NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES (BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG

881) (Recent Amendments and Jurisprudence) OUTLINE Article I. General Pr !i"i n" (Secti n" 1#1$) Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec ! # & ) + . 0 1 2 !3 !! !# Tit"e App"ica$i"it% E"ecti'n and Campai(n peri'ds O$"i(ati'n t' Re(ister and *'te ,'stp'nement '- E"ecti'n /ai"ure '- E"ecti'n Ca"" '- Specia" E"ecti'ns E"ecti'n C'de t' $e A*ai"a$"e in ,'""in( ,"aces O--icia" Mai" and Te"e(ram Re"ati*e t' E"ecti'ns E"ecti'n E4penses /ai"ure t' Assume O--ice Dis5ua"i-icati'ns

Article II. Electi n % Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent (Secti n" 1(#$)) Sec !& Sec !) Sec !+ Sec !. Sec !0 Sec !1 Sec !2 Sec #3 Re(u"ar E"ecti'n -'r ,resident and 6ice7,resident Specia" E"ecti'n -'r ,resident and 6ice7,resident Can*ass '- 6'tes -'r ,resident and 6ice7,resident $% t8e ,r'*incia" 'r Cit% B'ard '- Can*assers C'untin( '- 6'tes -'r ,resident and 6ice7,resident $% t8e Batasan( ,am$ansa C'rrecti'n '- Err'rs in Certi-icate and Supp'rtin( Statement A"read% Transmitted t' t8e Secretar% ,reser*ati'n '- Ba""'t B'4es9 T8eir :e%s9 and Disp'siti'n '- T8eir C'ntents W8en certi-icate '- can*ass is inc'mp"ete 'r $ears erasures 'r a"terati'ns ,r'c"amati'n '- t8e ,resident7e"ect and 6ice7,resident7e"ect

Article III. Electi n % Me*+er" % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a (Secti n" $1#$8) Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec #! ## #& #) #+ Re(u"ar E"ecti'n '- Mem$ers '- t8e Batasan( ,am$ansa Specia" E"ecti'n -'r Mem$ers '- t8e Batasan( ,am$ansa C'mp'siti'n '- t8e Batasan( ,am$ansa App'rti'nment '- Representati*es 6'tin( $% ,r'*ince and its C'mp'nent Cities9 $% ;i(8"% Ur$ani<ed Cit% 'r $% District in Metr'p'"itan Mani"a Sect'ra" Representati*es 1

Sec #.

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Sec #0 Sec #1 Sc'pe '- t8e Sect'rs Se"ecti'n '- Sect'ra" Representati*es

Article I'. Electi n % L cal O%%icial" (Secti n" $.#()) Sec #2 Sec &3 Re(u"ar E"ecti'ns '- L'ca" O--icia"s C'mp'nent and ;i(8"% Ur$ani<ed Cities % /e-i nal A""e*+l0 % t,e A1t n * 1"

Article '. Electi n % Me*+er" /e-i n" (Secti n" (1#(2) Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec &! &# && &) &+ &.

T8e San((unian( ,amp''= '- t8e Aut'n'm'us Re(i'ns App'rti'nment '- Mem$ers '- t8e San((unian( ,amp''= E"ecti'n '- Mem$ers '- San((unian( ,amp''= Se"ecti'n '- Sect'ra" Representati*es /i""in( '- 6acanc% Term '- O--ice

Article 'I. Electi n % Baran-a0 O%%icial" (Secti n" (3#41) Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec &0 &1 &2 )3 )! )# )& )) )+ ). )0 )1 )2 +3 +! Re(u"ar e"ecti'ns '- Baran(a% O--icia"s C'nduct '- E"ecti'ns Certi-icate '- Candidac% B'ard '- E"ecti'n Te""ers Re(istrati'n '- 6'ters and List '- 6'ters ,'""in( p"aces O--icia" Baran(a% Ba""'ts Ba""'t B'4es ,'stp'nement 'r /ai"ure '- E"ecti'n Baran(a% B'ard '- Can*assers Acti*ities Durin( t8e Campai(n ,eri'd Watc8ers Inc"usi'n and E4c"usi'n Cases /undin( ,ena"ties

Article 'II. T,e C **i""i n n Electi n" (Secti n" 4$#4.) Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec +# +& +) ++ +. ,'>ers and -uncti'ns '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns /ie"d '--ices '- t8e C'mmissi'n ?ua"i-icati'ns O--ice Space C8an(es in t8e C'mp'siti'n9 Distri$uti'n 'r Assi(nment '- /ie"d O--ices Measures t' Ensure En-'rcement Dis5ua"i-icati'n '- Mem$ers '- t8e C'mmissi'n ,u$"icati'n '- O--icia" Ba""'ts and E"ecti'n Returns and ,rintin( T8ere'2

Sec +0 Sec +1 Sec +2

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Article 'III. P litical Partie" (Secti n" 2)#2$) Sec .3 Sec .! Sec .# ,'"itica" ,art% Re(istrati'n ,u$"icati'n '- ,etiti'n -'r Re(istrati'n 'r Accreditati'n

Article I5. Eli-i+ilit0 % Can&i&ate" an& Certi%icate % Can&i&ac0 (Secti n" 2(# 38) Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec .& .) .+ .. .0 .1 .2 03 0! 0# 0& 0) 0+ 0. 00 ?ua"i-icati'ns -'r ,resident and 6ice7,resident '- t8e ,8i"ippines ?ua"i-icati'ns -'r mem$ers '- t8e Batasan( ,am$ansa ?ua"i-icati'ns '- E"ecti*e L'ca" O--icia"s Candidates ;'"din( App'inti*e O--ice 'r ,'siti'ns Candidates ;'"din( E"ecti*e O--ice Dis5ua"i-icati'ns Nuisance Candidates @uest Candidac% C8an(in( ,'"itica" ,art% A--i"iati'n E--ects '- Dis5ua"i-icati'n Cases and ,ri'rit% Certi-icate '- Candidac% C'ntents '- Certi-icate '- Candidac% /i"in( and Distri$uti'n '- Certi-icate '- Candidac% Ministeria" Dut% '- Recei*in( and Ac=n'>"ed(in( Receipt Candidates in Case '- Deat89 Dis5ua"i-icati'n 'r Wit8dra>a" 'An't8er ,etiti'n t' Den% Due C'urse t' 'r Cance" a Certi-icate '- Candidac%

Sec 01

Article 5. Ca*6ai-n an& Electi n Pr 6a-an&a (Secti n" 3.#.() Sec 02 Sec 13 Sec 1! Sec 1# Sec 1& Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec 1) 1+ 1. 10 11 12 23 2! 2# 2& De-initi'ns E"ecti'n Campai(n 'r ,artisan ,'"itica" Acti*it% Outside Campai(n ,eri'd Inter*enti'n '- /'rei(ners La>-u" E"ecti'n ,r'pa(anda Rem'*a"9 Destructi'n 'r De-acement '- La>-u" E"ecti'n ,r'pa(anda ,r'8i$ited Re5uirements -'r ,u$"is8ed 'r ,rinted E"ecti'n ,r'pa(anda Re(u"ati'n '- E"ecti'n ,r'pa(anda T8r'u(8 Mass Media ,r'8i$ited /'rms '- E"ecti'n ,r'pa(anda Ra""ies9 Meetin(s and Ot8er ,'"itica" Acti*ities ,u$"ic Ra""% Transp'rtati'n9 /''d and Drin=s C'me"ec Space C'me"ec ,'ster Area C'me"ec Time COMELEC In-'rmati'n Bu""etin

Article 5I. Elect ral C ntri+1ti n" an& E76en&it1re" (Secti n" .8#11$) 3

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec 2) 2+ 2. 20 21 22 !33 !3! !3# !3& !3) !3+ !3. !30 !31 !32 !!3 !!! !!# De-initi'ns ,r'8i$ited C'ntri$uti'ns S'"icitin( 'r Recei*in( C'ntri$uti'ns -r'm /'rei(n S'urces ,r'8i$ited Raisin( '- /unds True Name '- C'ntri$ut'r Re5uired Rep'rt '- C'ntri$uti'ns Limitati'ns up'n E4pense '- Candidates Limitati'ns up'n E4penses '- ,'"itica" ,arties La>-u" E4penditures ,ers'ns Aut8'ri<ed t' Incur E"ecti'n E4penditures ,r'8i$ited D'nati'ns $% Candidates9 Treasurers '- ,arties 'r t8eir A(ents Acc'untin( $% A(ents '- Candidate 'r Treasurer Rec'rds '- C'ntri$uti'ns and E4penditures Statement '- C'ntri$uti'ns and E4penditures ,"ace -'r /i"in( Statements /'rms and C'ntents '- Statement ,reser*ati'n and Inspecti'n '- Statements E--ect '- /ai"ure t' /i"e Statement Rep'rt '- C'ntract'r and Business /irms

Article 5II. /e-i"trati n % ' ter" (Secti n" 11(#188) Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec !!& !!) !!+ !!. !!0 !!1 !!2 !#3 !#! ,ermanent List '- 6'ters Rene>a" '- t8e ,ermanent List Necessit% '- Re(istrati'n W8' ma% $e Re(istered in t8e List ?ua"i-icati'ns '- a 6'ter Dis5ua"i-icati'ns ,reparati'n '- t8e ,ermanent List '- 6'ters ,reparati'n '- t8e List Be-'re 't8er Re(u"ar E"ecti'ns ,reparati'n '- t8e List Be-'re an% Specia" E"ecti'n9 ,"e$iscite 'r Re-erendum Trans-er '- Name '- 6'ters -r'm t8e ,ermanent List t' t8e Current One Cance""ati'n and E4c"usi'n in t8e Trans-er '- Names Meetin( t' C"'se t8e List '- 6'ters Re7re(istrati'n Re(istrati'n '- 6'ters I""iterate 'r Disa$"ed App"icants 6'terAs Identi-icati'n Acti'n $% t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs ,r'*incia" Centra" /i"e '- Re(istered 6'ters Nati'na" Centra" /i"e '- Re(istered 6'ters ,reser*ati'n '- 6'terAs A--ida*its C'"umns in t8e List '- 6'ters Certi-icate '- t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs in t8e List '- 6'ters ,u$"icati'n '- t8e List C8a""en(e '- Ri(8t t' Re(ister 4

Sec !## Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec !#& !#) !#+ !#. !#0 !#1 !#2 !&3 !&! !&# !&& !&) !&+ !&.

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Sec !&0 Sec !&1 Sec !&2 Sec !)3 Sec !)! Sec !)# Sec !)& Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec !)) !)+ !). !)0 !)1 ,'>er '- t8e B'ard '- Inspect'rs t' Administer Oat8s and Issue Summ'ns Jurisdicti'n in Inc"usi'n and E4c"usi'n Cases ,etiti'n -'r Inc"usi'n '- 6'ters in t8e List 6'ters E4c"uded t8r'u(8 Inad*ertence 'r Re(istered >it8 an Err'ne'us 'r Misspe""ed name C8an(e '- Name '- Re(istered 6'ter ,etiti'n -'r E4c"usi'n '- 6'ters -r'm List C'mm'n Ru"es @'*ernin( Judicia" ,r'ceedin(s in t8e Matter 'Inc"usi'n9 E4c"usi'n9 and C'rrecti'n '- Name '- 6'ters Can*ass t' C8ec= Re(istrati'n Annu"ment '- ,ermanent Lists '- 6'ters Rec'nstituti'n '- L'st 'r Destr'%ed Re(istrati'n Rec'rds E4aminati'n '- Re(istrati'n Rec'rds List '- 6'ters

Article 5III. Precinct" an& P llin- Place" (Secti n" 18.#12() Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec !)2 !+3 !+! !+# !+& !+) !++ !+. !+0 !+1 !+2 !.3 !.! !.# ,recincts and t8eir Esta$"is8ment Arran(ements '- E"ecti'n ,recincts ,u$"icati'n '- Maps 'r ,recincts ,'""in( ,"ace Desi(nati'n '- ,'""in( ,"aces Re5uirements -'r ,'""in( ,"aces Bui"din( t8at s8a"" n't $e used as ,'""in( ,"aces Si(ns and /"a(s '- ,'""in( ,"aces Arran(ement and C'ntents '- ,'""in( ,"aces 6'tin( B''t8 @uard Rai"s Ba""'t B'4es Ta""% B'ards /urnis8in( '- Ba""'t B'4es9 /'rms9 Stati'neries and Materia"s -'r E"ecti'n Inspecti'n '- ,'""in( ,"aces

Sec !.&

Article 5I'. B ar& % Electi n" (Secti n" 128#133) Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec !.) !.+ !.. !.0 !.1 !.2 !03 C'mp'siti'n and App'intment '- B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs Oat8 '- t8e Mem$ers '- t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs ?ua"i-icati'n '- Mem$ers '- t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs Dis5ua"i-icati'n ,'>ers '- t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs 6'tin( ,ri*i"e(e '- Mem$ers '- B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs Re"ie- and Su$stituti'n '- Mem$ers '- t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs 6acanc% in t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs ,r'ceedin(s '- t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs ,r'8i$iti'n '- ,'"itica" Acti*it% 5

Sec !0! Sec !0# Sec !0&

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Sec !0) Sec !0+ Sec !0. Sec !00 /uncti'nin( '- t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs Temp'rar% 6acancies Temp'rar% Desi(nati'n '- Mem$ers '- t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs $% Watc8ers Arrest '- A$sent Mem$ers

Article 5'. 9atc,er" (Secti n" 138#18)) Sec !01 Sec !02 Sec !13 O--icia" Watc8ers '- Candidates Ri(8ts and Duties '- Watc8ers Ot8er Watc8ers

Article 5'I. O%%icial Ball t" an& Electi n /et1rn" (Secti n" 181#18.) Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec !1! !1# !1& !1) !1+ !1. !10 O--icia" Ba""'ts Emer(enc% Ba""'ts Re5uisiti'n '- O--icia" Ba""'ts and E"ecti'n Returns ,rintin( '- O--icia" Ba""'ts and E"ecti'ns Returns Samp"e O--icia" Ba""'ts Distri$uti'n '- O--icia" Ba""'ts and E"ecti'n Returns C'mmittee 'n ,rintin(9 St'ra(e9 and Distri$uti'n '- O--icia" Ba""'ts and E"ecti'n Returns Duties '- t8e C'mmittee 'n ,rintin( '- O--icia" Ba""'ts and E"ecti'n Returns Representati*es '- t8e Re(istered ,'"itica" ,arties in t8e 6eri-icati'n and Distri$uti'n '- O--icia" Ba""'ts and E"ecti'n Returns

Sec !11 Sec !12

Article 5'II. Ca"tin- % ' te" (Secti n" 1.)#$)4) Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec !23 !2! !2# !2& !2) !2+ !2. !20 !21 !22 #33 #3! #3# #3& #3) #3+ 6'tin( ;'urs ,re"iminaries t' t8e 6'tin( ,ers'ns A""'>ed in and Ar'und t8e ,'""in( ,"ace Order '- 6'tin( Manner '- O$tainin( Ba""'ts Manner '- ,reparin( t8e Ba""'t ,reparati'n '- Ba""'ts -'r I""iterate and Disa$"ed ,ers'ns Sp'i"ed Ba""'ts 6'tin( C8a""en(e '- I""e(a" 6'ters C8a""en(e Based 'n Certain I""e(a" Acts Admissi'n '- C8a""en(ed 6'te Immateria" in Crimina" ,r'ceedin(s Rec'rd '- C8a""en(es and Oat8s Minutes '- 6'tin( and C'untin( '- 6'tes Disp'siti'n '- Unused Ba""'ts at t8e C"'se '- t8e 6'tin( 8'urs ,r'8i$iti'n '- ,remature Ann'uncement '- 6'tin(

Article 5'III. C 1ntin- % ' te" (Secti n" $)2#$$)) Sec #3. C'untin( t' $e ,u$"ic and Wit8'ut Interrupti'n 6

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec #30 #31 #32 #!3 #!! #!# #!& #!) #!+ E4cess Ba""'ts Mar=ed Ba""'ts C'mpartment -'r Sp'i"ed Ba""'ts Manner '- C'untin( 6'tes Ru"es -'r t8e Appreciati'n '- Ba""'ts E"ecti'n Returns ,r'c"amati'n '- t8e Resu"t '- t8e E"ecti'n in t8e ,'""in( ,"ace Disp'siti'n '- E"ecti'n Returns B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs t' Issue a Certi-icate '- t8e Num$er '6'tes ,'""ed $% t8e Candidates -'r an O--ice t' t8e Watc8ers A"terati'ns and C'rrecti'ns in t8e E"ecti'n Returns De"i*er% '- t8e Ba""'t B'4es9 :e%s and E"ecti'n Supp"ies and D'cuments ,reser*ati'n '- t8e 6'tin( Rec'rd ,reser*ati'n '- t8e Ba""'t B'4es9 t8eir :e%s and Disp'siti'n '- t8eir C'ntents D'cuments and Artic"es Omitted 'r Err'ne'us"% ,"aced Inside t8e Ba""'t B'4

Sec #!. Sec #!0 Sec #!1 Sec #!2 Sec ##3

Article 5I5. Can!a"" an& Pr cla*ati n (Secti n" $$1#$8)) Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec ##! ### ##& ##) ##+ ##. ##0 ##1 ##2 #&3 #&! #&# #&& #&) #&+ #&. #&0 #&1 #&2 #)3 B'ard '- Can*assers Re"ati'ns8ip >it8 Candidates and Ot8er Mem$ers ,r'8i$iti'n A(ainst Lea*in( O--icia" Stati'n /ei(ned I""ness 6'te Re5uired Incapacit% and Su$stituti'n '- Mem$ers '- B'ards '- Can*assers Super*isi'n and C'ntr'" O*er B'ard '- Can*assers N'tice '- Meetin( '- t8e B'ard Manner '- De"i*er% and Transmitta" '- E"ecti'n Returns Sa-e=eepin( '- Transmitted E"ecti'n Returns Can*ass $% t8e B'ard ,ers'ns n't A""'>ed Inside t8e Can*assin( R''m W8en t8e E"ecti'n Returns are De"a%ed9 L'st 'r Destr'%ed Materia" De-ects in t8e E"ecti'n Returns W8en E"ecti'n Returns Appear t' $e Tampered >it8 'r /a"si-ied Discrepancies in E"ecti'n Returns W8en Inte(rit% '- Ba""'ts is 6i'"ated Can*ass '- Remainin( 'r Un5uesti'ned Returns t' C'ntinue Watc8ers E"ecti'n Resu"tin( in Tie

Article 55. Pre#6r cla*ati n C ntr !er"ie" (Secti n" $81#$88) Sec #)! Sec #)# Sec #)& Sec #)) De-initi'n C'mmissi'nBs E4c"usi*e Jurisdicti'n '- a"" ,re7pr'c"amati'n C'ntr'*ersies Issues t8at ma% $e Raised in ,re7pr'c"amati'n C'ntr'*ers% C'ntested C'mp'siti'n 'r ,r'ceedin(s '- t8e B'ard 7

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Sec Sec Sec Sec #)+ #). #)0 #)1 C'ntested E"ecti'n Returns Summar% ,r'ceedin(s Be-'re t8e C'mmissi'n ,artia" ,r'c"amati'n E--ect '- /i"in( ,etiti'n t' Annu" 'r t' Suspend t8e ,r'c"amati'n

Article 55I. Electi n C nte"t (Secti n" $8.#$2)) Sec #)2 Sec #+3 Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec #+! #+# #+& #+) #++ #+. #+0 #+1 #+2 #.3 Jurisdicti'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n E"ecti'n C'ntests -'r Batasan( ,am$ansa9 Re(i'na"9 ,r'*incia" and Cit% O--ices E"ecti'n C'ntests -'r Municipa" O--ices E"ecti'n C'ntest -'r Baran(a% O--ices ,etiti'n -'r ?u' Warrant' ,r'cedure in E"ecti'n C'ntests Judicia" C'untin( '- 6'tes in E"ecti'n C'ntest Appea"s Decisi'n in t8e C'mmissi'n ,re-erentia" Disp'siti'n '- C'ntests in C'urts Actua" 'r C'mpensat'r% Dama(es N'tice '- Decisi'ns

Article 55II. Electi n O%%en"e" (Secti n" $21#$2.) Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec #.! #.# #.& #.) #.+ #.. #.0 #.1 #.2 ,r'8i$ited Acts Ot8er E"ecti'n O--enses ,ers'ns Crimina""% Lia$"e ,ena"ties ,r'secuti'n Arrest in C'nnecti'n >it8 t8e E"ecti'n Campai(n ,rescripti'n Jurisdicti'n '- C'urts ,re-erentia" Disp'siti'n '- E"ecti'n O--enses

Article 55III. Le-al Fee" (Secti n" $3)#$31) Sec #03 Sec #0! C'""ecti'n '- Le(a" /ees ,a%ment '- /ees

Article 55I'. Tran"it r0 Pr !i"i n" (Secti n" $3$#$3.) Sec #0# Sec #0& Sec Sec Sec Sec Sec #0) #0+ #0. #00 #01 ,endin( Acti'ns Desi(nati'n '- Certain ,re7e"ecti'n acts Immediate"% A-ter t8e Appr'*a" '- t8is C'de Accreditati'n '- D'minant Opp'siti'n ,art% ,art% Representati*es in t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs Appr'priati'ns9 and Insurance -'r B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs Specia" E"ecti'n -'r ,resident Be-'re !210 Specia" E"ecti'n t' /i"" E4istin( 6acancies in t8e Batasan( ,am$ansa 8

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Sec #02 E"ecti*e O--icia"s in E4istin( Su$7pr'*inces

Article 55'. Final Pr !i"i n" (Secti n" $8)#$8() Sec Sec Sec Sec #13 #1! #1# #1& Re'r(ani<ati'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns Separa$i"it% C"ause Repea"in( C"ause E--ecti*it% C"ause

Brie% Hi"t rical Bac:-r 1n& % COMELEC T8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns >as created $% a !2)3 amendment t' t8e !2&+ C'nstituti'n Its mem$ers8ip >as en"ar(ed and its p'>ers e4panded $% t8e !20& and !210 C'nstituti'ns T8e C'mmissi'n e4ercises n't 'n"% administrati*e9 $ut Cudicia" and 5uasi7Cudicia" p'>ers Be-'re t8e creati'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 super*isi'n '*er t8e c'nduct '- e"ecti'ns >as *ested in t8e E4ecuti*e Bureau9 an '--ice under t8e Department '- Interi'r and "ater direct"% *ested in t8e Department itse"- >8en t8e E4ecuti*e Bureau >as a$'"is8ed T8ere >as9 8'>e*er9 (enera" dissatis-acti'n '*er t8e manner in >8ic8 e"ecti'ns >ere c'nducted under t8e super*isi'n '- t8e Secretar% '- t8e Interi'r T8ere >as (r'>in( suspici'n t8at Secretaries '- t8e Interi'r administered e"ecti'n "a>s n't -'r t8e purp'se '- securin( 8'nest and -ree e"ecti'ns9 $ut t' ser*e t8e p'"itica" interest '- t8e part% in p'>er t' >8ic8 t8e% $e"'n(ed T8e% >ere ne*er entire"% -ree -r'm suspici'n '- actin( >it8 partisan $ias T8e c"'se '--icia" re"ati'ns8ip $et>een t8e president and t8e Secretar% '- t8e Interi'r $red suspici'n t8at e"ecti'ns ser*ed t8e incum$ent Secretar%As p'"itica" interest T8e Secretar% '- t8e Interi'r >as direct"% resp'nsi$"e t' t8e ,resident and 8is tenure ''--ice >as dependent n't 'n"% 'n t8e p"easure '- t8e ,resident9 $ut a"s' up'n t8e 9

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS ,residentAs '>n c'ntinuance in '--ice T8is set7up 'n"% induced increasin( distrust in t8e *erdict at t8e p'""s T8e situati'n impe""ed t8e Nati'na" Assem$"% t' pr'p'se t8e creati'n $% c'nstituti'na" amendment '- a C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns c'mp'sed '- a C8airman and t>' mem$ers t' ta=e '*er t8e -uncti'ns '- t8e Secretar% '- t8e Interi'r re"ati*e t' e"ecti'ns B% c'nstituti'na" amendment rati-ied $% t8e /i"ipin' pe'p"e in a p"e$iscite 8e"d 'n June !09 !2)39 a"" -uncti'ns 8eret'-'re e4ercised $% t8e Secretar% '- t8e Interi'r re"ati*e t' t8e c'nduct '- e"ecti'ns >ere trans-erred t' t8e C'mmissi'n ;'>e*er9 as t8e amendment c'u"d n't $e made e--ecti*e in time -'r t8e !2)3 e"ecti'ns9 t8e Nati'na" Assem$"% t8r'u(8 C'mm'n>ea"t8 Act N' .30 created a statut'r% C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns9 (i*in( t8eret' t8e same p'>ers >8ic8 t8e C'mmissi'n >'u"d 8a*e under t8e C'nstituti'n T8e act $ecame e--ecti*e up'n its appr'*a" 'n Au(ust ##9 !2)3 T8e C'mmissi'n immediate"% -uncti'ned 'n Septem$er !)9 !2)39 and super*ised t8e Decem$er !39 !2)3 e"ecti'ns T8e c'nstituti'na" amendment creatin( t8e C'mmissi'n >as -ina""% appr'*ed 'n Decem$er #9 !2)3 On June #!9 !2)!9 t8e C'mm'n>ea"t8 Act N' .+0 >as enacted re'r(ani<in( t8e C'mmissi'n as a c'nstituti'na" $'d% T8e mem$ers '- t8e statut'r% C'mmissi'n c'ntinued as mem$er '- t8e c'nstituti'na" C'mmissi'n T8e su$'rdinate pers'nne"9 rec'rds9 d'cuments9 and pr'pert% t'(et8er >it8 its une4pected $a"ance in t8e appr'priati'n >ere "i=e>ise trans-erred t' t8e ne>"%7'r(ani<ed C'mmissi'n T8e C8airman and Mem$ers '- t8e C'mmissi'n 8ad a term '- nine %ears eac8 D a mem$er $ein( rep"aced e*er% t8ree %ears7 e4cept t8'se -irst app'inted >8' >ere (i*en nine9 si4 and t8ree7%ears terms9 respecti*e"% T8e !20& C'nstituti'n en"ar(ed t8e mem$ers8ip '- t8e C'mmissi'n -r'm t8ree t' nine $ut reduced t8eir term '- '--ice -r'm nine t' se*en %ears T8e !210 C'nstituti'n reduced t8e mem$ers8ip '- t8e C'mmissi'n -r'm nine t' se*en $ut retained t8eir term '- se*en %ears >it8'ut reapp'intment O- t8'se -irst app'inted9 & mem$ers s8'u"d 8'"d '--ice -'r se*en %ears9 # mem$ers -'r -i*e %ears and t8e "ast # mem$ers -'r t8ree %ears T8e% can $e rem'*ed -r'm '--ice 'n"% $% impeac8ment and are pr'*ided >it8 sa"aries -i4ed $% "a> >8ic8 s8a"" n't $e decreased durin( t8eir term '- '--ice T8ese are t8e sa-e(uards t' ensure t8e independence '- t8e C'mmissi'n A1t *ate& S0"te* % Electi n" RA 1)&. >as passed int' "a> in !2209 aut8'ri<in( COMELEC t' imp"ement an aut'mated s%stem in t8e Ma% !221 e"ecti'ns and in su$se5uent nati'na" and "'ca" e"ecti'ns But it did n't materia"i<e due t' "ac= '- time9 preparati'n and -undin( T8e aut'mated pr'cess >as 'n"% used in Lana' de" Sur9 Ma(uidana'9 Su"u and Ta>i7 Ta>i durin( t8e !221 e"ecti'ns 10

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS J'sep8 Marce"' Estrada >as e"ected president in !2219 p"ed(in( t' 8e"p t8e p''r and de*e"'p t8e c'untr%As a(ricu"tura" sect'r In !222 8e ann'unced p"ans t' amend t8e c'nstituti'n in 'rder t' rem'*e pr'tecti'nist pr'*isi'ns and attract m're -'rei(n in*estment In N'* 9 #3339 Estrada >as impeac8ed $% t8e ;'use '- Representati*es 'n c8ar(es '- (ra-t9 $ut t8e senate9 c'ntr'""ed $% EstradaAs a""ies9 pr'*'=ed a crisis >8en it reCected e4aminin( t8e presidentAs $an= rec'rds As dem'nstrati'ns a(ainst Estrada m'unted and mem$ers '- 8is ca$inet resi(ned9 t8e Supreme C'urt stripped 8im '- t8e presidenc%9 and 6ice ,resident @"'ria Macapa(a"7 Arr'%' >as s>'rn in as EstradaAs success'r Macapa(a"7Arr'%' >as e"ected president in 8er '>n ri(8t in Ma%9 #33)9 $ut t8e $a""'tin( >as marred $% *i'"ence and irre(u"arities as >e"" as a tedi'us *'te7c'untin( pr'cess t8at >as c'mp"eted si4 >ee=s a-ter t8e e"ecti'n RA 2&.2 >as passed in #3309 amendin( RA 1)&. t' enc'ura(e transparenc%9 credi$i"it%9 -airness9 and accurac% '- e"ecti'ns An aut'mated e"ect'ra" pr'cess >as -irst en-'rced 'n a nati'n>ide sca"e in t8e #3!3 e"ecti'ns >it8 ,resident Beni(n' EN'%n'%F A5uin' III dec"ared as t8e >inner in Cust -e> 8'urs a-ter t8e e"ecti'n9 a 8ist'rica" mar= in t8e 8ist'r% '- e"ecti'ns in t8e ,8i"ippines T8e sec'nd nati'n>ide aut'mated e"ecti'ns t''= p"ace 'n Ma% !&9 #3!&9 >it8 t8e e"ecti'n '- t>e"*e senat'rs9 ('*ern'rs9 ma%'ra"t% p'siti'ns9 and cit% c'unci"'rs

THE COMELEC AS GUA/DIAN OF THE BALLOT

T8r'u(8 t8e %ears9 t8e C'mmissi'n 8as mana(ed t' maintain its aut8'rit% and independence in t8e c'nduct '- e"ecti'ns Acti'ns and decisi'ns '- t8is $'d% t8at appeared t' strain t8e "imits '- its p'>ers >ere9 in m'st cases9 sustained $% t8e Supreme C'urt9 t8ere$% rein-'rcin( its p'siti'n as t8e c'nstituti'na""% 'rdained (uardian '- t8e $a""'t In its "atest decisi'n up8'"din( t8e C'mmissi'nBs asserti'n '- aut8'rit%9 t8e 8i(8 tri$una" a--irmed t8e e4c"usi*e c8aracter '- its p'>er t' c'nduct t8e pre"iminar% in*esti(ati'n and pr'secuti'n in cases in*'"*in( e"ecti'n '--enses (,e'p"e *s ;'n'ra$"e Enri5ue B Intin(9 Jud(e9 RTC9 BR &19 Duma(uete Cit%9 et a"9 @ R N' 112!29 Ju"% #09 !223) Suc8 decisi'ns 8a*e attested t' t8e C'mmissi'nBs si4t%7'ne (.!) %ears '- ser*ice t' ,8i"ippine dem'crac%9 t' t8e stren(t8 '- purp'se and c8aracter and t8e *isi'n '- t8e men and >'men >8' 8a*e ser*ed it /EO/GANI;ATION T8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns 8ad under('ne se*era" re'r(ani<ati'nsG

11

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS On June #!9 !2)!9 C'mm'n>ea"t8 Act N' .+0 >as enacted re'r(ani<in( t8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns as a c'nstituti'na" $'d% T8ere >ere &2 sta-- mem$ers inc"udin( t8ree C'mmissi'ners9 name"%G ,edr' C'ncepci'n9 C8airmanH J'se C A$reu and Ru-in' Luna9 mem$ers At t8e $e(innin( t8e C8airman and Mem$ers '- t8e C'mmissi'n 8ad a term '- nine %ears eac8 7 a mem$er $ein( rep"aced e*er% t8ree %ears 7 e4cept in t8e -irst C'mmissi'n >8' >ere (i*en nine9 si4 and t8ree %ear terms respecti*e"% T8e% c'u"d $e rem'*ed -r'm '--ice 'n"% $% impeac8ment and >ere pr'*ided >it8 -i4ed sa"aries >8ic8 c'u"d neit8er $e increased n'r diminis8ed durin( t8eir term '- '--ice T8ese >ere am'n( t8e sa-e(uards t' ensure t8e inte(rit% and independence '- t8e C'mmissi'n On June ##9 !2.&9 C'n(ress appr'*ed Repu$"ic Act N's &+11 and &131 ena$"in( t8e C'mmissi'n t' re'r(ani<e and e4pand its structure and increase pers'nne" d'>n t' t8e municipa" "e*e" Repu$"ic Act N' &+11 >as passed in 'rder t' esta$"is8 a permanent "ist '- *'ters and a c'ntinuin( s%stem '- re(istrati'n '- *'ters9 in eac8 cit%9 municipa"it% and municipa" district $% a n'n7partisan and 5ua"i-ied e"ecti'n re(istrar >it8 t8e assistance '- an e"ecti'n c"er= On t8e 't8er 8and9 Repu$"ic Act N' &131 aut8'ri<ed t8e C'mmissi'n t' re'r(ani<e its '--ice I in order to promote maximum efficiency in carrying out its constitutional duty to ensure free, clean and orderly elections and administer and enforce effectively all laws relative to the conduct of electionsI T8is "a> emp'>ered t8e C'mmissi'n t' a$'"is8 'r create department9 di*isi'ns9 secti'ns9 'r units9 redistri$ute -uncti'ns and pers'nne"9 c8an(e sa"aries and a""'>ances '- its su$'rdinate '--icia"s and emp"'%ees and pr'*ide -'r ade5uate appr'priati'n -'r maintenance and 'perati'n T8en 'n !20& $% *irtue '- t8e !20& C'nstituti'n t8e mem$ers8ip '- t8e C'mmissi'n >as en"ar(ed -r'm t8ree t' nine mem$ers $ut reduced t8eir term '- '--ice -r'm nine t' se*en %ears It >as "i=e>ise in t8is "i(8t t8at t8e p'>er '- t8e C'mmissi'n >as en"ar(ed t' inc"ude Cudicia" p'>er T8us9 t8e C'me"ec $ecame a Cudicia" tri$una" >8i"e =eepin( its 'ri(in as an administrati*e entit% /irst t' ser*e in t8e C'mmissi'n under t8e !20& C'nstituti'n >ere Le'nard' B ,ere< as c8airman9 and 6enanci' S Du5ue9 /"'res A Ba%'t9 J'se Mend'<a9 /ernand' R 6e"'s'9 Linin(din( M ,an(andaman9 6enanci' L Jane<a and Casimir' R Madaran(9Jr as C'mmissi'ners Because '- t8e increased mem$ers8ip and t8e en"ar(ed p'>ers and -uncti'ns '- t8e C'mmissi'n under t8e !20& C'nstituti'n9 ,resident Marc's issued ,residentia" Decree N' +20 'n Decem$er &9 !20) aut8'ri<in( t8e C'me"ec t' underta=e a re'r(ani<ati'n '- its *ari'us departments9 di*isi'ns9 secti'ns9 '--ices and 't8er units Imp"emented in !2029 t8e re'r(ani<ati'n created t>' ne> '--ices9 name"% t8e E"ecti'n and Baran(a% A--airs Department and t8e E"ect'ra" C'ntests AdCudicati'n Department /ie"d 'perati'ns >ere decentra"i<ed >it8 t8e esta$"is8ment '- t8e '--ices '- t8e Re(i'na" E"ecti'n Direct'rs B% *irtue '- t8e passin( '- t8e !210 C'nstituti'n t8e mem$ers8ip '- t8e C'mmissi'n >as n'> reduced -r'm nine t' se*en $ut retained t8eir term '- se*en %ears >it8'ut reapp'intment O- t8'se -irst app'inted9 t8ree mem$ers s8a"" 8'"d '--ice -'r se*en 12

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS %ears9 t>' mem$ers -'r -i*e %ears and t8e "ast mem$ers -'r t8ree %ears T8e% can $e rem'*ed -r'm '--ice 'n"% $% impeac8ment and are pr'*ided >it8 sa"aries -i4ed $% "a> >8ic8 s8a"" n't $e decreased durin( t8eir term '- '--ice On Ju"% !!9 !21.9 Ram'n ; /e"ipe9 Jr >as app'inted as C8airman t' ser*e under t8e !210 C'nstituti'n >it8 Le'p'"d' L A-rica9 ;a%dee B J'rac9 Anac"et' D Bad'%9 Jr 9 Andres R /"'res9 Dari' C Rama and T'mas 6 de"a Cru<9 as C'mmissi'ners On /e$ruar% !+9 !2119 ;i"ari' @ Da*ide9 Jr 9 >as app'inted C8airman >it8 A"-red' E A$ue(9 Jr 9 ;a%dee B J'rac9 Le'p'"d' L A-rica9 Andres R /"'res9 Dari' C Rama and Ma(dara B Dimaampa' as C'mmissi'ners C'mmissi'ner ;a%dee B J'rac >as app'inted as Actin( C8airman >8en ;i"ari' @ Da*ide9 Jr >as app'inted C8airman '- t8e ,residentia" /act /indin( C'mmissi'n in Decem$er !212 under Administrati*e Order N' !). T8e Current COMELEC is c'mp'sed '- C8airman9 Si4t' S Bri""antes Jr 9 C'mmissi'ners C8ristian R'$ert S Lim9 Ma @racia Cie"' M ,adaca9 Lucenit' Ta("e9 E"ias Jus'p89 A" A ,arren'9 and Luie Tit' / @uia T8e C'mmissi'n is under t8e '*er7a"" c'ntr'" '- t8e C8airman and t8e C'mmissi'ners9 >8' c'nstitute t8e p'"ic%ma=in( $'d% t8at "a%s d'>n t8e (uide"ines and re(u"ati'ns -'r e"ecti'ns9 re-erenda9 p"e$iscites9 initiati*es and reca""s T8e C8airman is t8e C8ie- E4ecuti*e 't8e C'mmissi'n Under 8im is t8e E4ecuti*e Direct'r (ED) >8'se dut% is t' imp"ement p'"icies and decisi'ns and t' ta=e c8ar(e '- t8e administrati*e a--airs 't8e C'mmissi'n Assistin( t8e E4ecuti*e Direct'r are t>' deputiesG a Deput% E4ecuti*e Direct'r -'r Administrati'n (DEDA) and a Deput% E4ecuti*e Direct'r -'r Operati'ns (DEDO) In t8e -ie"d9 t8ere are !. re(i'na" e"ecti'n direct'rs (RED)9 02 pr'*incia" e"ecti'n super*is'rs (,ES)9 !9.32 e"ecti'n '--icers (EO) and t8eir sta--s T8e e"ecti'n '--icers are $ased in e*er% cit% and municipa"it% T8eir main -uncti'n is t' super*ise t8e c'nduct '- e"ect'ra" acti*ities >it8in t8eir areas '- resp'nsi$i"it% as -ie"d representati*es '- t8e C'mmissi'n And in t8e main '--ice t8ere are ten (!3) departments T8e C'mmissi'n sits eit8er en $anc 'r in t>' di*isi'ns in 'rder t' e4pedite disp'siti'n '- e"ecti'n cases inc"udin( pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ersies It >as said 8'>e*er t8at t8e passin( and t8e actua" use '- t8e p'"" aut'mati'n "a> *irtua""% eradicated pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ersies T8e "atest and p'ssi$"% t8e (reatest $rea=t8r'u(8 in e"ecti'n "a> is t8e passa(e 'Repu$"ic Act 2&.2 'r t8e Act pr'*idin( -'r t8e aut'mati'n '- t8e E"ecti'n ,r'cess It is t8e c'ns'"idati'n '- Senate Bi"" N' ##&! and ;'use Bi"" N' +&+# passed $% t8e Senate 'n 0 Decem$er #33. and t8e ;'use '- Representati*es 'n !2 Decem$er #33. On #& Januar% #3309 "ess t8an -'ur m'nt8s $e-'re t8e !) Ma% #330 "'ca" e"ecti'ns9 ,resident @"'ria Macapa(a" 7 Arr'%' si(ned t8e said "a> It >as printed in t>' ne>spapers '- (enera" circu"ati'n name"% t8e Ma"a%a and Business Mirr'r9 >8ere it >as pu$"is8ed 'n #. Januar% #330 RA 2&.2 t8us t''= e--ect 'n !3 /e$ruar% #330 a-ter -i-teen (!+) da%s '- pu$"icati'n

13

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Or-ani<ati nal Str1ct1re T8e C'mmissi'n is under t8e '*er7a"" c'ntr'" '- t8e C8airman and t8e C'mmissi'ners9 >8' c'nstitute t8e p'"ic%ma=in( $'d% t8at "a%s d'>n t8e (uide"ines and re(u"ati'ns -'r e"ecti'ns9 re-erenda9 p"e$iscites9 initiati*es and reca""s T8e C'mmissi'n sits eit8er en $anc 'r in t>' di*isi'ns in 'rder t' e4pedite disp'siti'n '- e"ecti'n cases inc"udin( pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ersies T8e C8airman is t8e C8ie- E4ecuti*e '- t8e C'mmissi'n Under 8im is t8e E4ecuti*e Direct'r (ED) >8'se dut% is t' imp"ement p'"icies and decisi'ns and t' ta=e c8ar(e '- t8e administrati*e a--airs '- t8e C'mmissi'n Assistin( t8e E4ecuti*e Direct'r are t>' deputiesG a Deput% E4ecuti*e Direct'r -'r Administrati'n (DEDA) and a Deput% E4ecuti*e Direct'r -'r Operati'ns (DEDO) In t8e -ie"d9 t8ere are !. Re(i'na" E"ecti'n Direct'rs (RED)9 13 ,r'*incia" E"ecti'n Super*is'rs (,ES)9 !9.). E"ecti'n O--icers (EO) and t8eir sta--s T8e e"ecti'n '--icers are $ased in e*er% cit% and municipa"it% T8eir main -uncti'n is t' super*ise t8e c'nduct '- e"ect'ra" acti*ities >it8in t8eir areas '- resp'nsi$i"it% as -ie"d representati*es '- t8e C'mmissi'n In t8e centra" '--ice9 t8ere are ten departments9 >it8 t8eir c'rresp'ndin( di*isi'ns9 name"%G 1. Administrati*e Ser*ices Department (ASD)9 a. Cas8 Di*isi'n b. ,r'pert% Di*isi'n c. Data ,r'cessin( Di*isi'n d. @enera" Ser*ices Di*isi'n e. Interna" Rec'rds Di*isi'n f. Li$rar% Di*isi'n 2. E"ecti'n and Baran(a% A--airs Department (EBAD)9 a. ,recincts Di*isi'n b. Re(istrati'n Di*isi'n 3. E"ect'ra" C'ntests AdCudicati'n Department (ECAD) 9 a. /irst and Sec'nd Di*isi'n b. Judicia" Rec'rds Di*isi'n 4. Educati'n and In-'rmati'n Department (EID)9 a. In-'rmati'n Di*isi'n b. ,u$"ic Re"ati'ns Di*isi'n 5. E"ecti'n Rec'rds and Statistics Department (ERSD) 9 a. Rec'rds and Statistics Di*isi'n (RSD) b. Nati'na" Centra" /i"e Di*isi'n (NC/D) c. 6'ters Identi-icati'n Di*isi'n (6ID) 6. /inance Ser*ices Department (/SD)9 a. Bud(et Di*isi'n b. Acc'untin( Di*isi'n c. 6'uc8er ,r'cessin( Di*isi'n 7. La> Department 9 a. In*esti(ati'n and ,r'secuti'n Di*isi'n (I,D) 14

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS b. Le(a" Opini'n and Researc8 Di*isi'n (LORD) 8. ,ers'nne" Department9 a. ,ers'nne" Di*isi'n b. Manp'>er De*e"'pment Di*isi'n c. ;ea"t8 Ser*ices Di*isi'n 9. ,"annin( Department9 a. ,"annin( and ,r'(rammin( Di*isi'n b. Mana(ement S%stems De*e"'pment Di*isi'n 10. In-'rmati'n Tec8n'"'(% Department (ITD) a. S%stems and ,r'(rams Di*isi'n b. S%stems and Operati'ns Di*isi'n c. Mana(ement In-'rmati'n S%stem Di*isi'n Ot8er '--ices inc"ude t8eG 1. O--ice '- t8e COMELEC Secretar%9 2. O--ice '- t8e C"er= '- C'urt9 and t8e 3. Interna" Audit O--ice

Man&ate& F1ncti n" ! # En-'rce and administer a"" "a>s and re(u"ati'ns re"ati*e t' t8e c'nduct '- and e"ecti'ns9 p"e$iscite9 initiati*e9 re-erendum9 and reca"" E4ercise e4c"usi*e 'ri(ina" Curisdicti'n '*er a"" c'ntests re"atin( t' t8e e"ecti'ns9 returns9 and 5ua"i-icati'ns '- a"" e"ecti*e re(i'na"9 pr'*incia"9 and cit% '--icia"s9 and appe""ate Curisdicti'n '*er a"" c'ntests in*'"*in( e"ecti*e municipa" '--icia"s decided $% tria" c'urts '- (enera" Curisdicti'n9 'r in*'"*in( e"ecti*e $aran(a% '--icia" decided $% tria" c'urts '- "imited Curisdicti'n Decide9 e4cept t8'se in*'"*in( t8e ri(8t t' *'te9 a"" 5uesti'ns a--ectin( e"ecti'ns9 inc"udin( determinati'n '- t8e num$er and "'cati'n '- p'""in( p"aces9 app'intment '- e"ecti'n '--icia"s and inspect'rs9 and re(istrati'n '*'ters Deputi<e9 >it8 t8e c'ncurrence '- t8e ,resident9 "a> en-'rcement a(encies and instrumenta"ities '- t8e @'*ernment9 inc"udin( t8e Armed /'rces '- t8e ,8i"ippines9 -'r t8e e4c"usi*e purp'ses '- ensurin( -ree9 'rder"%9 8'nest9 peace-u" credi$"e e"ecti'ns Re(ister9 a-ter su--icient pu$"icati'n9 p'"itica" parties9 'r(ani<ati'ns9 'c'a"iti'ns >8ic89 in additi'n t' 't8er re5uirements9 must present t8eir p"at-'rm 'r pr'(ram '- ('*ernmentH and accredit citi<ens arms '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns /i"e9 up'n a *eri-ied c'mp"aint9 'r 'n its '>n initiati*e9 petiti'ns in c'urt -'r inc"usi'n 'r e4c"usi'n '- *'tersH in*esti(ate and9 >8ere appr'priate9 pr'secute cases '- *i'"ati'ns '- e"ecti'ns "a>s9 inc"udin( acts 'r 'missi'ns c'nstitutin( e"ecti'n -rauds9 '--enses9 and ma"practices 15

&

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS 0 Rec'mmend t' t8e C'n(ress e--ecti*e measures t' minimi<e e"ecti'n spendin(9 inc"udin( "imitati'n '- p"aces >8ere pr'pa(anda materia"s s8a"" $e p'sted9 and t' pre*ent and pena"i<e a"" -'rms '- e"ecti'n -rauds9 '--enses9 ma"practices9 and nuisance candidates Rec'mmend t' t8e ,resident t8e rem'*a" '- an% '--icer '- emp"'%ee it 8as deputi<ed9 'r t8e imp'siti'n '- an% 't8er discip"inar% acti'n9 -'r *i'"ati'n 'r disre(ard '-9 'r dis'$edience t' its directi*e9 'rder9 'r decisi'n Su$mit t' t8e ,resident and t8e C'n(ress a c'mpre8ensi*e rep'rt 'n t8e c'nduct '- eac8 e"ecti'n9 p"e$iscite9 initiati*e9 re-erendum9 'r reca""

S'urceG COMELEC A/TICLE I GENE/AL P/O'ISIONS Sec. 1. Title. # T,i" Act ",all +e :n =n an& cite& a" t,e "Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines." Sec. $. A66lica+ilit0. # T,i" C &e ",all - !ern all electi n % 61+lic %%icer" an&> t t,e e7tent a66r 6riate> all re%eren&a an& 6le+i"cite". Sec. (. Electi n an& ca*6ai-n 6eri &". # Unle"" t,er=i"e %i7e& in "6ecial ca"e" +0 t,e C **i""i n n Electi n"> =,ic, ,ereina%ter ",all +e re%erre& t a" t,e C **i""i n> t,e electi n 6eri & ",all c **ence ninet0 &a0" +e% re t,e &a0 % t,e electi n an& ",all en& t,irt0 &a0" t,erea%ter. T,e 6eri & % ca*6ai-n ",all +e a" % ll ="? 1. Pre"i&ential an& 'ice#Pre"i&ential Electi n # .) &a0"@ $. Electi n % Me*+er" % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a an& L cal Electi n # 84 &a0"@ an& (. Baran-a0 Electi n # 14 &a0". N te? D1rin- t,e la"t Baran-a0 electi n t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri & =a" 1) &a0". T,e ca*6ai-n 6eri &" ",all n t incl1&e t,e &a0 +e% re an& t,e &a0 electi n. % t,e

H =e!er> in ca"e % "6ecial electi n" 1n&er Article 'III> Secti n 4> S1+"ecti n ($) % t,e C n"tit1ti n> t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri & ",all +e % rt0#%i!e &a0". Sec. 8. O+li-ati n t re-i"ter an& ! te. # It ",all +e t,e +li-ati n % e!er0 citi<en A1ali%ie& t ! te t re-i"ter an& ca"t ,i" ! te. 16

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Sec. 4. P "t6 ne*ent % electi n. # 9,en % r an0 "eri 1" ca1"e "1c, a" !i lence> terr ri"*> l "" r &e"tr1cti n % electi n 6ara6,ernalia r rec r&"> % rce *aBe1re> an& t,er anal - 1" ca1"e" % "1c, a nat1re t,at t,e , l&in- % a %ree> r&erl0 an& , ne"t electi n ", 1l& +ec *e i*6 ""i+le in an0 6 litical "1+&i!i"i n> t,e C **i""i n> * t1 6r 6ri r 16 n a !eri%ie& 6etiti n +0 an0 intere"te& 6art0> an& a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-> =,ere+0 all intere"te& 6artie" are a%% r&e& eA1al 66 rt1nit0 t +e ,ear&> ",all 6 "t6 ne t,e electi n t,erein t a &ate =,ic, ", 1l& +e rea" na+l0 cl "e t t,e &ate % t,e electi n n t ,el&> "1"6en&e& r =,ic, re"1lte& in a %ail1re t elect +1t n t later t,an t,irt0 &a0" a%ter t,e ce""ati n % t,e ca1"e % r "1c, 6 "t6 ne*ent r "1"6en"i n % t,e electi n r %ail1re t elect. Sec. 2. Fail1re % electi n. # I%> n acc 1nt % % rce *aBe1re> !i lence> terr ri"*> %ra1&> r t,er anal - 1" ca1"e" t,e electi n in an0 6 llin- 6lace ,a" n t +een ,el& n t,e &ate %i7e&> r ,a& +een "1"6en&e& +e% re t,e , 1r %i7e& +0 la= % r t,e cl "in- % t,e ! tin-> r a%ter t,e ! tin- an& &1rin- t,e 6re6arati n an& t,e tran"*i""i n % t,e electi n ret1rn" r in t,e c1"t &0 r can!a"" t,ere %> "1c, electi n re"1lt" in a %ail1re t elect> an& in an0 % "1c, ca"e" t,e %ail1re r "1"6en"i n % electi n = 1l& a%%ect t,e re"1lt % t,e electi n> t,e C **i""i n ",all> n t,e +a"i" % a !eri%ie& 6etiti n +0 an0 intere"te& 6art0 an& a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-> call % r t,e , l&in- r c ntin1ati n % t,e electi n n t ,el&> "1"6en&e& r =,ic, re"1lte& in a %ail1re t elect n a &ate rea" na+l0 cl "e t t,e &ate % t,e electi n n t ,el&> "1"6en&e& r =,ic, re"1lte& in a %ail1re t elect +1t n t later t,an t,irt0 &a0" a%ter t,e ce""ati n % t,e ca1"e % "1c, 6 "t6 ne*ent r "1"6en"i n % t,e electi n r %ail1re t elect.

DISCUSSIONS GENE/AL P/INCIPLES S1%%ra-e Su--ra(e is t8e ri(8t t' *'te in t8e e"ecti'n '- a"" '--icers c8'sen $% t8e pe'p"e9 and in t8e determinati'n '- a"" 5uesti'ns su$mitted $% t8e pe'p"e It inc"udes e"ecti'n9 p"e$iscite9 initiati*e and re-erendum /.A. N . 23(4 6r !i&e"H Sec & De-initi'n '- Terms /'r purp'ses '- t8is Act9 t8e -'""'>in( terms s8a"" meanG (a) CInitiati!eC is t8e p'>er '- t8e pe'p"e t' pr'p'se amendments t' t8e C'nstituti'ns 'r t' pr'p'se and enact "e(is"ati'ns t8r'u(8 an e"ecti'n ca""ed -'r t8e purp'se T8ere are t8ree (&) s%stems '- initiati*e9 name"%G 17

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS A ! Initiati*e 'n t8e C'nstituti'n >8ic8 re-ers t' a petiti'n pr'p'sin( amendments t' t8e C'nstituti'nH A # Initiati*e 'n statutes >8ic8 re-ers t' a petiti'n pr'p'sin( t' enact a nati'na" "e(is"ati'nH and a& Initiati*e 'n "'ca" "e(is"ati'n >8ic8 re-ers t' a petiti'n pr'p'sin( t' enact a re(i'na"9 pr'*incia"9 cit%9 municipa"9 'r $aran(a% "a>9 res'"uti'n 'r 'rdinance (c) C/e%eren&1*C is t8e p'>er '- t8e e"ect'rate t' appr'*e 'r reCect "e(is"ati'n t8r'u(8 an e"ecti'n ca""ed -'r t8e purp'se It ma% $e '- t>' c"asses9 name"%G C ! Re-erendum 'n statutes >8ic8 re-ers t' a petiti'n t' appr'*e 'r reCect an act 'r "a>9 'r part t8ere'-9 passed $% C'n(ressH and C # Re-erendum 'n "'ca" "a> >8ic8 re-ers t' a petiti'n t' appr'*e 'r reCect a "a>9 res'"uti'n 'r 'rdinance enacted $% re(i'na" assem$"ies and "'ca" "e(is"ati*e $'dies (e) CPle+i"citeC is t8e e"ect'ra" pr'cess $% >8ic8 an initiati*e 'n t8e C'nstituti'n is appr'*ed 'r reCected $% t8e pe'p"e NOTEG T8e c'nstituti'na" pr'*isi'n 'n pe'p"eAs initiati*e t' amend t8e c'nstituti'n is n't se"-7e4ecutin( Meanin(9 it can 'n"% $e imp"emented t8r'u(8 a "a> passed $% C'n(ress N' suc8 "a> 8as $een passed Electi n E"ecti'n is t8e em$'diment '- t8e p'pu"ar >i""9 t8e e4pressi'n '- t8e s'*erei(n p'>er '- t8e pe'p"e (Hontiveros vs Altavas, G.R. No. L- !"! #$arch %&, '&'()* Speci-ica""% de-ined9 it is t8e means $% >8ic8 t8e pe'p"e c8''se t8eir '--icia"s -'r a de-inite and -i4ed peri'd and t' >8'm t8e% entrust -'r t8e time $ein(9 as t8eir representati*es9 t8e e4ercise '- p'>ers '- ('*ernment $ Din&" % Electi n a ) @enera" D it is 'ne pr'*ided -'r $% "a> -'r t8e e"ecti'n '- '--icers t8r'u(8'ut t8e State9 'r certain su$di*isi'ns t8ere'-9 a-ter t8e e4pirati'n '- t8e -u"" term '- t8e -'rmer '--icers $ ) Specia" D 'ne pr'*ided -'r $% "a> under specia" circumstances suc8 as >8en an e"ecti'n is 8e"d t' -i"" a *acanc% in '--ice9 'r >8en an e"ecti'n is $ein( 8e"d $ecause a certain pr'p'sa" is su$mitted t' t8e *'te '- t8e 5ua"i-ied e"ect'rs ( Rolando A. +uare,, -olitical Law Reviewer +econd .dition #%"'')* 18

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS C n"tit1ti nal Man&ate n C n-re"" ! # T' pr'*ide a s%stem -'r securin( secrec% and sanctit% '- t8e $a""'t9 as >e"" as a s%stem -'r a$sentee *'tin( $% 5ua"i-ied /i"ipin's a$r'ad T' desi(n a pr'cedure -'r t8e disa$"ed and t8e i""iterate t' *'te >it8'ut t8e assistance '- 't8er pers'ns

NOTEG R A 0!.. pr'*ides -'r a$sentee *'tin( $ut app"ies 'n"% t' e"ecti'ns -'r ,resident9 6ice7,resident and Senat'rs and is "imited t' mem$ers '- t8e Armed /'rces '- t8e ,8i"ippines and t8e ,8i"ippine Nati'na" ,'"ice and 't8er ('*ernment '--icers and emp"'%ees >8' are du"% re(istered *'ters and >8'9 'n e"ecti'n da%9 ma% temp'rari"% $e assi(ned in c'nnecti'n >it8 t8e per-'rmance '- e"ecti'n duties t' p"ace >8ere t8e% are n't re(istered *'ters R A 2!32 addresses t8e need -'r '*erseas /i"ipin's t' $e a$"e t' *'te in t8e ,8i"ippine e"ecti'ns POSTPONEMENT OF ELECTION A. Ca1"e" ! # & ) + 6i'"ence Terr'rism L'ss 'r destructi'n '- e"ecti'n parap8erna"iaKrec'rds /'rce maCeure Ot8er ana"'('us causes

+hould it /ecome impossi/le to hold a free, orderly and honest election in any political su/division, COMELEC may postpone the election motu proprio or upon a verified petition /y any interest party after due notice and hearing. B. Date % ne= electi n T8e date s8'u"d $e reas'na$"% c"'se t' t8e date '- t8e e"ecti'n n't 8e"d9 suspended9 'r >8ic8 resu"ted in a -ai"ure t' e"ect It s8'u"d n't $e "ater t8an &3 da%s a-ter t8e cessati'n '- t8e cause -'r suc8 p'stp'nement 'r suspensi'n '- t8e e"ecti'n 'r -ai"ure t' e"ect

I.

