UST Golden Notes - Election Law

ELECTION LAW
K.ELECTIONLAW
Q:Whatisanelection?
A:Itistheselectionofcandidatestopublicoffice
bypopularvoteofthepeople.
Q:Whatarethecomponentsofanelection?
A:
1. Choice or selection of candidates to
publicofficebypopularvote
2. Conductofthepolls
3. Listingofvotes
4. Holdingofelectoralcampaign
5. Act of casting and receiving the ballots
fromthevoters
6. Countingtheballots
7. Makingtheelectionreturns
8. Proclaimingthewinningcandidates
Q:Whatarethetypesofelections?
A:
1. Regular election refers to an election
participated in by those who possess
the right of suffrage, are not otherwise
disqualified by law, and who are
registeredvoters.
a.NationalElection
i.forPresidentandVP
ii.forSenators
b.LocalElections
i.ForMembersofHOR
ii.PartyListRepresentatives
iii.ProvincialOfficials
iv.CityOfficials
v.MunicipalOfficials
c.BarangayElections
d.ARRMElections
i.ForRegionalGovernor
ii.RegionalViceGovernor
iii.RegionalAssemblymen
e.SanggguniangKabataan(SK)Elections
2. Special election one held to fill a

vacancy in office before the expiration
of the term for which the incumbent
waselected.
a. Plebisciteelectoral process by
whichaninitiativeontheConstitutionis
approvedorrejectedbythepeople.
b. Initiativepower of the people to
propose
amendments
to
the
Constitution
or to propose and enact legislations
throughelectioncalledforthepurpose
i.InitiativeontheConstitution
ii.InitiativeonStatutes
iii. Initiative on Local

Legislation
c. Referendumpower of the
electorate to approve or reject a piece
oflegislationthroughanelectioncalled
forthepurpose.
i.ReferendumonStatutes
ii.ReferendumonLocalLaws
d. Recallmode of removal of an
elective public officer by the people
beforetheendofhistermofoffice.
Q:Whataretherulesonconstructionofelection
laws?
A:
CONSTRUCTIONOFELECTIONLAW
1. Before the election
Laws for conduct of
Mandatory
elections
2. After the election
Directory
Mandatory and strictly
Lawsforcandidates
construed
Liberally construed in
Proceduralrules
favor of ascertainingthe
willoftheelections
Q:Whenwilltheelectionperiodcommence?
A: The election period shall commence 90 days

before the day of the election and shall end 30
days thereafter. (Sec. 3, B.P. 881 Omnibus
ElectionCode)
Q:Whatisthepurposeofanelection?
A:Togivethevotersadirectparticipationinthe
affairsoftheirpublicofficialsorindecidingsome
questions of public interest. (Luna v. Rodriguez,
G.R.No.L13744,November29,1918)
ACADEMICSCHAIR:LESTERJAYALANE.FLORESII
UNIVERSITYOFSANTOTOMAS
VICECHAIRSFORACADEMICS:KARENJOYG.SABUGO&JOHNHENRYC.MENDOZA
Facultad de Derecho Civil
V ICECHAIRFORADMINISTRATIONANDFINANCE:JEANELLEC.LEE
VICECHAIRSFORLAYOUTANDDESIGN:EARLLOUIEM.MASACAYAN&THEENAC.MARTINEZ
157
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
a.SUFFRAGE
Q:Whatistherightofsuffrage?
A:Itistherighttovoteintheelectionofofficers
chosenbythepeopleandinthedeterminationof
questionssubmittedtothepeople.Itincludes:
1. Election
2. Plebiscite
3. Initiativeand
4. Referendum
Q:Istherightofsuffrageabsolute?
A:No.Needlesstosay,theexerciseoftheright
ofsuffrage,asintheenjoymentofallotherrights,
is subject to existing substantive and procedural
requirements embodied in our Constitution,
statute books and other repositories of law.
(AKBAYANYOUTH v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 147066,
March26,2001)
b.QUALIFICATIONANDDISQUALIFICATIONOF
VOTERS
Q:Whatarethequalificationsforsuffrage?
A:
1. Filipinocitizenship
2. Atleast18yearsofage
3. Resident of the Philippines for at least
oneyear
4. Resident of the place where he
proposestovoteforatleast6months;
and
5. Not otherwise disqualified by law (Sec.
9,R.A.No.8189)
Q:Whataretheproceduralqualifications?
A: As to the procedural limitation, the right of a

citizen to vote is necessarily conditioned upon
certain procedural requirements he must
undergo: among others, the process of
registration. Specifically, a citizen in order to be
qualifiedtoexercisehisrighttovote,inaddition
to the minimum requirements set by the
fundamentalcharter,isobligedbylawtoregister,
at present, under the provisions of Republic Act
No. 8189, otherwise known as the Voters
158
Registration Act of 1996.(AkbayanYouth v.

COMELEC,G.R.No.147066,Mar.26,2001)
Q:Whoaredisqualifiedtovote?
A:
1. Personssentencedbyfinaljudgmentto
suffer imprisonment for not less than
one year, unless pardoned or granted
amnesty; but right is reacquired before
expiration of 5 years after service of
sentence
2. Conviction by final judgment of any of
thefollowingcrimes:
a. Crime involving disloyalty to the
government
b.Anycrimeagainstnationalsecurity
c.Firearmslaws
Butrightisreacquiredbeforeexpiration
of5yearsafterserviceofsentence.
3. Insanity or incompetence declared by
competentauthority(Sec.118,B.P.881
OmnibusElectionCode)
c.REGISTRATIONOFVOTERS
Q:Doesregistrationconfertherighttovote?
A: No. It is but a condition precedent to the

exercise of the right to vote. Registration is a
regulation,notaqualification.(Yrav.Abano,G.R.
No.L30187,November15,1928)
Q:Whatistheeffectoftransferofresidence?
A: Any person,who transfers residencesolelyby

reason of his occupation, profession or
employment in private or public service,
education,etc.,shallnotbedeemedtohavelost
hisoriginalresidence.(Asistiov.Aguirre,G.R.No.
191124,April27,2010)
Q:Whatisdomicile?
A: A place to which, whenever absent for

business or for pleasure, one intends to return,
and depends on facts and circumstances in the
sense that they disclose intent. (Romualdez
Marcos vs. COMELEC, G.R. No. 119976, Sept. 18,
1995)
Q:Whatisresidenceforelectionpurposes?
POLITICALLAWTEAM:
ADVISER:ATTY.EDWINREYSANDOVAL;SUBJECTHEAD:RACHELMARIEL.FELICES;ASST.SUBJECTHEADS:WIVINOE.BRACEROII&
HERAZEUSCHRISTINEY.UY;MEMBERS
:LAWRENCEPAULOH.AQUINO,LEANDRORODELV.ATIENZA,MARINETHEASTERAND.AYOS,
CARLOR.BALA,WILFREDOT.BONILLA,JR.,KEELACHERNARR.DINOY,APRILV.ENRILE,KENNETHJAMESCARLOC.HIZON,JOSEMARIA
G.MENDOZA,ROGERCHRISTOPHERR.REYES,ROMILINDAC.SIBAL,JASMINM.SISON,ZARAHPATRICIAT.SUAREZ,RALPHJULIOUSL.
VILLAMOR.
ELECTION LAW
A: It implies the factual relationship of an

individual to a certain place. It is the physical
presenceofapersoninagivenarea,community
orcountry.Forelectionpurposestheconceptsof
residence and domicile are dictated by the
peculiar criteria of political laws. As these
concepts have evolved in our election law, what
hasclearlyandunequivocallyemergedisthefact
that residence for election purposes is used
synonymouslywithdomicile.(Ibid.)
Q: Petitioner ran congressman of the First

District of Laguna. In his CoC, he indicated that
his complete/exact address is in Sta. Rosa City,
Laguna. Vicente sought the cancellation of
petitionersCOCandthelattersdisqualification
as a candidate on the ground of an alleged
material misrepresentation in his CoC regarding
his place of residence, because during past
elections,hehaddeclaredPagsanjan,Lagunaas
his address, and Pagsanjan was located in the
Fourth District of Laguna and that Vicente is
merelyleasingapropertyinhisallegedSta.Rosa
residence. Does the constitution require that a
candidate be a property owner in the district
whereheintendstorun?
A:No.Althoughitistruethatthelatestacquired
abodeisnotnecessarilythedomicileofchoiceof
a candidate, there is nothing in the Constitution
orourelectionlawswhichrequireacongressional
candidate to sell a previously acquired home in
onedistrictandbuyanewoneintheplacewhere
he seeks to run in order to qualify for a
congressional seat in that other district. Neither
doweseethefactthatVicentewasonlyleasinga
residenceinSta.Rosaatthetimeofhiscandidacy
as a barrier for him to run in that district.
Certainly, the Constitution does not require a
congressional candidate to be a property owner
inthedistrictwhereheseekstorunbutonlythat
heresidesinthatdistrictforatleastayearprior
toElectionDay.Touseownershipofpropertyin
the district as the determinative indicium of
permanenceofdomicileorresidenceimpliesthat
onlythelandedcanestablishcompliancewiththe
residency requirement. This Court would be, in
effect, imposing a property requirement to the
right to hold public office, which property
requirement would be unconstitutional.
(Fernandez v. HRET, G.R. No. 187478, Dec. 29,

