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Labo vs. COMELEC No. At the time petitioner Labo filed his petition on May 15,
Facts: 1992, the May 9, 1992 resolution of respondent Comelec
For the second time around, believing that he is a Filipino cancelling his (Labo’s) certificate of candidacy had already
ctizen, Ramon Labo, Jr filed his COC for mayor of Baguio City become final and executory a day earlier, or on May 14,
on March 23, 1992 for the May 11, 1992 elections. 1992, said resolution having been received by petitioner
Petitioner Roberto Ortega on other hand, also filed his COC Labo on the same day it was promulgated, i.e., May 9, 1992
for the same office on March 25, 1992. and in the interim no restraining order was issued by this
On March 26, 1992, petitioner Ortega filed a disqualification Court.
proceeding against Labo before the COMELEC on the The resolution cancelling Labo’s certificate of candidacy on
ground that Labo is not a Filipino citizen. the ground that he is not a Filipino citizen having acquired
On May 9, 1992, respondent Comelec issued the assailed finality on May 14, 1992 constrains the SC to rule against his
resolution denying Labo’s COC. proclamation as Mayor of Baguio City.
On May 10, 1992, respondent Comelec issued an Order Sec. 39 of the LGC provides that an elective local official
which reads: Acting on the “Urgent Ex-Parte Motion for must be a citizen of the Philippines. Undoubtedly, petitioner
Clarification”, filed by respondent (Labo) on May 9, Labo, not being a Filipino citizen, lacks the fundamental
1992, the Commission resolves that the decision qualification for the contested office. Philippine citizenship
promulgated on May 9, 1992 disqualifying respondent is an indispensable requirement for holding an elective
Ramon L. Labo, Jr., shall become final and executory only office. The fact that he was elected by the majority of the
after five (5) days from promulgation pursuant to Rule 18, electorate is of no moment.
Section 13, Paragraph (b) of the Comelec Rules of Second Issue:
Procedure. No. The disqualification of petitioner Labo does not
necessarily entitle petitioner Ortega as the candidate with
Accordingly, respondent (Labo) may still continue to be the next highest number of votes to proclamation as the
voted upon as candidate for City Mayor of Baguio City on Mayor of Baguio City.
May 11, 1992 subject to the final outcome of this case in While Ortega may have garnered the second highest
the event the issue is elevated to the Supreme Court either number of votes for the office of city mayor, the fact
on appeal or certiorari. remains that he was not the choice of the sovereign will.
Petitioner Labo was overwhelmingly voted by the
On May 13, 1992, respondent Comelec resolved, motu electorate for the office of mayor in the belief that he was
proprio to suspend the proclamation of Labo in the event then qualified to serve the people of Baguio City and his
he wins in the elections for the City Mayor of Baguio.On subsequent disqualification does not make respondent
May 15, 1992, petitioner Labo filed the instant petition for Ortega the mayor-elect.
review with prayer, among others, for the issuance of a Petitioner Ortega lost in the election. He was repudiated by
temporary restraining order to set aside the May 9, 1992 the electorate. He was obviously not the choice of the
resolution of respondent Comelec; to render judgment people of Baguio City.
declaring him as a Filipino citizen; and to direct respondent Thus, while respondent Ortega (GR No. 105111) originally
Comelec to proceed with his proclamation in the event he filed a disqualification case with the Comelec (docketed as
wins in the contested elections. SPA-92-029) seeking to deny due course to petitioner’s
(Labo’s) candidacy, the same did not deter the people of
Petitioner Ortega argues that respondent Comelec Baguio City from voting for petitioner Labo, who, by then,
committed grave abuse of discretion when it refused to was allowed by the respondent Comelec to be voted upon,
implement its May 9, 1992 resolution notwithstanding the the resolution for his disqualification having yet to attain
fact that said resolution disqualifying Labo has already the degree of finality (Sec. 78. Omnibus Election Code).
become final and executory.Petitioner Ortega submits that
since this Court did not issue a temporary restraining order The rule, therefore, is: the ineligibility of a candidate
as regards the May 9, 1992 resolution of respondent receiving majority votes does not entitle the eligible
Comelec cancelling Labo’s certificate of candidacy, said candidate receiving the next highest number of votes to be
resolution has already become final and executory. Ortega declared elected. A minority or defeated candidate cannot
further posits the view that as a result of such finality, the be deemed elected to the office.
candidate receiving the next highest number of votes
should be declared Mayor of Baguio City. JUAN GALLANOSA FRIVALDO, petitioner, vs.
Sec. 78 of the Omnibus Election Code provides: Petition to COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS AND THE LEAGUE OF
deny due course or to cancel a certificate of candidacy — MUNICIPALITIES, SORSOGON CHAPTER, HEREIN
(e) The decision, order, or ruling of the Commission REPRESENTED BY ITS PRESIDENT, SALVADOR NEE
shall, after five (5) days from receipt of a copy thereof by the ESTUYE, respondents.
parties, be final and executory unless stayed by the Supreme
Court.
FACTS : Petitioner Juan G. Frivaldo was proclaimed
Issue: governor-elect of the province of Sorsogon on January 22,
1. WON Petitioner Labo who had the highest number of votes 1988, and assumed office in due time. On October 27, 1988.
is qualified to assume as Mayor of Baguio City. the League of Municipalities, Sorsogon Chapter (hereafter,
2. WON disqualification of petitioner Labo entitles the League), represented by its President, Salvador Estuye, who
candidate (Ortega) receiving the next highest number of was also suing in his personal capacity, filed with the
votes to be proclaimed as the winning candidate for mayor Commission on Elections a petition for the annulment of
of Baguio City. Frivaldo
Held:
In his answer dated May 22, 1988, Frivaldo admitted that Consul Amado P. Cortez of the Philippine Consulate General
he was naturalized in the United States as alleged but in San Francisco, California, U.S.A.
pleaded the special and affirmative defenses that he had
sought American citizenship only to protect himself against If he really wanted to disavow his American citizenship and
President Marcos reacquire Philippine citizenship, the petitioner should have
done so in accordance with the laws of our country. Under
Frivaldo moved for a preliminary hearing on his affirmative CA No. 63 as amended by CA No. 473 and PD No. 725,
defenses but the respondent Commission on Elections Philippine citizenship may be reacquired by direct act of
decided instead by its Order of January 20, 1988, to set the Congress, by naturalization, or by repatriation.
case for hearing on the merits. His motion for
reconsideration was denied in another Order dated It does not appear that Frivaldo has taken these categorical
February 21, 1988. He then came to this Court in a petition acts. He contends that by simply filing his certificate of
for certiorari and prohibition to ask that the said orders be candidacy he had, without more, already effectively
set aside on the ground that they had been rendered with recovered Philippine citizenship. But that is hardly the
grave abuse of discretion. Pending resolution of the formal declaration the law envisions — surely, Philippine
petition, we issued a temporary order against the hearing citizenship previously disowned is not that cheaply
on the merits scheduled by the COMELEC and at the same recovered. If the Special Committee had not yet been
time required comments from the respondents. convened, what that meant simply was that the petitioner
had to wait until this was done, or seek naturalization by
ISSUE : WON Juan G. Frivaldo was a citizen of the Philippines legislative or judicial proceedings.