FAILU/E OF ELECTION A. Ca1"e" ! /'rce maCeure 19

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS # & ) + 6i'"ence Terr'rism /raud Ot8er ana"'('us causes

R A 0!.. Sec ) pr'*ides9 012he causes for the declaration of a failure of election may occur /efore or after the casting of votes or on the day of the election.3 B. E%%ect" % a+ !e ca1"e"

a $ c

E"ecti'n in an% p'""in( p"ace >as n't 8e"d 'n t8e date -i4edH E"ecti'n >as suspended $e-'re t8e 8'ur -i4ed $% "a> -'r t8e c"'sin( '- t8e *'tin( E"ecti'ns resu"ts in a -ai"ure t' e"ect (a-ter t8e *'tin( and durin( t8e preparati'n and transmissi'n '- t8e e"ecti'n returns 'r in t8e cust'd% 'r can*ass t8ere'-)

AND t8e -ai"ure 'r suspensi'n '- t8e e"ecti'n >'u"d a--ect t8e resu"t '- t8e e"ecti'n C. /e*e&0 COMELEC can ca"" -'r t8e 8'"din( 'r c'ntinuati'n '- t8e e"ecti'n n't 8e"d9 suspended9 'r >8ic8 resu"ted in a -ai"ure t' e"ect 'n t8e $asis '- a *eri-ied petiti'n $% an% interested part% and a-ter due n'tice and 8earin( T8e e"ecti'n s8'u"d $e 8e"d n't "ater t8an &3 da%s a-ter t8e cessati'n '- t8e cause '- t8e p'stp'nement 'r suspensi'n '- t8e e"ecti'n 'r -ai"ure t' e"ect T8is is decided $% t8e COMELEC9 $% a maC'rit% *'te '- its mem$ers9 sittin( en $anc EU/ISP/UDENCE

P/ESBITE/O> E/ !". COMELEC G./. N . 138888> E1ne ()> $))8 It >as 8e"d in 4ata/or v. 5ommission (G./. N . 12)8$8) 'n E"ecti'ns t8at It8e p'>er t' dec"are a -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n s8'u"d $e e4ercised >it8 utm'st care and 'n"% under circumstances >8ic8 dem'nstrate $e%'nd d'u$t t8at t8e disre(ard '- t8e "a> 20

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS 8as $een s' -undamenta" 'r s' persistent and c'ntinu'us t8at it is imp'ssi$"e t' distin(uis8 >8at *'tes are "a>-u" and >8at are un"a>-u"9 'r t' arri*e at an% certain resu"t >8ats'e*erH 'r t8at t8e (reat $'d% '- *'ters 8a*e $een pre*ented $% *i'"ence9 intimidati'n and t8reats -r'm e4ercisin( t8eir -ranc8ise T8ere is -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n 'n"% >8en t8e >i"" '- t8e e"ect'rate 8as $een muted and cann't $e ascertained I- t8e >i"" '- t8e pe'p"e is determina$"e9 t8e same must as -ar as p'ssi$"e $e respected F BAO !". COMELEC G./. N . 18.222> Dece*+er 1.> $))( In Mitmu( * COMELEC t8e C'urt 8e"d t8at $e-'re t8e COMELEC can act 'n a *eri-ied petiti'n see=in( t' dec"are a -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n9 t>' (#) c'nditi'ns must c'ncurG -irst9 n' *'tin( 8as ta=en p"ace in t8e precinct 'r precincts 'n t8e date -i4ed $% "a> 'r9 e*en i- t8ere >as *'tin(9 t8e e"ecti'n ne*ert8e"ess resu"ts in -ai"ure t' e"ectH and sec'nd9 t8e *'tes n't cast >'u"d a--ect t8e resu"t '- t8e e"ecti'n Under t8e circumstances9 petiti'ner and petiti'ner7inter*en'r are deemed t' 8a*e >ai*ed t8eir ri(8t t' present -urt8er e*idence t' su$stantiate t8eir petiti'n Since9 as t8e -'""'>in( p'rti'n '- t8e assai"ed COMELEC res'"uti'n states9 $'t8 petiti'ner and petiti'ner7inter*en'r -ai"ed t' disc8ar(e t8e $urden '- pr'*in( t8eir a""e(ati'ns9 t8e COMELEC did n't c'mmit (ra*e a$use '- discreti'n T8us9 t8ere can $e n' 't8er rec'urse -'r t8is C'mmissi'n t8an t' den% t8e petiti'n @enera" a""e(ati'ns9 >it8'ut su--icient e*identiar% supp'rt9 d' n't >arrant a dec"arati'n '- a -ai"ure '- e"ecti'ns E"ecti'n resu"ts are t8e e4pressi'n '- t8e >i"" 't8e pe'p"e >8'se >e"-are and interests must immediate"% $e ser*ed $% t8'se up'n >8'm t8e pe'p"e 8a*e p"aced t8eir trust ,erip8era""% $ut n't tri*ia""%9 e"ecti'ns need $e c'nsummated >it8 dispatc8 $ecause t8e "'sers 'r e*en t8'se Cust "a((in( $e8ind in t8e c'untin(9 m're '-ten t8an n't9 -i"e a"" =inds '- pr'tests and c'mp"aints and '$Cecti'ns t8at de"a% t8e e"ecti'n pr'cess and t8reaten t' den% t8e pe'p"e t8eir representati'n in ('*ernment PASANDALAN !". COMELEC an& ASUM G./. N . 14)(1$> E1l0 18> $))$ /ACTSG ,asanda"an and Asum >ere candidates -'r ma%'r in t8e Municipa"it% 'Lum$a%ana(ue9 Lana' de" Sur durin( t8e Ma% #33! e"ecti'ns On Ma% #&9 #33!9 ,asanda"an -i"ed a petiti'n $e-'re t8e COMELEC see=in( t' nu""i-% t8e e"ecti'n resu"ts in a num$er '- precinct situated in Lum$a%ana(ue9 Lana' de" Sur ;e c'ntended t8at a tec8nica" e4aminati'n '- se*era" '--icia" $a""'ts -r'm t8e c'ntested precincts >'u"d s8'> t8at 'n"% a -e> pers'ns >r'te t8e entries Asum denied ,asanda"anAs a""e(ati'ns On June &39 #33!9 Asum 8ad s>'rn int' '--ice and assumed t8e p'siti'n '- municipa" ma%'r '- t8e Lum$a%ana(ue9 Lana' de" Sur On Oct'$er !#9 #33!9 t8e COMELEC issued a Res'"uti'n dismissin( t8e petiti'n -'r "ac= '- merit It ru"ed t8at t8e p'>er t' dec"are a -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n9 $ein( an e4tra'rdinar% remed%9 c'u"d $e e4ercised 'n"% in t8ree instancesG (!) t8e e"ecti'n is n't 8e"dH (#) t8e e"ecti'n is suspendedH 'r (&) t8e e"ecti'n resu"ts in a -ai"ure t' e"ect T8e t8ird instance is underst''d in its "itera" sense9 t8at is9 n'$'d% >as e"ected T8e 21

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS COMELEC dismissed t8e petiti'n $ecause n'ne '- t8e (r'unds re"ied up'n $% ,asanda"an -a""s under an% '- t8e t8ree instances Custi-%in( a dec"arati'n '- -ai"ure 'e"ecti'n /irst9 t8e e"ecti'ns in t8e 5uesti'ned precincts >ere 8e"d as sc8edu"ed Sec'nd9 t8e (uns8'ts 8eard durin( t8e castin( '- *'tes did n't suspend t8e e"ecti'n as t8e *'tin( c'ntinued n'rma""% T8ird9 Asum >as e"ected $% a p"ura"it% '- *'tes ,asanda"an -i"ed a petiti'n -'r re*ie> 'n certi'rari '- t8e Res'"uti'n '- t8e COMELEC en $anc dismissin( 8is petiti'n t' dec"are a -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n ISSUESG W8et8er 'r n't t8e COMELEC acted >it8 (ra*e a$use '- discreti'n in dismissin( t8e petiti'n '- ,asanda"an t' dec"are a -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n RULIN@G T8e COMELEC c'rrect"% dismissed t8e petiti'n -'r dec"arati'n '- -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n $ecause t8e irre(u"arities a""e(ed in t8e petiti'n s8'u"d 8a*e $een raised in an e"ecti'n pr'test9 n't in a petiti'n t' dec"are a -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n Under Repu$"ic Act N' 0!..9 't8er>ise =n'>n as T8e S%nc8r'ni<ed E"ecti'ns La> '- !22!9 t8e COMELEC en $anc is emp'>ered t' dec"are a -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n under Secti'n . 't8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de (B, 11!) Based 'n t8e pr'*isi'n9 t8ree instances Custi-% a dec"arati'n '- -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n T8ese areG a $ T8e e"ecti'n in an% p'""in( p"ace 8as n't $een 8e"d 'n t8e date -i4ed 'n acc'unt '- -'rce maCeure9 *i'"ence9 terr'rism9 -raud 'r 't8er ana"'('us causesH T8e e"ecti'n in an% p'""in( p"ace 8as $een suspended $e-'re t8e 8'ur -i4ed $% "a> -'r t8e c"'sin( '- t8e *'tin( 'n acc'unt '- -'rce maCeure9 *i'"ence9 terr'rism9 -raud 'r 't8er ana"'('us causesH 'r A-ter t8e *'tin( and durin( t8e preparati'n and transmissi'n '- t8e e"ecti'n returns 'r in t8e cust'd% 'r can*ass t8ere'-9 suc8 e"ecti'n resu"ts in a -ai"ure t' e"ect 'n acc'unt '- -'rce maCeure9 *i'"ence9 terr'rism9 -raud 'r 't8er ana"'('us causes

W8at is c'mm'n in t8ese t8ree instances is t8e resu"tin( -ai"ure t' e"ect In t8e -irst instance9 n' e"ecti'n is 8e"d >8i"e in t8e sec'nd9 t8e e"ecti'n is suspended In t8e t8ird instance9 circumstances attendin( t8e preparati'n9 transmissi'n9 cust'd% 'r can*as '- t8e e"ecti'n returns cause a -ai"ure t' e"ect T8e term -ai"ure t' e"ect means n'$'d% emer(ed as a >inner ,asanda"anAs a""e(ati'ns d' n't -a"" under an% '- t8e instances t8at >'u"d Custi-% t8e dec"arati'n '- -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n T8e e"ecti'n >as 8e"d in t8e !. pr'tested precincts as sc8edu"ed At n' p'int >as t8e e"ecti'n in an% 't8e precincts suspended N'r >as t8ere a -ai"ure t' e"ect $ecause '- -'rce maCeure9 *i'"ence9 terr'rism9 -raud 'r 't8er ana"'('us causes durin( t8e preparati'n9 transmissi'n9 cust'd% and can*ass '- t8e e"ecti'n returns T8e a""e(ed terr'rism >as n't '- suc8 sca"e and pre*a"ence t' pre*ent t8e 8'"din( '- t8e e"ecti'n 'r t' cause its suspensi'n In -act9 t8e castin( and c'untin( '- *'tes9 t8e preparati'n9 transmissi'n and can*assin( '- e"ecti'n returns and t8e pr'c"amati'n '- t8e >innin( candidate t''= p"ace in due c'urse T8e nu""i-icati'n '- e"ecti'ns 'r dec"arati'n '- -ai"ure 'e"ecti'ns is an e4tra'rdinar% remed% T8e part% >8' see=s t8e nu""i-icati'n '- an 22

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS e"ecti'n 8as t8e $urden '- pr'*in( entit"ement t' t8is remed% It is n't en'u(8 t8at a *eri-ied petiti'n is -i"ed T8e a""e(ati'ns in t8e petiti'n must ma=e 'ut a prima -acie case -'r t8e dec"arati'n '- -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n9 and c'n*incin( e*idence must su$stantiate t8e a""e(ati'ns T8e Supreme C'urt ru"ed t8at t8ere is -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n 'n"% i- t8e >i"" '- t8e e"ect'rate is muted and cann't $e ascertained I- t8e >i"" '- t8e pe'p"e is determina$"e9 t8e same must $e respected as muc8 as p'ssi$"e In t8is case9 t8e >i"" '- t8e e"ect'rate is readi"% discerni$"e ,asanda"an s8'u"d 8a*e -i"ed an e"ecti'n pr'test t' su$stantiate 8is a""e(ati'ns '- e"ect'ra" an'ma"ies9 n't a petiti'n t' dec"are a -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n BALTA;A/ !". COMELEC G./. N . 18)148> Ean1ar0 $.> $))1 T8e pr'priet% '- dec"arin( >8et8er 'r n't t8ere 8as $een a t'ta" -ai"ure '- e"ecti'ns in t8e entire pr'*ince is a -actua" issue >8ic8 t8e Supreme C'urt >i"" n't de"*e int' c'nsiderin( t8at t8e COMELEC9 t8r'u(8 its deputi<ed '--icia"s in t8e -ie"d9 is in t8e $est p'siti'n t' assess t8e actua" c'nditi'ns pre*ai"in( in t8at area B% t8eir *er% nature and (i*en t8e pu$"ic interest in*'"*ed in t8e determinati'n '- t8e resu"ts '- an e"ecti'n9 t8e c'ntr'*ersies arisin( -r'm t8e can*ass must $e res'"*ed speedi"%H 't8er>ise t8e >i"" '- t8e e"ect'rate >'u"d $e -rustrated BENITO !". COMELEC G./. N . 1(8.1(> Ean1ar0 1.> $))1 It is t8e COMELEC en $anc >8ic8 8as t8e e4c"usi*e p'>er t' p'stp'ne9 t' dec"are a -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n9 'r t' ca"" a specia" e"ecti'nH T>' (#) pre7c'nditi'ns must e4ist $e-'re a -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n ma% $e dec"ared9 t8usG (!) n' *'tin( 8as $een 8e"d in an% precinct 'r precincts due t' -'rce maCeure9 *i'"ence 'r terr'rismH and (#) t8e *'tes n't cast t8erein are su--icient t' a--ect t8e resu"ts '- t8e e"ecti'n T8e cause '- suc8 -ai"ure ma% arise $e-'re 'r a-ter t8e castin( '- *'tes 'r 'n t8e da% '- t8e e"ecti'nG E*a"uati'n '- e*identiar% matters is $e%'nd t8e pr'*ince '- a >rit '- certi'rari Just as t8e COMELEC >as re"uctant t' treat petiti'nerAs c"aim as ('spe" trut89 s' t'' d' >e 8esitate t' acc'rd >ei(8t t' t8is ri(mar'"e '- s>'rn statementsH T8ere is n' pr'*isi'n in 'ur e"ecti'n "a> >8ic8 re5uires t8at a maC'rit% '- re(istered *'ters must cast t8eir *'tes A"" t8e "a> re5uires is t8at a >innin( candidate must $e e"ected $% a p"ura"it% '- *a"id *'tes9 re(ard"ess '- t8e actua" num$er '- $a""'ts cast SISON !". COMELEC ()8 SC/A 13) T8e ru"e is9 >8at c'nC'int"% determines t8e nature '- a p"eadin( are t8e a""e(ati'ns t8erein made in (''d -ait89 t8e sta(e '- t8e pr'ceedin( at >8ic8 it is -i"ed9 and t8e primar% '$Cecti*e '- t8e part% -i"in( t8e same 23

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS A pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% is n't t8e same as an acti'n -'r annu"ment 'e"ecti'n resu"ts 'r dec"arati'n '- -ai"ure '- e"ecti'ns9 -'unded as t8e% are 'n di--erent (r'unds T8ere are t8ree (&) instances >8ere a -ai"ure '- e"ecti'ns ma% $e dec"ared areG (a) t8e e"ecti'n in an% p'""in( p"ace 8as n't $een 8e"d 'n t8e date -i4ed 'n acc'unt '- -'rce maCeure9 *i'"ence9 terr'rism9 -raud9 'r 't8er ana"'('us causesH ($) t8e e"ecti'n in an% p'""in( p"ace 8ad $een suspended $e-'re t8e 8'ur -i4ed $% "a> -'r t8e c"'sin( '- t8e *'tin( 'n acc'unt '- -'rce maCeure9 *i'"ence9 terr'rism9 -raud9 'r 't8er ana"'('us causesH 'r (c) a-ter t8e *'tin( and durin( t8e preparati'n and transmissi'n '- t8e e"ecti'n returns 'r in t8e cust'd% 'r can*ass t8ere'- suc8 e"ecti'n resu"t in a -ai"ure t' e"ect 'n acc'unt '- -'rce maCeure9 *i'"ence9 terr'rism 9 -raud9 'r 't8er ana"'('us causes T8e sc'pe '- pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% is 'n"% "imited t' t8e issues enumerated under Secti'n #)& '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de9 and enumerati'n t8erein is restricti*e and e4c"usi*e ,etiti'nerAs citati'n '- Secti'n #)# '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de as $asis -'r 8is ri(8t t' present 8is e*idence is misp"aced ,resentati'n '- e*idence $e-'re t8e COMELEC is n't at a"" indispensi$"e in 'rder t' satis-% t8e demands '- due pr'cess PANGANDAMAN !". COMELEC (1. SC/A $8( T8ere can 8ard"% $e an% d'u$t t8at t8e te4t and intent '- t8is c'nstituti'na" pr'*isi'n is t' (i*e COMELEC a"" t8e necessar% and incidenta" p'>ers -'r it t' ac8ie*e t8e '$Cecti*e '- 8'"din( -ree9 'rder"%9 8'nest9 peace-u" and credi$"e e"ecti'ns ,'"itics is a practica" matter9 and p'"itica" 5uesti'ns must $e dea"t >it8 rea"istica""% L n't -r'm t8e standp'int '- pure t8e'r%H C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns9 $ecause '- its -act7-indin( -aci"ities9 its c'ntacts >it8 p'"itica" strate(ists9 and its =n'>"ed(e deri*ed -r'm actua" e4perience in dea"in( >it8 p'"itica" c'ntr'*ersies9 is in a pecu"iar"% ad*anta(e'us p'siti'n t' decide c'mp"e4 p'"itica" 5uesti'ns T8e "e(a" c'mpass -r'm >8ic8 t8e COMELEC s8'u"d ta=e its $earin(s in actin( up'n e"ecti'n c'ntr'*ersies is t8e princip"e t8at Ic"ean e"ecti'ns c'ntr'" t8e appr'priateness '- t8e remed% F In -i4in( t8e date -'r specia" e"ecti'ns t8e COMELEC s8'u"d see t' it t8atG (!) it s8'u"d n't $e "ater t8an t8irt% (&3) da%s a-ter t8e cessati'n '- t8e cause '- t8e p'stp'nement 'r suspensi'n '- t8e e"ecti'n 'r t8e -ai"ure t' e"ectH and9 (#) it s8'u"d $e reas'na$"% c"'se t' t8e date '- t8e e"ecti'n n't 8e"d9 suspended 'r >8ic8 resu"ted in t8e -ai"ure t' e"ect

24

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS T8e COMELEC can 8ard"% $e -au"ted -'r tardiness >8ere t8e dates it set -'r t8e specia" e"ecti'ns >ere actua""% t8e nearest dates -r'm t8e time t'ta"Kpartia" -ai"ure 'e"ecti'ns >as determined D a -e> da%s a>a% -r'm t8e time a t'ta"Kpartia" -ai"ure 'e"ecti'ns >as dec"ared and9 t8us9 t8ese >ere Idates reas'na$"% c"'seI t8eret' T8e pr'priet% '- dec"arin( >8et8er 'r n't t8ere 8as $een a t'ta" -ai"ure '- e"ecti'ns in a particu"ar p"ace is a -actua" issue >8ic8 t8e Supreme C'urt >i"" n't de"*e int' c'nsiderin( t8at t8e COMELEC9 t8r'u(8 its deputi<ed '--icia"s in t8e -ie"d9 is in t8e $est p'siti'n t' assess t8e actua" c'nditi'ns pre*ai"in( in t8e "'ca"it% T8e insistence '- a part% t8at t8e COMELEC *i'"ated certain pr'*isi'ns '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de >8en it 'rdered e"ements '- t8e Armed /'rces '- t8e ,8i"ippines and t8e ,8i"ippine Nati'na" ,'"ice >8' are n't assi(ned t' t8e a--ected areas as mem$ers '- t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs is unc'n*incin( *is7M7*is t8e under"%in( reas'n '- COMELEC t' 8a*e an e--ecti*e and impartia" mi"itar% presence It' a*'id t8e ris= '- an't8er -ai"ure '- e"ecti'ns I In app"%in( e"ecti'n "a>s9 it >'u"d $e -ar $etter t' err in -a*'r '- p'pu"ar s'*erei(nt% t8an t' $e ri(8t in c'mp"e4 $ut "itt"e underst''d "e(a"isms T' em$ar= up'n t8e c'st"% e"ect'ra" e4ercise insisted up'n $% petiti'ner in terms 'time and ta4pa%erBs m'ne% is an un>arranted imp'siti'n 'n t8e pe'p"e '- t8e a--ected areas and is an unaccepta$"e 'pti'n t' t8e Cudicia" c'nscience TFPOCO> Er. !". COMELEC (1. SC/A 8.8 T8e COMELEC can ca"" -'r t8e 8'"din( 'r c'ntinuati'n '- e"ecti'n $% reas'n '-ai"ure '- e"ecti'n 'n"% >8en t8e e"ecti'n is n't 8e"d9 is suspended 'r resu"ts in a -ai"ure t' e"ect T8ere are 'n"% t8ree (&) instances >8ere a -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n ma% $e dec"ared W8i"e -raud is a (r'und t' dec"are a -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n9 t8e c'mmissi'n '- -raud must $e suc8 t8at it pre*ented 'r suspended t8e 8'"din( '- an e"ecti'n inc"udin( t8e preparati'n and transmissi'n '- t8e e"ecti'n returns LOONG !". COMELEC G./. N ". 1)3818#14> Ma0 12> 1..2 Under t8e present state '- 'ur e"ecti'n "a>s9 t8e COMELEC 8as $een (ranted precise"% t8e p'>er t' annu" e"ecti'ns Secti'n ) '- Repu$"ic Act N' 0!..9 't8er>ise =n'>n as9 IT8e S%nc8r'ni<ed E"ecti'ns La> '- !22!9I pr'*ides t8at t8e COMELEC sittin( En Banc $% a maC'rit% *'te '- its mem$ers ma% decide9 am'n( 't8ers9 t8e dec"arati'n '- -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n and t8e ca""in( '- specia" e"ecti'ns as pr'*ided in Secti'n . '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de T8e COMELEC ma% e4ercise suc8 p'>er m'tu pr'pri' 'r up'n a *eri-ied petiti'n T8e 8earin( '- t8e case s8a"" $e 25

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS summar% in nature9 and t8e COMELEC ma% de"e(ate t' its "a>%ers t8e p'>er t' 8ear t8e case and t' recei*e e*idence /ACTSG T8is case stemmed -r'm e"ecti'ns 8e"d in Su"u >8ere LOON@ and pri*ate resp'ndent Tan ran -'r t8e p'siti'n '- @'*ern'r >8i"e pet Tu"a>ie and , R Estin' ran -'r 6ice7@'*ern'r ,r'*incia" B'ard '- Can*assers (,BC) rec'mmended t' t8e COMELEC a re7can*ass '- t8e e"ecti'n returns '- ,aran( and Ta"ipa' COMELEC9 acc'rdin("%9 re"ie*ed a"" t8e re(u"ar mem$ers '- t8e Municipa" B'ard '- Can*assers (MBC) and 'rdered suc8 recan*ass $% seni'r "a>%ers -r'm t8e COMELEC '--ice in Mani"a Durin( t8e re7can*ass9 pri*ate resp'ndents '$Cected t' t8e inc"usi'n in t8e can*ass '- t8e e"ecti'n returns '- ,aran( T8e rec'nstituted MBC9 8'>e*er9 mere"% n'ted said '$Cecti'ns and -'r>arded t8e same t' resp'ndent ,BC -'r res'"uti'n ,BC denied t8e '$Cecti'ns '- pri*ate resp'ndents and sti"" inc"uded t8e e"ecti'n returns ',aran( municipa"it% T8e can*ass '- resp'ndent ,BC s8'>ed petiti'ners t' 8a*e '*er>8e"min("% >'n in t8e municipa"it% '- ,aran( T8e pri*ate resp'ndents -i"ed petiti'ns >it8 t8e COMELEC re(ardin( t8e inc"usi'n '- t8e 5uesti'ned certi-icates 'can*ass and t8at t8ere >as -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n in said municipa"it% due t' massi*e -raud ,etiti'ners9 "i=e>ise -i"ed -'r -ai"ure '- e"ecti'ns in + 't8er municipa"ities COMELEC ru"ed annu""in( t8e resu"ts '- t8e e"ecti'ns in ,aran( as >e"" as 8'"din( in a$e%ance t8e pr'c"amati'n '- t8e >innin( candidates -'r @'*ern'r and 6ice7 @'*ern'r unti" -urt8er 'rders -r'm t8e C'mmissi'n $ut dismissed 't8er petiti'ns -'r 't8er municipa"ities >8ere it >as a""e(ed t8at t8ere >ere a"s' $ad(es '- -raud ;ELDG COMELEC >as inc'rrect in annu""in( e"ecti'ns '- ,aran(9 Su"u $ut n't 'rderin( -'r specia" e"ecti'ns in t8e same municipa"it% It >as a"s' inc'rrect in dismissin( 't8er petiti'ns -'r -ai"ure '- e"ecti'ns in 't8er municipa"ities >8ere t8ere >ere a"s' $ad(es '- -raud T8e Supreme C'urt 8e"d t8at9 $e-'re t8e COMELEC can act 'n a *eri-ied petiti'n see=in( t' dec"are a -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n9 t>' (#) c'nditi'ns must c'ncurG -irst9 n' *'tin( 8as ta=en p"ace in t8e precincts c'ncerned 'n t8e date -i4ed $% "a> 'r9 e*en i- t8ere >ere *'tin(9 t8e e"ecti'n ne*ert8e"ess resu"ted in a -ai"ure t' e"ectH and9 sec'nd9 t8e *'tes n't cast >'u"d a--ect t8e resu"t '- t8e e"ecti'n We must add9 8'>e*er9 t8at t8e cause '- suc8 -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n s8'u"d 8a*e $een an% '- t8e -'""'>in(G -'rce maCeure9 *i'"ence9 terr'rism9 -raud 'r 't8er ana"'('us causes T8is is an imp'rtant c'nsiderati'n -'r9 >8ere t8e pr'priet% '- a pre7 pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% ends9 t8ere ma% $e(in t8e rea"m '- a specia" acti'n -'r dec"arati'n '- -ai"ure '- e"ecti'ns W8i"e t8e COMELEC is restricted9 in pre7pr'c"amati'n cases9 t' an e4aminati'n 't8e e"ecti'n returns 'n t8eir -ace and is >it8'ut Curisdicti'n t' (' $e%'nd 'r $e8ind t8em and in*esti(ate e"ecti'n irre(u"arities9 t8e COMELEC is dut% $'und t' in*esti(ate a""e(ati'ns '- -raud9 terr'rism9 *i'"ence and 't8er ana"'('us causes in acti'ns -'r annu"ment '- e"ecti'n resu"ts 'r -'r dec"arati'n '- -ai"ure '- e"ecti'ns9 as t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de den'minates t8e same T8us9 t8e COMELEC9 in t8e case '- acti'ns -'r annu"ment '- e"ecti'n resu"ts 'r dec"arati'n '- -ai"ure '- e"ecti'ns9 ma% c'nduct tec8nica" e4aminati'n '- e"ecti'n d'cuments and c'mpare and ana"%<e *'tersB si(natures and -in(erprints in 'rder t' determine >8et8er 'r n't t8e e"ecti'ns 8ad indeed $een -ree9 8'nest and c"ean 26

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Need"ess t' sa%9 a pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% is n't t8e same as an acti'n -'r annu"ment '- e"ecti'n resu"ts 'r dec"arati'n '- -ai"ure '- e"ecti'ns HASSAN !". COMELEC G./. N . 1$8)8.> N !e*+er 1(> 1..2 /ACTSG ,etiti'ner9 ;adCi N'r Bas8er L ;assan9 and ,ri*ate Resp'ndent9 Man('nda%a , ;assan Buatan9 >ere candidates -'r 6ice7Ma%'r in Lana' de" Sur ;'>e*er9 due t' t8reats '- *i'"ence and terr'rism in t8e area9 t8ere >as a -ai"ure 'e"ecti'ns in si4 (.) 'ut '- t>ent%7-'ur (#)) precincts In 'ne '- t8e precincts9 t8e $a""'t $'4es >ere $urned9 >8i"e in t8e 't8er + precincts9 t8e mem$ers '- t8e B'ard 'E"ecti'n Inspect'rs (BEI) -ai"ed t' rep'rt t' t8eir respecti*e p'""in( p"aces T8e COMELEC team9 8eaded $% @arci""an'9 rec'mmended t8e 8'"din( '- specia" e"ecti'ns in said precincts and sc8edu"ed it T8e mem$ers '- t8e BEI a(ain -ai"ed t' rep'rt T8e COMELEC team resc8edu"ed t8e e"ecti'ns in Lian(an E"ementar% Sc8''"9 >8ic8 >as !+ =i"'meters a>a% -r'm t8e desi(nated p'""in( p"aces T8e mem$ers '- t8e BEI 'nce m're did n't rep'rt -'r dut% T8is c'nstrained t8e COMELEC team t' app'int p'"iceKmi"itar% pers'nne" t' su$stitute -'r t8e BEI T8e resu"t '- t8e specia" e"ecti'n >as in -a*'r '- t8e ,ri*ate Resp'ndentG ,etiti'ner N 1029 Resp'ndent N !9321 ,etiti'ner -i"ed a petiti'n >it8 t8e COMELEC assai"in( t8e *a"idit% '- t8e re7sc8edu"ed specia" e"ecti'n COMELEC en $anc denied t8e petiti'n -'r a dec"arati'n '- -ai"ure '- t8e e"ecti'ns and 'rdered t8e B'ard '- Can*assers t' pr'c"aim ,ri*ate Resp'ndent as t8e >innin( *ice7ma%'ra"t% candidate T8us9 t8e petiti'n -'r certi'rari ISSUEG W8et8er 'r n't t8ere >as -ai"ure '- e"ecti'ns ;ELDG T8e c'ncurrence '- t8e -'""'>in( prec'nditi'ns is necessar% -'r dec"arin( a -ai"ure '- e"ecti'nG (!) t8at n' *'tin( 8as $een 8e"d in an% precinct 'r precincts $ecause '- -'rce maCeure9 *i'"ence 'r terr'rism9 and (#) t8at t8e *'tes n't cast t8erein su--ice t' a--ect t8e resu"ts '- t8e e"ecti'ns T8e COMELEC cann't turn a $"ind e%e t' t8e -act t8at terr'rism >as s' pre*a"ent in t8e area E"ecti'ns 8ad t' $e set -'r t8e t8ird time $ecause n' mem$ers '- t8e BEI rep'rted -'r dut% due t' impendin( t8reats '- *i'"ence in t8e area T8is in -act pr'mpted COMELEC t' dep"'% mi"itar% men t' act as su$stitute mem$ers Cust s' e"ecti'ns c'u"d $e 8e"dH and t' t8>art t8ese t8reats '- *i'"ence9 t8e COMELEC team9 m're'*er9 decided t' trans-er t8e p'""in( p"aces t' Lian(an E"ementar% Sc8''" >8ic8 >as !+ =i"'meters a>a% -r'm t8e p'""in( p"ace T8e pecu"iar situati'n '- t8is case cann't $e '*erstated T8e n'tice (i*en 'n t8e a-tern''n '- t8e da% $e-'re t8e sc8edu"ed specia" e"ecti'ns and trans-errin( t8e *enue '- t8e e"ecti'ns !+ =i"'meters a>a% -r'm t8e -art8est $aran(a%Ksc8''" >as t'' s8'rt resu"tin( t' t8e disen-ranc8isement '- *'ters Out '- t8e !9+). re(istered *'ters in t8e -i*e (+) precincts9 'n"% &#1 actua""% *'ted It >as 5uite s>eepin( and i""'(ica" -'r t8e COMELEC t' state t8at t8e *'tes uncast >'u"d n't 8a*e in an% >a% a--ected t8e resu"ts '- t8e e"ecti'ns W8i"e t8e di--erence $et>een t8e t>' candidates is 'n"% #!2 'ut '- t8e *'tes actua""% cast9 t8e COMELEC t'ta""% i(n'red t8e -act t8at t8ere >ere m're t8an a t8'usand re(istered *'ters >8' -ai"ed t' *'te

27

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Sec. 3. Call % "6ecial electi n. # (1) In ca"e a !acanc0 ari"e" in t,e Bata"anPa*+an"a ei-,teen * nt," r * re +e% re a re-1lar electi n> t,e C **i""i n ",all call a "6ecial electi n t +e ,el& =it,in "i7t0 &a0" a%ter t,e !acanc0 cc1r" t elect t,e Me*+er t "er!e t,e 1ne76ire& ter*. (Repea"ed $% CONST 9 Art 6I9 2 +ee also Sec )9 Rep Act N' 0!..) ($) In ca"e % t,e &i"" l1ti n % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a> t,e Pre"i&ent ",all call an electi n =,ic, ",all n t +e ,el& earlier t,an % rt0#%i!e n r later t,an "i7t0 &a0" %r * t,e &ate % "1c, &i"" l1ti n. T,e C **i""i n ",all "en& "1%%icient c 6ie" % it" re" l1ti n % r t,e , l&in- % t,e electi n t it" 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r" an& electi n re-i"trar" % r &i""e*inati n> =, ",all 6 "t c 6ie" t,ere % in at lea"t t,ree c n"6ic1 1" 6lace" 6re%era+l0 =,ere 61+lic *eetin-" are ,el& in eac, cit0 r *1nici6alit0 a%%ecte&. Sec. 8. Electi n C &e t +e a!aila+le in 6 llin- 6lace". # A 6rinte& c 60 % t,i" C &e in En-li", r in t,e nati nal lan-1a-e ",all +e 6r !i&e& an& +e *a&e a!aila+le +0 t,e C **i""i n in e!er0 6 llin- 6lace> in r&er t,at it *a0 +e rea&il0 c n"1lte& +0 an0 6er" n in nee& t,ere % n t,e re-i"trati n> re!i"i n an& electi n &a0". Sec. .. O%%icial *ail an& tele-ra* relati!e t electi n". # Pa6er" c nnecte& =it, t,e electi n an& reA1ire& +0 t,i" C &e t +e "ent +0 61+lic %%icer" in t,e 6er% r*ance % t,eir electi n &1tie" ",all +e %ree % 6 "ta-e an& "ent +0 re-i"tere& "6ecial &eli!er0 *ail. Tele-ra*" % t,e "a*e nat1re ",all li:e=i"e +e tran"*itte& %ree % c,ar-e +0 - !ern*ent telec **1nicati n" an& "i*ilar %acilitie". It ",all +e t,e &1t0 % t,e P "t*a"ter General> t,e Direct r % t,e B1rea1 % Telec **1nicati n"> an& t,e *ana-er" % 6ri!ate telec **1nicati n c *6anie" t tran"*it i**e&iatel0 an& in 6re%erence t all t,er c **1nicati n" r tele-ra*" *e""a-e" re6 rtin- electi n re"1lt" an& "1c, t,er *e""a-e" r c **1nicati n" =,ic, t,e C **i""i n *a0 reA1ire r *a0 +e nece""ar0 t en"1re %ree> , ne"t an& r&erl0 electi n". Sec. 1). Electi n e76en"e". # E7ce6t in +aran-a0 electi n"> "1c, e76en"e" a" *a0 +e nece""ar0 an& rea" na+le in c nnecti n =it, t,e electi n"> re%eren&a> 6le+i"cite" an& t,er "i*ilar e7erci"e" ",all +e 6ai& +0 t,e C **i""i n. T,e C **i""i n *a0 &irect t,at in t,e 6r !ince"> citie"> r *1nici6alitie"> t,e electi n e76en"e" c,ar-ea+le t t,e C **i""i n +e a&!ance& +0 t,e 6r !ince> cit0 r *1nici6alit0 c ncerne& "1+Bect t rei*+1r"e*ent +0 t,e C **i""i n 16 n 6re"entati n % t,e 6r 6er +ill. F1n&" nee&e& +0 t,e C **i""i n t &e%ra0 t,e e76en"e" % r t,e , l&in- % re-1lar an& "6ecial electi n"> re%eren&a an& 6le+i"cite" ",all +e 6r !i&e& in t,e re-1lar a66r 6riati n" % t,e C **i""i n =,ic,> 16 n reA1e"t> ",all i**e&iatel0 +e relea"e& t t,e C **i""i n. In ca"e % &e%icienc0> t,e a* 1nt " 6r !i&e& ",all +e a1-*ente& %r * t,e "6ecial acti!itie" %1n&" in t,e -eneral 28

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS a66r 6riati n" act an& %r * t, "e "6eci%icall0 a66r 6riate& % r t,e 61r6 "e in "6ecial la=". Sec. 11. Fail1re t a""1*e %%ice. # T,e %%ice % an0 %%icial electe& =, %ail" r re%1"e" t ta:e ,i" at, % %%ice =it,in "i7 * nt," %r * ,i" 6r cla*ati n ",all +e c n"i&ere& !acant> 1nle"" "ai& %ail1re i" % r a ca1"e r ca1"e" +e0 n& ,i" c ntr l. Sec. 1$. Di"A1ali%icati n". # An0 6er" n =, ,a" +een &eclare& +0 c *6etent a1t, rit0 in"ane r inc *6etent> r ,a" +een "entence& +0 %inal B1&-*ent % r "1+!er"i n> in"1rrecti n> re+elli n r % r an0 %%en"e % r =,ic, ,e ,a" +een "entence& t a 6enalt0 % * re t,an ei-,teen * nt," r % r a cri*e in! l!in* ral t1r6it1&e> ",all +e &i"A1ali%ie& t +e a can&i&ate an& t , l& an0 %%ice> 1nle"" ,e ,a" +een -i!en 6lenar0 6ar& n r -rante& a*ne"t0. T,i" &i"A1ali%icati n" t +e a can&i&ate ,erein 6r !i&e& ",all +e &ee*e& re* !e& 16 n t,e &eclarati n +0 c *6etent a1t, rit0 t,at "ai& in"anit0 r inc *6etence ,a& +een re* !e& r a%ter t,e e76irati n % a 6eri & % %i!e 0ear" %r * ,i" "er!ice % "entence> 1nle"" =it,in t,e "a*e 6eri & ,e a-ain +ec *e" &i"A1ali%ie&. EU/ISP/UDENCE

MAGNO !". COMELEC an& MONTES G./. N . 183.)8> Oct +er 8> $))$ /ACTSG On Ju"% #+9 !22+9 Ma(n' >as sentenced t' su--er t8e indeterminate pena"t% '- & m'nt8s and !! da%s '- arrest' ma%'r as minimum t' ! %ear 1 m's and #! da%s '- prisi'n c'rrecci'na" as ma4imum -'r eac8 '- t8e -'ur c'unts Ma(n' app"ied -'r pr'$ati'n and >as disc8ar(ed 'n Marc8 +9 !221 On Marc8 #!9 #33!9 M'ntes -i"ed a petiti'n -'r dis5ua"i-icati'n '- Ma(n' as ma%'ra"t% candidate '- San Isidr'9 Nue*a EciCa -'r t8e #33! e"ecti'ns 'n t8e (r'und t8at 8e >as pre*i'us"% c'n*icted $% t8e Sandi(an$a%an '- -'ur c'unts '- direct $ri$er% pena"i<ed under Artic"e #!3 '- t8e Re*ised ,ena" C'de On Ma% 09 #33!9 t8e COMELEC (ranted t8e petiti'n and dec"ared t8at Ma(n' >as dis5ua"i-ied -r'm runnin( -'r t8e p'siti'n '- Ma%'r In ru"in( a(ainst petiti'ner9 t8e COMELEC cited Secti'n !# '- t8e B, 11! 'r t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de T8e dis5ua"i-icati'ns t' $e a candidate 8erein pr'*ided s8a"" $e deemed rem'*ed up'n t8e dec"arati'n $% c'mpetent aut8'rit% t8at said insanit% 'r inc'mpetence 8ad $een rem'*ed 'r a-ter t8e e4pirati'n '- a peri'd '- -i*e %ears -r'm 8is ser*ice 'sentence9 un"ess >it8in t8e same peri'd 8e a(ain $ec'mes dis5ua"i-ied Acc'rdin( t' COMELEC9 in as muc8 as Ma(n' >as c'nsidered t' 8a*e c'mp"eted t8e ser*ice '8is sentence 'n Marc8 +9 !2219 8is +7dis5ua"i-icati'n >i"" end 'n"% 'n Marc8 +9 #33& Ma(n' -i"ed a m'ti'n -'r rec'nsiderati'n $ut >as denied ;e t8en e"e*ated t8e case t' t8e Supreme C'urt $% >a% '- petiti'n -'r certi'rari under Ru"e .+ and ar(ues t8at direct $ri$er% is n't a crime in*'"*in( m'ra" turpitude ;e a"s' cited t8at Sec )3 '29

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS RA 0!.3 s8'u"d $e app"ied in t8e present case and n't t8e B, 11! ('t8er>ise =n'>n as t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de) ISSUESG ! # & W8et8er t8e crime '- direct $ri$er% in*'"*es m'ra" turpitudeH W8et8er 'r n't t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de 'r t8e L'ca" @'*ernment C'de is app"ica$"e in t8e present caseH and W8et8er 'r n't Ma(n' >as dis5ua"i-ied t' run -'r Ma%'r in t8e #33! e"ecti'ns

RULIN@G ! T8e B"ac=As La> Dicti'nar% de-ine m'ra" turpitude as an act '- $aseness9 *i"eness9 'r depra*it% in t8e pri*ate duties >8ic8 a man '>es 8is -e""'> men9 'r t' s'ciet% in (enera"9 c'ntrar% t' t8e accepted and cust'mar% ru"e '- ri(8t and dut% $et>een man and >'man 'r c'nduct c'ntrar% t' Custice9 8'nest%9 m'dest%9 'r (''d m'ra"s M'ra" turpitude can $e in-erred -r'm t8e t8ird e"ement '- direct $ri$er% T8e -act t8at t8e '--ender a(rees t' accept a pr'mise 'r (i-t and de"i$erate"% c'mmits an unCust act 'r re-rains -r'm per-'rmin( an '--icia" dut% in e4c8an(e -'r s'me -a*'rs9 den'tes a ma"ici'us intent 'n t8e part '- t8e '--ender t' rene(e 'n t8e duties >8ic8 8e '>es 8is -e""'>men and s'ciet% in (enera" A"s'9 t8e -act t8at t8e '--ender ta=es ad*anta(e '- 8is '--ice and p'siti'n is a $etra%a" '- t8e trust rep'sed 'n 8im $% t8e pu$"ic It is a c'nduct c"ear"% c'ntrar% t' t8e accepted ru"es '- ri(8t and dut%9 Custice9 8'nest% and (''d m'ra"s In a"" respects9 direct $ri$er% is a crime in*'"*in( m'ra" turpitude

It s8'u"d $e n'ted t8at t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de (B, 11!) >as appr'*ed 'n Decem$er &9 !21+ >8i"e t8e L'ca" @'*ernment C'de (RA 0!.3) t''= e--ect 'n Januar% !9 !22# It is $asic in statut'r% c'nstructi'n t8at in case 'irrec'nci"a$"e c'n-"ict $et>een t>' "a>s9 t8e "ater enactment must pre*ai"9 $ein( t8e m're recent e4pressi'n '- "e(is"ati*e >i"" Le(is p'steri'res pri'res c'ntrarias a$r'(ant In enactin( t8e "ater "a>9 t8e "e(is"ature is presumed t' 8a*e =n'>"ed(e '- t8e '"der "a> and intended t' c8an(e it /urt8erm're9 t8e repea"in( c"ause '- Secti'n +&) '- RA 0!.3 'r t8e L'ca" @'*ernment C'de states t8atG E(-) A"" (enera" and specia" "a>s9 acts9 cit% c8arters9 decrees9 e4ecuti*e 'rders9 pr'c"amati'ns and administrati*e re(u"ati'ns9 'r part 'r parts t8ere'- >8ic8 are inc'nsistent >it8 an% pr'*isi'ns 't8is C'de are 8ere$% repea"ed 'r m'di-ied acc'rdin("% F

30

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS T8e intent '- t8e "e(is"ature t' reduce t8e dis5ua"i-icati'n peri'd 'candidates -'r "'ca" p'siti'ns -r'm -i*e t' t>' %ears is e*ident T8e cardina" ru"e in t8e interpretati'n '- a"" "a>s is t' ascertain and (i*e e--ect t' t8e intent '- t8e "a> . T8e reducti'n '- t8e dis5ua"i-icati'n peri'd -r'm -i*e t' t>' %ears is t8e mani-est intent & A"t8'u(8 Ma(n'As crime '- direct $ri$er% in*'"*ed m'ra" turpitude9 8e cann't $e dis5ua"i-ied -r'm t8e runnin( in t8e #33! e"ecti'ns Artic"e !# 't8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de must %ie"d t' Art )3 '- t8e L'ca" @'*ernment C'de ;is dis5ua"i-icati'n t8ere-'re9 ceased as '- Marc8 +9 #333

A/TICLE II ELECTION OF P/ESIDENT AND 'ICE#P/ESIDENT Sec. 1(. /e-1lar electi n % r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent. # T,e re-1lar electi n % r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent % t,e P,ili66ine" ",all +e ,el& n t,e %ir"t M n&a0 % Ma0 Nineteen ,1n&re& ei-,t0 "e!en (1.83) an& n t,e "a*e &a0 e!er0 "i7 0ear" t,erea%ter. T,e Pre"i&ent#elect an& t,e 'ice#Pre"i&ent#elect ",all a""1*e %%ice at t=el!e Gcl c: n n n t,e t,irtiet, &a0 % E1ne ne7t % ll =int,e electi n an& ",all en& at n n % t,e "a*e &ate> "i7 0ear" t,erea%ter =,en t,e ter* % ,i" "1cce"" r ",all +e-in. Sec. 18. S6ecial electi n % r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent. # In ca"e a !acanc0 cc1r" % r t,e O%%ice % t,e Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent> t,e Bata"anPa*+an"a ",all> at ten Gcl c: in t,e * rnin- % t,e t,ir& &a0 a%ter t,e !acanc0 cc1r"> c n!ene in acc r&ance =it, it" r1le" =it, 1t nee& % a call an& =it,in "e!en &a0" enact a la= callin- % r a "6ecial electi n t elect a Pre"i&ent an& a 'ice#Pre"i&ent t +e ,el& n t earlier t,an % rt0#%i!e &a0" n r later t,an "i7t0 &a0" %r * t,e ti*e % "1c, call. T,e +ill callin- "1c, "6ecial electi n ",all +e &ee*e& certi%ie& 1n&er 6ara-ra6, ($)> Secti n 1.> Article 'III % t,e C n"tit1ti n an& ",all +ec *e la= 16 n it" a66r !al n t,ir& rea&in- +0 t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a. A66r 6riati n" % r t,e "6ecial electi n ",all +e c,ar-e& a-ain"t an0 c1rrent a66r 6riati n" an& ",all +e e7e*6t %r * t,e reA1ire*ent" % 6ara-ra6, (8)> Secti n 12 % Article 'III % t,e C n"tit1ti n. T,e c n!enin% t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a cann t +e "1"6en&e& n r t,e "6ecial electi n 6 "t6 ne&. N "6ecial electi n ",all +e calle& i% t,e !acanc0 cc1r" =it,in "e!ent0 &a0" +e% re t,e &ate % t,e 6re"i&ential electi n % 1.83. Sec. 14. Can!a"" % ! te" % r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent +0 t,e 6r !incial r cit0 + ar& % can!a""er". # T,e 6r !incial> cit0> r &i"trict + ar&" % can!a""er" 31

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS in Metr 6 litan Manila> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e> ",all *eet n t later t,an "i7 Gcl c: in t,e e!enin- n electi n &a0 t can!a"" t,e electi n ret1rn" t,at *a0 ,a!e alrea&0 +een recei!e& +0 t,e*> re"6ecti!el0. It ",all *eet c ntin1 1"l0 %r * &a0 t &a0 1ntil t,e can!a"" i" c *6lete&> +1t *a0 a&B 1rn nl0 % r t,e 61r6 "e % a=aitin- t,e t,er electi n ret1rn". Eac, ti*e t,e + ar& a&B 1rn"> it ",all *a:e a t tal % all t,e ! te" ca"t % r eac, can&i&ate % r Pre"i&ent an& % r 'ice# Pre"i&ent> &1l0 a1t,enticate& +0 t,e "i-nat1re" an& t,1*+*ar:" % all t,e *e*+er" % t,e 6r !incial> cit0 r &i"trict + ar& % can!a""er"> %1rni",in- t,e C **i""i n in Manila +0 t,e %a"te"t *ean" % c **1nicati n a c 60 t,ere %> an& *a:in- a!aila+le t,e &ata c ntaine& t,erein t *a"" *e&ia an& t,er intere"te& 6artie". U6 n t,e c *6leti n % t,e can!a""> t,e + ar& ",all 6re6are a certi%icate % can!a"" ", =in- t,e ! te" recei!e& +0 eac, can&i&ate % r t,e %%ice % t,e Pre"i&ent an& % r 'ice#Pre"i&ent> &1l0 a1t,enticate& +0 t,e "i-nat1re" an& t,1*+*ar:" % all t,e *e*+er" % t,e 6r !incial> cit0 r &i"trict + ar& % can!a""er". U6 n t,e c *6leti n % t,e certi%icate % can!a""> t,e + ar& ",all certi%0 an& tran"*it t,e "ai& certi%icate % can!a"" t t,e S6ea:er % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a. T,e 6r !incial> cit0 an& &i"trict + ar&" % can!a""er" ",all 6re6are t,e certi%icate % can!a"" % r t,e electi n % Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent> "166 rte& +0 a "tate*ent % ! te" +0 6 llin- 6lace> in A1int16licate +0 t,e 1"e % car+ n 6a6er" r "1c, t,er *ean" a" t,e C **i""i n ",all 6re"cri+e t t,e en& t,at all %i!e c 6ie" ",all +e le-i+l0 6r &1ce& in ne ,an&=ritin-. T,e %i!e c 6ie" % t,e certi%icate % can!a"" *1"t +ear t,e "i-nat1re" an& t,1*+*ar:" % all t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar&. U6 n t,e c *6leti n % t,e"e certi%icate" an& "tate*ent"> t,e0 ",all +e encl "e& in en!el 6e" %1rni",e& +0 t,e C **i""i n an& "eale&> an& i**e&iatel0 &i"tri+1te& a" % ll ="? t,e ri-inal c 60 ",all +e encl "e& an& "eale& in t,e en!el 6e &irecte& t t,e S6ea:er an& &eli!ere& t ,i* at t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a +0 t,e %a"te"t 6 ""i+le *ean"@ t,e "ec n& c 60 ",all li:e=i"e +e encl "e& an& "eale& in t,e en!el 6e &irecte& t t,e C **i""i n@ t,e t,ir& c 60 ",all +e retaine& +0 t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r> in t,e ca"e % t,e 6r !incial + ar& % can!a""er"> an& +0 t,e cit0 electi n re-i"trar> in t,e ca"e % t,e cit0 + ar& % can!a""er"@ an& ne c 60 eac, t t,e a1t, ri<e& re6re"entati!e" % t,e r1lin- 6art0 an& t,e & *inant 66 "iti n 6 litical 6art0. Fail1re t c *6l0 =it, t,e reA1ire*ent" % t,i" "ecti n ",all c n"tit1te an electi n %%en"e. Sec. 12. C 1ntin- % ! te" % r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent +0 t,e Bata"anPa*+an"a. # T,e certi%icate" % can!a""> &1l0 certi%ie& +0 t,e + ar& % can!a""er" % eac, 6r !ince> cit0 r &i"trict in Metr 6 litan Manila ",all +e tran"*itte& t t,e S6ea:er % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a> =, ",all> n t later t,an t,irt0 &a0" a%ter t,e &a0 % t,e electi n> c n!ene t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a in "e""i n an& in it" 6re"ence 6en all t,e certi%icate" % can!a""> an& t,e ! te" ",all t,en +e c 1nte&. Sec. 13. C rrecti n % err r" in certi%icate an& "166 rtin- "tate*ent alrea&0 tran"*itte& t t,e S6ea:er. # N c rrecti n % err r" alle-e&l0 c **itte& in t,e certi%icate % can!a"" an& "166 rtin- "tate*ent alrea&0 tran"*itte& t t,e 32

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS S6ea:er % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a ",all +e all =e&> "1+Bect t t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,e "1ccee&in- "ecti n. Sec. 18. Pre"er!ati n % +all t + 7e"> t,eir :e0"> an& &i"6 "iti n % t,eir c ntent". # Until a%ter t,e c *6leti n +0 t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a % t,e can!a""in- % t,e ! te" an& 1ntil an 1nc nte"te& 6r cla*ati n % t,e Pre"i&ent# elect an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent#elect ",all ,a!e +een +taine&> t,e 6r !incial> cit0 r &i"trict + ar& % can!a""er" 1n&er t,e B int re"6 n"i+ilit0 =it, t,e 6r !incial> cit0 r *1nici6al trea"1rer" ",all 6r !i&e % r t,e "a%e:ee6in- an& "t ra-e % t,e +all t + 7e" in a "a%e an& cl "e& c,a*+er "ec1re& +0 % 1r 6a&l c:"? ne t +e 6r !i&e& +0 t,e c rre"6 n&in- + ar& c,air*an@ ne +0 t,e 6r !incial r cit0 trea"1rer c ncerne&@ an& ne eac, +0 t,e r1lin- 6art0 an& t,e accre&ite& & *inant 66 "iti n 6 litical 6art0. Sec. 1.. 9,en certi%icate % can!a"" i" inc *6lete r +ear" era"1re" r alterati n". # 9,en t,e certi%icate % can!a""> &1l0 certi%ie& +0 t,e + ar& % can!a""er" % eac, 6r !ince> cit0 r &i"trict in Metr 6 litan Manila an& tran"*itte& t t,e S6ea:er % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a> a" 6r !i&e& in t,e C n"tit1ti n> a66ear" t +e inc *6lete> t,e S6ea:er ",all reA1ire t,e + ar& % can!a""er" c ncerne& t tran"*it t ,i" %%ice> +0 6er" nal &eli!er0> t,e electi n ret1rn" %r * 6 llin- 6lace" t,at =ere n t incl1&e& in t,e certi%icate % can!a"" an& "166 rtin- "tate*ent". Sai& electi n ret1rn" ",all +e "1+*itte& +0 6er" nal &eli!er0 t t,e S6ea:er =it,in t= &a0" %r * recei6t % n tice. 9,en it a66ear" t,at an0 certi%icate % can!a"" r "166 rtin- "tate*ent % ! te" +0 6 llin- 6lace +ear" era"1re" r alterati n" =,ic, *a0 ca"t & 1+t a" t t,e !eracit0 % t,e n1*+er % ! te" "tate& t,erein an& *a0 a%%ect t,e re"1lt % t,e electi n> t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a 16 n reA1e"t % t,e Pre"i&ential r 'ice#Pre"i&ential can&i&ate c ncerne& r ,i" 6art0 ",all> % r t,e " le 61r6 "e % !eri%0in- t,e act1al n1*+er % ! te" ca"t % r Pre"i&ent r 'ice#Pre"i&ent> c 1nt t,e ! te" a" t,e0 a66ear in t,e c 6ie" % t,e electi n ret1rn" % r t,e C **i""i n. F r t,i" 61r6 "e> t,e S6ea:er ",all reA1ire t,e C **i""i n t &eli!er it" c 6ie" % t,e electi n ret1rn" t t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a. Sec. $). Pr cla*ati n % t,e Pre"i&ent#elect an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent#elect. # U6 n t,e c *6leti n % t,e can!a"" % t,e ! te" +0 t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a> t,e 6er" n" +tainin- t,e ,i-,e"t n1*+er % ! te" % r Pre"i&ent an& % r 'ice#Pre"i&ent ",all +e &eclare& electe&@ +1t in ca"e t= r * re ",all ,a!e an eA1al an& t,e ,i-,e"t n1*+er % ! te"> ne % t,e* ",all +e c, "en Pre"i&ent r 'ice#Pre"i&ent> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e> +0 a *aB rit0 ! te % all t,e Me*+er" % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a in "e""i n a""e*+le&. In ca"e t,ere are certi%icate" % can!a"" =,ic, ,a!e n t +een "1+*itte& t t,e S6ea:er % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a n acc 1nt % *i""in- electi n ret1rn"> a 6r cla*ati n *a0 +e *a&e i% t,e *i""in- certi%icate" =ill n t a%%ect t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n. In ca"e t,e certi%icate" % can!a"" =,ic, =ere n t "1+*itte& n acc 1nt % *i""in- electi n ret1rn" =ill a%%ect t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n> n 6r cla*ati n ",all +e *a&e. T,e S6ea:er ",all i**e&iatel0 in"tr1ct t,e + ar&" % can!a""er" 33

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS c ncerne& t +tain t,e *i""in- electi n ret1rn" %r * t,e + ar&" % electi n in"6ect r" r> i% t,e ret1rn" ,a!e +een l "t r &e"tr 0e& 16 n 6ri r a1t, rit0 %r * t,e C **i""i n> t 1"e an0 a1t,entic c 60 % "ai& electi n ret1rn" % r t,e 61r6 "e % c n&1ctin- t,e can!a""> an& t,erea%ter i""1e t,e certi%icate" % can!a"". T,e certi%icate" % can!a"" ",all +e i**e&iatel0 tran"*itte& t t,e S6ea:er % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a. Pr cla*ati n ",all +e *a&e nl0 16 n "1+*i""i n % all certi%icate" % can!a"" r =,en t,e *i""in- certi%icate" % can!a"" =ill n t a%%ect t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n.