2009)
Q:Whoisadoubleregistrant?
A: Any person who, being a registered voter,

registers anew without filing an application for
cancellation of his previous registration. (Sec. 26
(y)(6),OmnibusElectionCode)
Q:MaruhomregisteredasavoterinMarawion
26 July 2003. Only three days after, Maruhom
againregisteredasavoterinMarantao,without
firstcancelingherregistrationinMarawi;andon
28 March 2007, Maruhom filed her COC
declaring that she was a registered voter in
Marantao and eligible to run as a candidate for
thepositionofmayorofsaidmunicipality.Isshe
still qualified to run for such position in
Marantao?
A: No. Her prior registration makes her

subsequentregistrationnullandvoid.Shecannot
beconsideredaregisteredvoterinMarantaoand
thus she madea false representation in her COC
whensheclaimedtobeone.Ifacandidatestates
amaterialrepresentationintheCOCthatisfalse,
the COMELEC is empowered to deny due course
to or cancel the COC. The person whose COC is
deniedduecourseorcancelledunderSection78
oftheOECisnottreatedasacandidateatall,asif
suchpersonneverfiledaCOC.However,although
Maruhoms registration in Marantao is void, her
registration in Marawi still subsists. She may be
barred from voting or running for mayor in the
former, but she may still exercise her right to
vote, or even run for an elective post, in the
latter. (Maruhom v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 179430,
July27,2009)
Q:Aredoubleregistrantsstillqualifiedtovote?
A: Yes, double registrants are still qualified to

vote provided that COMELEC has to make a
determination on which registration is valid and
whichisvoid.COMELECcouldnotconsiderboth
registrationsvalidbecauseitwouldthengiverise
to the anomalous situation where a voter could
voteintwoprecinctsatthesametime.COMELEC
laid down the rule in Minute Resolution No. 00
1513thatwhilethefirstregistrationofanyvoter
159
subsists, any subsequent registration thereto is

void ab initio. (Maruhom v. COMELEC, G.R. No.
179430,July27,2009)
Q: Y filed a petition for the cancellation of the

certificateofcandidacy(COC)ofX.Essentially,Y
sought the disqualification of X for Mayor of
South Upi, Maguindanao, alleging, that X was
not a registered voter in the Municipality of
South Upi, Maguindanao since he failed to sign
his application for registration, and that the
unsignedapplicationforregistrationhasnolegal
effect. In refutation, X asseverated that his
failuretosignhisapplicationforregistrationdid
notaffectthevalidityofhisregistrationsincehe
possesses the qualifications of a voter set forth
in the Omnibus Election Code as amended by
Section9ofRepublicAct8189.Yinsiststhatthe
signature in the application for registration is
indispensable for its validity as it is an
authentication and affirmation of the data
appearingtherein.ShouldXbedisqualified?
A:Yes.R.A.8189,TheVotersRegistrationActof
1996,specificallyprovidesthatanapplicationfor
registration shall contain specimen signatures of
the applicant as well as his/her thumbprints,
among others. The evidence shows that X failed
to sign very important parts of the application,
which refer to the oath which X should have
takentovalidateandsweartotheveracityofthe
contents appearing in the application for
registration. Plainly, from the foregoing, the
irregularities surrounding Xs application for
registration eloquently proclaims that he did not
comply with the minimum requirements of RA
8189. This leads to only one conclusion: that X,
not having demonstrated that he duly
accomplished an application for registration, is
not a registered voter. Hence, he must be
disqualified to run for Mayor. (Gunsi Sr. v.
COMELEC,G.R.No.168792,Feb.23,2009)
Q:"A",whileoflegalageandofsoundmind,is
illiterate. He has asked your advice on how he
canvoteinthecomingelectionforhisbrotheris
runningformayor.Thiswillbethefirsttime"A"
willvoteandhehasneverregisteredasavoter
before. What advice will you give him on the
procedureheneedstofollowinordertobeable
tovote?
160
A: The Constitution provides that until Congress

shall have provided otherwise, illiterate and
disabled voters shall be allowed to vote under
existinglawsandregulations(Art,V,Sec.2).Itis
necessary for any qualified voter to register in
ordertovote.(OmnibusElectionCode,Sec.115)
Inthecaseofilliterateanddisabledvoters,their
voter's affidavit may be prepared by any relative
withinthefourthcivildegreeofconsanguinityor
affinityorbyanymemberoftheboardofelection
inspectors who shall prepare the affidavit in
accordance with the data supplied by the
applicant.(Sec.14,R.A.No.8189)
Q:Whatisthesystemofcontinuingregistration?
A: GR: It is a system where the application of

registration of voters shall be conducted daily in
the office hours of the election officer during
regularofficehours.
XPN: No registration shall be conducted during

the period starting 120 days before a regular
election and 90 days before a special election
(Sec.8,R.A.8189)
Note: The SC upheld COMELECs denial of the

requestfortwoadditionalregistrationdaysinorder
toenfranchisemorethan4millionyouthwhofailed
toregisteronorbeforeDecember27,2000.Itisan
accepted doctrine in administrative law that the
determination of administrative agencies as to the
operation, implementation and application of a law
is accorded greatest weight, considering that these
specialized government bodies are, by their nature
and functions, in the best position to know what
they can possibly do or not do under prevailing
circumstances(AkbayanYouthv.COMELEC,G.R.No.
147066,Mar.26,2001)
Q: On Nov. 12, 2008 respondent COMELEC

issued Resolution 8514 set Dec. 2, 2008 to
Dec.15, 2009 as the period of continuing voter
registration using the biometrics process in all
areas except ARMM. Subsequently COMELEC
issued Resolution 8585 on Feb. 12, 2009
adjusting the deadline of voter registration for
theMay10,2010nationalandlocalelectionsto
Oct. 31, 2009 instead of Dec. 15, 2009 as
previously fixed by Resolution 8514. Petitioners
challenge the validity of COMELEC Resolution
POLITICALLAWTEAM:
VILLAMOR.
ELECTION LAW
8585 and seek the declaration of its nullity.

Petitioners further contend that the COMELEC
Resolution 8585 is an unconstitutional
encroachment on the legislative power of
Congress as it amends the system of continuing
voterregistrationunderSection8ofRA8189.Is
COMELEC Resolution 8585 valid? Differentiate
fromthecaseofAkbayanYouthv.COMELEC?
A:Inthepresentcase,theCourtfindsnoground
to hold that the mandate of continuing voter
registrationcannotbereasonablyheldwithinthe
period provided by RA 8189 (Absentee Voting),
Sec.8 daily during the office hours, except
during the period starting 120 days before the
May 10,2010 regular elections. There is thus no
occasion for the COMELEC to exercise its power
tofixotherdatesordeadlinesthereof.
The present case differs significantly from the

AkbayanYouthvs.COMELEC.Inthesaidcase,the
Court held that the COMELEC did not abuse its
discretion in denying the request of the therein
petitionersforanextensionoftheDec.27,2000
deadline of voter registration for the May 14,
2001 elections. For the therein petitioners filed
their petition with the court within the 120day
periodfortheconductofvoterregistrationunder
Sec.8,RA8189,andsoughttheconductofatwo
day registration of Feb. 17, and 18,2001, clearly
withinthe120dayprohibitedperiod.
TheclearimportoftheCourtspronouncementin
AkbayanYouth is that had therein petitioners
filedtheirpetitionandsoughtanextensiondate
thatwasbeforethe120dayprohibitiveperiod,
theirprayerwouldhavebeengrantedpursuantto
themandateofRA8189(AbsenteeVoting).Inthe
present case, as reflected earlier, both the dates
offilingofthepetition(October30,2009)andthe
extensionsought(untilJanuary9,2010)areprior
to the 120 day prohibitive period. The Court
therefore, finds no legal impediment to the
extension prayed for. (Kabataan partylist v.
COMELEC,G.R.No.189868,Dec.15,2009)
Q:Whatisabsenteevoting?
A:Itisaprocessbywhichqualifiedcitizensofthe
Philippines abroad exercise their right to vote
pursuant to the constitutional mandate that
Congress shall provide a system for absentee

votingbyqualifiedFilipinosabroad(Sec.2,Art.V,
1987 Constitution). Absentee voting is an
exception to the six month/one year residency
requirement. (Macalintal v. Romulo, G.R. No.
157013,July10,2003)
Note:TheconstitutionalityofSec.18.5ofR.A.9189
(AbsenteeVoting)isupheldwithrespectonlytothe
authority given to the COMELEC to proclaim the
winning candidates for the Senators and partylist
representatives but not as to the power to canvass
votes and proclaim the winning candidates for
PresidentandVicepresident.(Ibid.)
Q:Whoarequalifiedtovoteundertheabsentee
votinglaw?
A: All citizens of the Philippines abroad, who are

not otherwise disqualified by law, at least
eighteen (18) years of age on the day of the
elections,mayvoteforpresident,vicepresident,
senators and partylist representatives. (Sec. 4,
R.A.9189)
Q: Who are disqualified from voting under the

absenteevotinglaw?
A:
1. Those who have lost their Filipino
citizenship in accordance with
Philippinelaws;
2. Those who have expressly renounced
their Philippine citizenship and who
have pledged allegiance to a foreign
country;
3. Those who have committed and are
convictedinafinaljudgmentbyacourt
or tribunal of an offense punishable by
imprisonment of not less than one (1)
year, including those who have
committed and been found guilty of
Disloyalty as defined under Art. 137 of
the Revised Penal Code, such disability
not having been removed by plenary
pardonoramnesty;
Note:However,anypersondisqualifiedto
vote under this subsection shall
automatically acquire the right to vote
upon expiration of five (5) years after
serviceofsentence;Providedfurther,that
the Commission may take cognizance of
finaljudgmentsissuedbyforeigncourtsor
161
tribunals only on the basis of reciprocity

and subject to the formalities and
processesprescribedbytheRulesofCourt
onexecutionofjudgments;
4.
An immigrant or a permanent resident

who is recognized as such in the host
country
Note: An immigrant or permanent

resident may vote if he/she executes,
upon registration, an affidavit prepared
for the purpose by the Commission
declaring that he/she shall resume actual
physical permanent residence in the
Philippines not later than three (3) years
from approval of his/her registration
under this Act. Such affidavit shall also
state that he/she has not applied for
citizenship in another country. Failure to
return shall be the cause for the removal
of the name of the immigrant or
permanent resident from the National
Registry of Absentee Voters and his/her
permanent disqualification to vote in
absentia.
5.
Any citizen of the Philippines abroad

previously
declared
insane
or
incompetentbycompetentauthorityin
thePhilippinesorabroad,asverifiedby
the Philippine embassies, consulates or
foreign
service
establishments
concerned
Note: Unless such competent authority

subsequently certifies that such person is
no longer insane or incompetent. (Sec. 5,
AbsenteeVotingLaw)
Q:Howisregistrationdoneforabsenteevoters?
A: Registration as an overseas absentee voter

shall be done in person (Sec. 6, R.A. 9189,
AbsenteeVotingLaw)
Q:Howshallvotingbedone?
A:
1. The overseas absentee voter shall
personally accomplish his/her ballot at
theembassy,consulateorotherforeign
service establishment that has
jurisdiction over the country where
162
he/she temporarily resides or at any

pollingplacedesignatedandaccredited
by the Commission. (Sec. 16, R.A. 9189
AbsenteeVotingLaw)
2.
The overseas absentee voter may also

vote by mail. (R.A. 9189 Absentee
VotingLaw)
Q:Whenmayvotingbymailbeallowed?
A: Voting by mail may be allowed in countries

thatsatisfythefollowingconditions:
1. Wherethemailingsystemisfairlywell
developed and secure to prevent the
occasionoffraud
2. Where there exists a technically
established identification system that
would preclude multiply or proxy
voting;and
3. Where the system of reception and
custody of mailed ballots in the
embassies,consulatesandotherforeign
service establishments concerned are
adequateandwellsecured.
Thereafter,votingbymailinanycountryshallbe
allowed only upon review and approval of the
Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. (Sec.
17.1,R.A.No.9189AbsenteeVotingLaw)
Q: How will the counting and canvassing of the

votesbedone?
A:
1. It shall be conducted in the country
wherethevoteswereactuallycast.The
opening of the speciallymarked
envelopes containing the ballots and
the counting and canvassing of votes
shall be conducted within thepremises
of the embassies, consulates and other
foreign service establishments or in
suchotherplacesasmaybedesignated
by the COMELEC pursuant to the
Implementing Rules and Regulations.
The COMELEC shall ensure that the
start of counting in all polling places
abroad shall be synchronized with the
startofcountinginthePhilippines.
2. The COMELEC shall constitute as many
SpecialBoardsofElectionInspectorsas
may be necessary to conduct and
supervisethecountingofvotes.
POLITICALLAWTEAM:
VILLAMOR.
ELECTION LAW
3.
Immediately upon completion of the

counting,theSpecialBoardsofElection
Inspectors shall transmit via facsimile
and/orelectronicmailtheresultstothe
Commission in Manila and the
accredited major political parties. (Sec.
18,R.A.9189AbsenteeVotingLaw)
Q: Can the canvass of the overseas absentee

votesdelaytheproclamationofwinners?
A: No, if the outcome of the election will not be

affected by the results thereof. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the COMELEC is empowered to
order the proclamation of winning candidates
despite the fact that the scheduled election has
not yet taken place in a particular country or
countries, if the holding of elections therein has
beenrenderedimpossiblebyevents,factors,and
circumstances peculiar to such country or
countries, and which events, factors and
circumstances are beyond the control or
influence of the COMELEC. (Sec. 18, RA 9189
AbsenteeVotingLaw)
Q: What kind of registration system do the

