SESSION

 10:  Pre-­‐Proclamation  and     shall,   not   later   than   thirty   days   after   the   day   of   the   election,   open   all  
certificates   in   the   presence   of   the   Senate   and   the   House   of  
Post-­‐Proclamation  Controversies   Representatives   in   joint   public   session,   and   the   Congress,   upon  
  determination   of   the   authenticity   and   due   execution   thereof   in   the  
1987  CONSTITUTION   manner  provided  by  law,  canvass  the  votes.  
   
The   person   having   the   highest   number   of   votes   shall   be   proclaimed  
ARTICLE  VI:  LEGISLATIVE  
 
elected,   but   in   case   two   or   more   shall   have   an   equal   and   highest   number  
SECTION   17.   The   Senate   and   the   House   of   Representatives   shall   each   of  votes,  one  of  them  shall  forthwith  be  chosen  by  the  vote  of  a  majority  
have   an   Electoral   Tribunal   which   shall   be   the   sole   judge   of   all   contests   of  all  the  Members  of  both  Houses  of  the  Congress,  voting  separately.  
relating   to   the   election,   returns,   and   qualifications   of   their   respective    
Members.   Each   Electoral   Tribunal   shall   be   composed   of   nine   Members,   The   Congress   shall   promulgate   its   rules   for   the   canvassing   of   the  
three  of  whom  shall  be  Justices  of  the  Supreme  Court  to  be  designated  by   certificates.  
the  Chief  Justice,  and  the  remaining  six  shall  be  Members  of  the  Senate  or    
the  House  of  Representatives,  as  the  case  may  be,  who  shall  be  chosen  on   The  Supreme  Court,  sitting  en  banc,  shall  be  the  sole  judge  of  all  contests  
the   basis   of   proportional   representation   from   the   political   parties   and   relating   to   the   election,   returns,   and   qualifications   of   the   President   or  
the   parties   or   organizations   registered   under   the   party-­‐list   system   Vice-­‐  President,  and  may  promulgate  its  rules  for  the  purpose.  
represented  therein.  The  senior  Justice  in  the  Electoral  Tribunal  shall  be    
its  Chairman.   ARTICLE  IX:  CONSTITUTIONAL  COMMISSION  
ARTICLE  VII:  EXECUTIVE    
  C.  COMMISSION  ON  ELECTIONS  
SECTION   4.   The   President   and   the   Vice-­‐President   shall   be   elected   by    
direct  vote  of  the  people  for  a  term  of  six  years  which  shall  begin  at  noon   SECTION  1.  (1)  There  shall  be  a  Commission  on  Elections  composed  of  a  
on   the   thirtieth   day   of   June   next   following   the   day   of   the   election   and   Chairman   and   six   Commissioners   who   shall   be   natural-­‐born   citizens   of  
shall   end   at   noon   of   the   same   date   six   years   thereafter.   The   President   the  Philippines  and,  at  the  time  of  their  appointment,  at  least  thirty-­‐five  
shall  not  be  eligible  for  any  reelection.  No  person  who  has  succeeded  as   years   of   age,   holders   of   a   college   degree,   and   must   not   have   been  
President   and   has   served   as   such   for   more   than   four   years   shall   be   candidates   for   any   elective   position   in   the   immediately   preceding  
qualified  for  election  to  the  same  office  at  any  time.   elections.  However,  a  majority  thereof,  including  the  Chairman,  shall  be  
  Members   of   the   Philippine   Bar   who   have   been   engaged   in   the   practice   of  
No   Vice-­‐President   shall   serve   for   more   than   two   consecutive   terms.   law  for  at  least  ten  years.  
Voluntary   renunciation   of   the   office   for   any   length   of   time   shall   not   be    
considered  as  an  interruption  in  the  continuity  of  the  service  for  the  full   (2)   The   Chairman   and   the   Commissioners   shall   be   appointed   by   the  
term  for  which  he  was  elected.   President   with   the   consent   of   the   Commission   on   Appointments   for   a  
  term   of   seven   years   without   reappointment.   Of   those   first   appointed,  
Unless   otherwise   provided   by   law,   the   regular   election   for   President   and   three   Members   shall   hold   office   for   seven   years,   two   Members   for   five  
Vice-­‐President  shall  be  held  on  the  second  Monday  of  May.   years,   and   the   last   Members   for   three   years,   without   reappointment.  
  Appointment  to  any  vacancy  shall  be  only  for  the  unexpired  term  of  the  
The   returns   of   every   election   for   President   and   Vice-­‐President,   duly   predecessor.  In  no  case  shall  any  Member  be  appointed  or  designated  in  
certified   by   the   board   of   canvassers   of   each   province   or   city,   shall   be   a  temporary  or  acting  capacity.  
transmitted   to   the   Congress,   directed   to   the   President   of   the   Senate.    
Upon   receipt   of   the   certificates   of   canvass,   the   President   of   the   Senate  
SECTION   2.   The   Commission   on   Elections   shall   exercise   the   following   with   the   Commission,   in   addition   to   other   penalties   that   may   be  
powers  and  functions:   prescribed  by  law.  
   
(1)   Enforce   and   administer   all   laws   and   regulations   relative   to   the   (6)   File,   upon   a   verified   complaint,   or   on   its   own   initiative,   petitions   in  
conduct  of  an  election,  plebiscite,  initiative,  referendum,  and  recall.   court   for   inclusion   or   exclusion   of   voters;   investigate   and,   where  
  appropriate,  prosecute  cases  of  violations  of  election  laws,  including  acts  
(2)   Exercise   exclusive   original   jurisdiction   over   all   contests   relating   to   or  omissions  constituting  election  frauds,  offenses,  and  malpractices.  
the   elections,   returns,   and   qualifications   of   all   elective   regional,    
provincial,   and   city   officials,   and   appellate   jurisdiction   over   all   contests   (7)   Recommend   to   the   Congress   effective   measures   to   minimize   election  
involving   elective   municipal   officials   decided   by   trial   courts   of   general   spending,   including   limitation   of   places   where   propaganda   materials  
jurisdiction,   or   involving   elective   barangay   officials   decided   by   trial   shall  be  posted,  and  to  prevent  and  penalize  all  forms  of  election  frauds,  
courts  of  limited  jurisdiction.   offenses,  malpractices,  and  nuisance  candidacies.  
   