DISCUSSIONS

T8e E4ecuti*e Department is in c8ar(e '- en-'rcin( and administerin( t8e "a>s '- t8e "and 8eaded $% t8e ,resident and t8e 6ice7,resident It is c'mp'sed '- se*era" departments t8at em$'d% t8e uti"i<ati'n and 'r(ani<ati'n '- t8e du"% c'nstituted ('*ernment Ter* % O%%ice T8e !210 C'nstituti'n9 Artic"e 09 Secti'n ) states t8at Et8e ,resident and 6ice7 ,resident s8a"" $e e"ected $% t8e direct *'te '- pe'p"e -'r a term '- "i7 (2) 0ear" 4 4 4 T8e ,resident s8a"" n t +e eli-i+le % r an0 re#electi n N' pers'n >8' 8as succeeded as ,resident and 8as ser*ed as suc8 -'r m're t8an ) %ears s8a"" $e 5ua"i-ied -'r e"ecti'n t' t8e same '--ice at an% time F /'r t8e *ice president9 t8e sec'nd para(rap8 '- t8e same secti'n states t8at En' *ice7president s8a"" ser*e -'r m're t8an t>' (#) successi*e terms F

H1ali%icati n" Secti'n .&9 Artic"e IO '- Batas ,am$ansa (B , ) 11!9 a"s' =n'>n as T8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de '- t8e ,8i"ippines9 pr'*ides -'r t8e speci-ic 5ua"i-icati'ns '- t8e ,resident and 6ice7,resident It states t8at 1no person may /e elected -resident unless6 '. A natural 7 /orn 8ilipino citi,en

34

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS A natura" $'rn citi<en is 'ne >8' is a citi<en '- t8e ,8i"ippines from /irth >it8'ut 8a*in( t' per-'rm an% act t' ac5uire 'r per-ect ,8i"ippine citi<ens8ip as distin(uis8ed -r'm t8e natura"i<ed citi<en %. A registered voter T8e re(istrati'n as a *'ter c'nn'tes p'ssessi'n '- t8e 5ua"i-icati'ns -'r su--ra(e as enumerated in Artic"e 6I Secti'n ! '- t8e C'nstituti'n (. A/le to read and write T8e "iterac% 5ua"i-icati'n is n'> e4press"% re5uired $ecause it is n't deemed em$raced in t8e su--ra(e 5ua"i-icati'n 9. At least 9" years old on the day of election T8e a(e re5uirement Custi-ia$"% c'nn'tes maturit% as >as needed -'r t8e 8i(8est '--ice in t8e "and It s8'u"d $e n'ted t8at t8is s8'u"d $e p'ssessed $% t8e candidate 'n t8e da% '- t8e e"ecti'n -'r ,resident re(ard"ess '- t8e time t8e ,resident7e"ect is actua""% pr'c"aimed :. A resident of the -hilippines for at least '" years immediately preceding such election.3 T8is is t' ensure c"'se t'uc8 $% t8e ,resident t' t8e c'untr% '- >8ic8 8e is t' $e t8e 8i(8est '--icia" and -ami"iarit% >it8 its c'nditi'ns and pr'$"ems9 t8e $etter -'r 8im t' disc8ar(e 8is duties e--ecti*e"% Artic"e 6II Secti'n & pr'*ides t8at t8e 6ice7,resident 1shall have the same ;ualifications and term of office and /e elected with and in the same manner as the -resident. He may /e removed from the office in the same manner.3

35

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

A/TICLE III ELECTION OF MEMBE/S OF THE BATASANG PAMBANSA Sec. $1. /e-1lar electi n % Me*+er" % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a. # T,e re-1lar electi n % t,e Me*+er" % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a ",all +e ,el& n t,e "ec n& M n&a0 % Ma0> Nineteen ,1n&re& an& ninet0 (1..)) an& n t,e "a*e &a0 e!er0 "i7 0ear" t,erea%ter. Sec. $$. S6ecial electi n % r Me*+er" % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a. # In ca"e a !acanc0 ari"e" in t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a ei-,teen * nt," r * re +e% re a re-1lar electi n> t,e C **i""i n ",all call a "6ecial electi n t +e ,el& =it,in "i7t0 &a0" a%ter t,e !acanc0 cc1r" t elect t,e Me*+er t "er!e t,e 1ne76ire& ter*. T,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a t,r 1-, a &1l0 a66r !e& re" l1ti n r an %%icial c **1nicati n % t,e S6ea:er =,en it i" n t in "e""i n ",all certi%0 t t,e C **i""i n t,e e7i"tence % "ai& !acanc0. Sec. $(. C *6 "iti n % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a. # T,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a ",all +e c *6 "e& % n t * re t,an t= ,1n&re& Me*+er" electe& %r * t,e &i%%erent 6r !ince" % t,e P,ili66ine" =it, t,eir c *6 nent citie"> ,i-,l0 1r+ani<e& citie" an& &i"trict" % Metr 6 litan Manila> t, "e electe& r "electe& %r * !ari 1" "ect r" a" 6r !i&e& ,erein> an& t, "e c, "en +0 t,e Pre"i&ent %r * t,e *e*+er" % t,e Ca+inet. Sec. $8. A66 rti n*ent % re6re"entati!e". # Until a ne= a66 rti n*ent ",all ,a!e +een *a&e> t,e Me*+er" % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a ",all +e a66 rti ne& in acc r&ance =it, t,e Or&inance a66en&e& t t,e C n"tit1ti n. N te? T,e C n-re"" ,a" t,e 6 =er t &eci&e =,et,er t,ere i" a reA1ire*ent t a66 rti n a ne= *e*+er % t,e H 1"e % /e6re"entati!e a" *a0 +e 6r !i&e& +0 la=. An0 6r !ince t,at *a0 ,erea%ter +e create& r an0 c *6 nent cit0 t,at *a0 ,erea%ter +e &eclare& +0 r 61r"1ant t la= a" a ,i-,l0 1r+ani<e& cit0 ",all +e entitle& in t,e i**e&iatel0 % ll =in- electi n t at lea"t ne Me*+er r "1c, n1*+er % Me*+er" a" it *a0 +e entitle& t n t,e +a"i" % t,e n1*+er % t,e in,a+itant" an& n t,e "a*e 1ni% r* an& 6r -re""i!e rati 1"e& in t,e la"t 6rece&in- a66 rti n*ent. T,e n1*+er % Me*+er" a66 rti ne& t t,e 6r !ince 1t % =,ic, t,e ne= 6r !ince =a" create& r =,ere t,e ne= ,i-,l0 1r+ani<e& 36

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS cit0 i" -e -ra6,icall0 l cate& ",all +e c rre"6 n&in-l0 a&B1"te& +0 t,e C **i""i n> +1t "1c, a&B1"t*ent ",all n t +e *a&e =it,in ne ,1n&re& t=ent0 &a0" +e% re t,e electi n. Secti n $4. ' tin- +0 6r !ince an& it" c *6 nent citie"> +0 ,i-,l0 1r+ani<e& cit0 r +0 &i"trict in Metr 6 litan Manila. # All can&i&ate" ",all +e ! te& at lar-e +0 t,e re-i"tere& ! ter" % t,eir re"6ecti!e c n"tit1encie". T,e can&i&ate" c rre"6 n&in- t t,e n1*+er % Me*+er r Me*+er" t +e electe& in a c n"tit1enc0 =, recei!e t,e ,i-,e"t n1*+er % ! te" ",all +e &eclare& electe&. Secti n $2. Sect ral re6re"entati!e". # T,ere ",all +e t,ree "ect r" t +e re6re"ente& in t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a> na*el0?(1) 0 1t,@ ($) a-ric1lt1ral la+ r@ (() in&1"trial la+ r =, "e re6re"entati!e" ",all +e electe& in t,e *anner ,erein 6r !i&e&. Eac, "ect r ",all +e entitle& t % 1r re6re"entati!e"> t= % =, * ",all c *e %r * L1< n> ne %r * 'i"a0a"> an& ne %r * Min&ana ? Pr !i&e&> t,at t,e 0 1t, "ect r ",all +e entitle& t t= a&&iti nal "ect ral re6re"entati!e" =, ",all +e electe& %r * an0 6art % t,e c 1ntr0. Secti n $3. Sc 6e % t,e "ect r". # T,e a-ric1lt1ral la+ r "ect r c !er" all 6er" n" =, 6er" nall0 an& 6,0"icall0 till t,e lan& a" t,eir 6rinci6al cc16ati n. It incl1&e" a-ric1lt1ral tenant" an& le""ee"> r1ral = r:er" an& %ar* e*6l 0ee"> =ner#c1lti!at r"> "ettler" an& "*all %i",er*en. T,e in&1"trial la+ r "ect r incl1&e" all n n#a-ric1lt1ral = r:er" an& e*6l 0ee". T,e 0 1t, "ect r e*+race" 6er" n" n t * re t,an t=ent0#%i!e 0ear" % a-e. Secti n $8. Selecti n % "ect ral re6re"entati!e". # N t later t,an t=ent0 &a0" a%ter t,e electi n % 6r !incial> cit0 r &i"trict re6re"entati!e"> t,e * "t re6re"entati!e an& -enerall0 rec -ni<e& r-ani<ati n" r a--r 16*ent" % *e*+er" % t,e a-ric1lt1ral la+ r> in&1"trial la+ r> an& 0 1t, "ect r"> a" atte"te& t +0 t,e Mini"ter" % A-rarian /e% r* an& % A-ric1lt1re an& F &> t,e Mini"ter" % La+ r an& E*6l 0*ent> an& t,e Mini"ter" % L cal G !ern*ent an& % E&1cati n> C1lt1re an& S6 rt"> re"6ecti!el0> ",all> in acc r&ance =it, t,e 6r ce&1re" % "ai& r-ani<ati n" r a--r 16*ent" % *e*+er" % t,e "ect r> "1+*it t t,e Pre"i&ent t,eir re"6ecti!e n *inee" % r eac, "l t all tte& % r eac, "ect r. T,e Pre"i&ent ",all a66 int %r * a* n- t,e n *inee" "1+*itte& +0 t,e a% re*enti ne& r-ani<ati n" r a--r 16*ent" t,e re6re"entati!e" % eac, "ect r. In r F G rec -ni<in- t,e * "t re6re"entati!e an& -enerall0 rec -ni<e& r-ani<ati n" a--r 16*ent"> t,e Mini"ter" % A-rarian /e% r* an& % A-ric1lt1re an& &> t,e Mini"ter % La+ r an& E*6l 0*ent> an& t,e Mini"ter" % L cal !ern*ent an& E&1cati n> C1lt1re an& S6 rt" ",all c n"i&er? a. T,e e7tent % *e*+er",i6 an& acti!it0 a--r 16*ent =,ic, ", 1l& +e nati nal@ 37 % t,e r-ani<ati n r

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS +. T,e re"6 n"i!ene"" % t,e r-ani<ati n le-iti*ate a"6irati n" % it" "ect r@ r a--r 16*ent t t,e

c. T,e *ilitanc0 an& c n"i"tenc0 % t,e r-ani<ati n r a--r 16*ent in e"6 1"in- t,e ca1"e an& 6r * tin- t,e =el%are % t,e "ect r c n"i"tent =it, t,at % t,e =, le c 1ntr0@ &. T,e +"er!ance +0 "1c, r-ani<ati n r a--r 16*ent % t,e r1le % la=@ an& e. Ot,er anal - 1" %act r". T,e Pre"i&ent % t,e P,ili66ine" ",all> in =ritin-> n ti%0 t,e Secretar0#General % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a % t,e a66 int*ent *a&e +0 ,i* % an0 "ect ral re6re"entati!e. E7ce6t a" ,erein t,er=i"e 6r !i&e&> "ect ral re6re"entati!e" ",all ,a!e t,e "a*e %1ncti n"> re"6 n"i+ilitie"> ri-,t"> 6ri!ile-e"> A1ali%icati n" an& &i"A1ali%icati n" a" t,e re6re"entati!e" %r * t,e 6r !ince" an& t,eir c *6 nent citie"> ,i-,l0 1r+ani<e& citie" r &i"trict" % Metr 6 litan Manila.

DISCUSSIONS

Secti'ns #! t' #1 '- B , 11! >ere repea"ed $% t8e enactment '- t8e !210 C'nstituti'n '- t8e ,8i"ippines9 t8e pertinent pr'*isi'ns '- >8ic8 are 8ere$% part"% 5u'ted9 *i<G AR2<5L. =><<< ?2RAN+<2@RA -R@><+<@N+* +ection '. 2he first elections of $em/ers of the 5ongress under this 5onstitution shall /e held on the second $onday of $ay, '& B. 2he first local elections shall /e held on a date to /e determined /y the -resident, which may /e simultaneous with the election of the $em/ers of the 5ongress. <t shall include the election of all $em/ers of the city or municipal councils in the $etropolitan $anila area. +ection %. 2he +enators, $em/ers of the House of Representatives, and the local officials first elected under this 5onstitution shall serve until noon of Cune (", '&&%. @f the +enators elected in the elections in '&&%, the first twelve o/taining the highest num/er of votes shall serve for six years and the remaining twelve for three years. 38

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS C'n(ress is c'mp'sed '- t>' c8am$ers =n'>n as t8e Senate (upper c8am$er) and t8e ;'use '- Representati*es ("'>er c8am$er) T8e manner in >8ic8 mem$ers '- $'t8 c8am$ers are se"ected is pr'*ided -'r under Secti'n & '- E4ecuti*e Order N' !&)9 't8er>ise =n'>n as t8e EENABLIN@ ACT /OR T;E ELECTIONS /OR MEMBERS O/ CON@RESS ON MAJ !!9 !2109 AND /OR OT;ER ,UR,OSESF9 >8ic8 readsG +ec. (. $anner of election. 2he twenty-four ?%9* mem/ers of the +enate shall /e elected at large /y the ;ualified voters of the -hilippines. 2he $em/ers of the House of Representatives shall /e elected /y the ;ualified voters of the respective legislative districts apportioned among the provinces, cities and the $etropolitan $anila area as provided for in the @rdinance appended to the '& B 5onstitution. 2he candidates corresponding to the num/er of +enators to /e elected at large and the candidateDs for the House of Representatives from each legislative district who garnered the highest num/er of votes shall /e declared elected. T8e Le(is"ati*e Department 8as t8e p'>er t' enact and amend t8e "a>s '- t8e "and SENATE C *6 "iti n I Ter* % O%%ice '& B 5onstitution Art >< provides6 +ection %. 2he +enate shall /e composed of twenty-four +enators who shall /e elected at large /y the ;ualified voters of the -hilippines, as may /e provided /y law. +ection 9. 2he term of office of the +enators shall /e six years and shall commence, unless otherwise provided /y law, at noon on the thirtieth day of Cune next following their election. No +enator shall serve for more than two consecutive terms. >oluntary renunciation of the office for any length of time shall not /e considered as an interruption in the continuity of his service for the full term of which he was elected. T8e Senate is c'mp'sed '- t>ent% -'ur (#)) mem$ers Eac8 mem$er 8as a term 'si4 %ears Under t8e !210 C'nstituti'n9 8a"- '- t8e mem$ers are retained and 8a"- 't8em are rep"aced 'r ree"ected e*er% t8ree %ears T8is is t' enc'ura(e t8e maintenance '- senate p'"icies as >e"" as t' (uarantee t8at t8ere >i"" $e e4perienced mem$ers >8' can 8e"p and train ne>c'mers in t8e disc8ar(e '- t8eir duties H1ali%icati n" 39

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Article >< of the '& B 5onstitution states6 +ection (. No person shall /e a +enator unless he is a natural-/orn citi,en of the -hilippines and, on the day of the election, is at least thirty-five years of age, a/le to read and write, a registered voter, and a resident of the -hilippines for not less than two years immediately preceding the day of the election. T8e senat'rs must p'ssess t8e -'""'>in( 5ua"i-icati'ns as pr'*ided -'r in t8e c'nstituti'n In sum9 as -'""'>sG ! # & ) + Natura" D B'rn /i"ipin' Citi<en &+ %ears '"d 'n t8e da% '- e"ecti'n LiterateG a$"e t' read and >rite ResidenceG n't "ess t8an # %ears Re(istered 6'ter

HOUSE OF /EP/ESENTATI'ES Ter* % O%%ice T8e term '- t8e mem$ers '- t8e ;'use '- representati*es as pr'*ided $% t8e !210 C'nstituti'n statesG +ection B. 2he $em/ers of the House of Representatives shall /e elected for a term of three years which shall /egin, unless otherwise provided /y law, at noon on the thirtieth day of Cune next following their election. No $em/er of the House of Representatives shall serve for more than three consecutive terms. >oluntary renunciation of the office for any length of time shall not /e considered as an interruption in the continuity of his service for the full term for which he was elected. C *6 "iti n A ne> c'mp'siti'n is prescri$ed -'r t8e ;'use '- Representati*es c'nsistin( '- t>' =inds '- mem$ersG Article >< of the '& B 5onstitution states6

+ection :. '. 2he House of Representatives shall /e composed of not more than two hundred and fifty mem/ers, unless otherwise fixed /y law, who shall /e elected from legislative districts apportioned among the provinces, cities, and the $etropolitan $anila area in accordance with the num/er of their respective inha/itants, and on the /asis of a uniform and 40

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS progressive ratio, and those who, as provided /y law, shall /e elected through a party-list system of registered national, regional, and sectoral parties or organi,ations. %. 2he party-list representatives shall constitute twenty per centum of the total num/er of representatives including those under the party list. 8or three consecutive terms after the ratification of this 5onstitution, onehalf of the seats allocated to party-list representatives shall /e filled, as provided /y law, /y selection or election from the la/or, peasant, ur/an poor, indigenous cultural communities, women, youth, and such other sectors as may /e provided /y law, except the religious sector. (. .ach legislative district shall comprise, as far as practica/le, contiguous, compact, and adEacent territory. .ach city with a population of at least two hundred fifty thousand, or each province, shall have at least one representative. 9. Fithin three years following the return of every census, the 5ongress shall maGe a reapportionment of legislative districts /ased on the standards provided in this section.

A T8e District Representati*es D e"ected direct"% and pers'na""% -r'm t8e territ'ria" unit 8e is see=in( t' represent 5omposition6 not more than %:" mem/ers B T8e ,art%"ist Representati*es D c8'sen indirect"% t8r'u(8 t8e part% 8e represents9 >8ic8 is t8e 'ne *'ted -'r $% t8e e"ect'rate 5omposition6 constitutes %"H of the total mem/ership of the /ody T8is re5uirement prescri$es a cei"in( and is n't c'nsidered a mandat'r% re5uirement T8e num$er '- part%"ist seats is determined usin( t8e 8ereunder -'rmu"aG

P '- district representati*es

#3

13 H1ali%icati n" 4.' provides6 41

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS +ec. !9. Iualifications for $em/ers of the 4atasang -am/ansa. - No person shall /e elected $em/er of the 4atasang -am/ansa as provincial, city or district representative unless he is a natural-/orn citi,en of the -hilippines and, on the day of the election, is at least twenty-five years of age, a/le to read and write, a registered voter in the constituency in which he shall /e elected, and a resident thereof for a period of not less than six months immediately preceding the day of the election. ! # & ) + Natura"7$'rn citi<en At "east #+ %ears '- a(e 'n t8e da% '- e"ecti'n A$"e t' read and >rite A re(istered *'ter in t8e district in >8ic8 8e s8a"" $e e"ected Resident t8ere'- n't "ess t8an si4 m'nt8s precedin( t8e da% 'e"ecti'n

Secti'n #. t' #1 '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de >8ic8 pr'*ides -'r t8e Sect'ra" Representati*es are n'> repea"ed $% t8e ,art%7"ist S%stem under Repu$"ic Act N' 02)! Under R A 02)!9 particu"ar"% Secti'n !!9 in c'nnecti'n >it8 t8e !210 C'nstituti'n9 t>ent% percent (#3Q) '- t8e mem$ers '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es s8a"" $e c'mp'sed '- part%7"ist representati*es T8e a""'cati'ns '- seats -'r t8e part%7"ist representati*es are pr'*ided -'r under par (a) and ($) '- Secti'n !!9 t8usG a. 2he parties, organi,ations, and coalitions shall /e ranGed from the highest to the lowest /ased on the num/er of votes they garnered during the elections. /. 2he parties, organi,ations, and coalitions receiving at least two percent ?%H* of the total votes cast for the party-list system shall /e entitled to one seat each6 -rovided, 2hat those garnering more than two percent ?%H* of the votes shall /e entitled to additional seats in proportion to their total num/er of votes6 -rovided, finally, 2hat each party, organi,ation, or coalition shall /e entitled to not more than three ?(* seats. T' i""ustrate9 supp'sin( t8at t8ere are t>ent% re(istered part%7"ist in COMELEC and t8e t'ta" num$er '- *'tes cast -'r t8e entire part%7"ist are !339333 and t8e part%7"ist are ran=ed9 acc'rdin( t' t8e num$er '- *'tes (arnered9 as -'""'>sG

,art%7"ist A B C

6'tes @arnered !1333 !.!33 !#333 42

,ercenta(e !1Q !. !3Q !#Q

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS D E / @ ; I J : L M N O , ? R S T !!333 1333 ++33 &&+3 &!33 &333 #133 #.33 #+33 #&+3 #&33 ##33 #333 !033 033 +33 &33 !!Q 1Q + +3Q & &+Q & !3Q &Q # 13Q # .3Q # +3Q # &+Q # &3Q # #3Q #Q ! 03Q 3 03Q 3 +3Q 3 &3Q

App"%in( para(rap8 ($) '- Secti'n !!9 ,art%7"ist A9 B9 C9 D9 ad E are entit"ed t' & seats eac8 -'r (ettin( m're t8an si4 percent '- t8e t'ta" *'tes cast ('ne seat -'r e*er% t>' percent >8ic8 s8a"" in n' case e4ceed t8ree seats) ,art%7"ist / is entit"ed t' t>' seats9 >8i"e ,art%7"ist @9 ;9 I9 J9 :9 L9 M9 N9 O9 and , are entit"ed t' ! seat eac8 /ina""%9 -'r n't reac8in( t8e re5uired t>' percent9 ,art%7"ist ?9 R9 S9 and T are n't entit"ed t' a seat I-9 8'>e*er9 t8e mandat'r% #3Q '- t8e mem$ers '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es $e"'n(in( t' t8e ,art%7"ist are n't c'mp"ied >it8 'r is insu--icient (a-ter seats 8ad a"read% $een a""'cated $ased 'n t8e #Q ru"e)9 t8en t8e ,art%7"ist s8a"" $e ran=ed acc'rdin( t' t8eir t'ta" num$er '- *'tes (arnered and t8e remainin( *acant seats s8a"" $e a""'cated $ase 'n suc8 ran=in( JURIS,RUDENCE BANAT !". COMELEC G./. N . 13.$31> E1l0 8> $)). T8ere are -'ur parameters in a ,8i"ippine7st%"e part%7"ist e"ecti'n s%stemG ! T>ent% percent '- t8e t'ta" num$er '- t8e mem$ers8ip '- t8e ;'use 'Representati*es is t8e ma4imum num$er '- seats a*ai"a$"e t' part%7"ist 'r(ani<ati'ns9 suc8 t8at t8ere is aut'matica""% 'ne part%7"ist seat -'r e*er% -'ur e4istin( "e(is"ati*e districts @arnerin( t>' percent '- t8e t'ta" *'tes cast in t8e part%7"ist e"ecti'ns (uarantees a part%7"ist 'r(ani<ati'n 'ne seat T8e (uaranteed seats s8a"" $e distri$uted in a -irst r'und '- seat a""'cati'n t' parties recei*in( at "east t>' percent '- t8e t'ta" part%7"ist *'tes

43

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS & T8e additi'na" seats9 t8at is9 t8e remainin( seats a-ter a""'cati'n '- t8e (uaranteed seats9 s8a"" $e distri$uted t' t8e part%7"ist 'r(ani<ati'ns inc"udin( t8'se t8at recei*ed "ess t8an t>' percent '- t8e t'ta" *'tes T8e c'ntinued 'perati'n '- t8e t>' percent t8res8'"d as it app"ies t' t8e a""'cati'n '- t8e additi'na" seats is n'> unc'nstituti'na" $ecause t8is t8res8'"d mat8ematica""% and p8%sica""% pre*ents t8e -i""in( up '- t8e a*ai"a$"e part%7 "ist seats T8e additi'na" seats s8a"" $e distri$uted t' t8e parties in a sec'nd r'und '- seat a""'cati'n acc'rdin( t' t8e t>'7step pr'cedure "aid d'>n in t8e Supreme C'urtAs Decisi'n '- #! Apri" #332 as c"ari-ied in t8is Res'"uti'n T8e t8ree7seat cap is c'nstituti'na" T8e t8ree7seat cap is intended $% t8e Le(is"ature t' pre*ent an% part% -r'm d'minatin( t8e part%7"ist s%stem T8ere is n' *i'"ati'n '- t8e C'nstituti'n $ecause t8e !210 C'nstituti'n d'es n't re5uire a$s'"ute pr'p'rti'na"it% -'r t8e part%7"ist s%stem T8e >e""7sett"ed ru"e is t8at c'urts >i"" n't 5uesti'n t8e >isd'm '- t8e Le(is"ature as "'n( as it is n't *i'"ati*e '- t8e C'nstituti'n 'ETE/ANS FEDE/ATION PA/TF !". COMELEC G./. N . 1(2381> Oct +er )2> $))) T8e parameters '- t8e ,art%7"ist s%stem and t8e -'rmu"a -'r determinin( t8e num$er '- additi'na" seats t8at a 5ua"i-ied part% is entit"ed t'G 8irst, the twenty percent allocation - the com/ined num/er of all party-list congressmen shall not exceed twenty percent of the total mem/ership of the House of Representatives, including those elected under the party list. +econd, the two percent threshold - only those parties garnering a minimum of two percent of the total valid votes cast for the party-list system are 1;ualified3 to have a seat in the House of RepresentativesJ 2hird, the three-seat limit - each ;ualified party, regardless of the num/er of votes it actually o/tained, is entitled to a maximum of three seatsJ that is, one 1;ualifying3 and two additional seats. 8ourth, proportional representation - the additional seats which a ;ualified party is entitled to shall /e computed 1in proportion to their total num/er of votes.3

IMPO/TANT NOTES ABOUT THE PA/TF#LIST SFSTEM /e-i"trati n Pr ce&1re? ! /i"in( '- a *eri-ied petiti'n n't "ater t8an ninet% (23) $e-'re t8e e"ecti'n9 a"'n( >it8 t8e -'""'>in(G 44

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS a $ c d # T8e part%7"istA c'nstituti'n9 $%7"a>s9 p"at-'rm 'r pr'(ram '- ('*ernmentH List '- '--icersH C'a"iti'n a(reement9 i- an%H Ot8ers as ma% $e re5uired $% COMELEC

T8e COMELEC s8a"" pu$"is8 t8e petiti'n in at "east t>' (#) nati'na" ne>spaper '- (enera" circu"ati'n A-ter due n'tice and 8earin(9 COMELEC s8a"" res'"*e t8e petiti'n >it8in -i-teen (!+) da%s -r'm t8e date it >as su$mitted -'r decisi'n9 >8ic8 s8a"" in n' case $e "ater t8an si4t% (.3) da%s $e-'re t8e e"ecti'nH

C,aracteri"tic" ! # & 9. Only in House. On"% a*ai"a$"e in t8e ;'use '- Representati*es 20 % Allocation. ,rescri$ed cei"in( n't c'nsidered mandat'r% !o "otes. 6'ters are entit"ed t' cast t>' *'tes -'r t8e ;'use '- Rep /irst N district rep Sec'ndN part%"ist rep he 2% h#eshold $ %&'eat Limit. a $ #Q '- t8e nati'na" ta""% '- *'tes in t8e part%"ist race is re5uired t' earn 'ne 5ua"i-%in( seats Limited 'n"% 'r ma4imum '- & seats per part% ,art% 't8er t8an t8e part% >8' '$tained t8e ;i(8est num$er '- *'tes ma% $e entit"ed t' additi'na" seats $ased 'n t8e -'rmu"a 8ereunderG ( of "otes of the othe# pa#ty ( of "otes of the Hi*hest pa#ty ) ( of seats of the hi*hest pa#ty

E7cl1"i!e t t,e Mar-inali<e&. On"% p'"itica" parties and 'r(ani<ati'ns t8at actua""% and tru"% represent t8e mar(ina"i<ed and underrepresented c'nstituencies can participate a Sect ral Partie" i La$'r ii /is8er /'"= 45

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS iii i* * *i *ii *iii i4 4 4i 4ii 4iii $ c ,easant W'men Ur$an ,''r J'ut8 Indi(en'us C'mmunities O*erseas W'r=ers 6eterans Cu"tura" C'mmunities ,r'-essi'na"s ;andicapped E"der"% K Seni'r Citi<ens

Sect ral Or-ani<ati n" D (r'ups $'und t'(et8er $% simi"ar attri$utes 'r c8aracteristics 'r emp"'%ment interests 'r c'ncerns P litical Partie" D 5ua"i-ied *'ters pursuin( t8e same ide'"'(%9 p'"itica" ideas and princip"es -'r t8e (enera" c'nduct '- t8e ('*ernment Ma% eit8er $e (a) nati'na" part% 'r ($) re(i'na" part% C aliti n" /'r p'"itica" and K 'r e"ecti'n purp'ses

Gr 1n&" % r Cancellati nJ/e%1"al % /e-i"trati n? a $ c d e ( ,art%7"ist is a re"i(i'us sect 'r den'minati'n 'r ass'ciati'n 'r(ani<ed -'r re"i(i'us purp'sesH It ad*'cates *i'"ence 'r un"a>-u" means t' see= its ('a"H It is a -'rei(n part% It recei*es supp'rt9 direct"% 'r indirect"%9 -'rei(n ('*ernmentH -r'm an%

It *i'"ates 'r -ai"s t' c'mp"% >it8 "a>s9 ru"es and re(u"ati'ns 'n e"ecti'nH Dec"arati'n '- -a"se statementsH It 8as ceased t' e4ist -'r at "east 'ne (!) %earH 46

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS 8 It -ai"s t' participate in t8e "ast t>' e"ecti'ns 'r -ai"s t' '$tain t>' per centum '- *'tes in t8e "ast t' e"ecti'nsH ! T8e COMELEC s8a""9 n't "ater t8an si4t% (.3) da%s $e-'re e"ecti'n9 prepare a certi-ied "ist '- nati'na"9 re(i'na"9 'r sect'ra" parties9 'r(ani<ati'ns 'r c'a"iti'ns >8' >ere (ranted re(istrati'nH Eac8 re(istered part%7"ist s8a"" su$mit t' COMELEC n't "ater t8an -'rt%7-i*e ()+) da%s $e-'re e"ecti'n a "ist 'n names9 n't "ess t8an -i*e (+)9 -r'm >8ic8 t8e part%7"ist representati*es s8a"" $e c8'senH On"% t8'se >8' p'ssess t8e -'""'>in( 5ua"i-icati'ns s8a"" $e a part%7"ist n'mineesG a $ c d e Natura" $'rn citi<en '- t8e ,8i"ippinesH A re(istered *'terH A resident -'r at "east 'ne (!) %earH A$"e t' read and >riteH A $'na -ide mem$er '- t8e part%7"ist >8'm 8e represents -'r at "east ninet% (23) da%s $e-'re e"ecti'nH and N't "ess t8an t>ent%7-i*e (#+) %ears '- a(e

&

EU/ISP/UDENCE

PHILIPPINE GUA/DIANS B/OTHE/HOOD> INC. (PGBI)> et al. !". COMELEC G./. N . 1.)4$.> A6ril $.> $)1) T' reiterate9 (a) Secti'n .(1) '- R A 02)! pr'*ides -'r t>' separate (r'unds -'r de"istin(H t8ese (r'unds cann't $e mi4ed 'r c'm$ined t' supp'rt de"istin(H and ($) t8e dis5ua"i-icati'n -'r -ai"ure t' (arner #Q part%7"ist *'tes in t>' precedin( e"ecti'ns s8'u"d n'> $e underst''d9 in "i(8t '- t8e Banat ru"in(9 t' mean -ai"ure t' 5ua"i-% -'r a part%7"ist seat in t>' precedin( e"ecti'ns -'r t8e c'nstituenc% in >8ic8 it 8as re(istered T8is9 >e dec"are9 is 8'> Secti'n .(1) '- R A 02)! s8'u"d $e underst''d and app"ied We d' s' under 'ur aut8'rit% t' state >8at t8e "a> is9 and as an e4cepti'n t' t8e app"icati'n '- t8e princip"e '- stare decisis

An- LADLAD LGBT PA/TF !". COMELEC 47

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS G./. 1.)48$> A6ril 8> $)1) We are n't $"ind t' t8e -act t8at9 t8r'u(8 t8e %ears9 8'm'se4ua" c'nduct9 and per8aps 8'm'se4ua"s t8emse"*es9 8a*e $'rne t8e $runt '- s'cieta" disappr'*a" It is n't di--icu"t t' ima(ine t8e reas'ns $e8ind t8is censure D re"i(i'us $e"ie-s9 c'n*icti'ns a$'ut t8e preser*ati'n '- marria(e9 -ami"%9 and pr'creati'n9 e*en dis"i=e 'r distrust '8'm'se4ua"s t8emse"*es and t8eir percei*ed "i-est%"e N'net8e"ess9 >e reca"" t8at t8e ,8i"ippines 8as n't seen -it t' crimina"i<e 8'm'se4ua" c'nduct E*ident"%9 t8ere-'re9 t8ese E(enera""% accepted pu$"ic m'ra"sF 8a*e n't $een c'n*incin("% transp"anted int' t8e rea"m '- "a> T8e Assai"ed Res'"uti'ns 8a*e n't identi-ied an% speci-ic '*ert imm'ra" act per-'rmed $% An( Lad"ad E*en t8e OS@ a(rees t8at Et8ere s8'u"d 8a*e $een a -indin( $% t8e COMELEC t8at t8e (r'upAs mem$ers 8a*e c'mmitted 'r are c'mmittin( imm'ra" acts F T8e OS@ ar(uesG 4 4 4 A pers'n ma% $e se4ua""% attracted t' a pers'n '- t8e same (ender9 '- a di--erent (ender9 'r m're t8an 'ne (ender9 $ut mere attracti'n d'es n't trans"ate t' imm'ra" acts T8ere is a (reat di*ide $et>een t8'u(8t and acti'n Reducti'n ad a$surdum I- imm'ra" t8'u(8ts c'u"d $e pena"i<ed9 COMELEC >'u"d 8a*e its 8ands -u"" '- dis5ua"i-icati'n cases a(ainst $'t8 t8e Estrai(8tsF and t8e (a%s F Certain"% t8is is n't t8e intendment '- t8e "a> Resp'ndent 8as -ai"ed t' e4p"ain >8at s'cieta" i""s are s'u(8t t' $e pre*ented9 'r >8% specia" pr'tecti'n is re5uired -'r t8e %'ut8 Neit8er 8as t8e COMELEC c'ndescended t' Custi-% its p'siti'n t8at petiti'nerAs admissi'n int' t8e part%7"ist s%stem >'u"d $e s' 8arm-u" as t' irrepara$"% dama(e t8e m'ra" -a$ric '- s'ciet% We9 '- c'urse9 d' n't su((est t8at t8e state is >8'""% >it8'ut aut8'rit% t' re(u"ate matters c'ncernin( m'ra"it%9 se4ua"it%9 and se4ua" re"ati'ns9 and >e rec'(ni<e t8at t8e ('*ernment >i"" and s8'u"d c'ntinue t' restrict $e8a*i'r c'nsidered detrimenta" t' s'ciet% N'net8e"ess9 >e cann't c'untenance ad*'cates >8'9 und'u$ted"% >it8 t8e "'-tiest '- intenti'ns9 situate m'ra"it% 'n 'ne end '- an ar(ument 'r an't8er9 >it8'ut $'t8erin( t' (' t8r'u(8 t8e ri('rs '- "e(a" reas'nin( and e4p"anati'n In t8is9 t8e n'ti'n '- m'ra"it% is r'$$ed '- a"" *a"ue C"ear"% t8en9 t8e $are in*'cati'n 'm'ra"it% >i"" n't rem'*e an issue -r'm 'ur scrutin%

ANG BAGONG BAFANI#OF9 LABO/ PA/TF !". COMELEC G./. N . 18348.> E1ne $2> $))1 T8e Supreme C'urt issued t8e (uide"ines in determinin( >8et8er part%7"ist (r'ups 8a*e c'mp"ied >it8 t8e re5uirements '- t8e "a>9 t8usG 8irst, the political party, sector, organi,ation or coalition must represent the marginali,ed and underrepresented groups identified in +ection : of RA B&9'. <n other words, it must show -- through its constitution, articles of incorporation, /ylaws, history, platform of government and tracG record -that it represents and seeGs to uplift marginali,ed and underrepresented sectors. >erily, maEority of its mem/ership should /elong to the marginali,ed 48

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS and underrepresented. And it must demonstrate that in a conflict of interests, it has chosen or is liGely to choose the interest of such sectors. +econd, while even maEor political parties are expressly allowed /y RA B&9' and the 5onstitution to participate in the party-list system, they must comply with the declared statutory policy of ena/ling 18ilipino citi,ens /elonging to marginali,ed and underrepresented sectors x x x to /e elected to the House of Representatives.3 <n other words, while they are not dis;ualified merely on the ground that they are political parties, they must show, however, that they represent the interests of the marginali,ed and underrepresented. 2hird, in view of the o/Eections directed against the registration of Ang 4uhay Hayaang Auma/ong, which is allegedly a religious group, the 5ourt notes the express constitutional provision that the religious sector may not /e represented in the party-list system. 8urthermore, the 5onstitution provides that 1religious denominations and sects shall not /e registered.3 8ourth, a party or an organi,ation must not /e dis;ualified under +ection ! of RA B&9'. 8ifth, the party or organi,ation must not /e an adEunct of, or a proEect organi,ed or an entity funded or assisted /y, the government. +ixth, the party must not only comply with the re;uirements of the lawJ its nominees must liGewise do so. +eventh, not only the candidate party or organi,ation must represent marginali,ed and underrepresented sectorsJ so also must its nominees.

49

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

A/TICLE I' ELECTION OF LOCAL OFFICIALS Secti n $.. /e-1lar electi n" % l cal %%icial". # T,e electi n % 6r !incial> cit0 an& *1nici6al %%icial" =, "e 6 "iti n" are 6r !i&e& % r +0 t,e L cal G !ern*ent C &e ",all +e ,el& t,r 1-, 1t t,e P,ili66ine" in t,e *anner ,erein 6re"cri+e& n t,e %ir"t M n&a0 % Ma0> Nineteen ,1n&re& an& ei-,t0#"i7 an& n t,e "a*e &a0 e!er0 "i7 0ear" t,erea%ter. T,e %%icial" electe& ",all a""1*e %%ice n t,e t,irtiet, &a0 % E1ne ne7t % ll =in- t,e electi n an& ",all , l& %%ice % r "i7 0ear" an& 1ntil t,eir "1cce"" r" ",all ,a!e +een electe& an& A1ali%ie&. All l cal inc1*+ent %%icial" =, "e ten1re % %%ice ",all e76ire n Marc, $(> 1.82 ",all , l& %%ice 1ntil E1ne ()> 1.82 r 1ntil t,eir "1cce"" r" ",all ,a!e +een electe& an& A1ali%ie&? Pr !i&e&> t,at t,e0 cann t +e "1"6en&e& r re* !e& =it, 1t B1"t ca1"e.

DISCUSSIONS

Repea"ed $% ,ara(rap8 # '- Secti'n !9 Artic"e O6III '- t8e !210 C'nstituti'n9 >8ic8 pr'*idesG +ection '. x x x 2he first local elections shall /e held on a date to /e determined /y the -resident, which may /e simultaneous with the election of the $em/ers of the 5ongress. <t shall include the election of all $em/ers of the city or municipal councils in the $etropolitan $anila area. T8e term '- t8e L'ca" @'*ernment O--icia"s are n'> pr'*ided -'r under Secti'n 19 Artic"e O '- t8e C'nstituti'n9 >8ic8 readsG +ection . 2he term of office of elective local officials, except /arangay officials, which shall /e determined /y law, shall /e three years and no such 50

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS official shall serve for more than three consecutive terms. >oluntary renunciation of the office for any length of time shall not /e considered as an interruption in the continuity of his service for the full term for which he was elected. T8e term '- t8e "'ca" ('*ernment '--icia" is si(ni-icant"% reduced9 -r'm si4 (.) %ears pr'*ided -'r $% B , 11!9 t' t8ree (&) %ears $% t8e enactment '- t8e C'nstituti'n Secti n (). C *6 nent an& ,i-,l0 1r+ani<e& citie". # Unle"" t,eir re"6ecti!e c,arter" 6r !i&e t,er=i"e> t,e elect rate % c *6 nent citie" ",all +e entitle& t ! te in t,e electi n % r 6r !incial %%icial" % t,e 6r !ince % =,ic, it i" a 6art. T,e elect rate % ,i-,l0 1r+ani<e& citie" ",all n t ! te in t,e electi n % r 6r !incial %%icial" % t,e 6r !ince in =,ic, it i" l cate&? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> t,at n c *6 nent cit0 ",all +e &eclare& r +e entitle& t a ,i-,l0 1r+ani<e& cit0 "tat1" =it,in ninet0 &a0" 6ri r t an0 electi n. DISCUSSIONS HUALIFICATIONS A Basic ?ua"i-icati'nsG a $ c d A citi<en '- t8e ,8i"ippinesH A re(istered *'terH A resident in t8e district9 cit%9 'r municipa"it% >8ere 8e intends t' run as candidate -'r at "east 'ne (!) %earH A$"e t' read and >rite /i"ipin' 'r an% 't8er "'ca" "an(ua(e 'r dia"ectH

B Additi'na" ?ua"i-icati'nG a Candidates -'r @'*ern'r9 6ice7@'*ern'r9 Mem$ers '- t8e San((unian( ,an"a"a>i(an (,r'*incia" B'ard Mem$er)9 Ma%'r9 6ice7Ma%'r9 'r mem$ers '- t8e San((unian( ,an"un(s'd '- 8i(8"% ur$ani<ed cities must $e at "east t>ent%7t8ree (#&) %ears '- a(e Candidates -'r Ma%'r 'r 6ice Ma%'r '- independent c'mp'nent cities9 c'mp'nent cities '- municipa"ities must $e at "east t>ent%7'ne (#!) %ears '- a(eH Candidates -'r mem$ers '- t8e San((unian( ,an"uns'd (Cit% C'use"'r) 'r San((unian( Ba%an (Municipa" C'unse"'r) must $e at "east ei(8teen (!1) %ears '- a(eH

?+ection (&, paragraph ?a*, ?/*, ?c*, and ?d* of the Local Government 5ode* 51

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

CITFJ MUNICIPALITIES JBA/ANGAF In 'rder t' meet t8e >e"-are '- t8e s'ciet%9 t8e ,8i"ippine @'*ernment instituted a -rame>'r= t8at >'u"d $e m're e--icient in resp'ndin( t' t8e needs and interests '- its citi<ens T8us9 in !22! t8e ,8i"ippine "e(is"ature pr'mu"(ated t8e L'ca" @'*ernment C'de '- t8e ,8i"ippines T8is c'de ser*es as t8e -'undati'n '- a "'ca" ('*ernment unit t8at s8a"" ('*ern a"" parts '- 'ur s'ciet% in t8e pr'*inces9 cities9 and $aran(a%s As -irm"% 5u'ted -r'm its state p'"ic% t8e L cal G !ern*ent C &e % t,e P,ili66ine" % 1..1 pr'*ides in Secti n ($) (a)? E<t is here/y declared the policy of the +tate that the territorial and political su/divisions of the +tate shall enEoy genuine and meaningful local autonomy to ena/le them to attain their fullest development as self-reliant communities and maGe them more effective partners in the attainment of national goals. 2oward this end, the +tate shall provide for a more responsive and accounta/le local government structure instituted through a system of decentrali,ation where/y local government units shall /e given more powers, authority, responsi/ilities, and resources. 2he process of decentrali,ation shall proceed from the national government to the local government units3 T8is is t8e em$'diment '- ensurin( t8at (''d ('*ernance is >it8in reac8 '- e*er% /i"ipin' TH/EE A/EAS IN THE LOCAL GO'E/NMENT 1. CITF A cit0 is (enera""% de-ined as a re"ati*e"% "ar(e and permanent ur$an sett"ement (@''da""9 B (!210) 2he -enguin Kictionary of Human Geography. London6 -enguin.* A cit0 (lun*sod 'r siyudad in /i"ipin' and Ta(a"'() is a tier '- "'ca" ('*ernment in t8e ,8i"ippines A"" ,8i"ippine cities are c,artere& citie"9 >8'se e4istence as c'rp'rate and administrati*e entities is ('*erned $% t8eir '>n speci-ic c8arters in additi'n t' t8e L'ca" @'*ernment C'de '- !22!9 >8ic8 speci-ies t8e administrati*e structure and p'"itica" p'>ers '- su$nati'na" ('*ernment entities (Nati'na" Statistica" C''rdinati'n B'ard(NSCB) Retrie*ed #3 Apri" #3!& ) Cities are entit"ed t' 'ne c'n(ressi'na" district and representati*e per #+39333 p'pu"ati'n c'unt9 a""'>ed t' 8a*e t8eir '>n p'"ice -'rce and a""'>ed t' use a c'mm'n sea" As c'rp'rate entities9 cities 8a*e t8e p'>er t' ta=e9 purc8ase9 recei*e9 8'"d9 "ease9 c'n*e%9 and disp'se '- rea" and pers'na" pr'pert% -'r its (enera" interests9 52

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS c'ndemn pri*ate pr'pert% -'r pu$"ic use (eminent d'main)9 c'ntract and $e c'ntracted >it89 sue and e4ercise a"" t8e p'>ers c'n-erred t' it $% C'n(ress On"% an Act '- C'n(ress can create 'r amend a cit% c8arter9 and >it8 t8is cit% c8arter C'n(ress c'n-ers t' a cit% certain p'>ers t8at re(u"ar municipa"ities 'r e*en 't8er cities ma% n't 8a*e Despite t8e di--erences in t8e p'>ers acc'rded t' eac8 cit%9 a"" cities re(ard"ess '- status are (i*en specia" treatment in terms '$ein( (i*en a $i((er s8are '- t8e interna" re*enue a""'tment (IRA) c'mpared t' re(u"ar municipa"ities9 as >e"" as $ein( (enera""% m're aut'n'm'us t8an re(u"ar municipa"ities A cit%Bs "'ca" ('*ernment is 8eaded $% a ma%'r e"ected $% p'pu"ar *'te T8e *ice7ma%'r ser*es as t8e presidin( '--icer '- t8e San((unian( ,an"un(s'd (cit% c'unci")9 >8ic8 ser*es as t8e cit%Bs "e(is"ati*e $'d% Up'n recei*in( t8eir c8arters9 cities a"s' recei*e a -u"" c'mp"ement '- e4ecuti*e departments t' $etter ser*e t8eir c'nstituents S'me departments are esta$"is8ed 'n a case7$%7case $asis9 dependin( 'n t8e needs '- t8e cit% T8ere are t>e"*e metr'p'"itan areas in t8e ,8i"ippines as de-ined $% t8e Nati'na" Ec'n'mic and De*e"'pment Aut8'rit% (NEDA) Metr' Mani"a is t8e "ar(est c'nur$ati'n 'r ur$an a(("'merati'n in t8e c'untr%9 and its '--icia" metr'p'"itan area is c'mp'sed '- t8e cit% '- Mani"a p"us !+ nei(8$'rin( cities and a municipa"it% Ot8er metr'p'"itan areas are centered ar'und t8e cities '- Ba(ui'9 Da(upan9 An(e"es9 O"'n(ap'9 Batan(as9 Na(a9 I"'i"'9 Bac'"'d9 Ce$u9 Ca(a%an de Or' and Da*a' T,e San--1nian- Panl1n-" & It is t8e "'ca" "e(is"ati*e $ranc8 '- cit% ('*ernments in t8e ,8i"ippines T8e term is c'ined -r'm t8e Ta(a"'( >'rds LsanggunianL and LlungsodL >8ic8 means Icit% c'unci"I It passes 'rdinances and res'"uti'ns -'r t8e administrati'n '- t8e cit% Its p'>ers are de-ined $% t8e L'ca" @'*ernment C'de '- !22! It 8as "e(is"ati*e and 5uasi7Cudicia" p'>ers and -uncti'ns COMPOSITION a. Pre"i&in- %%icer T8e cit% *ice ma%'r ser*es as t8e presidin( '--icer '- t8e San((unian( ,an"un(s'd In t8e a$sence '- t8e *ice ma%'r9 a temp'rar% presidin( '--icer is assi(ned $% t8e mem$ers '- t8e San((unian( ,an"un(s'd -r'm am'n( t8emse"*es +. Me*+er" T8e mem$ers '- t8e San((unian( ,an"un(s'd9 '-ten re-erred t' as c'unci"'rs are eit8er e"ected 'r e47'--ici' T8e num$er '- e"ected c'unci"'rs a cit%Bs San((unian( ,an"un(s'd is c'mp'sed '- is prescri$ed in its c8arter In a$sence '- suc8 a pr'*isi'n9 it is t8en c'mp'sed '- ten e"ected c'unci"'rsH 'n t8e 't8er 8and9 i- t8e cit% 53

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS a"s' c'rresp'nds t' a "e(is"ati*e district9 it t8en e"ects t>e"*e S'me cities a"s' e"ect t8eir c'unci"'rs $% districts >8ic8 ma% a"s' $e pr'*ided in its c8arter In (enera"9 cities >8ic8 are c'mp'sed '- at "east t>' "e(is"ati*e districts9 e5ua""% di*ide its e"ected c'unci" seats am'n( its districts O- a"" t8e cities9 Mani"a 8as t8e m'st num$er '- e"ected c'unci"'rs >it8 &.9 -'""'>ed $% Da*a' and ?ue<'n Cit% >it8 #) eac8

$. P/O'INCE T8e ,r'*inces '- t8e ,8i"ippines are t8e primar% administrati*e di*isi'ns '- t8e ,8i"ippines T8ere are 02 pr'*inces at present9 -urt8er su$di*ided int' c'mp'nent cities and municipa"ities T8e Nati'na" Capita" Re(i'n inc"udin( independent cities9 are aut'n'm'us -r'm an% pr'*incia" ('*ernment Eac8 pr'*ince is administered $% an e"ected ('*ern'r >8' '*ersees *ari'us "'ca" ('*ernment entities T8e pr'*inces are (r'uped int' se*enteen re(i'ns $ased 'n (e'(rap8ica"9 cu"tura"9 and et8n'"'(ica" c8aracteristics /'urteen '- t8ese re(i'ns are desi(nated >it8 num$ers c'rresp'ndin( t' t8eir (e'(rap8ic "'cati'n in 'rder -r'm n'rt8 t' s'ut8 T8e Nati'na" Capita" Re(i'n9 C'rdi""era Administrati*e Re(i'n9 and Aut'n'm'us Re(i'n in Mus"im Mindana' d' n't 8a*e numerica" desi(nati'ns Eac8 pr'*ince is mem$er t' t8e Lea(ue '- ,r'*inces '- t8e ,8i"ippines9 an 'r(ani<ati'n >8ic8 aims t' address issues a--ectin( pr'*incia" and metr'p'"itan ('*ernment administrati'ns I. T,e San--1nian- Panlala=i-an (En("is8G -rovincial 4oard) is t8e "e(is"ature '- a"" pr'*inces in t8e ,8i"ippines It passes 'rdinances and res'"uti'ns -'r t8e e--ecti*e administrati'n '- t8e pr'*ince Its p'>ers and resp'nsi$i"ities are de-ined $% t8e L'ca" @'*ernment C'de '- !22! C *6 "iti n T8e San((unian( ,an"a"a>i(an (c'mm'n"% a$$re*iated t' SP) is c'mp'sed '- re(u"ar"% e"ected mem$ers and e47'--ici' mem$ers T8e pr'*incia" *ice ('*ern'r ser*es as its presidin( '--icer9 >8' d' n't *'te e4cept in cases t' $rea= a tie Re(u"ar"% e"ected mem$ers are e"ected -r'm San((unian( ,an"a"a>i(an districts T8e t'ta" num$er '- S, mem$ers t' $e e"ected >it8in t8e pr'*ince and t8e num$er >it8in eac8 S, district *aries dependin( 'n se*era" -act'rs9 54

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS inc"udin( t8e pr'*inceBs inc'me c"ass and t8e p'pu"ati'n c'unt >it8in districts E47'--ici' mem$ers in t8e San((unian inc"udeG

t8e president '- t8e pr'*incia" c8apter '- t8e Li(a n( m(a Baran(a% t8e president '- t8e pr'*incia" -ederati'n '- J'ut8 C'unci"s (San((unian( :a$ataan) t8e president '- t8e pr'*incia" -ederati'n '- mem$ers 'San((unian( ,an"un(s'd and San((unian( Ba%an mem$ers -r'm c'mp'nent cities and municipa"ities

II. T,e San--1nian- Ba0an It is t8e "e(is"ature '- municipa" ('*ernments in t8e ,8i"ippines It passes 'rdinances and res'"uti'ns -'r t8e e--ecti*e administrati'n '- t8e municipa"it% Its p'>ers are de-ined $% t8e L'ca" @'*ernment C'de '- !22! Simi"ar t' t8e San((unian( Ba%an '- municipa"ities in t8e ,8i"ippines9 t8e San((unian( ,an"un(s'd a"s' a""'cates a c'unci" seat t' t8e cit% c8apter presidents '- t8e Li(a n( m(a Baran(a% and ,ederas%'n n( San((unian( :a$ataan C *6 "iti n a. Pre"i&in- %%icer T8e municipa" *ice ma%'r ser*es as t8e presidin( '--icer '- t8e Sa((unian( Ba%an9 >8' 8as n' *'tin( pri*i"e(e e4cept in cases t' $rea= a dead"'c= In t8e a$sence '- t8e *ice ma%'r9 a temp'rar% presidin( '--icer is e"ected $% t8e San((unian( Ba%an mem$ers 'r c'unci"'rs present at t8e sessi'n +. Me*+er" A"" municipa"ities in t8e ,8i"ippines9 >it8 t8e e4cepti'n '- ,ater's in Metr' Mani"a9 8a*e ei(8t re(u"ar mem$ers 'r c'unci"'rs e"ected at7"ar(e In t8e case '- ,ater's9 its San((unian( Ba%an is c'mp'sed '- t>e"*e e"ected c'unci"'rs9 >8erein si4 are e"ected -r'm eac8 '- t8e t>' districts ,ater's is di*ided int' T8ere are a"s' t>' e47'--ici' c'unci"'rs L t8e municipa" c8apter presidents '- t8e Li(a n( m(a Baran(a% and ,ederas%'n n( San((unian( :a$ataan T8e L'ca" @'*ernment C'de pr'*ides -'r an additi'na" t8ree sect'ra" representati*es representin(G >'men9 "a$'rers9 and an% '- t8e ur$an p''r9 55

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS indi(en'us cu"tura" c'mmunities9 disa$"ed pers'ns 'r an't8er sect'r t8at ma%$e identi-ied $% t8e San((unian( Ba%anH 8'>e*er9 t8is pr'*isi'n sti"" 8as t' $e imp"emented Ter*> H1ali%icati n an& Electi n E"ected 'r re(u"ar mem$ers '- t8e San((unian( Ba%an must at "east $e !1 %ears '"d 'n e"ecti'n da%H t8e -irst7past7t8e7p'st *'tin( s%stem is used t' e"ect t8ese mem$ers T8e% are e"ected -'r a t8ree7%ear term and ma% ser*e up t' t8ree c'nsecuti*e terms E"ecti'ns are 8e"d simu"tane'us"% >it8 t8e (enera" e"ecti'ns 8e"d e*er% t8ree %ears since !22# T8e term $e(ins at n''n '- June &3 -'""'>in( e"ecti'n da%9 and ends at n''n '- June &3 '- t8e t8ird %ear Simi"ar t' 't8er "'ca" '--icia"s in t8e ,8i"ippines9 reca"" e"ecti'ns ma% $e initiated $% at "east #+ percent '- re(istered *'ters in t8e municipa"it% a(ainst an% re(u"ar San((unian( Ba%an mem$er s8'u"d t8e% "'se c'n-idence >it8 an% '- t8em

(. BA/ANGAF A $aran(a%9 a"s' =n'>n $% its -'rmer Spanis8 ad'pted name9 t8e $arri'9 is t8e sma""est administrati*e di*isi'n in t8e ,8i"ippines and is t8e nati*e /i"ipin' term -'r a *i""a(e9 district 'r >ard Baran(a%s are -urt8er su$di*ided int' sma""er areas ca""ed ,ur'=s (.nglish6 Mone) A siti' is a territ'ria" enc"a*e inside a $aran(a%9 especia""% in rura" areas Municipa"ities and cities are c'mp'sed '- $aran(a%s In p"ace names $aran(a% is s'metimes a$$re*iated as I 4rgy.I 'r I4gy.I As 'Decem$er &!9 #33. t8ere are a t'ta" '- )!922+ $aran(a%s t8r'u(8'ut t8e ,8i"ippines

HUALIFICATIONS T8e "'ca" ('*ernment c'de pr'*ides -'r t8e (enera" 5ua"i-icati'ns '- t8e e"ecti*e '--icia"s it statesG +.5. (&. Iualifications. a An elective local official must /e a citi,en of the -hilippinesJ a registered voter in the /arangay, municipality, city, or province or, in the case of a mem/er of the sangguniang panlalawigan, sangguniang panlungsod, or sanggunian /ayan, the district where he intends to /e electedJ a resident therein for at least one ?'* year immediately preceding the day of the electionJ and a/le to read and write 8ilipino or any other local language or dialect. 56

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS $ 5andidates for the position of governor, vice- governor or mem/er of the sangguniang panlalawigan, or $ayor, vice-mayor or mem/er of the sangguniang panlungsod of highly ur/ani,ed cities must /e at least twenty-three ?%(* years of age on election day. 5andidates for the position of $ayor or vice-mayor of independent component cities, component cities, or municipalities must /e at least twenty-one ?%'* years of age on election day. 5andidates for the position of mem/er of the sangguniang panlungsod or sangguniang /ayan must /e at least eighteen ?' * years of age on election day. 5andidates for the position of punong /arangay or mem/er of the sangguniang /arangay must /e at least eighteen ?' * years of age on election day. 5andidates for the sangguniang Ga/ataan must /e at least fifteen ?':* years of age /ut not more than twenty-one ?%'* years of age on election day.