Philippineshave?
A:
1. Continuing
2. Computerized;and
3. Permanent
d.INCLUSIONANDEXCLUSIONPROCEEDINGS
Q: Which court has jurisdiction over inclusion

andexclusionproceedings?
A:
1. MTCoriginalandexclusive
2. RTCappellatejurisdiction
3. SC appellate jurisdiction over RTC on
questionoflaw
Q: Who may file a petition in an inclusion or

exclusionproceedings?
A:
1. Inclusion
a. Any private person whose application
was disapproved by the Election
2.
Registration Board or whose name was

strickenoutfromthelistofvoters
b. COMELEC
Exclusion
a. Any registered voter in the city or
municipality
b. Representativeofpoliticalparty
c. Electionofficer
d. COMELEC (BP 881 Omnibus Election
Code)
Q: What is the period for filing a petition in an

inclusionorexclusionproceeding?
A:
1. Inclusion any day except 105 days
before regular election or 75 days
before a special election. (COMELEC
Reso.No.8820)
2. Exclusion anytime except 100 days
before a regular election or 65 days
before a special election. (COMELEC
Reso.No.9021)
Q: Do decisions in an inclusion or exclusion

proceedingsacquirethenatureofresjudicata?
A: No. The proceedings for the exclusion or

inclusion of voters in the list of voters are
summary in character. Except for the right to
remaininthelistofvotersorforbeingexcluded
therefromfortheparticularelectioninrelationto
whichtheproceedingshadbeenheld,adecision
in an exclusion or inclusion proceeding, even if
final and unappealable, does not acquire the
nature of res judicata. In this sense, it does not
operateasabartoanyfurtheractionthataparty
may take concerning the subject passed upon in
the proceeding. Thus, a decision in an exclusion
proceeding would neither be conclusive on the
voters political status, nor bar subsequent
proceedings on his right to be registered as a
voter in any other election. (Domino vs.
COMELEC,G.R.No.134015,July19,1999)
e.POLITICALPARTIES
Q:Whatisapoliticalparty?
A: A political party is any organized group of

citizens advocating an ideology or platform,
163
principlesandpoliciesforthegeneralconductof
government and which, as the most immediate
means of securing their adoption, regularly
nominatesandsupportscertainofitsleadersand
membersascandidateinpublicoffice.
Toacquirejuridicalpersonalityandtoentitleitto
rightsandprivilegesgrantedtopoliticalparties,it
mustberegisteredwithCOMELEC.(Sec.3(c),R.A.
7941)
Q:Whatisasectoralparty?
A:Asectoralpartyreferstoanorganizedgroupof
citizens belonging to any of the sectors
enumerated in Section 5, RA 7941 whose
principaladvocacypertainstothespecialinterest
and concerns of their sector. (Sec. 3 (d), R.A.
7941)
Q:Whatisasectoralorganization?
A: A sectoral organization refers to a group of

citizens or a coalition of groups of citizens who
sharesimilarphysicalattributesorcharacteristics,
employment, interests or concerns. (Sec. 3 (e),
R.A.7941)
Q: What are the grounds for the refusal and/or

cancellationofregistrationofapoliticalparty?
A:
1. It is a religious sect or denomination,
organization or association, organized
forreligiouspurposes
2. Itadvocatesviolenceorunlawfulmeans
toseekitsgoal
3. Itisaforeignpartyororganization
4. It is receiving support from any foreign
government, foreign political party,
foundation, organization, whether
directlyorthroughanyofitsofficersor
members or indirectly through third
partiesforpartisanelectionpurposes
5. It violates or fails to comply with laws,
rulesorregulationsrelatingtoelections
6. It declares untruthful statements in its
petition
7. Ithasceasedtoexistforatleastone(1)
year;or
8. It fails to participate in the last two (2)
precedingelectionsorfailstoobtainat
leasttwopercentum(2%)ofthevotes
164
cast under the partylist system in the

two (2) preceding elections for the
constituency in which it has registered.
(Sec.6,R.A.7941)
f.CANDIDATES
1.QualificationsofCandidates
Q:WhatarethequalificationsforPresidentand
VicePresidentofthePhilippines?
A:
1. NaturalborncitizenofthePhilippines
2. Registeredvoter
3. Abletoreadandwrite
4. At least 40 years of age at the day of
election
5. And a resident of the Philippines for at
least ten years immediately preceding
such election. (Sec. 63, B.P. No. 881
Q: What are the qualifications of elective local

officials?
A:
1. MustbeacitizenofthePhilippines
2. A registered voter in the barangay,
municipality,city,orprovinceor,inthe
case of a member of the sangguniang
panlalawigan, sangguniang panlungsod,
orsanggunianbayan,thedistrictwhere
heintendstobeelected
3. A resident therein for at least one (1)
year immediately preceding the day of
theelection
4. And able to read and write Filipino or
anyotherlocallanguageordialect.(Sec.
39, R.A. No. 7160 Local Government
CodeofthePhilippines)
Q:Whatarethegroundsfordisqualificationofa
candidate?
A:
1. Declared as incompetent or insane by
competentauthority
2. Convicted by final judgment for
subversion, insurrection, rebellion, or
any offense for which he has been
sentenced to a penalty of 18 months
imprisonment
POLITICALLAWTEAM:
VILLAMOR.
ELECTION LAW
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
Convictedbyfinaljudgmentforacrime
involvingmoralturpitude
Election offenses under Sec. 68 of the
OmnibusElectionCode
Committing acts of terrorism to
enhancecandidacy
Spending in his election campaign an
amountinexcessofthatallowed
Soliciting, receiving, making prohibited
contributions
Not possessing qualifications and
possessing disqualifications under the
LocalGovernmentCode
Sentenced by final judgment for an
offenseinvolvingmoralturpitudeorfor
an offense punishable by one year or
moreofimprisonmentwithintwoyears
afterservingsentence
Removed from office as a result of an
administrativecase
Convicted by final judgment for
violating the oath of allegiance to the
Republic
Dual citizenship (more specifically, dual
allegiance)
Fugitivesfromjusticeincriminalornon
politicalcaseshereorabroad
Permanent residents in a foreign
countryorthosewhohaveacquiredthe
right to reside abroad and continue to
availofthesameright
Insaneorfeebleminded
Nuisancecandidate
ViolationofSec.73OEC with regardto
COC
Violation of Sec. 78: material
misrepresentationintheCOC
Note: When a candidate has not yet been

disqualified by final judgment during the election
day and was voted for, the votes cast in his favor
cannotbedeclaredstray.(Codillav.DeVenecia,G.R.
No.150605,Dec.10,2002)
2.FilingofCertificatesofCandidacy
Q:Whatisacertificateofcandidacy(CoC)?
A: It is the formal manifestation to the whole

worldofthecandidatespoliticalcreedorlackof
politicalcreed.
Note:ACOCmaybeamendedbeforetheelections,
evenafterthedateofitsfiling
Provisions of the election law on certificates of

candidacy are mandatory in terms. However, after
theelections,theyareregardedasdirectorysoasto
giveeffecttothewilloftheelectorate.(SayaAngSr.
v.COMELEC,G.R.No.155087,November28,2003)
Q: What is the purpose of the law in requiring

thefilingofcertificateofcandidacyandinfixing
thetimelimittherefor?
A:
1. To enable the voters to know, at least
60daysbeforetheregularelection,the
candidates among whom they have to
choose,and
2. To avoid confusion and inconvenience
in the tabulation of the votes cast.
(Miranda v. Abaya, G.R. No. 136351,
July28,1999)
Q:KaRogerwenttoLagunatofilehisCOC.The
electionofficerrefusedtoreceiveKaRogersCoC
because he seeks to achieve his goals through
violence.Istherefusalvalid?
A:No.Itistheministerialdutyonthepartofthe
election officer to receive and acknowledge
receipt of the CoC. The question of whether or
not a person is disqualified belongs to another
tribunalinanappropriatedisqualificationcase.
Q: What is the effect of filing a certificate of

candidacy on the tenure of incumbent
governmentofficials?
A:
1. Appointive official Sec. 66 of the OEC
provides that any person holding an
appointive office or position, including
activemembersoftheArmedForcesof
the Philippines, and officers and
employees in GOCCs, shall be
considered ipso facto RESIGNED from
his office upon the filing of his
certificate
of
candidacy.
Such
resignationisirrevocable.
2. Elective official No effect. The

candidate shall continue to hold office,
whetherheisrunningforthesameora
different position. (Sec. 14, Fair
Elections Act expressly repealed Sec. 67
ofBP881)
165
Q:Dothedeemedresignedprovisionswhichare
applicable to appointive officials and not with
elective officials violate the equal protection
clauseoftheconstitution?
A: No. The legal dichotomy created by the