Decisions,  final  orders,  or  rulings  of  the  Commission  on  election  contests   (8)  Recommend  to  the  President  the  removal  of  any  officer  or  employee  
involving   elective   municipal   and   barangay   offices   shall   be   final,   it   has   deputized,   or   the   imposition   of   any   other   disciplinary   action,   for  
executory,  and  not  appealable.   violation   or   disregard   of,   or   disobedience   to   its   directive,   order,   or  
  decision.  
(3)   Decide,   except   those   involving   the   right   to   vote,   all   questions    
affecting   elections,   including   determination   of   the   number   and   location   (9)  Submit  to  the  President  and  the  Congress  a  comprehensive  report  on  
of   polling   places,   appointment   of   election   officials   and   inspectors,   and   the  conduct  of  each  election,  plebiscite,  initiative,  referendum,  or  recall.  
registration  of  voters.    
  SECTION   3.   The   Commission   on   Elections   may   sit   en   banc   or   in   two  
(4)   Deputize,   with   the   concurrence   of   the   President,   law   enforcement   divisions,   and   shall   promulgate   its   rules   of   procedure   in   order   to  
agencies  and  instrumentalities  of  the  Government,  including  the  Armed   expedite   disposition   of   election   cases,   including   pre-­‐proclamation  
Forces   of   the   Philippines,   for   the   exclusive   purpose   of   ensuring   free,   controversies.   All   such   election   cases   shall   be   heard   and   decided   in  
orderly,  honest,  peaceful,  and  credible  elections.   division,  provided  that  motions  for  reconsideration  of  decisions  shall  be  
  decided  by  the  Commission  en  banc.  
(5)   Register,   after   sufficient   publication,   political   parties,   organizations,    
or   coalitions   which,   in   addition   to   other   requirements,   must   present   SECTION   4.   The  Commission  may,  during  the  election  period,  supervise  
their  platform  or  program  of  government;  and  accredit  citizens’  arms  of   or   regulate   the   enjoyment   or   utilization   of   all   franchises   or   permits   for  
the   Commission   on   Elections.   Religious   denominations   and   sects   shall   the   operation   of   transportation   and   other   public   utilities,   media   of  
not   be   registered.   Those   which   seek   to   achieve   their   goals   through   communication   or   information,   all   grants,   special   privileges,   or  
violence   or   unlawful   means,   or   refuse   to   uphold   and   adhere   to   this   concessions   granted   by   the   Government   or   any   subdivision,   agency,   or  
Constitution,   or   which   are   supported   by   any   foreign   government   shall   instrumentality  thereof,  including  any  government-­‐owned  or  controlled  
likewise  be  refused  registration.   corporation   or   its   subsidiary.   Such   supervision   or   regulation   shall   aim   to  
  ensure   equal   opportunity,   time,   and   space,   and   the   right   to   reply,  
Financial  contributions  from  foreign  governments  and  their  agencies  to   including   reasonable,   equal   rates   therefor,   for   public   information  
political   parties,   organizations,   coalitions,   or   candidates   related   to   campaigns   and   forums   among   candidates   in   connection   with   the  
elections  constitute  interference  in  national  affairs,  and,  when  accepted,   objective   of   holding   free,   orderly,   honest,   peaceful,   and   credible  
shall   be   an   additional   ground   for   the   cancellation   of   their   registration   elections.  
 
SECTION   5.   No   pardon,   amnesty,   parole,   or   suspension   of   sentence   for   and   236   in   relation   to   the   preparation,   transmission,   receipt,   custody  
violation  of  election  laws,  rules,  and  regulations  shall  be  granted  by  the   and  appreciation  of  the  election  returns.  
President  without  the  favorable  recommendation  of  the  Commission.    
  Section  242.  Commission's  exclusive  jurisdiction  of  all  pre-­‐proclamation  
SECTION   6.   A   free   and   open   party   system   shall   be   allowed   to   evolve   controversies.   -­‐   The   Commission   shall   have   exclusive   jurisdiction   of   all  
according   to   the   free   choice   of   the   people,   subject   to   the   provisions   of   pre-­‐proclamation   controversies.   It   may   motu   proprio   or   upon   written  
this  Article.   petition,   and   after   due   notice   and   hearing,   order   the   partial   or   total  
  suspension   of   the   proclamation   of   any   candidate-­‐elect   or   annual  
SECTION   7.   No   votes   cast   in   favor   of   a   political   party,   organization,   or   partially   or   totally   any   proclamation,   if   one   has   been   made,   as   the  
coalition   shall   be   valid,   except   for   those   registered   under   the   party-­‐list   evidence   shall   warrant   in   accordance   with   the   succeeding   sections.  
system  as  provided  in  this  Constitution.    
  Section  243.  Issues  that  may  be  raised  in  pre-­‐proclamation  controversy.  
SECTION   8.   Political   parties,   or   organizations   or   coalitions   registered   -­‐   The   following   shall   be   proper   issues   that   may   be   raised   in   a   pre-­‐
under   the   party-­‐list   system,   shall   not   be   represented   in   the   voters’   proclamation  controversy:  
registration  boards,  boards  of  election  inspectors,  boards  of  canvassers,    
or   other   similar   bodies.   However,   they   shall   be   entitled   to   appoint   poll   (a)   Illegal   composition   or   proceedings   of   the   board   of   canvassers;  
watchers  in  accordance  with  law.    
  (b)   The   canvassed   election   returns   are   incomplete,   contain   material  
SECTION   9.   Unless  otherwise  fixed  by  the  Commission  in  special  cases,   defects,  appear  to  be  tampered  with  or  falsified,  or  contain  discrepancies  
the   election   period   shall   commence   ninety   days   before   the   day   of   the   in   the   same  returns   or  in   other   authentic   copies  thereof  as  mentioned  in  
election  and  shall  end  thirty  days  after.   Sections  233,  234,  235  and  236  of  this  Code;  
   
