RAFAEL FLAUTA, JR., et. al., - versus COMELEC, July 22, 2009, G.R. No.

. 184586, EN BANC FACTS: Manganaan was a mayoral y !an"#"a e "ur#ng $e May 15, 200% lo!al ele! #ons &or $e mun#!#'al# yo& (en. N#noy )*u#no #n (ul an +u"ara . ,e # #oner Ra&ael -lau a, Jr. was 'ro!la#me" mayor o& sa#" mun#!#'al# y, w$#le $e o $er 'e # #oners were 'ro!la#me" w#nn#ng !an"#"a es &or .#!e Mayor an" Mem/ers o& $e (anggun#ang 0ayan, res'e! #vely. 1$e 23M4542 en /an! &oun" ou $e &ollow#ng &a! s6 1$e !anvass#ng 'ro!ee"#ngs o& $e sa#" own was "#sru' e" /y e7'los#ons an" gun &#res. 8ur#ng sa#" #n erru' #on, 0ernan an" 2ollan es, $e !$a#rman an" se!re ary o& $e Mun#!#'al 0oar" o& 2anvassers snea9e" ou o& $e (anggun#ang 0ayan :all an" !ar e" away !om'le ely &#lle" u' an" a/ula e" ( a emen s o& .o es /y ,re!#n! ;(3.,, &or /rev# y< (a#" (3.,s !over e#g$ y-one ;81< o& $e one $un"re" an" s#7 ;106< 're!#n! s o& $e mun#!#'al# y. 0e!ause o& $#s #n!#"en , Manganaan wro e o $e 23M4542 re*ues #ng &or $e null#&#!a #on o& (3.,s s olen /y 0ernan an" 2ollan es. =n res'onse, $e 2omm#ss#oner #ssue" a Memoran"um null#&y#ng $e sa#" (3.,s, "#re! e" $e ('e!#al 0oar" o& 2anvassers ;(032< o !on"u! a re-!anvass#ng>re- ally#ng o& all $e 4le! #on Re urns, e7!e' $ose &or $e 25 're!#n! s w$#!$ $ey $a" alrea"y 'rev#ously !anvasse", an" "#re! e" (032 no o ma9e any 'ro!lama #on 'r#or o $e !om'le #on o& $e re!anvass#ng>re- ally#ng 'ro!e"ure. Meanw$#le, #n $e morn#ng o& $e same "ay, $e 3&&#!e o& $e ,rov#n!#al 4le! #on (u'erv#sor ;3,4(< re!e#ve" a le er &rom 0ernan an" a seale" /allo /o7 /el#eve" o /e !on a#n#ng $e m#ss#ng (3.,s an" $e o $er m#ss#ng "o!umen s. ?n#n&orme" o& $e or"er, $e (032 !onvene" an" 'ro!la#me" $e w#nn#ng !an"#"a es ;'e # #oners<. 1$e 2omm#ss#on en /an! also 'romulga e" a Resolu #on w$#!$ l#s e" $e cases that will be heard by the C !!issi " bey "d J#"e $%, &%%' b#t the i"sta"t case was " t a! "( th se listed. Manganaan $en &#le" a Mo #on &or 2lar#&#!a #on an">or Re!ons#"era #on o& $e Resolu #on ma"e /y 23M4542 en /an!. ,e # #oner also &#le" $e#r o''os# #on. (u!$ mo #on was $en se &or a $ear#ng. 1$e 23M4542 #ssue" a resolu #on "eny#ng Manganaan@s 'e # #on o null#&y $e su/Ae! (3.,s ;1$e (,2 !ase< an" rea e" $e #ns an 'e # #on o /e a 'e # #on o !orre! $e man#&es errors 'resen #n $e sa#" (3.,s. 1$e (032 was also 8=R42148 o6 a< Re!onvene o annul $e 'ro!lama #on o& $e 'e # #oners /< Re!onvene o re! #&y $e errors $e &ormer mem/ers o& $e Mun#!#'al 0oar" o& 2anvassers !omm# e" #n $e !o'y#ng o& vo esB an" !< ,ro!la#m $e w#nn#ng !an"#"a es /ase" on $e !orre! e" en r#es as "e a#le" a/oveB -ur $er, $e 5aw 8e'ar men o& $e 2omm#ss#on #s l#9ew#se "#re! e" o !on"u! $oroug$ #nves #ga #on on $e !ul'a/#l# y o& Mel#!ano 0ernan an" Jul#o 2ollan es #n ma9#ng erroneous en r#es #n $e a/ove-men #one" (3.,s. :en!e $#s #ns an 'e # #on. 8ur#ng $e 'en"en!y o& $e #ns an 'e # #on, $e (032 !om'l#e" w# $ $e or"ers o& $e 23M4542 an" la er 'ro!la#me" res'on"en Manganaan as $e "uly ele! e" mayor w$o $en oo9 $#s oa $ o& o&&#!e. ,e # #oner -lau a, Jr., on $e o $er $an", &#le" an ele! #on 'ro es argu#ng, among o $ers, $a $e 'ro!e"ure a"o' e" /y $e 23M4542 #n motu propio !onver #ng Manganaan@s 'e # #on o annul 'ro!lama #on #n o one &or !orre! #on o& man#&es errors, #s #rregular an" !on rary o $e rule s#n!e 'e # #oners $ave alrea"y /een 'ro!la#me". ,e # #oners rely u'on $e rule $a no 'e # #on &or !orre! #on o& man#&es errors may /e en er a#ne" a& er $e !an"#"a es $ave /een 'ro!la#me".

=n v#ew o& $ese "evelo'men s, Manganaan &#le" a Man#&es a #on see9#ng "#sm#ssal o& $e #ns an 'e # #on on $e groun" $a # $as /e!ome moo . 23M4542 resolve" o "#sm#ss $e sa#" 'e # #on. )SSUE * +! re " the ,r ced#ral as,ect - the case.: C$e $er or no $e 23M4542 !omm# e" grave a/use o& "#s!re #on amoun #ng o la!9 o& or #n e7!ess o& Aur#s"#! #on #n a9#ng !ogn#Dan!e o& $e Mo #on &or Re!ons#"era #on o& an en /an! resolu #on w$#!$ "#sm#sse" (,2 2ase No. 0%-201B RUL)N/: ?n"er $e 23M4542 Rules o& ,ro!e"ure, a mo #on &or re!ons#"era #on o& an en banc resolu #on o& $e 2omm#ss#on #s no allowe". :owever, an e7!e' #on e7#s s as w$en $e !ase #nvolves an ele! #on o&&ense. 1$us6 (e! #on 1. C$a ,lea"#ngs are no )llowe". 1$e &ollow#ng 'lea"#ngs are no allowe"6 7777 "< mo #on &or re!ons#"era #on o& an en banc rul#ng, resolu #on, or"er or "e!#s#on e0ce,t i" electi " --e"se casesB 7 7 7 7. ;4m'$as#s su''l#e"< =n $e #ns an !ase, Manganaan@s mo #on &or !lar#&#!a #on>re!ons#"era #on allege" 0ernan an" 2ollan es@ unau $or#De" removal o& (3.s &rom $e !anvass#ng venue, as well as 'oss#/le am'er#ng>#n!reas#ng>"e!reas#ng o& vo es. ?n"er our ele! #on laws, any mem/er o& $e /oar" o& ele! #on #ns'e! ors or /oar" o& !anvassers w$o am'ers, #n!reases, or "e!reases $e vo es re!e#ve" /y a !an"#"a e #n any ele! #on or any mem/er o& $e /oar" w$o re&uses, a& er 'ro'er ver#&#!a #on an" $ear#ng, o !re"# $e !orre! vo es or "e"u! su!$ am'ere" vo es s$all /e gu#l y o& an ele! #on o&&ense. 5#9ew#se, any 'erson w$o, $roug$ any a! , means or "ev#!e, v#ola es $e #n egr# y o& any o&&#!#al /allo or ele! #on re urns /e&ore or a& er $ey are use" #n $e ele! #on, an" any 'u/l#! o&&#!#al w$o negle! s or &a#ls o 'ro'erly 'reserve or a!!oun &or any /allo /o7, "o!umen s an" &orms re!e#ve" /y $#m an" 9e' un"er $#s !us o"y s$all /e gu#l y o& an ele! #on o&&ense. )s su!$, sa#" allega #ons o& !omm#ss#on o& ele! #on o&&ense "#" no ma9e Manganaan@s mo #on &or !lar#&#!a #on>re!ons#"era #on a 'ro$#/# e" 'lea"#ng. )SSUE & +M re " the s#bsta"ti1e as,ect - the case.: C$e $er or no $e 23M4542 !omm# e" grave a/use o& "#s!re #on amoun #ng o la!9 o& or #n e7!ess o& Aur#s"#! #on #n rea #ng or !onver #ng $e 'e # #on o annul 'ro!lama #on or as a 'e # #on o !orre! man#&es errors. ;No.< RUL)N/: 1$e 23M4542 ma#n a#ns $a $e rea men o& Manganaan@s 'e # #on o annul 'ro!lama #on as one o !orre! man#&es m#s a9es was 'ro'er. =n Ohara v. Commission on Elections, $e 2our re# era e" $e 23M4542@s /roa" 'ower, "er#ve" &rom our &un"amen al law, o en&or!e an" a"m#n#s er all laws an" regula #ons rela #ve o $e !on"u! o& an ele! #on, 'le/#s!# e, #n# #a #ve, re&eren"um an" re!allB # s 'ower o& su'erv#s#on an" !on rol over /oar"s o& ele! #on #ns'e! ors an" /oar"s o& !anvassersB $e !on!om# an nee" o "o every $#ng #n # s 'ower o se!ure a &a#r an" $ones !anvass o& $e vo es !as #n $e ele! #onsB $e gran o # o& /roa" an" &le7#/le 'owers o e&&e! #vely 'er&orm # s "u #es an" o ensure &ree, or"erly, $ones , 'ea!e&ul an" !re"#/le ele! #onsB an" # s role as $e guar"#an o& $e 'eo'le@s sa!re" r#g$ o& su&&rage. =n 'ar #!ular, $e s a u ory 'ower o& su'erv#s#on an" !on rol /y $e 23M4542 over $e /oar"s o& !anvassers #n!lu"es $e 'ower o rev#se or reverse $e a! #on o& $e /oar"s, as well as o "o w$a $e /oar"s s$oul" $ave "one. S#ch , wer i"cl#des the a#th rity t i"itiate motu propio s#ch ste,s r acti "s as !ay be re2#ired ,#rs#a"t t law, li3e re1iewi"( the acti "s - the b ard4 c "d#cti"( a" i"2#iry a--ecti"( the (e"#i"e"ess - electi " ret#r"s bey "d the electi " rec rds - the , lli"( ,laces i"1 l1ed4 a""#lli"( ca"1ass r ,r cla!ati "s based " i"c !,lete ret#r"s r " i"c rrect r ta!,ered ret#r"s4 i"1alidati"( a ca"1ass r ,r cla!ati " !ade i" a" #"a#th ri5ed !eeti"( - the b ard - ca"1assers either beca#se it lac3ed a 2# r#! r beca#se the b ard did " t !eet at all4 r re2#iri"( the b ard t c "1e"e. 6a1i"( decided t treat Ma"(a"aa"7s ,etiti " as "e - r c rrecti " - !a"i-est err rs, it was withi" the COMELEC7s , wer,