Legislatureisareasonableclassification,asthere
are material and significant distinctions between
thetwoclassesofofficials.Thisisbecauseelected
publicofficials,bytheverynatureoftheiroffice,
engage in partisan political activities almost all
yearround,evenoutsideofthecampaignperiod.
Politicalpartisanshipistheinevitableessenceofa
political office, elective positions included. The
equal protection of the law clause in the
Constitution is not absolute, but is subject to
reasonable classification. Substantial distinctions
clearly exist between elective officials and
appointive officials. The former occupy their
officebyvirtueofthemandateoftheelectorate.
They are elected to an office for a definite term
and may be removed therefrom only upon
stringent conditions. On the other hand,
appointive officials hold their office by virtue of
their designation thereto by an appointing
authority. Some appointive officials hold their
officeinapermanentcapacityandareentitledto
security of tenure while others serve at the
pleasure of the appointing authority. (Quinto v.
COMELEC,Feb.22,2010,G.R.189698)
Q:WhatisthedutyoftheCOMELECinreceiving
CoCs?
A:
GR:WhenacandidatefileshisCOC,theCOMELEC
hasaministerialdutytoreceiveandacknowledge
itsreceiptpursuanttoSection76,oftheElection
Code. The COMELEC may not, by itself, without
the proper proceedings, deny due course to or
cancel a COC filed in due form. (Luna vs.
COMELEC,G.R.No.165983,April24,2007)
XPN:
1. Nuisance candidatesSec. 69 of the
OEC
2. Petitiontodenyduecourseortocancel
aCOCSec.78oftheOEC
3. Filingofadisqualificationcaseonanyof
the grounds enumerated in Section 68,
OEC.
166
Q:CanyouwithdrawtheCoC?
A:Yes.ApersonwhohasfiledaCoCmay,priorto
theelection,withdrawthesamebysubmittingto
the office concerned (COMELEC) a written
declaration under oath. (Sec. 73, Omnibus
ElectionCode)
Q:OnthelastdayoffilingaCoC,March31,Jose
Monsale withdrew his CoC. April 1, campaign
period started. On April 2, he wanted to run
again so he filed a written declaration
withdrawing his withdrawal. Is his act of
withdrawingthewithdrawalvalid?
A: No. The withdrawal of the withdrawal of the

CoCmadeafterthelastdayoffilingisconsidered
asfilingofanewCoC.Hence,itwasnotallowed
since it was filed out of time. (Monsale v. Nico,
G.R.No.L2539,May28,1949)
Q: Explain the concept of substitution of

candidacy.
A:Ifafterthelastdayforthefilingofcertificates
of candidacy, an official candidate of a political
party:(1)dies,(2)withdrawsoris(3)disqualified
for any causea person belonging to, and
certified by, the same political party may file a
certificateofcandidacynotlaterthanmiddayof
election day to replace the candidate who died,
withdrew or was disqualified. (COMELEC Reso.
No.9140)
Note:However,no substitution shall be allowed for any

independentcandidate.(Ibid.)
Q:Whataretherequisitesforvalidsubstitution?
A:
GR:
1. Thesubstitutemustbelongtothesame
party
2. The
deceased,
disqualified
or
withdrawn candidate must have duly
file a valid certificate of candidacy.
(Ibid.)
XPN:Thisdoesnotincludethosecaseswherethe
certificate of candidacy of the person to be
substituted had been denied due course and
canceled under Section 78 of the Omnibus
POLITICALLAWTEAM:
VILLAMOR.
ELECTION LAW
Election Code. While the law enumerated the

occasion where a candidate may be validly
substituted, there is no mention of the case
where a candidate is excluded not only by
disqualification but also by denial and
cancellationofhiscertificateofcandidacy.(Ongv.
Alegre,G.R.No.163295,January23,2006)
Q:Whenmaysubstitutiontakeplace?
A: Substitution can only take place on the first

day of campaign period until not later than mid
dayofelectionday.(COMELECReso.No.9140)
Q: Martin de Guzman died while campaigning.

Hissonsubstitutedhim.Votersonthedayofthe
election wrote Martin de Guzman instead of
castingthesameinthenameofhisson,Joelde
Guzman.Shouldthevotesbecountedinfavorof
Joel?
A: Yes. As a general rule, the same will be

considered as stray votes but will not invalidate
thewholeballot.Exceptioniswhenthesubstitute
carriesthesamefamilyname.(Sec.12,R.A9006)
Q:Inthe1998election,MayorMirandaalready
served 8 consecutive terms, yet he still filed a
CoC. As a result, Abaya filed a disqualification
case. COMELEC then disqualified Miranda and
cancelled his CoC. The son of Miranda, Joel,
upon nomination of their political party, filed a
certificateofsubstitute.JoelMirandawon.Was
thesubstitutionvalid?
A:Therewasnovalidsubstitution.COMELECdid
notonlydisqualifyMirandabutalsocancelledhis
CoC. Therefore,he cannot be validly substituted.
A disqualified candidate may only be substituted
if he had a valid CoC because if the disqualified
candidate did not have a valid and seasonably
filed CoC, he is and was not a candidate at all.
(Miranda v. Abaya, G.R. No. 136351, July 28,
1999)
Q:Sincetherewasnovalidsubstitution,should
the candidate who obtained the second highest
vote be proclaimed? Who will then assume the
positionofmayorship?
A: No. Under the doctrine on the rejection of

secondplacer,thesecondplacerisjustlikethat
second placer. He was not the choice of the

electorate. The wreath of victory cannot be
transferredtotherepudiatedloser.Followingthe
rule on succession, it is the ViceMayor who will
assume the position of mayorship. (Cayat v.
COMELEC,G.R.No.163776,Apr.24,2010)
Q: What is the effect of reacquisition of

Philippine
citizenship
as
to
the
domicile/residencerequirementforrunningasa
mayoraltycandidate?
A: Reacquisition of Philippine citizenship under

R.A.9225hasnoautomaticimpactoreffectona
candidatesresidence/domicile.Hemerelyhasan
option to again establish his domicile in the
municipality, which place shall become his new
domicile of choice. The length of his residence
therein shall be determined from the time he
made it his domicile of choice and it shall not
retroact to the time of his birth. (Japson v.
COMELEC,G.R.No.180088,Jan.19,2009)
Q:Mayasecondplacerbedeclaredelected?
A:
GR:No.
XPN:
1. If the one who obtained the highest
numberofvotesisdisqualifiedand
2. Theelectorateisfullyawareinfactand
inlawofthecandidatesdisqualification
so as to bring such awareness within
the realm of notoriety but would
nonetheless cast their votes in favor of
the ineligible candidate. (Grego v.
COMELEC, G. R. No. 125955, June 19,
1997)
Q:Whatistheeffectoffilingtwocertificatesof
candidacy?
A: Filing of two (2) certificates of candidacy

disqualifies the person to run for both elective
positions. (Sec. 73, B.P. 881 Omnibus Election
Code)
Q: Who may be considered a nuisance

candidate?
167
A: They are candidates who have no bona fide

intentionto runfortheofficeforwhichtheCOC
has been filed and would thus prevent a faithful
election.Anduponshowingthat:
1. Saidcertificatehasbeenfiledtoputthe
election process in mockery or
disrepute
2. Tocauseconfusionamongthevotersby
the similarity of the names of the
registeredcandidates;or
3. By other circumstances or acts which
demonstrate that a candidate has no
bonafideintentiontorunfortheoffice
for which his certificate of candidacy
has been filed and thus prevent a
faithfuldeterminationofthetruewillof
the electorate. (Tajanan v. COMELEC,
G.R.No.104443,Apr.13,1992)
TheCOMELECmay,motupropriooruponverified
petitionofaninterestedparty,refusetogivedue
course to or cancel a certificate of candidacy
uponshowingoftheabovestatedcircumstances.
(Sec.69,B.P.881OmnibusElectionCode)
Q: A and B were the only candidates for mayor

of Bigaa, Bulacan in the May 1995 local
elections. A obtained 10,000 votes as against
3,000 votes for B. In the same elections, X got
the highest number of votes among the
candidates for the Sangguniang Bayan of the
same town. A died the day before his
proclamation.
1. Who should the Board of Canvassers

proclaim as elected mayor, A, B or X?
Explain.
2. Who is entitled to discharge the functions
oftheofficeofthemayor,BorX?Explain.
A: It is A who should be proclaimed as winner,

because he was the one who obtained the
highest number of votes for the position of
mayor, but a notation should be made that he
died for the purpose of applying the rule on
successiontooffice.
1. B cannot be proclaimed, because the

death of the candidate who obtained
the highest number of votes does not
entitlethecandidatewhoobtainedthe
next highest number of votes to be
proclaimed the winner, since he was
168
notthechoiceoftheelectorate.Xisnot
entitled to be proclaimed elected as
mayor, because he ran for the
SangguniangBayan.
2. Neither B nor X is entitled to discharge

thefunctionsoftheofficeofmayor.Bis
not entitled to discharge the office of
mayor, since he was defeated in the
election. X is not entitled to discharge
theofficeofmayor.UnderSection44of
the Local Government Code, it is the
vicemayorwhoshouldsucceedincase
of permanent vacancy in the office of
the mayor. It is only when the position
ofthevicemayorisalsovacantthatthe
memberoftheSangguniangBayanwho
obtained the highest number of votes
will succeed to the office of mayor.
(Benito v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 106053
Aug.17,1994)
Q:Whencanapersonfileapetitiontodenydue
coursetoorcancelacertificateofcandidacy?
A:Averifiedpetitionseekingtodenyduecourse
ortocancelacertificateofcandidacymaybefiled
bythepersonexclusivelyonthegroundthatany
material representation contained therein as
required under Section 74 of the Omnibus
ElectionCodeisfalse.Thepetitionmaybefiledat
anytimenotlaterthantwentyfive(25)daysfrom
the time of the filing of the certificate of
candidacy and shall be decided, after due notice
and hearing, not later than fifteen days before
theelection.
g.CAMPAIGN
1.PrematureCampaigning
Q:Whatisanelectioncampaign?
A: It refers to an act designed to promote the

election or defeat of a particular candidate or
candidatestoapublicofficewhichshallinclude:
1. Forming organizations, associations,
clubs, committees or other groups of
persons for the purpose of soliciting
votesand/orundertakinganycampaign
fororagainstacandidate
2. Holdingpoliticalcaucuses,conferences,
meetings, rallies, parades, or other
POLITICALLAWTEAM:
VILLAMOR.
ELECTION LAW
3.
4.
5.
similar assemblies, for the purpose of

soliciting votes and/or undertaking any
campaign or propaganda for or against
acandidate
Making speeches, announcements or
commentaries,orholdinginterviewsfor
oragainsttheelectionofanycandidate
forpublicoffice
Publishing or distributing campaign
literature or materials designed to
support or oppose the election of any
candidate;or
Directly or indirectly soliciting votes,
pledges or support for or against a
candidate (Sec. 79, B.P. 881 Omnibus
ElectionCode).
Note: The foregoing enumerated acts if performed

for the purpose of enhancing the chances of
aspirants for nomination for candidacy to a public
officebyapoliticalparty,aggroupment,orcoalition
of parties shall not be considered as election
campaignorpartisanelectionactivity.
Public expressions or opinions or discussions of