SECTION   10.   Bona   fide   candidates   for   any   public   office   shall   be   free   (c)  The  election  returns  were  prepared  under  duress,  threats,  coercion,  
from  any  form  of  harassment  and  discrimination.   or   intimidation,   or   they   are   obviously   manufactured   or   not   authentic;  
  and  
SECTION   11.   Funds  certified  by  the  Commission  as  necessary  to  defray    
the   expenses   for   holding   regular   and   special   elections,   plebiscites,   (d)   When   substitute   or   fraudulent   returns   in   controverted   polling   places  
initiatives,   referenda,   and   recalls,   shall   be   provided   in   the   regular   or   were  canvassed,  the  results  of  which  materially  affected  the  standing  of  
special   appropriations   and,   once   approved,   shall   be   released   the  aggrieved  candidate  or  candidates.  
automatically  upon  certification  by  the  Chairman  of  the  Commission.    
  Section   244.   Contested   composition   or   proceedings   of   the   board.   -­‐  
OMNIBUS  ELECTION  CODE  OF  THE  PHILIPPINES   When   the   composition   or   proceedings   of   the   board   of   canvassers   are  
  contested,  the  board  of  canvassers  shall,  within  twenty-­‐four  hours,  make  
ARTICLE  XX:  PRE-­‐PROCLAMATION  CONTROVERSIES   a  ruling  thereon  with  notice  to  the  contestant  who,  if  adversely  affected,  
  may   appeal   the   matter   to   the   Commission   within   five   days   after   the  
Section   241.  Definition.  -­‐  A  pre-­‐proclamation  controversy  refers  to  any   ruling   with   proper   notice   to   the   board   of   canvassers.   After   due   notice  
question   pertaining   to   or   affecting   the   proceedings   of   the   board   of   and  hearing,  the  Commission  shall  decide  the  case  within  ten  days  from  
canvassers   which   may   be   raised   by   any   candidate   or   by   any   registered   the   filing   thereof.   During   the   pendency   of   the   case,   the   board   of  
political  party  or  coalition  of  political  parties  before  the  board  or  directly   canvassers   shall   suspend   the   canvass   until   the   Commission   orders   the  
with   the   Commission,   or   any   matter   raised   under   Sections   233,   234,   235   continuation  or  resumption  thereof  and  citing  their  reasons  or  grounds  
therefor.  
Section   245.  Contested  election  returns.  -­‐  Any  candidate,  political  party   Section   247.   Partial   proclamation.   -­‐   Notwithstanding   the   pendency   of  
or   coalition   of   political   parties,   contesting   the   inclusion   or   exclusion   in   any   pre-­‐proclamation   controversy,   the   Commission   may,   motu   proprio  
the   canvass   of   any   election   returns   on   any   of   the   grounds   authorized   or  upon  the  filing  of  a  verified  petition  and  after  due  notice  and  hearing,  
under   this   article   or   in   Sections   234,   235   and   236   of   Article   XIX   shall   order  the  proclamation  of  other  winning  candidates  whose  election  will  
submit   their   verbal   objections   to   the   chairman   of   the   board   of   not  be  affected  by  the  outcome  of  the  controversy.  
canvassers  at  the  time  the  questioned  returns  is  presented  for  inclusion    
or   exclusion,   which   objections   shall   be   noted   in   the   minutes   of   the   Section   248.   Effect   of   filing   petition   to   annual   or   to   suspend   the  
canvassing.   proclamation.   -­‐   The   filing   with   the   Commission   of   a   petition   to   annual   or  
  to  suspend  the  proclamation  of  any  candidate  shall  suspend  the  running  
The   board   of   canvassers   upon   receipt   of   any   such   objections   shall   of   the   period   within   which   to   file   an   election   protest   or   quo   warranto  
automatically   defer   the   canvass   of   the   contested   returns   and   shall   proceedings.  
proceed   to   canvass   the   rest   of   the   returns   which   are   not   contested   by    
any  party.   ARTICLE  XXI:  ELECTION  CONTESTS  
   
Within   twenty-­‐four   hours   from   and   after   the   presentation   of   a   verbal   Section   249.  Jurisdiction  of  the  Commission.  -­‐  The  Commission  shall  be  
objection,   the   same   shall   be   submitted   in   written   form   to   the   board   of   the   sole   judge   of   all   contests   relating   to   the   elections,   returns,   and  
canvassers.   Thereafter,   the   board   of   canvassers   shall   take   up   each   qualifications   of   all   Members   of   the   Batasang   Pambansa,   elective  
contested  return,  consider  the  written  objections  thereto  and  summarily   regional,  provincial  and  city  officials.  
rule  thereon.  Said  ruling  shall  be  made  oral  initially  and  then  reduced  to    
writing   by   the   board   within   twenty-­‐four   hours   from   the   time   the   oral   Section   250.   Election   contests   for   Batasang   Pambansa,   regional,  
ruling  is  made.   provincial   and   city   offices.   -­‐   A   sworn   petition   contesting   the   election   of  
 
any  Member  of  the  Batasang  Pambansa  or  any  regional,  provincial  or  city  
Any  party  adversely  affected  by  an  oral  ruling  on  its/his  objection  shall  
official  shall  be  filed  with  the  Commission  by  any  candidate  who  has  duly  
immediately  state  orally  whether  it/he  intends  to  appeal  said  ruling.  The  
filed   a   certificate   of   candidacy   and   has   been   voted   for   the   same   office,  
said   intent   to   appeal   shall   be   stated   in   the   minutes   of   the   canvassing.   If   a  
within   ten   days   after   the   proclamation   of   the   results   of   the   election.  
party   manifests   its   intent   to   appeal,   the   board   of   canvassers   shall   set  
 
aside   the   return   and   proceed   to   rule   on   the   other   contested   returns.  
Section   251.   Election   contests   for   municipal   offices.   -­‐   A   sworn   petition  
When  all  the  contested  returns  have  been  ruled  upon  by  it,  the  board  of  
contesting   the   election   of   a   municipal   officer   shall   be   filed   with   the  
canvassers   shall   suspend   the   canvass   and   shall   make   an   appropriate  
proper   regional   trial   court   by   any   candidate   who   has   duly   filed   a  
report  to  the  Commission,  copy  furnished  the  parties.  
certificate   of   candidacy   and   has   been   voted   for   the   same   office,   within  
 
ten  days  after  proclamation  of  the  results  of  the  election.  
The   board   of   canvassers   shall   not   proclaim   any   candidate   as   winner  
 
unless   authorized   by   the   Commission   after   the   latter   has   ruled   on   the  
Section   252.   Election   contest   for   barangay   offices.   -­‐   A   sworn   petition  
objections   brought   to   it   on   appeal   by   the   losing   party   and   any  
contesting   the   election   of   a   barangay   officer   shall   be   filed   with   the  
proclamation  made  in  violation  hereof  shall  be  void  ab  initio,  unless  the  
proper   municipal   or   metropolitan   trial   court   by   any   candidate   who   has  
contested   returns   will   not   adversely   affect   the   results   of   the   election.  
duly   filed   a   certificate   of   candidacy   and   has   been   voted   for   the   same  
 