at the time of his election on January 18, 1988, as provincial
governor of Sorsogon. All the other issues raised in this The argument that the petition filed with the Commission
petition are merely secondary to this basic question. on Elections should be dismissed for tardiness is not well-
taken. The herein private respondents are seeking to
HELD : The reason for this inquiry is the provision in Article prevent Frivaldo from continuing to discharge his office of
XI, Section 9, of the Constitution that all public officials and governor because he is disqualified from doing so as a
employees owe the State and the Constitution "allegiance foreigner. Qualifications for public office are continuing
at all times" and the specific requirement in Section 42 of requirements and must be possessed not only at the time
the Local Government Code that a candidate for local of appointment or election or assumption of office but
elective office must be inter alia a citizen of the Philippines during the officer's entire tenure. Once any of the required
and a qualified voter of the constituency where he is qualifications is lost, his title may be seasonably challenged.
running. Section 117 of the Omnibus Election Code provides If, say, a female legislator were to marry a foreigner during
that a qualified voter must be, among other qualifications, her term and by her act or omission acquires his nationality,
a citizen of the Philippines, this being an indispensable would she have a right to remain in office simply because
requirement for suffrage under Article V, Section 1, of the the challenge to her title may no longer be made within ten
Constitution. days from her proclamation? It has been established, and
not even denied, that the evidence of Frivaldo's
In the certificate of candidacy he filed on November 19, naturalization was discovered only eight months after his
1987, Frivaldo described himself as a "natural-born" citizen proclamation and his title was challenged shortly
of the Philippines, omitting mention of any subsequent loss thereafter.
of such status. The evidence shows, however, that he was
naturalized as a citizen of the United States in 1983 per the This Court will not permit the anomaly of a person sitting as
following certification from the United States District Court, provincial governor in this country while owing exclusive
Northern District of California, as duly authenticated by Vice allegiance to another country. The fact that he was elected
Consul Amado P. Cortez of the Philippine Consulate General by the people of Sorsogon does not excuse this patent
in San Francisco, California, U.S.A. violation of the salutary rule limiting public office and
employment only to the citizens of this country. The
The reason for this inquiry is the provision in Article XI, qualifications prescribed for elective office cannot be
Section 9, of the Constitution that all public officials and erased by the electorate alone. The will of the people as
employees owe the State and the Constitution "allegiance expressed through the ballot cannot cure the vice of
at all times" and the specific requirement in Section 42 of ineligibility, especially if they mistakenly believed, as in this
the Local Government Code that a candidate for local case, that the candidate was qualified. Obviously, this rule
elective office must be inter alia a citizen of the Philippines requires strict application when the deficiency is lack of
and a qualified voter of the constituency where he is citizenship. If a person seeks to serve in the Republic of the
running. Section 117 of the Omnibus Election Code provides Philippines, he must owe his total loyalty to this country
that a qualified voter must be, among other qualifications, only, abjuring and renouncing all fealty and fidelity to any
a citizen of the Philippines, this being an indispensable other state.
requirement for suffrage under Article V, Section 1, of the
Constitution. It is true as the petitioner points out that the status of the
natural-born citizen is favored by the Constitution and our
In the certificate of candidacy he filed on November 19, laws, which is all the more reason why it should be
1987, Frivaldo described himself as a "natural-born" citizen treasured like a pearl of great price. But once it is
of the Philippines, omitting mention of any subsequent loss surrendered and renounced, the gift is gone and cannot be
of such status. The evidence shows, however, that he was lightly restored. This country of ours, for all its difficulties
naturalized as a citizen of the United States in 1983 per the and limitations, is like a jealous and possessive mother.
following certification from the United States District Court, Once rejected, it is not quick to welcome back with eager
Northern District of California, as duly authenticated by Vice arms its prodigal if repentant children. The returning
renegade must show, by an express and unequivocal act, origin and merely gained a new home and not domicilium
the renewal of his loyalty and love. necessarium.
Romualdez-Marcos vs. COMELEC 4. Assuming that Imelda gained a new domicile after her
248 SCRA 300 marriage and acquired right to choose a new one only after
the death of Pres. Marcos, her actions upon returning to the
FACTS: country clearly indicated that she chose Tacloban, her
Imelda, a little over 8 years old, in or about 1938, domicile of origin, as her domicile of choice. To add,
established her domicile in Tacloban, Leyte where she petitioner even obtained her residence certificate in 1992
studied and graduated high school in the Holy Infant in Tacloban, Leyte while living in her brother’s house, an act,
Academy from 1938 to 1949. She then pursued her college which supports the domiciliary intention clearly
degree, education, in St. Paul’s College now Divine Word manifested. She even kept close ties by establishing
University also in Tacloban. Subsequently, she taught in residences in Tacloban, celebrating her birthdays and other
Leyte Chinese School still in Tacloban. She went to manila important milestones.
during 1952 to work with her cousin, the late speaker Daniel
Romualdez in his office in the House of Representatives. In WHEREFORE, having determined that petitioner possesses
1954, she married late President Ferdinand Marcos when the necessary residence qualifications to run for a seat in
he was still a Congressman of Ilocos Norte and was the House of Representatives in the First District of Leyte,
registered there as a voter. When Pres. Marcos was elected the COMELEC's questioned Resolutions dated April 24, May
as Senator in 1959, they lived together in San Juan, Rizal 7, May 11, and May 25, 1995 are hereby SET ASIDE.
where she registered as a voter. In 1965, when Marcos won Respondent COMELEC is hereby directed to order the
presidency, they lived in Malacanang Palace and registered Provincial Board of Canvassers to proclaim petitioner as the
as a voter in San Miguel Manila. She served as member of duly elected Representative of the First District of Leyte.
the Batasang Pambansa and Governor of Metro Manila
during 1978. Agapito A. Aquino, petitioner vs. Commission on Election,
Move Makati, Mateo Bedon, and Juanito Icaro,
Imelda Romualdez-Marcos was running for the position of respondents
Representative of the First District of Leyte for the 1995 Sept, 18, 1995.