probable issues in a forthcoming election or on
attributes of or criticisms against probable
candidates proposed to be nominated in a
forthcoming political party convention shall not be
construed as part of any election campaign or
partisan political activity contemplated under the
OEC.(Sec.79,B.P.881OmnibusElectionCode)
Q:Discusstheperiodofcampaign
A:
1. Presidential and Vice presidential
election90days;
2. Election of members of the Congress
andlocalelection45days;
3. BarangayElection15days
4. SpecialelectionunderArt.VIII,Sec.5(2)
oftheConstitution45days
Note: The campaign periods shall not include the

daybeforeandthedayoftheelection(Sec.3OEC)
Q: What is the rule against premature

campaigning?
A:Itshallbeunlawfulforanyperson,whetheror
not a voter or candidate, or for any party, or
association of persons, to engage in an election
campaign or partisan political activity except
duringthecampaignperiod.(Sec.80,B.P.881).
Theuseoflawfulelectionpropagandaunderthe
FairElectionsActissubjecttothesupervisionand
regulation by the COMELEC in order to prevent
prematurecampaigningandtoequalize,asmuch
as practicable, the situation of all candidates by
preventing popular and rich candidates from
gaining undue advantage in exposure and
publicity on account of their resources and
popularity.(Chavezv.COMELEC,G.R.No.162777,
August31,2004)
Q. Petitioner Penera and respondent Andanar

ranformayorofSta.Monica,SurigaoDelNorte
during the May 14, 2007 elections. Peneras
political party held a motorcade preceding the
filing of her certificate of candidacy announcing
her candidacy for mayor. Because of this,
AndanarfiledapetitiontodisqualifyPenerafor
engaging in premature campaigning in violation
of Sec.80 and 68 of the Omnibus Election Code.
Does the act of campaigning for votes
immediatelyprecedingthefilingofcertificateof
candidacy violate the prohibition against
prematurecampaigning?
A.Thecampaignperiodforlocalofficialsbeginon
30March2007andendson12May2007.Penera
filed her certificate of candidacy on 29 March
2007. Penera was thus a candidate on 29 March
2009 only for purposes of printing the ballots
underSec.11ofR.A.8436.On29March2007,the
law still did not consider Penera a candidate for
purposes other than the printing of ballots. Acts
committedbyPenerapriorto30March2007,the
date when she became a "candidate," even if
constituting election campaigning or partisan
political activities, are not punishable under
Section 80 of the Omnibus Election Code. Such
actsarewithintherealmofacitizensprotected
freedomofexpression.ActscommittedbyPenera
within the campaign period are not covered by
Section 80 as Section 80 punishes only acts
outsidethecampaignperiod.
Inlaymanslanguage,thismeansthatacandidate
isliableforanelectionoffenseonlyforactsdone
during the campaign period, not before. The law
is clear as daylight any election offense that
may be committed by a candidate under any
election law cannot be committed before the
169
start of the campaign period. (Penera v.

COMELEC,G.R.No.181613,Nov.25,2009)
Q: When can a person be considered a

candidate?
A: A candidate refers to any person aspiring for

orseekinganelectivepublicoffice,whohasfiled
acertificateofcandidacybyhimselforthroughan
accredited political party, aggroupment or
coalition of parties. However, it is no longer
enough to merely file a certificate of candidacy
for a person to be considered a candidate
because "any person who files his certificate of
candidacy within the filing period shall only be
considered a candidate at the start of the
campaignperiodforwhichhefiledhiscertificate
of candidacy." Any person may thus file a
certificate of candidacy on any day within the
prescribed period for filing a certificate of
candidacy yet that person shall be considered a
candidate, for purposes of determining ones
possible violations of election laws, only during
the campaign period. (Penera v. COMELEC, G.R.
No.181613,Nov.25,2009)
2.ProhibitedContributions
Q: What are considered as lawful election

propaganda?
A:
1. Written printed materials (does not
exceed8in.widthby14in.length)
2. Handwritten/printedletters
3. Posters (not exceeding 2 x 3 ft.).
However, a public meeting or rally, at
thesiteandontheoccasionofapublic
meeting or rally, may be displayed five
(5) days before the date of rally but
shall be removed within 24 hours after
saidrally
4. Printadspageinbroadsheetsand
page in tabloids thrice a week per
newspaper, magazine or other
publicationduringthecampaignperiod;
5. Broadcastmedia(i.e.TVandradio)
6. All other forms of election propaganda
notprohibitedbytheOmnibusElection
CodeorthisAct.(Sec.3,R.A.No.9006)
170
ALLOWABLECOMELECAIRTIMEFORCANDIDATES
(FairElectionsAct)
NATIONALPOSITIONS
LOCAL
POSITIONS
120minutesforTV
60minutesforTV
180minutesforradio
90minutesforradio
Note: COMELEC cannot compel newspapers of

general circulation to donate free print space as
COMELEC space without payment of just
compensation. Such compulsion amounts to taking;
hence,itisanexerciseofeminentdomainandnotof
policepower(PhilippinePressInstitutev.COMELEC,
G.R.No.119694,May22,1995).Thepaymentofjust
compensation is now expressly provided under sec.
7oftheFairElectionsAct.
However,allbroadcastingstations,whetherbyradio
or television stations, which are licensed by the
government, do not own the airways and
frequencies; they are merely given the temporary
privilege of using them. A franchise is a privilege
subjecttoamendment,andtheprovisionofBP881
granting free airtime to the COMELEC is an
amendmentof the franchise ofradio andtelevision
stations (Telecommunications and Broadcast
Attorneys of the Philippines v. COMELEC, G.R. No.
132922, Apr. 21, 1998). Payment of just
compensation is not necessary since it is a valid
exerciseofpolicepower.
Q: A COMELEC resolution provides that political

parties supporting a common set of candidates
shallbeallowedtopurchasejointlyairtimeand
the aggregate amount of advertising space
purchased for campaign purposes shall not
exceedthatallottedtootherpoliticalpartiesor
groups that nominated only one set of
candidates. The resolution is challenged as a
violation of the freedom of speech and of the
press. Is the resolution constitutionally
defensible?Explain.
A: Yes, the resolution is constitutionally

defensible. Under Sec. 4, Art. IXC of the 1987
Constitution, during the election period the
COMELECmaysuperviseorregulatethemediaof
communication or information to ensure equal
opportunity, time, and space among candidates
with the objective of holding free, orderly,
honest,peaceful,andcredibleelections.Toallow
candidateswhoaresupportedbymorethanone
POLITICALLAWTEAM:
VILLAMOR.
ELECTION LAW
political party to purchase more air time and

advertising space than candidates supported by
one political party only will deprive the latter of
equaltimeandspaceinthemedia.
Alternative Answer: No. Although the

expenditure limitation applies only to the
purchaseofairtime,thusleavingpoliticalparties
free to spend for other forms of campaign, the
limitation nonetheless results in a direct and
substantial reduction of the quantity of political
speech by restricting the number of issues that
can be discussed, the depth of their discussion
andthesizeoftheaudiencethatcanbereached,
throughthebroadcastmedia.
SincethepurposeoftheFreeSpeechClauseisto
promote the widest possible dissemination of
information, and the reality is that to do this
requires the expenditure of money, a limitation
on expenditure for this purpose cannot be
justified, not even for the purpose of equalizing
theopportunityofpoliticalcandidates.(Gonzalez
v.COMELEC,G.R.No.L28783,Apr.18,1969)
Q: What are included as electoral contributions

andexpenditures?
A:
1. Agift
2. Donation
3. Subscription
4. Loan
5. Advance or deposit of money or
anythingofvalue
6. A contract, promise or agreement of
contribution, whether or not legally
enforceable
7. Use of facilities voluntarily donated by
other persons, the money value of
which can be assessed based on the
ratesprevailinginthearea
8. Madeforthepurposeofinfluencingthe
resultsoftheelections
Note: Does not include services rendered without

compensation by individuals volunteering a portion
or all of their time in behalf of a candidate or
politicalparty.(Sec.94,OEC)
Q:Whatareprohibitedcontributions?
A:Thosemadedirectlyorindirectlybyanyofthe
following:
1. Public or private financial institutions
(exceptloanstoacandidateorpolitical
party)
2. Public utilities or those exploiting
naturalresourcesofthenation
3. Persons with contracts to supply the
government with goods or services or
toperformconstructionorotherworks
4. Grantees of franchises, incentives,
exemptions, allocations, or similar
privileges or concessions by the
government
5. Persons who, within one year prior to
the date of the election, have been
grantedloansorotheraccommodations
in excess of P100,000 by the
government
6. Educational institutions which have
receivedgrantsofpublicfundsnotless
thanP100,000
7. Officials or employees in the Civil
Service or members of the Armed
ForcesofthePhilippines;and
8. Foreigners and foreign corporations.
(Sec. 95, B.P. 881 Omnibus Election
Code)
Q:Whatareprohibitedmeansofraisingfunds?
A:
1. Holdinganyofthefollowingactivities:
a. Dances
b. Lotteries
c. Cockfights
d. Games
e. Boxingbouts
f. Bingo
g. Beautycontests
h. Entertainments
i.
Cinematographic, theatrical,
orotherperformancesforthe
purpose of raising funds for
an election campaign or for
the support of any candidate
from the commencement of
the election period up to an
electionday.
2. It shall also be unlawful for any person

or organization to solicit and/or accept
fromanycandidateforpublicofficeany
gift, food, transportation, contribution
ordonationin cashorinkindformthe
commencement of the election period
and including election day, except
171
normal and customary religious

stipends,tithes,orcollections.(Sec.97,
OEC)
Q:Whatarelawfulexpenditures?
A:
1. Fortravelingexpenses
2. Compensation of campaigners, clerks,
stenographers, messengers and other
persons actually employed in the
campaign
3. Telegraphandtelephonetolls,postage,
freightandexpressdeliverycharges
4. Stationery, printing and distribution of
printedmattersrelativetocandidacy
5. Employmentofwatchersatthepolls
6. Rent, maintenance and furnishing of
campaign headquarters, office or place
ofmeetings
7. Politicalmeetingsorrallies
8. Advertisements
9. Employment of counsel, the cost of
whichshallnotbetakenintoaccountin
determining the amount of expenses
whichacandidateorpoliticalpartymay
haveincurred
10. Copying and classifying list of voters,
investigating and challenging the right
tovoteofpersonsregisteredinthelists,
thecostofwhichshallnotbetakeninto
account in determining the amount of
expenses which a candidate or political
partymayhaveincurred
11. Printing sample ballots, the cost of
whichshallnotbetakenintoaccountin
determining the amount of expenses
whichacandidateorpoliticalpartymay
have incurred. (Sec. 102, B.P. 881
Q:Whatarethelimitationsonexpensesforthe
candidatesandpoliticalparties?
A:
1. Forcandidates
a. President and VicePresident
P10/voter
b. Other candidates, if with party
P3/voter
c. Othercandidates,ifwithoutparty
P5/voter
2. For political parties P5/voter
(COMELECResolutionNo.8758)
172
Q: What is a statement of contribution and

expenses?
A: Every candidate and treasurer of the political

party shall, within 30 days after the day of the
election, file in duplicate with the offices of the
COMELEC, the full, true and itemized statement
of all contributions and expenditures in
connectionwiththeelection.(Sec.14,R.A.7166)
Q:Istheconductofelectionsurveyprohibited?
A: No. The SC held that Sec. 5.4 of the Fair