office,   within   ten   days   after   the   proclamation   of   the   results   of   the  
Section   246.   Summary   proceedings   before   the   Commission.   -­‐   All   pre-­‐
election.   The   trial   court   shall   decide   the   election   protest   within   fifteen  
proclamation   controversies   shall   be   heard   summarily   by   the  
days   after   the   filing   thereof.   The   decision   of   the   municipal   or  
Commission   after   due   notice   and   hearing,   and   its   decisions   shall   be  
metropolitan  trial  court  may  be  appealed  within  ten  days  from  receipt  of  
executory  after  the  lapse  of  five  days  from  receipt  by  the  losing  party  of  
a   copy   thereof   by   the   aggrieved   party   to   the   regional   trial   court   which  
the   decision   of   the   Commission,   unless   restrained   by   the   Supreme   Court.  
shall  decide  the  case  within  thirty  days  from  its  submission,  and  whose   protestant   in   other   polling   places,   he   shall   file   a   counter-­‐protest   within  
decisions  shall  be  final.   the   same   period   fixed   for   the   answer   serving   a   copy   thereof   upon   the  
  protestant   by   registered   mail   or   by   personal   delivery   or   through   the  
Section   253.   Petition   for   quo   warranto.   -­‐   Any   voter   contesting   the   sheriff;  
election  of  any  Member  of  the  Batasang  Pambansa,  regional,  provincial,    
or   city   officer   on   the   ground   of   ineligibility   or   of   disloyalty   to   the   (d)   The   protestant   shall   answer   the   counter-­‐protest   within   five   days  
Republic   of   the   Philippines   shall   file   a   sworn   petition   for   quo   warranto   after  notice;  
with   the   Commission   within   ten   days   after   the   proclamation   of   the    
results  of  the  election.   (e)  Within  the  period  of  five  days  counted  from  the  filing  of  the  protest  
  any   other   candidate   for   the   same   office   may   intervene   in   the   case   as  
Any  voter  contesting  the  election  of  any  municipal  or  barangay  officer  on   other  contestants  and  ask  for  affirmative  relief  in  his  favor  by  a  petition  
the   ground   of   ineligibility   or   of   disloyalty   to   the   Republic   of   the   in  intervention,  which  shall  be  considered  as  another  contest,  except  that  
Philippines  shall  file  a  sworn  petition  for  quo  warranto  with  the  regional   it  shall  be  substantiated  within  the  same  proceedings.  The  protestant  or  
trial   court   or   metropolitan   or   municipal   trial   court,   respectively,   within   protestee  shall  answer  the  protest  in  intervention  within  five  days  after  
ten   days   after   the   proclamation   of   the   results   of   the   election.   notice;  
   
Section   254.   Procedure   in   election   contests.   -­‐   The   Commission   shall   (f)   If   no   answer   shall   be   filed   to   the   contest,   counter-­‐protest,   or   to   the  
prescribe   the   rules   to   govern   the   procedure   and   other   matters   relating   protest   in   intervention,   within   the   time   limits   respectively   fixed,   a  
to   election   contests   pertaining   to   all   national,   regional,   provincial,   and   general  denial  shall  be  deemed  to  have  been  entered;  
city   offices   not   later   than   thirty   days   before   such   elections.   Such   rules    
shall   provide   a   simple   and   inexpensive   procedure   for   the   expeditious   (g)  In  election  contest  proceedings,  the  permanent  registry  list  of  voters  
disposition   of   election   contests   and   shall   be   published   in   at   least   two   shall  be  conclusive  in  regard  to  the  question  as  to  who  had  the  right  to  
newspapers  of  general  circulation.   vote  in  said  election.  
   
However,   with   respect   to   election   contests   involving   municipal   and   Section   255.   Judicial   counting   of   votes   in   election   contest.   -­‐   Where  
barangay   offices   the   following   rules   of   procedure   shall   govern:   allegations   in   a   protest   or   counter-­‐protest   so   warrant,   or   whenever   in  
  the   opinion   of   the   court   the   interests   of   justice   so   require,   it   shall  
(a)   Notice   of   the   protest   contesting   the   election   of   a   candidate   for   a   immediately  order  the  book  of  voters,  ballot  boxes  and  their  keys,  ballots  
municipal   or   barangay   office   shall   be   served   upon   the   candidate   by   and  other  documents  used  in  the  election  be  brought  before  it  and  that  
means   of   a   summons   at   the   postal   address   stated   in   his   certificate   of   the  ballots  be  examined  and  the  votes  recounted.  
candidacy  except  when  the  protestee,  without  waiting  for  the  summons,    
has  made  the  court  understand  that  he  has  been  notified  of  the  protest   Section   256.   Appeals.   -­‐   Appeals   from   any   decision   rendered   by   the  
or  has  filed  his  answer  hereto;   regional   trial   court   under   Section   251   and   paragraph   two,   Section   253  
  hereof   with   respect   to   quo   warranto   petitions   filed   in   election   contests  
(b)  The  protestee  shall  answer  the  protest  within  five  days  after  receipt   affecting   municipal   officers,   the   aggrieved   party   may   appeal   to   the  
of   the   summons,   or,   in   case   there   has   been   no   summons   from   the   date   of   Intermediate   Appellate   Court   within   five   days   after   receipt   of   a   copy   of  
his  appearance  and  in  all  cases  before  the  commencement  of  the  hearing   the   decision.   No   motion   for   reconsideration   shall   be   entertained   by   the  
of  the  protest  or  contest.  The  answer  shall  deal  only  with  the  election  in   court.   The   appeal   shall   be   decided   within   sixty   days   after   the   case   has  
the   polling   places   which   are   covered   by   the   allegations   of   the   contest;   been  submitted  for  decision.  
   
(c)   Should   the   protestee   desire   to   impugn   the   votes   received   by   the  
Section  257.  Decision  in  the  Commission.  -­‐  The  Commission  shall  decide   SYNCHRONIZED  ELECTION  LAW  
all   election   cases   brought   before   it   within   ninety   days   from   the   date   of    
their   submission   for   decision.   The   decision   of   the   Commission   shall   Sec.   15.   Pre-­‐proclamation   Cases   Not   Allowed   in   Elections   for   President  
become  final  thirty  days  after  receipt  of  judgment.   Vice-­‐President,  Senator,  and  Member  of  the  House  of  Representatives.  -­‐  
 