as e"#"ciated i" the Alejandro case, t motu propio c "d#ct a" i"2#iry i"t the !atter 8 e0ercisi"( as it d es direct s#,er1isi " a"d c "tr l 1er all b ards - ca"1assers 8 a"d sec#re all d c#!e"ts a"d ,a,ers "ecessary - r the ,r ,er res l#ti " - the case. G#ven # s /roa" 'owers, # may e7er!#se # s Au"gmen as # sees &# , an" we are won o #n er&ere $erew# $ #n $e a/sen!e o& grave a/use o& # s "#s!re #on. 1$e a''re!#a #on o& !on es e" /allo s an" ele! #on "o!umen s #nvolves a *ues #on o& &a! /es le& o $e "e erm#na #on o& $e 23M4542, a s'e!#al#De" agen!y as9e" w# $ $e su'erv#s#on o& ele! #ons all over $e !oun ry. = #s $e !ons # u #onal !omm#ss#on ves e" w# $ $e e7!lus#ve or#g#nal Aur#s"#! #on over ele! #on !on es s #nvolv#ng reg#onal, 'rov#n!#al an" !# y o&&#!#als, as well as a''ella e Aur#s"#! #on over ele! #on 'ro es s #nvolv#ng ele! #ve mun#!#'al an" barangay o&&#!#als. 2onse*uen ly, #n $e a/sen!e o& grave a/use o& "#s!re #on or any Aur#s"#! #onal #n&#rm# y or error o& law, $e &a! ual &#n"#ngs, !on!lus#ons, rul#ngs an" "e!#s#ons ren"ere" /y $e 23M4542 on ma ers &all#ng w# $#n # s !om'e en!e s$all no /e #n er&ere" w# $ /y $#s 2our . )SSUE $: C$e $er or no 'e # #oners@ r#g$ v#ola e". o "ue 'ro!ess $as /een

1$e "e erm#na #on o& 'ro/a/le !ause #n any !r#m#nal 'rose!u #on, #s ma"e #n"#s'ensa/le /y $e 0#ll o& R#g$ s w$#!$ ens$r#nes every !# #DenIs r#g$ o "ue 'ro!ess, $e 'resum' #on $a $e #s 'resume" #nno!en . ,e # #oner +=53(0)E)N mus $ave ne!essar#ly en"ere" ev#"en!e, #n"e'en"en o& an" #n su''or o& $e allega #ons #n # s le er-!om'la#n , o 'rove 'ro/a/le !ause. = !er a#nly "eman"s more $an F/are sus'#!#onF an" !an never /e Fle& o 'resu''os# #on, !onAe! ure, or even !onv#n!#ng log#!F 1$e as9 o& $e 23M4542 as #nves #ga or an" 'rose!u or, a! #ng u'on any ele! #on o&&ense !om'la#n , #s no $e '$ys#!al sear!$#ng an" ga $er#ng o& 'roo& #n su''or o& a !om'la#n &or an allege" !omm#ss#on o& an ele! #on o&&ense. ) !om'la#nan , w$o #n e&&e! a!!uses ano $er 'erson o& $av#ng !omm# e" an a! !ons # u #ng an ele! #on o&&ense, $as $e /ur"en, as # #s $#s res'ons#/#l# y, o &ollow $roug$ $#s a!!usa #on an" 'rove $#s !om'la#nan . M)C6AEL O. MASTURA 1s. COMELEC -)21(6 ,e # #oner M#!$ael 3. Mas ura an" 'r#va e res'on"en 8#"agen ,. 8#langalen were !ongress#onal !an"#"a es &or $e &#rs "#s r#! o& Magu#n"anao "ur#ng $e 8 May 1995 ele! #ons. =n $e !anvass#ng o& vo es, 8#langalen o/Ae! e" o $e #n!lus#on o& $e 2er #&#!a e o& 2anvass o& $e Mun#!#'al# y o& Ma anog on $e groun" $a $e same was allege"ly am'ere". )! #ng on $e o/Ae! #on, $e 23M4542 (e!on" 8#v#s#on or"ere" $e 'ro"u! #on an" e7am#na #on o& $e ele! #on re urns o& $e Mun#!#'al# y o& Ma anog. =n $e !ourse o& $e e7am#na #on &our ;4< /allo /o7es were 'ro"u!e" an" o'ene". 0allo 0o7 No. 1 !on a#ne" $e M12 Ju"ge !o'y o& $e ele! #on re urns, 0allo 0o7 No. 2 $e ,rov#n!#al 0oar" o& 2anvassers !o'y o& $e ele! #on re urns, 0allo 0o7 No. J $e 23M4542 !o'y o& $e ele! #on re urns, an" 0allo 0o7 No. 4 $e ,rov#n!#al 0oar" o& 2anvassers !o'y o& $e mun#!#'al 2er #&#!a e o& 2anvass o& Ma anog w# $ # s su''or #ng ( a emen o& .o es. ?'on e7am#na #on an" !om'ar#son o& $e !o'#es o& $e ele! #on re urns o& $e M12 Ju"ge an" $e 23M4542, $e 23M4542 (e!on" 8#v#s#on &oun" $a , #n"ee", $e 2er #&#!a e o& 2anvass o& $e Mun#!#'al# y o& Ma anog $a" /een am'ere" w# $. 2onse*uen ly, $e 23M4542 (e!on" 8#v#s#on #ssue" $e $ere#n assa#le" 3r"er o& 29 -e/ruary 1996 annull#ng $e 2er #&#!a e o& 2anvass o& Ma anog. )& er $e 'ro!ee"#ngs #n $e Mun#!#'al 0oar" o& 2anvassers, $e ,rov#n!#al 0oar" o& 2anvassers !onvene" an" 're'are" $e 2er #&#!a e o& 2anvass an" ( a emen o& .o es o& $e Mun#!#'al# y o& Ma anog. )s a resul , 'r#va e res'on"en 8#langalen was 'ro!la#me" $e "uly ele! e" mem/er o& $e :ouse o& Re'resen a #ves, -#rs 8#s r#! o& Magu#n"anao.

RUL)N/: Ju"g#ng &rom $e &a! ual m#l#eu, $e 23M4542 'ro'erly !ons#"ere" $e la!9 o& $e no #!e o& $ear#ng as mere e!$n#!al# y, w$#!$ we !anno 'u 'rem#um over an" a/ove $e 23M4542@s no/le an" 'aramoun "u y o& "e erm#n#ng $e rue w#ll o& $e ele! ora e. -#nally, 'e # #oners@ 'ro es a #ons o& &a#lure o o/serve "ue 'ro!ess are unava#l#ng. G#ven $e &a! s, w$#!$ rema#ne" un"#s'u e", no &ur $er 'roo& was re*u#re" &rom $em $a !oul" $ave !oun era! e" $e e&&e! s o& $e ev#"en!e alrea"y ava#la/le. ,e # #oners !oul" no $ave 'resen e" "o!umen ary an" o $er ev#"en!e $a was no alrea"y #n $e 'ossess#on o& $e M032, $e (032, or $e 23M4542 as $e s'e!#al#De" !ons # u #onal agen!y e7er!#s#ng "#re! su'erv#s#on an" !on rol over $e M032 or (032, an" over all ele! #ons. 96EREFORE, $e 'e # #on #s :)SM)SSE:. 1$e (e' em/er 25, 2008 Resolu #on o& $e 2omm#ss#on en banc #n (,2 2ase No. 0%-201 #s AFF)RME:. ;)LOSBA<AN =S. COMELEC ;)l erna #ve 8#ges < Facts: ) !om'la#n was &#le" aga#ns 'r#va e res'on"en s, alleg#ng $a 2oun ryw#"e 8evelo'men -un" ;28-< were use &or ele! #oneer#ng 'ur'oses. +#los/ayan alleges $a 8=5G-N2R !olla/ora e" w# $ ,$#l#''#ne Eou $ :eal $ an" ('or s 8evelo'men -oun"a #on, =n!. ;,E:(8-=<, $e &ormer a''rov#ng allo men o $e la er %0M allege"ly use o /uy me"#!al an" s'or s e*u#'men $a was "#s r#/u e" &ew "ays /e&ore ele! #on an" s o''e" a $e "ay o& ele! #on. 2omele! #nves #ga ors su/m# e" $e "#sm#ssal o& $e !om'la#n &or la!9 o& ev#"en!e o 'rove 'ro/a/le !ause. +#los/ayan 'rov#"e" news !l#''#ngs, regar"#ng allege" use o& &un"s resul #ng &rom $e sa#" ransa! #on o& 8=5G-N2R an" ,E:(8-= an" argumen s o su''or # s !la#ms. 1$e news 'a'er !l#''#ngs was regar"e" as $earsay. +#los/ayan &#le" a mo #on &or re!ons#"era #on alleg#ng $a $ey are no res'ons#/le &or $e 'ro"u! #on o& ev#"en!e /y us#ng 'u/l#! &un"s, # #s $e 23M4542 w$o s$oul" sear!$ $e ev#"en!e /y us#ng 'u/l#! &un"s an" w# $ $e $el' o& o $er agen!#es o& $e governmen as $e !ons # u #on gave $em $e res'ons#/#l# y o 'rose!u e ele! #on o&&enses. 1$e mo #on was "en#e", $us $#s 'e # #on o !om'el 23M4542 o 'rose!u e $e 'r#va e res'on"en s )ss#e6 C$e $er or no $e 23M4542 !an /e !om'elle" o 'ro"u!e ev#"en!e "es'# e $e !om'la#nan s &a#lure o 'rove 'ro/a/le !ause. 6eld: N3, =nso&ar as $e 'rose!u #on o& ele! #on o&&enses #s !on!erne", $ere&ore, $e 23M4542 #s $e F'u/l#! 'rose!u or w# $ $e e7!lus#ve au $or# y o !on"u! $e 'rel#m#nary #nves #ga #on an" $e 'rose!u #on o& ele! #on o&&enses 'un#s$a/le un"er $e G3mn#/us 4le! #onH 2o"e /e&ore $e !om'e en !our .F