Elections. Cirilo Roy Montejo, the incumbent
Representative of the First District of Leyte and also a Relevant Provisions:
candidate for the same position, filed a “Petition for Section 6, Article VI of the 1987 Constitution
Cancellation and Disqualification" with the Commission on No person shall be a Member of the House of
Elections alleging that petitioner did not meet the Representatives unless he is a natural-born citizen of the
constitutional requirement for residency. The petitioner, in Philippines and, on the day of the election, is at least
an honest misrepresentation, wrote seven months under twenty-five years of age, able to read and write, and,
residency, which she sought to rectify by adding the words except the party-list representatives, a registered voter in
"since childhood" in her Amended/Corrected Certificate of the district in which he shall be elected, and a resident
Candidacy filed on March 29, 1995 and that "she has always thereof for a period of not less than one year immediately
maintained Tacloban City as her domicile or residence. She preceding the day of the election.
arrived at the seven months residency due to the fact that
she became a resident of the Municipality of Tolosa in said Facts:
months. On 20 March 1995, Agapito A. Aquino, the petitioner, filed
his Certificate of Candidacy for the position of
ISSUE: Whether petitioner has satisfied the 1year residency Representative for the new (remember: newly created)
requirement to be eligible in running as representative of Second Legislative District of Makati City. In his certificate
the First District of Leyte. of candidacy, Aquino stated that he was a resident of the
aforementioned district (284 Amapola Cor. Adalla Sts.,
HELD: Residence is used synonymously with domicile for Palm Village, Makati) for 10 months.
election purposes. The court are in favor of a conclusion Move Makati, a registered political party, and Mateo
supporting petitoner’s claim of legal residence or domicile Bedon, Chairman of LAKAS-NUCD-UMDP of Barangay
in the First District of Leyte despite her own declaration of Cembo, Makati City, filed a petition to disqualify Aquino on
7 months residency in the district for the following reasons: the ground that the latter lacked the residence
qualification as a candidate for congressman which under
1. A minor follows domicile of her parents. Tacloban Section 6, Article VI of the 1987 Constitution, should be for
became Imelda’s domicile of origin by operation of law a period not less than one year preceding the (May 8,
when her father brought them to Leyte; 1995) day of the election.
Faced with a petition for disqualification, Aquino amended
2. Domicile of origin is only lost when there is actual the entry on his residency in his certificate of candidacy to
removal or change of domicile, a bona fide intention of 1 year and 13 days. The Commission on Elections passed a
abandoning the former residence and establishing a new resolution that dismissed the petition on May 6 and
one, and acts which correspond with the purpose. In the allowed Aquino to run in the election of 8 May. Aquino,
absence and concurrence of all these, domicile of origin with 38,547 votes, won against Augusto Syjuco with
should be deemed to continue. 35,910 votes.
Move Makati filed a motion of reconsideration with the
3. A wife does not automatically gain the husband’s Comelec, to which, on May 15, the latter acted with an
domicile because the term “residence” in Civil Law does not order suspending the proclamation of Aquino until the
mean the same thing in Political Law. When Imelda married Commission resolved the issue. On 2 June, the Commission
late President Marcos in 1954, she kept her domicile of on Elections found Aquino ineligible and disqualified for
the elective office for lack of constitutional qualification of The SC agreed with the Comelec’s contention that Aquino
residence. should prove that he established a domicile of choice and
Aquino then filed a Petition of Certiorari assailing the May not just residence.
15 and June 2 orders. The Constitution requires a person running for a post in
the HR one year of residency prior to the elections in the
Issue: district in which he seeks election to .
1. Whether “residency” in the certificate of candidacy Aquino’s certificate of candidacy in a previous (May 11,
actually connotes “domicile” to warrant the 1992) election indicates that he was a resident and
disqualification of Aquino from the position in the a registered voter of San Jose, Concepcion, Tarlac for more
electoral district. than 52 years prior to that election. His birth
2. WON it is proven that Aquino has established domicile certificate indicated that Conception as his birthplace and
of choice and not just residence (not in the sense of the his COC also showed him to be a registered voter of the
COC)in the district he was running in. same district. Thus his domicile of origin (obviously, choice
as well) up to the filing of his COC was in Conception,
Held: Tarlac.
1. Yes, The term “residence” has always been understood Aquino’s connection to the new Second District of Makati
as synonymous with “domicile” not only under the City is an alleged lease agreement of a condominium unit
previous constitutions but also under the 1987 in the area. The intention not to establish a permanent
Constitution. The Court cited the deliberations of the home in Makati City is evident in his leasing
Constitutional Commission wherein this principle was a condominium unit instead of buying one. The short
applied. length of time he claims to be a resident of Makati (and
Mr. Nolledo: the fact of his stated domicile in Tarlac and his claims of
I remember that in the 1971 Constitutional Convention, other residences in Metro Manila) indicate that his sole
there was an attempt to require residence in the place not purpose in transferring his physical residence is not to
less than one year immediately preceding the day of acquire a new, residence or domicile but only to qualify as
elections. a candidate for Representative of the Second District of
… Makati City.
What is the Committee’s concept of residence for the Aquino’s assertion that he has transferred his domicile
legislature? Is it actual residence or is it the concept of from Tarlac to Makati is a bare assertion which is hardly
domicile or constructive residence? supported by the facts in the case at bench. To successfully
Mr. Davide: effect a change of domicile, petitioner must prove an
This is in the district, for a period of not less than one year actual removal or an actual change of domicile, a bona
preceding the day of election. This was in effect lifted from fide intention of abandoning the former place of residence
the 1973 constituition, the interpretation given to it was and establishing a new one and definite acts which
domicile. correspond with the purpose.
Mrs. Braid: Aquino was thus rightfully disqualified by the Commission
On section 7, page2, Noledo has raised the same point that on Elections due to his lack of one year residence in the
resident has been interpreted at times as a matter of district.
intention rather than actual residence. Decision
… Instant petition dismissed. Order restraining respondent
Mr. De los Reyes Comelec from proclaiming the candidate garnering the
So we have to stick to the original concept that it should next highest number of votes in the congressional
be by domicile and not physical and actual residence. elections of Second district of Makati City made
Therefore, the framers intended the word “residence” to permanent.
have the same meaning of domicile. Dicta:
The place “where a party actually or constructively has his I. Aquino’s petition of certiorari contents were:
permanent home,” where he, no matter where he may be A. The Comelec’s lack of jurisdiction to determine the
found at any given time, eventually intends to return and disqualification issue involving congressional candidates
remain, i.e., his domicile, is that to which the Constitution after the May 8, 1995 elections, such determination
refers when it speaks of residence for the purposes reserved with the house of representatives electional
of election law. tribunal
The purpose is to exclude strangers or newcomers B. Even if the Comelec has jurisdiction, the jurisdiction
unfamiliar with the conditions and needs of the ceased in the instant case after the elections and the
community from taking advantage of favorable remedy to the adverse parties lies in another forum which
circumstances existing in that community for electoral is the HR Electoral Tribunal consistent with Section 17,
gain. Article VI of the 1987 Constitution.