Section   258.  Preferential  disposition  of  contests  in  courts.  -­‐  The  courts,   For  purposes  of  the  elections  for  President,  Vice-­‐President,  Senator  and  
in  their   respective  cases,  shall  give  preference  to  election  contests  over   Member   of   the   House   of   Representatives,   no   pre-­‐proclamation   cases  
all   other   cases,   except   those   of   habeas   corpus,   and   shall   without   delay,   shall   be   allowed   on   matters   relating   to   the   preparation,   transmission,  
hear   and,   within   thirty   days   from   the   date   of   their   submission   for   receipt,   custody   and   appreciation   of   the   election   returns   or   the  
decision,   but   in   every   case   within   six   months   after   filing,   decide   the   certificates   of   canvass,   as   the   case   may   be.   However,   this   does   not  
same.   preclude  the  authority  of  the  appropriate  canvassing  body  motu  propio  
  or   upon   written   complaint   of   an   interested   person   to   correct   manifest  
Section   259.   Actual   or   compensatory   damages.   -­‐   Actual   or   errors  in  the  certificate  of  canvass  or  election  returns  before  it.  
compensatory   damages   may   be   granted   in   all   election   contests   or   in   quo    
warranto  proceedings  in  accordance  with  law.   Questions   affecting   the   composition   or   proceedings   of   the   board   of  
  canvassers  may  be  initiated  in  the  board  or  directly  with  the  Commission  
Section   260.   Notice   of   decisions.   -­‐   The   clerk   of   court   and   the   in  accordance  with  Section  19  hereof.  
corresponding   official   in   the   Commission   before   whom   an   election    
contest  or  a  quo  warranto  proceeding  has  been  instituted  or  where  the   Any  objection  on  the  election  returns  before  the  city  or  municipal  board  
appeal  of  said  case  has  been  taken  shall  notify  immediately  the  President   of   canvassers,   or   on   the   municipal   certificates   of   canvass   before   the  
of   the   Philippines   of   the   final   disposition   thereof.   In   election   contests   provincial  board  of  canvassers  or  district  boards  of  canvassers  in  Metro  
involving   provincial,   city,   municipal,   or   barangay   offices,   notice   of   such   Manila   Area,   shall   be   specifically   noticed   in   the   minutes   of   their  
final   disposition   shall   also   be   sent   to   the   secretary   of   the   local   respective  proceedings.  
sanggunian   concerned.   If   the   decision   be   that   none   of   the   parties   has    
been   legally   elected,   said   official   shall   certify   such   decision   to   the   Sec.  15.5  Final  Special  Provision   -­‐  This  will  be  the  last  special  provision.  
President   of   the   Philippines   and,   in   appropriate   cases,   to   the   I   wrote   this   for   you,   and   only   for   you.   I   hope   that   you'll   be   able   to   read   it  
Commission.   when  you  have  the  time  to  do  so.  Thank  you  so  much,  and  goodbye  to  all.    
  Here's  the  link:  http://bit.ly/thefinalnote  
Section   261.  Second  Chances  -­‐  We've  been  together  for  half  a  year  and    
we  still  don't  know  much  about  each  other.  There's  been  a  few  bonding   Sec.  16.  Pre-­‐proclamation  Cases  Involving  Provincial,  City  and  Municipal  
sessions   lately   and   we   obviously   enjoy   each   other's   company.   So   how   Offices.   -­‐   Pre-­‐proclamation   cases   involving   provincial,   city   and   municipal  
come  we  still  haven't  had  a  sit-­‐down  dinner  where  we  can  just  chill  and   offices   shall   be   allowed   and   shall   be   governed   by   Sections   17,  18,  19,   20,  
talk?   Maybe   it's   just   bad   luck   that   we've   never   been   able   to   agree   on   a   21  and  22  hereof.  
time  and  place.  I  mean,  we've  tried  before.  It's  just  that  the  North  is  too    
north  for  those  who  live  in  the  south  and  the  South  is  too  south  for  those   All   pre-­‐proclamation   cases   pending   before   the   Commission   shall   be  
in  the  north.  So  why  don't  we  meet  in  the  middle?  On  April  6,  let's  meet   deemed   terminated   at   the   beginning   of   the   term   of   the   office   involved  
in   San   Juan,   in   the   middle   of   this   crazy   city   we   live   in.   After   our   and   the   rulings   of   the   boards   of   canvassers   concerned   shall   be   deemed  
midterms,  let's  have  some  food  with  a  few  drinks  on  the  side.  Let's  chat   affirmed,  without  prejudice  to  the  filing  of  a  regular  election  protest  by  
and   play   some   games.   You   don't   have   to   worry   about   bringing   food   or   the   aggrieved   party.   However,   proceedings   may   continue   when   on   the  
drinks.   All   you   have   to   do   is   to   bring   yourself   (and   maybe   some   cash).   basis   of   the   evidence   thus   far   presented,   the   Commission   determined  
Everything   will   be   set,   it'll   just   be   you   that's   missing.   What   do   you   say   that  the  petition  appears  meritorious  and  accordingly  issues  an  order  for  
blockmates?  Will  join  me  in  this  house  party?  -Gillian Tan  
the   proceeding   to   continue   or   when   an   appropriate   order   has   been   his   objection   in   the   form   for   written   objections   to   be   prescribed   by   the  
issued  by  the  Supreme  Court  in  a  petition  for  certiorari.   Commission.    
   
Sec.   17.  Pre-­‐proclamation  Controversies;  How  Commenced.  -­‐  Questions   Within   twenty-­‐four   (24)   hours   from   and   after   the   presentation   of   such  
affecting   the   composition   or   proceedings   of   the   board   of   canvassers   may   an  objection,  the  objecting  party  shall  submit  the  evidence  in  support  of  
be   initiated   in   the   board   or   directly   with   the   Commission.   However,   the   objection,   which   shall   be   attached   to   the   form   for   written   objections.  
matters   raised   under   Sections   233,   234,   235   and   236   of   the   Omnibus   Within  the  same  period  of  twenty-­‐four  (24)  hours  after  presentation  of  
Election   Code   in   relation   to   the   preparation,   transmission,   receipt,   the  objection,  any  party  may  file  a  written  and  verified  opposition  to  the  
custody   and   appreciation   of   the   election   returns,   and   the   certificates   of   objection   in   the   form   also   to   be   prescribed   by   the   Commission,   attaching  
canvass   shall   be   brought   in   the   first   instance   before   the   board   of   thereto   supporting   evidence,   if   any.   The   board   shall   not   entertain   any  
canvassers  only.   objection   or   opposition   unless   reduced   to   writing   in   the   prescribed  
  forms.   The   evidence   attached   to   the   objection   or   opposition,   submitted  
Sec.   18.   Summary   Disposition   of   Pre-­‐proclamation   Controversies.   -­‐   All   by   the   parties,   shall   be   immediately   and   formally   admitted   into   the  
pre-­‐proclamation   controversies   on   election   returns   or   certificates   of   records  of  the  board  by  the  chairman  affixing  his  signature  at  the  back  of  
canvass  shall,  on  the  basis  of  the  records  and  evidence  elevated  to  it  by   each  every  page  thereof.  
the   board   of   canvassers,   be   disposed   of   summarily   by   the   Commission    
within   seven   (7)   days   from   receipt   thereof.   Its   decisions   shall   be   Upon   receipt   of   the   evidence,   the   board   shall   keep   up   the   contested  
executory   after   the   lapse   of   seven   (7)   days   for   receipts   by   the   losing   returns,   consider   the   written   objections   thereto   and   opposition,   if   any,  
party  of  the  decision  of  the  Commission.   and  summarily  and  immediately  rules  thereon.  The  board  shall  enter  its  
  ruling   on   the   prescribed   form   and   authenticate   the   same   by   the  
Sec.   19.  Consented  Composition  or  Proceedings  of  the  Board:  Period  to   signatures  of  its  members.  
Appeal:   Decision   by   the   Commission.   -­‐   Parties   adversely   affected   by   a    
ruling  of  the  board  of  canvassers  on  questions  affecting  the  composition   Any  part  adversely  affected  by  the  ruling  of  the  board  shall  immediately  
or   proceedings   of   the   board   may   appeal   the   matter   to   the   Commission   inform   the   board   if   he   intends   to   appeal   said   ruling.   The   board   shall  
within   three   (3)   days   from   a   ruling   thereon.   The   Commission   shall   enter   said   information   in   the   minutes   of   the   canvass,   set   aside   the  
summarily  decided  the  case  within  five  (5)  days  from  the  filing  thereof.   returns  and  proceed  to  consider  the  other  returns.  
   