=((?46 C$e $er or no 23,M4542 e7er!#se" grave a/use o& "#s!re #on amoun #ng o la!9 o& Aur#s"#! #on #n #ssu#ng # s 3r"ers o& 29 -e/ruary 1996, 5 Mar!$ 1996, 14 Mar!$ 1996, an" 20 Mar!$ 1996. :4586 9e -i"d " (ra1e ab#se - discreti " " the ,art - res, "de"t COMELEC. )t is settled >#ris,r#de"ce that COMELEC ca" s#s,e"d the ca"1ass - 1 tes ,e"di"( its i"2#iry whether there e0ists a discre,a"cy betwee" the 1ari #s c ,ies - electi " ret#r"s -r ! the dis,#ted 1 ti"( ce"ters. C r llarily, "ce the electi " ret#r"s were - #"d t be -alsi-ied r ta!,ered with, the COMELEC ca" a""#l the ille(al ca"1ass a"d rder the B ard - Ca"1assers t rec "1e"e a"d ,r clai! the wi""ers " the basis - the (e"#i"e ret#r"s r, i- it sh #ld re-#se, re,lace the !e!bers - the b ard r ,r clai! the wi""ers itsel-. 1$#s was e7a! ly w$a $a''ene" #n $e #ns an 'e # #on. 8#langalen o/Ae! e" o $e #n!lus#on o& $e 2er #&#!a e o& 2anvass o& $e Mun#!#'al# y o& Ma anog an", a! #ng on $e o/Ae! #on, 23M4542 or"ere"

$e 'ro"u! #on an" e7am#na #on o& $e M12 Ju"ge !o'y an" $e 23M4542 !o'y o& $e ele! #on re urns. 0ase" on $e !om'ar#son, $e 23M4542 (e!on" 8#v#s#on &oun" an" !on!lu"e" $a #n"ee" $e 2er #&#!a e o& 2anvass o& $e Mun#!#'al# y o& Ma anog was am'ere" w# $. 2onse*uen ly, # or"ere" # s annulmen an" !rea e" a new se o& Mun#!#'al an" ,rov#n!#al 0oar"s o& 2anvassers o re!anvass $e vo es. )& er $e re!anvass#ng, 8#langalen emerge" as $e w#nner an" was $erea& er 'ro!la#me" $e "uly ele! e" mem/er o& $e :ouse o& Re'resen a #ves, -#rs 8#s r#! o& Magu#n"anao. 1$a $e 2er #&#!a e o& 2anvass o& $e Mun#!#'al# y o& Ma anog was am'ere" w# $ #s a &a! ual &#n"#ng o& $e 23M4542. )/sen any s$ow#ng o& a/use o& "#s!re #on amoun #ng o la!9 o& Aur#s"#! #on, $#s 2our s$oul" re&ra#n &rom rev#ew#ng $e same, an" mus a!!or" # #ns ea" $e res'e! # "eserves. 1$e rule $a &a! ual &#n"#ngs o& a"m#n#s ra #ve /o"#es w#ll no /e "#s ur/e" /y !our s o& Aus #!e e7!e' w$en $ere #s a/solu ely no ev#"en!e or no su/s an #al ev#"en!e #n su''or o& su!$ &#n"#ngs s$oul" /e a''l#e" w# $ grea er &or!e w$en # !on!erns $e 23M4542, as $e &ramers o& $e 2ons # u #on #n en"e" o 'la!e $e 23M4542 - !rea e" an" e7'l#!# ly ma"e #n"e'en"en /y $e 2ons # u #on # sel& - on a level $#g$er $an s a u ory a"m#n#s ra #ve organs. 1$e 23M4542 $as /roa" 'owers o as!er a#n $e rue resul s o& $e ele! #on /y means ava#la/le o # . -or $e a a#nmen o& $a en", # #s no s r#! ly /oun" /y $e rules o& ev#"en!e. )88=1=3N)5 =N-3 5)NG6 ,ursuan o # s a"m#n#s ra #ve &un! #ons, $e 23M4542 e7er!#ses "#re! su'erv#s#on an" !on rol over $e 'ro!ee"#ngs /e&ore $e 0oar" o& 2anvassers. 1$e &un! #on o& a !anvass#ng /oar" #n $e !anvass o& $e re urns #s 'urely m#n#s er#al #n na ure. 4*ually m#n#s er#al, $ere&ore, #s $e &un! #on o& $e 2omm#ss#on on 4le! #ons, #n $e e7er!#se o& # s su'erv#sory 'ower over sa#" 0oar", 'ursuan o our 2ons # u #on an" laws. (o long as $e ele! #on re urns $ave /een a!!om'l#s$e" #n "ue &orm, $e 0oar", an" on a''eal $ere&rom, $e 2omm#ss#on on 4le! #ons mus #n!lu"e sa#" re urns #n $e !anvass. TOMAS T. BANA/A, JR.,vs. COMM)SS)ON ON ELECT)ONS a"d FLORENC)O M. BERNABE, JR., /.R. N . *$?@A@, J#ly $*, &%%%, BU)SUMB)N/, J.: FACTS: ,e # #oner an" 'r#va e res'on"en were $e !an"#"a es &or v#!emayor o& $e 2# y o& ,araKa*ue #n $e May 11, 1998 ele! #on. 3n May 19, 1998, $e !# y /oar" o& !anvassers 'ro!la#me" 'r#va e res'on"en , -loren!#o M. 0erna/e, Jr., $e w#nner &or $av#ng garnere" a o al o& (even y 3ne 1$ousan" N#ne :un"re" (even y (even ;%1,9%%< vo es o& $e o al vo es !as &or $e v#!e-mayoral y 'os# #on. 3n $e o $er $an", 'e # #oner, 1omas 1. 0anaga, Jr., re!e#ve" $e se!on" $#g$es num/er o& vo es &or $e sa#" 'os# #on, w# $ (#7 y 4#g$ 1$ousan" N#ne :un"re" (even y ;68,9%0< o& $e o al vo es !as . 1$us, $e "#&&eren!e /e ween $e vo es re!e#ve" /y $e 'r#va e res'on"en an" $e 'e # #oner #s $ree $ousan" seven ;J,00%< vo es.

4. 5.

6.

%.

)lso, $ere $ave /een several #ns an!es w$ere 'ur'or e" vo ers were "e'os# #ng more $an one ;1< /allo #ns#"e $e /allo /o7. 1$e &orego#ng #n!#"en s alone a! ually su&&#!es o es a/l#s$ $a a &a#lure o& ele! #ons s$oul" /e "e!lare" on $e groun" $a $e w#ll o& $e ele! ora e o& $e 2# y o& ,araKa*ue $as /een "en#gra e". 8ur#ng $e !anvass#ng o& vo es /e&ore $e 0oar" o& 2anvassers, # was "#s!overe" $a numerous ele! #on re urns !on a#n glar#ng "#s!re'an!#es an" are re'le e w# $ /la an om#ss#ons, no o men #on $e &a! $a several ele! #on re urns a''eare" o /e am'ere" w# $ or a''ear o /e &a/r#!a e". (everal 4le! #on Re urns are &oun" o $ave glar#ng "#s!re'an!#es w$#!$ may ma er#ally al er $e resul s o& $e ele! #on &or $e o&&#!e o& .#!e-Mayor #n $e 2# y o& ,araKa*ue. ) !ase #n 'o#n #s 're!#n! num/er 48J w$ere 'e # #oner s$o!9#ngly #s su''ose" o $ave re!e#ve" Dero ;0< vo es. ,e # #oner #s $e #n!um/en .#!e-Mayor o& $e 2# y o& ,araKa*ue. = #s, $us, #m'oss#/le $a $e w#ll re!e#ve Dero ;0< vo es #n any g#ven 're!#n! .F

8.

,e # #oner as9s &or $e &ollow#ng rel#e&6 ;1< 8e!lar#ng a &a#lure o& ele! #ons, or "e!lar#ng $e annulmen o& $e ele! #onsB ;2< )nnull#ng $e 'ro!lama #on o& $e res'on"en as $e ele! e" .#!e-Mayor an" ;J< 8e!lar#ng $a s'e!#al ele! #ons s$oul" /e $el" &or $e o&&#!e o& .#!e-Mayor. 3n June 29, 1998, $e 23M4542 "#sm#sse" 'e # #oner@s su# . = $el" $a $e groun"s rel#e" u'on /y 'e # #oner "o no &all un"er any o& $e #ns an!es enumera e" #n (e! #on 6 o& $e 3mn#/us 4le! #on 2o"e. 1$e ele! #on r#/unal !on!lu"e" $a /ase" on $e allega #ons o& $e 'e # #on, # #s !lear $a an ele! #on oo9 'la!e an" $a # "#" no resul #n a &a#lure o ele! . 2ons#"er#ng $a a mo #on &or re!ons#"era #on o& a 23M4542 en banc rul#ng #s 'ro$#/# e", e7!e' #n a !ase #nvolv#ng an ele! #on o&&ense, an" aggr#eve" /y $e 23M4542@s "#sm#ssal o& $#s su# , 'e # #oner #mely &#le" $e #ns an 'e # #on &or certiorari w# $ $#s 2our .

)SSUES: 1. C$e $er or no 'e # #oner@s a! #on #s an ele! #on 'ro es . NO, it is a Cetiti " t :eclare Fail#re - Electi ". 2. C$e $er or no 23M4542 s$oul" "e!lare &a#lure o& 4le! #on #n $#s !ase. NO J. C$e $er or no 23M4542 gravely a/use # s "#s!re #on #n "#sm#ss#ng 'e # #oner@s !om'la#n . NO RUL)N/: 1. C$#le 'e # #oner may $ave #n en"e" o #ns # u e an ele! #on 'ro es /y 'ray#ng $a sa#" a! #on may also /e !ons#"ere" an ele! #on 'ro es , #n our v#ew, 'e # #oner@s a! #on #s a 'e # #on o "e!lare a &a#lure o& ele! #ons or annul ele! #on resul s. = #s no an ele! #on 'ro es . -#rs , $#s 'e # #on /e&ore $e 23M4542 was #ns # u e" 'ursuan o (e! #on 4 o& Re'u/l#! )! No. %166 #n rela #on o (e! #on 6 o& $e 3mn#/us 4le! #on 2o"e. (e!on", an ele! #on 'ro es #s an or"#nary a! #on w$#le a 'e # #on o "e!lare a &a#lure o& ele! #ons #s a s'e!#al a! #on un"er $e 199J 23M4542 Rules o& ,ro!e"ure as amen"e". )n ele! #on 'ro es #s governe" /y Rule 20 on or"#nary a! #ons, w$#le a 'e # #on o "e!lare &a#lure o& ele! #ons #s !overe" /y Rule 26 un"er s'e!#al a! #ons. =n $#s !ase, 'e # #oner &#le" $#s 'e # #on as a s'e!#al a! #on an" 'a#" $e !orres'on"#ng &ee $ere&or. 1$us, $e 'e # #on was "o!9e e" as (,)-98J8J. 1$#s !on&orms o 'e # #oner@s !a egor#Da #on o& $#s 'e # #on as one o "e!lare a &a#lure o& ele! #ons or annul ele! #on resul s. =n !on ras , an ele! #on 'ro es #s ass#gne" a "o!9e num/er s ar #ng w# $ F4,2F, mean#ng ele! #on 'ro es !ase.