While there is nothing wrong with the purpose of C. The COMELEC committed grave abuse of discretion
establishing residence in a given area for when it proceeded to promulagate its questioned decision
meeting election law requirements, this defeats the despite its own recognition that a threshold issue of
essence of representation, which is to place through jurisdiction has to be judiciously reviewed again, assuming
assent of voters those most cognizantand sensitive to the arguendo that the Comelec has jurisdiction
needs of a particular district, if a candidate falls short of D. The Comelec’s finding of non-compliance with the
the period of residency mandated by law for him to residency requirement of one year against the petitioner is
qualify. contrary to evidence and to applicable laws and
Which brings us to the second issue. jurisprudence.
E. The Comelec erred in failing to appreciate the legal
2. No, Aquino has not established domicile of choice in the impossibility of enforcing the one year residency
district he was running in. requirement of Congressional candidates in newly created
political districts which were only existing for less than a effective transfer to and residence in Aborlan and the
year at the time of the election and barely four months in validity of his representation on this point in his COC.
the case of petitioner’s district in Makati. Likewise, the "COMELEC could not present any legally
F. The Comelec committed serious error amounting to lack acceptable basis to conclude that Mitra’s statement in his
of jurisdiction when it ordered the board of canvassers to COC regarding his residence was a misrepresentation."
determine and proclaim the winner out of the remaining
qualified candidates after the erroneous disqualification of
the petitioner in disregard of the doctrine that a second JALOSJOS vs. COMELEC and ERASMO
place candidate or a person who was repudiated by the G.R. No. 191970; April 24, 2012
electorate is a loser and cannot be proclaimed as Ponente: Abad
substitute winner.
II. Modern day carpetbaggers can’t be allowed to take Doctrine: Proof required to establish domicile of a
advantage of the creation of new political districts by reinstated Filipino citizen running for governor of a province
suddenly transplanting themselves in such new districts,
prejudicing their genuine residents in the process of taking FACTS:
advantage of existing conditions in these areas. Petitioner Rommel Jalosjos was born in Quezon City. He
III. according to COMELEC: The lease agreement was migrated to Australia when he was eight years old and
executed mainly to support the one year residence acquired Australian citizenship. In 2008, he returned to the
requirement as a qualification for a candidate of the HR, Philippines and lived in Zamboanga, he took an oath of
by establishing a commencement date of his residence. If a allegiance to the Philippines and was issued a certificate of
oerfectly valid lease agreement cannot, by itself establish a reacquisition of citizenship by the Bureau of Immigration
domicile of choice, this particular lease agreement cannot and he renounced his Australian citizenship.
be better.
Jalosjos applied for registration as a voter in Ipil,
MITRA versus COMELEC (G.R. No. 191938) Zamboanga Sibugay, but Private Respondent Erasmo, the
barangay captain, opposed the registration. COMELEC
Facts: approved the application and included Jalosjos in the
When his COC for the position of Governor of Palawan was voter's list. This decision was affirmed at the MCTC and at
declared cancelled, Mitra was the incumbent the RTC.
Representative of the Second District of Palawan. This
district then included, among other territories, Jalosjos then filed a certificate of candidacy (COC) for
the Municipality of Aborlan and Puerto Princesa City. He Governor of Zamboanga Sibugay for the 2010
was elected Representative as a domiciliary elections. Erasmo filed a petition to cancel the COC on the
of Puerto Princesa City, and represented the legislative ground of failure to comply with the one year residency
district for three (3) terms immediately before the requirement of the Local Government Code (LGC).
elections of 2010.
On March 26, 2007 (or before the end of Mitra’s second COMELEC held that Jalosjos failed to present ample proof
term as Representative), Puerto PrincesaCity was of a bona fide intention to establish a domicile in Ipil,
reclassified as a "highly urbanized city" and thus ceased to Zamboanga Sibugay. It held that when he first moved back
be a component city of the Province of Palawan. The direct to the Philippines, he was merely a guest or transient at his
legal consequence of this new status was the ineligibility brother's house in Ipil, and for this reason, he cannot claim
of PuertoPrincesa City residents from voting for Ipil as his domicile. Meanwhile, Jalosjos won the elections.
candidates for elective provincial officials.
On March 20, 2009, with the intention of running for the ISSUE:
position of Governor, Mitra applied for the transfer of his Whether or not the COMELEC is correct in holding that
Voter’s Registration Record from Precinct No. 03720 petitioner did not present ample proof of a bona fide
of Brgy. Sta. Monica, PuertoPrincesa City, to Sitio intention to establish domicile at Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Maligaya,Brgy.
Isaub, Municipality of Aborlan, Province of Palawan. He HELD:
subsequently filed his COC for the position of Governor of NO. The COMELEC is incorrect. Jalosjos has successfully
Palawan as a resident of Aborlan. proven by his acts of renouncing his Australian citizenship
Soon thereafter, respondents Antonio V. Gonzales and and by living in Ipil, that he has changed his domicile to
Orlando R. Balbon, Jr. (the respondents) filed a petition to Zamboanga Sibugay.
deny due course or to cancel Mitra’s COC.
Issue: The LGC requires that a gubernatorial candidate be a
Whether or not Mitra is qualified to run for Governor of resident of the province for at least one year before the
Palawan. elections. For the purposes of election laws, the
requirement of residence is synonymous with domicile: i.e.
Held: he must have an intention to reside in a particulaar place,
YES. Mitra is qualified to rum for the position as Governor but must also have personal presence coupled with conduct
of Palawan. The Supreme Court ruled that Mitra did not indicative of such intention.
misrepresent himself and that he met the residency
requirement as mandated by the Constitution. The question of residence is a question of intention. To
determine compliance with the residency/domicile
The election of Abraham Kahlil Mitra as governor requirement, jurisprudence has laid down the following
of Palawan in the May 10, 2010 elections was upheld in a guidelines:
vote of 11-3. The respondents were not able to present a
convincing case sufficient to overcome Mitra’s evidence of
(a) every person has a domicile or residence
somewhere; However the private respondents filed a Petition to Deny
Due Course to or Cancel the Certificate of Candidacy, in
which they argued that she had falsely represented her
(b) where once established, that domicile remains until
place of birth and residence, because she was in fact born
he acquires a new one; and in San Juan, Metro Manila, and had not totally abandoned
(c) a person can have but one domicile at a time. her previous domicile, Dapitan City.
The facts show that Jalosjos' domicile of origin was Quezon On her side the petitioner averred that she had established
city. When he acquired Australian citizenship, Australia her residence in the said Barangay since December 2008
became his domicile by operation of law and by choice. On when she purchased two parcels of land there, and that she
had been staying in the house of a certain Mrs. Yap while
the other hand, when he came to the Philippines in
the construction of her house was still on going. She also
November 2008 to live with his brother in Zamboanga asserted that the error in her place of birth was committed
Sibugay, it is evident that Jalosjos did so with intent to by her secretary and nevertheless, in a CoC, an error in the
change his domicile for good. He left Australia, gave up his declaration of the place of birth is not a material
Australian citizenship, and renounced his allegiance to that misrepresentation that would lead to disqualification,
country and reacquired his old citizenship by taking an oath because it is not one of the qualifications provided by law.
of allegiance to the Philippines. By his acts, Jalosjos
Election day came and the petitioner garnered the highest
forfeited his legal right to live in Australia, clearly proving
number of votes and won the post of the mayor while the
that he gave up his domicile there. And he has since lived petition for the cancellation of the COC remained pending.
nowhere else except in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. On 10 May 2010, the Municipal Board of Canvassers of
Baliangao, Misamis Occidental, proclaimed her as the duly
To hold that Jalosjos has not established a new domicile in elected municipal mayor.