Kis;ualifications6 ! # & ) + . T8'se sentence $% -ina" Cud(ment -'r '--enses in*'"*in( m'ra" turpitude 'r t8'se punis8a$"e $% 'ne (!) %ear 'r m're 'impris'nmentH T8'se rem'*ed as a resu"t '- an administrati*e caseH T8'se c'n*icted $% -ina" Cud(ment $% *i'"atin( t8e 'at8 'a""e(ianceH Dua" citi<ensH /u(iti*es -r'm CusticeH T8'se >8' 8a*e permanent residents in a -'rei(n c'untr%H

?+ection 9" of the Local Government 5ode*

57

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

citizenshi p

Province ViceGoverno Governo r r natural natural born born filipino filipino citizen citizen 23 years old on election day 23 years old on election day

City Mayor natural born filipino citizen 21 years old on election day ViceMayor natural born filipino citizen 21 years old on election day Captain natural born filipino citizen 18 years old on election day

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

age

residence

resident resident resident resident resident of the of the of the of the of the resident of place place place place place the place where he where he where he where he where he where he intends to intends to intends to intends to intends to intends to run for at run for at run for at run for at run for at run for at least 1 least 1 least 1 least 1 least 1 least 1 year year year year year year preceding preceding preceding preceding preceding preceding the day of the day the day the day the day the day election of of of of of election election election election election registered registered registered registered registered voter voter voter voter voter able to read and write able to read and write able to read and write able to read and write able to read and write registered voter able to read and write

suffrage

literacy

58

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

A/TICLE ' ELECTION OF MEMBE/S OF THE /EGIONAL ASSEMBLF OF THE AUTONOMOUS /EGIONS Secti n (1. T,e San--1nian- Pa*6 : % t,e a1t n * 1" re-i n". # /e-i n I5 an& /e-i n 5II in " 1t,ern P,ili66ine" ",all eac, ,a!e a San--1nian- Pa*6 : t +e c *6 "e& % t=ent0#"e!en *e*+er" an& ",all incl1&e "e!enteen re6re"entati!e" electe& %r * t,e &i%%erent 6r !ince" an& citie" % eac, re-i n> an& a "ect ral re6re"entati!e eac, %r * a* n- t,e 0 1t,> a-ric1lt1ral = r:er"> an& n n#a-ric1lt1ral = r:er" (in&1"trial la+ r) % eac, re-i n t +e "electe& in t,e *anner ,erein 6r !i&e& =, "e A1ali%icati n" an& &i"A1ali%icati n" are t,e "a*e a" Me*+er" % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a. T,e Pre"i&ent ",all a66 int an a&&iti nal "e!en re6re"entati!e" in eac, re-i n =,ene!er in ,i" B1&-*ent an0 t,er "ect r i" n t 6r 6erl0 re6re"ente& in t,e San--1nian- Pa*6 : a" a re"1lt % t,e electi n". Secti n ($. A66 rti n*ent % *e*+er" % t,e San--1nian- Pa*6 :. # T,e Me*+er" % t,e San--1nian- Pa*6 : % /e-i n I5 an& % /e-i n 5II. Secti n ((. Electi n % *e*+er" % San--1nian- Pa*6 :. # T,e can&i&ate" % r t,e 6 "iti n % "e!enteen re6re"entati!e" t t,e San--1nian- Pa*6 : % /e-i n I5 an& % /e-i n 5II ",all +e ! te& at lar-e +0 t,e re-i"tere& ! ter" % eac, 6r !ince incl1&in- t,e citie" c ncerne&. T,e can&i&ate" c rre"6 n&in- t t,e n1*+er % *e*+er r *e*+er" t +e electe& in a c n"tit1enc0 =, recei!e t,e ,i-,e"t n1*+er % ! te" ",all +e &eclare& electe&. Secti n (8. Selecti n % "ect ral re6re"entati!e". # T,e Pre"i&ent ",all> =it,in t,irt0 &a0" %r * t,e c n!enin- % eac, San--1nian- Pa*6 :> a66 int t,e "ect ral re6re"entati!e" n rec **en&ati n % t,e San--1nian- Pa*6 : an& a%ter &1e c n"1ltati n =it, t,e re6re"entati!e an& -enerall0 rec -ni<e& r-ani<ati n" r a--r16ati n" % *e*+er" % t,e 0 1t,> a-ric1lt1ral = r:er" an& n n#a-ric1lt1ral = r:er" a" atte"te& +0 t,e Mini"ter" % L cal G !ern*ent an& % E&1cati n> C1lt1re an& S6 rt" (0 1t,)> Mini"ter" % A-rarian /e% r* 59

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS an& % A-ric1lt1re an& F & (a-ric1lt1ral = r:er")> an& Mini"ter" % La+ r an& E*6l 0*ent (n n#a-ric1lt1ral r in&1"trial la+ r). T,e Pre"i&ent % t,e P,ili66ine" ",all in =ritin- n ti%0 t,e S6ea:er % t,e San--1nian- Pa*6 : % eac, re-i n % t,e a66 int*ent *a&e +0 ,i* % an0 "ect ral re6re"entati!e. T,e "ect ral re6re"entati!e" ",all ,a!e t,e "a*e %1ncti n"> re"6 n"i+ilitie"> ri-,t"> 6ri!ile-e"> A1ali%icati n" an& &i"A1ali%icati n" a" t,e electi!e 6r !incial re6re"entati!e" t t,e San--1nian- Pa*6 :? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> t,at n &e%eate& can&i&ate % r *e*+er % t,e San--1nian- Pa*6 : in t,e i**e&iatel0 6rece&in- electi n ",all +e a66 inte& a" "ect ral re6re"entati!e. Secti n (4. Fillin- % !acanc0. # Pen&in- an electi n t %ill a !acanc0 ari"in- %r * an0 ca1"e in t,e San--1nian- Pa*6 :> t,e !acanc0 ",all +e %ille& +0 t,e Pre"i&ent> 16 n rec **en&ati n % t,e San--1nian- Pa*6 :? Pr !i&e&> t,at t,e a66 intee ",all c *e %r * t,e "a*e 6r !ince r "ect r % t,e *e*+er +einre6lace&. Secti n (2. Ter* % %%ice. # T,e 6re"ent *e*+er" % t,e San--1nian- Pa*6 : % eac, % /e-i n I5 an& /e-i n 5II ",all c ntin1e in %%ice 1ntil E1ne ()> 1.82 r 1ntil t,eir "1cce"" r" ",all ,a!e +een electe& an& A1ali%ie& r a66 inte& an& A1ali%ie& in t,e ca"e % "ect ral *e*+er". T,e0 *a0 n t +e re* !e& r re6lace& e7ce6t in acc r&ance =it, t,e internal r1le" % "ai& a""e*+l0 r 6r !i"i n" % 6ertinent la=". T,e electi n % *e*+er" % t,e San--1nian- Pa*6 : % t,e t= re-i n" ",all +e ,el& "i*1ltane 1"l0 =it, t,e l cal electi n" % 1.82. T, "e electe& in "ai& electi n" ",all ,a!e a ter* % % 1r 0ear" "tartin- E1ne ()> 1.82. T, "e electe& in t,e electi n % 1..) t +e ,el& "i*1ltane 1"l0 =it, t,e electi n" % Me*+er" % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a ",all ,a!e a ter* % "i7 0ear".

DISCUSSIONS

Secti'ns &! t' &. '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de are repea"ed $% t8e !210 C'nstituti'n9 speci-ica""% Sec !+ t' #! '- Artic"e O9 >8ic8 pr'*idesG Artic"e O (L'ca" @'*ernment) D Aut'n'm'us Re(i'ns +ection ':. 2here shall /e created autonomous regions in $uslim $indanao and in the 5ordilleras consisting of provinces, cities, municipalities, and geographical areas sharing common and distinctive historical and cultural heritage, economic and social structures, and other relevant characteristics 60

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS within the frameworG of this 5onstitution and the national sovereignty as well as territorial integrity of the Repu/lic of the -hilippines . +ection '!. 2he -resident shall exercise general supervision over autonomous regions to ensure that the laws are faithfully executed. +ection 'B. All powers, functions, and responsi/ilities not granted /y this 5onstitution or /y law to the autonomous regions shall /e vested in the National Government. +ection ' . 2he 5ongress shall enact an organic act for each autonomous region with the assistance and participation of the regional consultative commission composed of representatives appointed /y the -resident from a list of nominees from multisectoral /odies. 2he organic act shall define the /asic structure of government from the region consisting of the executive department and legislative assem/ly, /oth of which shall /e elective and representative of the constituent political units. 2he organic acts shall liGewise provide for special courts with personal, family, and property law Eurisdiction consistent with the provisions of this 5onstitution and national laws. 2he creation of the autonomous region shall /e effective when approved /y maEority of the votes cast /y the constituent units in a ple/iscite called for the purpose, provided that only provinces, cities, and geographic areas voting favora/ly in such ple/iscite shall /e included in the autonomous region. +ection '&. 2he first 5ongress elected under this 5onstitution shall, within eighteen months from the time of organi,ation of /oth Houses, pass the organic acts for the autonomous regions in $uslim $indanao and the 5ordilleras . +ection %". Fithin its territorial Eurisdiction and su/Eect to the provisions of this 5onstitution and national laws, the organic act of autonomous regions shall provide for legislative powers over6 '. Administrative organi,ationJ %. 5reation of sources of revenuesJ (. Ancestral domain and natural resourcesJ 9. -ersonal, family, and property relationsJ :. Regional ur/an and rural planning developmentJ !. .conomic, social, and tourism developmentJ B. .ducational policiesJ . -reservation and development of the cultural heritageJ and 61

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS &. +uch other matters as may /e authori,ed /y law for the promotion of the general welfare of the people of the region. +ection %'. 2he preservation of peace and order within the regions shall /e the responsi/ility of the local police agencies which shall /e organi,ed, maintained, supervised, and utili,ed in accordance with applica/le laws. 2he defense and security of the regions shall /e the responsi/ility of the National Government. In c'nnecti'n t' t8e a$'*e9 C'n(ress enacted Repu$"ic Act N' .0&) as t8e Or(anic Act -'r Aut'n'm'us Re(i'n in Mus"im Mindana' RA .0&) >as -urt8er stren(t8ened $% t8e enactment '- Repu$"ic Act N' 23+)9 >8ic8 amended RA .0&)

62

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

A/TICLE 'I ELECTION OF LOCAL OFFICIALS Secti n (3. /e-1lar electi n % +aran-a0 %%icial". # T,e electi n % r +aran-a0 %%icial" ",all +e ,el& t,r 1-, 1t t,e P,ili66ine" in t,e *anner 6re"cri+e& n t,e "ec n& M n&a0 % Ma0 Nineteen ,1n&re& an& ei-,t0#ei-,t an& n t,e "a*e &a0 e!er0 "i7 0ear" t,erea%ter. T,e %%icial" electe& ",all a""1*e %%ice n t,e t,irtiet, &a0 % E1ne ne7t % ll =in- t,e electi n an& ",all , l& %%ice % r "i7 0ear" an& 1ntil t,eir "1cce"" r" ",all ,a!e +een electe& an& A1ali%ie&.

DISCUSSIONS

/irst9 >e 8a*e t' determine i- an aspirin( candidate -'r a $aran(a% '--ice is 5ua"i-ied 'r n't H1ali%icati n" % r P1nnin- Baran-a0> Me*+er % t,e San--1nian- Baran-a0 an& San--1nian- Da+ataan? a $ c d dia"ectH e ,unnin( Baran(a% and Mem$er '- t8e San((unian( Baran(a% must $e at "east ei(8teen (!1) %ears '- a(e 'n e"ecti'n da%H San((unian( :a$ataan must $e at "east -i-teen (!+) %ears '- a(e $ut n't m're t8an t>ent%7'ne (#!) %ears '- a(e 'n e"ecti'n da% A citi<en '- t8e ,8i"ippinesH A re(istered *'terH A resident in t8e $aran(a% >8ere 8e intends t' run as candidate -'r at "east 'ne (!) %earH A$"e t' read and >rite /i"ipin' 'r an% 't8er "'ca" "an(ua(e 'r

Sec &0 '- t8e 'mni$us E"ecti'n C'de is repea"ed $% t8e enactment '- Repu$"ic Act ..029 >8ic8 "imits t8e term '- $aran(a% '--icia"s -r'm si4 (.) %ears t' -i*e (+) %ears9 >8' s8a"" assume '--ice 'n t8e -irst da% '- June9 instead 'n t8e t8irtiet8 under Secti'n &0 N' $aran(a% '--icia" 8'>e*er9 s8a"" ser*e -'r m're t8an t8ree (&) c'nsecuti*e terms 63

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti n (8. C n&1ct % electi n". # T,e +aran-a0 electi n ",all +e n n#6arti"an an& ",all +e c n&1cte& in an e76e&iti 1" an& ine76en"i!e *anner. N 6er" n =, %ile" a certi%icate % can&i&ac0 ",all re6re"ent r all = ,i*"el% t +e re6re"ente& a" a can&i&ate % an0 6 litical 6art0 r an0 t,er r-ani<ati n@ an& n 6 litical 6art0> 6 litical -r 16> 6 litical c **ittee> ci!ic> reli-i 1"> 6r %e""i nal> r t,er r-ani<ati n r r-ani<e& -r 16 % =,ate!er nat1re ",all inter!ene in ,i" n *inati n r in t,e %ilin- % ,i" certi%icate % can&i&ac0 r -i!e ai& r "166 rt> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> *aterial r t,er=i"e %a! ra+le t r a-ain"t ,i" ca*6ai-n % r electi n? Pr !i&e&> T,at t,i" 6r !i"i n ",all n t a66l0 t t,e *e*+er" % t,e %a*il0 % a can&i&ate =it,in t,e % 1rt, ci!il &e-ree % c n"an-1init0 r a%%init0 n r t t,e 6er" nal ca*6ai-n "ta%% % t,e can&i&ate =,ic, ",all n t +e * re t,an ne % r e!er0 ne ,1n&re& re-i"tere& ! ter" in ,i" +aran-a0? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at =it, 1t 6reB1&ice t an0 lia+ilit0 t,at *a0 +e inc1rre&> n 6er*it t , l& a 61+lic *eetin- ",all +e &enie& n t,e -r 1n& t,at t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" 6ara-ra6, *a0 r =ill +e !i late&. N t,in- in t,i" "ecti n> , =e!er> ",all +e c n"tr1e& a" in an0 *anner a%%ectinr c n"tit1tin- an i*6air*ent % t,e %ree& * % in&i!i&1al" t "166 rt r 66 "e an0 can&i&ate % r an0 +aran-a0 %%ice.

DISCUSSIONS

Sec &1 pr'*ides -'r t8e ru"e t8at a candidate -'r $aran(a% '--icia" s8a"" n't $e a--i"iated 'r is a mem$er '- an% p'"itica" part%9 etc n'r s8a"" a candidate recei*e an% aid 'r supp'rt9 materia" 'r 't8er>ise -'r 'r a(ainst 8is campai(n T8e reas'n -'r t8e a$'*e pr'*isi'n is t' pr'm'te -air and e5ua" e"ecti'n and 'pp'rtunit% t' assume '--ice EU/ISP/UDENCE Ocean !". COMELEC G./. N > L#2)$48> Ean1ar0 (1> 1.88 T8e Supreme C'urt9 in sustainin( t8e c'nstituti'na"it% '- t8e n'n7partisan c8aracter '- t8e $aran(a% e"ecti'ns9 8e"dG 1x x we must not lose sight of the fact that the /arangay is the /asic unit not only of our social structure /ut also of our political structure. As much as possi/le, we /elieve that it would /e a more prudent policy to insulate the /arangays from the influence of partisan politics.3

64

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS T8e pr'*isi'n9 8'>e*er9 s8a"" n't app"% t' t8e -ami"% '- a candidate >it8in t8e -'urt8 ci*i" de(ree '- c'nsan(uinit% 'r a--init% 'r t' t8e pers'na" campai(n sta-- '- t8e candidate >8ic8 s8a"" n't $e m're t8an 'ne -'r e*er% 'ne 8undred re(istered *'ters in 8is $aran(a% Secti n (.. Ce#tificate of Candidacy. # N 6er" n ",all +e electe& 61n n+aran-a0 r :a-a=a& n- "an--1nian- +aran-a0 1nle"" ,e %ile" a "= rn certi%icate % can&i&ac0 in tri6licate n an0 &a0 %r * t,e c **ence*ent % t,e electi n 6eri & +1t n t later t,an t,e &a0 +e% re t,e +e-innin- % t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri & in a % r* t +e 6re"cri+e& +0 t,e C **i""i n. T,e can&i&ate ",all "tate t,e +aran-a0 %%ice % r =,ic, ,e i" a can&i&ate. T,e certi%icate % can&i&ac0 ",all +e %ile& =it, t,e "ecretar0 % t,e "an--1nian+aran-a0 =, ",all ,a!e t,e *ini"terial &1t0 t recei!e "ai& certi%icate % can&i&ac0 an& t i**e&iatel0 ac:n =le&-e recei6t t,ere %. In ca"e t,e "ecretar0 re%1"e" t recei!e t,e "a*e> r in t,e ca"e % ,i" a+"ence r n n#a!aila+ilit0> a can&i&ate *a0 %ile ,i" certi%icate =it, t,e electi n re-i"trar % t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 c ncerne&. T,e "ecretar0 % t,e "an--1nian- +aran-a0 r t,e electi n re-i"trar> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e> ",all 6re6are a c n" li&ate& li"t all t,e can&i&ate" an& ",all 6 "t "ai& li"t in t,e +aran-a0 ,all an& in t,er c n"6ic1 1" 6lace" in t,e +aran-a0 at lea"t ten &a0" +e% re t,e electi n. An0 electi!e r a66 inti!e *1nici6al> cit0> 6r !incial r nati nal %%icial r e*6l 0ee> r t, "e in t,e ci!il r *ilitar0 "er!ice> incl1&in- t, "e in - !ern*ent# =ne& r c ntr lle& c r6 rati n"> ",all +e c n"i&ere& a1t *aticall0 re"i-ne& 16 n t,e %ilin- % certi%icate % can&i&ac0 % r a +aran-a0 %%ice.

DISCUSSIONS

Pr ce&1re % r %ilin- % Certi%icate % Can&i&ac0? ! /i"in( >it8 t8e Secretar% '- t8e San((unian( Baran(a% 'r t8e E"ecti'n Re(istrar '- t8e Cit% '- Municipa"it% c'ncerned a certi-icate '- candidac%9 in trip"icate -'rm9 statin( t8e $aran(a% '--ice -'r >8ic8 8e is a candidateH T8e C'C s8a"" $e -i"ed an% da% a-ter t8e c'mmencement '- t8e e"ecti'n peri'd $ut n't "ater t8an t8e da% $e-'re t8e $e(innin( '- campai(n peri'dH

65

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS & T8e Secretar% '- t8e San((unian( Baran(a% s8a"" prepare a "ist '- a"" candidates and s8a"" p'st t8e same in t8e $aran(a% 8a"" 'r 't8er c'nspicu'us p"ace ten (!3) da%s $e-'re e"ecti'nH

Secti n 8). B ar& % Electi n Teller". # (1) T,e C **i""i n ",all c n"tit1te n t later t,an ten &a0" +e% re t,e electi n a + ar& % electi n teller" in e!er0 +aran-a0 6 llin- 6lace> t +e c *6 "e& % a 61+lic ele*entar0 "c, l teac,er a" c,air*an> an& t= *e*+er" =, are re-i"tere& ! ter" % t,e 6 llin- 6lace c ncerne&> +1t =, are n t inc1*+ent +aran-a0 %%icial" n r relate& t an0 can&i&ate % r an0 6 "iti n in t,at +aran-a0 =it,in t,e % 1rt, ci!il &e-ree % a%%init0 r c n"an-1init0. In ca"e n 61+lic ele*entar0 "c, l teac,er" are a!aila+le> t,e C **i""i n ",all &e"i-nate an0 re-i"tere& ! ter in t,e 6 llin- 6lace =, i" n t an inc1*+ent +aran-a0 %%icial n r relate& t an0 can&i&ate % r an0 6 "iti n in t,at +aran-a0 =it,in t,e % 1rt, ci!il &e-ree % a%%init0 r c n"an-1init0. ($) T,e + ar& % electi n teller" ",all "16er!i"e an& c n&1ct t,e electi n in t,eir re"6ecti!e 6 llin- 6lace"> c 1nt t,e ! te" an& t,erea%ter 6re6are a re6 rt in tri6licate n a % r* 6re"cri+e& +0 t,e C **i""i n. T,e ri-inal % t,i" re6 rt ",all +e &eli!ere& i**e&iatel0 t t,e +aran-a0 + ar& % can!a""er". T,e "ec n& c 60 ",all +e &eli!ere& t t,e electi n re-i"trar an& t,e t,ir& c 60 ",all +e &eli!ere& t t,e "ecretar0 % t,e "an--1nian- +aran-a0 =, ",all :ee6 t,e "a*e n %ile. Secti n 81. /e-i"trati n % ! ter" an& li"t % ! ter". # N t later t,an "e!en &a0" +e% re t,e electi n> t,e + ar& % electi n teller" ",all *eet in e!er0 +aran-a0 6 llin- 6lace t c n&1ct t,e re-i"trati n % +aran-a0 ! ter" an& t 6re6are t,e li"t % ! ter". An0 ! ter *a0 c,allen-e t,e A1ali%icati n % an0 6er" n "ee:in- t re-i"ter an& "ai& c,allen-e ",all +e ,ear& an& &eci&e& n t,e "a*e &a0 +0 t,e + ar& % electi n teller". T,e %inal li"t % ! ter" ",all +e 6 "te& in t,e 6 llin- 6lace" at lea"t t= &a0" +e% re electi n &a0. T,e re-i"trati n % an0 ! ter ",all n t +e tran"%erre& =it, 1t =ritten n tice at lea"t t= &a0" +e% re t,e &ate % electi n. N t later t,an t,e &a0 % ll =in- t,e +aran-a0 electi n> t,e + ar& % electi n teller" ",all &eli!er t,e li"t % ! ter" t t,e electi n re-i"trar % r c1"t &0 an& "a%e:ee6in-. Secti n 8$. P llin- 6lace". # (1) T,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % electi n teller" ",all &e"i-nate t,e 61+lic "c, l r an0 t,er 61+lic +1il&in- =it,in t,e +aran-a0 t +e 1"e& a" 6 llin- 6lace in ca"e t,e +aran-a0 ,a" ne electi n 6recinct. ($) F r +aran-a0" =it, t= r * re electi n 6recinct" t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all &e"i-nate t,e 61+lic "c, l r an0 t,er 61+lic +1il&in- t +e 1"e& a" 6 llin- 6lace.

66

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS In ca"e t,ere i" n 61+lic "c, l r t,er 61+lic +1il&in- t,at can +e 1"e& a" 6 llin- 6lace"> t,er a66r 6riate 6ri!ate +1il&in-" *a0 +e &e"i-nate&? Pr !i&e&> T,at "1c, +1il&in-" are n t =ne& r cc16ie& r 6 ""e""e& +0 an0 inc1*+ent electi!e 61+lic %%icial r can&i&ate> r ,i" relati!e =it,in t,e % 1rt, ci!il &e-ree % c n"an-1init0 r a%%init0. T,e 6 llin- 6lace ",all +e centrall0 l cate& a" 6 ""i+le> al=a0" ta:in- int c n"i&erati n t,e c n!enience an& "a%et0 % t,e ! ter".

DISCUSSIONS

Secti'ns )3 t' )# pr'*ides -'r t8e c'mp'siti'n '- t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Te""ers as >e"" as its p'>ers and -uncti'ns

C *6 "iti n % t,e B ar& % Electi n Teller" C8airman T>' mem$ers An% pu$"ic e"ementar% sc8''" teac8er An% re(istered *'ter n't a candidate9 an incum$ent $aran(a% '--icia" 'r a re"ati*e '- t8e "atter >it8 t8e -'urt8 ci*i" de(ree

P =er" an& F1ncti n" % t,e B ar& % Electi n Teller" ! # & ) T' c'nduct t8e re(istrati'n '- $aran(a% *'tersH Up'n c'mp"aint9 t' 8ear and decide cases re"atin( t' t8e 5ua"i-icati'n '- a *'terH ,'stin( '- t8e -ina" "ist '- re(istered and de"i*er% '- a c'p% t8ere'- t8e E"ecti'n Re(istrarH Desi(nate an% pu$"ic sc8''" 'r an% pu$"ic $ui"din( in t8e $aran(a% as p'""in( p"ace 'r p"aces9 in case t8e $aran(a% 8as m're t8an 'ne e"ecti'n precinctH T' act as t8e Baran(a% B'ard '- Can*assers s8'u"d t8e $aran(a% 8a*e 'n"% 'ne p'""in( p"aceH Super*ise and c'nduct t8e e"ecti'n in t8eir respecti*e p'""in( p"acesH 0 1 2 C'untin( '- *'tesH Aut8enticati'n '- t8e $aran(a% $a""'tsH ,repare a *'te rep'rt9 in trip"icate 'n a -'rmH 67

+ .

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS !3 a $ c Baran(a% De"i*er% '- t8e rep'rt immediate"% t' t8eG Ori(ina" c'p% D Baran(a% B'ard '- Can*assersH Sec'nd c'p% D E"ecti'n Re(istrarH T8ird c'p% D Secretar% '- t8e San((unian(

Secti n 8(. O%%icial +aran-a0 +all t". # T,e %%icial +aran-a0 +all t" ",all +e 6r !i&e& +0 t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 c ncerne& % a "i<e an& c l r t +e 6re"cri+e& +0 t,e C **i""i n. S1c, %%icial +all t" ",all> +e% re t,e0 are ,an&e& t t,e ! ter at t,e 6 llin6lace> +e a1t,enticate& in t,e 6re"ence % t,e ! ter> +0 t,e a1t, ri<e& re6re"entati!e" % t,e can&i&ate" an& t,e c,air*an an& *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n teller" =, ",all a%%i7 t,eir "i-nat1re" at t,e +ac: t,ere %. An0 +all t =,ic, i" n t a1t,enticate& ",all +e &ee*e& "61ri 1". Secti n 88. Ball t + 7e". # T,e C **i""i n ",all 6r !i&e t,e +all t + 7e" % r eac, +aran-a0 6 llin- 6lace> +1t eac, can&i&ate *a0 +e 6er*itte& t 6r !i&e a 6a&l c: % r "ai& +all t + 7. Secti n 84. P "t6 ne*ent r %ail1re % electi n. # 9,en % r an0 "eri 1" ca1"e "1c, a" !i lence> terr ri"*> l "" r &e"tr1cti n % electi n 6ara6,ernalia r rec r&"> % rce *aBe1re> an& t,er anal - 1" ca1"e" % "1c, nat1re t,at t,e , l&in- % a %ree> r&erl0 an& , ne"t electi n ", 1l& +ec *e i*6 ""i+le in an0 +aran-a0> t,e C **i""i n> 16 n a !eri%ie& 6etiti n % an intere"te& 6art0 an& a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin- at =,ic, t,e intere"te& 6artie" are -i!en eA1al 66 rt1nit0 t +e ,ear&> ",all 6 "t6 ne t,e electi n t,erein % r "1c, ti*e a" it *a0 &ee* nece""ar0. I%> n acc 1nt % % rce *aBe1re> !i lence> terr ri"*> %ra1& r t,er anal - 1" ca1"e"> t,e electi n in an0 +aran-a0 ,a" n t +een ,el& n t,e &ate ,erein %i7e& r ,a" +een "1"6en&e& +e% re t,e , 1r %i7e& +0 la= % r t,e cl "in- % t,e ! tint,erein an& "1c, %ail1re r "1"6en"i n % electi n = 1l& a%%ect t,e re"1lt % t,e electi n> t,e C **i""i n> n t,e +a"i" % a !eri%ie& 6etiti n % an intere"te& 6art0> an& a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-> at =,ic, t,e intere"te& 6artie" are -i!en eA1al 66 rt1nit0 t +e ,ear& ",all call % r t,e , l&in- r c ntin1ati n % t,e electi n =it,in t,irt0 &a0" a%ter it ",all ,a!e !eri%ie& an& % 1n& t,at t,e ca1"e r ca1"e" % r =,ic, t,e electi n ,a" +een 6 "t6 ne& r "1"6en&e& ,a!e cea"e& t e7i"t r 16 n 6etiti n % at lea"t t,irt0 6ercent % t,e re-i"tere& ! ter" in t,e +aran-a0 c ncerne&. 9,en t,e c n&iti n" in t,e"e area" =arrant> 16 n !eri%icati n +0 t,e C **i""i n> r 16 n 6etiti n % at lea"t t,irt0 6ercent % t,e re-i"tere& ! ter" in 68

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS t,e +aran-a0 c ncerne&> it ",all r&er t,e , l&in- % t,e +aran-a0 electi n =,ic, =a" 6 "t6 ne& r "1"6en&e&.

DISCUSSIONS

Secti'n )+ "ist d'>n t8e (r'unds and t8e pr'cedure -'r t8e p'stp'nement and 'r dec"arati'n '- -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n in $aran(a% "e*e"

Gr 1n&" % r 6 "t6 ne*entJ%ail1re % electi n a $ c d e Pr ce&1re a $ A *eri-ied petiti'n is -i"ed $% an% interested part% $e-'re t8e COMELEC statin( t8e (r'unds -'r t8e p'stp'nementH T8e COMELEC s8a"" pu$"is8 t8e said petiti'n in a ne>spaper '(enera" circu"ati'n 'r a "'ca" ne>spaper '- t8e cit% 'r municipa"it% c'ncernedH I- t8e petiti'n is 'pp'sed9 a 8earin( s8a"" $e c'nducted $% COMELEC9 (i*in( $'t8 parties 'pp'rtunit% t' $e 8eard and present e*idenceH T8e COMELEC s8a"" decide t8e case >it8in t8irt% da%s a-ter t8e case 8a*e $een su$mitted -'r decisi'nH 6i'"enceH Terr'rismH L'ss 'r destructi'n '- e"ecti'n parap8erna"ia 'r rec'rdsH /'rce maCeureH /raudH and Ot8er ana"'('us causes

A-ter t8e caused -'r t8e p'stp'nement 'r suspensi'n '- t8e 8'"din( '- t8e e"ecti'n 8ad ceased t' e4ist 'r up'n petiti'n '- at "east t8irt% percent (&3Q) '- t8e re(istered *'ters in t8e $aran(a% c'ncerned9 COMELEC s8a"" resume t8e 8'"din( '- t8e e"ecti'n >it8in t8irt% da% a-ter *eri-icati'n t8at t8e cause -'r p'stp'nement 'r suspensi'n 8as in -act ceased

69

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti n 82. Baran-a0 + ar& % can!a""er". # (1) T,e C **i""i n ",all c n"tit1te a + ar& % can!a""er" at lea"t "e!en &a0" +e% re t,e electi n in eac, +aran-a0> t +e c *6 "e& % t,e "eni r 61+lic ele*entar0 "c, l teac,er in t,e +aran-a0 a" c,air*an> an& t= t,er 61+lic ele*entar0 "c, l teac,er"> a" *e*+er". In ca"e t,e n1*+er % 61+lic ele*entar0 "c, l teac,er" i" ina&eA1ate> t,e C **i""i n ",all &e"i-nate t,e c,air*an an& *e*+er" % t,e +aran-a0 + ar& % can!a""er" %r * a* n- t,e + ar& % electi n teller". ($) T,e +aran-a0 + ar& % can!a""er" ",all *eet i**e&iatel0 in a +1il&in=,ere a 6 llin- 6lace i" % 1n& an& =,ic, i" * "t centrall0 l cate& in t,e +aran-a0 an& a%ter can!a""in- t,e re"1lt" %r * t,e !ari 1" 6 llin- 6lace" =it,in t,e +aran-a0> 6r clai* t,e =inner". T,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all acc *6li", t,e certi%icate % 6r cla*ati n in tri6licate n a % r* t +e 6re"cri+e& +0 t,e C **i""i n. T,e ri-inal % t,e certi%icate ",all +e "ent t t,e electi n re-i"trar c ncerne&> t,e "ec n& c 60 ",all +e &eli!ere& t t,e "ecretar0 % t,e "an--1nian- +a0an r "an--1nian- 6anl1n-" &> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e> an& t,e t,ir& c 60 ",all +e :e6t n %ile +0 t,e "ecretar0 % t,e "an--1nian- +aran-a0. (() In a +aran-a0 =,ere t,ere i" nl0 ne 6 llin- 6lace> t,e +aran-a0 + ar& % electi n teller" ",all al" +e t,e +aran-a0 + ar& % can!a""er".

DISCUSSIONS

C *6 "iti n % t,e Baran-a0 B ar& % Can!a""er" C8airman T>' mem$ers A Seni'r pu$"ic e"ementar% sc8''" teac8er An% pu$"ic e"ementar% sc8''" teac8er

F1ncti n" % t,e Baran-a0 B ar& % Can!a""er"? ! # & a $ c San((unian( Baran(a% Can*assin( '- *'tesH ,repare a Certi-icate '- ,r'c"amati'nH De"i*er t8e said certi-icate t' t8eG Ori(ina" c'p% D E"ecti'n Re(istrarH Sec'nd c'p% D Secretar% San((unian( ,an"un(s'd 'r San((unian( Ba%anH T8ird c'p% D Secretar% ''t8e t8e

70

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti n 83. Acti!itie" &1rin- t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri &. # D1rin- t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri &> t,e 61n n- +aran-a0 i% ,e i" n t a can&i&ate> r an0 re"i&ent % t,e +aran-a0 &e"i-nate& +0 t,e C **i""i n> ",all c n!ene t,e +aran-a0 a""e*+l0 at lea"t nce % r t,e 61r6 "e % all =in- t,e can&i&ate" t a66ear at a B int *eetin- &1l0 calle&> 16 n 6r 6er an& =it, at lea"t t= &a0" n tice> t e76lain t t,e +aran-a0 ! ter" t,eir re"6ecti!e 6r -ra* % a&*ini"trati n> t,eir A1ali%icati n"> an& t,er in% r*ati n t,at *a0 ,el6 enli-,ten ! ter" in ca"tint,eir ! te". T,e *e*+er" % t,e +aran-a0 a""e*+l0 *a0 ta:e 16 an& &i"c1"" t,er *atter" relati!e t t,e electi n % +aran-a0 %%icial". Secti n 88. 9atc,er". # Can&i&ate" *a0 a66 int t= =atc,er" eac,> t "er!e alternatel0> in e!er0 6 llin- 6lace =it,in t,e +aran-a0> =, ",all +e %1rni",e& =it, a "i-ne& c 60 % t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n> in "1c, % r* a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 6re"cri+e> i**e&iatel0 a%ter t,e c *6leti n % t,e can!a"". Secti n 8.. Incl1"i n an& e7cl1"i n ca"e". # Incl1"i n an& e7cl1"i n ca"e" =,ic, ",all +e &eci&e& n t later t,an "e!en +e% re t,e &ate % t,e electi n ",all +e =it,in t,e e7cl1"i!e ri-inal B1ri"&icti n % t,e *1nici6al r *etr 6 litan trial c 1rt. T,e n tice % "1c, &eci"i n ",all +e "er!e& t all 6artie" =it,in t=ent0# % 1r , 1r" % ll =in- it" 6r *1l-ati n an& an0 6art0 a&!er"el0 a%%ecte& *a0 a66eal t,ere%r * =it,in t=ent0#% 1r , 1r" t t,e re-i nal trial c 1rt =,ic, ",all %inall0 &eci&e t,e "a*e n t later t,an t= &a0" +e% re t,e &ate % t,e electi n. Secti n 4). F1n&in-. # L cal - !ern*ent" ",all a66r 6riate "1c, %1n&" t &e%ra0 "1c, nece""ar0 an& rea" na+le e76en"e" % t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n teller"> + ar& % can!a""er" an& t,e 6rintin- % electi n % r*" an& 6r c1re*ent % t,er electi n 6ara6,ernalia> an& t,e in"tallati n % 6 llin- + t,". Sec. 41. Penaltie". # 'i lati n" % an0 6r !i"i n" % t,i" Article ",all c n"tit1te 6r ,i+ite& act" an& ",all +e 6r "ec1te& an& 6enali<e& in acc r&ance =it, t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" C &e.

71

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS A/TICLE 'II THE COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS Sec. 4$. P =er" an& %1ncti n" % t,e C **i""i n n Electi n". # In a&&iti n t t,e 6 =er" an& %1ncti n" c n%erre& 16 n it +0 t,e C n"tit1ti n> t,e C **i""i n ",all ,a!e e7cl1"i!e c,ar-e % t,e en% rce*ent an& a&*ini"trati n % all la=" relati!e t t,e c n&1ct % electi n" % r t,e 61r6 "e % en"1rin- %ree> r&erl0 an& , ne"t electi n"> an& ",all? (a) E7erci"e &irect an& i**e&iate "16er!i"i n an& c ntr l !er nati nal an& l cal %%icial" r e*6l 0ee"> incl1&in- *e*+er" % an0 nati nal r l cal la= en% rce*ent a-enc0 an& in"tr1*entalit0 % t,e - !ern*ent reA1ire& +0 la= t 6er% r* &1tie" relati!e t t,e c n&1ct % electi n". In a&&iti n> it *a0 a1t, ri<e CMT ca&et" ei-,teen 0ear" % a-e an& a+ !e t act a" it" &e61tie" % r t,e 61r6 "e % en% rcin- it" r&er". T,e C **i""i n *a0 relie!e an0 %%icer r e*6l 0ee re%erre& t in t,e 6rece&in- 6ara-ra6, %r * t,e 6er% r*ance % ,i" &1tie" relatin- t elect ral 6r ce""e" t,at !i late" t,e electi n la= r %ail" t c *6l0 =it, it" in"tr1cti n"> r&er"> &eci"i n" r r1lin-"> an& a66 int ,i" "1+"tit1te. U6 n rec **en&ati n % t,e C **i""i n> t,e c rre"6 n&in- 6r 6er a1t, rit0 ",all "1"6en& r re* !e %r * %%ice an0 r all % "1c, %%icer" r e*6l 0ee" =, *a0> a%ter &1e 6r ce""> +e % 1n& -1ilt0 % "1c, !i lati n r %ail1re. (+) D1rin- t,e 6eri & % t,e ca*6ai-n an& en&in- t,irt0 &a0" t,erea%ter> =,en in an0 area % t,e c 1ntr0 t,ere are 6er" n" c **ittin- act" % terr ri"* t in%l1ence 6e 6le t ! te % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0> t,e C **i""i n ",all ,a!e t,e 6 =er t a1t, ri<e an0 *e*+er r *e*+er" % t,e Ar*e& F rce" % t,e P,ili66ine"> t,e Nati nal B1rea1 % In!e"ti-ati n> t,e Inte-rate& Nati nal P lice r an0 "i*ilar a-enc0 r in"tr1*entalit0 % t,e - !ern*ent> e7ce6t ci!ilian , *e &e%en"e % rce"> t act a" &e61tie" % r t,e 61r6 "e % en"1rin- t,e , l&in- % %ree> r&erl0 an& , ne"t electi n". (c) Pr *1l-ate r1le" an& re-1lati n" i*6le*entin- t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" C &e r t,er la=" =,ic, t,e C **i""i n i" reA1ire& t en% rce an& a&*ini"ter> an& reA1ire t,e 6a0*ent % le-al %ee" an& c llect t,e "a*e in 6a0*ent % an0 +1"ine"" & ne in t,e C **i""i n> at rate" t,at it *a0 6r !i&e an& %i7 in it" r1le" an& re-1lati n". /1le" an& re-1lati n" 6r *1l-ate& +0 t,e C **i""i n t i*6le*ent t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" C &e ",all ta:e e%%ect n t,e "i7teent, &a0 a%ter 61+licati n in t,e O%%icial Ga<ette r in at lea"t &ail0 ne="6a6er" % -eneral circ1lati n. Or&er" an& &irecti!e" i""1e& +0 t,e C **i""i n 61r"1ant t "ai& r1le" an& re-1lati n" ",all +e %1rni",e& +0 6er" nal &eli!er0 t accre&ite& 6 litical 6artie" =it,in % rt0#ei-,t , 1r" % i""1ance an& ",all ta:e e%%ect i**e&iatel0 16 n recei6t. 72

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS In ca"e % c n%lict +et=een r1le"> re-1lati n"> r&er" r &irecti!e" % t,e C **i""i n in t,e e7erci"e % it" c n"tit1ti nal 6 =er" an& t, "e i""1e& +0 an0 t,er a&*ini"trati!e %%ice r a-enc0 % t,e - !ern*ent c ncernin- t,e "a*e *atter relati!e t electi n"> t,e % r*er ",all 6re!ail. (&) S1** n t,e 6artie" t a c ntr !er"0 6en&in- +e% re it> i""1e "1+6 ena an& "1+6 ena &1ce" tec1*> an& ta:e te"ti* n0 in an0 in!e"ti-ati n r ,earin+e% re it> an& &ele-ate "1c, 6 =er t an0 %%icer % t,e C **i""i n =, ",all +e a *e*+er % t,e P,ili66ine Bar. In ca"e % %ail1re % a =itne"" t atten&> t,e C **i""i n> 16 n 6r % % "er!ice % t,e "1+6 ena t "ai& =itne""e"> *a0 i""1e a =arrant t arre"t =itne"" an& +rin- ,i* +e% re t,e C **i""i n r t,e %%icer +e% re =, * ,i" atten&ance i" reA1ire&. An0 c ntr !er"0 "1+*itte& t t,e C **i""i n ",all> a%ter c *6liance =it, t,e reA1ire*ent" % &1e 6r ce""> +e i**e&iatel0 ,ear& an& &eci&e& +0 it =it,in "i7t0 &a0" %r * "1+*i""i n t,ere %. N &eci"i n r re" l1ti n ",all +e ren&ere& +0 t,e C **i""i n eit,er en +anc r +0 &i!i"i n 1nle"" ta:en 16 in a % r*al "e""i n 6r 6erl0 c n!ene& % r t,e 61r6 "e. T,e C **i""i n *a0> =,en nece""ar0> a!ail % t,e a""i"tance % an0 nati nal r l cal la= en% rce*ent a-enc0 an&J r in"tr1*entalit0 % t,e - !ern*ent t e7ec1te 1n&er it" &irect an& i**e&iate "16er!i"i n an0 % it" %inal &eci"i n"> r&er"> in"tr1cti n" r r1lin-". (e) P1ni", c nte*6t 6r !i&e& % r in t,e /1le" % C 1rt in t,e "a*e 6r ce&1re an& =it, t,e "a*e 6enaltie" 6r !i&e& t,erein. An0 !i lati n % an0 %inal an& e7ec1t r0 &eci"i n> r&er r r1lin- % t,e C **i""i n ",all c n"tit1te c nte*6t t,ere %. (%) En% rce an& e7ec1te it" &eci"i n"> &irecti!e"> r&er" an& in"tr1cti n" =,ic, ",all ,a!e 6rece&ence !er t, "e e*anatin- %r * an0 t,er a1t, rit0> e7ce6t t,e S16re*e C 1rt an& t, "e i""1e& in ,a+ea" c r61" 6r cee&in-". (-) Pre"cri+e t,e % r*" t +e 1"e& in t,e electi n> 6le+i"cite r re%eren&1*. (,) Pr c1re an0 "166lie"> eA1i6*ent> *aterial" r "er!ice" nee&e& % r t,e , l&in- % t,e electi n +0 61+lic +i&&in-? Pr !i&e&> T,at> i% it %in&" t,e reA1ire*ent" % 61+lic +i&&in- i*6ractical t +"er!e> t,en +0 ne- tiati n" r "eale& +i&"> an& in + t, ca"e"> t,e accre&ite& 6artie" ",all +e &1l0 n ti%ie&. (i) Pre"cri+e t,e 1"e r a& 6ti n % t,e late"t tec,n l -ical an& electr nic &e!ice"> ta:in- int acc 1nt t,e "it1ati n 6re!ailin- in t,e area an& t,e %1n&" a!aila+le % r t,e 61r6 "e? Pr !i&e&> T,at t,e C **i""i n ",all n ti%0 t,e a1t, ri<e& re6re"entati!e" % accre&ite& 6 litical 6artie" an& can&i&ate" in area" a%%ecte& +0 t,e 1"e r a& 6ti n % tec,n l -ical an& electr nic &e!ice" n t le"" t,an t,irt0 &a0" 6ri r t t,e e%%ecti!it0 % t,e 1"e % "1c, &e!ice".

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NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (B) Carr0 1t a c ntin1in- an& "0"te*atic ca*6ai-n t,r 1-, ne="6a6er" % -eneral circ1lati n> ra&i " an& t,er *e&ia % r*" t e&1cate t,e 61+lic an& %1ll0 in% r* t,e elect rate a+ 1t electi n la="> 6r ce&1re"> &eci"i n"> an& t,er *atter" relati!e t t,e = r: an& &1tie" % t,e C **i""i n an& t,e nece""it0 % clean> %ree> r&erl0 an& , ne"t elect ral 6r ce""e". (:) Enli"t n n#6arti"an -r 16 r r-ani<ati n" % citi<en" %r * t,e ci!ic> 0 1t,> 6r %e""i nal> e&1cati nal> +1"ine"" r la+ r "ect r" :n =n % r t,eir 6r +it0> i*6artialit0 an& inte-rit0 =it, t,e *e*+er",i6 an& ca6a+ilit0 t 1n&erta:e a c r&inate& 6erati n an& acti!it0 t a""i"t it in t,e i*6le*entati n % t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" C &e an& t,e re" l1ti n"> r&er" an& in"tr1cti n" % t,e C **i""i n % r t,e 61r6 "e % en"1rin- %ree> r&erl0 an& , ne"t electi n" in an0 c n"tit1enc0. S1c, -r 16" r r-ani<ati n" ",all %1ncti n 1n&er t,e &irect an& i**e&iate c ntr l an& "16er!i"i n % t,e C **i""i n an& ",all 6er% r* t,e % ll =in- "6eci%ic %1ncti n" an& &1tie"? A. Be% re Electi n Da0? 1. Un&erta:e an in% r*ati n ca*6ai-n n "alient %eat1re" % t,i" C &e an& ,el6 in t,e &i""e*inati n % t,e r&er"> &eci"i n" an& re" l1ti n" % t,e C **i""i n relati!e t t,e % rt,c *in- electi n. $. 9a-e a re-i"trati n &ri!e in t,eir re"6ecti!e area" " t,at all citi<en" % ! tin- a-e> n t t,er=i"e &i"A1ali%ie& +0 la= *a0 +e re-i"tere&. (. Hel6 clean"e t,e li"t % ! ter" % ille-al re-i"trant"> c n&1ct , 1"e#t # , 1"e can!a"" i% nece""ar0> an& ta:e t,e a66r 6riate le-al "te6" t =ar&" t,i" en&. 8. /e6 rt t t,e C **i""i n !i lati n" % t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" C &e n t,e c n&1ct % t,e 6 litical ca*6ai-n> electi n 6r 6a-an&a an& elect ral e76en&it1re". B. On Electi n Da0? 1. E7, rt all re-i"tere& ! ter" in t,eir re"6ecti!e area" t - t t,eir 6 llin- 6lace" an& ca"t t,eir ! te". $. N *inate ne =atc,er % r accre&itati n in eac, 6 llin- 6lace an& eac, 6lace % can!a"" =, ",all ,a!e t,e "a*e &1tie"> %1ncti n" an& ri-,t" a" t,e t,er =atc,er" % 6 litical 6artie" an& can&i&ate". Me*+er" r 1nit" % an0 citi<en -r 16 r r-ani<ati n " &e"i-nate& +0 t,e C **i""i n e7ce6t it" l ne &1l0 accre&ite& =atc,er> ",all n t +e all =e& t enter an0 6 llin- 6lace e7ce6t t ! te> an& ",all> i% t,e0 " &e"ire> "ta0 in an area at lea"t %i%t0 *eter" a=a0 %r * t,e 6 llin- 6lace.

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NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (. /e6 rt t t,e 6eace a1t, ritie" an& t,er a66r 6riate a-encie" all in"tance" % terr ri"*> inti*i&ati n % ! ter"> an& t,er "i*ilar atte*6t" t %r1"trate t,e %ree an& r&erl0 ca"tin- % ! te". 8. Per% r* "1c, t,er %1ncti n" a" *a0 +e entr1"te& t "1c, -r 16 r r-ani<ati n +0 t,e C **i""i n. T,e &e"i-nati n % an0 -r 16 r r-ani<ati n *a&e in acc r&ance ,ere=it, *a0 +e re! :e& +0 t,e C **i""i n 16 n n tice an& ,earin=,ene!er +0 it" act1ati n" "1c, -r 16 r r-ani<ati n ,a" ", =n 6artialit0 t an0 6 litical 6art0 r can&i&ate> r ,a" 6er% r*e& act" in e7ce"" r in c ntra!enti n % t,e %1ncti n" an& &1tie" ,erein 6r !i&e& an& "1c, t,er" =,ic, *a0 +e -rante& +0 t,e C **i""i n. (l) C n&1ct ,earin-" n c ntr !er"ie" 6en&in- +e% re it in t,e citie" r 6r !ince" 16 n 6r 6er * ti n % an0 6art0> ta:in- int c n"i&erati n t,e *aterialit0 an& n1*+er % =itne""e" t +e 6re"ente&> t,e "it1ati n 6re!ailin- in t,e area an& t,e %1n& a!aila+le % r t,e 61r6 "e. (*) Fi7 t,er rea" na+le 6eri &" % r certain 6re#electi n reA1ire*ent" in r&er t,at ! ter" ",all n t +e &e6ri!e& % t,eir ri-,t % "1%%ra-e an& certain -r 16" % ri-,t" -rante& t,e* in t,i" C &e. Unle"" in&icate& in t,i" C &e> t,e C **i""i n i" ,ere+0 a1t, ri<e& % r %i7 t,e a66r 6riate 6eri & % r t,e !ari 1" 6r ,i+ite& act" en1*erate& ,erein> c n"i"tent =it, t,e reA1ire*ent" % %ree> r&erl0> an& , ne"t electi n". Sec. 4(. Fiel& %%ice" % ll =in- %iel& %%ice"? 1. % t,e C **i""i n. # T,e C **i""i n ",all ,a!e t,e

/e-i nal Electi n O%%ice> ,ea&e& +0 t,e /e-i nal Electi n Direct r an& a""i"te& +0 t,e A""i"tant /e-i nal Direct r an& "1c, t,er "1+ r&inate %%icer" r e*6l 0ee" a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 a66 int. $. Pr !incial Electi n O%%ice> ,ea&e& +0 t,e Pr !incial Electi n S16er!i" r an& a""i"te& +0 "1c, t,er "1+ r&inate %%icer" r e*6l 0ee" a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 a66 int. (. Cit0JM1nici6al Electi n O%%ice> ,ea&e& +0 t,e Cit0JM1nici6al /e-i"trar =, ",all +e a""i"te& +0 an electi n cler: an& "1c, t,er e*6l 0ee" a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 a66 int.

