&er t,i" C &e. It *a0 create> *er-e> r a+ li", &e6art*ent"> %%ice"> &i!i"i n" r 1nit"> re&i"tri+1te %1ncti n" an& rea""i-n 6er" nnel> c,an-e &e"i-nati n" % e7i"tin- 6 "iti n" "1+Cect t 6ertinent e7i"tin- la=" an& re-1lati n". It *a0 rec **en& t,e le!el" an& rate" % "alarie" % it" "1+ r&inate %%icial" an& e*6l 0ee" "1+Cect t t,e la=" an& re-1lati n" n ci!il "er!ice an& c *6en"ati n> 6 "iti n cla""i%icati n an& "tan&ar&iAati n % "alarie"? Pr !i&e&> T,at n 6er*anent %%icial r e*6l 0ee alrea&0 in t,e "er!ice % t,e C **i""i n> 16 n a66r !al % t,i" C &e> ",all +e lai& %%> r &e* te& in ran< r "alar0. Sec. $81. Se6ara+ilit0 cla1"e. # I% % r an0 rea" n an0 "ecti n r 6r !i"i n % t,i" C &e> r an0 6 rti n t,ere %> r t,e a66licati n % "1c, "ecti n> 6r !i"i n r 6 rti n t an0 6er" n> -r 16 r circ1*"tance i" &eclare& in!ali& r 1nc n"tit1ti nal> t,e re*ain&er % t,i" C &e r t,e a66licati n % "1c, "ecti n> 6r !i"i n r 6 rti n t,ere % t t,er 6er" n"> -r 16" r circ1*"tance" ",all n t +e a%%ecte& +0 "1c, &eclarati n. Sec. $8$. /e6ealin- cla1"e. # Pre"i&ential Decree N . 1$.2> t,er=i"e <n =n a" T,e 1.38 Electi n C &e> a" a*en&e&> i" ,ere+0 re6eale&. All t,er electi n la="> &ecree"> e7ec1ti!e r&er"> r1le" an& re-1lati n"> r 6art" t,ere %> inc n"i"tent =it, t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" C &e are ,ere+0 re6eale&> e7ce6t Pre"i&ential Decree N . 1218 an& Bata" Pa*+an"a Bl-. $) - !ernin- t,e electi n % t,e *e*+er" % t,e San--1nianPa*6 < % /e-i n" I5 an& 5II. Sec. $8(. E%%ecti!it0. # T,i" C &e ",all ta<e e%%ect 16 n it" a66r !al. A66r !e&? Dece*+er (> 1.84

1)

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