Zamboanga Sibugay despite the loss of his domicile of origin
On 04 June 2010, the COMELEC Second Division ruled that
(Quezon City) and his domicile of choice and by operation
respondent was DISQUALIFIED for the position of mayor.
of law (Australia) would violate the settled maxim that a
man must have a domicile or residence somewhere. The COMELEC En Banc promulgated a Resolution on 19
August 2010 denying the Motion for Reconsideration of
petitioner for lack of merit and affirming the Resolution of
Neither can COMELEC conclude that Jalosjos did not come the Second Division denying due course to or cancelling her
to settle his domicile in Ipil since he has merely been staying CoC.
at his brother's house. A candidate is not required to have
a house in order to establish his residence or domicile in ISSUE: Whether the Petitioner complied with the one-year
residency requirement for local elective officials.
that place. It is enough that he should live there even if it
be in a rented house or in the house of a friend or
relative. To insist that the candidate own the house where
HELD: Petitioner failed to comply with the one-year
he lives would make property a qualification for public residency requirement for local elective officials.
office. What matters is that Jalosjos has proved two things:
actual physical presence in Ipil and an intention of making it When it comes to the qualifications for running for public
his domicile. office, residence is synonymous with domicile. Accordingly,
As evidence, Jalosjos presented his next-door neighbors Nuval v. Gura held as follows:
who testified that he was physically present in Ipil, he
presented correspondence with political leaders and local The term ‘residence’ as so used, is
and national party mates, furthermore, he is a registered synonymous with ‘domicile’ which imports not
voter by final judgement of the RTC. The court also noted only intention to reside in a fixed place, but also
personal presence in that place, coupled with
that Jalosjos has since acquired a lot in Ipil and a fish pond
conduct indicative of such intention.
in San Isidro, Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay. This, without a
doubt is sufficient to establish his intent to set his domicile
There are three requisites for a person to acquire
in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. a new domicile by choice. First, residence or bodily
DISPOSITIVE presence in the new locality. Second, an intention to remain
WHEREFORE, the Court GRANTS the petition and SETS there. Third, an intention to abandon the old domicile.
ASIDE the Resolution of the COMELEC Second Division
dated February 11, 2010 and the Resolution of the These circumstances must be established by clear
COMELEC En Banc dated May 4, 2010 that disqualified and positive proof, as held in Romualdez-Marcos v.
petitioner Rommel Jalosjos from seeking election as COMELEC and subsequently in Dumpit Michelena v. Boado:
Governor of Zamboanga Sibugay.
In the absence of clear and positive
proof based on these criteria, the residence of
origin should be deemed to continue. Only with
SVETLANA P. JALOSJOS, Petitioner, v. COMMISSION ON evidence showing concurrence of all three
ELECTIONS, EDWIN ELIM TUMPAG and RODOLFO Y. requirements can the presumption of continuity
ESTRELLADA, Respondents. or residence be rebutted, for a change of
residence requires an actual and deliberate
SERENO, J.: abandonment, and one cannot have two legal
residences at the same time.
FACTS:
Petitioner filed her Certificate of Candidacy (CoC) for mayor
Moreover, even if these requisites are established
of Baliangao, Misamis Occidental for the 10 May 2010
by clear and positive proof, the date of acquisition of the
elections on 20 November 2009. She indicated therein her
domicile of choice, or the critical date, must also be
place of birth and residence as BarangayTugas, Municipality
established to be within at least one year prior to the
of Baliangao, Misamis Occidental (Brgy. Tugas).
elections using the same standard of evidence. In the
instant case, we find that petitioner failed to establish by inapplicable Section 40 (a) as well. However, he admits all
clear and positive proof that she had resided in Baliangao, the elements of the crime of fencing.
Misamis Occidental, one year prior to the 10 May 2010
elections. There were inconsistencies in the Affidavits of Issue: WON the petitioner applicant is disqualified for the
Acas-Yap, Yap III, Villanueva, Duhaylungsod, Estrellada,
coming elections due to a crime involving moral turpitude.
Jumawan, Medija, Bagundol, Colaljo, Tenorio, Analasan,
Bation, Maghilum and Javier. Held: Yes. Moral turpitude is defined as an act of baseness,
vileness, or depravity in the private duties which a man
First, they stated that they personally knew owes his fellow men, or to society in general, contrary to
petitioner to be an actual and physical resident of Brgy. the accepted and customary rule of right and duty between
Tugas since 2008. However, they declared in the same man and woman or conduct contrary to justice, honesty,
Affidavits that she stayed in Brgy. Punta Miray while her modesty, or good morals.
house was being constructed in Brgy. Tugas. Second, From the definition of fencing in Sec. 2 of PD 1612, an
construction workers Yap III, Villanueva, Duhaylungsod and element of the crime of fencing may be gleaned that “the
Estrellada asserted that in December 2009, construction
accused knows or should have known that the said article,
was still ongoing. By their assertion, they were implying that
six months before the 10 May 2010 elections, petitioner item, object or anything of value has been derived from the
had not yet moved into her house at Brgy. Tugas. Third, the proceeds of the crime of robbery or theft.
same construction workers admitted that petitioner only
visited Baliangao occasionally when they stated that “at Moral turpitude is deducible from this. Actual knowledge by
times when she (petitioner) was in Baliangao, she used to the “fence” of the fact that property received as stolen
stay at the house of Lourdes Yap while her residential house displays the same degree of malicious deprivation of one’s
was being constructed.”
rightful property as that which animated the robbery or
theft which, by their very nature, are crimes of moral
These discrepancies bolster the statement of the
turpitude. And although the participation of each felon in
Brgy. Tugas officials that petitioner was not and never had
been a resident of their barangay. At most, the Affidavits of the unlawful taking differs in point in time and in degree,
all the witnesses only show that petitioner was building and both the “fence” and the actual perpetrator/s of the
developing a beach resort and a house in Brgy. Tugas, and robbery or theft invaded one’s peaceful dominion for gain
that she only stayed in Brgy. Punta Miray whenever she – thus deliberately reneging the process “private duties”
wanted to oversee the construction of the resort and the they owe their “fellowmen” in a manner “contrary to
house. Assuming that the claim of property ownership of accepted and customary rule of right and duty, justice,
petitioner is true, Fernandez v. COMELEC has established
honesty and good morals.”