Election Act prohibiting publication of survey
results15daysimmediatelyprecedinganational
election and 7 days before a local election
violates the constitutional rights of speech,
expressionandthepressbecause:
1. It imposes a prior restraint on the

freedomofexpression
2. It is a direct and total suppression of a
categoryofexpressionandeventhough
such suppression is only for a limited
period;and
3. Thegovernmentalinterestsoughttobe
promoted can be achieved by means
other than the suppression of freedom
of expression (SWS v. COMELEC, G.R.
No.147571,May5,2001)
h.BOARDOFCANVASSERS
Q: What is the composition of the Board of

Canvassers(BoC)?
A:
1. Provincial board of canvassers the
provincial board of canvassers shall be
composed of the provincial election
supervisor or a senior lawyer in the
regional office of the Commission, as
chairman, the provincial fiscal, as vice
chairman,
and
the
provincial
superintendent of schools, and one
representative from each of the ruling
party and the dominant opposition
political party in the constituency
concerned entitled to be represented,
asmembers.
POLITICALLAWTEAM:
VILLAMOR.
ELECTION LAW
2.
3.
4.
5.
Cityboardofcanvassersthecityboard
ofcanvassersshallbecomposedofthe
cityelectionregistraroralawyerofthe
Commission,aschairman,thecityfiscal
and the city superintendent of schools,
and one representative from each of
the ruling party and the dominant
opposition political party entitled to be
represented,asmembers.
District board of canvassers of

MetropolitanManilathedistrictboard
of canvassers shall be composed of a
lawyeroftheCommission,aschairman,
and a ranking fiscal in the district and
the most senior district school
supervisor in the district to be
appointed upon consultation with the
Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of
Education, Culture and Sports,
respectively, and one representative
from each of the ruling party and the
dominant opposition political party in
the constituency concerned, as
members.
Municipal board of canvassers the

municipal board of canvassers shall be
composedoftheelectionregistrarora
representative of the Commission, as
chairman, the municipal treasurer, and
thedistrictsupervisororinhisabsence
any public school principal in the
municipality and one representative
from each of the ruling party and the
dominant opposition political party
entitled to be represented, as
members.
Board of canvassers for newly created

political subdivisions the Commission
shall constitute a board of canvassers
and appoint the members thereof for
the first election in a newly created
province,cityormunicipalityincasethe
officials who shall act as members
thereof have not yet assumed their
dutiesandfunctions(Sec.221,B.P.881)
Q: Who has supervision and control over the

boardofcanvassers?
A: The Commission shall have direct control and

supervision over the board of canvassers. Any
member of the board of canvassers may, at any
time,berelievedforcauseandsubstitutedmotu
propriobytheCommission.(Sec.227.,B.P.881)
Q: What is the manner of delivery and

transmittalofelectionreturns?
A:
CityandMunicipalBoardof
Canvassers
the copy of the election

returns,dulyplacedinsidea
sealed envelope signed and
affixed with the imprint of
thethumboftherighthand
of all the members of the
boardofelectioninspectors,
shallbepersonallydelivered
by the members of the
board of election inspectors
to the city or municipal
board of canvassers under
proper receipt to be signed
byallthemembersthereof.
Provincialand
DistrictBoardsof
Canvassersin
Metropolitan
Manila
the copy of the
electionreturnsshall
be
personally
delivered by the
members of the
board of election
inspectors to the
election registrar for
transmittal to the
proper board of
canvassers
under
proper receipt to be
signed by all the
membersthereof.
The election registrar concerned shall place all

thereturnsintendedfortheboardofcanvassers
inside a ballot box provided with three padlocks
whose keys shall be kept as follows: one by the
election registrar, another by the representative
of the ruling party and the third by the
representative of the dominant political
oppositionparty.(Sec.229,B.P.881)
Q: How will the safekeeping of transmitted

electionreturnsbedone?
A: The board of canvassers shall keep the ballot

boxes containing the election returns in a safe
and secure room before and after the canvass.
Thedoortotheroommustbepadlockedbythree
lockswiththekeysthereofkeptasfollows:
1. Onewiththechairman,
2. The other with the representative of
therulingparty,
173
3.
And the other with the representative

of the dominant opposition political
party.
The watchers of candidates, political parties,

coalition of political parties and organization
collectively authorized by the Commission to
appointwatchersshallhavetherighttoguardthe
room. Violation of this right shall constitute an
election offense. (Sec. 230, B.P. 881 Omnibus
ElectionCode)
Q: How will the canvassing by the board be

done?
A:
1. Theboardofcanvassersshallmeetnot
laterthansixo'clockintheafternoonof
electiondayattheplacedesignatedby
the Commission to receive the election
returns and to immediately canvass
those that may have already been
received.
2. It shall meet continuously from day to

dayuntilthecanvassiscompleted,and
mayadjournbutonlyforthepurposeof
awaiting the other election returns
from other polling places within its
jurisdiction.
3. Each time the board adjourns, it shall

make a total of all the votes canvassed
so far for each candidate for each
office, furnishing the Commission in
Manila by the fastest means of
communicationacertifiedcopythereof,
and making available the data
contained therein to the mass media
andotherinterestedparties.
4. As soon as the other election returns

are delivered, the board shall
immediatelyresumecanvassinguntilall
thereturnshavebeencanvassed.
5. Therespectiveboardofcanvassersshall
prepare a certificate of canvass duly
signed and affixed with the imprint of
the thumb of the right hand of each
member, supported by a statement of
thevotesreceivedbyeachcandidatein
each polling place and, on the basis
thereof, shall proclaim as elected the
candidates who obtained the highest
174
number of votes cast in the province,

city,municipalityorbarangay(Sec.231,
B.P.881).
Note: Failure to comply with this requirement shall

constituteanelectionoffense.
Subject to reasonable exceptions, the board of

canvassers must complete their canvass within
thirtysixhoursinmunicipalities,fortyeighthoursin
cities and seventytwo hours in provinces. Violation
hereofshallbeanelectionoffense.
WithrespecttotheelectionforPresidentandVice
President, the provincial and city boards of
canvassersshallprepareinquintuplicateacertificate
of canvass supported by a statement of votes
receivedbyeachcandidateineachpollingplaceand
transmitthefirstcopythereoftotheSpeakerofthe
Batasang Pambansa. The second copy shall be
transmittedtotheCommission,thethirdcopyshall
bekept bytheprovincialelection supervisoror city
election registrar; the fourth andthe fifth copies to
each of the two accredited political parties.
(Agujetasv.CA,G.R.No.106560,August23,1996)
Q: Who are not allowed inside the canvassing

room?
A:
1. Any officer or member of the Armed
Forces of the Philippines, including the
Philippine Constabulary, or the
IntegratedNationalPolice
2. Any peace officer or any armed or

unarmedpersonsbelongingtoanextra
police agency, special forces, reaction
forces, strike forces, home defense
forces, barangay selfdefense units,
barangaytanod
3. Any member of the security or police

organizationsofgovernmentministries,
commissions,councils,bureaus,offices,
instrumentalities, or government
owned or controlled corporations or
theirsubsidiaries
4. Any member of a privately owned or

operated
security,
investigative,
protective or intelligence agency
performingidenticalorsimilarfunctions
toentertheroomwherethecanvassing
of the election returns are held by the
POLITICALLAWTEAM:
VILLAMOR.
ELECTION LAW
boardofcanvassersandwithinaradius
of fifty meters from such room. (Sec.
232,B.P.881OmnibusElectionCode)
returns, the board of canvassers shall

callforallthemembersoftheboardof
election inspectors concerned by the
most expeditious means, for the same
boardtoeffectthecorrection.Incaseof
the omission in the election returns of
the name of any candidate and/or his
corresponding votes, the board of
canvassers shall require the board of
election inspectors concerned to
complete the necessary data in the
election returns and affix therein their
initials (Sec. 234, B.P. 881 Omnibus
ElectionCode).
Note:Theboardofcanvassersbyamajorityvote,if
it deems necessary, may make a call in writing for
the detail of policemen or any peace officers for
theirprotectionorfortheprotectionoftheelection
documents and paraphernalia in the possession of
the board, or for the maintenance of peace and
order, in which case said policemen or peace
officers, who shall be in proper uniform, shall stay
outside the room within a radius of thirty meters
near enough to be easily called by the board of
canvassersatanytime.(Ibid.)
Q: In case the election returns are delayed, lost

ordestroyed,whatshouldtheBOCdo?
A: In case its copy of the election returns is

missing,theboardofcanvassersshall:
1. Obtain such missing election returns

from the board of election inspectors
concerned,orifsaidreturnshavebeen
lostordestroyed
2. The board of canvassers, upon prior
authority of the Commission, may use
any of the authentic copies of said
election returns or a certified copy of
said election returns issued by the
Commission,andforthwith
3. Direct its representative to investigate
the case and immediately report the
mattertotheCommission
Note: The right of a candidate to avail of

thisprovisionshallnotbelostoraffected
by the fact that an election protest is
subsequently filed by any of the
candidates.
2.
Note:Theboardofcanvassers,notwithstandingthe
fact that not all the election returns have been
received by it, may terminate the canvass and
proclaim the candidates elected on thebasis ofthe
available election returns if the missing election
returns will not affect the results of the election
(Sec.233,B.P.881).
Q:Whentheintegrityofballotsisviolated,what
shouldtheBoCdo?
A:
1. In case of material defects in the
election returns If it should clearly
appear that some requisites in form or
data had been omitted in the election
3.
Incasetheelectionreturnsappeartobe
tampered with or falsified If the
electionreturnssubmittedtotheboard
of canvassers appear to be tampered
with,alteredorfalsifiedaftertheyhave
left the hands of the board of election
inspectors, or otherwise not authentic,
or were prepared by the board of
electioninspectorsunderduress,force,
intimidation, or prepared by persons
otherthanthememberoftheboardof
election inspectors, the board of
canvassersshallusetheothercopiesof
said election returns and, if necessary,
the copy inside the ballot box which
upon previous authority given by the
Commission may be retrieved in
accordance with Section 220 hereof
(Sec. 235, B.P. 881 Omnibus Election
Code).
In case of discrepancies in the election

return if it appears to the board of
canvassers
that
there
exists
discrepancies in the other authentic
copies of the election returns from a
polling place or discrepancies in the
votes of any candidate in words and
figuresinthesamereturn,andineither
casethedifferenceaffectstheresultsof
175
the election, the Commission, upon

motion of the board of canvassers or
any candidate affected and after due
noticetoallcandidatesconcerned,shall
proceed summarily to determine
whether the integrity of the ballot box
hadbeenpreserved,andoncesatisfied
thereof shall order the opening of the
ballot box to recount the votes cast in
the polling place solely for thepurpose
of determining the true result of the
count of votes of the candidates
concerned (Sec. 236, B.P. 881 Omnibus
ElectionCode).
Note: When integrity of ballots is violated. The