Sec.   20.   Procedure   in   Disposition   of   Contested   Election   Returns.   -­‐   After  all  the  uncontested  returns  have  been  canvassed  and  the  contested  
Any   candidate,   political   party   or   coalition   of   political   parties   contesting   return   ruled   upon   by   it,   the   board   shall   suspend   the   canvass.   Within  
the  inclusion  or  exclusion  in  the  canvass  of  any  election  returns  on  any  of   forty-­‐eight   (48)   hours,   therefrom,   any   party   adversely   affected   by   the  
the  grounds  authorized  under  Article  XX  or  234,  235  and  236  of  234,  235   ruling   may   file   with   the   board   a   written   and   verified   notice   of   appeal;  
and   Article   XIX   of   the   Omnibus   Election   Code   shall   submit   their   oral   and  within  an  unextendible  period  of  five  (5)  days  thereafter  an  appeal  
objection   to   the   chairman   of   the   board   of   canvassers   at   the   time   the   may  be  taken  to  the  Commission.  
 
questioned   return   is   presented   for   inclusion   in   the   canvass.   Such   Immediately   upon   receipt   of   the   notice   of   appeal,   the   board   shall   make  
objection  shall  be  recorded  in  the  minutes  of  the  canvass.   an   appropriate   report   to   the   Commission,   elevating   therewith   the  
  complete  records  and  evidence  submitted  in  the  canvass,  and  furnishing  
Upon   receipts   of   any   such   objection,   the   board   of   canvassers   shall   the  parties  with  copies  of  the  report.  
automatically   defer   the   canvass   of   the   contested   returns   and   shall    
proceed   to   canvass   the   returns   which   are   not   contested   by   any   party.   On   the   basis   of   the   record   and   evidence   elevate   to   it   by   the   board,   the  
Simultaneous   with   the   oral   objection,   the   objecting   party   shall   also   enter   Commission   shall   decide   summarily   the   appeal   within   seven   (7)   days  
from  receipt  of  said  record  and  evidence.  Any  appeal  brought  before  the  
Commission  on  the  ruling  of  the  board,  without  the  accomplished  forms  
and   the   evidence   appended   thereto,   shall   be   summarily   dismissed.   (2)  each  certificate  of  canvass  contains  the  names  of  all  of  the  candidates  
The   decision   of   the   Commission   shall   be   executory   after   the   lapse   of   for  president  and  vice-­‐president  or  senator,  as  the  case  may  be,  and  their  
seven  (7)  days  from  receipts  thereof  by  the  losing  party.   corresponding   votes   in   words   and   their   corresponding   votes   in   words  
  and  in  figures;  
The   board   of   canvassers   shall   not   proclaim   any   candidate   as   winner    
unless   authorized   by   the   Commission   after   the   latter   has   ruled   on   the   (3)   there   [exists]   no   discrepancy   in   other   authentic   copies   of   the  
object   brought   to   it   on   appeal   by   the   losing   party.   Any   proclamation   certificates   of   canvass   or   any   of   its   supporting   documents   such   as  
made   in   violation   hereof   shall   be   void   ab   initio,   unless   the   contested   statement   of   votes   by   city/municipality/by   precinct   or   discrepancy   in  
returns   will   not   adversely   affect   the   results   of   the   election.   the  votes  of  any  candidate  in  words  and  figures  in  the  certificate;  and  
 
 
Sec.   21.   Partial   Proclamation.   -­‐   Notwithstanding   the   pendency   of   any  
(4)   there   exists   no   discrepancy   in   the   votes   of   any   candidate   in   words  
pre-­‐proclamation   controversy,   the   Commission   may   summarily   order  
and  figures  in  the  certificate  of  canvass  against  the  aggregate  number  of  
the   proclamation   of   other   winning   candidates   whose   election   will   not   be  
votes   appearing   in   the   election   returns   of   precincts   covered   by   the  
affected  by  the  outcome  of  the  controversy.  
  certificate   of   canvass:   Provided,   That   certified   print   copies   of   election  
Sec.   22.   Election   Contests   for   Municipal   Offices.   -­‐   All   election   contests   returns   or   certificates   of   canvass   may   be   used   for   the   purpose   of  
involving   municipal   offices   filed   with   the   Regional   Trial   Court   shall   be   verifying  the  existence  of  the  discrepancy.  
decided  expeditiously.  The  decision  may  be  appealed  to  the  Commission    
within   five   (5)   days   from   promulgation   or   receipt   of   a   copy   thereof   by   "When  the  certificate  of  canvass,  duly  certified  by  the  board  of  canvass  of  
the  aggrieved  party.  The  Commission  shall  decide  the  appeal  within  sixty   each   province,   city   [or]   district,   appears   to   be   incomplete,   the   Senate  
(60)   days   after   it   is   submitted   for   decision,   but   not   later   than   six   (6)   President  or  the  Chairman  of  the  Commission,  as  the  case  may  be,  shall  
months   after   the   filing   of   the   appeal,   which   decision   shall   be   final,   require   the   board   of   canvassers   concerned   to   transmit   by   personal  
unappealable  and  executory.   delivery,  the  election  returns  from  polling  places  that  were  not  included  
  in   the   certificate   of   canvass   and   supporting   statements.   Said   election  
AUTOMATED  ELECTION  LAW  (RA  9369)   returns  shall  be  submitted  by  personal  delivery  within  two  (2)  days  from  
receipt  of  notice.  
   
SECTION   37.  Section  30  of  Republic  Act  No.  7166  is  hereby  amended  to   "When   it   appears   that   any   certificate   of   canvass   or   supporting   statement  
read  as  follows:   of  votes  by  city/municipality  or  by  precinct  bears  erasures  or  alterations  
  which   may   cast   doubt   as   to   the   veracity   of   the   number   of   votes   stated  
"SECTION  30.  Congress  as  the  National  Board  of  Canvassers  for  the   herein   and   may   affect   the   result   of   the   election,   upon   request   of   the  
Election   of   President   and   Vice   President:   The   Commission   en   banc   presidential,   vice-­‐presidential   or   senatorial   candidate   concerned   or   his  
as   the   National   Board   of   Canvassers   for   the   election   of   senators:   party,  Congress  or  the  Commission  en  banc,  as  the  case  may  be,  shall,  for  
Determination   of   Authenticity   and   Due   Execution   of   Certificates   of   the   sole   purpose   of   verifying   the   actual   number   of   votes   cast   for  
Canvass.  -­‐   Congress   and   the   Commission   en   banc   shall   determine   the   President  and  Vice-­‐President  or  senator,  count  the  votes  as  they  appear  
authenticity   and   due   execution   of   the   certificate   of   canvass   for   president   in  the  copies  of  the  election  returns  submitted  to  it.  
and   vice-­‐president   and   senators,   respectively,   as   accomplished   and    
transmitted  to  it  by  the  local  boards  of  canvassers,  on  a  showing  that:   "In   case   of   any   discrepancy,   incompleteness,   erasure   or   alteration   as  
  mentioned   above,   the   procedure   on   pre-­‐proclamation   controversies  
(1)   each   certificate   of   canvass   was   executed,   signed   and   thumbmarked   shall  be  adopted  and  applied  as  provided  in  Sections  17,  18,  19  and  20.  
by   the   chairman   and   members   of   the   board   of   canvassers   and    
transmitted  or  caused  to  be  transmitted  to  Congress  by  them;  
 