that the ownership of a house or some other property
does not establish domicile. This principle is especially true
in this case as petitioner has failed to establish her bodily Note: In determining whether a criminal act involves moral
presence in the locality and her intent to stay there at least turpitude, the Court is guided by one of the general principle
a year before the elections, to wit: To use ownership of that crimes mala in se involve moral turpitude while crimes
property in the district as the determinative indicium of mala prohibita do not. However, SC admitted that it cannot
permanence of domicile or residence implies that the always be ascertained whether moral turpitude does or
landed can establish compliance with the residency
does not exist by merely classifying as crime as mala in se or
requirement. This Court would be, in effect, imposing a
property requirement to the right to hold public office, as mala prohibita. Whether or not a crime involves moral
which property requirement would be unconstitutional. turpitude is ultimately a question of fact and frequently
depends on all the circumstance
WHEREFORE, premises considered, the Petition is
DENIED. The Status Quo Ante Order issued by this Court on
07 September 2010 is hereby LIFTED. PABLO C. VILLABER, petitioner, vs. COMMISSION ON
ELECTIONS and REP. DOUGLAS R. CAGAS, respondents.
Subject: Public Corporation
Doctrine: Disqualification (Sec 40, LGC; “Moral Turpitude”)
Dela Torre vs COMELEC [258 SCRA 485]
FACTS: Petitioner Villaber and respondent Douglas R. Cagas
were rival candidates for a congressional seat in the First
(Municipal Corporation, Disqualification of Local Elective
District of Davao del Sur during the May 14, 2001 elections.
Officials, Moral Turpitude)
Villaber filed his certificate of candidacy for Congressman
Facts: Section 40 (a) of Republic Act 7160 (Local
on February 19, 2001, while Cagas filed his on February 28,
Government Code of 1991) provides that a prior conviction
2001.
of a crime becomes a ground for disqualification from
On March 4, 2001, Cagas filed with the Office of the
running for any elective local position – i.e. “when the
Provincial Election Supervisor of COMELEC Davao del Sur, a
conviction is for an offense involving moral turpitude.”
consolidated petition to disqualify Villaber and to cancel the
latter’s certificate of candidacy due to the fact that Villaber
Citing above as ground, the COMELEC in a resolution,
was convicted by the RTC for violation of BP22 and was
declared petitioner disqualified from running for the
sentenced to suffer 1 year imprisonment. The check that
position of Mayor of Cavinti, Laguna. COMELEC held that
bounced was in the sum of P100,000.00. Cagas further
petitioner was found guilty by the MTC for violation of the
alleged that this crime involves moral turpitude; hence,
Anti-Fencing Law, an offense whose nature involves moral
under Section 12 of the Omnibus Election Code, he is
turpitude.
disqualified to run for any public office. On appeal, the CA
affirmed the RTC Decision. Undaunted, Villaber filed with
Petitioner claimed that Section 40 (a) of the Local
this Court a petition for review on certiorari assailing the
Government Code does not apply to his case inasmuch as
the probation granted him by the MTC which suspended CA’s Decision. However, in its Resolution of October 26,
the execution of the judgment of conviction and all other 1992, this Court (Third Division) dismissed the petition. On
February 2, 1993, our Resolution became final and
legal consequences flowing therefrom, rendered
executory. Cagas also asserted that Villaber made a false
material representation in his certificate of candidacy that In the final analysis, whether or not a crime involves moral
he is “Eligible for the office I seek to be elected” – which turpitude is ultimately a question of fact and frequently
false statement is a ground to deny due course or cancel the depends on the circumstances surrounding the case.
said certificate pursuant to Section 78 of the Omnibus In the case at bar, petitioner does not assail the facts and
Election Code. circumstances surrounding the commission of the crime. In
In his answer to the disqualification suit, Villaber countered effect, he admits all the elements of the crime for which he
mainly that his conviction has not become final and was convicted. At any rate, the question of whether or not
executory because the affirmed Decision was not remanded the crime involves moral turpitude can be resolved by
to the trial court for promulgation in his presence. analyzing its elements alone, as we did in Dela Torre which
Furthermore, even if the judgment of conviction was involves the crime of fencing punishable by a special law.
already final and executory, it cannot be the basis for his Petitioner was charged for violating B.P. Blg. 22 under the
disqualification since violation of B.P. Blg. 22 does not following Information:
involve moral turpitude. “That on or about February 13, 1986, in the City of Manila,
After the opposing parties submitted their respective Philippines, the said accused did then and there willfully,
position papers, the case was forwarded to the COMELEC, unlawfully and feloniously make or draw and issue to Efren
Manila, for resolution. D. Sawal to apply on account or for value Bank of Philippine
On April 30, 2001, the COMELEC finding merit in Cagas’ Islands (Plaza Cervantes, Manila) Check No. 958214 dated
petition, issued the challenged Resolution declaring Villaber February 13, 1986 payable to Efren D. Sawal in the amount
disqualified as “a candidate for and from holding any of P100,000.00, said accused well knowing that at the time
elective public office” and canceling his certificate of of issue he did not have sufficient funds in or credit with the
candidacy. The COMELEC ruled that a conviction for drawee bank for payment of such check in full upon its
violation of B.P Blg. 22 involves moral turpitude following presentment, which check, when presented for payment
the ruling of this Court en banc in the administrative case of within ninety (90) days from the date thereof, was
People vs. Atty. Fe Tuanda. Villaber filed a motion for subsequently dishonored by the drawee bank for
reconsideration but was denied by the COMELEC en banc in insufficiency of funds, and despite receipt of notice of such
a Resolution. dishonor, said accused failed to pay said Efren D. Sawal the
Hence, this petition. amount of said check or to make arrangement for full
payment of the same within five (5) banking days after
ISSUE: The sole issue for our Resolution is whether or not receiving said notice.” (Emphasis ours)
violation of B.P. Blg. 22 involves moral turpitude.
ISSUE: Whether or not Jalosjos make a false statement of a In September 12, 2007, the Sandiganbayan convicted
material fact in his certificate of candidacy when he stated former President Estrada for the crime of plunder and was
under oath that he was eligible to run for mayor? sentenced to suffer the penalty of Reclusion Perpetua and
the accessory penalties of civil interdiction during the
HELD: The Supreme Court held that perpetual special period of sentence and perpetual absolute disqualification.
disqualification against Jalosjos arising from his criminal On October 25, 2007, however, former President Gloria
conviction by final judgment is a material fact involving Macapagal Arroyo extended executive clemency, by way of
eligibility which is a proper ground for a petition under pardon, to former President Estrada, explicitly stating that
Section 78 of the Omnibus Election Code. Jalosjos’ he is restored to his civil and political rights.
certificate of candidacy was void from the start since he was
not eligible to run for any public office at the time he filed In 2009, Estrada filed a Certificate of Candidacy for the
his certificate of candidacy. Jalosjos was never a candidate position of President. None of the disqualification cases
at any time, and all votes for Jalosjos were stray votes. As a against him prospered but he only placed second in the
result of Jalosjos’ certificate of candidacy being void ab results.
initio, Cardino, as the only qualified candidate, actually
garnered the highest number of votes for the position of In 2012, Estrada once more ventured into the political
Mayor. A false statement in a certificate of candidacy that a arena, and filed a Certificate of Candidacy, this time vying
candidate is eligible to run for public office is a false material for a local elective post, that of the Mayor of the City of
representation which is a ground for a petition under Manila.