Commission shall not recount the ballots but shall
forthwith seal the ballot box and order its
safekeeping (Sec. 237, B.P. 881 Omnibus Election
Code).
Canvass of remaining or unquestioned returns to

continue.If,afterthecanvassofallthesaidreturns,
itshouldbedeterminedthatthereturnswhichhave
been set aside will affect the result of the election,
no proclamation shall be made except upon orders
oftheCommissionafterduenoticeandhearing.Any
proclamation made in violation hereof shall be null
and void (Sec. 238, B.P. 881 Omnibus Election
Code).
Q:Iftheelectionresultedintoatie,whatshould
theBOCdo?
A:Wheneveritshallappearfromthecanvassthat
two or more candidates have received an equal
and highest number of votes, or in cases where
twoormorecandidatesaretobeelectedforthe
same position and two or more candidates
received the same number of votes for the last
place in the number to be elected, the board of
canvassers,afterrecordingthisfactinitsminutes,
shallbyresolution,uponfivedaysnoticetoallthe
tied candidates, hold a special public meeting at
which the board of canvassers shall proceed to
the drawing of lots of the candidates who have
tiedandshallproclaimaselectedthecandidates
whomaybefavoredbyluck,andthecandidates
so proclaimed shall have the right to assume
office in the same manner as if he had been
elected by plurality of vote. The board of
176
canvassers shall forthwith make a certificate

statingthenameofthecandidatewhohadbeen
favoredbyluckandhisproclamationonthebasis
thereof. (Sec. 240, B.P. 881 Omnibus Election
Code)
Q: When will the proceedings of the BoC be

consideredasanillegalproceeding?
A:ThereisanillegalproceedingoftheBOCwhen
the canvassing is a sham or mere ceremony, the
results of which are predetermined and
manipulated as when any of the following
circumstancesarepresent:
1. Precipitatecanvassing
2. Terrorism
3. Lackofsufficientnoticetothemembers
oftheBOC's
4. Improper venue. (Sec. 2, Rule 4,

COMELEC Resolution No. 8804, March
22,2010)
i.REMEDIESANDJURISDICTIONINELECTION
LAW
1.PetitionnottogiveduecoursetoCertificate
ofCandidacy
Q: What are the requisites for the grant of a

petition to deny due course to or cancel a
certificateofcandidacy?
A:
1. Material misrepresentation in the
qualifications for elective office, which
includesage,residency,citizenship,and
any other legal qualifications necessary
to run for an elective office; and
2. Deliberate attempt to mislead,

misinform or hide a fact which would
otherwiserenderacandidateineligible.
Note: These two requirements must

concur to warrant the cancellation of the
certificate
of
candidacy.
POLITICALLAWTEAM:
VILLAMOR.
ELECTION LAW
Averifiedpetitionmaybefiledexclusively
on the ground that any material
representationcontainedinthecertificate
asrequiredunderSection74isfalse.The
petition may be filed not later than 25
days from the time of filing of the
certificate of candidacy, and shall be
decided,afterduenoticeandhearing,not
later than 15 days before the election
(Section 78, B.P. 881 Omnibus Election
Code).
Jurisdiction over a petition to cancel a

certificate of candidacy lies with the
COMELEC in division, not with the
COMELEC en banc. (Garvida v. Sales, G.R.
o.122872,September10,1997)
2.Petitiontodeclarefailureofelections
Q:Whatarethethreeinstanceswhereafailure
ofelectionmaybedeclared?
A:
1. Theelectioninanypollingplacehasnot
beenheldonthedatefixedonaccount
of force majeure, violence, terrorism,
fraud,orotheranalogouscauses;
2. The election in any polling place had

been suspended before the hour fixed
by law for the closing of the voting on
account of force majeure, violence,
terrorism, fraud, or other analogous
causes;and
3. After the voting and during the

preparation and transmission of the
electionreturnsorcanvassthereofsuch
election results in failure to elect on
account of force majeure, violence,
fraud or analogous causes. (Banaga Jr
vs Comelec, G.R. No. 134696, July 31,
2000)
Q: Who has the power to declare a failure of

election?
A: The COMELEC has the power to declare a

failureofelectionandthiscanbeexercisedmotu
proprio or upon verified petition.(Loong v.
COMELEC,G.R.Nos.10781415,May16,1996)
Note: The hearing is summary in nature and the

COMELECmaydelegatetoitslawyersthepowerto
hearthecaseandtoreceiveevidence.(Ibid.)
Q:WhataretheconditionsbeforeCOMELECcan
actonapetitiontodeclarefailureofelection?
A:
1. No voting took place in the precinct or
precincts on the date fixed by law, or
even if there was voting, the election
resultedinfailuretoelect;and
2. Thevotesnotcastwouldhaveaffected
the result of the election (Tan v.
COMELEC,G.R.No.14857576,Dec.10,
2003)
Note: The COMELEC en banc has original and

exclusivejurisdictiontohearanddecidepetitionsfor
declarationoffailureofelectionorforannulmentof
electionresults(Sec.4,R.A.7166).
Theproclamationofthewinningcandidatedoesnot
divest the COMELEC of such jurisdiction, where the
proclamationisnullandvoidorisclaimedtobeso.
(Ampatuan v. COMELEC, G.R.No. 149803, January
31,2002)
Q: Due to violence and terrorism attending the

casting of votes in a municipality in Lanaodel
Sur, it became impossible to hold therein free,
orderlyandhonestelections.Severalcandidates
formunicipalpositionswithdrewfromtherace.
One candidate for Mayor petitioned the
COMELECforthepostponementoftheelections
and the holding of special elections after the
causes of such postponement or failure of
electionsshallhaveceased.
1. How many votes of the COMELEC
Commissioners may be cast to grant the
petition?Explain.
2. A person who was not a candidate at the

time of the postponement of the elections
decided to run for an elective position and
filed a certificate of candidacy prior to the
special elections. May his certificate of
candidacybeaccepted?Explain.
3. Suppose he ran as a substitute for a

candidate who previously withdrew his
candidacy, will your answer be the same?
Explain.
177
A:
1.
2.
3.
TheCOMELECshalldecidebyamajority
vote of all its members on any case or
matter brought before it. (Section 7,
ArticleIXAofthe1987Constitution).In
Cuav.COMELEC,G.R.No.805192,Dec.
17, 1987, the Supreme Court stated
thatatwotoonedecisionrenderedby
aDivisionoftheCOMELECandathree
totwo decision rendered by the
COMELECenbancwasvalidwhereonly
five members took part in deciding the
case.
No, his certificate of candidacy cannot

be accepted. As a rule, in cases of
postponement or failure of election no
additional certificate of candidacy shall
beaccepted.(Section75oftheOmnibus
ElectionCode)
No, the answer will be different. An

additional certificate of candidacy may
be accepted in cases of postponement
or failure of election if there was a
substitution of candidates; but the
substitute must belong to and must be
endorsedbythesameparty.(Section75
oftheOmnibusElectionCode)
3.PreproclamationControversies
Q:Whatarepreproclamationcontroversies?
A: They refer to any question pertaining to or

affecting the proceedings of the board of
canvassers, and the preparation, transmission,
receipt, custody and appreciation of election
returnswhichmayberaisedbyanycandidateor
by any registered political party or coalition of
politicalpartiesbeforetheboardordirectlywith
theCOMELEC.(Sec.241,B.P.881OmnibusElection
Code)
Note: The purpose of this kind of controversy is to

ascertain winners in the elections on basis of
election returns duly authenticated by board of
inspectorsandadmittedbytheboardofcanvassers.
(Abella v. Larrazabal, G.R. No. 8772130, December
21,1989)
Q:Aretherepreproclamationcasesinelections
for President, Vicepresident and Members of
178
the House of Representatives on matters

relating to the preparation, transmission,
receipt, custody, and appreciation of the
electionreturnsorthecertificatesofcanvass?
A:
GR:No(Sec.15,SynchronizedElectionLaw).
XPNS:
1. Correctionofmanifesterrors
2. Questions affecting the composition or
proceedings of the board of canvassers
and
3. Determination of the authenticity and
dueexecutionofcertificatesofcanvass
as provided in Sec. 30 of R.A.7166, as
amendedbyR.A.9369.
Note: GR: The COMELEC is restricted to a mere

examination of returns on their face and not to go
beyond and investigate irregularities. (Belac v.
COMELEC,G.R.No.145802,April4,2001)
XPN:Ifthereisaprimafacieshowingthatreturnis
notgenuine.(Ibid.)
No preproclamation cases are allowed in case of

barangayelection.(Sec.9,R.A.No.6679)
Q: When are preproclamation cases

terminated?
A:
GR:Atthebeginningoftermoftheofficers.(Sec.
16,R.A.No.7166)
XPNS:
1. When
based
on
evidence,
COMELECdetermines that petition is
meritorious
2. TheSCinapetitionforcertiorariissues
acontraryorder;or
3. Thecaseisnotapreproclamationcase.
(Peaflorida v. COMELEC, G.R. No.
125950,November18,1997)
Q: What issues may be raised in a pre

proclamationcontroversy?
A:
1. Illegal composition or proceedings of
theBoardofCanvassers
POLITICALLAWTEAM:
VILLAMOR.
ELECTION LAW
2.
Canvassed election returns are

incomplete, contain material defects,
appeartobetamperedwithorfalsified;
or contain discrepancies in the same
returns or in other authentic copies
thereof as mentioned in Sec. 233, 234,
235,and236ofB.P.881
3. Election returns were prepared under

duressthreat,coercion,orintimidation,
or they are obviously manufactured or
notauthentic
4. When substitute or fraudulent returns

in controverted polling places were
canvassed, the results of which
materially affected the standing of the
aggrieved candidate/s. (Sec. 242, B.P.
881OmnibusElectionCode).
Q: What is a petition to annul or suspend the

proclamation?
A:Itisaremedywherethereismanifesterrorin
thefaceofthereturns,andawinningcandidateis
about to be, or has already been proclaimed on
thebasisthereof.
Note:Thefilingofapetitiontoannulorsuspendthe
Proclamationshallsuspendtherunningoftheperiod
within which to file an election protest or quo
warrantoproceedings.
Q: Are preproclamation controversies allowed