8#ssa #s&#e", 'e # #oner &#le" w# $ $e 23M4542 on May 29, 1998, an a! #on "enom#na e" as F Petition to Declare Failure of Elections and/or For Annulment of Elections , alleg#ng $a 6 1. 777 $e lo!al ele! #ons &or $e o&&#!e o& .#!e-Mayor #n $e 2# y o& ,araKa*ue, amoun s o a "en#gra #on o& $e e7'ress#on o& $e rue w#ll o& $e 'eo'le, as # was a#n e" w# $ w#"es'rea" ele! #on anomal#es w$#!$ !ons # u es ele! #on &rau". 1$e w#ll o& $e leg# #ma e vo ers were "en#gra e" "ur#ng $eele! #on as a !onse*uen!e o& $e &a! $a an #n"e erm#na/le num/er o& &ly#ng vo ers were allowe" o vo e. = $as l#9ew#se /een marre" /y mass#ve vo e /uy#ng.

2.

J.

1$#r", 'e # #oner "#" no !om'ly w# $ $e re*u#remen s &or &#l#ng an ele! #on 'ro es . :e &a#le" o 'ay $e re*u#re" &#l#ng &ee an" !as$ "e'os# s &or an ele! #on 'ro es . -a#lure o 'ay &#l#ng &ees w#ll no ves $e ele! #on r#/unal Aur#s"#! #on over $e !ase. (u!$ 'ro!e"ural la'se on $e 'ar o& a 'e # #oner woul" !learly warran $e ou r#g$ "#sm#ssal o& $#s a! #on. -our $, an en banc "e!#s#on o& 23M4542 #n an or"#nary a! #on /e!omes &#nal an" e7e!u ory a& er $#r y ;J0< "ays &rom # s 'romulga #on, w$#le an en banc "e!#s#on #n a s'e!#al a! #on /e!omes &#nal an" e7e!u ory a& er &#ve ;5< "ays &rom 'romulga #on, unless res ra#ne" /y $e (u'reme 2our . -or $a reason, a 'e # #on !anno /e rea e" as /o $ an ele! #on 'ro es an" a 'e # #on o "e!lare &a#lure o& ele! #ons. -#& $, $e allega #ons #n $e 'e # #on "e!#s#vely "e erm#ne # s na ure. ,e # #oner allege" $a $e lo!al ele! #ons &or $e o&&#!e o& v#!e-mayor #n ,araKa*ue 2# y $el" on May 11, 1998, "en#gra es $e rue w#ll o& $e 'eo'le as # was marre" w# $ w#"es'rea" anomal#es on a!!oun o& vo e /uy#ng, &ly#ng vo ers an" glar#ng "#s!re'an!#es #n $e ele! #on re urns. :e averre" $a $ose #n!#"en s warran $e "e!lara #on o& a &a#lure o& ele! #ons. G#ven $ese !#r!ums an!es, 'u/l#! res'on"en !anno /e sa#" o $ave gravely erre" #n rea #ng 'e # #oner@s a! #on as a 'e # #on o "e!lare &a#lure o& ele! #ons or o annul ele! #on resul s. 2. 1$ere are $ree #ns an!es w$ere a &a#lure o& ele! #on may /e "e!lare", namely, ;a< $e ele! #on #n any 'oll#ng 'la!e $as no /een $el" on $e "a e &#7e" on a!!oun o& force ma!eure, v#olen!e, error#sm, &rau" or o $er analogous !ausesB ;/< $e ele! #on #n any 'oll#ng 'la!e $as /een sus'en"e" /e&ore $e $our &#7e" /y law &or $e !los#ng o& $e vo #ng on a!!oun o& force ma!eure, v#olen!e, error#sm, &rau" or o $er analogous !ausesB or ;!< a& er $e vo #ng an" "ur#ng $e 're'ara #on an" ransm#ss#on o& $e ele! #on re urns or #n $e !us o"y or !anvass $ereo&, su!$ ele! #on resul s #n a &a#lure o ele! on a!!oun o& force ma!eure, v#olen!e, error#sm, &rau" or o $er analogous !auses. 0e&ore $e 23M4542 !an a! on a ver#&#e" 'e # #on see9#ng o "e!lare a &a#lure o& ele! #on wo !on"# #ons mus !on!ur, namely ;1< no vo #ng oo9 'la!e #n $e 're!#n! or 're!#n! s on $e "a e &#7e" /y law, or even #& $ere was vo #ng, $e ele! #on resul e" #n a &a#lure o ele! B an" ;2< $e vo es no !as woul" $ave a&&e! e" $e resul o& $e ele! #on.No e $a $e !ause o& su!$ &a#lure o& ele! #on !oul" only /e any o& $e &ollow#ng6 force ma!eure, v#olen!e, error#sm, &rau" or o $er analogous !auses. Ce $ave 'a#ns a9#ngly e7am#ne" $e 'e # #on &#le" /y 'e # #oner 0anaga /e&ore $e 23M4542. 0u we &oun" $a 'e # #oner "#" no allege a all $a ele! #ons were e# $er no $el" or sus'en"e". Ne# $er "#" $e aver $a al $oug$ $ere was vo #ng, no/o"y was ele! e". J. ,e # #oner !la#ms $a 'u/l#! res'on"en gravely a/use" # s "#s!re #on w$en # "#sm#sse" $#s 'e # #on motu propio. :owever, $e &a! $a a ver#&#e" 'e # #on $as /een &#le" "oes no mean $a a $ear#ng on $e !ase s$oul" &#rs /e $el" /e&ore 23M4542 !an a! on # . 1$e 'e # #on o "e!lare a &a#lure o& ele! #on an">or o annul ele! #on resul s mus s$ow on # s &a!e $a $e !on"# #ons ne!essary o "e!lare a &a#lure o ele! are 'resen . =n $e#r a/sen!e, $e 'e # #on mus /e "en#e" ou r#g$ . ,u/l#! res'on"en $a" no re!ourse /u o "#sm#ss 'e # #on. Nor may 'e # #oner now !om'la#n o& "en#al o& "ue 'ro!ess, on $#s s!ore, &or $#s &a#lure o 'ro'erly &#le an ele! #on 'ro es . 1$e 23M4542 !an only rule on w$a was &#le" /e&ore # . = !omm# e" no grave a/use o& "#s!re #on #n "#sm#ss#ng $#s 'e # #on F o "e!lare &a#lure o& ele! #ons an">or &or annulmen o& ele! #onsF &or /e#ng groun"less, $en!e w# $ou mer# .

RAFAEL M. ALUNAN ))) vs. ROBERT M)RASOL "ection #$% of the &'C of ())( provides for a "* in every barangay+ to be composed of a chairman+ seven ,-. members+ a secretary+ and a treasurer. "ection /%$,a. provides that the first elections for the "* shall be held thirty ,%0. days after the ne1t local elections. 2he Code too3 effect on 4anuary (+ ())$. Facts: 1$e &#rs lo!al ele! #ons un"er $e 2o"e were $el" on May 1992. )!!or"#ngly, on )ugus 1992, $e 23M4542 #ssue" Resolu #on No. 2499, 'rov#"#ng gu#"el#nes &or $e $ol"#ng o& $e general ele! #ons &or $e (+ on (e' em/er 1992. 1$e gu#"el#nes 'la!e" $e (+ ele! #ons un"er $e "#re! !on rol an" su'erv#s#on o& $e 8=5G, w# $ $e e!$n#!al ass#s an!e o& $e 23M4542. )& er wo 'os 'onemen s, $e ele! #ons were &#nally s!$e"ule" on 8e!em/er 1992. ) o al o& 152,J6J youngs ers, age" 15 o 21 years ol", reg#s ere", 15,%49 o& $em &#l#ng !er #&#!a es o& !an"#"a!#es. :owever, $e 8=5G (e!re ary )lunan ===, #ssue" a le er-resolu #on Fe7em' #onF $e 2# y o& Man#la &rom $ol"#ng (+ ele! #on on $e groun" $a $e ele! #ons 'rev#ously $el" on May 1990 were o /e !ons#"ere" $e &#rs un"er $e newly-ena! e" 5o!al Governmen 2o"e. 1$e 8=5G a! e" on a le er o& Jos$ue R. (an #ago, a! #ng 'res#"en o& $e +0 2# y -e"era #on o& Man#la an" a mem/er o& 2# y 2oun!#l o& Man#la, w$#!$ !alle" a en #on o $e &a! $a #n $e 2# y o& Man#la ele! #ons &or $e +a/a aang 0arangay ; $e 're!ursor o& $e (anggun#ang +a/a aan< $a" 'rev#ously /een $el" on 1990 ,r#va e res'on"en s, !la#m#ng o re'resen $e 24,000 mem/ers o& $e +a #'unan ng +a/a aan, &#le" a 'e # #on &or certiorari an" man"amus #n $e R12 o& Man#la o se as#"e $e resolu #on o& $e 8=5G. 1$ey argue" $a 'e # #oner 8=5G(e!. $a" no 'ower o amen" $e resolu #ons o& $e 23M4542 !all#ng &or general ele! #ons &or (+s an" $a $e 8=5G resolu #on #n *ues #on "en#e" $em $e e*ual 'ro e! #on o& $e laws. 1$e r#al !our #ssue" an #nAun! #on, or"er#ng 'e # #oners F o "es#s &rom #m'lemen #ng $e or"er o& $e res'on"en (e!re ary. 3n $e same "ay, $e or"ere" 23M4542 'rov#"#ng &or $e $ol"#ng o& a general ele! #on o& $e (anggun#ang +a/a aan on 8e!em/er 1992 s#mul aneously #n every /arangay $roug$ou $e !oun ry. 1$e !our rule" $a +*. $e 8=5G $a" no 'ower o Fe7em' F $e 2# y o& Man#la &rom $ol"#ng (+ ele! #ons on 8e!em/er 4, 1992 /e!ause un"er )r . =L, 2, M2;1< o& $e 2ons # u #on $e 'ower o en&or!e an" a"m#n#s er Fall laws an" regula #ons rela #ve o $e !on"u! o& an ele! #on, 'le/#s!# e, #n# #a #ve, re&eren"um, an" re!allF #s ves e" solely #n $e 23M4542B +&. $e 23M4542 $a" alrea"y #n e&&e! "e erm#ne" $a $ere $a" /een no 'rev#ous ele! #ons &or +0 /y !all#ng &or general ele! #ons &or (+ o&&#!ers #n every /arangay w# $ou e7!e' #onB an" +$. $e Fe7em' #onF o& $e 2# y o& Man#la was v#ola #ve o& $e e*ual 'ro e! #on !lause o& $e 2ons # u #on /e!ause, a!!or"#ng o $e 8=5GIs re!or"s, #n 5,000 /arangays +0 ele! #ons were $el" /e ween January 1, 1988 an" January 1, 1992 /u only #n $e 2# y o& Man#la, w$ere $ere were 89% /arangays, was $ere no ele! #ons $el" on 8e!em/er 4, 1992. ,e # #oners soug$ $#s rev#ew on certiorari. 1$ey #ns#s $a $e 2# y o& Man#la, $av#ng alrea"y !on"u! e" ele! #ons &or $e +0 on May 1990, was e7em' e" &rom $ol"#ng ele! #ons on 8e!em/er 1992. =n su''or o& $e#r !on en #on, $ey !# e M5J2;"< o& $e 5o!al Governmen 2o"e o& 1991, w$#!$ 'rov#"es $a 6 )ll sea s reserve" &or $e 'e"erasyon ng mga sanggun#ang 9a/a aan #n $e "#&&eren sanggun#ang s$all /e "eeme" va!an un #l su!$ #me $a $e sanggun#ang 9a/a aan !$a#rmen s$all $ave /een ele! e" an" $e res'e! #ve 'e"erasyon 'res#"en s $ave /een sele! e"6 Provided, 2hat+ elections for the 3abataang barangay conducted under 5atas Pambansa 5lg. %%- at any time bet6een 4anuary (+ ()77 and 4anuary (+ ())$ shall be considered as the first elections provided for in this Code. 2he term of office of the 3abataang barangay officials elected 6ithin the said period shall be e1tended correspondingly to coincide 6ith the term of office of those elected under this Code . ;em'$as#s a""e"< 1$ey ma#n a#n $a $e (e!re ary o& $e 8=5G $as au $or# y o "e erm#ne w$e $er $e 2# y o& Man#la !ame w# $#n $e e7!e' #on !lause o& M5J2;"< so as o /e e7em' &rom $ol"#ng $e ele! #ons on 8e!em/er 1992. )SSUES6 C$e $er $e (e!re ary o& =n er#or an" 5o!al Governmen !an Fe7em' F a lo!al governmen un# &rom $ol"#ng ele! #ons &or (+ o&&#!ers on 8e!em/er 1992 an" w$e $er $e 23M4542 !an 'rov#"e $a F $e 8=5G s$all $ave