T,e C **i""i n *a0 &ele-ate it" 6 =er" an& %1ncti n" r r&er t,e i*6le*entati n r en% rce*ent % it" r&er"> r1lin-"> r &eci"i n" t,r 1-, t,e ,ea&" % it" %iel& %%ice". Sec. 48. H1ali%icati n". # Onl0 *e*+er" % t,e P,ili66ine" Bar ",all +e eli-i+le % r a66 int*ent t t,e 6 "iti n % re-i nal &irect r> a""i"tant re-i nal &irect r> 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r an& electi n re-i"trar? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at i% 75

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS t,ere are n *e*+er" % t,e P,ili66ine Bar a!aila+le % r a66 int*ent a" electi n re-i"trar> e7ce6t in citie" an& ca6ital t =n"> -ra&1ate" % &1l0 rec -ni<e& "c, l" % la=> li+eral art"> e&1cati n r +1"ine"" a&*ini"trati n =, 6 ""e"" t,e a66r 6riate ci!il "er!ice eli-i+ilit0 *a0 +e a66 inte& t "ai& 6 "iti n. Sec. 44. O%%ice "6ace. # T,e l cal - !ern*ent c ncerne& ",all 6r !i&e a "1ita+le 6lace % r t,e %%ice % t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r an& ,i" "ta%% an& t,e electi n re-i"trar an& ,i" "ta%%? Pr !i&e&> T,at in ca"e % %ail1re % t,e l cal - !ern*ent c ncerne& t 6r !i&e "1c, "1ita+le 6lace> t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r r t,e electi n re-i"trar> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e> 16 n 6ri r a1t, rit0 % t,e C **i""i n an& n tice t t,e l cal - !ern*ent c ncerne&> *a0 lea"e an t,er 6lace % r %%ice an& t,e rental" t,ere % ",all +e c,ar-ea+le t t,e %1n&" % t,e l cal - !ern*ent c ncerne&. Sec. 42. C,an-e" in t,e c *6 "iti n> &i"tri+1ti n r a""i-n*ent % %iel& %%ice". # T,e C **i""i n *a0 *a:e c,an-e" in t,e c *6 "iti n> &i"tri+1ti n an& a""i-n*ent % %iel& %%ice"> a" =ell a" it" 6er" nnel> =,ene!er t,e e7i-encie" % t,e "er!ice an& t,e intere"t % %ree> r&erl0> an& , ne"t electi n " reA1ire? Pr !i&e&> T,at "1c, c,an-e" ",all +e e%%ecti!e an& en% rcea+le nl0 % r t,e &1rati n % t,e electi n 6eri & c ncerne& an& ",all n t a%%ect t,e ten1re % %%ice % t,e inc1*+ent" % 6 "iti n" a%%ecte& an& ",all n t c n"tit1te a &e* ti n> eit,er in ran: r "alar0> n r re"1lt in c,an-e % "tat1"? an& Pr !i&e&> %1rt,er> T,at t,ere ",all +e n c,an-e" in t,e c *6 "iti n> &i"tri+1ti n r a""i-n*ent =it,in t,irt0 &a0" +e% re electi n> e7ce6t % r ca1"e an& a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-> an& t,at in n ca"e ",all a re-i nal r a""i"tant re-i nal &irect r +e a""i-ne& t a re-i n@ a 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r t a 6r !ince@ r a cit0 r *1nici6al electi n re-i"trar t a cit0 r *1nici6alit0> =,ere ,e an&J r ,i" "6 1"e are relate& t an0 can&i&ate =it,in t,e % 1rt, ci!il &e-ree % c n"an-1init0 r a%%init0 a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e. Sec. 43. Mea"1re" t en"1re en% rce*ent. # F r t,e e%%ecti!e en% rce*ent % t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" C &e> t,e C **i""i n i" %1rt,er !e"te& an& c,ar-e& =it, t,e % ll =in- 6 =er"> &1tie" an& re"6 n"i+ilitie"? 1. T i""1e "earc, =arrant" a%ter e7a*inati n 1n&er at, r a%%ir*ati n % t,e c *6lainant an& t,e =itne""e" $. T "t 6 an0 ille-al electi n acti!it0> r c n%i"cate> tear & =n> an& "t 6 an0 1nla=%1l> li+el 1"> *i"lea&in- r %al"e electi n 6r 6a-an&a> a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-. (. T inA1ire int t,e %inancial rec r&" % can&i&ate" an& an0 r-ani<ati n r -r 16 % 6er" n"> * t1 6r 6ri r 16 n =ritten re6re"entati n % r 6r +a+le ca1"e +0 an0 can&i&ate r -r 16 % 6er" n" r A1ali%ie& ! ter> a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-. F r 61r6 "e" % t,i" "ecti n> t,e C **i""i n *a0 a!ail it"el% % t,e a""i"tance % t,e C **i""i n n A1&it> t,e Central Ban:> t,e Nati nal B1rea1 % In!e"ti-ati n> t,e B1rea1 % Internal /e!en1e> t,e Ar*e& F rce" % t,e 76

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS P,ili66ine"> t,e Inte-rate& Nati nal P lice % t,e P,ili66ine"> +aran-a0 %%icial"> an& t,er a-encie" % t,e - !ern*ent. Sec. 48. Di"A1ali%icati n" % *e*+er" % t,e C **i""i n. # T,e c,air*an an& *e*+er" % t,e C **i""i n ",all +e "1+Bect t t,e can n" % B1&icial et,ic" in t,e &i"c,ar-e % t,eir %1ncti n". N c,air*an r c **i""i ner ",all "it in an0 ca"e in =,ic, ,e ,a" *ani%e"te& +ia" r 6reB1&ice % r r a-ain"t r anta- ni"* a-ain"t an0 6art0 t,eret an& in c nnecti n t,ere=it,> r in an0 ca"e in =,ic, ,e = 1l& +e &i"A1ali%ie& 1n&er t,e /1le" % C 1rt. I% it +e clai*e& t,at t,e c,air*an r a c **i""i ner i" &i"A1ali%ie& a" a+ !e 6r !i&e&> t,e 6art0 +Bectin- t ,i" c *6etenc0 *a0 %ile ,i" +Becti n in =ritin- =it, t,e C **i""i n "tatin- t,e -r 1n& t,ere% r. T,e %%icial c ncerne& ",all c ntin1e t 6artici6ate in t,e ,earin- r =it,&ra=n t,ere%r * in acc r&ance =it, ,i" &eter*inati n % t,e A1e"ti n % ,i" &i"A1ali%icati n. T,e &eci"i n ",all % rt,=it, +e *a&e in =ritin- an& %ile& =it, t,e t,er 6a6er" % t,e ca"e in acc r&ance =it, t,e /1le" % C 1rt. I% a &i"A1ali%icati n ", 1l& re"1lt in a lac: % A1 r1* in t,e C **i""i n "ittin- en +anc> t,e Pre"i&in- E1"tice % t,e Inter*e&iate A66ellate C 1rt ",all &e"i-nate a B1"tice % "ai& c 1rt t "it in "ai& ca"e % r t,e 61r6 "e % ,earin- an& reac,in- a &eci"i n t,ere n. Sec. 4.. P1+licati n % %%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn" an& 6rintin- t,ere %. # T,e C **i""i n ",all 61+li", at lea"t ten &a0" +e% re an electi n in a ne="6a6er % -eneral circ1lati n certi%ie& &ata n t,e n1*+er % %%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn" an& t,e na*e" an& a&&re""e" % t,e 6rinter" an& t,e n1*+er 6rinte& +0 eac,.

DISCUSSIONS EU/ISDICTION General /1le? T8e COMELEC sittin( en $anc d'es NOT 8a*e t8e re5uisite aut8'rit% t' 8ear and decide e"ecti'n cases in t8e -irst instance T8is p'>er pertains t' t8e di*isi'ns '- t8e C'mmissi'nG An% decisi'n $% t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc as re(ards e"ecti'n cases decided $% it in t8e -irst instance is nu"" and *'id ?A$ad * COMELEC9 @R N' !#11009 Decem$er !39 !222* E7ce6ti n"? ! W8en >8at is in*'"*ed in t8e case is pure"% administrati*e9 and n't 5uasi7 Cudicia" in nature 77

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS # W8en t8e re5uired num$er '- *'tes t' reac8 a decisi'n9 res'"uti'n9 'rder 'r ru"in( is n't '$tained in t8e di*isi'n ?@ar*ida * Sa"es9 Jr @R N' !#)12&9 Apri" !19 !220*J W8ere t8e petiti'ner in*'=ed t8e Curisdicti'n '- t8e COMELEC en $anc9 participated in its pr'ceedin(s and s'u(8t re"ie- t8ere-r'm9 in >8ic8 instance 8e is st'pped t' su$se5uent"% 5uesti'n t8e Curisdicti'n '- t8e COMELEC en $anc (Ramire< * COMELEC9 @R N' !##3!&9 Marc8 #.9 !221*. ,etitic8s -'r t8e p'stp'nement9 dec"arati'n '- -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n and t8e ca""in( '- specia" e"ecti'ns ?L''n( * COMELEC9 @R !&&.0.9 Apri" !)9 !222*J and T8e COMELEC en $anc 8as t8e p'>er t' p'rsecute e"ecti'n cases9 and in t8e e4ercise '- suc8 pr'secut'r p'>er9 it c'nducts pre"iminar% in*esti(ati'n9 decides >8et8er 'r n't t8ere e4ists a pr'$a$"e cause and -i"es t8e c'rresp'ndin( in-'rmati'n in c'urt (/ae"inar * ,e'p"e9 @R N's !)31+37 +!9 Ma% )9 #333*.

&

PO9E/S AND FUNCTIONS ! # & ) + . 0 1 En-'rcement and Administrati'n '- E"ecti'n La>s and Re(u"ati'ns ,'>er t' ensure -ree9 8'nest9 'rder"% credi$"e9 and peace-u" e"ecti'ns Ru"e Ma=in( ,'>er ?uasi7Le(is"ati*e /uncti'ns ?uasi7Judicia" ,'>er C'ntempt and Su$p'ena Au4i"iar% >rits and pr'cesses Speci-ic ,'>ers a ,'>er t' dec"are -ai"ure '- e"ecti'ns In t8e case '- Di$ratun * C'me"ec (@ R N' !02&.+9 /e$ruar% #9 #3!3 *, it >as 8e"d t8at # c'nditi'ns must c'ncur $e-'re t8e COMELEC can act 'n a petiti'n see=in( t' dec"are a -ai"ure '- e"ecti'nsG i ii N' *'tin( t''= p"ace in t8e precinct 'r precincts 'n t8e date -i4ed $% "a>H 'r e*en i- t8ere $% "a>H 'r e*en i- t8ere >as *'tin(9 t8e e"ecti'n resu"ted in -ai"ure t' e"ectH and T8e *'tes n't cast >'u"d 8a*e a--ected t8e resu"t '- t8e e"ecti'ns

iii T8e cause '- suc8 -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n c'u"d 'n"% $e an% '- t8e -'""'>in(G -'rce maCeure9 *i'"ence9 terr'rism9 -raud9 'r 't8er ana"'('us cases 78

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS $ ,'>er t' ca"" -'r specia" e"ecti'ns In -i4in( t8e date -'r specia" e"ecti'ns9 t8e C'me"ec s8'u"d see t' it t8atG i ii It s8'u"d n't $e "ater t8an &3 da%s a-ter t8e cessati'n '- t8e cause '- t8e p'stp'nement '- suspensi'n '- t8e e"ecti'n 'r -ai"ure t' e"ectH and It s8'u"d $e reas'na$"% c"'se t' t8e date '- t8e e"ecti'n n't 8e"d 'r suspended 'r >8ic8 resu"ted in t8e -ai"ure t' e"ect (,an(andaman * C'me"ec @ R N' !&)&)39 N'*em$er #+9 !222)

c d

,'>er t' p'stp'ne e"ecti'ns ,'>er t' c'rrect mani-est err'rs 'n e"ecti'n d'cuments Wit8 t8e intr'ducti'n t' t8e ,COS S%stem ,ursuant t' R.A. &(!&9 e*er% c'p% s8'u"d $e as (''d and as c"ear as t8e -irst 'ne ;ence9 t8e pr'$"em '- mani-est err'rs mi(8t $e a t8in( in t8e past RR A*i"a /undamenta"s 'E"ecti'n La> p +2 (#3!3)S

e ( 8 i C =

,'>er t' 'rder recan*ass '- *'tes ,'>er t' annu" 'r suspend pr'c"amati'n '- e"ected candidates ,'>er t' annu" an i""e(a" can*as ,'>er t' trans-er p'""in( p"aces ,'>er t' Trans-er 6enue '- Can*assin( '- 6'tes ,'>er t' 'rder 'penin( '- $a""'t $'4es ,'>er t' c'nduct initiati*e and p"e$iscite

Ot8er Speci-ic ,'>ers a Deputi<ati'n '- ,eace O--icers $ c In*esti(at'r% and ,r'secuti'na" ,'>er Deputi<ati'n '- 'n End'rsement t' ,r'secut'rs

!3 ,'>er '- e4c"usi*e c'ntr'" and super*isi'n '*er t8e Aut'mated E"ecti'n S%stem (Sec #.9 RA 1)&.)

79

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS In t8e case '- R'5ue * C'me"ec (@ R N' !11)+.9 Septem$er !39 #332)9 t8e SC 8e"d t8at t8e COMELEC did n't a$dicate its mandate and resp'nsi$i"it% under Sec #. '- RA 1)&. Wit8 t8e *ie> t8e SC ta=es '- t8e aut'mati'n 't8e aut'mati'n c'ntract9 t8e r'"e '- Smartmatic TIM C'rp'rati'n is $asica""% t' supp"% t8e (''ds necessar% -'r t8e aut'mati'n pr'Cec4t9 suc8 as $ut n't "imites t' t8e ,COS mac8ines9 ,Cs9 e"ectr'nic transmissi'n de*ices and re"ated e5uipment and t8e "i=e As "essees '- t8e (''ds and t8e $ac=7up e5uipment9 t8e c'rp'rati'n and its 'perat'rs >'u"d pr'*ide assistance >it8 respect t' t8e mac8ines t' $e used $% t8e COMELEC >8ic8 at t8e end '- t8e da%9 >i"" $e c'nductin( t8e e"ecti'n t8ru its pers'nne" and >8'e*er it deputi<es

T8e COMELEC s8'u"d $e a--'rded amp"e e"$'> r''m and en'u(8 >8ere>it8a" in de*isin( means and initiati*es t8at >'u"d ena$"e it t' acc'mp"is8 t8e (reat '$Cecti*e -'r >8ic8 it >as created D t' pr'm'te -ree9 'rder"%9 8'nest and peace-u" e"ecti'ns

@i*in( t' t8e ,r'*ider (Smartmatic TIM) t8e access =e%s D $'t8 t8e pri*ate and pu$"ic access =e%s D is "i=e (i*in( t' t8e s%stem administrat'r '- Ja8'' 'r ;'tmai" 'neAs pri*ate pass>'rd t' 8is 'r 8er emai" acc'unt T8e pri*ate =e% is supp'sed t' $e pri*ate t' t8e C8air '- t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs9 (enerated $% 8im and un=n'>n t' t8e ,r'*ider Ot8er>ise t8e ,r'*ider >i"" 8a*e t8e capacit% t' a"ter t8e e"ecti'n resu"ts at t8e precinct "e*e" W'rse9 e*en t8e pri*ate =e%s at t8e can*assin( "e*e" are (enerated $% t8e ,r'*ider9 a""'>in( t8e pr'*ider t' c8an(e t8e e"ecti'n resu"ts at t8e can*assin( "e*e" C"ear"%9 t8e COMELEC 8as a$dicated c'ntr'" '*er t8e e"ecti'ns t' t8e ,r'*iderH puttin( t8e inte(rit% and 'utc'me '- t8e !3 Ma% #3!3 e"ecti'ns s'"e"% in t8e 8ands '- t8e ,r'*ider (R'5ue * C'me"ec @ R N' !11)+.9 Septem$er !39 #3329 Justice Carpi' dissentin()

Stand7$% ,'>er '- COMELECG I- it s8a"" n' "'n(er $e reas'na$"% p'ssi$"e t' '$ser*e t8e peri'ds and dates prescri$ed $% "a> -'r certain pre7e"ecti'n acts9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" -i4 't8er peri'ds and dates in 'rder t' ensure acc'mp"is8ment '- t8e acti*ities s' *'ters s8a"" n't $e depri*ed '- t8eir su--ra(e (Sec #19 R A 1)&. T Sec #2 '- R A ..).9 ad'pted pursuant t' Sec 29 Art IO7C '- t8e !210 C'nstituti'n

T8is stand7$% p'>er9 8'>e*er9 d'es n't app"% t' -i4in( t8e date 're(istrati'n '- *'tes $ecause Sec 1 '- R A &!12 >8ic8 pr'*ides -'r a c'ntinuin( re(istrati'n '- *'ters9 speci-ica""% states t8atG EN' re(istrati'n 80

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS s8a""9 8'>e*er9 $e c'nducted durin( t8e peri'd startin( 'ne 8undred t>ent% (!#3) da%s $e-'re a re(u"ar e"ecti'n and ninet% (23) da%s $e-'re a specia" e"ecti'n

P =er" NOT Grante& t t,e COMELEC

! #

N' p'>er t' decide 5uesti'ns in*'"*in( t8e ri(8t t' *'te N' p'>er t' inc"ude and e4c"ude *'ters Current"%9 Curisdicti'n t' decide c'ntr'*ersies 'n inc"usi'n 'r e4c"usi'n '*'ters $e"'n(s t' t8e Municipa" Tria" C'urt

EU/ISP/UDENCE

BEDOL !". COMELEC G./. N . 13.8()> Dece*+er (> $)). T8e main t8rust '- petiti'nerAs ar(ument is t8at t8e COMELEC e4ceeded its Curisdicti'n in initiatin( t8e c'ntempt pr'ceedin(s >8en it >as per-'rmin( its administrati*e and n't its 5uasi7Cudicia" -uncti'ns as t8e Nati'na" B'ard 'Can*assers -'r t8e e"ecti'n '- senat'rs Acc'rdin( t' petiti'ner9 t8e COMELEC ma% 'n"% punis8 c'ntemptu'us acts >8i"e e4ercisin( its 5uasi7Cudicia" -uncti'ns T8e COMELEC9 t8r'u(8 t8e Tas= /'rce Ma(uindana'9 >as e4ercisin( its 5uasi7Cudicia" p'>er in pursuit '- t8e trut8 $e8ind t8e a""e(ati'ns '- massi*e -raud durin( t8e e"ecti'ns in Ma(uindana' T' ac8ie*e its '$Cecti*e9 t8e Tas= /'rce c'nducted 8earin(s and re5uired t8e attendance '- t8e parties c'ncerned and t8eir c'unse"s t' (i*e t8em t8e 'pp'rtunit% t' ar(ue and supp'rt t8eir respecti*e p'siti'ns T' >it88'"d -r'm t8e COMELEC t8e p'>er t' punis8 indi*idua"s >8' re-use t' appear durin( a -act7-indin( in*esti(ati'n9 despite a pre*i'us n'tice and 'rder t' attend9 >'u"d render nu(at'r% t8e COMELECAs in*esti(ati*e p'>er9 >8ic8 is an essentia" incident t' its c'nstituti'na" mandate t' secure t8e c'nduct '- 8'nest and credi$"e e"ecti'ns In t8is case9 t8e purp'se '- t8e in*esti(ati'n >as 8'>e*er derai"ed >8en petiti'ner '$stinate"% re-used t' appear durin( said 8earin(s and t' ans>er 5uesti'ns re(ardin( t8e *ari'us e"ecti'n d'cuments >8ic89 8e c"aimed9 >ere st'"en 81

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS >8i"e t8e% >ere in 8is p'ssessi'n and cust'd% Und'u$ted"%9 t8e COMELEC c'u"d punis8 petiti'ner -'r suc8 c'ntumaci'us re-usa" t' attend t8e Tas= /'rce 8earin(s PANLILIO !". COMELEC an& PINEDA G./. N . 181838> E1l0 14> $)). Since t8e COMELECAs Di*isi'n issued t8e inter"'cut'r% Order9 t8e same COMELEC Di*isi'n s8'u"d res'"*e t8e m'ti'n -'r rec'nsiderati'n '- t8e Order T8e remed% '- t8e a((rie*ed part% is neit8er t' -i"e a m'ti'n -'r rec'nsiderati'n -'r certi-icati'n t' t8e COMELEC En Banc n'r t' e"e*ate t8e issue t' t8is C'urt *ia a petiti'n -'r certi'rari under Ru"e .+ '- t8e Ru"es '- Ci*i" ,r'cedure On"% -ina" 'rders '- t8e COMELEC in Di*isi'n ma% $e raised $e-'re t8e COMELEC en $anc Secti'n &9 Artic"e IO7C '- t8e !210 C'nstituti'n mandates t8at 'n"% m'ti'ns -'r rec'nsiderati'n '- -ina" decisi'ns s8a"" $e decided $% t8e COMELEC en $anc It is c"ear -r'm t8e -'re('in( c'nstituti'na" pr'*isi'n t8at t8e COMELEC en $anc s8a"" decide m'ti'ns -'r rec'nsiderati'n 'n"% '- Edecisi'nsF '- a Di*isi'n9 meanin( t8'se acts 8a*in( a -ina" c8aracter ;ere9 t8e assai"ed Sec'nd Di*isi'n 'rder did n't c'mp"ete"% disp'se '- t8e case9 as t8ere >as s'met8in( m're t' $e d'ne9 >8ic8 >as t' decide t8e e"ecti'n pr'test Bein( inter"'cut'r%9 t8e assai"ed Sec'nd Di*isi'n 'rders ma% n't $e res'"*ed $% t8e COMELEC en $anc Under Secti'n #(#)9 Artic"e IO7C '- t8e !210 C'nstituti'n9 t8e COMELEC e4ercises e4c"usi*e 'ri(ina" Curisdicti'n '*er a"" c'ntests re"atin( t' t8e e"ecti'ns '- a"" e"ecti*e re(i'na"9 pr'*incia"9 and cit% '--icia"s Since t8e COMELEC 8as Curisdicti'n '*er petiti'nerAs e"ecti'n pr'test9 it 8as t8e aut8'rit% t' issue t8e assai"ed Orders BAI SAND/A S.A. SEMA !". COMELEC G./. N . 1334.3> E1l0 12> $))8 It >as 8e"d t8at COMELEC Res'"uti'n N' 023#9 preser*in( t8e (e'(rap8ic and "e(is"ati*e district '- t8e /irst District '- Ma(uindana' >it8 C'ta$at' Cit%9 is *a"id as it mere"% c'mp"ies >it8 Secti'n + '- Artic"e 6I and Secti'n #3 '- Artic"e O '- t8e C'nstituti'n9 as >e"" as Secti'n ! '- t8e Ordinance appended t' t8e C'nstituti'n CE/BO> E/. !". COMELEC G./. N . 128811> Fe+r1ar0 14> $))3 Wit8 respect t' petiti'ner Cer$' >8' ran -'r t8e p'siti'n '- c'n(ressman9 t8e COMELEC indeed 8ad n' Curisdicti'n '*er 8is petiti'n9 8is 'pp'nent resp'ndent Su8art' T Man(udadatu 8a*in( $een pr'c"aimed as suc8 It is >e"" sett"ed t8at 'nce a candidate is pr'c"aimed as representati*e9 t8e 'pp'nentAs rec'urse is t' -i"e an e"ecti'n pr'test >it8 t8e ;'use '- Representati*es E"ect'ra" Tri$una" >8ic8 8as t8e s'"e and e4c"usi*e Curisdicti'n '*er a"" c'ntests re"ati*e t' t8e e"ecti'n9 returns and 5ua"i-icati'ns '- mem$ers '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es9 and t8is 8'"ds true e*en it8ere is an a""e(ati'n '- nu""it% '- pr'c"amati'n 82

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

OLANOLAN !". COMELEC G./. N . 1248.1> Marc, (1> $))4 T8e COMELEC en $anc9 in issuin( its assai"ed Order dated Septem$er 19 #33)9 did n' m're t8an -'""'> its '>n ru"es issued pursuant t' n' "ess t8an t' its c'nstituti'na" mandate t' pr'mu"(ate its ru"es '- pr'cedure t' e4pedite disp'siti'n '- e"ecti'n cases as >e"" as t' issue its '>n ru"es c'ncernin( p"eadin(s and practice $e-'re it 'r $e-'re an% '- its '--ices T8e ru"es 'n pa%ment '- "e(a" -ees and su$missi'n '- p"eadin(s are em$'died in t8e COMELEC Ru"es '- ,r'cedure9 speci-ica""% Secti'n 0(-) '- Ru"e )3 and Secti'n !9 Ru"e 09 t8ere'-

BAGATSING !". COMELEC ($) SC/A $$) A c'mp"aint -'r dis5ua"i-icati'n -i"ed $e-'re t8e e"ecti'n must $e in5uired int' $% t8e COMELEC -'r t8e purp'se '- determinin( >8et8er t8e acts c'mp"ained '- 8a*e in -act $een c'mmitted Sec'nd para(rap8 '- para(rap8 # '- Res'"uti'n N' #3+3 pr'*ides t8at >8ere a c'mp"aint is -i"ed a-ter t8e e"ecti'ns $ut $e-'re pr'c"amati'n9 as in t8is case9 t8e c'mp"aint must $e dismissed as a dis5ua"i-ied case $ut s8a"" $e re-erred t' t8e La> Department -'r pre"iminar% in*esti(ati'n Mere pendenc% '- a dis5ua"i-icati'n case a(ainst a candidate9 and a >innin( candidate at t8at d'es n't Custi-% t8e suspensi'n '- 8is pr'c"amati'n a-ter >innin( in t8e e"ecti'n

MOHAMMAD !". COMELEC ($) SC/A $48 C'urt 8as a"read% sancti'ned t8e met8'd '- tec8nica" e4aminati'n '- t8e t8um$prints '- *'ters9 '*er re*isi'n '- $a""'ts9 >8ere a rec'unt 'r re*isi'n '- t8e $a""'ts >i"" n't $e re-"ecti*e '- t8e s'*erei(n >i"" due t' t8e irre(u"arities c'mmitted durin( t8e e"ecti'ns COMELEC >as Custi-ied in 'rderin( a tec8nica" e4aminati'n '- t8e t8um$prints 't8e *'ters $ased 'n t8e *'tersA a--ida*its and t8e C'mputeri<ed 6'ters List /actua" -indin(s '- t8e COMELEC $ased 'n its '>n assessments and du"% supp'rted $% e*idence9 are c'nc"usi*e up'n t8e Supreme C'urt9 m're s'9 in t8e a$sence '- a su$stantiated attac= 'n t8e *a"idit% '- t8e same

83

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS /ELAMPAGOS !". CUMBA $8( SC/A 2.) T8e aut8'rit% t' issue >rits '- certi'rari9 pr'8i$iti'n and mandamus in*'"*es t8e e4ercise '- 'ri(ina" Curisdicti'n >8ic8 8as a">a%s $een e4press"% c'n-erred eit8er $% t8e C'nstituti'n 'r $% "a> In @arcia and U%9 and "ater in 6e"'ria9 t8e Supreme C'urt ru"ed t8at t8e COMELEC 8as n' Curisdicti'n '*er t8e e4tra'rdinar% >rits '- certi'rari9 pr'8i$iti'n and mandamus $ecause t8ere is n' speci-ic c'nstituti'na" 'r statut'r% c'n-erment t' it 'suc8 Curisdicti'n T8e COMELEC 8as t8e aut8'rit% t' issue t8e e4tra'rdinar% >rits '- certi'rari9 pr'8i$iti'n and mandamus 'n"% in aid '- its appe""ate Curisdicti'n COMELEC c'rrect"% set aside t8e c8a""en(ed 'rder (rantin( t8e m'ti'n -'r e4ecuti'n pendin( appea" and >rit '- e4ecuti'n issued $% t8e tria" c'urt

84

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

A/TICLE 'III POLITICAL PA/TIES Sec. 2). P litical 6art0. # CP litical 6art0C r C6art0C> =,en 1"e& in t,i" Act> *ean" an r-ani<e& -r 16 % 6er" n" 61r"1in- t,e "a*e i&e l -0> 6 litical i&ea" r 6lat% r*" % - !ern*ent an& incl1&e" it" +ranc,e" an& &i!i"i n". T acA1ire B1ri&ical 6er" nalit0> A1alit0 it % r "1+"eA1ent accre&itati n> an& t entitle it t t,e ri-,t" an& 6ri!ile-e" ,erein -rante& t 6 litical 6artie"> a 6 litical 6art0 ",all %ir"t +e &1l0 re-i"tere& =it, t,e C **i""i n. An0 re-i"tere& 6 litical 6art0 t,at> "in-l0 r in c aliti n =it, t,er"> %ail" t +tain at lea"t ten 6ercent % t,e ! te" ca"t in t,e c n"tit1enc0 in =,ic, it n *inate& an& "166 rte& a can&i&ate r can&i&ate" in t,e electi n ne7t % ll =in- it" re-i"trati n ",all> a%ter n tice an& ,earin- +e &ee*e& t ,a!e % r%eite& "1c, "tat1" a" a re-i"tere& 6 litical 6art0 in "1c, c n"tit1enc0. Sec. 21. /e-i"trati n. # An0 r-ani<e& -r 16 % 6er" n" "ee:in- re-i"trati n a" a nati nal r re-i nal 6 litical 6art0 *a0 %ile =it, t,e C **i""i n a !eri%ie& 6etiti n attac,in- t,eret it" c n"tit1ti n an& +0#la="> 6lat% r* r 6r -ra* % - !ern*ent an& "1c, t,er rele!ant in% r*ati n a" *a0 +e reA1ire& +0 t,e C **i""i n. T,e C **i""i n ",all> a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-> re" l!e t,e 6etiti n =it,in ten &a0" %r * t,e &ate it i" "1+*itte& % r &eci"i n. N reli-i 1" "ect ",all +e re-i"tere& a" a 6 litical 6art0 an& n 6 litical 6art0 =,ic, "ee:" t ac,ie!e it" - al t,r 1-, !i lence ",all +e entitle& t accre&itati n. Sec. 2$. P1+licati n % 6etiti n % r re-i"trati n r accre&itati n. # T,e C **i""i n ",all reA1ire 61+licati n % t,e 6etiti n % r re-i"trati n r accre&itati n in at lea"t t,ree ne="6a6er" % -eneral circ1lati n an& ",all> a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-> re" l!e t,e 6etiti n =it,in %i%teen &a0" %r * t,e &ate it i" "1+*itte& % r &eci"i n.

85

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

A/TICLE I5 ELIGIBILITF OF CANDIDATES AND CE/TIFICATE OF CANDIDACF

Sec. 2(. H1ali%icati n" % r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent % t,e P,ili66ine". # N 6er" n *a0 +e electe& Pre"i&ent 1nle"" ,e i" a nat1ral#+ rn citi<en % t,e P,ili66ine"> a re-i"tere& ! ter> a+le t rea& an& =rite> at lea"t % rt0 0ear" % a-e n t,e &a0 % electi n> an& a re"i&ent % t,e P,ili66ine" % r at lea"t ten 0ear" i**e&iatel0 6rece&in- "1c, electi n. Sec. 28. H1ali%icati n" % r Me*+er" % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a. # N 6er" n ",all +e electe& Me*+er % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a a" 6r !incial> cit0 r &i"trict re6re"entati!e 1nle"" ,e i" a nat1ral#+ rn citi<en % t,e P,ili66ine" an&> n t,e &a0 % t,e electi n> i" at lea"t t=ent0#%i!e 0ear" % a-e> a+le t rea& an& =rite> a re-i"tere& ! ter in t,e c n"tit1enc0 in =,ic, ,e ",all +e electe&> an& a re"i&ent t,ere % % r a 6eri & % n t le"" t,an "i7 * nt," i**e&iatel0 6rece&in- t,e &a0 % t,e electi n. A "ect ral re6re"entati!e ",all +e a nat1ral#+ rn citi<en % t,e P,ili66ine"> a+le t rea& an& =rite> a re"i&ent % t,e P,ili66ine"> a+le t rea& an& =rite> a re"i&ent % t,e P,ili66ine" % r a 6eri & % n t le"" t,an ne 0ear i**e&iatel0 6rece&int,e &a0 % t,e electi n> a + na %i&e *e*+er % t,e "ect r ,e "ee:" t re6re"ent> an& in t,e ca"e % a re6re"entati!e % t,e a-ric1lt1ral r in&1"trial la+ r "ect r> ",all +e a re-i"tere& ! ter> an& n t,e &a0 % t,e electi n i" at lea"t t=ent0#%i!e 0ear" % a-e. T,e 0 1t, "ect ral re6re"entati!e ", 1l& at lea"t +e ei-,teen an& n t +e * re t,an t=ent0#%i!e 0ear" % a-e n t,e &a0 % t,e electi n? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> t,at an0 0 1t, "ect ral re6re"entati!e =, attain" t,e a-e % t=ent0# %i!e 0ear" &1rin- ,i" ter* ",all +e entitle& t c ntin1e in %%ice 1ntil t,e e76irati n % ,i" ter*.

EU/ISP/UDENCE DOMINO !". COMELEC (1) SC/A 482

86

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS It is d'ctrina""% sett"ed t8at t8e term Eresidence9F as used in t8e "a> prescri$in( t8e 5ua"i-icati'ns -'r su--ra(e and -'r e"ecti*e '--ice9 means t8e same t8in( as Ed'mici"e9F >8ic8 imp'rts n't 'n"% an intenti'n t' reside in a -i4ed p"ace $ut a"s' pers'na" presence in t8at p"ace9 c'up"ed >it8 c'nduct indicati*e '- suc8 intenti'n A pers'nAs Ed'mici"eF 'nce esta$"is8ed is c'nsidered t' c'ntinue and >i"" n't $e deemed "'st unti" a ne> 'ne is esta$"is8ed W8i"e EresidenceF simp"% re5uires $'di"% presence in a (i*en p"ace9 Ed'mici"eF re5uires n't 'n"% suc8 $'di"% presence in t8at p"ace $ut a"s' a dec"ared and pr'$a$"e intent t' ma=e it 'neAs -i4ed and permanent p"ace '- a$'de9 'neAs 8'me Intenti'n t' ac5uire a d'mici"e >it8'ut actua" residence in t8e "'ca"it% d'es n't resu"t in ac5uisiti'n '- d'mici"e9 n'r d'es t8e -act '- p8%sica" presence >it8'ut intenti'n T8e "ease c'ntract ma% $e indicati*e '- a pers'nAs intenti'n t' reside in a particu"ar "'ca"it% $ut it d'es n't en(ender t8e =ind '- permanenc% re5uired t' pr'*e a$and'nment '- 'neAs 'ri(ina" d'mici"e W8i"e *'tin( is n't c'nc"usi*e '- residence9 it d'es (i*e rise t' a str'n( presumpti'n '- residence D e4ercisin( t8e ri(8t '- e"ecti'n -ranc8ise is a de"i$erate pu$"ic asserti'n '- t8e -act '- residence9 and is said t' 8a*e decided prep'nderance is a d'u$t-u" case up'n t8e p"ace t8e e"ect'r c"aims as9 'r $e"ie*es t' $e9 8is residence It is n'> sett"ed d'ctrine t8at t8e candidate >8' '$tains t8e sec'nd 8i(8est num$er '- *'tes ma% n't $e pr'c"aimed >inner in case t8e >innin( candidate is dis5ua"i-ied It >'u"d $e e4treme"% repu(nant t' t8e $asic c'ncept '- t8e c'nstituti'na""% (uaranteed ri(8t t' su--ra(e i- a candidate >8' 8as n't ac5uired t8e maC'rit% 'r p"ura"it% '- *'tes is pr'c"aimed a >inner and imp'sed as t8e representati*e '- a c'nstituenc%9 t8e maC'rit% '- >8ic8 8a*e p'siti*e"% dec"ared t8r'u(8 t8eir $a""'ts t8at t8e% d' n't c8''se 8im T8e e--ect '- a decisi'n dec"arin( a pers'n ine"i(i$"e t' 8'"d an '--ice is 'n"% t8at t8e e"ecti'n -ai"s entire"%9 in suc8 case9 t8e e"ect'rs 8a*e -ai"ed t' ma=e a c8'ice and t8e e"ecti'n is a nu""it% W8en t8e C'nstituti'n spea=s '- residence9 t8e >'rd s8'u"d $e underst''d9 c'nsistent >it8 We$ster9 t' mean actua"9 p8%sica" and pers'na" presence in t8e district t8at a candidate see=s t' represent T8e 'ri(ina" c'ncept '- d'mici"e9 >8ic8 ar'se -r'm American Curisprudence9 >as n't intended t' ('*ern p'"itica" ri(8ts9 it >as desi(ned t' res'"*e t8e c'n-"ict '- "a>s $et>een 'r am'n( states >8ere a decedent ma% 8a*e "i*ed -'r *ari'us reas'ns9 -'r t8e purp'se '- determinin( >8ic8 "a> >as app"ica$"e as re(ards 8is estate App"%in( t8e c'ncept '- d'mici"e in determinin( residence as a 5ua"i-icati'n -'r an e"ecti*e '--ice >'u"d ne(ate t8e '$Cecti*e $e8ind t8e residence re5uirement '- 'ne %ear ('r si4 m'nt8s9 in t8e case '- "'ca" p'siti'ns) 87

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS /OMUALDE;#MA/COS !". COMELEC $88 SC/A ()) Residence9 -'r t8e purp'se '- meetin( t8e 5ua"i-icati'n -'r an e"ecti*e p'siti'n9 8as a sett"ed meanin( in 'ur Curisdicti'n 6ie> t8at it is n't t8e mere -act '- marria(e $ut t8e de"i$erate c8'ice '- a di--erent d'mici"e $% t8e 8us$and t8at >i"" c8an(e t8e d'mici"e '- a >i-e -r'm >8at it >as pri'r t' t8eir marria(e D'mici"e inc"udes t8e t>in e"ements '- t8e -act '- residin( 'r p8%sica" presence in a -i4ed p"ace and animus manendi9 'r t8e intenti'n '- returnin( t8ere permanent"% T8e essentia" distincti'n $et>een residence and d'mici"e in "a> is t8at residence in*'"*es t8e intent t' "ea*e >8en t8e purp'se -'r >8ic8 t8e resident 8as ta=en up 8is a$'de ends As t8ese c'ncepts 8a*e e*'"*ed in 'ur e"ecti'n "a>9 >8at 8as c"ear"% and une5ui*'ca""% emer(ed is t8e -act t8at residence -'r e"ecti'n purp'ses is used s%n'n%m'us"% >it8 d'mici"e W8en t8e C'nstituti'n spea=s '- EresidenceF in e"ecti'n "a>9 it actua""% means Ed'mici"eF It is t8e -act '- residence9 n't a statement in a certi-icate '- candidac% >8ic8 'u(8t t' $e decisi*e in determinin( >8et8er 'r n't an indi*idua" 8as satis-ied t8e C'nstituti'nAs residenc% 5ua"i-icati'n re5uirement T8e 8'nest mista=e in t8e certi-icate '- candidac% re(ardin( t8e peri'd '- residenc% d'es n't ne(ate t8e -act '- residence in a c'n(ressi'na" district i- suc8 -act is esta$"is8ed $% means m're c'n*incin( t8an a mere entr% 'n a piece '- paper An indi*idua" d'es n't "'se 8is d'mici"e e*en i- 8e 8as "i*ed and maintained residences in di--erent p"aces A min'r -'""'>s t8e d'mici"e '- 8is parents T' success-u""% e--ect a c8an(e '- d'mici"e9 'ne must dem'nstrateG ! An actua" rem'*a" 'r an actua" c8an(e '- d'mici"eH # A $'na -ide intenti'n '- a$and'nin( t8e -'rmer p"ace '- residence and esta$"is8in( a ne> 'neH and & Acts >8ic8 c'rresp'nd >it8 t8e purp'se A$and'nment re5uires t8e *'"untar% act '- re"in5uis8in( -'rmer d'mici"e >it8 intent t' supp"ant t8e -'rmer d'mici"e >it8 'ne '- 8er '>n c8''sin( (d'mici"ium *'"untarium) T8e presumpti'n t8at t8e >i-e aut'matica""% (ains t8e 8us$andAs d'mici"e $% 'perati'n '- "a> up'n marria(e cann't $e in-erred -r'm t8e use '- t8e term 88

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS EresidenceF in Artic"e !!3 '- t8e Ci*i" C'de $ecause t8e Ci*i" C'de is 'ne area >8ere t8e t>' c'ncepts are >e"" de"ineated A sur*e% '- Curisprudence %ie"ds n't8in( >8ic8 >'u"d su((est t8at t8e -ema"e sp'use aut'matica""% "'ses 8er d'mici"e '- 'ri(in in -a*'r '- t8e 8us$andAs c8'ice 'residence up'n marria(e It is i""'(ica" t' c'nc"ude t8at Artic"e !!3 '- t8e Ci*i" C'de re-ers t' Ed'mici"eF and n't t' EresidenceF W8at petiti'ner (ained up'n marria(e >as actua" residence $ut s8e did n't "'se 8er d'mici"e '- 'ri(in T8e c'mm'n "a> c'ncept '- Ematrim'nia" d'mici"eF appears t' 8a*e $een inc'rp'rated9 as a resu"t '- 'ur Curisprudentia" e4periences a-ter t8e dra-tin( '- t8e Ci*i" C'de '- !2+39 int' t8e Ne> /ami"% C'de T8e term residence ma% mean 'ne t8in( in ci*i" "a> ('r under t8e Ci*i" C'de) and 5uite an't8er t8in( in p'"itica" "a> It is a sett"ed d'ctrine t8at a statute re5uirin( renditi'n '- Cud(ment >it8in a speci-ied time is (enera""% c'nstrued t' $e mere"% direct'r%

AHUINO !". COMELEC $88 SC/A 8)) T8e C'nstituti'n re5uires t8at a pers'n see=in( e"ecti'n t' t8e ;'use 'Representati*es s8'u"d $e a resident '- t8e district in >8ic8 8e see=s e"ecti'n -'r a peri'd '- n't "ess t8an 'n (!) %ear pri'r t' t8e e"ecti'ns C"ear"%9 t8e p"ace E>8ere a part% actua""% 'r c'nstructi*e"% 8as 8is permanent 8'me9F i e 9 8is d'mici"e9 is t8at t' >8ic8 t8e C'nstituti'n re-ers >8en it spea=s '- residence -'r t8e purp'se '- e"ecti'n "a> W8i"e t8ere is n't8in( >r'n( >it8 t8e practice '- esta$"is8in( residence in a (i*en area -'r meetin( e"ecti'n "a> re5uirements9 t8is n'net8e"ess de-eats t8e essence 'representati'n9 >8ic8 is t' p"ace t8r'u(8 t8e assent '- *'ters t8'se m'st c'(ni<ant and sensiti*e t' t8e needs '- a particu"ar district9 i- a candidate -a""s s8'rt '- t8e peri'd '- residenc% mandated $% "a> -'r 8im t' 5ua"i-% T8e a$sence '- c"ear and p'siti*e pr''- s8'>in( a success-u" a$and'nment 'd'mici"e under t8e c'nditi'ns in t8e instant case D sentimenta"9 actua" 'r 't8er>ise D >it8 t8e area9 and t8e suspici'us circumstances under >8ic8 a "ease a(reement >as e--ected a"" $e"ie petiti'nerAs c"aim '- residenc% -'r t8e peri'd re5uired $% t8e C'nstituti'n 89

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

Sec. 24. H1ali%icati n" % electi!e l cal %%icial". # T,e A1ali%icati n" % r electi!e 6r !incial> cit0> *1nici6al an& +aran-a0 %%icial" ",all +e t, "e 6r !i&e& % r in t,e L cal G !ern*ent C &e. EU/ISP/UDENCE

ALDO'INO> Er.> et al. !". COMELEC an& ASILO G./. N . 1888(2> Dece*+er $(> $)). T8e >'rd ItermI in a "e(a" sense means a -i4ed and de-inite peri'd '- time >8ic8 t8e "a> descri$es t8at an '--icer ma% 8'"d an '--ice Acc'rdin( t' Mec8em9 t8e term ''--ice is t8e peri'd durin( >8ic8 an '--ice ma% $e 8e"d Up'n e4pirati'n '- t8e '--icerAs term9 un"ess 8e is aut8'ri<ed $% "a> t' 8'"d'*er9 8is ri(8ts9 duties and aut8'rit% as a pu$"ic '--icer must ips' -act' cease In t8e "a> '- pu$"ic '--icers9 t8e m'st and natura" -re5uent met8'd $% >8ic8 a pu$"ic '--icer ceases t' $e suc8 is $% t8e e4pirati'n '- t8e terms -'r >8ic8 8e >as e"ected 'r app'inted T8e pre*enti*e suspensi'n '- an e"ected pu$"ic '--icia" d'es n't interrupt '- 8is term '- '--ice -'r purp'ses '- t8e t8ree7term "imit ru"e under Secti'n 19 Artic"e O '- t8e C'nstituti'n and Secti'n )&($) '- Repu$"ic Act N' 0!.3 T' a""'> a pre*enti*e"% suspended e"ecti*e '--icia" t' run -'r a -'urt8 and pr'8i$ited term is t' c"'se 'ur e%es t' t8is rea"it% and t' a""'> a c'nstituti'na" *i'"ati'n t8r'u(8 s'p8istr% $% e5uatin( t8e temp'rar% ina$i"it% t' disc8ar(e t8e -uncti'ns '- '--ice >it8 t8e interrupti'n '- term t8at t8e c'nstituti'na" pr'*isi'n c'ntemp"ates T' $e sure9 man% reas'ns e4ist9 *'"untar% 'r in*'"untar% D s'me '- t8em pers'na" and s'me 't8em $% 'perati'n '- "a> D t8at ma% temp'rari"% pre*ent an e"ecti*e '--ice 8'"der -r'm e4ercisin( t8e -uncti'ns '- 8is '--ice in t8e >a% t8at pre*enti*e suspensi'n d'es A seri'us e4tended i""ness9 ina$i"it% t8r'u(8 -'rce maCeure9 'r t8e en-'rcement '- a suspensi'n as a pena"t%9 t' cite s'me in*'"untar% e4amp"es9 ma% pre*ent an '--ice 8'"der -r'm e4ercisin( t8e -uncti'ns '- 8is '--ice -'r a time >it8'ut -'r-eitin( tit"e t' '--ice ,re*enti*e suspensi'n is n' di--erent $ecause it disrupts actua" de"i*er% '- ser*ice -'r a time >it8in a term Ad'ptin( suc8 interrupti'n '- actua" ser*ice as t8e standard t' determine e--ecti*e interrupti'n '- term under t8e t8ree7term ru"e raises at "east t8e p'ssi$i"it% '- c'n-usi'n in imp"ementin( t8is ru"e9 (i*en t8e man% m'des and 'ccasi'ns >8en actua" ser*ice ma% $e interrupted in t8e c'urse '- ser*in( a term '- '--ice T8e standard ma% reduce t8e en-'rcement '- t8e t8ree7term "imit ru"e t' a case7t'7case and p'ssi$"% see7sa>in( determinati'n '- >8at an e--ecti*e interrupti'n is

PUNDAODAFA !". COMELEC> et al. G./. N . 13.(1(> Se6te*+er 13> $)). 90

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS In Jap<'n * C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns (@ R N' !133119 Januar% !29 #332)9 it >as 8e"d t8at t8e term EresidenceF is t' $e underst''d n't in its c'mm'n acceptati'n as re-errin( t' Ed>e""in(F 'r E8a$itati'n9F $ut rat8er t' Ed'mici"eF 'r "e(a" residence9 t8at is9 Et8e p"ace >8ere a part% actua""% 'r c'nstructi*e"% 8as 8is permanent 8'me9 >8ere 8e9 n' matter >8ere 8e ma% $e -'und at an% (i*en time9 e*entua""% intends t' return and remain (animus manendi) F In D'min' * C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns9 t8e C'urt e4p"ained t8at d'mici"e den'tes a -i4ed permanent residence t' >8ic89 >8ene*er a$sent -'r $usiness9 p"easure9 'r s'me 't8er reas'ns9 'ne intends t' return It is a 5uesti'n '- intenti'n and circumstances In t8e c'nsiderati'n '- circumstances9 t8ree ru"es must $e $'rne in mind9 name"%G (!) t8at a man must 8a*e a residence 'r d'mici"e s'me>8ereH (#) >8en 'nce esta$"is8ed it remains unti" a ne> 'ne is ac5uiredH and (&) a man can 8a*e $ut 'ne residence 'r d'mici"e at a time I- 'ne >is8es t' success-u""% e--ect a c8an(e '- d'mici"e9 8e must dem'nstrate an actua" rem'*a" 'r an actua" c8an(e '- d'mici"e9 a $'na -ide intenti'n '- a$and'nin( t8e -'rmer p"ace '- residence and esta$"is8in( a ne> 'ne9 and de-inite acts >8ic8 c'rresp'nd >it8 t8e purp'se Wit8'ut c"ear and p'siti*e pr''- '- t8e c'ncurrence '- t8ese t8ree re5uirements9 t8e d'mici"e '- 'ri(in c'ntinues

LIMBONA !". COMELEC G./. N . 181).3> E1ne $4> $))8 T8e C'me"ec c'rrect"% -'und t8at petiti'ner -ai"ed t' satis-% t8e 'ne7%ear residenc% re5uirement T8e term IresidenceI as used in t8e e"ecti'n "a> is s%n'n%m'us >it8 Id'mici"e9I >8ic8 imp'rts n't 'n"% intenti'n t' reside in a -i4ed p"ace $ut a"s' pers'na" presence in t8at p"ace9 c'up"ed >it8 c'nduct indicati*e '- suc8 intenti'n T8e mani-est intent '- t8e "a> in -i4in( a residence 5ua"i-icati'n is t' e4c"ude a stran(er 'r ne>c'mer9 unac5uainted >it8 t8e c'nditi'ns and needs '- a c'mmunit% and n't identi-ied >it8 t8e "atter9 -r'm an e"ecti*e '--ice t' ser*e t8at c'mmunit% /'r purp'ses '- e"ecti'n "a>9 t8e 5uesti'n '- residence is main"% 'ne '- intenti'n T8ere is n' 8ard and -ast ru"e $% >8ic8 t' determine >8ere a pers'n actua""% resides T8ree ru"es are9 8'>e*er9 >e"" esta$"is8edG -irst9 t8at a man must 8a*e a residence 'r d'mici"e s'me>8ereH sec'nd9 t8at >8ere 'nce esta$"is8ed it remains unti" a ne> 'ne is ac5uiredH and t8ird9 a man can 8a*e $ut 'ne d'mici"e at a time In 'rder t' ac5uire a d'mici"e $% c8'ice9 t8ere must $e (!) residence 'r $'di"% presence in t8e ne> "'ca"it%9 (#) an intenti'n t' remain t8ere9 and (&) an intenti'n t' a$and'n t8e '"d d'mici"e A pers'nAs Id'mici"eI 'nce esta$"is8ed is c'nsidered t' c'ntinue and >i"" n't $e deemed "'st unti" a ne> 'ne is esta$"is8ed T' success-u""% e--ect a c8an(e '- d'mici"e 'ne must dem'nstrate an actua" rem'*a" 'r an actua" c8an(e '- d'mici"eH a $'na -ide intenti'n '- a$and'nin( t8e -'rmer p"ace '- residence and esta$"is8in( a ne> 'ne9 and de-inite acts >8ic8 c'rresp'nd >it8 t8e purp'se In 't8er >'rds9 t8ere must $asica""% $e animus manendi c'up"ed >it8 animus n'n re*ertendi T8e purp'se t' remain in 'r at t8e d'mici"e '- c8'ice must $e 91

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS -'r an inde-inite peri'd '- timeH t8e c8an(e '- residence must $e *'"untar%H and t8e residence at t8e p"ace c8'sen -'r t8e ne> d'mici"e must $e actua" PAPANDAFAN> E/. !. COMELEC an& BALT G./. N . 183.).> A6ril 12> $))$ /ACTSG In t8e #33! e"ecti'ns9 t8ree candidates ran -'r t8e p'siti'n '- ma%'r 'Tu$aran9 Lana' de" SurG ,apanda%an9 Jr 9 Ba"t9 and Bantuas Ba"t9 t8e incum$ent ma%'r see=in( re7e"ecti'n9 s'u(8t t8e dis5ua"i-icati'n '- ,apanda%an9 Jr 9 a""e(in( t8at 8e >as n't a resident '- Tan(ca"9 Tu$aran9 Lana' de" Sur $ut a permanent resident '- Ba%an(9 Lana' de" Sur On Ma% 19 #33!9 t8e COMELEC (Sec'nd Di*isi'n) issued a res'"uti'n It dec"ared ,apanda%an9 Jr t' $e dis5ua"i-ied and 'rdered 8is name t' $e stric=en '-- t8e "ist '- candidates and a"" *'tes cast in 8is -a*'r n't t' $e c'unted $ut c'nsidered as stra% *'tes It ru"ed t8at it >as t8e -act ',apanda%anAs residence9 n't t8e statement in 8is certi-icate '- candidac%9 >8ic8 determined >8et8er 'r n't 8e 8ad satis-ied t8e residenc% re5uirement '- 'ne (!) %ear precedin( t8e Ma% !)9 #33! e"ecti'ns In -indin( t8at ,apanda%an9 Jr ne*er intended t' re"in5uis8 8is -'rmer d'mici"e in Ba%an(9 t8e COMELEC t''= n'te '- t8e testim'n% '- petiti'ner in t8e e4c"usi'n pr'ceedin(s a(ainst 8im $e-'re t8e municipa" tria"9 in >8ic8 8e stated t8at 8e >as "i*in( in Mara>i Cit% >8ere 8e >as t8e pri*ate secretar% '- Ma%'r A$di""a8 Ampatua On Ma% !+9 #33!9 ,apanda%an9 Jr recei*ed a te"e(ram -r'm t8e COMELEC n'ti-%in( 8im '- t8e res'"uti'n '- t8e COMELEC en $anc dated Ma% !#9 #33!9 '- t8e COMELEC >8ic8 denied 8is m'ti'n -'r rec'nsiderati'n On Ma% !09 #33!9 8e -i"ed t8e present petiti'n -'r certi'rari >it8 pra%er -'r t8e issuance '- a temp'rar% restrainin( 'rder andK'r >rit '- pre"iminar% inCuncti'n Mean>8i"e9 'n Ma% !29 8e -i"ed a petiti'n >it8 t8e COMELEC see=in( t8e issuance '- an 'rder directin( t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs (BEI) '- Tu$aran t' c'unt and ta""% t8e $a""'ts cast in 8is -a*'r On t8e 't8er 8and9 Ba"t -i"ed a pre7 pr'c"amati'n case in t8e COMELEC On Ma% #29 #33!9 t8e COMELEC issued an 'rder suspendin( t8e pr'c"amati'n ',apanda%an9 Jr as t8e du"% e"ected ma%'r '- Tu$aran pendin( t8e res'"uti'n '- t8is present petiti'n ;'>e*er9 despite t8e said 'rder9 t8e Municipa" B'ard '- Can*assers '- Tu$aran pr'ceeded >it8 t8e pr'c"amati'n Up'n m'ti'n '- Ba"t9 t8e COMELEC issued an 'rder settin( aside t8e pr'c"amati'n '- ,apanda%an9 Jr 9 >it8'ut preCudice t' t8e -i"in( '- t8e appr'priate c8ar(es a(ainst t8e mem$ers '- t8e B'ard resp'nsi$"e -'r t8e pr'c"amati'n T8erea-ter9 t8e COMELEC en $anc issued a res'"uti'n9 sustainin( t8e annu"ment '- t8e pr'c"amati'n '- ,apanda%an9 Jr As a c'nse5uence t8ere'-9 t8e incum$ent 6ice7Ma%'r '- Tu$aran assumed t8e p'siti'n '- ma%'r pursuant t' t8e COMELEC en $anc res'"uti'n On Ma% ##9 #33!9 t8e Supreme C'urt re5uired t8e COMELEC and Ba"t t' c'mment 'n t8e petiti'n and9 up'n t8e p'stin( '- a $'nd $% ,apanda%an9 Jr in t8e am'unt '- ,!39333 339 it issued a temp'rar% restrainin( 'rder enC'inin( t8e COMELEC -r'm imp"ementin( its res'"uti'ns '- Ma% 1 and Ma% !#9 #33! ISSUESG

92

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS ! # W8et8er 'r n't t8e petiti'n -'r certi'rari -i"ed $% ,apanda%an9 Jr s8'u"d $e (rantedH W8et8er 'r n't t8e COMELEC acted >it8 (ra*e a$use '- discreti'n in dec"arin( ,apanda%an9 Jr dis5ua"i-ied 'n t8e (r'und t8at 8e is n't a resident '- Tu$uran

RULIN@G 1. Jes T8e petiti'n s8'u"d $e (ranted At t8e time t8e e"ecti'ns >ere 8e"d in Ma% !)9 #33!9 t8e res'"uti'n9 dated Ma% !#9 #33!9 8ad n't $ec'me -ina" and e4ecut'r% ;ence9 t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs (BEI) >as dut% $'und t' ta""% and c'unt t8e *'tes cast in -a*'r '- petiti'ner.