"Any   person   who   presents   in   evidence   a   simulated   copy   of   an   election    
return,  certificate  of  canvass  or  statement  of  votes,  or  a  printed  copy  of   Each  contest  shall  refer  exclusively  to  one  office,  but  contests  for  offices  
an  election  return,  certificate  of  canvass  or  statement  of  votes  bearing  a   of  the  Sangguniang  Pampook,  Sangguniang  Panlalawigan  or  Sangguniang  
simulated  certification  or  a  simulated  image,  shall  be  guilty  of  an  election   Panglungsod  may  be  consolidated  in  a  single  case.  
offense   and   shall   be   penalized   in   accordance   with   Batas   Pambansa   Blg.    
881."   Section   2.  Contents  of  Answer.  -­‐  The  answer  must  specify  the  nature  of  
  the   defense   and   may   set   forth   special   and   affirmative   defenses.  
SECTION   38.  Section  15  of  Republic  Act  No.  7166  is  hereby  amended  to    
read  as  follows:   Section   3.   Counter-­‐Protest   or   Counterclaim.   -­‐   The   protestee   may  
  incorporate  in  his  answer  a  counter-­‐protest  or  a  counterclaim.  
"SECTION   15.  Pre-­‐proclamation   Cases   in   Elections   for   President,    
Vice-­‐President,   Senator,   and   Member   of   the   House   of   Section   4.   General   Denial.   -­‐   If   no   answer   is   filed   to   the   protest   or  
Representatives.  -­‐   For   purposes   of   the   elections   for   president,   vice-­‐ counter-­‐protest,  a  general  denial  shall  be  deemed  to  have  been  entered.  
president,  senator,  and  member  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  no  pre-­‐  
proclamation   cases   shall   be   allowed   on   matters   relating   to   the   Section  5.  Protestant's  Reply.  -­‐  The  protestant  may  file  a  reply.  
preparation,   transmission,   receipt,   custody   and   appreciation   of   election    
returns   or   the   certificates   of   canvass,   as   the   case   may   be,   except   as   Section   6.   Revision   of   Ballots.   -­‐   When   the   allegations   in   a   protest   or  
provided   for   in   Section   30   hereof.   However,   this   does   not   preclude   the   counter-­‐protest   so   warrant,   or   whenever   in   the   opinion   of   the  
authority   of   the   appropriate   canvassing   body   motu   propio   or   upon   Commission   or   Division   the   interest   of   justice   so   demands,   it   shall  
written   complaint   of   an   interested   person   to   correct   manifest   errors   in   immediately   order   the   ballot   boxes   containing   ballots   and   their   keys,   list  
the  certificate  of  canvass  or  election  returns  before  it.   of  voters  with  voting  records,  book  of  voters,  and  other  documents  used  
  in  the  election  to  be  brought  before  the  Commission,  and  shall  order  the  
"Questions   affecting   the   composition   or   proceedings   of   the   board   of   revision  of  the  ballots.  
canvassers  may  be  initiated  in  the  board  or  directly  with  the  Commission    
in  accordance  with  Section  19  hereof.   Section   7.  Composition  and  Compensation  of  Revision  Committee.  -­‐  For  
  the   above   purpose,   the   Commission   may   constitute   a   committee   on   the  
"Any  objection  on  the  election  returns  before  the  city  or  municipal  board   revision   of   ballots   which   shall   be   composed   of   the   following   with   the  
of   canvassers,   or   on   the   municipal   certificates   of   canvass   before   the   corresponding  compensation  per  ballot  box  contested:  
provincial   board   of   canvassers   or   district   board   of   canvassers   in   Metro    
Manila   Area,   shall   be   specifically   noticed   in   the   minutes   of   their   1.  A  Chairman,  who  shall  be  a  lawyer  of  the  Commission  -­‐  P150.00  
respective  proceedings."    
  2.  One  Revisor/Alternate  for  the  Protestant  -­‐  P100.00  
COMELEC  RULES  OF  PROCEDURE    
  3.  One  Revisor/Alternate  for  the  Protestee  -­‐  P100.00  
Rule  20  -­‐  Election  Protests    
  Other  Support  Staff:  
Section   1.  Filing  of  Election  Protest.  -­‐  A  verified  petition  contesting  the    
election   of   any   regional,   provincial   or   city   official   shall   be   filed   by   any   4.  Clerk  -­‐  P50.00  
candidate   who   duly   filed   a   certificate   of   candidacy   and   has   been   voted    
for   the   same   office,   within   ten   (10)   days   after   the   proclamation   of   the   5.  Typist  -­‐  P50.00  
results  of  the  election.  
   authorized   representatives   and   the   parties,   their   attorney   or   their   duly  
6.  Ballot  Box  Custodian  -­‐  P50.00   authorized   representatives   shall   have   access   to   the   place   where   said  
  revision   is   taking   place.  
Section   8.   Revision   Expenses.   -­‐   The   compensation   of   the   members   and    
staff   shall   be   deducted   from   the   cash   deposit   of   the   protestant   or   the   Section   13.  Book  of  Voters  as  Evidence.  -­‐  In  election  contests,  the  book  
protestee   as   the   case   may   be,   and   other   incidental   expenses   such   as   of  voters  shall  be  conclusive  in  regard  to  the  question  as  to  who  has  the  
supplies   and   transportation   in   the   supplies   and   transportation   in   the   right  to  vote  in  said  election.  
gathering  of  the  protested  ballot  boxes.    
  Rule  21  -­‐  Quo  Warranto  
Section  9.  Venue  of  the  Revision.  -­‐  The  revision  of  ballots  shall  be  made    
in   the   Office   of   the   Clerk   of   Court   concerned   or   at   such   places   as   the   Section  1.  Petition  for  Quo  Warranto.  -­‐  Any  voter  contesting  the  election  
Commission   or   Division   shall   designate   and   shall   be   completed   within   of  any  regional,  provincial  or  city  official  on  the  ground  of  ineligibility  or  
three   (3)   months   from   the   date   of   the   order;   unless   otherwise   directed   of  disloyalty  to  the  Republic  of  the  Philippines  may  file  a  petition  for  quo  
by  the  Commission.   warranto  with  the  Electoral  Contests  Adjudication  Department.  
   