/.R. N . *%D$AA J#ly $*, *AA'

"#re! !on rol an" su'erv#s#on over $e ele! #on o& (+ w# $ $e e!$n#!al ass#s an!e /y $e 2omm#ss#on on 4le! #ons R#li"(: Ce &#n" $e 'e # #on o /e mer# or#ous. ;1$e !ase #s no moo , # #s !a'a/le o& re'# #on, ye eva"#ng rev#ew.< First. )s alrea"y s a e", /y M4 o& Resolu #on No. 2499, $e 23M4542 'la!e" $e (+ ele! #ons un"er $e "#re! !on rol an" su'erv#s#on o& $e 8=5G. 2on rary o res'on"en sI !on en #on, $#s "#" no !on ravene )r . =L, 2, M2;1< o& $e 2ons # u #on w$#!$ 'rov#"es $a $e 23M4542 s$all $ave $e 'ower o Fen&or!e an" a"m#n#s er all laws an" regula #ons rela #ve o $e !on"u! o& an ele! #on, 'le/#s!# e, #n# #a #ve, re&eren"um, an" re!all.F 4le! #ons &or (+ o&&#!ers are no su/Ae! o $e su'erv#s#on o& $e 23M4542 #n $e same way $a , as we $ave re!en ly $el", !on es s #nvolv#ng ele! #ons o& (+ o&&#!#als "o no &all w# $#n $e Aur#s"#! #on o& $e 23M4542. 8n 9ercado v. 5oard of Election "upervisors+ it 6as contended that CO9E&EC :esolution ;o. $#)) is null and void because< ,a. it prescribes a separate set of rules for the election of the "* Chairman different from and inconsistent 6ith that set forth in the Omnibus Election Code+ thereby contravening "ection $+ Article ( of the said Code 6hich e1plicitly provides that it shall govern all elections of public officers + and+ ,b. it constitutes a total+ absolute+ and complete abdication by the CO9E&EC of its constitutionally and statutorily mandated duty to enforce and administer all election la6s as provided for in "ection $,(.+ Article 8=> C of the Constitution? "ection /$+ Article @888 of the Omnibus Election Code? and "ection $+ Chapter (+ "ubtitle C+ 2itle (+ 5oo3 @ of the ()7Administrative Code. 9 ReAe! #ng $#s !on en #on, $#s 2our , $roug$ Jus #!e 8av#"e, $el"6 "ection $/$ of the Omnibus Election Code and that portion of paragraph ,$.+ "ection $+ Article 8=>C of the Constitution on the CO9E&ECAs e1clusive appellate !urisdiction over contest involving elective barangay officials refer to the elective barangay officials under the pertinent la6s in force at the time the Omnibus Election Code 6as enacted and upon the ratification of the Constitution. 2hat la6 6as 5.P. 5lg. %%-+ other6ise 3no6n as the &ocal 'overnment Code+ and the elective barangay officials referred to 6ere the punong barangay and the si1 sangguniang bayan members. 2hey 6ere to be elected by those Bualified to e1ercise the right of suffrage. 2hey are also the same officers referred to by the provisions of the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines on election of barangay officials. 9etropolitan and municipal trial courts had e1clusive original !urisdiction over contests relating to their election. 2he decisions of these courts 6ere appealable to the :egional 2rial Courts. =n $e l#g$ o& $e &orego#ng, # #s #n"#s'u a/le $a !on es s #nvolv#ng ele! #ons o& (+ ;&ormerly +0< o&&#!#als "o no &all w# $#n (e! #on 252 o& $e 3mn#/us 4le! #on 2o"e an" 'aragra'$ 2, (e! #on 2, )r #!le =L2 o& $e 2ons # u #on an" $a no law #n e&&e! 'r#or o $e ra #&#!a #on o& $e 2ons # u #on $a" ma"e $e (+ !$a#rman an ele! #ve /arangay o&&#!#als. :#s /e#ng an e7-o&&#!#o mem/er o& $e sanggun#ang /arangay "oes no ma9e $#m one &or $e law s'e!#&#!ally 'rov#"es w$o are # s ele! #ve mem/ers, v#D., $e 'unong /arangay an" $e seven regular sanggun#ang /arangay mem/ers w$o are ele! e" a large /y $ose w$o are *ual#&#e" o e7er!#se $e r#g$ o& su&&rage un"er )r #!le . o& $e 2ons # u #on an" w$o are "uly reg#s ere" vo ers o& $e /arangay. *% 1$e !$o#!e o& $e 8=5G &or $e as9 #n *ues #on was a''ro'r#a e an" was #n l#ne w# $ $e leg#sla #ve 'ol#!y ev#"en #n several s a u es. 1$us, ,.8. No. 684 ;)'r#l 15, 19%5<, #n !rea #ng +a/a aang 0arangays #n every /arangay $roug$ou $e !oun ry, 'rov#"e" #n M6 $a $e F(e!re ary o& 5o!al Governmen an" 2ommun# y 8evelo'men s$all 'romulga e su!$ rules an" regula #ons as may /e "eeme" ne!essary o e&&e! #vely #m'lemen $e 'rov#s#ons o& $#s 8e!ree.F )ga#n, #n 1985 ,ro!lama #on No. 2421 o& $e ,res#"en o& $e ,$#l#''#nes, #n !all#ng &or $e general ele! #ons o& $e +a/a aang 0arangay on July 1J-14, 1985, as9e" $e $en M#n#s ry o& 5o!al Governmen , $e M#n#s ry o& 4"u!a #on, 2ul ure an" ('or s, an" $e 2omm#ss#on on 4le! #ons o ass#s $e +a/a aang 0arangay #n $e !on"u! o& $e ele! #ons. 3n $e o $er $an", #n a Memoran"um 2#r!ular "a e" Mar!$ %, 1988, ,res#"en 2oraDon 2.

)*u#no "#re! e" $e (e!re ary o& 5o!al Governmen o #ssue $e ne!essary rules an" regula #ons &or e&&e! #ng $e re'resen a #on o& $e +a/a aang 0arangay, among o $er se! ors, #n $e leg#sla #ve /o"#es o& $e lo!al governmen un# s. 1$e role o& $e 23M4542 #n $e 1992 ele! #ons &or (+ o&&#!ers was /y no means #n!onse*uen #al. 8=5G su'erv#s#on was o /e e7er!#se" w# $#n $e &ramewor9 o& "e a#le" an" !om're$ens#ve rules em/o"#e" #n Resolu #on No. 2499 o& $e 23M4542. C$a was le& o $e 8=5G o 'er&orm was $e en&or!emen o& $e rules. "econd. = #s !on en"e" $a , $e 23M4542 "#" no name $e /arangays w$#!$, /e!ause $ey $a" !on"u! e" 9a/a aang /arangay ele! #ons /e ween January 1988 an" January 1992, were no #n!lu"e" #n $e (+ ele! #ons o /e $el" on 8e!em/er 1992. 1$a $ese /arangays were 're!#sely o /e "e erm#ne" /y $e 8=5G #s &a#rly #n&era/le &rom $e au $or# y g#ven o $e 8=5G o su'erv#se $e !on"u! o& $e ele! #ons. (#n!e M5J2;"< 'rov#"e" &or 9a/a aang /arangay o&&#!#als w$ose erm o& o&&#!e was e7 en"e" /eyon" 1992, $e au $or# y o su'erv#se $e !on"u! o& ele! #ons #n $a year mus ne!essar#ly /e "eeme" o #n!lu"e $e au $or# y o "e erm#ne w$#!$ 9a/a aang /arangay woul" no /e #n!lu"e" #n $e 1992 ele! #ons. 1$e au $or# y gran e" was no $#ng more $an $e as!er a#nmen o& a &a! , w$e $er /e ween January 1988 an" 1992 ele! #ons $a" /een $el" #n a g#ven 9a/a aang /arangay. =& ele! #ons $a" /een !on"u! e", $en no new ele! #ons $a" o /e $el" on 8e!em/er 1992 s#n!e /y v#r ue o& M5J2;"< $e erm o& o&&#!e o& $e 9a/a aang /arangay o&&#!#als so ele! e" was Fe7 en"e" !orres'on"#ngly o !o#n!#"e w# $ $e erm o& o&&#!e o& $ose ele! e" un"er G $e 5o!al Governmen 2o"e o& 1991H.F =n "o#ng $#s, $e (e!re ary o& =n er#or an" 5o!al Governmen was o a! merely as $e agen o& $e leg#sla #ve "e'ar men , o "e erm#ne an" "e!lare $e even u'on w$#!$ # s e7'resse" w#ll was o a9e e&&e! . 1$ere was no un"ue "elega #on o& leg#sla #ve 'ower /u only o& $e "#s!re #on as o $e e7e!u #on o& a law. 1$a $#s #s !ons # u #onally 'erm#ss#/le #s $e ea!$#ng o& our !ases. = #s &#nally !on en"e" $a $e e7em' #on o& $e /arangays o& $e 2# y o& Man#la &rom $e re*u#remen o $ol" ele! #ons &or (+ o&&#!ers on 8e!em/er 1992 woul" "eny $e you $ vo ers #n $ose /arangays o& $e e*ual 'ro e! #on o& laws. Res'on"en !la#m $a only #n /arangays #n $e 2# y o& Man#la, w$#!$ $en num/ere" 89%, were ele! #ons &or (+ no $el" #n 1992 on $e groun" $a /e ween January 1988 an" January 1992 $ere $a" alrea"y /een (+ ele! #ons $el", w$en, a!!or"#ng o 'e # #onersI own ev#"en!e, "ur#ng $a 'er#o", (+ ele! #ons $a" a! ually /een !on"u! e" #n 5,000 /arangays. C$e $er $#s !la#m #s rue !anno /e as!er a#ne" &rom $e re!or"s o& $#s !ase. Merely s$ow#ng $a $ere were 5+ /arangays w$#!$ s#m#larly $el" +0 ele! #ons /e ween January 1988 an" January 1992 "oes no 'rove $a "es'# e $a &a! $ese same /arangays were 'erm# e" o $ol" ele! #ons on 8e!em/er 1992. -or one $#ng, a!!or"#ng o $e 9anila 5ulletin, 568 /arangays #n $e ,rov#n!e o& 0ula!an "#" no $ave (+ ele! #ons on 8e!em/er 1992 e# $er, /e!ause $ey alrea"y $a" ele! #ons /e ween January 1988 an" January 1992. -or ano $er, even assum#ng $a only /arangays #n Man#la were no 'erm# e" o $ol" (+ ele! #ons on 8e!em/er 1992 w$#le $e res o& $e 5+ /arangays were allowe" even #& +0 ele! #ons $a" alrea"y /een $el" $ere /e&ore, $#s &a! "oes no g#ve $e you $ vo ers #n $e 89% Man#la /arangays groun" &or !om'la#n /e!ause w$a $e o $er /arangays "#" was !on rary o law. 1$ere #s no "#s!r#m#na #on $ere. C$a you $ vo ers #n $e o $er /arangays m#g$ $ave /een allowe" was no a r#g$ w$#!$ was "en#e" o you $ vo ers #n Man#la. =& $ose /arangays were no en # le" o $ave (+ ele! #ons on 1992 /u never $eless were allowe" o $ave su!$ ele! #ons, $a &a! "#" no mean $ose #n Man#la s$oul" s#m#larly $ave /een allowe" o !on"u! ele! #ons on 8e!em/er 1992 /e!ause $e &a! was $a $ey alrea"y $a" $e#r own, Aus wo years /e&ore on May 1990. Res'on"en sI e*ual 'ro e! #on argumen v#ola es $e "#! um $a one wrong "oes no ma9e ano $er wrong r#g$ .