Section 78 of the same Code. Conviction for robbery by final
judgment with the penalty of prisión mayor, to which Petitioner Risos-Vidal filed a Petition for Disqualification
perpetual special disqualification attaches by operation of against Estrada before the Comelec stating that Estrada is
law, is not a ground for a petition under Section 68 because disqualified to run for public office because of his conviction
robbery is not one of the offenses enumerated in Section for plunder sentencing him to suffer the penalty of reclusion
68. Insofar as crimes are concerned, Section 68 refers only perpetua with perpetual absolute disqualification.
to election offenses under the Omnibus Election Code and Petitioner relied on Section 40 of the Local Government
not to crimes under the Revised Penal Code. Code (LGC), in relation to Section 12 of the Omnibus
This Court has already ruled that offenses punished in laws Election Code (OEC).
other than in the Omnibus Election Code cannot be a
ground for a petition under Section 68. In Codilla, Sr. v. de The Comelec dismissed the petition for disqualification
Venecia, the Court declared: The jurisdiction of the holding that President Estrada’s right to seek public office
COMELEC to disqualify candidates is limited to those has been effectively restored by the pardon vested upon
enumerated in Section 68 of the Omnibus Election Code. All him by former President Gloria M. Arroyo.
other election offenses are beyond the ambit of COMELEC
jurisdiction.They are criminal and not administrative in Estrada won the mayoralty race in May 13, 2013 elections.
nature. Alfredo Lim, who garnered the second highest votes,
What is indisputably clear is that the false material intervened and sought to disqualify Estrada for the same
representation of Jalosjos is a ground for a petition under ground as the contention of Risos-Vidal and praying that he
Section 78. However, since the false material be proclaimed as Mayor of Manila.
representation arises from a crime penalized by prisión
mayor, a petition under Section 12 of the Omnibus Election Issue:
Code or Section 40 of the Local Government Code can also
be properly filed. The petitioner has a choice whether to May former President Joseph Estrada run for public office
anchor his petition on Section 12 or Section 78 of the despite having been convicted of the crime of plunder
Omnibus Election Code, or on Section 40 of the Local which carried an accessory penalty of perpetual
Government Code. The law expressly provides multiple disqualification to hold public office?
indubitable from the text of the pardon that the accessory
Held: penalties of civil interdiction and perpetual absolute
disqualification were expressly remitted together with the
Yes. Estrada was granted an absolute pardon that fully principal penalty of reclusion perpetua.
restored all his civil and political rights, which naturally
includes the right to seek public elective office, the focal The disqualification of former President Estrada under
point of this controversy. The wording of the pardon Section 40 of the LGC in relation to Section 12 of the OEC
extended to former President Estrada is complete, was removed by his acceptance of the absolute pardon
unambiguous, and unqualified. It is likewise unfettered by granted to him
Articles 36 and 41 of the Revised Penal Code. The only
reasonable, objective, and constitutional interpretation of While it may be apparent that the proscription in Section
the language of the pardon is that the same in fact conforms 40(a) of the LGC is worded in absolute terms, Section 12 of
to Articles 36 and 41 of the Revised Penal Code. the OEC provides a legal escape from the prohibition – a
plenary pardon or amnesty. In other words, the latter
It is insisted that, since a textual examination of the pardon provision allows any person who has been granted plenary
given to and accepted by former President Estrada does not pardon or amnesty after conviction by final judgment of an
actually specify which political right is restored, it could be offense involving moral turpitude, inter alia, to run for and
inferred that former President Arroyo did not deliberately hold any public office, whether local or national position.
intend to restore former President Estrada’s rights of
suffrage and to hold public office, orto otherwise remit the The third preambular clause of the pardon did not operate
penalty of perpetual absolute disqualification. Even if her to make the pardon conditional.
intention was the contrary, the same cannot be upheld
based on the pardon’s text. Contrary to Risos-Vidal’s declaration, the third preambular
clause of the pardon, i.e., "[w]hereas, Joseph Ejercito
The pardoning power of the President cannot be limited Estrada has publicly committed to no longer seek any
by legislative action. elective position or office," neither makes the pardon
conditional, nor militate against the conclusion that former
The 1987 Constitution, specifically Section 19 of Article VII President Estrada’s rights to suffrage and to seek public
and Section 5 of Article IX-C, provides that the President of elective office have been restored.
the Philippines possesses the power to grant pardons, along
with other acts of executive clemency, to wit: This is especially true as the pardon itself does not explicitly
Section 19. Except in cases of impeachment, or as otherwise impose a condition or limitation, considering the
provided in this Constitution, the President may grant unqualified use of the term "civil and political rights"as
reprieves, commutations, and pardons, and remit fines and being restored. Jurisprudence educates that a preamble
forfeitures, after conviction by final judgment. is not an essential part of an act as it is an introductory or
preparatory clause that explains the reasons for the
He shall also have the power to grant amnesty with the enactment, usually introduced by the word "whereas."
concurrence of a majority of all the Members of the Whereas clauses do not form part of a statute because,
Congress. strictly speaking, they are not part of the operative
language of the statute. In this case, the whereas clause at
xxxx issue is not an integral part of the decree of the pardon, and
therefore, does not by itself alone operate to make the
Section 5. No pardon, amnesty, parole, or suspension of pardon conditional or to make its effectivity contingent
sentence for violation of election laws, rules, and upon the fulfilment of the aforementioned commitment
regulations shall be granted by the President without the nor to limit the scope of the pardon.
favorable recommendation of the Commission.