Section  10.  Custody  of  Election  Records  and  Paraphernalia.  -­‐  The  ballot   Section  2.  Period  Within  Which  to  File.  -­‐  A  petition  for  quo  warranto  
boxes  containing  ballots  and  their  keys,  the  list  of  voters  with  the  voting   may  be  filed  within  ten  (10)  days  from  the  date  the  respondent  is  
records,  book  of  voters,  and  other  documents  used  in  the  election,  shall   proclaimed.  
be  kept  and  held  secure  in  a  place  to  be  designated  by  the  Commission,    
in   the   care   and   custody   of   the   ballot   box   custodian   of   the   Electoral  
Rule  22  -­‐  Appeals  from  Decisions  of  Courts    
Contests   Adjudication   Department   and   under   the   authority   of   the  
Chairman.  
in  Election  Protest  Cases  
 
 
Section  1.  Caption  and  Title  of  Appealed  Cases.  -­‐  In  all  election  contests  
Section   11.   Report   of   Committee   on   Revision.   -­‐   The   committee   on  
involving  the  elections,  returns,  and  qualifications  of  municipal  or  
revision  of  ballots  shall  make  a  statement  of  the  condition  in   which  the  
barangay  officials,  the  party  interposing  the  appeal  shall  be  called  the  
ballot   boxes   and   their   contents   were   found   upon   the   opening   of   the  
"Appellant"  and  the  adverse  party  the  "Appellee",  but  the  title  of  the  case  
same,   and   shall   classify   the   ballots   so   examined   and   set   forth   clearly   any  
shall  remain  as  it  was  in  the  court  of  origin.  
objection   that   may   have   been   offered   to   each   ballot   in   the   report   to   be  
 
submitted  by  them.  Disputed  ballots  shall  be  numbered  consecutively  for  
Section  2.  Attorneys.  -­‐  The  attorneys  of  the  parties  in  the  courts  shall  be  
purposes  of  identification  in  the  presence  and  under  the  direction  of  the  
considered  as  their  respective  attorneys  in  the  Commission,  unless  
committee   chairman.   After   examination,   the   ballots   and   other   election  
otherwise  manifested.  
documents   shall   be   returned   to   their   respective   boxes   under   lock   but  
 
disputed   ballots   shall   be   placed   in   a   separate   envelope   duly   sealed   and  
Section  3.  Notice  of  Appeal.  -­‐  Within  five  (5)  days  after  promulgation  of  
signed  by  the  members  of  the  committee  and  then  returned  to  the  box.  
the  decision  of  the  court,  the  aggrieved  party  may  file  with  said  court  a  
For  purposes  of  making  said  report,  which  shall  be  submitted  in  twelve  
notice  of  appeal,  and  serve  a  copy  thereof  upon  the  attorney  of  record  of  
(12)   legible   copies,   only   the   prescribed   form   prepared   by   the  
the  adverse  party.  
Commission   shall   be   used.  
 
 
Section  4.  Immediate  Transmittal  of  Records  of  the  Case.  -­‐  The  Clerk  of  
Section  12.  Prohibited  Access.  -­‐  During  the  revision  of  ballots,  no  person  
the  court  concerned  shall,  within  fifteen  (15)  days  from  the  filing  of  the  
other  than  the  Members  of  the  Commission,  members  of  the  committee  
notice  of  appeal,  transmit  to  the  Electoral  Contests  Adjudication  
on   revision   of   ballots,   the   Clerk   of   Court   concerned   or   the   latter's  
Department  the  complete  records  of  the  case,  together  with  all  the  
evidence,  including  the  original  and  three  (3)  copies  of  the  transcript  of   (d)  Failure  to  file  notice  of  appeal  within  the  prescribed  period.  
stenographic  notes  of  the  proceedings.    
  Section  10.  Withdrawal  of  Appeal.  -­‐  An  appeal  may  be  withdrawn  as  a  
Section  5.  Filing  of  Briefs.  -­‐  The  Clerk  of  Court  concerned,  upon  receipt   matter  of  right  at  any  time  before  the  filing  of  appellee's  brief.  After  the  
of  the  complete  records  of  the  case,  shall  notify  the  appellant  or  his   filing  of  the  appellee's  brief,  the  withdrawal  may  be  allowed  at  the  
counsel  to  file  with  the  Electoral  Contests  Adjudication  Department   discretion  of  the  Commission.  
within  thirty  (30)  days  from  receipt  of  such  notice,  ten  (10)  legible    
copies  of  his  brief  with  proof  of  service  thereof  upon  the  appellee.  
 
Within  thirty  (30)  days  from  receipt  of  the  brief  of  the  appellant,  the  
appellee  shall  file  ten  (10)  legible  copies  of  his  brief  with  proof  of  service  
thereof  upon  the  appellant.  
 
Section  6.  Contents  of  Brief.  -­‐  The  brief  shall  have  the  same  contents  as  
those  provided  under  Sections  16  and  17,  Rule  46  of  the  Rules  of  Court.  
A  copy  of  the  decision  appealed  from  shall  be  attached  as  an  appendix  to  
the  appellant's  brief.  
 
Section  7.  Reply  Brief.  -­‐  The  appellant  may  file  a  reply  brief  within  
twenty  (20)  days  from  receipt  of  appellee's  brief.  
 
Section  8.  When  Case  May  Be  Set  for  Oral  Argument.  -­‐  Upon  the  filing  of  
appellant's  reply  brief,  or  after  the  expiration  of  the  time  for  its  filing,  the  
case  shall  be  deemed  submitted  for  decision,  unless  within  fifteen  (15)  
days  therefrom,  any  party  asks,  and  for  special  reason,  is  thereafter  
granted  permission  for  oral  argument,  or  unless  the  Commission  motu  
proprio  requires  it.  Oral  arguments  shall  be  confined  to  such  points  as  
the  Commission  may  specify  in  an  order  setting  the  date  therefor.  The  
Commission  may  admit  memoranda  in  lieu  of  oral  argument.  
 
Section  9.  Grounds  for  Dismissal  of  Appeal.  -­‐  The  appeal  may  be  
dismissed  upon  motion  of  either  party  or  at  the  instance  of  the  
Commission  on  any  of  the  following  grounds:  
 
(a)  Failure  of  the  appellant  to  pay  the  correct  appeal  fee;  
 
(b)  Failure  of  the  appellant  to  file  copies  of  his  brief  within  the  time  
provided  by  these  rules;  
 
(c)  Want  of  specific  assignment  of  errors  in  the  appellant's  brief;  and