Jes Wit8 due re(ard -'r t8e e4pertise '- t8e COMELEC9 t8e SC -'und t8e e*idence t' $e insu--icient t' sustain its res'"uti'n ,apanda%an9 Jr 8as du"% pr'*en t8at9 a"t8'u(8 8e >as -'rmer"% a resident '- t8e Municipa"it% '- Ba%an(9 8e "ater trans-erred residence t' Tan(ca" in t8e Municipa"it% '- Tu$aran as s8'>n $% 8is actua" and p8%sica" presence t8erein -'r !3 %ears pri'r t' t8e Ma% !)9 #33! e"ecti'ns T8e princip"e '- animus re*ertendi 8as $een used t' determine >8et8er a candidate 8as an Iintenti'n t' returnI t' t8e p"ace >8ere 8e see=s t' $e e"ected C'r'""ar% t' t8is is a determinati'n >8et8er t8ere 8as $een an Ia$and'nmentI '8is -'rmer residence >8ic8 si(ni-ies an intenti'n t' depart t8ere -r'm

As it >as 8e"d in R'mua"de< * RTC9 Br 09 Tac"'$an Cit%9 Id'mici"eI and IresidenceI are s%n'n%m'us T8e term Iresidence9I as used in t8e e"ecti'n "a>9 imp'rts n't 'n"% an intenti'n t' reside in a -i4ed p"ace $ut a"s' pers'na" presence in t8at p"ace9 c'up"ed >it8 c'nduct indicati*e '- suc8 intenti'n ID'mici"eI den'tes a -i4ed permanent residence t' >8ic8 >8en a$sent -'r $usiness 'r p"easure9 'r -'r "i=e reas'ns9 'ne intends t' return

T8e C'urt e4p"ained t8at in 'rder t' ac5uire a ne> d'mici"e $% c8'ice9 t8e -'""'>in( must c'ncur (!) residence 'r $'di"% presence in t8e ne> "'ca"it%9 (#) an intenti'n t' remain t8ere9 and (&) an intenti'n t' a$and'n t8e '"d d'mici"e T8ere must $e animus manendi c'up"ed >it8 animus n'n re*ertendi T8e purp'se t' remain in 'r at t8e d'mici"e '- c8'ice must $e -'r an inde-inite peri'd '- timeH t8e c8an(e '- residence must $e *'"untar%H and t8e residence at t8e p"ace c8'sen -'r t8e ne> d'mici"e must $e actua" T8e rec'rd s8'>s t8at >8en ,apanda%an9 Jr and 8is >i-e ('t married in !2239 t8e% resided in Tan(ca"9 Tu$aran /r'm t8en 'n9 t8ere >as mani-est intenti'n 'n 8is part reside in Tu$aran9 >8ic8 8e deemed t' $e t8e p"ace '- 8is c'nCu(a" a$'de >it8 8is >i-e T8e -act t8at 8e and 8is >i-e trans-erred residence -r'm Ba%an( t' Tu$aran s8'>s t8at 8e >as re"in5uis8in( 93

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS 8is -'rmer p"ace '- residence in Ba%an( and t8at 8e intended Tu$aran t' $e 8is p"ace '- d'mici"e A"t8'u(8 8e >'r=ed as a pri*ate secretar% '- t8e ma%'r 'Ba%an(9 8e >ent 8'me t' Tu$aran e*er% da% a-ter >'r= T8is is pr''- '- animus manendi /urt8er9 t8e e*idence s8'>s t8at in t8e Ma% !!9 !221 e"ecti'n9 8e >as re(istered as a *'ter in Tu$aran and t8at in -act 8e -i"ed 8is certi-icate 'candidac% a"t8'u(8 8e "ater >it8dre> t8e same In t8e Ma% 19 !222 re(istrati'n '- *'ters9 8e >as a(ain re(istered as a *'ter in ,recinct N' #17A '- Baran(a% Tan(ca" in Tu$aran LON;ANIDA !". COMELEC (11 SC/A 2)$ C'nditi'ns -'r t8e app"icati'n '- t8e dis5ua"i-icati'nG (!) t8at t8e '--icia" c'ncerned 8as $een e"ected -'r t8ree c'nsecuti*e terms in t8e same "'ca" ('*ernment p'st and (#) t8at 8e 8as -u""% ser*ed t8ree c'nsecuti*e terms ,r'c"amati'n su$se5uent"% dec"ared *'id is n' pr'c"amati'n at a"" and >8i"e a pr'c"aimed candidate ma% assume '--ice 'n t8e stren(t8 '- t8e pr'c"amati'n '- t8e B'ard '- Can*assers 8e is 'n"% a presumpti*e >inner >8' assumes '--ice su$Cect t' t8e -ina" 'utc'me '- t8e e"ecti'n pr'test 6'"untar% renunciati'n '- a term d'es n't cance" t8e ren'unced term in t8e c'mputati'n '- t8e t8ree term "imitH c'n*erse"%9 in*'"untar% se*erance -r'm '--ice -'r an% "en(t8 '- time s8'rt '- t8e -u"" term pr'*ided $% "a> am'unts t' an interrupti'n '- c'ntinuit% '- ser*ice T8e pr'c"amati'n 'r t8e assumpti'n t' t8e '--ice '- a candidate a(ainst >8'm a petiti'n -'r dis5ua"i-icati'n is pendin( $e-'re t8e COMELEC d'es n't di*est t8e COMELEC '- Curisdicti'n t' c'ntinue 8earin( t8e case and t' res'"*e it 'n t8e merits ME/CADO !". MAN;ANO G./. N . 1(4)8(. Ma0 $2> 1... /ACTSG ,etiti'ner Ernest' Mercad' and ,ri*ate resp'ndent Eduard' Man<an' are candidates -'r t8e p'siti'n '- 6ice7Ma%'r '- Ma=ati Cit% in t8e Ma%9 !221 e"ecti'ns ,ri*ate resp'ndent >as t8e >inner '- t8e said e"ecti'n $ut t8e pr'c"amati'n >as suspended due t' t8e petiti'n '- Ernest' Mamari" re(ardin( t8e citi<ens8ip '- pri*ate resp'ndent Mamari" a""e(ed t8at t8e pri*ate resp'ndent is n't a citi<en '- t8e ,8i"ippines $ut '- t8e United States COMELEC (ranted t8e petiti'n and dis5ua"i-ied t8e pri*ate resp'ndent -'r $ein( a dua" citi<en9 pursuant t' t8e L'ca" @'*ernment c'de t8at pr'*ides t8at pers'ns >8' p'ssess dua" citi<ens8ip are dis5ua"i-ied -r'm runnin( an% pu$"ic p'siti'n ,ri*ate resp'ndent -i"ed a m'ti'n -'r rec'nsiderati'n >8ic8 remained pendin( unti" a-ter e"ecti'n ,etiti'ner s'u(8t t' inter*ene in t8e case -'r dis5ua"i-icati'n COMELEC re*ersed t8e decisi'n and dec"ared pri*ate resp'ndent 5ua"i-ied t' run -'r t8e p'siti'n ,ursuant t' t8e ru"in( '- t8e COMELEC9 t8e $'ard '- can*assers pr'c"aimed pri*ate resp'ndent as *ice ma%'r T8is petiti'n 94

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS s'u(8t t8e re*ersa" '- t8e res'"uti'n '- t8e COMELEC and t' dec"are t8e pri*ate resp'ndent dis5ua"i-ied t' 8'"d t8e '--ice '- t8e *ice ma%'r '- Ma=ati ISSUEG W8et8er 'r N't pri*ate resp'ndent is 5ua"i-ied t' 8'"d '--ice as 6ice7Ma%'r RULIN@G Dua" citi<ens8ip is di--erent -r'm dua" a""e(iance T8e -'rmer arises >8en9 as a resu"t '- t8e c'ncurrent app"icati'n '- t8e di--erent "a>s '- t>' 'r m're states9 a pers'n is simu"tane'us"% c'nsidered a nati'na" $% t8e said states /'r instance9 suc8 a situati'n ma% arise >8en a pers'n >8'se parents are citi<ens '- a state >8ic8 ad8eres t' t8e princip"e '- Cus san(uinis is $'rn in a state >8ic8 -'""'>s t8e d'ctrine '- Cus s'"i ,ri*ate resp'ndent is c'nsidered as a dua" citi<en $ecause 8e is $'rn '- /i"ipin' parents $ut >as $'rn in San /rancisc'9 USA Suc8 a pers'n9 ips' -act' and >it8'ut an% *'"untar% act 'n 8is part9 is c'ncurrent"% c'nsidered a citi<en '- $'t8 states C'nsiderin( t8e citi<ens8ip c"ause (Art I6) '- 'ur C'nstituti'n9 it is p'ssi$"e -'r t8e -'""'>in( c"asses '- citi<ens '- t8e ,8i"ippines t' p'sses dua" citi<ens8ipG (!) T8'se $'rn '- /i"ipin' -at8ers andK'r m't8ers in -'rei(n c'untries >8ic8 -'""'> t8e princip"e '- Cus s'"iH (#) T8'se $'rn in t8e ,8i"ippines '- /i"ipin' m't8ers and a"ien -at8ers i- $% t8e "a>s '- t8eir -at8ersA c'untr% suc8 c8i"dren are citi<ens '- t8at c'untr%H (&) T8'se >8' marr% a"iens i- $% t8e "a>s '- t8e "atterAs c'untr% t8e -'rmer are c'nsidered citi<ens9 un"ess $% t8eir act 'r 'missi'n t8e% are deemed t' 8a*e ren'unced ,8i"ippine citi<ens8ip Dua" a""e(iance9 'n t8e 't8er c'ncurrent"% c'nsidered a citi<en '- $'t8 states C'nsiderin( t8e citi<ens8ip c"ause (Art I6) '- 'ur C'nstituti'n9 it is p'ssi$"e -'r t8e -'""'>in( c"asses '- citi<ens '- t8e ,8i"ippines t' p'sses dua" citi<ens8ipG (!) T8'se $'rn '- /i"ipin' -at8ers andK'r m't8ers in -'rei(n c'untries >8ic8 -'""'> t8e princip"e '- Cus s'"iH (#) T8'se $'rn in t8e ,8i"ippines '/i"ipin' m't8ers and a"ien -at8ers i- $% t8e "a>s '- t8eir -at8ersA c'untr% suc8 c8i"dren are citi<ens '- t8at c'untr%H (&) T8'se >8' marr% a"iens i- $% t8e "a>s '- t8e "atterAs c'untr% t8e -'rmer are c'nsidered citi<ens9 un"ess $% t8eir act 'r 'missi'n t8e% are deemed t' 8a*e ren'unced ,8i"ippine citi<ens8ip Dua" a""e(iance9 'n t8e 't8er 8and9 re-ers t' t8e situati'n in >8ic8 a pers'n simu"tane'us"% '>es9 $% s'me p'siti*e act9 "'%a"t% t' t>' 'r m're states W8i"e dua" citi<ens8ip is in*'"untar%9 dua" a""e(iance is t8e resu"t '- an indi*idua"As *'"iti'n B% -i"in( a certi-icate '- candidac% >8en 8e ran -'r 8is present p'st9 pri*ate resp'ndent e"ected ,8i"ippine citi<ens8ip and in e--ect ren'unced 8is American citi<ens8ip T8e -i"in( '- suc8 certi-icate 'candidac% su--iced t' ren'unce 8is American citi<ens8ip9 e--ecti*e"% rem'*in( an% dis5ua"i-icati'n 8e mi(8t 8a*e as a dua" citi<en B% dec"arin( in 8is certi-icate '- candidac% t8at 8e is a /i"ipin' citi<enH t8at 8e is n't a permanent resident 'r immi(rant '- an't8er c'untr%H t8at 8e >i"" de-end and supp'rt t8e C'nstituti'n '- t8e ,8i"ippines and $ear true -ait8 and a""e(iance t8eret' and t8at 8e d'es s' >it8'ut menta" reser*ati'n9 pri*ate resp'ndent 8as9 as -ar as t8e "a>s '- t8is c'untr% are c'ncerned9 e--ecti*e"% repudiated 8is American citi<ens8ip and an%t8in( >8ic8 8e ma% 8a*e said $e-'re as a dua" citi<en On t8e 't8er 8and9 pri*ate resp'ndentAs 'at8 '- a""e(iance t' t8e ,8i"ippine9 >8en c'nsidered >it8 t8e -act t8at 8e 8as spent 8is %'ut8 and adu"t8''d9 recei*ed 8is educati'n9 practiced 8is pr'-essi'n as an artist 9and ta=en part in past e"ecti'ns in t8is c'untr%9 "ea*es n' d'u$t '- 8is e"ecti'n '- ,8i"ippine citi<ens8ip

95

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

HUINTO an& TOLENTINO> Er. !". COMELEC G./. N . 18.2.8> Dece*+er 1> $)). In c'nsiderin( pers'ns 8'"din( app'inti*e p'siti'ns as ips' -act' resi(ned -r'm t8eir p'sts up'n t8e -i"in( '- t8eir C'Cs9 $ut n't c'nsiderin( as resi(ned a"" 't8er ci*i" ser*ants9 speci-ica""% t8e e"ecti*e 'nes9 t8e "a> undu"% discriminates a(ainst t8e -irst c"ass T8e -act a"'ne t8at t8ere is su$stantia" distincti'n $et>een t8'se >8' 8'"d app'inti*e p'siti'ns and t8'se 'ccup%in( e"ecti*e p'sts9 d'es n't Custi-% suc8 di--erentia" treatment

Sec. 23. Can&i&ate" , l&in- electi!e %%ice. # An0 electi!e %%icial> =,et,er nati nal r l cal> r1nnin- % r an0 %%ice t,er t,an t,e ne =,ic, ,e i" , l&inin a 6er*anent ca6acit0> e7ce6t % r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent> ",all +e c n"i&ere& i6" %act re"i-ne& %r * ,i" %%ice 16 n t,e %ilin- % ,i" certi%icate % can&i&ac0.

EU/ISP/UDENCE

AGUINALDO !. COMELEC ()8 SC/A 33) Secti'n .0 '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de >as cra-ted >it8 t8e intenti'n '- (i*in( -"es8 t' t8e c'nstituti'na" pr'n'uncement t8at pu$"ic ser*ice is a pu$"ic trust T8e situati'n t8at resu"ts >it8 t8e app"icati'n '- Secti'n .0 is c'*ered $% t8e term I*'"untar% renunciati'nI

Sec. 28. Di"A1ali%icati n". # An0 can&i&ate =, > in an acti n r 6r te"t in =,ic, ,e i" a 6art0 i" &eclare& +0 %inal &eci"i n % a c *6etent c 1rt -1ilt0 %> r % 1n& +0 t,e C **i""i n % ,a!in- (a) -i!en * ne0 r t,er *aterial c n"i&erati n t in%l1ence> in&1ce r c rr16t t,e ! ter" r 61+lic %%icial" 6er% r*in- elect ral 96

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS %1ncti n"@ (+) c **itte& act" % terr ri"* t en,ance ,i" can&i&ac0@ (c) "6ent in ,i" electi n ca*6ai-n an a* 1nt in e7ce"" % t,at all =e& +0 t,i" C &e@ (&) " licite&> recei!e& r *a&e an0 c ntri+1ti n 6r ,i+ite& 1n&er Secti n" 8.> .4> .2> .3 an& 1)8@ r (e) !i late& an0 % Secti n" 8)> 8(> 84> 82 an& $21> 6ara-ra6," &> e> :> !> an& cc> "1+6ara-ra6, 2> ",all +e &i"A1ali%ie& %r * c ntin1in- a" a can&i&ate> r i% ,e ,a" +een electe&> %r * , l&in- t,e %%ice. An0 6er" n =, i" a 6er*anent re"i&ent % r an i**i-rant t a % rei-n c 1ntr0 ",all n t +e A1ali%ie& t r1n % r an0 electi!e %%ice 1n&er t,i" C &e> 1nle"" "ai& 6er" n ,a" =ai!e& ,i" "tat1" a" 6er*anent re"i&ent r i**i-rant % a % rei-n c 1ntr0 in acc r&ance =it, t,e re"i&ence reA1ire*ent 6r !i&e& % r in t,e electi n la=".

EU/ISP/UDENCE

/ENALD F. 'ILANDO 'S HOUSE OF /EP/ESENTATI'ES ELECTO/AL T/IBUNAL G./ NOS? 1.$183 I 1.$18.> A1-1"t $(> $)11 An attac= 'n a pers'nBs citi<ens8ip ma% 'n"% $e d'ne t8r'u(8 a direct acti'n -'r its nu""it% T8e pr'per pr'ceedin( t' assai" t8e citi<ens8ip '- Lim=aic8'n(As -at8er s8'u"d $e in acc'rdance >it8 Secti'n !1 '- C'mm'n>ea"t8 Act N' )0& Suc8 6 =er % t,e H/ET9 n' matter 8'> c'mp"ete and e4c"usi*e9 & e" n t carr0 =it, it t,e a1t, rit0 t &el!e int t,e le-alit0 % t,e B1&-*ent % nat1rali<ati n in t8e pursuit '- dis5ua"i-%in( Lim=aic8'n( T' ru"e 't8er>ise >'u"d 'perate as a c'""atera" attac= 'n t8e citi<ens8ip '- t8e -at8er >8ic89 as a"read% stated9 is n't permissi$"e T8e 'n"% instance >8ere t8is C'urt ma% inter*ene in t8e e4ercise '- its s'7ca""ed e4tra'rdinar% Curisdicti'n is up'n a determinati'n t8at t8e decisi'n 'r res'"uti'n 't8e ;RET >as rendered >it8'ut 'r in e4cess '- its Curisdicti'n9 'r >it8 (ra*e a$use '- discreti'n 'r up'n a c"ear s8'>in( '- suc8 ar$itrar% and impr'*ident use '- its p'>er t' c'nstitute a denia" '- due pr'cess '- "a>9 'r up'n a dem'nstrati'n '- a *er% c"ear unmiti(ated err'r9 mani-est"% c'nstitutin( suc8 (ra*e a$use '- discreti'n t8at t8ere 8as t' $e a remed% -'r suc8 a$use AMO/A !" COMELEC G./. N . 1.$$8)> Ean1ar0 $4> $)11 /actsG On Decem$er !9 #3329 petiti'ner Ser(i' @ Am'ra9 Jr -i"ed 8is Certi-icate 'Candidac% -'r Ma%'r '- CandiCa%9 B'8'" 97

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

T' 'pp'se Am'ra9 t8e Nati'na"ist ,e'p"eAs C'a"iti'n -ie"ded Tr%(*e L O"ai*ar -'r t8e ma%'ra"t% p'st Resp'ndent Arnie"' S O"andria >as 'ne '- t8e candidates -'r c'unci"'r '- t8e N,C in t8e same municipa"it% On Marc8 +9 #3!39 O"andria -i"ed $e-'re t8e COMELEC a ,etiti'n -'r Dis5ua"i-icati'n a(ainst Am'ra O"andria a""e(ed t8at Am'raAs COC >as n't pr'per"% s>'rn c'ntrar% t' t8e re5uirements '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de (OEC) and t8e #33) Ru"es 'n N'taria" ,ractice O"andria p'inted 'ut t8at9 in e4ecutin( 8is COC9 Am'ra mere"% presented 8is C'mmunit% Ta4 Certi-icate (CTC) t' t8e n'tar% pu$"ic9 Att% Oricu"' @ranada (Att% @ranada)9 instead '- presentin( c'mpetent e*idence '- 8is identit% C'nse5uent"%9 Am'raAs COC 8ad n' -'rce and e--ect and s8'u"d $e c'nsidered as n't -i"ed Att% @ranada c'unters t8at >8i"e 8e n'rma""% re5uires t8e a--iant t' s8'> c'mpetent e*idence '- identit%9 in Am'raAs case9 8'>e*er9 8e accepted Am'raAs CTC since 8e pers'na""% =n'>s 8im Am'ra >as *ict'ri'us in t8e "'ca" e"ecti'ns A >ee= "ater9 COMELEC en $anc (ranted O"andriaAs petiti'n T8us9 t8is case IssueG W8et8er 'r n't petiti'ner s8'u"d $e dis5ua"i-ied $% presentin( 8is c'mmunit% ta4 certi-icate as c'mpetent e*idence '- identit% in e4ecutin( 8is COC ;e"dG N' An impr'per"% s>'rn COC is n't e5ui*a"ent t' p'ssessi'n '- a (r'und -'r dis5ua"i-icati'n Neit8er OEC and L@C pr'*ides -'r suc8 n'r can t8e c'urts in-er t8is as an additi'na" (r'und -'r dis5ua"i-icati'n La>s prescri$in( 5ua"i-icati'ns -'r and dis5ua"i-icati'ns -r'm '--ice are "i$era""% c'nstrued in -a*'r '- e"i(i$i"it% C'mpetent e*idence '- identit% is n't re5uired in cases >8ere t8e a--iant is pers'na""% =n'>n t' t8e N'tar% ,u$"ic9 >8ic8 is t8e case 8erein T8e purp'se '- e"ecti'n "a>s is t' (i*e e--ect t'9 rat8er t8an -rustrate9 t8e >i"" '- t8e *'ters DISCUSSIONS

DISHUALIFICATIONS? ! T8'se dec"ared $% -ina" decisi'n 'r -'und $% t8e C'mmissi'n t' 8a*eG

98

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS a $ c d (i*en m'ne% 'r 't8er materia" c'nsiderati'n t' in-"uence9 induce 'r c'rrupt t8e *'ters 'r pu$"ic '--icia"s per-'rmin( e"ect'ra" -uncti'ns c'mmitted acts '- terr'rism t' en8ance 8is candidac% spent in 8is e"ecti'n campai(n an am'unt in e4cess '- t8at a""'>ed $% t8is C'de s'"icited9 recei*ed 'r made an% c'ntri$uti'n pr'8i$ited under Secti'ns 129 2+9 2.9 20 and !3)G Transp'rtati'n9 -''d and drin=s Enumerates t8e "ist '- pr'8i$ited c'ntri$uti'ns S'"icitin( 'r recei*in( c'ntri$uti'ns -r'm -'rei(n s'urces Sec 20 ,r'8i$ited raisin( '- -unds Sec !3) ,r'8i$ited d'nati'ns $% candidates9 treasurers 'parties 'r t8eir a(ents *i'"ated an% '- Secti'ns 139 1&9 1+9 1. and #.!9 para(rap8s d9 e9 =9 *9 and cc9 su$para(rap8 .9 s8a"" $e dis5ua"i-ied -r'm c'ntinuin( as a candidate9 'r i- 8e 8as $een e"ected9 -r'm 8'"din( t8e '--iceG Sec 13 Sec 12 Sec 2+ Sec 2.

E"ecti'n campai(n 'r partisan p'"itica" acti*it% 'utside campai(n peri'd Sec 1& Rem'*a"9 destructi'n 'r de-acement '- "a>-u" e"ecti'n pr'pa(anda pr'8i$ited Sec 1+ Enumerates pr'8i$ited -'rms '- e"ecti'n pr'pa(anda Sec 1. Re(u"ati'n '- e"ecti'n pr'pa(anda t8r'u(8 mass media Sec #.! (d) C'erci'n '- su$'rdinates Sec #.! (e) T8reats9 intimidati'n9 terr'rism9 use '- -raudu"ent de*ice 'r 't8er -'rms '- c'erci'n Sec #.! (=) Un"a>-u" e"ecti'neerin( Sec #.! (*) ,r'8i$iti'n a(ainst re"ease9 dis$ursement 'r e4penditure '- pu$"ic -unds Sec #.!(cc) An% pers'n >8' s'"icits *'tes 'r underta=es an% su$para(rap8 . pr'pa(anda9 'n t8e da% '- e"ecti'n9 -'r 'r a(ainst an% candidate 'r an% p'"itica" part% >it8in t8e p'""in( p"ace 'r >it8in a radius '- t8irt% meters t8ere'Candidates >8' are permanent resident 'r Immi(rant '- a -'rei(n c'untr% T' 5ua"i-% t' run -'r an e"ecti*e '--ice9 t8e% s8'u"d >ai*e t8eir status as a permanent resident 'r immi(rant '- t8e -'rei(n c'untr%

EU/ISP/UDENCE

99

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS MAHUILING !" COMELEC G./. N . 1.428.> E1l0 )$> $)1( An%'ne >8' see=s t' run -'r pu$"ic '--ice must $e s'"e"% and e4c"usi*e"% a /i"ipin' citi<en T8e renunciati'n '- -'rei(n citi<ens8ip must $e c'mp"ete and une5ui*'ca" T8e re5uirement t8at t8e renunciati'n must $e made t8r'u(8 an 'at8 emp8asi<es t8e s'"emn dut% '- t8e 'ne ma=in( t8e 'at8 '- renunciati'n t' remain true t' >8at 8e 8as s>'rn t' 'n"% t8'se >8' are e4c"usi*e"% /i"ipin's are 5ua"i-ied t' run -'r pu$"ic '--ice

GON;ALES !". COMELEC G./. 1.$842> Marc, 8> $)11 Cance""ati'n '- Certi-icate '- Candidac% T8e pr'8i$ited acts c'*ered $% Secti'n .1 re-er t' e"ecti'n campai(n 'r p'"itica" acti*it% 'utside t8e campai(n peri'd (Secti'n 13)H rem'*a"9 destructi'n 'r de-acement '- "a>-u" e"ecti'n pr'pa(anda (Secti'n 1&)H certain -'rms '- e"ecti'n pr'pa(anda (Secti'n 1+)H *i'"ati'n '- ru"es and re(u"ati'ns 'n e"ecti'n pr'pa(anda t8r'u(8 mass mediaH c'erci'n '- su$'rdinates (Secti'n #.! RdS)H t8reats9 intimidati'n9 terr'rism9 use '- -raudu"ent de*ice 'r 't8er -'rms 'c'erci'n (Secti'n #.! ReS)H un"a>-u" e"ecti'neerin( (Secti'n #.! R=S)H re"ease9 dis$ursement 'r e4penditure '- pu$"ic -unds (Secti'n #.! R*S)H s'"icitati'n '- *'tes 'r underta=in( an% pr'pa(anda 'n t8e da% '- t8e e"ecti'n (Secti'n #.! RccS9 su$7par .)

PANLAHUI !". COMELEC an& 'ELASCO G./. N . 188231> Fe+r1ar0 $8> $)1) On t8e 't8er 8and9 COC denia"Kcance""ati'n pr'ceedin(s in*'"*e t8e issue '- >8et8er t8ere is a -a"se representati'n '- a materia" -act T8e -a"se representati'n must necessari"% pertain n't t' a mere inn'cu'us mista=e $ut t' a materia" -act 'r t8'se t8at re-er t' a candidateAs 5ua"i-icati'ns -'r e"ecti*e '--ice Apart -r'm t8e re5uirement '- materia"it%9 t8e -a"se representati'n must c'nsist '- a de"i$erate attempt t' mis"ead9 misin-'rm9 'r 8ide a -act >8ic8 >'u"d 't8er>ise render a candidate ine"i(i$"e 'r9 't8er>ise stated9 >it8 t8e intenti'n t' decei*e t8e e"ect'rate as t' t8e >'u"d7$e candidateAs 5ua"i-icati'ns -'r pu$"ic '--ice In 6e"asc'9 t8e C'urt reCected 6e"asc'As c'ntenti'n t8at t8e C'me"ec impr'per"% ru"ed 'n t8e ri(8t t' *'te >8en it cance""ed 8is COC T8e C'urt stated t8at t8e C'me"ec mere"% re"ied 'n 'r rec'(ni<ed t8e RTCAs -ina" and e4ecut'r% decisi'n 'n t8e matter '- t8e ri(8t t' *'te in t8e precinct >it8in its territ'ria" Curisdicti'n In t8e present petiti'n9 it is ,an"a5uiAs turn t' pr'--er t8e n'*e" interpretati'n t8at t8e RTC pr'per"% cance""ed 6e"asc'As COC >8en it ru"ed 'n 8is ri(8t t' *'te T8e C'urt reCects t8e same

100

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS It is n't >it8in t8e pr'*ince '- t8e RTC in a *'terAs inc"usi'nKe4c"usi'n pr'ceedin(s t' ta=e c'(ni<ance '- and determine t8e presence '- a -a"se representati'n '- a materia" -act It 8as n' Curisdicti'n t' tr% t8e issues '- >8et8er t8e misrepresentati'n re"ates t' materia" -act and >8et8er t8ere >as an intenti'n t' decei*e t8e e"ect'rate in terms '- 'neAs 5ua"i-icati'ns -'r pu$"ic '--ice T8e -indin( t8at 6e"asc' >as n't 5ua"i-ied t' *'te due t' "ac= '- residenc% re5uirement d'es n't trans"ate int' a -indin( '- a de"i$erate attempt t' mis"ead9 misin-'rm9 'r 8ide a -act >8ic8 >'u"d 't8er>ise render 8im ine"i(i$"e

HUINTO an& TOLENTINO> Er. !". COMELEC G./. N . 18.2.8> Fe+r1ar0 $$> $)1) App'inti*e O--icia"sH /i"in( '- Certi-icate '- Candidac% T8is C'urt >'u"d d' >e"" t' pr'ceed >it8 tipt'e cauti'n9 particu"ar"% >8en it c'mes t' t8e app"icati'n '- t8e '*er $readt8 d'ctrine in t8e ana"%sis '- statutes t8at purp'rted"% attempt t' restrict 'r $urden t8e e4ercise '- t8e ri(8t t' -reed'm '- speec89 -'r suc8 appr'ac8 is mani-est"% str'n( medicine t8at must $e used sparin("%9 and 'n"% as a "ast res'rt In t8e United States9 c"aims '- -acia" '*er $readt8 8a*e $een entertained 'n"% >8ere9 in t8e Cud(ment '- t8e c'urt9 t8e p'ssi$i"it% t8at pr'tected speec8 '- 't8ers ma% $e muted and percei*ed (rie*ances "e-t t' -ester (due t' t8e p'ssi$"e in8i$it'r% e--ects '- '*er"% $r'ad statutes) 'ut>ei(8s t8e p'ssi$"e 8arm t' s'ciet% in a""'>in( s'me unpr'tected speec8 'r c'nduct t' (' unpunis8ed /acia" '*er $readt8 8as "i=e>ise n't $een in*'=ed >8ere a "imitin( c'nstructi'n c'u"d $e p"aced 'n t8e c8a""en(ed statute9 and >8ere t8ere are readi"% apparent c'nstructi'ns t8at >'u"d cure9 'r at "east su$stantia""% reduce9 t8e a""e(ed '*er $readt8 '- t8e statute In t8e case at $ar9 t8e pr'$a$"e 8arm t' s'ciet% in permittin( incum$ent app'inti*e '--icia"s t' remain in '--ice9 e*en as t8e% acti*e"% pursue e"ecti*e p'sts9 -ar 'ut>ei(8s t8e "ess "i=e"% e*i" '8a*in( ar(ua$"% pr'tected candidacies $"'c=ed $% t8e p'ssi$"e in8i$it'r% e--ect '- a p'tentia""% '*er"% $r'ad statute In t8is "i(8t9 t8e c'ncei*a$"% impermissi$"e app"icati'ns '- t8e c8a""en(ed statutes D >8ic8 are9 at $est9 $'"d predicti'ns D cann't Custi-% in*a"idatin( t8ese statutes in t't' and pr'8i$itin( t8e State -r'm en-'rcin( t8em a(ainst c'nduct t8at is9 and 8as -'r m're t8an !33 %ears $een9 un5uesti'na$"% >it8in its p'>er and interest t' pr'scri$e Instead9 t8e m're prudent appr'ac8 >'u"d $e t' dea" >it8 t8ese c'ncei*a$"% impermissi$"e app"icati'ns t8r'u(8 case7$%7case adCudicati'n rat8er t8an t8r'u(8 a t'ta" in*a"idati'n '- t8e statute itse"Indeed9 t8e an'ma"ies spa>ned $% 'ur assai"ed Decisi'n 8a*e ta=en p"ace In 8is M'ti'n -'r Rec'nsiderati'n9 inter*en'r Dri"'n stated t8at a num$er '- 8i(87ran=in( Ca$inet mem$ers 8ad a"read% -i"ed t8eir Certi-icates '- Candidac% >it8'ut re"in5uis8in( t8eir p'sts Se*era" COMELEC e"ecti'n '--icers 8ad "i=e>ise -i"ed t8eir Certi-icates '- Candidac% in t8eir respecti*e pr'*inces E*en t8e Secretar% '- Justice 8ad -i"ed 8er certi-icate '- su$stituti'n -'r representati*e '- t8e -irst district '?ue<'n pr'*ince "ast Decem$er !)9 #332D e*en as 8er p'siti'n as Justice Secretar% inc"udes super*isi'n '*er t8e Cit% and ,r'*incia" ,r'secut'rs9 >8'9 in turn9 act as 6ice7C8airmen '- t8e respecti*e B'ards '- Can*assers T8e Judiciar% 8as n't $een spared9 -'r a Re(i'na" Tria" C'urt Jud(e in t8e S'ut8 8as t8r'>n 8is 8at int' t8e p'"itica" arena We cann't a""'> t8e ti"tin( '- 'ur e"ect'ra" p"a%in( -ie"d in t8eir 101

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS -a*'r /'r t8e -'re('in( reas'ns9 >e n'> ru"e t8at Secti'n )(a) '- Res'"uti'n 1.01 and Secti'n !& '- RA 2&.29 >8ic8 mere"% reiterate Secti'n .. '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de9 are n't unc'nstituti'na""% '*er$r'ad.

BAGATSING !". COMELEC ($) SC/A 813 T8e Supreme C'urt did n't stri=e d'>n COMELEC Res'"uti'n N' #3+3 in Sun(a *s COMELEC9 #11 SCRA 0. (!212) A dis5ua"i-icati'n case ma% 8a*e t>' (#) aspects9 t8e administrati*e9 >8ic8 re5uires 'n"% a prep'nderance '- e*idence t' pr'*e dis5ua"i-icati'n9 and t8e crimina"9 >8ic8 necessitates pr''- $e%'nd reas'na$"e d'u$t t' c'n*ict T8ere is n' pr'*isi'n in R A ..). t8at treats '- a situati'n >8ere t8e c'mp"aint -'r dis5ua"i-icati'n is -i"ed a-ter t8e e"ecti'n W8% t8ere is a di--erence $et>een a petiti'n -'r dis5ua"i-icati'n -i"ed $e-'re and a-ter t8e e"ecti'n9 t8e 5uesti'n '- dis5ua"i-icati'n is raised as an issue $e-'re t8e e"ect'rate and t8'se >8' *'te -'r t8e candidate assume t8e ris= t8at s8'u"d said candidate $e dis5ua"i-ied a-ter t8e e"ecti'n9 t8eir *'tes >'u"d $e dec"ared stra% 'r in*a"id *'tes and t8at >'u"d n't $e true in t8e case '- 'ne -i"ed a-ter t8e e"ect'rate 8as a"read% *'ted T8e mere -i"in( '- a petiti'n -'r dis5ua"i-icati'n is n't a (r'und t' suspend t8e pr'c"amati'n '- t8e >innin( candidate D in t8e a$sence '- an 'rder suspendin( pr'c"amati'n9 t8e >innin( candidate >8' is s'u(8t t' $e dis5ua"i-ied is entit"ed t' $e pr'c"aimed as a matter '- "a> T8e mere pendenc% '- a dis5ua"i-icati'n case a(ainst a candidate9 and a >innin( candidate at t8at9 d'es n't Custi-% t8e suspensi'n '- 8is pr'c"amati'n a-ter >innin( in t8e e"ecti'n T8e C'urt d'es n't "''= >it8 -a*'r t8e practice '- see=in( remed% -r'm t8e Supreme C'urt >it8'ut >aitin( -'r t8e res'"uti'n '- t8e pendin( acti'n $e-'re t8e tri$una" $e"'>9 a$sent e4tra'rdinar% circumstances >arrantin( appr'priate acti'n $% t8e Supreme C'urt

Sec. 2.. N1i"ance can&i&ate". # T,e C **i""i n *a0 * t1 6r 6ri r 16 n a !eri%ie& 6etiti n % an intere"te& 6art0> re%1"e t -i!e &1e c 1r"e t r cancel a certi%icate % can&i&ac0 i% it i" ", =n t,at "ai& certi%icate ,a" +een %ile& t 61t t,e electi n 6r ce"" in * c:er0 r &i"re61te r t ca1"e c n%1"i n a* n- t,e ! ter" +0 t,e "i*ilarit0 % t,e na*e" % t,e re-i"tere& can&i&ate" r +0 t,er circ1*"tance" r act" =,ic, clearl0 &e* n"trate t,at t,e can&i&ate ,a" n + na 102

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS %i&e intenti n t r1n % r t,e %%ice % r =,ic, t,e certi%icate % can&i&ac0 ,a" +een %ile& an& t,1" 6re!ent a %ait,%1l &eter*inati n % t,e tr1e =ill % t,e elect rate. T,e C **i""i n *a0 * t1 6r 6i r 16 n a !eri%ie& 6etiti n *a0 re%1"e t -i!e &1e c 1r"e r cancel t,e certi%icate % can&i&ac0 % a 6er" n % 1n& t +e a n1i"ance can&i&ate.

DISCUSSIONS

N1i"ance Can&i&ate" ! # & T8'se >8'se certi-icate 8as $een -i"ed -'r t8e purp'ses '- creatin( a m'c=er% 'r disrepute 'n t8e e"ecti'n pr'cess 'rH T8'se >8'se certi-icate 8as $een t' cause c'n-usi'n am'n( t8e *'ters $% t8e simi"arit% '- names '- t8e re(istered candidatesH Ot8er circumstances 'r an act t8at mani-ests t8at t8e candidate 8as n' $'na -ide intenti'n t' run

Sec. 3). G1e"t can&i&ac0. # A 6 litical 6art0 *a0 n *inate an&J r "166 rt can&i&ate" n t +el n-in- t it. G1e"t Can&i&ate"# a can&i&ate n *inate& r "166 rte& +0 a 6 litical 6art0 n t c nnecte& =it, t,e*. Sec. 3$. E%%ect" % &i"A1ali%icati n ca"e" an& 6ri rit0. # T,e C **i""i n an& t,e c 1rt" ",all -i!e 6ri rit0 t ca"e" % &i"A1ali%icati n +0 rea" n % !i lati n % t,i" Act t t,e en& t,at a %inal &eci"i n ",all +e ren&ere& n t later t,an "e!en &a0" +e% re t,e electi n in =,ic, t,e &i"A1ali%icati n i" " 1-,t. An0 can&i&ate =, ,a" +een &eclare& +0 %inal B1&-*ent t +e &i"A1ali%ie& ",all n t +e ! te& % r> an& t,e ! te" ca"t % r ,i* ",all n t +e c 1nte&. Ne!ert,ele""> i% % r an0 rea" n> a can&i&ate i" n t &eclare& +0 %inal B1&-*ent +e% re an electi n t +e &i"A1ali%ie& an& ,e i" ! te& % r an& recei!e" t,e =innin- n1*+er % ! te" in "1c, electi n> ,i" !i lati n % t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,e 6rece&in- "ecti n" ",all n t 6re!ent ,i" 6r cla*ati n an& a""1*6ti n t %%ice.

DISCUSSIONS

103

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Pri rit0 % Di"A1ali%icati n Ca"e" T8e c'urt s8a"" (i*e pri'rit% t' dis5ua"i-icati'n cases t' render a -ina" decisi'n n't "ater t8an se*en (0) da%s $e-'re e"ecti'n '- t8e p'siti'n s'u(8t E%%ect" % Di"A1ali%icati n ! Dec"ared dis5ua"i-ied >it8 /ina" Jud(ment $e-'re e"ecti'n 6'tes cast -'r 8im s8a"" n't $e c'unted # e"ecti'n I- t8e candidate >ins9 8e s8'u"d n't $e pre*ented t' $e pr'c"aimed and assume '--ice N't dec"ared dis5ua"i-ied >it8 /ina" Jud(ment $e-'re

EU/ISP/UDENCE

ALBAKA !". COMELEC G./. N . 12(()$> E1l0 $(> $))8 It is >e""7sett"ed t8at t8e ine"i(i$i"it% '- a candidate recei*in( maC'rit% *'tes d'es n't entit"e t8e e"i(i$"e candidate recei*in( t8e ne4t 8i(8est num$er '- *'tes t' $e dec"ared e"ected A min'rit% 'r de-eated candidate cann't $e deemed e"ected t' t8e '--ice T8e *'tes intended -'r t8e dis5ua"i-ied candidate s8'u"d n't $e c'nsidered nu"" and *'id9 as it >'u"d am'unt t' disen-ranc8isin( t8e e"ect'rate in >8'm s'*erei(nt% resides As >e 8e"d in Re%es *s C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'nsG T' simp"istica""% assume t8at t8e sec'nd p"acer >'u"d 8a*e recei*ed t8e 't8er *'tes >'u"d $e t' su$stitute 'ur Cud(ment -'r t8e mind '- t8e *'ter T8e sec'nd p"acer is Cust t8at9 a sec'nd p"acer ;e "'st t8e e"ecti'ns ;e >as repudiated $% eit8er a maC'rit% 'r p"ura"it% '- *'ters ;e c'u"d n't $e c'nsidered t8e -irst am'n( 5ua"i-ied candidates $ecause in a -ie"d >8ic8 e4c"udes t8e dis5ua"i-ied candidate9 t8e c'nditi'ns >'u"d 8a*e su$stantia""% c8an(ed We are n't prepared t' e4trap'"ate t8e resu"ts under t8e circumstances

Sec. 3(. Certi%icate % can&i&ac0. # N 6er" n ",all +e eli-i+le % r an0 electi!e 61+lic %%ice 1nle"" ,e %ile" a "= rn certi%icate % can&i&ac0 =it,in t,e 6eri & %i7e& ,erein.

104

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS A 6er" n =, ,a" %ile& a certi%icate % can&i&ac0 *a0> 6ri r t t,e electi n> =it,&ra= t,e "a*e +0 "1+*ittin- t t,e %%ice c ncerne& a =ritten &eclarati n 1n&er at,. N 6er" n ",all +e eli-i+le % r * re t,an ne %%ice t +e %ille& in t,e "a*e electi n> an& i% ,e %ile" ,i" certi%icate % can&i&ac0 % r * re t,an ne %%ice> ,e ",all n t +e eli-i+le % r an0 % t,e*. H =e!er> +e% re t,e e76irati n % t,e 6eri & % r t,e %ilin- % certi%icate" % can&i&ac0> t,e 6er" n =, =a" %ile& * re t,an ne certi%icate % can&i&ac0 *a0 &eclare 1n&er at, t,e %%ice % r =,ic, ,e &e"ire" t +e eli-i+le an& cancel t,e certi%icate % can&i&ac0 % r t,e t,er %%ice r %%ice". T,e %ilin- r =it,&ra=al % a certi%icate % can&i&ac0 ",all n t a%%ect =,ate!er ci!il> cri*inal r a&*ini"trati!e lia+ilitie" =,ic, a can&i&ate *a0 ,a!e inc1rre&. DISCUSSIONS

T +e eli-i+le % r an electi!e 61+lic %%ice? A pers'n s8'u"d -i"e a s>'rn certi-icate '- candidac% T8e -i"in( '- certi-icate 'candidac% s8'u"d $e >it8in t8e -i4ed peri'd (i*en 9it,&ra=al % Certi%icate % Can&i&ac0 It s8'u"d $e made pri'r t' t8e e"ecti'n T8e candidate must su$mit under 'at8 a >ritten dec"arati'n '- >it8dra>a" t' t8e C'mmissi'n '- E"ecti'n Filin- % M1lti6le Certi%icate" n M re t,an One O%%ice in t,e Sa*e Electi n It >i"" render t8e candidate n't t' $e e"i(i$"e -'r an% '- t8em ;'>e*er9 $e-'re t8e e4pirati'n '- t8e peri'd '- -i"in( a certi-icate '- candidac% 8e ma% dec"are under 'at8 -'r >8ic8 8e desires t' $e e"i(i$"e as candidate and cance" t8e certi-icate '- candidac% -'r t8e 't8er '--ices Wit8dra>a" '- certi-icate '- candidac% >i"" n't a--ect t8e "ia$i"ities a candidate incurred T8e -i"in( 'r >it8dra>a" '- a certi-icate '- candidac% s8a"" n't a--ect >8ate*er ci*i"9 crimina" 'r administrati*e "ia$i"ities >8ic8 a candidate ma% 8a*e incurred

EU/ISP/UDENCE

105

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS GO !". COMELEC (43 SC/A 3(. T8e re5uirement t8at t8e >it8dra>a" $e -i"ed $e-'re t8e e"ecti'n '--icer '- t8e p"ace >8ere t8e certi-icate '- candidac% >as -i"ed9 suc8 re5uirement is mere"% direct'r%9 and is intended -'r c'n*enience It is n't mandat'r% 'r Curisdicti'na"

Sec. 38. C ntent" % certi%icate % can&i&ac0. # T,e certi%icate % can&i&ac0 ",all "tate t,at t,e 6er" n %ilin- it i" ann 1ncin- ,i" can&i&ac0 % r t,e %%ice "tate& t,erein an& t,at ,e i" eli-i+le % r "ai& %%ice@ i% % r Me*+er % t,e Bata"anPa*+an"a> t,e 6r !ince> incl1&in- it" c *6 nent citie"> ,i-,l0 1r+ani<e& cit0 r &i"trict r "ect r =,ic, ,e "ee:" t re6re"ent@ t,e 6 litical 6art0 t =,ic, ,e +el n-"@ ci!il "tat1"@ ,i" &ate % +irt,@ re"i&ence@ ,i" 6 "t %%ice a&&re"" % r all electi n 61r6 "e"@ ,i" 6r %e""i n r cc16ati n@ t,at ,e =ill "166 rt an& &e%en& t,e C n"tit1ti n % t,e P,ili66ine" an& =ill *aintain tr1e %ait, an& alle-iance t,eret @ t,at ,e =ill +e0 t,e la="> le-al r&er"> an& &ecree" 6r *1l-ate& +0 t,e &1l0 c n"tit1te& a1t, ritie"@ t,at ,e i" n t a 6er*anent re"i&ent r i**i-rant t a % rei-n c 1ntr0@ t,at t,e +li-ati n i*6 "e& +0 ,i" at, i" a""1*e& ! l1ntaril0> =it, 1t *ental re"er!ati n r 61r6 "e % e!a"i n@ an& t,at t,e +li-ati n i*6 "e& +0 ,i" at, i" a""1*e& ! l1ntaril0> =it, 1t *ental re"er!ati n r 61r6 "e % e!a"i n@ Unle"" a can&i&ate ,a" %%iciall0 c,an-e& ,i" na*e t,r 1-, a c 1rt a66r !e& 6r cee&in-> a certi%icate ",all 1"e in a certi%icate % can&i&ac0 t,e na*e +0 =,ic, ,e ,a" +een +a6ti<e&> r i% ,a" n t +een +a6ti<e& in an0 c,1rc, r reli-i n> t,e na*e re-i"tere& in t,e %%ice % t,e l cal ci!il re-i"trar r an0 t,er na*e all =e& 1n&er t,e 6r !i"i n" % e7i"tin- la= r> in t,e ca"e % a M1"li*> ,i" Ha&Bi na*e a%ter 6er% r*in- t,e 6re"cri+e& reli-i 1" 6il-ri*a-e? Pr !i&e&> T,at =,en t,ere are t= r * re can&i&ate" % r an %%ice =it, t,e "a*e na*e an& "1rna*e> eac, can&i&ate> 16 n +ein- *a&e a=are r "1c, %act> ",all "tate ,i" 6aternal an& *aternal "1rna*e> e7ce6t t,e inc1*+ent =, *a0 c ntin1e t 1"e t,e na*e an& "1rna*e "tate& in ,i" certi%icate % can&i&ac0 =,en ,e =a" electe&. He *a0 al" incl1&e ne nic:na*e r "ta-e na*e +0 =,ic, ,e i" -enerall0 r 6 61larl0 :n =n in t,e l calit0. T,e 6er" n %ilin- a certi%icate % can&i&ac0 ",all al" a%%i7 ,i" late"t 6, t -ra6,> 6a""6 rt "i<e@ a "tate*ent in &16licate c ntainin- ,i" +i #&ata an& 6r -ra* % - !ern*ent n t e7cee&in- ne ,1n&re& = r&"> i% ,e " &e"ire". DISCUSSIONS

C ntent" % certi%icate % can&i&ac0

106

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS ! S8a"" state t8at t8e pers'n -i"in( it is ann'uncin( 8is candidac% -'r t8e '--ice stated t8erein and t8at 8e is e"i(i$"e -'r said '--ice 8or $em/ers of the 4atasang -am/ansa they should also include the province, including its component cities, highly ur/ani,ed city or district or sector which he seeGs to represent # & ) + . 0 ;is ,'"itica" ,art% Ci*i" Status Date '- Birt8 Residence ,r'-essi'n 'r Occupati'n T8at 8e >i"" supp'rt and de-end t8e C'nstituti'n '- t8e ,8i"ippines and >i"" maintain true -ait8 and a""e(iance t8eret' 1 T8at 8e >i"" '$e% t8e "a>s9 "e(a" 'rders9 and decrees pr'mu"(ated $% t8e du"% c'nstituted aut8'rities 2 T8at 8e is n't a permanent resident 'r immi(rant t' a -'rei(n c'untr% !3 T8at t8e '$"i(ati'n imp'sed $% 8is 'at8 is assumed *'"untari"%9 >it8'ut menta" reser*ati'n 'r purp'se '- e*asi'n !! T8at t8e '$"i(ati'n imp'sed $% 8is 'at8 is assumed *'"untari"%9 >it8'ut menta" reser*ati'n 'r purp'se '- e*asi'n T8e pers'n -i"in( a certi-icate '- candidac% s8a"" a"s' a--i4 8is "atest p8't'(rap89 in passp'rt si<eH a statement in dup"icate c'ntainin( 8is $i'7data and pr'(ram '('*ernment n't e4ceedin( 'ne 8undred >'rds9 i- 8e s' desires Can&i&ate" Na*e Un"ess t8e candidate c8an(ed 8is name '--icia""% t8r'u(8 c'urt pr'ceedin(s9 8e s8a"" use t8e name $% >8ic8 8e 8ad $een $apti<ed /'r t8'se >8' >ere n't $apti<ed in an% c8urc8 'r re"i(i'n9 t8e name re(istered in t8e '--ice '- t8e "'ca" ci*i" re(istrar 'r an% 't8er name a""'>ed under t8e pr'*isi'ns '- e4istin( "a> In t8e case '- a Mus"im9 8is ;adCi name a-ter per-'rmin( t8e prescri$ed re"i(i'us pi"(rima(e ;e ma% a"s' inc"ude 'ne nic=name 'r sta(e name $% >8ic8 8e is (enera""% 'r p'pu"ar"% =n'>n in t8e "'ca"it% F r Can&i&ate" =it, t,e Sa*e Na*e W8en t8ere are t>' 'r m're candidates -'r an '--ice >it8 t8e same name and surname9 $'t8 '- t8em >i"" $e in-'rmed 'r suc8 -act and s8a"" state 8is paterna" and materna" surname E4cept t8e incum$ent '--icia" >8' ma% c'ntinue t' use t8e name and surname stated in 8is certi-icate '- candidac% >8en 8e >as e"ected EU/ISP/UDENCE 107

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

MIT/A !". COMELEC> et al. G./. N . 1.1.(8> Oct +er 1.> $)1) T8e present petiti'n ar'se -r'm a petiti'n t' den% due c'urse 'r t' cance" MitraAs COC T8is is t8e c'nte4t '- and ta=e7'-- p'int -'r 'ur re*ie> /r'm t8is perspecti*e9 t8e nature and re5uisites '- t8e COC cance""ati'n pr'ceedin(s are primar% c'nsiderati'ns in res'"*in( t8e present petiti'n Secti'n 0)9 in re"ati'n t' Secti'n 019 '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de (OEC) ('*erns t8e cance""ati'n '-9 and (rant 'r denia" '- due c'urse t'9 COCs T8e c'm$ined app"icati'n '- t8ese secti'ns re5uires t8at t8e candidateAs stated -acts in t8e COC $e true9 under pain '- t8e COCAs denia" 'r cance""ati'n i- an% -a"se representati'n '- a materia" -act is made T' 5u'te t8ese pr'*isi'nsG W8i"e it is undisputed t8at MitraAs d'mici"e '- 'ri(in is ,uert' ,rincesa Cit%9 Mitra ade5uate"% pr'*ed $% su$stantia" e*idence t8at 8e trans-erred $% incrementa" pr'cess t' A$'r"an $e(innin( #3319 and c'nc"uded 8is trans-er in ear"% #332 @i*en t8is pr''-9 t8e $urden '- e*idence "ies >it8 t8e pri*ate resp'ndents t' esta$"is8 t8e c'ntrar%9 >8ic8 t8e "atter -ai"ed t' d' On t8e 't8er 8and9 t8e COMELEC $ased its ru"in( t8at Mitra did n't ta=e up residence in A$'r"an "ar(e"% 'n t8e p8't'(rap8s '- MitraAs A$'r"an premisesH it c'nc"uded t8at t8e p8't'(rap8ed premises c'u"d n't 8a*e $een a residence $ecause '- its assessment '- t8e interi'r desi(n and -urnis8in(s 't8e r''m T8us9 t8e COMELEC Sec'nd Di*isi'nAs Res'"uti'n (>8ic8 t8e COMELEC en $anc -u""% supp'rted) did n't mere"% c'nc"ude t8at Mitra d'es n't "i*e in t8e p8't'(rap8ed premisesH m're t8an t8is9 it ru"ed t8at t8ese premises cann't $e c'nsidered a 8'me 'r a residence9 -'r "ac= '- t8e 5ua"ities '- a 8'me t8at t8e Sec'nd Di*isi'n >anted t' see T8e COMELEC n't 'n"% (r'ss"% misread t8e e*idence $ut e*en used pers'na" and su$Cecti*e standards in its assessment '- MitraAs d>e""in( >8en9 in -act9 t8e "a> is rep"ete >it8 standards9 i e 9 t8e d>e""in( must $e >8ere a pers'n permanent"% intends t' return and t' remain

Sec. 34. Filin- an& &i"tri+1ti n % certi%icate % can&i&ac0. # T,e certi%icate % can&i&ac0 ",all +e %ile& n an0 &a0 %r * t,e c **ence*ent % t,e electi n 6eri & +1t n t later t,an t,e &a0 +e% re t,e +e-innin- % t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri &? Pr !i&e&> T,at in ca"e" % 6 "t6 ne*ent r %ail1re % electi n 1n&er Secti n" 4 an& 2 ,ere %> n a&&iti nal certi%icate % can&i&ac0 ",all +e acce6te& e7ce6t in ca"e" % "1+"tit1ti n % can&i&ate" a" 6r !i&e& 1n&er Secti n 33 ,ere %. T,e certi%icate" % can&i&ac0 % r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent % t,e P,ili66ine" ",all +e %ile& in ten le-i+le c 6ie" =it, t,e C **i""i n =,ic, ",all r&er t,e 6rintin- % c 6ie" t,ere % % r &i"tri+1ti n t all 6 llin- 6lace". 108

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS T,e certi%icate" % can&i&ac0 % r t,e t,er %%ice" ",all +e %ile& in &16licate =it, t,e %%ice" ,erein +el = *enti ne&> t -et,er =it, a n1*+er % clearl0 le-i+le c 6ie" eA1al t t=ice t,e n1*+er % 6 llin- 6lace" in t,e 6r !ince> cit0> &i"trict> *1nici6alit0 r +aran-a0> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e? a. F r re6re"entati!e in t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a> =it, t,e C **i""i n> t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r> cit0 electi n re-i"trar in ca"e % ,i-,l0 1r+ani<e& citie"> r an %%icer &e"i-nate& +0 t,e C **i""i n ,a!in- B1ri"&icti n !er t,e 6r !ince> cit0 r re6re"entati!e &i"trict =, ",all "en& c 6ie" t,ere % t all 6 llin- 6lace" in t,e 6r !ince> cit0 r &i"trict@ +. F r 6r !incial %%ice"> =it, t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r % t,e 6r !ince c ncerne& =, ",all "en& c 6ie" t,ere % t all 6 llin- 6lace" in t,e 6r !ince@ c. F r cit0 an& *1nici6al %%ice"> =it, t,e cit0 r *1nici6al electi n re-i"trar =, ",all "en& c 6ie" t,ere % t all 6 llin- 6lace" in t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0@ an& &. F r 61n n- +aran-a0 r :a-a=a& n- "an--1nian- +aran-a0> t,e certi%icate" % can&i&ac0 ",all +e %ile& in acc r&ance =it, t,e 6r !i"i n" % Secti n (. % Article 'I % t,i" C &e. T,e &1l0 a1t, ri<e& recei!in- %%icer ",all i**e&iatel0 "en& t,e ri-inal c 60 % all certi%icate" % can&i&ac0 recei!e& +0 ,i* t t,e C **i""i n.