C:4R4-3R4, $e "e!#s#on o& $e Reg#onal 1r#al 2our o& Man#la, 0ran!$ J6 #s R4.4R(48 an" $e !ase &#le" aga#ns 'e # #oner /y 'r#va e res'on"en s #s 8=(M=((48. /.R. N . **&%A$ Oct ber ?, *AA? ANTON)O =.A. TAN, 'e # #oner, vs. COMM)SS)ON ON ELECT)ONS, RUST)CO T. )LA/AN, Re(i "al Electi " :irect r, C !!issi " " Electi "s, Re(i " E), :a1a City, a"d SENFOR)ANO B. ALTERA:O, res'on"en s. -)21(6 1992 Na #onal an" 5o!al 4le! #on. 1an was $e #n!um/en !# y 'rose!u or o& "avao !# y an" $e was "es#gna e" /y 23M4542 as .-2$a#rman o& $e 0oar" o& 2anvassers o& "avao !# y. Manuel Gar!#a was 'ro!la#me" $e Re'resen a #ve o& $e 2n" "#s r#! .

s$oul" !on"u! $e a"m#n#s ra #ve #n*u#ry. 1o say $a $e 23M4542 #s w# $ou Aur#s"#! #on o loo9 #n o !$arges o& ele! #on o&&enses !omm# e" /y o&&#!#als an" em'loyees o& governmen ou s#"e $e regular em'loy o& $e 23M4542 woul" /e o un"uly "eny o # $e 'ro'er an" soun" e7er!#se o& su!$ re!ommen"a ory 'ower an", 'er$a's more $an $a , even a 'oss#/le "en#al o& "ue 'ro!ess o $e o&&#!#al or em'loyee !on!erne". 3/serve, never $eless, $a $e 23M4542 merely may #ssue a re!ommen"a #on &or "#s!#'l#nary a! #on /u $a # #s $e e7e!u #ve "e'ar men o w$#!$ $e !$arge" o&&#!#al or em'loyee /elongs w$#!$ $as $e ul #ma e au $or# y o #m'ose $e "#s!#'l#nary 'enal y. 1$e law $en "oes no "e ra! &rom, /u #s !ongruen w# $, $e general a"m#n#s ra #ve au $or# y o& $e "e'ar men o& governmen !on!erne" over # s own 'ersonnel. C:4R4-3R4, $e #ns an 'e # #on #s 8=(M=((48. Occe"a 1. COMELEC /.R. N . LFG@$G% A,ril &, *AD* Fer"a"d , C.J. -a! s6

)l era"o, a !an"#"a e *ues #one" $e val#"# y o& $e 'ro!lama #on an" $e #ns # u e" w# $ 23M4542 a !ase aga#ns $e 2# y 0oar" o& 2anvassers, #n!lu"#ng 1an, &or NM#s!on"u! , Negle! o& 8u y, Gross =n!om'e en!e an" )! s =n#m#!al o $e (erv#!e.F 1an move" o "#sm#ss $e a"m#n#s ra #ve !om'la#n aga#ns $#m &or allege" la!9 o& Aur#s"#! #on o& $e 23M4542 $ereover, $e /e#ng un"er $e 47e!u #ve 8e'ar men o& $e governmen . 1an /e#ng a !# y 'rose!u or 1$e 23M4542 "en#e" 'e # #onerIs mo #on o "#sm#ss. :en!e, $#s 'e # #on.

,e # #oners (amuel 3!!ena an" Ramon ). GonDales, /o $ mem/ers o& $e ,$#l#''#ne 0ar an" &ormer "elega es o $e 19%1 2ons # u #onal 2onven #on $a &rame" $e 'resen 2ons # u #on, are su#ng as a7'ayers. 1$e ra $er unor $o"o7 as'e! o& $ese 'e # #ons #s $e asser #on $a $e 19%J 2ons # u #on #s no $e &un"amen al law, $e Javellana rul#ng o $e !on rary no w# $s an"#ng.

)ss#e: C$a #s $e 'ower o& $e =n er#m 0a asang ,am/ansa o 'ro'ose amen"men s an" $ow may # /e e7er!#se"O More s'e!#&#!ally as o $e la er, w$a #s $e e7 en o& $e !$anges $a may /e #n ro"u!e", $e num/er o& vo es ne!essary &or $e val#"# y o& a 'ro'osal, an" $e s an"ar" re*u#re" &or a 'ro'er su/m#ss#onO 6eld: 1$e a''l#!a/le 'rov#s#on #n $e 19%6 )men"men s #s *u# e e7'l#!# . =nso&ar as 'er #nen # rea"s $us6 N1$e =n er#m 0a asang ,am/ansa s$all $ave $e same 'owers an" # s Mem/ers s$all $ave $e same &un! #ons, res'ons#/#l# #es, r#g$ s, 'r#v#leges, an" "#s*ual#&#!a #ons as $e #n er#m Na #onal )ssem/ly an" $e regular Na #onal )ssem/ly an" $e Mem/ers $ereo&.P 3ne o& su!$ 'owers #s 're!#sely $a o& 'ro'os#ng amen"men s. 1$e 19%J 2ons # u #on #n # s 1rans# ory ,rov#s#ons ves e" $e =n er#m Na #onal )ssem/ly w# $ $e 'ower o 'ro'ose amen"men s u'on s'e!#al !all /y $e ,r#me M#n#s er /y a vo e o& $e maAor# y o& # s mem/ers o /e ra #&#e" #n a!!or"an!e w# $ $e )r #!le on )men"men s. C$en, $ere&ore, $e =n er#m 0a asang ,am/ansa, u'on $e !all o& $e ,res#"en an" ,r#me M#n#s er -er"#nan" 4. Mar!os, me as a !ons # uen /o"y # s au $or# y o "o so #s !learly /eyon" "ou/ . = !oul" an" "#" 'ro'ose $e amen"men s em/o"#e" #n $e resolu #ons now /e#ng assa#le". = may /e o/serve" 'aren $e #!ally $a as &ar as 'e # #oner 3!!ena #s !on!erne", $e *ues #on o& $e au $or# y o& $e =n er#m 0a asang ,am/ansa o 'ro'ose amen"men s #s no new. 2ons#"er#ng $a $e 'ro'ose" amen"men o& (e! #on % o& )r #!le L o& $e 2ons # u #on e7 en"#ng $e re #remen o& mem/ers o& $e (u'reme 2our an" Au"ges o& #n&er#or !our s &rom s#7 y-&#ve ;65< o seven y ;%0< years #s /u a res ora #on o& $e age o& re #remen 'rov#"e" #n $e 19J5 2ons # u #on an" $as /een #n ens#vely an" e7 ens#vely "#s!usse" a $e =n er#m 0a asang ,am/ansa, as well as $roug$ $e mass me"#a, # !anno , $ere&ore, /e sa#" $a our 'eo'le are unaware o& $e a"van ages an" "#sa"van ages o& $e 'ro'ose" amen"men . )ss#e:

=((?46 C 3 N $e 2omele! $as $e Ausr#s"#! #on over 1an :4586 E4(. 1$e 23M4542Is au $or# y un"er (e! #on 2;6-8<, )r #!le =L, o& $e 2ons # u #on #s v#r ually all-en!om'ass#ng w$en # !omes o ele! #on ma ers. = s$oul" /e s resse" $a $e a"m#n#s ra #ve !ase aga#ns 'e # #oner, a9en !ogn#Dan!e o& /y, an" s #ll 'en"#ng w# $, $e 23M4542, #s #n rela #on o $e 'er&orman!e o& $#s "u #es as an ele! #on !anvasser an" no as a !# y 'rose!u or. 1$e 23M4542Is man"a e #n!lu"es # s au $or# y o e7er!#se "#re! an" #mme"#a e su'erv#s#on an" !on rol over na #onal an" lo!al o&&#!#als or em'loyees, #n!lu"#ng mem/ers o& any na #onal or lo!al law en&or!emen agen!y an" #ns rumen al# y o& $e governmen , re*u#re" /y law o 'er&orm "u #es rela #ve o $e !on"u! o& ele! #ons. =n or"er o $el' ensure $a su!$ "uly "e'u #De" o&&#!#als an" em'loyees o& governmen !arry ou $e#r res'e! #ve ass#gne" as9s, $e law $as also 'rov#"e" $an u'on $e 23M4542Is re!ommen"a #on, $e !orres'on"#ng 'ro'er au $or# y ; $e (e!re ary o& $e 8e'ar men o& Jus #!e #n $e !ase a /ar< s$all a9e a''ro'r#a e a! #on, e# $er o sus'en" or remove &rom o&&#!e $e o&&#!er or em'loyee w$o may, a& er "ue 'ro!ess, /e &oun" gu#l y o& v#ola #on o& ele! #on laws or &a#lure o !om'ly w# $ #ns ru! #ons, or"ers, "e!#s#on or rul#ngs o& $e 23M4542. ?navo#"a/ly, $e 23M4542, 'r#or o ma9#ng # s re!ommen"a #on, mus &#rs sa #s&y # sel& $a $ere #n"ee" $as /een an #n&ra! #on o& $e law, or o& # s "#re! #ves #ssue" !on&orma/ly $erew# $, /y $e 'erson a"m#n#s ra #vely !$arge". = also s an"s o reason $a # #s $e 23M4542, /e#ng #n $e /es 'os# #on o assess $ow # s "e'u #De" o&&#!#als an" em'loyees 'er&orm or $ave 'er&orme" #n $e#r "u #es, $a

Cere $e amen"men s 'ro'ose" are so e7 ens#ve #n !$ara! er $a $ey go &ar /eyon" $e l#m# s o& $e au $or# y !on&erre" on $e =n er#m 0a asang ,am/ansa as (u!!essor o& $e =n er#m Na #onal )ssem/lyO Cas $ere rev#s#on ra $er $an amen"men O 6eld: C$e $er $e 2ons # u #onal 2onven #on w#ll only 'ro'ose amen"men s o $e 2ons # u #on or en #rely over$aul $e 'resen 2ons # u #on an" 'ro'ose an en #rely new 2ons # u #on /ase" on an ="eology &ore#gn o $e "emo!ra #! sys em, #s o& no momen B /e!ause $e same w#ll /e su/m# e" o $e 'eo'le &or ra #&#!a #on. 3n!e ra #&#e" /y $e sovere#gn 'eo'le, $ere !an /e no "e/a e a/ou $e val#"# y o& $e new 2ons # u #on. 1$e &a! $a $e 'resen 2ons # u #on may /e rev#se" an" re'la!e" w# $ a new one #s no argumen aga#ns $e val#"# y o& $e law /e!ause Qamen"men @ #n!lu"es $e Qrev#s#on@ or o al over$aul o& $e en #re 2ons # u #on. ) any ra e, w$e $er $e 2ons # u #on #s merely amen"e" #n 'ar or rev#se" or o ally !$ange" woul" /e!ome #mma er#al $e momen $e same #s ra #&#e" /y $e sovere#gn 'eo'le. )ss#e: C$a #s $e vo e ne!essary o 'ro'ose amen"men s as well as $e s an"ar" &or 'ro'er su/m#ss#onO 6eld: 1$e =n er#m 0a asang ,am/ansa, s# #ng as a !ons # uen /o"y, !an 'ro'ose amen"men s. =n $a !a'a!# y, only a maAor# y vo e #s nee"e". = woul" /e an #n"e&ens#/le 'ro'os# #on o asser $a $e $ree-&our $ vo es re*u#re" w$en # s# s as a leg#sla #ve /o"y a''l#es as well w$en # $as /een !onvene" as $e agen!y $roug$ w$#!$ amen"men s !oul" /e 'ro'ose". 1$a #s no a re*u#remen as &ar as a !ons # u #onal !onven #on #s !on!erne". = #s no a re*u#remen e# $er w$en, as #n $#s !ase, $e =n er#m 0a asang ,am/ansa e7er!#ses # s !ons # uen 'ower o 'ro'ose amen"men s. Moreover, even on $e assum' #on $a $e re*u#remen o& $ree- &our $ vo es a''l#es, su!$ e7 raor"#nary maAor# y was o/ a#ne". = #s no "#s'u e" $a Resolu #on No. 1 'ro'os#ng an amen"men allow#ng a na ural-/orn !# #Den o& $e ,$#l#''#nes na ural#De" #n a &ore#gn !oun ry o own a l#m# e" area o& lan" &or res#"en #al 'ur'oses was a''rove" /y $e vo e o& 122 o 5B Resolu #on No. 2 "eal#ng w# $ $e ,res#"en!y, $e ,r#me M#n#s er an" $e 2a/#ne , an" $e Na #onal )ssem/ly /y a vo e o& 14% o 5 w# $ 1 a/s en #onB an" Resolu #on No. J on $e amen"men o $e )r #!le on $e 2omm#ss#on on 4le! #ons /y a vo e o& 148 o 2 w# $ 1 a/s en #on. C$ere $en #s $e allege" #n&#rm# yO )s o $e re*u#s# e s an"ar" &or a 'ro'er su/m#ss#on, $e *ues #on may /e v#ewe" no only &rom $e s an"'o#n o& $e 'er#o" $a mus ela'se /e&ore $e $ol"#ng o& $e 'le/#s!# e /u also &rom $e s an"'o#n o& su!$ amen"men s $av#ng /een !alle" o $e a en #on o& $e 'eo'le so $a # !oul" no 'laus#/ly /e ma#n a#ne" $a $ey were 'ro'erly #n&orme" as o $e 'ro'ose" !$anges. )s o $e 'er#o", $e 2ons # u #on #n"#!a es $e way $e ma er s$oul" /e resolve". 1$ere #s no am/#gu# y o $e a''l#!a/le 'rov#s#on6 N)ny amen"men o, or rev#s#on o&, $#s 2ons # u #on s$all /e val#" w$en ra #&#e" /y a maAor# y o& $e vo es !as #n a 'le/#s!# e w$#!$ s$all /e $el" no la er $an $ree mon $s a& er $e a''roval o& su!$ amen"men or rev#s#on.P 1$e $ree resolu #ons were a''rove" /y $e =n er#m 0a asang ,am/ansa s# #ng as a !ons # uen assem/ly on -e/ruary 5 an" 2%, 1981. =n $e 0a asang ,am/ansa 0lg. 22, $e "a e o& $e 'le/#s!# e #s se &or )'r#l %, 1981. = #s $us w# $#n $e 90-"ay 'er#o" 'rov#"e" /y $e 2ons # u #on. MEN:OHA 1s. COMELEC a"d CA/:AN/ANAN Oct ber *G, &%%A

1$e res'on"en seasona/ly &#le" an ele! #on 'ro es w# $ $e 23M4542, w$#!$ was ra&&le" o $e (e!on" 8#v#s#on an" "o!9e e" as 4,2 No. 200%44. Rev#s#on o& /allo s #nvolv#ng $e 'ro es e" an" !oun er-'ro es e" 're!#n! s #n )nga , 0o!aue, 2alum'# , 8oKa Reme"#os 1r#n#"a", Gu#g#n o, Malolos, Mey!auayan, NorDagaray, ,an"#, ,aom/ong, ,lar#"el, ,ul#lan, (an Ra&ael an" (an Jose "el Mon e soon &ollowe". 1$e rev#s#on was !on"u! e" a $e 23M4542@s o&&#!e #n =n ramuros. )& er rev#s#on, $e 'ar #es 'resen e" $e#r o $er ev#"en!e, lea"#ng o $e 'ar #es@ &ormal o&&er o& $e#r res'e! #ve ev#"en!e. 1$e 23M4542 a''rove" $e 'ar #es@ &ormal o&&er o& ev#"en!e an" $en re*u#re" $e 'ar #es o su/m# $e#r res'e! #ve memoran"a. 1$e 'ar #es !om'l#e" w# $ $e 23M4542@s or"er. The case was therea-ter s#b!itted - r res l#ti ". 1$e 23M4542@s (e!on" 8#v#s#on "en#e" $e 'e # #oner@s mo #on #n # s 3r"er o& )'r#l 29, 2009, rul#ng $a $e 23M4542 $as 'lenary 'owers o &#n" al erna #ve me $o"s o &a!#l# a e $e resolu #on o& $e ele! #on 'ro es B $us, # !on!lu"e" $a # woul" !on #nue $e 'ro!ee"#ngs a& er 'ro'er !oor"#na #on w# $ $e (41. 1$e 'e # #oner move" o re!ons#"er $#s 3r"er, /u $e 23M4542@s (e!on" 8#v#s#on "en#e" $e mo #on #n # s 3r"er o& May 26, 2009. 1$ese #n er-rela e" Resolu #ons le" o $e 23M4542@s !on #nue" a! #on s,eci-ically, the a,,reciati " ball ts on $e 'rov#n!#al ele! #on !on es a $e (41 o&&#!es. )llege"ly alarme" /y #n&orma #on on 23M4542 a! #on on $e 'rov#n!#al ele! #on !on es 6ithin the "E2 premises 6ithout notice to him and 6ithout his participation+ $e 'e # #oner@s !ounsel wro e $e (41 (e!re ary, ) y. =rene Guevarra, a le er o !on&#rm $e vera!# y o& $e re'or e" !on"u! o& 'ro!ee"#ngs.

)SSUE:

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).