underthenewAutomatedElectionsLaw?
A:
GR: For purpose of the elections for president,
vice president, senator, and member of the
House of Representatives, no preproclamation
casesshallbeallowedonmattersrelatingtothe
preparation, transmission, receipt, custody and
appreciationofelectionreturnsorthecertificates
ofcanvass,asthecasemaybe.(Sec.38,R.A.No.
9369)
XPNS:
1. Illegal composition of the Board of
Canvassers(BOC);
2. Illegal proceedings of the BOC. (Sec. 1,
Rule 3, COMELEC Resolution No. 8804,
March22,2010)
Note:However,thisdoesnotprecludetheauthority
of the appropriate canvassing body motu propio or
upon written complaint of an interested person to
correct manifest errors in the certificate of canvass
orelectionbeforeit.(Sec.38,R.A.No.9369)
4.ElectionProtests
Q:Whatarepostelectiondisputes?
A:Theyaredisputeswhichariseorareinstituted
after proclamation of winning candidates and
which issues pertain to the casting and counting
ofvotes(ElectionProtests),ortotheeligibilityor
disloyalty of the winning candidates (Quo
Warranto).
Q:Whatisthenatureofanelectioncontest?
A: It is a special summary proceeding the object

of which is to expedite the settlement of
controversies between candidates as to who
receivedthemajorityoflegalvotes.
Q:Whereareelectionprotestsfiled?
A:
1. COMELEC sole judge of all contests
relating to elections, returns, and
qualifications of all elective regional,
provincialandcityofficials.
2. SupremeCourtenbancPresidentand
VicePresident
3. SETSenator
a. HRETrepresentative
4. RTC over contests for municipal
officials
5. MeTCorMTCforbarangayofficials
Q:Whatarethegroundsforthefilingofelection
protests?
A:
1. Fraud
2. Votebuying
3. Terrorism
4. Presenceofflyingvoters
5. Misreading or misappreciation of
ballots
6. Disenfranchisementofvoters
7. Unqualified members of board of
electioninspector
8. Otherelectionirregularities.
179
Note: Pendency of election protest is not sufficient

basistoenjoinprotesteefromassumingoffice.
Aprotestanthastherighttowithdrawhisprotestor
drop polling places fromhis protest. The protestee,
insuchcases,hasnocausetocomplainbecausethe
withdrawal is exclusive prerogative of the
protestant.
Q: When the protestant dies during the

pendency of his/her election protest, may
his/her spouse substitute in his/her stead to
avoiddismissaloftheprotest?
A:Norightofsubstitutioncaninureinfavorofa
surviving spouse, for the right to hold the
disputed public office is a personal right which
cannotbetransmittedtothelatterslegalheirs.
The rule on substitution as applied to election

contestmustonlybeinfavorofapersonwhoisa
realpartyininterest,e.g.thepartywhowouldbe
benefited or injured by the judgment, and the
party who is entitled to avail of the suit. A wife
cannot substitute for her deceased husbands
protest,forshewillnot,inanyway,bedirectlyor
substantially affected by the possible resolution
of the protest. (Poe v. MacapagalArroyo, PET
Case002,Mar.29,2005)
Q: On June 23, 2004, the National Board of

Canvassers (NBC) proclaimed X as the duly
elected VicePresident of the Philippines. Y was
the person who obtained the second highest
number of votes. Y filed a protest with the PET
praying for the annulment of the protestee's
proclamation on the ground of fraud and
manipulation of the results. While the protest
was pending, X was elected and assumed the
officeofsenator.Willtheprotestprosper?
A: No. In assuming the office of Senator, X has

effectivelyabandonedorwithdrawnthisprotest.
Such abandonment or withdrawal operates to
render moot the instant protest. Moreover, the
dismissal of this protest would serve public
interest as it would dissipate the aura of
uncertainty as to the results of the election.
(Legarda v. De Castro, PET case no. 003, Jan. 18
2008)
180
5.QuoWarranto
Q: What are quo warranto proceedings for an

electiveoffice?
A:Itisaproceedingtodeterminetherighttothe
useorexerciseofanofficeandtoousttheholder
from its enjoyment, if his claim is not well
founded or if he has forfeited his right to enjoy
theprivilege.
Unlikeanelectionprotest,whichcanonlybefiled
by a candidate, any voter can file a petition for
quowarranto.
Note: Election Protests and Quo warranto

proceedings against a Congressmanelect, Senator
elect, Presidentelect and VPelect are brought
beforetheappropriateelectoraltribunalscreatedby
theConstitution.
Q: Discuss the function of Senate and House of

RepresentativeTribunals.
A: The Senate and the House of Representatives

eachhaveanElectoralTribunalwhichshallbethe
sole judge of all contests relating to elections,
returns, and qualifications of their respective
members. Such jurisdiction begins only after a
candidate has become a member of the
legislative body. The judicial review of the
decisions of these electoral tribunals is possible
only in the exercise of the SCs extraordinary
jurisdiction.
GR: Electoral Tribunal is the sole judge of all

contests relating to the election, returns and
qualifications of Congressional members ONLY
after the candidate has become a member of
Congressandnotpriorthereto.
XPN: COMELEC has jurisdiction if candidate not

yet proclaimed and involving manifest errors in
the certificates of canvass and in composition of
boardoritsproceedings.
Q:Whoshallactasthesolejudgeofallcontests
relating to the election, returns, and
qualificationsofthePresidentandtheVP?
A:TheSupremeCourtsittingenbanc.
POLITICALLAWTEAM:
VILLAMOR.
ELECTION LAW
Note: Before election, SC has no jurisdiction to

entertain any petition relating to the qualifications
or disqualifications of candidates for President and
VP,thejurisdictionbeingwiththeCOMELEC.
Q:Whatistheeffectiftheprotestantacceptsa
permanentappointment?Why?
A: Acceptance of a permanent appointment to a

regular office during the pendency of his protest
is an abandonment of the electoral protest. The
same is true if a protestant voluntarily sought
election to an office whose term would extend
beyond the expiry date of the term of the
contested office, and after winning the said
election, took her oath and assumed office and
thereaftercontinuouslyservesit.Thereasonfor
this is that the dismissal of the protest would
servepublicinterestasitwoulddissipatetheaura
ofuncertaintyastotheresultsofthepresidential
election, thereby enhancing the allto crucial
political stability of the nation during this period
of national recovery. (Santiago v. Ramos, P.E.T.
CaseNo.001,Feb.13,1996)
j.PROSECUTIONOFELECTIONOFFENSES
Q: Who has the authority to prosecute election

offenses?
A: The COMELEC is vested with the power of a

public prosecutor with the exclusive authority to
conduct the preliminary investigation and
prosecutionofelectionoffensespunishableunder
the Omnibus Election Code. (Sec. 265, B.P. 881
Q:MaytheCOMELECdelegatesuchauthority?
A:Yes.TheCOMELECenbancmaydelegatesuch
authority to any public prosecutor but always
subject to the control and supervision of the
COMELEC. (People v. Delgado, G.R. No. Nos.
9341932,September18,1990)
Q: In cases where the prosecutor exercises

delegated authority to conduct preliminary
investigation of election offenses and such
officer, after investigation, already resolves the
issue of probable cause, where should one

appealtheresolution?
A:Fromsuchresolution,appealtotheCOMELEC
lies, and the latters ruling on the appeal would
be immediately final and executory. However, if
thepreliminaryinvestigationisconductedbythe
COMELEC itself, appeal to the COMELEC is
unavailing,buttherespondentmayfileamotion
for reconsideration of the resolution of the
COMELEC en banc finding probable cause.
(Faelnar v. People, G.R. Nos. 14085051. May 4,
2000)
Q:Whataretheelectionoffenses?
A:
1. Votebuyingandvoteselling
2. Conspiracytobribevoters
3. Wageringuponresultofelection
4. Coercionofsubordinates
5. Threats, intimidation, terrorism, use of
fraudulent device or other forms of
coercion
6. Coercion of election officials and
employees
7. Appointment of new employees,
creation of new position, promotion,
givingofsalaryincreases
8. Intervention of public officers and
employees
9. Undueinfluence
10. Unlawfulelectioneering
11. Others. (Sec. 261, B.P. 881 Omnibus
ElectionCode)
Q: What is the prescriptive period of election

offenses?
A: 5 years from the date of their commission.

(Sec.267,B.P.881OmnibusElectionCode)
Q: Which court has jurisdiction to hear and

decideelectionoffenses?
A:
GR: The RTC has the exclusive and original
jurisdiction to hear and decide any criminal
action or proceedings for violation of the
OEC.
XPN: The MTC has jurisdiction over offenses

relating to failure to register or failure to
vote.
181

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ELECTION LAW

2. Special election one held to fill a

iii. Initiative on Local

A: The election period shall commence 90 days

UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011

A: As to the procedural limitation, the right of a

Registration Act of 1996.(AkbayanYouth v.

A: No. It is but a condition precedent to the

A: Any person,who transfers residencesolelyby

A: A place to which, whenever absent for

A: It implies the factual relationship of an

Q: Petitioner ran congressman of the First

(Fernandez v. HRET, G.R. No. 187478, Dec. 29,

A: Any person who, being a registered voter,

A: No. Her prior registration makes her

A: Yes, double registrants are still qualified to

UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011

subsists, any subsequent registration thereto is

Q: Y filed a petition for the cancellation of the

A: The Constitution provides that until Congress

A: GR: It is a system where the application of

XPN: No registration shall be conducted during

Note: The SC upheld COMELECs denial of the

Q: On Nov. 12, 2008 respondent COMELEC

8585 and seek the declaration of its nullity.

The present case differs significantly from the

Congress shall provide a system for absentee

A: All citizens of the Philippines abroad, who are

Q: Who are disqualified from voting under the

UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011

tribunals only on the basis of reciprocity

An immigrant or a permanent resident

Note: An immigrant or permanent

Any citizen of the Philippines abroad

Note: Unless such competent authority

A: Registration as an overseas absentee voter

he/she temporarily resides or at any

The overseas absentee voter may also

A: Voting by mail may be allowed in countries

Q: How will the counting and canvassing of the

Immediately upon completion of the

Q: Can the canvass of the overseas absentee

A: No, if the outcome of the election will not be

Q: What kind of registration system do the

Q: Which court has jurisdiction over inclusion

Q: Who may file a petition in an inclusion or

Registration Board or whose name was

Q: What is the period for filing a petition in an

Q: Do decisions in an inclusion or exclusion

A: No. The proceedings for the exclusion or

A: A political party is any organized group of

UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011

A: A sectoral organization refers to a group of

Q: What are the grounds for the refusal and/or

cast under the partylist system in the

Q: What are the qualifications of elective local

Note: When a candidate has not yet been

A: It is the formal manifestation to the whole

Provisions of the election law on certificates of