DISCUSSIONS

Filin- % Certi%icate % Can&i&ac0 On an% da% -r'm t8e c'mmencement '- t8e e"ecti'n peri'd $ut n't "ater t8an t8e da% $e-'re t8e $e(innin( '- t8e campai(n peri'd E4cepti'nsG ! and . 109 ,'stp'nement 'r -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n under Secti'n +

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS # under Secti'n 00 8ere'Di"tri+1ti n % Certi%icate % Can&i&ac0 I. F r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent It s8a"" $e -i"ed in ten "e(i$"e c'pies >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n >8ic8 s8a"" 'rder t8e printin( '- c'pies t8ere'- -'r distri$uti'n t' a"" p'""in( p"aces In cases '- su$stituti'n '- candidates as pr'*ided

II. F r t,er O%%ice" T8e certi-icates '- candidac% -'r t8e 't8er '--ices s8a"" $e -i"ed in dup"icate >it8 t8e '--ices 8erein $e"'> menti'ned9 t'(et8er >it8 a num$er '- c"ear"% "e(i$"e c'pies e5ua" t' t>ice t8e num$er '- p'""in( p"aces in t8e pr'*ince9 cit%9 district9 municipa"it% 'r $aran(a%9 as t8e case ma% $eG a. /e6re"entati!e" in t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a Wit8 t8e C'mmissi'n9 t8e pr'*incia" e"ecti'n super*is'r9 cit% e"ecti'n re(istrar in case '- 8i(8"% ur$ani<ed cities9 'r an '--icer desi(nated $% t8e C'mmissi'n 8a*in( Curisdicti'n '*er t8e pr'*ince9 cit% 'r representati*e district >8' s8a"" send c'pies t8ere'- t' a"" p'""in( p"aces in t8e pr'*ince9 cit% 'r district +. F r Pr !incial O%%ice" Wit8 t8e pr'*incia" e"ecti'n super*is'r '- t8e pr'*ince c'ncerned >8' s8a"" send c'pies t8ere'- t' a"" p'""in( p"aces in t8e pr'*ince c. F r Cit0 an& M1nici6al O%%ice" Wit8 t8e cit% 'r municipa" e"ecti'n re(istrar >8' s8a"" send c'pies t8ere'- t' a"" p'""in( p"aces in t8e cit% 'r municipa"it% &. F r P1n n- Baran-a0 r Da-a=a& n- San--1nian- Baran-a0 T8e certi-icates '- candidac% s8a"" $e -i"ed in acc'rdance >it8 t8e pr'*isi'ns '- Secti'n &2 '- Artic"e 6I '- t8is C'de 2he duly authori,ed receiving officer shall immediately send the original copy of all certificates of candidacy received /y him to the 5ommission

110

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

DISCUSSIONS

9, *a0 recei!e t,e Certi%icate % Can&i&ac0 T8e -'""'>in( recei*in( '--icers s8a"" 8a*e ministeria" dut% t' recei*e and ac=n'>"ed(e receipt '- t8e certi-icate '- candidac% ! # & ) T8e C'mmissi'n ,r'*incia" E"ecti'n Super*is'r E"ecti'n Re(istrar O--icers desi(nated $% t8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs

Sec. 33. Can&i&ate" in ca"e % &eat,> &i"A1ali%icati n r =it,&ra=al % an t,er. # I% a%ter t,e la"t &a0 % r t,e %ilin- % certi%icate" % can&i&ac0> an %%icial can&i&ate % a re-i"tere& r accre&ite& 6 litical 6art0 &ie"> =it,&ra=" r i" &i"A1ali%ie& % r an0 ca1"e> nl0 a 6er" n +el n-in- t > an& certi%ie& +0> t,e "a*e 6 litical 6art0 *a0 %ile a certi%icate % can&i&ac0 t re6lace t,e can&i&ate =, &ie&> =it,&re= r =a" &i"A1ali%ie&. T,e "1+"tit1te can&i&ate n *inate& +0 t,e 6 litical 6art0 c ncerne& *a0 %ile ,i" certi%icate % can&i&ac0 % r t,e %%ice a%%ecte& in acc r&ance =it, t,e 6rece&in- "ecti n" n t later t,an *i&#&a0 % t,e &a0 % t,e electi n. I% t,e &eat,> =it,&ra=al r &i"A1ali%icati n ", 1l& cc1r +et=een t,e &a0 +e% re t,e electi n an& *i&#&a0 % electi n &a0> "ai& certi%icate *a0 +e %ile& =it, an0 + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" in t,e 6 litical "1+&i!i"i n =,ere ,e i" a can&i&ate> r> in t,e ca"e % can&i&ate" t +e ! te& % r +0 t,e entire elect rate % t,e c 1ntr0> =it, t,e C **i""i n.

DISCUSSIONS

S1+"tit1ti n % Can&i&ate" in ca"e % Deat,> Di"A1ali%icati n r 9it,&ra=al 111

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS A-ter t8e "ast da% -'r t8e -i"in( '- certi-icates '- candidac%9 i- an '--icia" candidate 'a re(istered 'r accredited p'"itica" part% dies9 >it8dra>s 'r is dis5ua"i-ied9 8e ma% $e su$stituted a W8' ma% su$stituteU A pers'n $e"'n(in( t'9 and certi-ied $% t8e same p'"itica" part% $ W8en can t8e su$stitute -i"e 8is certi-icate '- candidac%U T8e su$stitute ma% -i"e 8is certi-icate '- candidac% -'r t8e '--ice a--ected n't "ater t8an t8e mid7da% '- t8e da% '- t8e e"ecti'n c W8at i- t8e deat89 >it8dra>a" 'r dis5ua"i-icati'n s8'u"d 'ccur $et>een t8e da% $e-'re t8e e"ecti'n and mid7da% '- e"ecti'n da%U T8e said certi-icate ma% $e -i"ed >it8 an% $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs in t8e p'"itica" su$di*isi'n >8ere 8e is a candidate

EU/ISP/UDENCE

SINACA !". MULA (14 SC/A $22 Ru"e 'n su$stituti'n '- an '--icia" candidate '- a re(istered 'r accredited p'"itica" part% >8' dies9 >it8dra>s 'r is dis5ua"i-ied -'r an% cause a-ter t8e "ast da% -'r t8e -i"in( '- certi-icates '- candidac% is ('*erned $% Secti'n 00 '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de A certi-icate '- candidac% is in t8e nature '- a -'rma" mani-estati'n t' t8e >8'"e >'r"d '- t8e candidateBs p'"itica" creed 'r "ac= '- p'"itica" creed As t8e '--icia" candidate '- an 'r(ani<ed p'"itica" part%9 8e is $'und $% t8e part%Bs ru"e ;e '>es "'%a"t% t' t8e part%9 its tenet and its p'"icies9 its p"at-'rms and pr'(rams '('*ernment T' t8e e"ect'rate 8e represents t8e part%9 its princip"es9 idea"s and '$Cecti*es T8ere is n't8in( in t8e C'nstituti'n 'r t8e statute >8ic8 re5uires as a c'nditi'n precedent t8at a su$stitute candidate must 8a*e $een a mem$er '- t8e part% c'ncerned -'r a certain peri'd '- time $e-'re 8e can $e n'minated as suc8 T8e decisi'n '- a candidate 'n >8et8er t' run as an independent candidate 'r t' C'in a p'"itica" part%9 (r'up 'r a((rupati'n is "e-t entire"% t' 8is discreti'n T8e determinati'n '- disputes as t' part% n'minati'ns rests >it8 t8e part%9 in t8e a$sence '- statutes (i*in( t8e c'urtBs Curisdicti'n W8ere t8ere is n' c'ntr'""in( statute 'r c"ear "e(a" ri(8t in*'"*ed9 t8e c'urt >i"" n't assume Curisdicti'n t' determine -acti'na" c'ntr'*ersies >it8in a p'"itica" part%9 $ut >i"" "ea*e t8e matter -'r determinati'n $% t8e pr'per tri$una"s '- t8e part% itse"- 'r $% t8e e"ect'rs at t8e p'""s 112

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS In t8e a$sence '- a statut'r% pr'*isi'n t' t8e c'ntrar%9 an e"ecti'n ma% n't e*en $e in*a"idated $% t8e -act t8at t8e n'minati'n '- t8e success-u" candidate >as $r'u(8t a$'ut $% -raud9 and n't in t8e manner prescri$ed $% t8e statute9 pr'*ided it appears t8at n'nc'mp"iance >it8 t8e "a> did n't pre*ent a -air and -ree *'te Wit8 respect t' e"ecti'n "a>s9 it is an esta$"is8ed ru"e '- interpretati'n t8at mandat'r% pr'*isi'ns re5uirin( certain steps $e-'re e"ecti'n >i"" $e c'nstrued as direct'r% a-ter t8e e"ecti'ns9 t' (i*e e--ect t' t8e >i"" '- t8e e"ect'rate W8ere a candidate 8as recei*ed p'pu"ar mandate9 '*er>8e"min("% and c"ear"% e4pressed9 a"" p'ssi$"e d'u$ts s8'u"d $e res'"*ed in -a*'r '- t8e candidateBs e"i(i$i"it% -'r t' ru"e 't8er>ise is t' de-eat t8e >i"" '- t8e pe'p"e

Sec. 38. Petiti n t &en0 &1e c 1r"e t r cancel a certi%icate % can&i&ac0. # A !eri%ie& 6etiti n "ee:in- t &en0 &1e c 1r"e r t cancel a certi%icate % can&i&ac0 *a0 +e %ile& +0 t,e 6er" n e7cl1"i!el0 n t,e -r 1n& t,at an0 *aterial re6re"entati n c ntaine& t,erein a" reA1ire& 1n&er Secti n 38 ,ere % i" %al"e. T,e 6etiti n *a0 +e %ile& at an0 ti*e n t later t,an t=ent0#%i!e &a0" %r * t,e ti*e % t,e %ilin- % t,e certi%icate % can&i&ac0 an& ",all +e &eci&e&> a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-> n t later t,an %i%teen &a0" +e% re t,e electi n. DISCUSSIONS

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

Den0 D1e C 1r"e t

r Cancel a Certi%icate

It ma% $e -i"ed e4c"usi*e"% 'n t8e (r'und t8at an% in-'rmati'n c'ntained 'n t8e certi-icate '- candidac% as re5uired under secti'n 0) is -a"se 9,en t,e Petiti n *a0 +e File& It s8a"" $e -i"ed at an% time n't "ater t8an t>ent%7-i*e (#+) da%s -r'm t8e time '- t8e -i"in( '- t8e certi-icate '- candidac% and s8a"" $e decided9 a-ter due n'tice and 8earin(9 n't "ater t8an -i-teen da%s $e-'re t8e e"ecti'n

EU/ISP/UDENCE

GON;ALES !". COMELEC G./. 1.$842> Marc, 8> $)11 As t' t8e (r'und '- -a"se representati'n in t8e COC under Secti'n 019 it >as 8e"d in Sa"ced' II * C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns9 @ R N' !&+11.9 Au(ust !.9 !2229 t8at in 113

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS 'rder t' Custi-% t8e cance""ati'n '- COC9 it is essentia" t8at t8e -a"se representati'n menti'ned t8erein pertain t' a materia" matter t8at >'u"d a--ect t8e su$stanti*e ri(8ts '- a candidate D t8e ri(8t t' run -'r t8e e"ecti*e p'st -'r >8ic8 8e -i"ed t8e certi-icate '- candidac% A"t8'u(8 t8e "a> d'es n't speci-% >8at >'u"d $e c'nsidered as a Emateria" representati'nF9 t8e C'urt c'nc"uded t8at t8is re-ers t' 5ua"i-icati'ns -'r e"ecti*e '--ice Citin( pre*i'us cases in >8ic8 t8e C'urt interpreted t8is p8rase9 it >as 8e"d t8at Secti'n 01 c'ntemp"ates statements re(ardin( a(e9 residence and citi<ens8ip 'r n'n7p'ssessi'n '- natura"7$'rn /i"ipin' status /urt8erm're9 aside -r'm t8e re5uirement '- materia"it%9 t8e -a"se representati'n must c'nsist '- a de"i$erate attempt t' mis"ead9 misin-'rm9 'r 8ide a -act >8ic8 >'u"d 't8er>ise render a candidate ine"i(i$"e In 't8er >'rds9 it must $e made >it8 an intenti'n t' decei*e t8e e"ect'rate as t' 'neAs 5ua"i-icati'n -'r pu$"ic '--ice

MA/UHOM !". COMELEC an& ABINAL G./. N . 13.8()> E1l0 $3> $)). Under Secti'n 01 '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de (OEC)9 a -a"se representati'n 'materia" -act in t8e Certi-icate '- Candidac% (COC) is a (r'und -'r t8e denia" 'r cance""ati'n '- t8e COC T8e -a"se representati'n must pertain t' a materia" -act t8at a--ects t8e ri(8t '- t8e candidate t' run -'r t8e e"ecti'n -'r >8ic8 8e -i"ed 8is COC Suc8 materia" -act re-ers t' a candidateAs e"i(i$i"it% 'r 5ua"i-icati'n -'r e"ecti*e '--ice "i=e citi<ens8ip9 residence 'r status as a re(istered *'ter Aside -r'm t8e re5uirement '- materia"it%9 t8e -a"se representati'n must c'nsist '- a de"i$erate attempt t' mis"ead9 misin-'rm9 'r 8ide a -act t8at >'u"d 't8er>ise render a candidate ine"i(i$"e In 't8er >'rds9 it must $e made >it8 t8e intenti'n t' decei*e t8e e"ect'rate as t' t8e >'u"d7$e candidateAs 5ua"i-icati'ns -'r pu$"ic '--ice It is sett"ed t8at t8e COMELEC 8as Curisdicti'n '*er a petiti'n -i"ed under Secti'n 01 '- t8e OEC In t8e e4ercise '- suc8 Curisdicti'n9 it is >it8in t8e c'mpetence '- t8e COMELEC t' determine >8et8er -a"se representati'n as t' materia" -acts >as made in t8e COC I- t8e candidate states a materia" representati'n in t8e COC t8at is -a"se9 t8e COMELEC is emp'>ered t' den% due c'urse t' 'r cance" t8e COC T8e pers'n >8'se COC is denied due c'urse 'r cance""ed under Secti'n 01 '- t8e OEC is n't treated as a candidate at a""9 as i- suc8 pers'n ne*er -i"ed a COC

MI/ANDA !". ABAFA (11 SC/A 2.8 W8i"e Secti'n 01 '- t8e E"ecti'n C'de enumerated t8e 'ccasi'ns >8ere a candidate ma% *a"id"% su$stituted9 t8ere is n' menti'n '- t8e case >8ere a candidate is e4c"uded n't 'n"% $% dis5ua"i-icati'n $ut a"s' $% denia" and cance""ati'n '- 8is certi-icate 'candidac% 114

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS A pers'n >it8'ut a *a"id certi-icate '- candidac% cann't $e c'nsidered a candidate in muc8 t8e same >a% as an% pers'n >8' 8as n't -i"ed an% certi-icate '- candidac% at a"" cann't9 $% an% stretc8 '- t8e ima(inati'n9 $e a candidate at a"" A certi-icate '- candidac% -i"ed $e%'nd t8e peri'd -i4ed $% "a> is *'id9 and t8e pers'n >8' -i"ed it is n't9 in "a>9 a candidate A *a"id certi-icate '- candidac% is "i=e>ise an indispensa$"e re5uisite in t8e case '- a su$stituti'n '- a dis5ua"i-ied candidate under t8e pr'*isi'ns '- Secti'n 00 '- t8e E"ecti'n C'de

SALCEDO II !". COMELEC (1$ SC/A 883 In 'rder t' Custi-% t8e cance""ati'n '- t8e certi-icate '- candidac% under Secti'n 01 't8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de9 it is essentia" t8at t8e -a"se representati'n menti'ned t8erein pertain t' a materia" matter T8ere are t>' instances >8ere a petiti'n 5uesti'nin( t8e 5ua"i-icati'ns '- a re(istered candidate t' run -'r t8e '--ice -'r >8ic8 8is certi-icate '- candidac% >as -i"ed can $e raised under t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de (B , B"( 11!)9 t' >itG E(!) Be-'re e"ecti'n9F pursuant t' Secti'n 01 t8ere'-H and E(#) A-ter e"ecti'n9F pursuant t' Secti'n #+& t8ere'- Under Secti'n 01 '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de9 t8e 5ua"i-icati'ns -'r e"ecti*e '--ice are misrepresented in t8e certi-icate '- candidac% and t8e pr'ceedin(s must $e initiated $e-'re t8e e"ecti'ns Under Secti'n #+& '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de9 a candidate is ine"i(i$"e i- 8e is dis5ua"i-ied t' $e e"ected t' '--ice9 and 8e is dis5ua"i-ied i- 8e "ac=s an% '- t8e 5ua"i-icati'ns -'r e"ecti*e '--ice T8e materia" misrepresentati'n c'ntemp"ated $% Secti'n 01 '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de re-ers t' 5ua"i-icati'ns -'r e"ecti*e '--ice A -a"se representati'n under Secti'n 01 '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de must c'nsist '- a de"i$erate attempt t' mis"ead9 misin-'rm9 'r 8ide a -act >8ic8 >'u"d 't8er>ise render a candidate ine"i(i$"e GA/'IDA !". SALES> E/.> HON. /IOS an& P/O'INCIAL SUPE/'ISO/ PIPO G./. N . 1$88.(> A6ril 18> 1..3 Secti'n +&# (a) '- t8e L'ca" @'*ernment C'de '- !22! pr'*ides t8at t8e c'nduct 't8e S: e"ecti'ns is under t8e super*isi'n '- t8e COMELEC and s8a"" $e ('*erned $% t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de T8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de9 in Secti'n 019 Artic"e IO9 ('*erns t8e pr'cedure t' den% due c'urse t' 'r cance" a certi-icate '- candidac% In re"ati'n t8eret'9 Ru"e #& '- t8e COMELEC Ru"es '- ,r'cedure pr'*ides t8at a petiti'n t' den% due c'urse t' 'r cance" a certi-icate '- candidac% -'r an e"ecti*e '--ice ma% $e -i"ed >it8 t8e La> Department '- t8e COMELEC 'n t8e (r'und t8at t8e candidate 8as made a -a"se materia" representati'n in 8is certi-icate T8e petiti'n ma% $e 8eard and e*idence recei*ed $% an% '--icia" desi(nated $% t8e COMELEC a-ter >8ic8 t8e case s8a"" $e decided $% t8e COMELEC itse"- and t8at t8e 115

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Curisdicti'n '*er a petiti'n t' cance" a certi-icate '- candidac% "ies >it8 t8e COMELEC sittin( in Di*isi'n9 n't en $anc Cases $e-'re a Di*isi'n ma% 'n"% $e entertained $% t8e COMELEC en $anc >8en t8e re5uired num$er '- *'tes t' reac8 a decisi'n9 res'"uti'n9 'rder 'r ru"in( is n't '$tained in t8e Di*isi'n M're'*er9 'n"% m'ti'ns t' rec'nsider decisi'ns9 res'"uti'ns9 'rders 'r ru"in(s '- t8e COMELEC in Di*isi'n are res'"*ed $% t8e COMELEC en $anc It is t8ere-'re t8e COMELEC sittin( in Di*isi'ns t8at can 8ear and decide e"ecti'n cases T8e :atipunan n( :a$ataan >as 'ri(ina""% created $% ,D .1) in !20+ as t8e :a$ataan( Baran(a%9 a $aran(a% %'ut8 'r(ani<ati'n c'mp'sed '- a"" residents '- t8e $aran(a% >8' >ere at "east !+ %ears $ut "ess t8an !1 %ears '- a(e RA 0!.3 c8an(ed t8e :a$ataan( Baran(a% int' t8e :atipunan n( :a$ataan It9 8'>e*er9 retained t8e a(e "imit '- t8e mem$ers "aid d'>n in B , &&0 at !+ $ut n't m're t8an #! %ears '"d T8e a--airs '- t8e :atipunan n( :a$ataan are administered $% t8e San((unian( :a$ataan (S:) c'mp'sed '- a c8airman and se*en (0) mem$ers >8' are e"ected $% t8e :atipunan n( :a$ataan T8e c8airman aut'matica""% $ec'mes e47'--ici' mem$er '- t8e San((unian( Baran(a% A mem$er '- t8e S: 8'"ds '--ice -'r a term '- t8ree (&) %ears9 un"ess s''ner rem'*ed -'r cause9 'r $ec'mes permanent"% incapacitated9 dies 'r resi(ns -r'm '--ice Under Secti'n )#) '- t8e L'ca" @'*ernment C'de9 a mem$er '- t8e :atipunan n( :a$ataan must $eG (a) a /i"ipin' citi<enH ($) an actua" resident '- t8e $aran(a% -'r at "east si4 m'nt8sH (c) !+ $ut n't m're t8an #! %ears '- a(eH and (d) du"% re(istered in t8e "ist '- t8e San((unian( :a$ataan 'r in t8e '--icia" $aran(a% "ist Secti'n )#1 't8e C'de re5uires t8at an e"ecti*e '--icia" '- t8e San((unian( :a$ataan must $eG (a) a /i"ipin' citi<enH ($) a 5ua"i-ied *'ter in t8e :atipunan n( :a$ataanH (c) a resident 't8e $aran(a% at "east 'ne (!) %ear immediate"% precedin( t8e e"ecti'nH (d) at "east !+ %ears $ut n't m're t8an #! %ears '- a(e 'n t8e da% '- 8is e"ecti'nH (e) a$"e t' read and >riteH and (-) must n't 8a*e $een c'n*icted '- an% crime in*'"*in( m'ra" turpitude /'r t8e Ma% .9 !22. S: e"ecti'ns9 t8e COMELEC interpreted Secti'ns )#) and )#1 '- t8e L'ca" @'*ernment C'de '- !22! in Res'"uti'n N' #1#) and de-ined 8'> a mem$er '- t8e :atipunan n( :a$ataan $ec'mes a 5ua"i-ied *'ter and an e"ecti*e '--icia"V *'ter must $e $'rn $et>een Ma% .9 !20+ and Ma% .9 !21!9 inc"usi*eH and (c) a resident '- t8e ,8i"ippines -'r at "east 'ne (!) %ear and an actua" resident '- t8e $aran(a% at "east si4 (.) m'nt8s immediate"% precedin( t8e e"ecti'ns A candidate -'r t8e S: mustG (a) p'ssess t8e -'re('in( 5ua"i-icati'ns '- a *'terH ($) $e a resident in t8e $aran(a% at "east 'ne (!) %ear immediate"% precedin( t8e e"ecti'nsH and (c) a$"e t' read and >rite E4cept -'r t8e 5uesti'n '- a(e9 petiti'ner 8as a"" t8e 5ua"i-icati'ns '- a mem$er and *'ter in t8e :atipunan n( :a$ataan and a candidate -'r t8e San((unian( :a$ataan ,etiti'nerAs a(e is admitted"% $e%'nd t8e "imit set in Secti'n & R$S '- COMELEC Res'"uti'n N' #1#) ,etiti'ner9 8'>e*er9 ar(ues t8at Secti'n & R$S '- Res'"uti'n N' #1#) is un"a>-u"9 u"tra *ires and $e%'nd t8e sc'pe '- Secti'ns )#) and )#1 '- t8e L'ca" @'*ernment C'de '- !22! S8e c'ntends t8at t8e C'de itse"- d'es n't pr'*ide t8at t8e *'ter must $e e4act"% #! %ears '- a(e 'n e"ecti'n da% S8e ur(es t8at s' "'n( as s8e did n't turn t>ent%7t>' (##) %ears '"d9 s8e >as sti"" t>ent%7'ne %ears '- a(e 116

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS 'n e"ecti'n da% and t8ere-'re 5ua"i-ied as a mem$er and *'ter in t8e :atipunan n( :a$ataan and as candidate -'r t8e S: e"ecti'ns Secti'n )#) '- t8e C'de sets a mem$erAs ma4imum a(e at #! %ears 'n"% T8ere is n' -urt8er pr'*isi'n as t' >8en t8e mem$er s8a"" 8a*e turned #! %ears '- a(e On t8e 't8er 8and9 Secti'n )#1 pr'*ides t8at t8e ma4imum a(e '- an e"ecti*e S: '--icia" is #! %ears '"d E'n t8e da% '- 8is e"ecti'n F T8e additi'n '- t8e p8rase E'n t8e da% '8is e"ecti'nF is an additi'na" 5ua"i-icati'n T8e mem$er ma% $e m're t8an #! %ears '- a(e 'n e"ecti'n da% 'r 'n t8e da% 8e re(isters as mem$er '- t8e :atipunan n( :a$ataan T8e e"ecti*e '--icia"9 8'>e*er9 must n't $e m're t8an #! %ears '"d 'n t8e da% '- e"ecti'n T8e distincti'n is understanda$"e c'nsiderin( t8at t8e C'de itse"pr'*ides m're 5ua"i-icati'ns -'r an e"ecti*e S: '--icia" t8an -'r a mem$er '- t8e :atipunan n( :a$ataan Dissimi"um dissimi"is est rati' T8e c'urts ma% distin(uis8 >8en t8ere are -acts and circumstances s8'>in( t8at t8e "e(is"ature intended a distincti'n 'r 5ua"i-icati'n T8e pr'*isi'n t8at an e"ecti*e '--icia" '- t8e S: s8'u"d n't $e m're t8an #! %ears 'a(e 'n t8e da% '- 8is e"ecti'n is *er% c"ear T8e L'ca" @'*ernment C'de spea=s '%ears9 n't m'nt8s n'r da%s W8en t8e "a> spea=s '- %ears9 it is underst''d t8at %ears are '- &.+ da%s eac8 One $'rn 'n t8e -irst da% '- t8e %ear is c'nse5uent"% deemed t' $e 'ne %ear '"d 'n t8e &.+t8 da% a-ter 8is $irt8 L t8e "ast da% '- t8e %ear In c'mputin( %ears9 t8e -irst %ear is reac8ed a-ter c'mp"etin( t8e -irst &.+ da%s A-ter t8e -irst &.+t8 da%9 t8e -irst da% '- t8e sec'nd &.+7da% c%c"e $e(ins T8e p8rase En't m're t8an #! %ears '- a(eF means n't '*er #! %ears9 n't $e%'nd #! %ears It means #! &.+7da% c%c"es It d'es n't mean #! %ears and 'ne 'r s'me da%s 'r a -racti'n '- a %ear $ecause t8at >'u"d $e m're t8an #! &.+7da% c%c"es EN't m're t8an #! %ears '"dF is n't e5ui*a"ent t' E"ess t8an ## %ears '"d9F c'ntrar% t' petiti'nerAs c"aims T8e "a> d'es n't state t8at t8e candidate $e "ess t8an ## %ears 'n e"ecti'n da% T8e re5uirement t8at a candidate p'ssess t8e a(e 5ua"i-icati'n is -'unded 'n pu$"ic p'"ic% and i- 8e "ac=s t8e a(e 'n t8e da% '- t8e e"ecti'n9 8e can $e dec"ared ine"i(i$"e Ine"i(i$i"it%9 'n t8e 't8er 8and9 re-ers t' t8e "ac= '- t8e 5ua"i-icati'ns prescri$ed in t8e C'nstituti'n 'r t8e statutes -'r 8'"din( pu$"ic '--ice Ine"i(i$i"it% is n't 'ne '- t8e (r'unds enumerated in Secti'n )&+ -'r successi'n '- t8e S: C8airman T' a*'id a 8iatus in t8e '--ice '- S: C8airman9 t8e C'urt deems it necessar% t' 'rder t8at t8e *acanc% $e -i""ed $% t8e S: mem$er c8'sen $% t8e incum$ent S: mem$ers '- Baran(a% San L'ren<'9 Ban(ui9 I"'c's N'rte $% simp"e maC'rit% -r'm am'n( t8emse"*es T8e mem$er c8'sen s8a"" assume t8e '--ice '- S: C8airman -'r t8e une4pired p'rti'n '- t8e term9 and s8a"" disc8ar(e t8e p'>ers and duties9 and enC'% t8e ri(8ts and pri*i"e(es appurtenant t' said '--ice IN 6IEW W;EREO/9 t8e petiti'n is dismissed and petiti'ner L%nette @ @ar*ida is dec"ared ine"i(i$"e -'r $ein( '*er t8e a(e 5ua"i-icati'n -'r candidac% in t8e Ma% .9 !22. e"ecti'ns '- t8e San((unian( :a$ataan9 and is 'rdered t' *acate 8er p'siti'n as C8airman '- t8e San((unian( :a$ataan '- Baran(a% San L'ren<'9 Ban(ui9 I"'c's N'rte T8e San((unian( :a$ataan mem$er *'ted $% simp"e maC'rit% $% and -r'm am'n( t8e incum$ent San((unian( :a$ataan mem$ers '- Baran(a% San L'ren<'9 117

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Ban(ui9 I"'c's N'rte s8a"" assume t8e '--ice '- San((unian( :a$ataan C8airman 'Baran(a% San L'ren<'9 Ban(ui9 I"'c's N'rte -'r t8e une4pired p'rti'n '- t8e term

A/TICLE 5 CAMPAIGN AND ELECTION P/OPAGANDA Sec. 3.. De%initi n". # A" 1"e& in t,i" C &e? (a) T,e ter* Ccan&i&ateC re%er" t an0 6er" n a"6irin- % r r "ee:in- an electi!e 61+lic %%ice> =, ,a" %ile& a certi%icate % can&i&ac0 +0 ,i*"el% r t,r 1-, an accre&ite& 6 litical 6art0> a--r 16*ent> r c aliti n % 6artie"@ (+) T,e ter* Celecti n ca*6ai-nC r C6arti"an 6 litical acti!it0C re%er" t an act &e"i-ne& t 6r * te t,e electi n r &e%eat % a 6artic1lar can&i&ate r can&i&ate" t a 61+lic %%ice =,ic, ",all incl1&e? (1) F r*in- r-ani<ati n"> a"" ciati n"> cl1+"> c **ittee" r t,er -r 16" % 6er" n" % r t,e 61r6 "e % " licitin- ! te" an&J r 1n&erta:in- an0 ca*6ai-n % r r a-ain"t a can&i&ate@ ($) H l&in- 6 litical ca1c1"e"> c n%erence"> *eetin-"> rallie"> 6ara&e"> r t,er "i*ilar a""e*+lie"> % r t,e 61r6 "e % " licitin! te" an&J r 1n&erta:in- an0 ca*6ai-n r 6r 6a-an&a % r r a-ain"t a can&i&ate@ (() Ma:in- "6eec,e"> ann 1nce*ent" r c **entarie"> r , l&in- inter!ie=" % r r a-ain"t t,e electi n % an0 can&i&ate % r 61+lic %%ice@ (8) P1+li",in- r &i"tri+1tin- ca*6ai-n literat1re r *aterial" &e"i-ne& t "166 rt r 66 "e t,e electi n % an0 can&i&ate@ r (4) Directl0 r in&irectl0 " licitin- ! te"> 6le&-e" r "166 rt % r r a-ain"t a can&i&ate. 118

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS T,e % re- in- en1*erate& act" i% 6er% r*e& % r t,e 61r6 "e % en,ancin- t,e c,ance" % a"6irant" % r n *inati n % r can&i&ac0 t a 61+lic %%ice +0 a 6 litical 6art0> a--r 16*ent> r c aliti n % 6artie" ",all n t +e c n"i&ere& a" electi n ca*6ai-n r 6arti"an electi n acti!it0. P1+lic e76re""i n" r 6ini n" r &i"c1""i n" % 6r +a+le i""1e" in a % rt,c *inelecti n r n attri+1te" % r critici"*" a-ain"t 6r +a+le can&i&ate" 6r 6 "e& t +e n *inate& in a % rt,c *in- 6 litical 6art0 c n!enti n ",all n t +e c n"tr1e& a" 6art % an0 electi n ca*6ai-n r 6arti"an 6 litical acti!it0 c nte*6late& 1n&er t,i" Article. DISCUSSIONS Can&i&ate Re-ers t' an% pers'n aspirin( -'r 'r see=in( an e"ecti*e pu$"ic '--ice9 =, ,a" %ile& a certi%icate % can&i&ac0 $% 8imse"- 'r t8r'u(8 an accredited p'"itica" part%9 a((r'upment9 'r c'a"iti'n '- parties

Electi n Ca*6ai-n r Parti"an P litical Acti!it0 Re-ers t' an act desi(ned t' pr'm'te t8e e"ecti'n 'r de-eat '- a particu"ar candidate 'r candidates t' a pu$"ic '--ice

Din&" % All =a+le P litical Acti!it0 ! # /'rmin( 'r(ani<ati'ns9 ass'ciati'ns9 c"u$s9 c'mmittees 'r 't8er (r'ups '- pers'ns -'r t8e purp'se '- s'"icitin( *'tes andK'r underta=in( an% campai(n -'r 'r a(ainst a candidateH ;'"din( p'"itica" caucuses9 c'n-erences9 meetin(s9 ra""ies9 parades9 'r 't8er simi"ar assem$"ies9 -'r t8e purp'se '- s'"icitin( *'tes andK'r underta=in( an% campai(n 'r pr'pa(anda -'r 'r a(ainst a candidateH Ma=in( speec8es9 ann'uncements 'r c'mmentaries9 'r 8'"din( inter*ie>s -'r 'r a(ainst t8e e"ecti'n '- an% candidate -'r pu$"ic '--iceH ,u$"is8in( 'r distri$utin( campai(n "iterature 'r materia"s desi(ned t' supp'rt 'r 'pp'se t8e e"ecti'n '- an% candidateH 'r Direct"% 'r indirect"% s'"icitin( *'tes9 p"ed(es 'r supp'rt -'r 'r a(ainst a candidate

&

) +

EU/ISP/UDENCE 119

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

PANE/A !". COMELEC an& ANDANA/ G./. N . 18121(> Se6te*+er 11> $)). T8e c'nduct '- a m't'rcade is a -'rm '- e"ecti'n campai(n 'r partisan p'"itica" acti*it%9 -a""in( s5uare"% >it8in t8e am$it '- Secti'n 02($)(#) '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de9 'n E8'"din( p'"itica" caucuses9 c'n-erences9 meetin(s9 ra""ies9 parades9 'r 't8er simi"ar assem$"ies9 -'r t8e purp'se '- s'"icitin( *'tes andK'r underta=in( an% campai(n 'r pr'pa(anda -'r 'r a(ainst a candidate F A m't'rcade is a pr'cessi'n 'r parade '- aut'm'$i"es 'r 't8er m't'r *e8ic"es T8e c'nduct t8ere'durin( e"ecti'n peri'ds $% t8e candidates and t8eir supp'rters is a -act t8at need n't $e $e"a$'red due t' its >idespread and per*asi*e practice T8e '$*i'us purp'se 't8e c'nduct '- m't'rcades is t' intr'duce t8e candidates and t8e p'siti'ns9 t' >8ic8 t8e% see= t' $e e"ected9 t' t8e *'tin( pu$"icH 'r t' ma=e t8em m're *isi$"e s' as t' -aci"itate t8e rec'(niti'n and rec'""ecti'n '- t8eir names in t8e minds '- t8e *'ters c'me e"ecti'n time Unmista=a$"%9 m't'rcades are underta=en -'r n' 't8er purp'se t8an t' pr'm'te t8e e"ecti'n '- a particu"ar candidate 'r candidates In t8e instant ,etiti'n9 ,enera ne*er denied t8at s8e t''= part in t8e c'nduct '- t8e m't'rcade a-ter s8e -i"ed 8er COC 'n t8e da% $e-'re t8e start '- t8e campai(n peri'd /'r *i'"atin( Secti'n 13 '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de9 pr'scri$in( e"ecti'n campai(n 'r partisan p'"itica" acti*it% 'utside t8e campai(n peri'd9 ,enera must $e dis5ua"i-ied -r'm 8'"din( t8e '--ice '- Ma%'r '- Sta M'nica

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

DISCUSSIONS

P litical Acti!it0 O1t"i&e Ca*6ai-n Peri & i" Pr ,i+ite& It s8a"" $e un"a>-u" -'r an% pers'n9 >8et8er 'r n't a *'ter 'r candidate9 'r -'r an% part%9 'r ass'ciati'n '- pers'ns9 t' en(a(e in an e"ecti'n campai(n 'r partisan p'"itica" acti*it% e4cept durin( t8e campai(n peri'd

120

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS ,r'*ided9 t8at p'"itica" parties ma% 8'"d p'"itica" c'n*enti'ns 'r meetin(s t' n'minate t8eir '--icia" candidates >it8in t8irt% da%s $e-'re t8e c'mmencement '- t8e campai(n peri'd and -'rt%7-i*e da%s -'r ,residentia" and 6ice7,residentia" e"ecti'n

EU/ISP/UDENCE

PANE/A !". COMELEC an& ANDANA/ G./. N . 18121(> Se6te*+er 11> $)). T8e Dissentin( Opini'n u"timate"% c'nc"udes t8at $ecause '- Secti'n !+ '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&.9 as amended9 t8e pr'8i$ited act '- premature campai(nin( in Secti'n 13 '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de9 is practica""% imp'ssi$"e t' c'mmit at an% time We disa(ree Secti'n 13 '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de remains re"e*ant and app"ica$"e despite Secti'n !+ '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&.9 as amended A c"'se readin( '- t8e entire Repu$"ic Act N' 2&.29 >8ic8 amended Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&.9 >'u"d readi"% re*ea" t8at t8at it did n't c'ntain an e4press repea" 'Secti'n 13 '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de An e4press repea" is 'ne >8erein a statute dec"ares9 usua""% in its repea"in( c"ause9 t8at a particu"ar and speci-ic "a>9 identi-ied $% its num$er 'r tit"e9 is repea"ed A$sent t8is speci-ic re5uirement9 an e4press repea" ma% n't $e presumed T' 'ur mind9 t8ere is n' a$s'"ute and irrec'nci"a$"e inc'mpati$i"it% $et>een Secti'n !+ '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&.9 as amended9 and Secti'n 13 '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de9 >8ic8 de-ines t8e pr'8i$ited act 'premature campai(nin( It is p'ssi$"e t' 8arm'ni<e and rec'nci"e t8ese t>' pr'*isi'ns and9 t8us9 (i*e e--ect t' $'t8

Sec. 81. Inter!enti n % % rei-ner". # It ",all +e 1nla=%1l % r an0 % rei-ner> =,et,er B1&icial r nat1ral 6er" n> t ai& an0 can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> r ta:e 6art in r in%l1ence in an0 *anner an0 electi n> r t c ntri+1te r *a:e an0 e76en&it1re in c nnecti n =it, an0 electi n ca*6ai-n r 6arti"an 6 litical acti!it0.

DISCUSSIONS

Inter!enti n % F rei-ner" 121

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS ! # & /'rei(ners are n't a""'>ed t' aid candidate 'r p'"itica" part% Ta=e part in 'r in-"uence in an% manner an% e"ecti'n T' c'ntri$ute 'r ma=e e4penditure >it8 an% e"ecti'n campai(n 'r partisan p'"itica" acti*it%

Sec. 8$. La=%1l electi n 6r 6a-an&a. # La=%1l electi n 6r 6a-an&a ",all incl1&e? a. Pa*6,let"> lea%let"> car&"> &ecal"> "tic:er" r t,er =ritten r 6rinte& *aterial" % a "i<e n t * re t,an ei-,t an& ne#,al% inc,e" in =i&t, an& % 1rteen inc,e" in len-t,@ +. Han&=ritten r 6rinte& letter" 1r-in- ! ter" t ! te % r r a-ain"t an0 6artic1lar can&i&ate@ c. Cl t,> 6a6er r car&+ ar& 6 "ter"> =,et,er %ra*e& r 6 "te&> =it, an area e7cee&in- t= %eet +0 t,ree %eet> e7ce6t t,at> at t,e "ite an& n t,e cca"i n % a 61+lic *eetin- r rall0> r in ann 1ncin- t,e , l&in- % "ai& *eetin- r rall0> "trea*er" n t e7cee&in- t,ree %eet +0 ei-,t %eet in "i<e> ",all +e all =e&? Pr !i&e&> T,at "ai& "trea*er" *a0 n t +e &i"6la0e& e7ce6t ne =ee: +e% re t,e &ate % t,e *eetinr rall0 an& t,at it ",all +e re* !e& =it,in "e!ent0#t= , 1r" a%ter "ai& *eetin- r rall0@ r &. All t,er % r*" % electi n 6r 6a-an&a n t 6r ,i+ite& +0 t,i" C &e a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 a1t, ri<e a%ter &1e n tice t all intere"te& 6artie" an& ,earin- =,ere all t,e intere"te& 6artie" =ere -i!en an eA1al 66 rt1nit0 t +e ,ear&? Pr !i&e&> T,at t,e C **i""i nG" a1t, ri<ati n ",all +e 61+li",e& in t= ne="6a6er" % -eneral circ1lati n t,r 1-, 1t t,e nati n % r at lea"t t=ice =it,in ne =ee: a%ter t,e a1t, ri<ati n ,a" +een -rante&.

DISCUSSIONS

Li"t % La=%1l Electi n Pr 6a-an&aG a $ ,amp8"ets9 "ea-"ets9 cards9 deca"s9 stic=ers 'r 't8er >ritten 'r printed materia"s '- a si<e n't m're t8an ei(8t and 'ne78a"- inc8es in >idt8 and -'urteen inc8es in "en(t8H ;and>ritten 'r printed "etters ur(in( *'ters t' *'te -'r 'r a(ainst an% particu"ar candidateH

122

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS c C"'t89 paper 'r card$'ard p'sters9 >8et8er -ramed 'r p'sted9 >it8 an area e4ceedin( t>' -eet $% t8ree -eet9 e4cept t8at9 at t8e site and 'n t8e 'ccasi'n '- a pu$"ic meetin( 'r ra""%9 'r in ann'uncin( t8e 8'"din( 'said meetin( 'r ra""%9 streamers n't e4ceedin( t8ree -eet $% ei(8t -eet in si<e9 s8a"" $e a""'>edG ,r'*ided9 T8at said streamers ma% n't $e disp"a%ed e4cept 'ne >ee= $e-'re t8e date '- t8e meetin( 'r ra""% and t8at it s8a"" $e rem'*ed >it8in se*ent%7t>' 8'urs a-ter said meetin( 'r ra""%H 'r A"" 't8er -'rms '- e"ecti'n pr'pa(anda n't pr'8i$ited $% t8is C'de as t8e C'mmissi'n ma% aut8'ri<e a-ter due n'tice t' a"" interested parties and 8earin( >8ere a"" t8e interested parties >ere (i*en an e5ua" 'pp'rtunit% t' $e 8eardG ,r'*ided9 T8at t8e C'mmissi'nBs aut8'ri<ati'n s8a"" $e pu$"is8ed in t>' ne>spapers '- (enera" circu"ati'n t8r'u(8'ut t8e nati'n -'r at "east t>ice >it8in 'ne >ee= a-ter t8e aut8'ri<ati'n 8as $een (ranted

Under Sec & '- R A n' 233. La>-u" E"ecti'n ,r'pa(anda inc"udesG 'ection %. Lawful .lection -ropaganda. 7 .lection propaganda, whether on television, ca/le television, radio, newspapers or any other medium is here/y allowed for all registered political parties, national, regional, sectoral parties or organi,ations participating under the party list elections and for all /ona fide candidates seeGing national and local elective positions su/Eect to the limitation on authori,ed expenses of candidates and political parties, o/servance of truth in advertising and to the supervision and regulation /y the 5ommission on .lections ?5@$.L.5*. 8or the purpose of this Act, lawful election propaganda shall include6 (.'. -amphlets, leaflets, cards, decals, sticGers or other written or printed materials the si,e of which does not exceed eight and one half inches in width and fourteen inches in lengthJ (.%. Handwritten or printed letters urging voters to vote for or against any particular political party or candidate for pu/lic officeJ (.(. 5loth, paper or card/oard posters, whether framed or posted, with an area not exceeding two ?%* feet /y three ?(* feet, except that, at the site and on the occasion of a pu/lic meeting or rally, or in announcing the holding of said meeting or rally, streamers not exceeding three ?(* feet /y eight ? * feet in si,e, shall /e allowed6 -rovided, 2hat said streamers may /e displayed five ?:* days /efore the date of the meeting or rally and shall /e removed within twentyfour ?%9* hours after said meeting or rallyJ (.9. -aid advertisements in print or /roadcast media6 -rovided, 2hat the advertisements shall follow the re;uirements set forth in +ection 9 of this ActJ and 123

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (.:. All other forms of election propaganda not prohi/ited /y the @mni/us .lection 5ode or this Act. ;ence9 t8e -'""'>in( means are deemed t' $e -'rms '- E"ecti'n ,r'pa(anda as pr'*ided and a""'>ed $% "a>G I ,rinted 'r pu$"is8ed materia"s ,amp8"ets Lea-"ets Cards Deca"s Stic=ers ;and>ritten 'r ,rinted "etters ,'sters (C"'t89 ,aper 'r Card$'ard Streamers

II

,aid ad*ertisementsin $r'adcast media and in print Ne>spaper Ne>s"etter Ne>s>ee="% @a<ette 'r Ma(a<ine Ad*ertisin( C'mic B''=s ;and$i""s Circu"ars Radi' Ad*ertisment Te"e*isi'n Ad*ertisement

III

Ot8er means ana"'('us t' t8'se menti'ned and n't pr'8i$ited $% t8e COMELEC

124

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS ,u$"ic Ra""ies ,u$"ic Meetin(s

T8e -'""'>in( re5uirements -'r di--erent -'rms '- e"ecti'n pr'pa(anda s8a"" $e c'mp"ied >it8G i An% ne>spaper9 ne>s"etter9 ne>s>ee="%9 (a<ette 'r ma(a<ine ad*ertisin(9 p'sters9 pamp8"ets9 c'mic $''=s9 circu"ars9 8and$i""s9 $umper stic=ers9 streamers9 samp"e "ist '- candidates 'r an% pu$"is8ed 'r printed p'"itica" matter and an% $r'adcast '- e"ecti'n pr'pa(anda $% te"e*isi'n 'r radi' -'r 'r a(ainst a candidate 'r (r'up '- candidates t' an% pu$"ic '--ice s8a"" $ear and $e identi-ied $% t8e reas'na$"% "e(i$"e 'r audi$"e >'rds Ip'"itica" ad*ertisement paid -'r9I -'""'>ed $% t8e true and c'rrect name and address '- t8e candidate 'r part% -'r >8'se $ene-it t8e e"ecti'n pr'pa(anda >as printed 'r aired ( Secti n 8> 6ara-ra6, 8.1> /.A. N . .))2) ,amp8"ets9 "ea-"ets9 cards9 deca"s9 stic=ers 'r 't8er >ritten 'r printed materia"s s8a"" n't e4ceedG iii 1!K# inc8 in >idt8 and !) inc8es in "en(t8

ii

C"'t89 paper 'r card$'ard p'sters9 >8et8er -ramed 'r p'sted9 >it8 an area n't e4ceedin(G # -eet $% & -eet

i*

Streamers9 at t8e site '- and 'n 'ccassi'n '- pu$"ic meetin( 'r ra""%9 'r in ann'uncin( t8e 8'"din( '- suc8 9 are a""'>ed and s8a""G N't e4ceed & -eet $% 1 -eet Ma%$e disp"a%ed 'r p'sted + da%s $e-'re t8e date '- suc8 meetin( 'r ra""% Be rem'*ed >it8in #) 8'urs a-ter suc8 meetin( 'r ra""%

I- t8e $r'adcast is (i*en -ree '- c8ar(e $% t8e radi' 'r te"e*isi'n stati'n9 it s8a"" $e identi-ied $% t8e >'rds Cairti*e % r t,i" +r a&ca"t =a" 6r !i&e& %ree % c,ar-e +0C -'""'>ed $% t,e tr1e an& c rrect na*e an& a&&re"" % t,e +r a&ca"t entit0. (Sec. 8 6ar. 8.$ /.A. N . .))2) ,rint9 $r'adcast 'r 'utd''r ad*ertisements d'nated t' t8e candidate 'r p'"itica" part% ",all n t +e 6rinte&> 61+li",e&> +r a&ca"t> r e7,i+ite& =it, 1t t,e =ritten acce6tance +0 t,e "ai& can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0. Suc8 >ritten acceptance ",all +e attac,e& t t,e a&!erti"in125

*i

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS c ntract an& ",all +e "1+*itte& t t,e COMELEC as pr'*ided in Su$secti'n . & 8ere'- (Sec. 8 6ar. 8.( /.A. N . .))2) *ii ,rint ad*ertisements ",all n t e7cee& ne#% 1rt, (1J8) 6a-e> in +r a& ",eet and ne#,al% (1J$) 6a-e in ta+l i&" t8rice a >ee= per ne>spaper9 ma(a<ine 'r 't8er pu$"icati'ns9 durin( t8e campai(n peri'd ( Sec. 2 6ar. 2.1 /.A. N . .))2) Un&er Sec. 2 6ar. 2.$ /.A. N . .))2G a Eac8 $'na -ide candidate 'r re(istered p'"itica" part% -'r a nati'na""% e"ecti*e '--ice s8a"" $e entit"ed t' n't m're t8an 'ne 8undred t>ent% (!#3) minutes '- te"e*isi'n ad*ertisement and 'ne 8undred ei(8t% (!13) minutes '- radi' ad*ertisement >8et8er $% purc8ase 'r d'nati'n Eac8 $'na -ide candidate 'r re(istered p'"itica" part% -'r a "'ca""% e"ecti*e '--ice ",all +e entitle& t n t * re t,an "i7t0 (2)) *in1te" % tele!i"i n a&!erti"e*ent and ninet0 (.)) *in1te" % ra&i a&!erti"e*ent >8et8er $% purc8ase 'r

*iii

/'r t8is purp'se9 t8e COMELEC ",all reA1ire an0 +r a&ca"t "tati n r entit0 t "1+*it t t,e COMELEC a c 60 % it" +r a&ca"t l -" an& certi%icate" % 6er% r*ance -'r t8e re*ie> and *eri-icati'n '- t8e -re5uenc%9 date9 time and durati'n '- ad*ertisements $r'adcast -'r an% candidate 'r p'"itica" part%

i4

Sec 1. '- B , B"( 11! pr'*idesG Secti n 82. Re(u"ati'n '- e"ecti'n pr'pa(anda t8r'u(8 mass media a T8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" pr'mu"(ate ru"es and re(u"ati'ns re(ardin( t8e sa"e '- air time -'r partisan p'"itica" purp'ses durin( t8e campai(n peri'd t in"1re t,e eA1al ti*e a" t &1rati n an& A1alit0 in a!aila+le t all can&i&ate" % r t,e "a*e %%ice r 6 litical 6artie" at t,e "a*e rate" r -i!en %ree % c,ar-e@ t,at "1c, rate" are rea" na+le an& n t ,i-,er t,an t, "e c,ar-e& t,er +10er" r 1"er" % air ti*e % r n n#6 litical 61r6 "e"@ t8at t8e pr'*isi'ns '- t8is C'de re(ardin( t8e "imitati'n '- e4penditures $% candidates and p'"itica" parties and c'ntri$uti'ns $% pri*ate pers'ns9 entities and instituti'ns are e--ecti*e"% en-'rced @ an& t en"1re t,at "ai& ra&i +r a&ca"tin- an& tele!i"i n "tati n" ",all n t 1n&1l0 all = t,e "c,e&1lin- % an0 6r -ra* r 6er*it an0 "6 n" r t *ani%e"tl0 %a! r r 66 "e an0 can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0 +0 1n&1l0 r re6eate&l0 re%errin- t r incl1&in- "ai& can&i&ate an&J r 6 litical 6art0 in "1c, 6r -ra* respectin(9 8'>e*er9 in a"" instances t8e ri(8t '- said stati'ns t' $r'adcast 126

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS acc'unts '- si(ni-icant 'r ne>s>'rt8% e*ents and *ie>s 'n matters '- pu$"ic interest All c ntract" % r a&!erti"in- in an% ne>spaper9 ma(a<ine9 peri'dica" 'r an% -'rm '- pu$"icati'n pr'm'tin( 'r 'pp'sin( t8e candidac% '- an% pers'n -'r pu$"ic '--ice s8a""9 $e-'re its imp"ementati'n9 +e re-i"tere& +0 "ai& ne="6a6er> *a-a<ine> 6eri &ical r 61+licati n =it, t,e C **i""i n. In e*er% case9 it ",all +e "i-ne& +0 t,e can&i&ate c ncerne& r +0 t,e &1l0 a1t, ri<e& re6re"entati!e % t,e 6 litical 6art0 N %ranc,i"e r 6er*it t' 'perate a radi' 'r te"e*isi'n stati'n ",all +e -rante& r i""1e&> "1"6en&e& r cancelle& &1rin- t,e electi n 6eri & An% radi' 'r te"e*isi'n stati'ns9 inc"udin( t8at '>ned 'r c'ntr'""ed $% t8e @'*ernment9 ",all -i!e %ree % c,ar-e eA1al ti*e an& 6r *inence t an accre&ite& 6 litical 6art0 r it" can&i&ate" i% it -i!e" %ree % c,ar-e air ti*e t an accre&ite& 6 litical 6art0 r it" can&i&ate" % r 6 litical 61r6 "e". In a"" instances9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" super*ise t8e use and emp"'%ment '- press9 radi' and te"e*isi'n -aci"ities s' as t -i!e can&i&ate" eA1al 66 rt1nitie" 1n&er eA1al circ1*"tance" t *a:e :n =n t,eir A1ali%icati n" an& t,eir "tan& n 61+lic i""1e" =it,in t,e li*it" "et % rt, in t,i" C &e n electi n "6en&in-. 4 Su$Cect t' t8e re5uirements '- "'ca" 'rdinances 'n t8e issuance 'permits> an0 6 litical 6art0 "166 rtin- %%icial can&i&ate" r an0 can&i&ate in&i!i&1all0 r B intl0 =it, t,er a"6irant" *a0 , l& 6eace%1l 6 litical rallie"> *eetin-"> an& t,er "i*ilar acti!itie" &1rint,e ca*6ai-n 6eri &G ,r'*ided9 T8at a"" app"icati'ns -'r 6er*it" t , l& *eetin-"> rallie" an& t,er "i*ilar 6 litical acti!itie"> recei6t % =,ic, *1"t +e ac:n =le&-e& in =ritin- an& =,ic, a66licati n ",all +e i**e&iatel0 6 "te& in a c n"6ic1 1" 6lace in t,e cit0 r *1nici6al +1il&in-> ",all +e acte& 16 n in =ritin- +0 l cal a1t, ritie" c ncerne& =it,in t,ree &a0" a%ter t,e %ilin- t,ere % and an% app"icati'n n't acted up'n >it8in said peri'd s8a"" $e deemed appr'*edG and ,r'*ided9 -urt8er9 T8at denia" '- an% app"icati'n -'r said permit s8a"" $e appea"a$"e t' t8e pr'*incia" e"ecti'n super*is'r 'r t' t8e C'mmissi'n >8'se decisi'n s8a"" $e made >it8in -'rt%7ei(8t 8'urs and >8ic8 s8a"" $e -ina" and e4ecut'r%G ,r'*ided9 -ina""%9 T8at 'ne 'n"% Custi-ia$"e (r'und -'r denia" is a pri'r >ritten app"icati'n $% an% candidate 'r p'"itica" part% -'r t8e same purp'se 8as $een appr'*ed (Sec 109 B , B"( 11!) An% p'"itica" part% 'r candidate s8a"" n ti%0 t,e electi n re-i"trar c ncerne& % an0 61+lic rall0 "ai& 6 litical 6art0 r can&i&ate inten&" t r-ani<e an& , l& in t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 9 and >it8in se*en >'r=in( da%s t8erea-ter su$mit t' t8e e"ecti'n re(istrar a statement '- e4penses incurred in c'nnecti'n t8ere>it8 (Sec 109 B , B"( 11!) 127

4i

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS 4ii T8e COMELEC s8a"" 6r c1re ",all in at lea"t ne (1) ne="6a6er % -eneral circ1lati n an& air ti*e in at lea"t ne (1) *aB r +r a&ca"tin- "tati n r entit0 in e!er0 6r !ince r cit0? P#o"ided+ ho!e"e#+ T,at in t,e a+"ence % "ai& ne="6a6er> 61+licati n ",all +e & ne in an0 t,er *a-a<ine r 6eri &ical in "ai& 6r !ince r cit0> =,ic, ",all +e :n =n a" CCOMELEC S6aceCG -rovided, further, T8at in t,e a+"ence '- said $r'adcastin( stati'n 'r entit%9 $r'adcastin( s8a"" $e d'ne in an% radi' 'r te"e*isi'n stati'n in said pr'*ince 'r cit%9 >8ic8 s8a"" $e =n'>n as ICOMELEC TimeI Sai& ti*e ",all +e all cate& t t,e COMELEC %ree % c,ar-e> =,ile "ai& "6ace ",all +e all cate& t t,e COMELEC 16 n 6a0*ent % B1"t c *6en"ati n. T8e COMELEC time and space s8a"" $e 1tili<e& e7cl1"i!el0 +0 t,e COMELEC % r 61+lic in% r*ati n &i""e*inati n n electi n#relate& c ncern". (Sec 19 R A n' 233.) COMELEC ma% aut8'ri<e p'"itica" parties and part%7"ist (r'ups t' erect c'mm'n p'ster areas -'r t8eir candidates in n t * re t,an ten (1)) 61+lic 6lace" suc8 as p"a<as9 mar=ets9 $aran(a% centers and t8e "i=e9 >8erein candidates can p'st9 disp"a% 'r e48i$it e"ecti'n pr'pa(andaG -rovided9 T8at t8e si<e '- t8e p'ster areas s8a"" n t e7cee& t=el!e (1$) +0 "i7teen (12) %eet r it" eA1i!alent. (Sec 2 R A 233.) Independent candidates >it8 n 6 litical 6artie" *a0 li:e=i"e +e a1t, ri<e& t erect c ** n 6 "ter area" in n t * re t,an ten (1)) 61+lic 6lace"> t,e "i<e % =,ic, ",all n t e7cee& % 1r (8) +0 "i7 (2) %eet r it" eA1i!alent. (Sec 2 R A n' 233.) Candidates ma% p'st an0 la=%1l 6r 6a-an&a *aterial in 6ri!ate 6lace" =it, t,e c n"ent % t,e =ner t,ere %> an& in 61+lic 6lace" r 6r 6ert0 >8ic8 s8a"" $e a""'cated e5uita$"% and impartia""% am'n( t8e candidates (Sec 29 R A n' 233.)