It is apparent from the foregoing constitutional provisions Besides, a preamble is really not an integral part of a law. It
that the only instances in which the President may not is merely an introduction to show its intent or purposes. It
extend pardon remain to be in: (1) impeachment cases; (2) cannot be the origin of rights and obligations. Where the
cases that have not yet resulted in a final conviction; and (3) meaning of a statute is clear and unambiguous, the
cases involving violations of election laws, rules and preamble can neither expand nor restrict its operation
regulations in which there was no favorable much less prevail over its text.
recommendation coming from the COMELEC. Therefore, it
can be argued that any act of Congress by way of statute If former President Arroyo intended for the pardon to be
cannot operate to delimit the pardoning power of the conditional on Respondent’s promise never to seek a public
President. office again, the former ought to have explicitly stated the
same in the text of the pardon itself. Since former President
The proper interpretation of Articles 36 and 41 of the Arroyo did not make this an integral part of the decree of
Revised Penal Code. pardon, the Commission is constrained to rule that the 3rd
preambular clause cannot be interpreted as a condition to
A close scrutiny of the text of the pardon extended to the pardon extended to former President Estrada. (Risos-
former President Estrada shows that both the principal Vidal vs. Comelec, G.R. No. 206666, January 21, 2015)
penalty of reclusion perpetua and its accessory penalties
are included in the pardon. The sentence which states that
“(h)e is hereby restored to his civil and political rights,” WILMER GREGO, petitioner, VS. COMMISSION ON
expressly remitted the accessory penalties that attached to ELECTIONS AND HUMBERTO BASCO, respondents - G.R.
the principal penalty of reclusion perpetua. Hence, even if No. 125955, June 19, 1997
we apply Articles 36 and 41 of the Revised Penal Code, it is
FACTS: In 1981, Basco was removed from his position as
Deputy Sheriff for serious misconduct. Subsequently, he ran
as a candidate for councilor in the Second District of the City FACTS:
of Manila during the 1988, local elections. He won and
assumed office. After his term, Basco sought re-election. Dr. Manalo filed with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan an
Again, he won. However, he found himself facing lawsuits administrative complaint against incumbent Mayor Reyes
filed by his opponents who wanted to dislodge him from his of Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro. It was alleged that Reyes
position. exacted and collected P50,000,00 from each market stall
holder in the Bongabong Public Market. Also, that certain
checks issued to him by the National Reconciliation and
Petitioner argues that Basco should be disqualified from
Development Program of the DILG were never received by
running for any elective position since he had been
the Municipal Treasurer nor reflected in the books of
“removed from office as a result of an administrative case”
accounts of the same officer; and that he took 27 heads of
pursuant to Section 40 (b) of Republic Act No. 7160.
cattle from beneficiaries of a cattle dispersal program. The
Sangguniang Panlalawigan found petitioner guilty of the
For a third time, Basco was elected councilor in 1995. charges and ordered his removal from office.
Expectedly, his right to office was again contested. In 1995,
petitioner Grego filed with the COMELEC a petition for Reyes filed a petition for certiorari, prohibition and
disqualification. The COMELEC conducted a hearing and injunction with the RTC of Oriental Mindoro. Later, the
ordered the parties to submit their respective memoranda. Presiding Officer of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan issued an
order for Reyes to vacate the position of mayor and to turn
over the office to the incumbent vice mayor but he refused
However, the Manila City BOC proclaimed Basco in May
to accept the service of the order.
1995, as a duly elected councilor for the Second District of
Manila, placing sixth among several candidates who vied for
Thereafter, Reyes filed a certificate of candidacy with the
the seats. Basco immediately took his oath of office.
Comelec but a petition for disqualification was filed against
him. Thus, the Comelec canceled Reyes’s certificate of
COMELEC resolved to dismiss the petition for candidacy. However, the Municipal Board of Canvassers of
disqualification. Petitioner’s motion for reconsideration of Bongabong unaware of the disqualification of Reyes by the
said resolution was later denied by the COMELEC,, hence, Comelec, proclaimed him the duly-elected mayor.
this petition.
The COMELEC en banc declared him to have been validly
disqualified as candidate and, consequently, set aside his
ISSUE: Whether or not COMELEC acted in with grave abuse
proclamation as municipal mayor. Hence the petition in
of discretion in dismissing the petition for disqualification.
G.R. No. 120905, which was filed on July 20, 1995, alleging
grave abuse of discretion by the COMELEC on the ground
RULING: No. The Supreme Court found no grave abuse of that the decision in the administrative case against
discretion on the part of COMELEC in dismissing the petition petitioner Reyes was not yet final and executory and
for disqualification, however, the Court noted that they do therefore could not be used as basis for his disqualification.
not agree with its conclusions and reasons in the assailed Invoking the ruling in the case of Aguinaldo v. Santos,
resolution. petitioner argues that his election on May 8, 1995 is a bar
to his disqualification.
In case of discrepancy between the basic law and a rule or 2. WON petitioner’s reelection rendered the administrative
regulation issued to implement said law, the basic law charges against him moot and academic
prevails because said rule or regulations cannot go beyond
the terms and provisions of the basic law. Since Section 6 of 3. WON the candidate who obtains the second highest
Rep. Act 6646, the law which Section 5 of Rule 25 of the number of votes may not be proclaimed winner in case the
COMELEC Rules of Procedure seeks to implement, winning candidate is disqualified.
employed the word “may,” it is, therefore, improper and
highly irregular for the COMELEC to have used instead the
word “shall” in its rules. HELD:
Clearly, SPA No. 90-006 was filed beyond the 25-day period Gonzales v Comelec G.R No. 192856 March 18, 2011
prescribed by Section 78 of the Omnibus Election Code. Facts: Petitioner Fernando Gonzales and Reno Lim both
filed certificates of candidacy for the position of
Representative of the 3rd district of Albay in the May 10,
2010 election. Lim was the incumbent Congressman while
Gonzales was the former Governor of Albay. On March 30,
2010 a petiton for disqualification and cancellation of
certificate of candidacy was filed by Stephen Bichara on the
ground that Gonzales is a Spanish national, being the
legitimate child of a spanish father and a filipino mother,
and that failed to elect Philippines citizenship upon reaching
the age of majority in accordance with the provisions of
Commonwealth Act no. 625. And that his certificate of
candidacy contains misleading information. The Comelec
second division division disqualified Gonzales in the
forthcoming National and Local elections. Gonzales thru
counsel, received a copy of the aforesaid resolution on May
11, 2010. Lim petitioned the Provincial Board of Canvassers
to consider the votes cast for Gonzales as stray or not
counted and/or suspend his proclamation, citing the second
division’s May 8, 2010 resolution disqualifying Gonzales as
a candidate. PBOC dismissed the petition stating that the
period for filing the of a motion for reconsideration of the
comelec resolution has not yet elapsed, and hence, the
same is not yet final and executory. Based on the results of
the counting, Gonzales emerged as the winner having
garnered a total vote of 96000 while Lim ranked second
with a vote of 68701 votes. On May 12, 2010, PBOC officially
proclaimed Gonzales as the duly elected Representative of
the 3rd district of Albay.
Issue: WON the Comelec has jurisdiction over a
Representative which was officially proclaimed as a winner.
Held: We have constantly held that once a winning
candidate has been proclaimed, taken his oath, and
assumed office as a member of the house of rep. the
comelec’s jurisdiction over election, returns, and
qualifications ends and the HRET’s own jurisdiction begins.
We declared that the court does not have jurisdiction to
pass upon the eligibility of the private respondent who was
already a member of the house at the time of the filing of
the petition for cerctiorari.