N3R

1$e a''ro'r#a e "ue 'ro!ess s an"ar"s $a a''ly o $e 23M4542, as an a"m#n#s ra #ve or *uas#-Au"#!#al r#/unal, are $ose ou l#ne" #n $e sem#nal !ase o& Ang 2ibay v. Court of 8ndustrial :elations+ *uo e" /elow6 ;1< 1$e &#rs o& $ese r#g$ s #s $e r#g$ o a $ear#ng, w$#!$ #n!lu"es $e r#g$ o& $e 'ar y #n eres e" or a&&e! e" o 'resen $#s own !ase an" su/m# ev#"en!e #n su''or $ereo&. 777 ;2< No only mus $e 'ar y /e g#ven an o''or un# y o 'resen $#s !ase an" o a""u!e ev#"en!e en"#ng o es a/l#s$ $e r#g$ s w$#!$ $e asser s /u $e r#/unal mus !ons#"er $e ev#"en!e 'resen e". ;J< C$#le $e "u y o "el#/era e "oes no #m'ose $e o/l#ga #on o "e!#"e r#g$ , # "oes #m'ly a ne!ess# y w$#!$ !anno /e "#sregar"e", namely, $a o& $av#ng some $#ng o su''or # s "e!#s#on. ) "e!#s#on w# $ a/solu ely no $#ng o su''or # #s a null# y, a 'la!e w$en "#re! ly a a!$e". ;4< No only mus $ere /e some ev#"en!e o su''or a &#n"#ng or !on!lus#on, /u $e ev#"en!e mus /e Fsu/s an #al.P F(u/s an #al ev#"en!e #s more $an a mere

FACTS:

1$e 'e # #oner an" $e res'on"en v#e" &or $e 'os# #on o& Governor o& $e ,rov#n!e o& 0ula!an #n $e May 14, 200% ele! #ons. 1$e 'e # #oner was 'ro!la#me" w#nn#ng !an"#"a e an" assume" $e o&&#!e o& Governor.

s!#n #lla. = means su!$ relevan ev#"en!e as a reasona/le m#n" m#g$ a!!e' as a"e*ua e o su''or a !on!lus#on.F ;5< 1$e "e!#s#on mus /e ren"ere" on $e ev#"en!e 'resen e" a $e $ear#ng, or a leas !on a#ne" #n $e re!or" an" "#s!lose" o $e 'ar #es a&&e! e". ;6< 1$e 2our o& =n"us r#al Rela #ons or any o& # s Au"ges, $ere&ore, mus a! on # s or $#s own #n"e'en"en !ons#"era #on o& $e law an" &a! s o& $e !on roversy, an" no s#m'ly a!!e' $e v#ews o& a su/or"#na e #n arr#v#ng a a "e!#s#on. ;%< 1$e 2our o& =n"us r#al Rela #ons s$oul", #n all !on rovers#al *ues #ons, ren"er # s "e!#s#on #n su!$ a manner $a $e 'ar #es o $e 'ro!ee"#ng !an 9now $e var#ous #ssues #nvolve", an" $e reasons &or $e "e!#s#ons ren"ere". 1$e 'er&orman!e o& $#s "u y #s #nse'ara/le &rom $e au $or# y !on&erre" u'on # . 1$ese are now !ommonly re&erre" o as cardi"al ,ri!ary ri(hts #n a"m#n#s ra #ve 'ro!ee"#ngs. 1$e &#rs o& $e enumera e" r#g$ s 'er a#n o $e su/s an #ve r#g$ s o& a 'ar y a heari"( sta(e o& $e 'ro!ee"#ngs. 1$e essen!e o& $#s as'e! o& "ue 'ro!ess, we $ave !ons#s en ly $el", #s s#m'ly $e o''or un# y o /e $ear", or as a''l#e" o a"m#n#s ra #ve 'ro!ee"#ngs, an o''or un# y o e7'la#n one@s s#"e or an o''or un# y o see9 a re!ons#"era #on o& $e a! #on or rul#ng !om'la#ne" o&.G1%H ) &ormal or r#al- y'e $ear#ng #s no a all #mes an" #n all #ns an!es essen #alB #n $e !ase o& 23M4542, Rule 1% o& # s Rules o& ,ro!e"ure "e&#nes $e re*u#remen s &or a $ear#ng an" $ese serve as $e s an"ar"s #n $e "e erm#na #on o& $e 'resen!e or "en#al o& "ue 'ro!ess. 1$e se!on", $#r", &our $, &#& $, an" s#7 $ as'e! s o& $e Ang 2ibay re*u#remen s are re#n&or!emen s o& $e r#g$ o a $ear#ng an" are $e #nv#ola/le r#g$ s a''l#!a/le a $e deliberati1e sta(e, as $e "e!#s#onma9er "e!#"es on $e ev#"en!e 'resen e" "ur#ng $e $ear#ng. 1$ese s an"ar"s se &or $ $e gu#"#ng !ons#"era #ons #n "el#/era #ng on $e !ase an" are $e ma er#al an" su/s an #al !om'onen s o& "e!#s#onma9#ng. 5riefly+ the tribunal must consider the totality of the evidence presented 6hich must all be found in the records of the case ,i.e.+ those presented or submitted by the parties.? the conclusion+ reached by the decision>ma3er himself and not by a subordinate+ must be based on substantial evidence. -#nally, $e las re*u#remen , rela #ng o $e &orm an" su/s an!e o& $e "e!#s#on o& a *uas#-Au"#!#al /o"y, &ur $er !om'lemen s $e $ear#ng an" "e!#s#on-ma9#ng "ue 'ro!ess r#g$ s an" #s s#m#lar #n su/s an!e o $e !ons # u #onal re*u#remen $a a "e!#s#on o& a !our mus s a e "#s #n! ly $e &a! s an" $e law u'on w$#!$ # #s /ase". )s a !om'onen o& $e rule o& &a#rness $a un"erl#es "ue 'ro!ess, $#s #s $e Cduty to give reasonD o ena/le $e a&&e! e" 'erson o un"ers an" $ow $e rule o& &a#rness $as /een a"m#n#s ere" #n $#s !ase, o e7'ose $e reason o 'u/l#! s!ru #ny an" !r# #!#sm, an" o ensure $a $e "e!#s#on w#ll /e $oug$ $roug$ /y $e "e!#s#on-ma9er. Based " the ,leadi"(s -iled, we see " -act#al a"d le(al basis - r the ,etiti "er t c !,lai" - de"ial - his heari"( sta(e ri(hts. =n $e &#rs 'la!e, $e "oes no "#s'u e $a $e &ully 'ar #!#'a e" #n $e 'ro!ee"#ngs o& $e ele! #on 'ro es un #l $e !ase was "eeme" su/m# e" &or resolu #onB $e $a" re'resen a #on a $e rev#s#on o& $e /allo s, "uly 'resen e" $#s ev#"en!e, an" summe" u' $#s !ase $roug$ a memoran"um. 1$ese var#ous '$ases o& $e 'ro!ee"#ngs !ons # u e $e $ear#ng 'ro'er o& $e ele! #on !on es an" $e 23M4542 $as more $an sa #s&#e" $e o''or un# y o /e $ear" $a $e Ang 2ibay $ear#ng s age r#g$ s re*u#re. =n $ese 'ro!ee"#ngs, $e 'e # #oner s oo" $ea"- o-$ea" w# $ $e res'on"en #n an a"versar#al !on es w$ere /o $ s#"es were g#ven $e#r res'e! #ve r#g$ s o s'ea9, ma9e $e#r 'resen a #ons, an" !on rover ea!$ o $er@s su/m#ss#on, su/Ae! only o es a/l#s$e" 23M4542 rules o& 'ro!e"ures. ?n"er $ese un"#s'u e" &a! s, /o $ 'ar #es $a" $e#r "ay #n !our , so o s'ea9, an" ne# $er one !an !om'la#n o& any "en#al o& no #!e or o& $e r#g$ o /e $ear". 0. N3R 9e ta3e this ,, rt#"ity t clari-y that >#dicial , wer i" #r c #"try is vested in one Supreme Court and in such lower courts as may be established by law.I

=n !on ras w# $ $e a/ove "e&#n# #ons, (e! #on 2, )r #!le =L;2< o& $e 2ons # u #on l#s s $e 23M4542@s 'owers an" &un! #ons, among o $ers, as &ollows6 ;1< 4n&or!e an" a"m#n#s er all laws an" regula #ons rela #ve o $e !on"u! o& an ele! #on, 'le/#s!# e, #n# #a #ve, re&eren"um, an" re!all. ;2< 47er!#se e7!lus#ve or#g#nal Aur#s"#! #on over all !on es s rela #ng o $e ele! #ons, re urns an" *ual#&#!a #ons o& all ele! #ve reg#onal, 'rov#n!#al, an" !# y o&&#!#als, an" a''ella e Aur#s"#! #on over all !on es s #nvolv#ng ele! #ve mun#!#'al o&&#!#als "e!#"e" /y r#al !our s o& general Aur#s"#! #on, or #nvolv#ng ele! #ve barangay o&&#!#als /y r#al !our s o& l#m# e" Aur#s"#! #on. 8e!#s#ons, &#nal or"ers, or rul#ngs o& $e 2omm#ss#on on ele! #on !on es s #nvolv#ng ele! #ve mun#!#'al an" barangay o&&#!#als s$all /e &#nal, e7e!u ory, an" no a''eala/le. ;J< 8e!#"e, e7!e' $ose #nvolv#ng $e r#g$ o vo e, all *ues #ons a&&e! #ng ele! #ons, #n!lu"#ng "e erm#na #on o& $e num/er an" lo!a #on o& 'oll#ng 'la!es, a''o#n men o& ele! #on o&&#!#als an" #ns'e! ors, an" reg#s ra #on o& vo ers. ?n"er $ese erms, $e 23M4542 un"er our governmen al s ru! ure #s a !ons # u #onal a"m#n#s ra #ve agen!y an" # s 'owers are essen #ally e7e!u #ve #n na ure ;#.e., o en&or!e an" a"m#n#s er ele! #on laws<, *uas#Au"#!#al ; o e7er!#se or#g#nal Aur#s"#! #on over ele! #on !on es s o& reg#onal, 'rov#n!#al an" !# y o&&#!#als an" a''ella e Aur#s"#! #on over ele! #on !on es s o& o $er lower ran9#ng o&&#!#als<, an" *uas#-leg#sla #ve ;rulema9#ng on all *ues #ons a&&e! #ng ele! #ons an" $e 'romulga #on o& # s rules o& 'ro!e"ure<. 1$e 23M4542@s a"Au"#!a #ve &un! #on #s *uas#-Au"#!#al s#n!e # #s a !ons # u #onal /o"y, other than a court, ves e" w# $ au $or# y o "e!#"e ele! #on !on es s, an" #n $e !ourse o& $e e7er!#se o& # s Aur#s"#! #on, o $ol" $ear#ngs an" e7er!#se "#s!re #on o& a Au"#!#al na ureB # re!e#ves ev#"en!e, as!er a#n $e &a! s &rom $ese su/m#ss#ons, "e erm#ne $e law an" $e legal r#g$ s o& $e 'ar #es, an" on $e /as#s o& all $ese "e!#"es on $e mer# s o& $e !ase an" ren"ers Au"gmen . 8es'# e $e e7er!#se o& "#s!re #on $a #s essen #ally Au"#!#al #n !$ara! er, 'ar #!ularly w# $ res'e! o ele! #on !on es s, 23M4542 #s no a r#/unal w# $#n $e Au"#!#al /ran!$ o& governmen an" #s no a !our e7er!#s#ng Au"#!#al 'ower #n $e !ons # u #onal senseB $en!e, # s a"Au"#!a #ve &un! #on, e7er!#se" as # #s #n $e !ourse o& a"m#n#s ra #on an" en&or!emen , #s *uas#-Au"#!#al. O" the basis - the sta"dards set by Secti " ? - the COMELEC R#les - Cr ced#re, a"d - the C "stit#ti " itsel- i" the ha"dli"( electi " cases, we r#le that the COMELEC acti " is a 1alid e0ercise - discreti " as it is a s#itable a"d reas "able ,r cess withi" the e0ercise - its >#risdicti " 1er ,r 1i"cial electi " c "tests, ai!ed at e0,editi"( the dis, siti " - this case, a"d with " ad1erse, ,re>#dicial r discri!i"at ry e--ects " the ,arties t the c "test that w #ld re"der the r#le #"reas "able.