4iii

4i*

4*

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

DISCUSSIONS It ",all +e 1nla=%1l % r an0 6er" n &1rin- t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri &? a $ T' rem'*e9 destr'%9 '$"iterate9 in an% manner de-ace 'r tamper a "a>-u" e"ecti'n pr'pa(anda T' pre*ent t8e distri$uti'n '- "a>-u" e"ecti'n pr'pa(anda 128

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

Sec. 88. /eA1ire*ent" % r 61+li",e& r 6rinte& electi n 6r 6a-an&a. # An0 ne="6a6er> ne="letter> ne="=ee:l0> -a<ette r *a-a<ine a&!erti"in-> 6 "ter"> 6a*6,let"> circ1lar"> ,an&+ill"> +1*6er "tic:er"> "trea*er"> "i*6le li"t % can&i&ate" r an0 61+li",e& r 6rinte& 6 litical *atter % r r a-ain"t a can&i&ate r -r 16 % can&i&ate" t an0 61+lic %%ice ",all +ear an& +e i&enti%ie& +0 t,e = r&" C6ai& % r +0C % ll =e& +0 t,e tr1e an& c rrect na*e an& a&&re"" % t,e 6a0 r an& +0 t,e = r&" C6rinte& +0C % ll =e& +0 t,e tr1e an& c rrect na*e an& a&&re"" % t,e 6rinter.

DISCUSSIONS /eA1ire*ent" % 61+li",e& r 6rinte& electi n 6r 6a-an&a? An% pu$"is8ed 'r printed e"ecti'n pr'pa(anda s8'u"d $ear and $e identi-ied $% t8e >'rdsG ! # Ipaid -'r $%I -'""'>ed $% name and address '- t8e pa%'r andH $% t8e >'rds Iprinted $%I -'"'>ed $% t8e name and address '- t8e printer

Sec. 84. Pr ,i+ite& % r*" % electi n 6r 6a-an&a. # It ",all +e 1nla=%1l? (a) T 6rint> 61+li",> 6 "t r &i"tri+1te an0 6 "ter> 6a*6,let> circ1lar> ,an&+ill> r 6rinte& *atter 1r-in- ! ter" t ! te % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate 1nle"" t,e0 +ear t,e na*e" an& a&&re""e" % t,e 6rinter an& 6a0 r a" reA1ire& in Secti n 88 ,ere %@ (+) T erect> 61t 16> *a:e 1"e %> attac,> %l at r &i"6la0 an0 +ill+ ar&> tin6late#6 "ter> +all n" an& t,e li:e> % =,ate!er "i<e> ",a6e> % r* r :in&> a&!erti"in- % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0@ (c) T 61rc,a"e> *an1%act1re> reA1e"t> &i"tri+1te r acce6t elect ral 6r 6a-an&a -a&-et"> "1c, a" 6en"> li-,ter"> %an" % =,ate!er nat1re> %la",li-,t"> at,letic - &" r *aterial"> =allet"> ",irt"> ,at"> +an&ana"> *atc,e"> ci-arette" an& t,e li:e> e7ce6t t,at ca*6ai-n "166 rter" acc *6an0in- a can&i&ate ",all +e all =e& t =ear ,at" an&J r ",irt" r T#",irt" a&!erti"in- a can&i&ate@ (&) T ", = r &i"6la0 61+licl0 an0 a&!erti"e*ent r 6r 6a-an&a % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate +0 *ean" % cine*at -ra6,0> a1&i #!i"1al 1nit" r t,er "creen 6r Becti n" e7ce6t teleca"t" =,ic, *a0 +e all =e& a" ,ereina%ter 6r !i&e&@ an& 129

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (e) F r an0 ra&i +r a&ca"tin- r tele!i"i n "tati n t "ell r -i!e %ree % c,ar-e air ti*e % r ca*6ai-n an& t,er 6 litical 61r6 "e" e7ce6t a" a1t, ri<e& in t,i" C &e 1n&er t,e r1le" an& re-1lati n" 6r *1l-ate& +0 t,e C **i""i n 61r"1ant t,eret . An0 6r ,i+ite& electi n 6r 6a-an&a -a&-et r a&!erti"e*ent ",all +e "t 66e&> c n%i"cate& r t rn & =n +0 t,e re6re"entati!e % t,e C **i""i n 16 n "6eci%ic a1t, rit0 % t,e C **i""i n. T,e % ll =in- are li"t % Pr ,i+ite& % r*" % electi n 6r 6a-an&a? a.) T 6rint> 61+li",> 6 "t r &i"tri+1te an0 6 "ter> 6a*6,let> circ1lar> ,an&+ill> r 6rinte& *atter 1r-in- ! ter" t ! te % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate 1nle"" t,e0 +ear t,e na*e" an& a&&re""e" % t,e 6rinter an& 6a0 r a" reA1ire& in Secti n 88 ,ere %@ +.) T erect> 61t 16> *a:e 1"e %> attac,> %l at r &i"6la0 an0 +ill+ ar&> tin6late#6 "ter> +all n" an& t,e li:e> % =,ate!er "i<e> ",a6e> % r* r :in&> a&!erti"in- % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0. c.) T 61rc,a"e> *an1%act1re> reA1e"t> &i"tri+1te r acce6t elect ral 6r 6a-an&a -a&-et"> "1c, a" 6en"> li-,ter"> %an" % =,ate!er nat1re> %la",li-,t"> at,letic - &" r *aterial"> =allet"> ",irt"> ,at"> +an&ana"> *atc,e"> ci-arette" an& t,e li:e> e7ce6t t,at ca*6ai-n "166 rter" acc *6an0in- a can&i&ate ",all +e all =e& t =ear ,at" an&J r ",irt" r T#",irt" a&!erti"in- a can&i&ate. &.) T ", = r &i"6la0 61+licl0 an0 a&!erti"e*ent r 6r 6a-an&a % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate +0 *ean" % cine*at -ra6,0> a1&i #!i"1al 1nit" r t,er "creen 6r Becti n" e7ce6t teleca"t" =,ic, *a0 +e all =e& a" ,ereina%ter 6r !i&e& e.) F r an0 ra&i +r a&ca"tin- r tele!i"i n "tati n t "ell r -i!e %ree % c,ar-e air ti*e % r ca*6ai-n an& t,er 6 litical 61r6 "e" e7ce6t a" a1t, ri<e& in t,i" C &e 1n&er t,e r1le" an& re-1lati n" 6r *1l-ate& +0 t,e C **i""i n 61r"1ant t,eret . An0 6r ,i+ite& electi n 6r 6a-an&a ",all +e "t 66e&> c n%i"cate& r t rn & =n +0 t,e re6re"entati!e % t,e C **i""i n 16 n "6eci%ic a1t, rit0 % t,e C **i""i n. Sec. 82. /e-1lati n % electi n 6r 6a-an&a t,r 1-, *a"" *e&ia. # (a) T,e C **i""i n ",all 6r *1l-ate r1le" an& re-1lati n" re-ar&in- t,e "ale % air ti*e % r 6arti"an 6 litical 61r6 "e" &1rin- t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri & t in"1re t,e eA1al ti*e a" t &1rati n an& A1alit0 in a!aila+le t all can&i&ate" % r t,e "a*e %%ice r 6 litical 6artie" at t,e "a*e rate" r -i!en %ree % c,ar-e@ t,at "1c, rate" are rea" na+le an& n t ,i-,er t,an t, "e c,ar-e& t,er +10er" r 1"er" % air ti*e % r n n#6 litical 61r6 "e"@ t,at t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" C &e re-ar&in130

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS t,e li*itati n % e76en&it1re" +0 can&i&ate" an& 6 litical 6artie" an& c ntri+1ti n" +0 6ri!ate 6er" n"> entitie" an& in"tit1ti n" are e%%ecti!el0 en% rce&@ an& t en"1re t,at "ai& ra&i +r a&ca"tin- an& tele!i"i n "tati n" ",all n t 1n&1l0 all = t,e "c,e&1lin- % an0 6r -ra* r 6er*it an0 "6 n" r t *ani%e"tl0 %a! r r 66 "e an0 can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0 +0 1n&1l0 r re6eate&l0 re%errin- t r incl1&in- "ai& can&i&ate an&J r 6 litical 6art0 in "1c, 6r -ra* re"6ectin-> , =e!er> in all in"tance" t,e ri-,t % "ai& "tati n" t +r a&ca"t acc 1nt" % "i-ni%icant r ne="= rt,0 e!ent" an& !ie=" n *atter" % 61+lic intere"t. (+) All c ntract" % r a&!erti"in- in an0 ne="6a6er> *a-a<ine> 6eri &ical r an0 % r* % 61+licati n 6r * tin- r 66 "in- t,e can&i&ac0 % an0 6er" n % r 61+lic %%ice ",all> +e% re it" i*6le*entati n> +e re-i"tere& +0 "ai& ne="6a6er> *a-a<ine> 6eri &ical r 61+licati n =it, t,e C **i""i n. In e!er0 ca"e> it ",all +e "i-ne& +0 t,e can&i&ate c ncerne& r +0 t,e &1l0 a1t, ri<e& re6re"entati!e % t,e 6 litical 6art0. (c) N %ranc,i"e r 6er*it t 6erate a ra&i r tele!i"i n "tati n ",all +e -rante& r i""1e&> "1"6en&e& r cancelle& &1rin- t,e electi n 6eri &. An0 ra&i r tele!i"i n "tati n"> incl1&in- t,at =ne& r c ntr lle& +0 t,e G !ern*ent> ",all -i!e %ree % c,ar-e eA1al ti*e an& 6r *inence t an accre&ite& 6 litical 6art0 r it" can&i&ate" i% it -i!e" %ree % c,ar-e air ti*e t an accre&ite& 6 litical 6art0 r it" can&i&ate" % r 6 litical 61r6 "e". In all in"tance"> t,e C **i""i n ",all "16er!i"e t,e 1"e an& e*6l 0*ent % 6re""> ra&i an& tele!i"i n %acilitie" " a" t -i!e can&i&ate" eA1al 66 rt1nitie" 1n&er eA1al circ1*"tance" t *a:e :n =n t,eir A1ali%icati n" an& t,eir "tan& n 61+lic i""1e" =it,in t,e li*it" "et % rt, in t,i" C &e n electi n "6en&in-. /1le" an& re-1lati n" 6r *1l-ate& +0 t,e C **i""i n 1n&er an& +0 a1t, rit0 % t,i" "ecti n ",all ta:e e%%ect n t,e "e!ent, &a0 a%ter t,eir 61+licati n in at lea"t t= &ail0 ne="6a6er" % -eneral circ1lati n. Pri r t t,e e%%ecti!it0 % "ai& r1le" an& re-1lati n"> n 6 litical a&!erti"e*ent r 6r 6a-an&a % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0 ",all +e 61+li",e& r +r a&ca"t t,r 1-, t,e *a"" *e&ia. 'i lati n % t,e r1le" an& re-1lati n" % t,e C **i""i n i""1e& t i*6le*ent t,i" "ecti n ",all +e an electi n %%en"e 61ni",a+le 1n&er Secti n $28 ,ere %. /e-1lati n % Electi n Pr 6a-an&a t,r 1-, Ma"" Me&ia. a.) T,e C **i""i n ",all 6r *1l-ate r1le" an& re-1lati n" /e-ar&in- t,e "ale % air ti*e &1rin- t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri & Ma:e "1re t,at t,e li*itati n % e76en&it1re" are e%%ecti!el0 en% rce&

131

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS En"1re t,at "ai& ra&i +r a&ca"tin- an& tele!i"i n "tati n" ",all n t all = "c,e&1lin- % an0 6r -ra* r 6er*it an0 "6 n" r t *ani%e"tl0 %a! r r 66 "e an0 can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0 e7ce6t % r ne="= rt,0 e!ent" an& *atter" % 61+lic intere"t.

+.) All c ntract" % r a&!erti"in- in an0 ne="6a6er> *a-a<ine> 6eri &ical r an0 % r* % 61+licati n 6r * tin- r 66 "in- t,e can&i&ac0 % an0 6er" n % r 61+lic %%ice ",all? 1.) Be% re it" i*6le*entati n> +e re-i"tere& =it, t,e C **i""i n. $.) Be "i-ne& +0 t,e can&i&ate c ncerne& r +0 t,e &1l0 a1t, ri<e& re6re"entati!e % t,e 6 litical 6art0. (.) N %ranc,i"e r 6er*it t 6erate a ra&i r tele!i"i n "tati n ",all +e -rante& r i""1e&> "1"6en&e& r cancelle& &1rin- t,e electi n 6eri &. An0 ra&i r tele!i"i n "tati n"> incl1&in- t,at =ne& r c ntr lle& +0 t,e G !ern*ent> ",all -i!e %ree % c,ar-e eA1al ti*e an& 6r *inence t an accre&ite& 6 litical 6art0 r it" can&i&ate" i% it -i!e" %ree % c,ar-e air ti*e t an accre&ite& 6 litical 6art0 r it" can&i&ate" % r 6 litical 61r6 "e". In all in"tance"> t,e C **i"" n ",all "16er!i"e t,e 1"e an& e*6l 0*ent % 6re""> ra&i an& tele!i"i n %acilitie" " a" t -i!e can&i&ate" eA1al 66 rt1nitie" 1n&er eA1al circ1*"tance" t *a:e :n =n t,eir A1ali%icati n" an& t,eir "tan& n 61+lic i""1e" =it,in t,e li*it" "et % rt, in t,i" C &e n electi n "6en&in-. An0 !i lati n % t,e r1le" an& re-1lati n" % t,e C **i""i n n t,i" "ecti n ",all +e an electi n %%en"e 61ni",a+le 1n&er Secti n $28 ,ere %. Sec. 83. /allie"> *eetin-" an& t,er 6 litical acti!itie". # S1+Bect t t,e reA1ire*ent" % l cal r&inance" n t,e i""1ance % 6er*it"> an0 6 litical 6art0 "166 rtin- %%icial can&i&ate" r an0 can&i&ate in&i!i&1all0 r B intl0 =it, t,er a"6irant" *a0 , l& 6eace%1l 6 litical rallie"> *eetin-"> an& t,er "i*ilar acti!itie" &1rin- t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri &? Pr !i&e&> T,at all a66licati n" % r 6er*it" t , l& *eetin-"> rallie" an& t,er "i*ilar 6 litical acti!itie"> recei6t % =,ic, *1"t +e ac:n =le&-e& in =ritin- an& =,ic, a66licati n ",all +e i**e&iatel0 6 "te& in a c n"6ic1 1" 6lace in t,e cit0 r *1nici6al +1il&in-> ",all +e acte& 16 n in =ritin- +0 l cal a1t, ritie" c ncerne& =it,in t,ree &a0" a%ter t,e %ilin- t,ere % an& an0 a66licati n n t acte& 16 n =it,in "ai& 6eri & ",all +e &ee*e& a66r !e&? an& Pr !i&e&> %1rt,er> T,at &enial % an0 a66licati n % r "ai& 6er*it ",all +e a66eala+le t t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r r t t,e C **i""i n =, "e &eci"i n ",all +e *a&e =it,in % rt0#ei-,t , 1r" an& =,ic, ",all +e %inal an& e7ec1t r0? Pr !i&e&> %inall0> T,at ne nl0 B1"ti%ia+le -r 1n& % r &enial i" a 6ri r =ritten a66licati n +0 an0 can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0 % r t,e "a*e 61r6 "e ,a" +een a66r !e&. DISCUSSIONS

132

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS /eA1ire*ent" % r I""1ance % Per*it"? ! # Receipt '- app"icati'ns -'r permits must $e ac=n'>"ed(ed in >ritin( ,'stin( '- t8e app"icati'n in a c'nspicu'us p"ace in t8e cit% 'r municipa" $ui"din(

T8e app"icati'n s8a"" $e acted up'n in >ritin( $% "'ca" aut8'rities c'ncerned >it8in t8ree da%s a-ter t8e -i"in( t8ere'- and an% app"icati'n n't acted up'n >it8in said peri'd s8a"" $e deemed appr'*ed

9,ere t a66eal a Denie& Per*it ! # T' t8e pr'*incia" e"ecti'n super*is'r 'rH T8e C'mmissi'n

9,en Deci"i n ",all +e *a&e Decisi'n s8a"" $e made >it8in -'rt%7ei(8t 8'urs and >8ic8 s8a"" $e -ina" and e4ecut'r%

Gr 1n& % r Denial % a Per*it T8e 'ne and 'n"% Custi-ia$"e (r'und -'r denia" is a pri'r >ritten app"icati'n $% an% candidate 'r p'"itica" part% -'r t8e same purp'se 8as $een appr'*ed Sec. 88. P1+lic rall0. # An0 6 litical 6art0 r can&i&ate ",all n ti%0 t,e electi n re-i"trar c ncerne& % an0 61+lic rall0 "ai& 6 litical 6art0 r can&i&ate inten&" t r-ani<e an& , l& in t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0> an& =it,in "e!en = r:in- &a0" t,erea%ter "1+*it t t,e electi n re-i"trar a "tate*ent % e76en"e" inc1rre& in c nnecti n t,ere=it,.

DISCUSSIONS

P1+lic /allie" ! T8e e"ecti'n re(istrar s8'u"d $e in-'rmed >it8 re(ard t' an% pu$"ic ra""% a p'"itica" part% 'r candidate intends t' 'r(ani<e and 8'"dH 133

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS # and >it8in 0 da%s su$mit t' t8e e"ecti'n re(istrar a statement '- e4penses incurred in t8e pu$"ic ra""% t8e%A*e 'r(ani<ed

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

9,en & e" it +ec *e 1nla=%1lL It s8a"" $e un"a>-u" t' (i*e 'r accept9 -ree '- c8ar(e9 direct"% 'r indirect"%9 transp'rtati'n9 -''d 'r drin=s 'r t8in(s '- *a"ueG ! # & -i*e 8'urs $e-'re and a-ter a pu$"ic meetin(H 'n t8e da% precedin( t8e e"ecti'nH and 'n t8e da% '- t8e e"ecti'n

Sec. .). C *elec "6ace. # T,e C **i""i n ",all 6r c1re "6ace in at lea"t ne ne="6a6er % -eneral circ1lati n in e!er0 6r !ince r cit0? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at in t,e a+"ence % "ai& ne="6a6er> 61+licati n ",all +e & ne in an0 t,er *a-a<ine r 6eri &ical in "ai& 6r !ince r cit0> =,ic, ",all +e :n =n a" CC *elec S6aceC =,erein can&i&ate" can ann 1nce t,eir can&i&ac0. Sai& "6ace ",all +e all cate&> %ree % c,ar-e> eA1all0 an& i*6artiall0 +0 t,e C **i""i n a* n- all can&i&ate" =it,in t,e area in =,ic, t,e ne="6a6er i" circ1late&.

DISCUSSIONS

T,e C **i""i n ",all 6r c1re "6ace? ! cit% # In t8e a$sence '- said ne>spaper in an% 't8er ma(a<ine 'r peri'dica" in said pr'*ince 'r cit% At "east 'ne ne>spaper '- (enera" circu"ati'n in t8e said pr'*ince 'r

134

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS T8e space ac5uired s8a"" $e =n'>n as WC'me"ec SpaceA >8ere t8e candidates can ann'unce t8eir candidac% T8e said space s8a"" $e a""'cated9 -ree '- c8ar(e9 e5ua""% and impartia""% $% t8e C'mmissi'n am'n( a"" candidates >it8in t8e area in >8ic8 t8e ne>spaper is circu"ated

EU/ISP/UDENCE

PHILIPPINE P/ESS INSTITUTE> INC. !". COMELEC $88 SC/A $3$ A >ritten c'mmunicati'n '--icia""% directin( a print media c'mpan% t' supp"% -ree print space9 dispatc8ed $% a ('*ernment a(enc% and si(ned $% a mem$er '- t8e C'mmissi'n presuma$"% "e(a""% aut8'ri<ed t' d' s'9 is $'und t' pr'duce a c'erci*e e--ect up'n t8e c'mpan% s' addressed T' c'mpe" print media c'mpanies t' d'nate ECOMELEC spaceF '- t8e dimensi'ns speci-ied in Secti'n # '- Res'"uti'n N' #00#9 am'unts t' Eta=in(F '- pri*ate pr'pert% -'r pu$"ic use 'r purp'se T8e e"ement '- necessit% -'r t8e ta=in( 8as n't $een s8'>n $% resp'ndent COMELEC T8e ta=in( '- pri*ate pr'pert% -'r pu$"ic use is aut8'ri<ed $% t8e C'nstituti'n9 $ut n't >it8'ut pa%ment '- ECust c'mpensati'n F Secti'n # '- Res'"uti'n N' #00# d'es n't c'nstitute a *a"id e4ercise '- t8e p'>er 'eminent d'main

Sec. .1. C *elec 6 "ter area. # 9,ene!er 6ractica+le> t,e C **i""i n ",all al" &e"i-nate an& 6r !i&e % r a c ** n 6 "ter are in "trate-ic 6lace" in eac, t =n =,erein can&i&ate" can ann 1nce an& %1rt,er t,eir can&i&ac0 t,r 1-, 6 "ter"> "ai& "6ace t +e li:e=i"e all cate& %ree % c,ar-e> eA1all0 an& i*6artiall0 +0 t,e C **i""i n a* n- all t,e can&i&ate" c ncerne&.

DISCUSSIONS

135

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS C *elec 6 "ter area A c'mm'n p'ster space desi(nated and pr'*ided $% t8e C'mmissi'n T8e space s8a"" "i=e>ise $e a""'cated -ree '- c8ar(e9 e5ua""% and impartia""% $% t8e C'mmissi'n am'n( a"" t8e candidates c'ncerned

Sec. .$. C *elec ti*e. # T,e C **i""i n ",all 6r c1re ra&i an& tele!i"i n ti*e t +e :n =n a" CC *elec Ti*eC =,ic, ",all +e all cate& eA1all0 an& i*6artiall0 a* n- t,e can&i&ate" =it,in t,e area % c !era-e % all ra&i an& tele!i"i n "tati n". F r t,i" 61r6 "e> t,e %ranc,i"e % all ra&i +r a&ca"tin- an& tele!i"i n "tati n are ,ere+0 a*en&e& " a" t 6r !i&e ra&i tele!i"i n ti*e> %ree % c,ar-e> &1rin- t,e 6eri & % t,e ca*6ai-n.

DISCUSSIONS

C *elec Ti*e Air time o/tained from radio and television. /'r t8is purp'se9 t8e -ranc8ise '- a"" radi' $r'adcastin( and te"e*isi'n stati'n are 8ere$% amended s' as t' pr'*ide radi' te"e*isi'n time9 -ree 'c8ar(e9 durin( t8e peri'd '- t8e campai(n T8e space s8a"" "i=e>ise $e a""'cated -ree '- c8ar(e9 e5ua""% and impartia""% $% t8e C'mmissi'n am'n( a"" t8e candidates c'ncerned

Sec. .(. C *elec in% r*ati n +1lletin. # T,e C **i""i n ",all ca1"e t,e 6rintin-> an& "16er!i"e t,e &i""e*inati n % +1lletin" t +e :n =n a" CC *elec B1lletinC =,ic, ",all +e % "1c, "i<e a" t a&eA1atel0 c ntain t,e 6ict1re> +i # &ata an& 6r -ra* % - !ern*ent % e!er0 can&i&ate. Sai& +1lletin ",all +e &i""e*inate& t t,e ! ter" r &i"6la0e& in "1c, 6lace" a" t -i!e &1e 6r *inence t,eret . An0 can&i&ate *a0 re6rint at ,i" e76en"e> an0 "Comelec ,ulletin" 16 n 6ri r a1t, rit0 % t,e C **i""i n? Pr !i&e& t,at t,e 6rintin- % t,e na*e" % t,e &i%%erent can&i&ate" =it, t,eir +i #&ata *1"t +e in al6,a+etical r&er irre"6ecti!e % 6art0 a%%iliati n.

DISCUSSIONS

136

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS C *elec In% r*ati n B1lletin A Eournal containing the picture, /io-data and program of government of every candidate. Said $u""etin s8a"" $e disseminated t' t8e *'ters 'r disp"a%ed in suc8 p"aces as t' (i*e due pr'minence t8eret' An% candidate ma% reprint at 8is e4pense9 an% L5omelec 4ulletinL up'n pri'r aut8'rit% '- t8e C'mmissi'n

137

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

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

Sec. .8. De%initi n". # A" 1"e& in t,i" Article? (a) T,e ter* Cc ntri+1ti nC incl1&e" a -i%t> & nati n> "1+"cri6ti n> l an> a&!ance r &e6 "it % * ne0 r an0t,in- % !al1e> r a c ntract> 6r *i"e r a-ree*ent t c ntri+1te> =,et,er r n t le-all0 en% rcea+le> *a&e % r t,e 61r6 "e % in%l1encin- t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n" +1t ",all n t incl1&e "er!ice" ren&ere& =it, 1t c *6en"ati n +0 in&i!i&1al" ! l1nteerin- a 6 rti n r all % t,eir ti*e in +e,al% % a can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0. It ",all al" incl1&e t,e 1"e % %acilitie" ! l1ntaril0 & nate& +0 t,er 6er" n"> t,e * ne0 !al1e % =,ic, can +e a""e""e& +a"e& n t,e rate" 6re!ailin- in t,e area. (+) T,e ter* Ce76en&it1reC incl1&e" t,e 6a0*ent r &eli!er0 % * ne0 % an0t,in- % !al1e> r a c ntract> 6r *i"e r a-ree*ent t *a:e an e76en&it1re> % r t,e 61r6 "e % in%l1encin- t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n. It ",all al" incl1&e t,e 1"e % %acilitie" 6er" nall0 =ne& +0 t,e can&i&ate> t,e * ne0 !al1e % t,e 1"e % =,ic, can +e a""e""e& +a"e& n t,e rate" 6re!ailin- in t,e area. (c) T,e ter* C6er" nC incl1&e" an in&i!i&1al> 6artner",i6> c **ittee> a"" ciati n> c r6 rati n> an& an0 t,er r-ani<ati n r -r 16 % 6er" n".

DISCUSSIONS C ntri+1ti n Inc"udes a (i-t9 d'nati'n9 su$scripti'n9 "'an9 ad*ance 'r dep'sit '- m'ne% 'r an%t8in( '- *a"ue9 'r a c'ntract9 pr'mise 'r a(reement t' c'ntri$ute9 >8et8er 'r n't "e(a""% en-'rcea$"e9 made -'r t8e purp'se '- in-"uencin( t8e resu"ts 't8e e"ecti'ns It s8a"" a"s' inc"ude t8e use '- -aci"ities *'"untari"% d'nated $% 't8er pers'ns9 t8e m'ne% *a"ue '- >8ic8 can $e assessed $ased 'n t8e rates pre*ai"in( in t8e area 138

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

E7ce6ti n? Ser*ices rendered >it8'ut c'mpensati'n $% indi*idua"s *'"unteerin( a p'rti'n 'r a"" '- t8eir time in $e8a"- '- a candidate 'r p'"itica" part%

E76en&it1re Inc"udes t8e pa%ment 'r de"i*er% '- m'ne% '- an%t8in( '- *a"ue9 'r a c'ntract9 pr'mise 'r a(reement t' ma=e an e4penditure9 -'r t8e purp'se 'in-"uencin( t8e resu"ts '- t8e e"ecti'n It s8a"" a"s' inc"ude t8e use '- -aci"ities pers'na""% '>ned $% t8e candidate9 t8e m'ne% *a"ue '- t8e use '- >8ic8 can $e assessed $ased 'n t8e rates pre*ai"in( in t8e area

De%initi n % Per" n An indi*idua"9 partners8ip9 c'mmittee9 ass'ciati'n9 c'rp'rati'n9 and an% 't8er 'r(ani<ati'n 'r (r'up '- pers'ns

Sec. .4. Pr ,i+ite& c ntri+1ti n". # N c ntri+1ti n % r 61r6 "e" % 6arti"an 6 litical acti!it0 ",all +e *a&e &irectl0 r in&irectl0 +0 an0 % t,e % ll =in-? (a) P1+lic r 6ri!ate %inancial in"tit1ti n"? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at n t,in- ,erein ",all 6re!ent t,e *a:in- % an0 l an t a can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0 +0 an0 "1c, 61+lic r 6ri!ate %inancial in"tit1ti n" le-all0 in t,e +1"ine"" % len&in- * ne0> an& t,at t,e l an i" *a&e in acc r&ance =it, la=" an& re-1lati n" an& in t,e r&inar0 c 1r"e % +1"ine""@ (+) Nat1ral an& B1ri&ical 6er" n" 6eratin- a 61+lic 1tilit0 6 ""e""i n % r e76l itin- an0 nat1ral re" 1rce" % t,e nati n@ r in

(c) Nat1ral an& B1ri&ical 6er" n" =, , l& c ntract" r "1+#c ntract" t "166l0 t,e - !ern*ent r an0 % it" &i!i"i n"> "1+&i!i"i n" r in"tr1*entalitie"> =it, - &" r "er!ice" r t 6er% r* c n"tr1cti n r t,er = r:"@ (&) Nat1ral an& B1ri&ical 6er" n" =, ,a!e +een -rante& %ranc,i"e"> incenti!e"> e7e*6ti n"> all cati n" r "i*ilar 6ri!ile-e" r c nce""i n" +0 139

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS t,e - !ern*ent r an0 % it" &i!i"i n"> "1+&i!i"i n" r in"tr1*entalitie"> incl1&in- - !ern*ent# =ne& r c ntr lle& c r6 rati n"@ (e) Nat1ral an& B1ri&ical 6er" n" =, > =it,in ne 0ear 6ri r t t,e &ate % t,e electi n> ,a!e +een -rante& l an" r t,er acc ** &ati n" in e7ce"" % P1))>))) +0 t,e - !ern*ent r an0 % it" &i!i"i n"> "1+&i!i"i n" r in"tr1*entalitie" incl1&in- - !ern*ent# =ne& r c ntr lle& c r6 rati n"@ (%) E&1cati nal in"tit1ti n" =,ic, ,a!e recei!e& -rant" % 61+lic %1n&" a* 1ntin- t n le"" t,an P1))>))).))@ (-) O%%icial" r e*6l 0ee" in t,e Ci!il Ser!ice> r *e*+er" % t,e Ar*e& F rce" % t,e P,ili66ine" @ an& (,) F rei-ner" an& % rei-n c r6 rati n". It ",all +e 1nla=%1l % r an0 6er" n t " licit r recei!e an0 c ntri+1ti n %r * an0 % t,e 6er" n" r entitie" en1*erate& ,erein.

DISCUSSIONS

It s8a"" $e un"a>-u" -'r an% pers'n t' s'"icit 'r recei*e an% c'ntri$uti'n -r'm an% 't8e pers'ns 'r entities enumerated 8ereinG ! # ,u$"ic 'r pri*ate -inancia" instituti'ns e4cept -'r "'ans -r'm pu$"ic 'r pri*ate -inancia" instituti'ns "e(a""% in t8e $usiness '- "endin( m'ne% Natura" and Curidica" pers'ns 'peratin( a pu$"ic uti"it% 'r in p'ssessi'n '- 'r e4p"'itin( an% natura" res'urces '- t8e nati'n Natura" and Curidica" pers'ns >8' 8'"d c'ntracts 'r su$7c'ntracts t' supp"% t8e ('*ernment 'r an% '- its di*isi'ns9 su$di*isi'ns 'r instrumenta"ities9 >it8 (''ds 'r ser*ices 'r t' per-'rm c'nstructi'n 'r 't8er >'r=s Natura" and Curidica" pers'ns >8' 8a*e $een (ranted -ranc8ises9 incenti*es9 e4empti'ns9 a""'cati'ns 'r simi"ar pri*i"e(es 'r c'ncessi'ns $% t8e ('*ernment 'r an% '- its di*isi'ns9 su$di*isi'ns 'r instrumenta"ities9 inc"udin( ('*ernment7'>ned 'r c'ntr'""ed c'rp'rati'ns Natura" and Curidica" pers'ns >8'9 >it8in 'ne %ear pri'r t' t8e date '- t8e e"ecti'n9 8a*e $een (ranted "'ans 'r 't8er 140

&

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS acc'mm'dati'ns in e4cess '- ,!339333 $% t8e ('*ernment 'r an% 'its di*isi'ns9 su$di*isi'ns 'r instrumenta"ities inc"udin( ('*ernment7 '>ned 'r c'ntr'""ed c'rp'rati'ns . 0 1 Educati'na" instituti'ns >8ic8 8a*e recei*ed (rants '- pu$"ic -unds am'untin( t' n' "ess t8an ,!339333 33 O--icia"s 'r emp"'%ees in t8e Ci*i" Ser*ice9 'r mem$ers '- t8e Armed /'rces '- t8e ,8i"ippines /'rei(ners and -'rei(n c'rp'rati'ns

Secti n .2. S licitin- r recei!in- c ntri+1ti n" %r * % rei-n " 1rce" . & It ",all +e 1nla=%1l % r an0 6er" n> incl1&in- a 6 litical 6art0 r 61+lic r 6ri!ate entit0 t " licit r recei!e> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> an0 ai& r c ntri+1ti n % =,ate!er % r* r nat1re %r * an0 % rei-n nati nal> - !ern*ent r entit0 % r t,e 61r6 "e" % in%l1encin- t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n. Secti n .3. Pr ,i+ite& rai"in- % %1n&". & It ",all +e 1nla=%1l % r an0 6er" n t , l& &ance"> l tterie"> c c:%i-,t"> -a*e"> + 7in- + 1t"> +in- > +ea1t0 c nte"t"> entertain*ent"> r cine*at -ra6,ic> t,eatrical r t,er 6er% r*ance" % r t,e 61r6 "e % rai"in- %1n&" % r an electi n ca*6ai-n r % r t,e "166 rt % an0 can&i&ate %r * t,e c **ence*ent % t,e electi n 6eri & 16 t an& incl1&inelecti n &a0@ r % r an0 6er" n r r-ani<ati n> =,et,er ci!ic r reli-i 1"> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> t " licit an&J r acce6t %r * an0 can&i&ate % r 61+lic %%ice> r %r * ,i" ca*6ai-n *ana-er> a-ent r re6re"entati!e> r an0 6er" n actin- in t,eir +e,al%> an0 -i%t> % &> tran"6 rtati n> c ntri+1ti n r & nati n in ca", r in :in& %r * t,e c **ence*ent % t,e electi n 6eri & 16 t an& incl1&in- electi n &a0@ Pr !i&e&> T,at n r*al an& c1"t *ar0 reli-i 1" "ti6en&"> tit,e"> r c llecti n" n S1n&a0" an&J r t,er &e"i-nate& c llecti n &a0"> are e7cl1&e& %r * t,i" 6r ,i+iti n. Secti n .8. Tr1e na*e % c ntri+1t r reA1ire&. & N 6er" n ",all *a:e an0 c ntri+1ti n in an0 na*e e7ce6t ,i" =n n r ",all an0 can&i&ate r trea"1rer % a 6 litical 6art0 recei!e a c ntri+1ti n r enter r rec r& t,e "a*e in an0 na*e t,er t,an t,at % t,e 6er" n +0 =, * it =a" act1all0 *a&e. Secti n ... /e6 rt % c ntri+1ti n". # E!er0 6er" n -i!in- c ntri+1ti n" t an0 can&i&ate> trea"1rer % t,e 6art0> r a1t, ri<e& re6re"entati!e % "1c, can&i&ate r trea"1rer ",all> n t later t,an t,irt0 &a0" a%ter t,e &a0 % t,e electi n> %ile =it, t,e C **i""i n a re6 rt 1n&er at, "tatin- t,e a* 1nt % eac, c ntri+1ti n> t,e na*e % t,e can&i&ate> a-ent % t,e can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0 recei!in- t,e c ntri+1ti n> an& t,e &ate % t,e c ntri+1ti n. Secti n 1)) an& Secti n 1)1 a" a*en&e& +0 Secti n 1( % /.A. 3122@

141

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS 'ection -%. Autho#i.ed E/penses of Candidates and Political Pa#ties. # T,e a-ree*ent a* 1nt t,at a can&i&ate r re-i"tere& 6 litical 6art0 *a0 "6en& % r electi n ca*6ai-n ",all +e a" % ll ="? (a) F r can&i&ate". # Ten 6e" " (P1).))) % r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice# Pre"i&ent@ an& % r t,er can&i&ate" T,ree Pe" " (P(.))) % r e!er0 ! ter c1rrentl0 re-i"tere& in t,e c n"tit1enc0 =,ere ,e %ile& ,i" certi%icate % can&i&ac0? Pr !i&e&> T,at a can&i&ate =it, 1t an0 6 litical 6art0 an& =it, 1t "166 rt %r * an0 6 litical 6art0 *a0 +e all =e& t "6en& Fi!e Pe" " (P4.))) % r e!er0 "1c, ! ter@ an& (+) F r 6 litical 6artie". # Fi!e 6e" " (P4.))) % r e!er0 ! ter c1rrentl0 re-i"tere& in t,e c n"tit1enc0 r c n"tit1encie" =,ere it ,a" %%icial can&i&ate". An0 6r !i"i n % la= t t,e c ntrar0 n t=it,"tan&in- an0 c ntri+1ti n in ca", r in :in& t an0 can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0 r c aliti n % 6artie" % r ca*6ai-n 61r6 "e"> &1l0 re6 rte& t t,e C **i""i n ",all n t +e "1+Bect t t,e 6a0*ent % an0 -i%t ta7. Secti n 1)$. La=%1l e76en&it1re". & T carr0 1t t,e +Becti!e" % t,e 6rece&in"ecti n"> n can&i&ate r trea"1rer % a 6 litical 6art0 ",all> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> *a:e an0 e76en&it1re e7ce6t % r t,e % ll =in- 61r6 "e"? (a) F r tra!ellin- e76en"e" % t,e can&i&ate" an& ca*6ai-n 6er" nnel in t,e c 1r"e % t,e ca*6ai-n an& % r 6er" nal e76en"e" inci&ent t,eret @ (+) F r c *6en"ati n % ca*6ai-ner"> cler:"> "ten -ra6,er"> *e""en-er"> an& t,er 6er" n" act1all0 e*6l 0e& in t,e ca*6ai-n@ (c) F r tele-ra6, an& tele6, ne t ll"> 6 "ta-e> %rei-,t an& e76re"" &eli!er0 c,ar-e"@ (&) F r "tati ner0> 6rintin- an& &i"tri+1ti n % 6rinte& *atter" relati!e t can&i&ac0@ (e) F r e*6l 0*ent % =atc,er" at t,e 6 ll"@ (%) F r rent> *aintenance an& %1rni",in- % ca*6ai-n ,ea&A1arter"> %%ice r 6lace % *eetin-"@ (-) F r 6 litical *eetin-" an& rallie" an& t,e 1"e % " 1n& "0"te*"> li-,t" an& &ec rati n" &1rin- "ai& *eetin-" an& rallie"@ (,) F r ne="6a6er> ra&i > tele!i"i n an& t,er 61+lic a&!erti"e*ent"@

142

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (i) F r e*6l 0*ent % c 1n"el> t,e c "t % =,ic, ",all n t +e ta:en int acc 1nt in &eter*inin- t,e a* 1nt % e76en"e" =,ic, a can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0 *a0 ,a!e inc1rre& 1n&er Secti n 1)) an& 1)1 ,ere %@ (B) F r c 60in- an& cla""i%0in- li"t % ! ter"> in!e"ti-atin- an& c,allen-in- t,e ri-,t t ! te % 6er" n" re-i"tere& in t,e li"t" t,e c "t" % =,ic, ",all n t +e ta:en int acc 1nt in &eter*inin- t,e a* 1nt % e76en"e" =,ic, a can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0 *a0 ,a!e inc1rre& 1n&er Secti n" 1)) an& 1)1 ,ere %@ r (:) F r 6rintin- "a*6le +all t" in "1c, c l r> "i<e an& *a7i*1* n1*+er a" *a0 +e a1t, ri<e& +0 t,e C **i""i n an& t,e c "t % "1c, 6rintin",all n t +e ta:en int acc 1nt in &eter*inin- t,e a* 1nt % e76en"e" =,ic, a can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0 *a0 ,a!e inc1rre& 1n&er Secti n" 1)) an& 1)1 ,ere %. Secti n 1)(. Per" n" a1t, ri<e& t inc1r electi n e76en&it1re" . & N 6er" n> e7ce6t t,e can&i&ate> t,e trea"1rer % a 6 litical 6art0 r an0 6er" n a1t, ri<e& +0 "1c, can&i&ate r trea"1rer> ",all *a:e an0 e76en&it1re in "166 rt % r in 66 "iti n t an0 can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0. E76en&it1re" &1l0 a1t, ri<e& +0 t,e can&i&ate r t,e trea"1rer % t,e 6art0 ",all +e c n"i&ere& a" e76en&it1re" % "1c, can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0. T,e a1t, rit0 t inc1r e76en&it1re" ",all +e in =ritin-> c 60 % =,ic, ",all +e %1rni",e& t,e C **i""i n "i-ne& +0 t,e can&i&ate r t,e trea"1rer % t,e 6art0 an& ", =in- t,e e76en&it1re" " a1t, ri<e&> an& ",all "tate t,e %1ll na*e an& e7act a&&re"" % t,e 6er" n " &e"i-nate&. Secti n 1)8. Pr ,i+ite& & nati n" +0 can&i&ate"> trea"1rer" % 6artie" r t,eir a-ent". & N can&i&ate> ,i" r ,er "6 1"e r an0 relati!e =it,in t,e "ec n& ci!il &e-ree % c n"an-1init0 r a%%init0> r ,i" ca*6ai-n *ana-er> a-ent r re6re"entati!e ",all &1rin- t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri &> n t,e &a0 +e% re an& n t,e &a0 % t,e electi n> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> *a:e an0 & nati n> c ntri+1ti n r -i%t in ca", r in :in&> r 1n&erta:e r c ntri+1te t t,e c n"tr1cti n r re6air % r a&"> +ri&-e"> "c, l +1"e"> 61eric1lt1re center"> *e&ical clinic" an& , "6ital"> c,1rc,e" r c,a6el" ce*ent 6a!e*ent"> r an0 "tr1ct1re % r 61+lic 1"e r % r t,e 1"e % an0 reli-i 1" r ci!ic r-ani<ati n? Pr !i&e&> T,at n r*al an& c1"t *ar0 reli-i 1" &1e" r c ntri+1ti n"> "1c, a" reli-i 1" "ti6en&"> tit,e" r c llecti n" n S1n&a0" r t,er &e"i-nate& c llecti n &a0"> a" =ell a" 6eri &ic 6a0*ent" % r le-iti*ate "c, lar",i6" e"ta+li",e& an& "c, l c ntri+1ti n" ,a+it1all0 *a&e +e% re t,e 6r ,i+ite& 6eri &> are e7cl1&e& %r * t,e 6r ,i+iti n. T,e "a*e 6r ,i+iti n a66lie" t trea"1rer"> a-ent" r re6re"entati!e" % an0 6 litical 6art0. Secti n 1)4. Acc 1ntin- +0 a-ent" % can&i&ate r trea"1rer . & E!er0 6er" n recei!in- c ntri+1ti n" r inc1rrin- e76en&it1re" +0 a1t, rit0 % t,e can&i&ate r trea"1rer % t,e 6art0 ",all> n &e*an& +0 t,e can&i&ate r trea"1rer % t,e 143

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS 6art0 an& in an0 e!ent =it,in %i!e &a0" a%ter recei!in- "1c, c ntri+1ti n r inc1rrin- "1c, e76en&it1re> ren&er t t,e can&i&ate r t,e trea"1rer % t,e 6art0 c ncerne&> a &etaile& acc 1nt t,ere % =it, 6r 6er ! 1c,er" r %%icial recei6t". Secti n 1)2. /ec r&" % c ntri+1ti n" an& e76en&it1re". & (a) It ",all +e t,e &1t0 % e!er0 can&i&ate> trea"1rer % t,e 6 litical 6art0 an& 6er" n actin- 1n&er t,e a1t, rit0 % "1c, can&i&ate r trea"1rer t i""1e a recei6t % r e!er0 c ntri+1ti n recei!e& an& t +tain an& :ee6 a recei6t "tatin- t,e 6artic1lar" % e!er0 e76en&it1re *a&e. (+) E!er0 can&i&ate an& trea"1rer % t,e 6art0 ",all :ee6 &etaile&> %1ll> an& acc1rate rec r&" % all c ntri+1ti n" recei!e& an& e76en&it1re" inc1rre& +0 ,i* an& +0 t, "e actin- 1n&er ,i" a1t, rit0> "ettin- % rt, t,erein all in% r*ati n reA1ire& t +e re6 rte&. (c) E!er0 can&i&ate an& trea"1rer % t,e 6art0 ",all +e re"6 n"i+le % r t,e 6re"er!ati n % t,e rec r&" % c ntri+1ti n" an& e76en&it1re"> t -et,er =it, all 6ertinent & c1*ent"> % r at lea"t t,ree 0ear" a%ter t,e , l&in- % t,e electi n t =,ic, t,e0 6ertain an& % r t,eir 6r &1cti n % r in"6ecti n +0 t,e C **i""i n r it" &1l0 a1t, ri<e& re6re"entati!e> r 16 n 6re"entati n % a "1+6 ena &1ce" tec1* &1l0 i""1e& +0 t,e C **i""i n. Fail1re % t,e can&i&ate r trea"1rer t 6re"er!e "1c, rec r&" r & c1*ent" ",all +e &ee*e& 6ri*a %acie e!i&ence % !i lati n % t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" Article. Secti n 1)3. State*ent % c ntri+1ti n" an& e76en&it1re" . & E!er0 can&i&ate an& trea"1rer % t,e 6 litical 6art0 ",all> n t later t,an "e!en &a0"> r earlier t,an ten &a0" +e% re t,e &a0 % t,e electi n> %ile in &16licate =it, t,e %%ice in&icate& in t,e % ll =in- "ecti n> %1ll> tr1e an& ite*i<e&> "tate*ent % all c ntri+1ti n" an& e76en&it1re" in c nnecti n =it, t,e electi n. 9it,in t,irt0 &a0" a%ter t,e &a0 % t,e electi n> "ai& can&i&ate an& trea"1rer ",all al" %ile in &16licate a "166le*ental "tate*ent % all c ntri+1ti n an& e76en&it1re" n t incl1&e& in t,e "tate*ent %ile& 6ri r t t,e &a0 % t,e electi n. Secti n 1)8. Place % r %ilin- "tate*ent". & T,e "tate*ent" % c ntri+1ti n" an& e76en&it1re" ",all +e %ile& a" % ll ="? (a) T, "e % can&i&ate" % r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent> =it, t,e C **i""i n. (+) T, "e % can&i&ate" % r Me*+er" % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a> =it, t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r c ncerne&> e7ce6t t, "e % can&i&ate" in t,e Nati nal Ca6ital /e-i n =,ic, ",all +e %ile& =it, t,e re-i nal electi n &irect r % "ai& re-i n.

144

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (c) T, "e % can&i&ate" % r 6r !incial %%ice"> =it, t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r c ncerne&. (&) T, "e % can&i&ate" % r cit0> *1nici6al an& +aran-a0 %%ice"> =it, t,e electi n re-i"trar c ncerne&. I% t,e "tate*ent i" "ent +0 *ail> it ",all +e +0 re-i"tere& *ail> an& t,e &ate n =,ic, it =a" re-i"tere& =it, t,e 6 "t %%ice *a0 +e c n"i&ere& a" t,e %ilin- &ate t,ere % i% c n%ir*e& n t,e "a*e &ate +0 tele-ra* r ra&i -ra* a&&re""e& t t,e %%ice r %%icial =it, =, * t,e "tate*ent ", 1l& +e %ile&. T,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r" an& electi n re-i"trar" c ncerne& ",all> =it,in %i%teen &a0" a%ter t,e la"t &a0 % r t,e %ilin- % t,e "tate*ent"> "en& t t,e C **i""i n &16licate c 6ie" % all "tate*ent" %ile& =it, t,e*.

EU/ISP/UDENCE PILA/ !". COMELEC $84 SC/A 34. Secti'n !) '- Repu$"ic Act N' 0!.. states t8at e*er% candidate 8as t8e '$"i(ati'n t' -i"e 8is statement '- c'ntri$uti'ns and e4penditures T8e ru"e is >e"" rec'(ni<ed t8at >8ere t8e "a> d'es n't distin(uis8 c'urts s8'u"d n't distin(uis8 T8e term Ee*er% candidateF must $e deemed t' re-er n't 'n"% t' a candidate >8' pursued 8is campai(n $ut a"s' t' 'ne >8' >it8dre> 8is candidac% Secti'n !& '- Res'"uti'n N' #&)1 cate('rica""% re-ers t' Ea"" candidates >8' -i"ed t8eir certi-icate '- candidac% F ,etiti'nerAs >it8dra>a" '- 8is candidac% did n't e4tin(uis8 8is "ia$i"it% -'r t8e administrati*e -ine 6ie> t8at Secti'n !) '- Repu$"ic Act N' 0!.. states t8at e*er% candidate 8as t8e '$"i(ati'n t' -i"e 8is statement '- c'ntri$uti'ns and e4penditures 6ie> t8at t8e term EcandidateF is used t' desi(nate a pers'n >8' actua""% su$mits 8imse"- and is *'ted -'r at 'ur e"ecti'n

Secti n 1).. F r* an& c ntent" % "tate*ent. & T,e "tate*ent ",all +e in =ritin-> "1+"cri+e& an& "= rn t +0 t,e can&i&ate r +0 t,e trea"1rer % t,e 6art0> ",all +e c *6lete a" % t,e &ate ne7t 6rece&in- t,e &ate % %ilin- an& ",all "et % rt, in 145

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS &etail (a) t,e a* 1nt % c ntri+1ti n> t,e &ate % recei6t> an& t,e %1ll na*e an& e7act a&&re"" % t,e 6er" n %r * =, * t,e c ntri+1ti n =a" recei!e&@ (+) t,e a* 1nt % e!er0 e76en&it1re> t,e &ate t,ere %> t,e %1ll na*e an& e7act a&&re"" % t,e 6er" n t =, * 6a0*ent =a" *a&e> an& t,e 61r6 "e % t,e e76en&it1re@ (c) an0 1n6ai& +li-ati n> it" nat1re an& a* 1nt> an& t =, * "ai& +li-ati n i" =in-@ an& (&) "1c, t,er 6artic1lar" =,ic, t,e C **i""i n *a0 reA1ire. I% t,e can&i&ate r trea"1rer % t,e 6art0 ,a" recei!e& n c ntri+1ti n> *a&e n e76en&it1re> r ,a" n 6en&in- +li-ati n> t,e "tate*ent ",all re%lect "1c, %act. Secti n 11). Pre"er!ati n an& in"6ecti n % "tate*ent" . & All "tate*ent" % c ntri+1ti n" an& e76en&it1re" ",all +e :e6t an& 6re"er!e& at t,e %%ice =,ere t,e0 are %ile& an& ",all c n"tit1te 6art % t,e 61+lic rec r&" t,ere % % r t,ree 0ear" a%ter t,e electi n t =,ic, t,e0 6ertain. T,e0 ",all n t +e re* !e& t,ere%r * e7ce6t 16 n r&er % t,e C **i""i n r % a c *6etent c 1rt an& ",all> &1rin- re-1lar %%ice , 1r"> +e "1+Bect an& 6en t in"6ecti n +0 t,e 61+lic. T,e %%icer in#c,ar-e t,ere %> ",all> n &e*an&> %1rni", certi%ie& c 6ie" % an0 "tate*ent 16 n 6a0*ent % t,e %ee 6re"cri+e& 1n&er Secti n $3) ,ere %. It ",all +e t,e &1t0 % t,e C **i""i n t e7a*ine all "tate*ent" % c ntri+1ti n" an& e76en&it1re" % can&i&ate" an& 6 litical 6artie" t &eter*ine c *6liance =it, t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" Article. Secti n 111 =a" a*en&e& +0 Secti n 18 % /.A. 3122 Secti n 111 ,ere %@ Secti n 18. 'tatement of Cont#ibutions and E/penditu#es0 Effect of 1ailu#e to 1ile 'tatement. # E!er0 can&i&ate an& trea"1rer % t,e 6 litical 6art0 ",all> =it,in t,irt0 (()) &a0" a%ter t,e &a0 % t,e electi n> %ile in &16licate =it, t,e %%ice" % t,e C **i""i n t,e %1ll> tr1e an& ite*i<e& "tate*ent % all c ntri+1ti n" an& e76en&it1re" in c nnecti n =it, t,e electi n. N 6er" n electe& t an0 61+lic %%ice" ",all enter 16 n t,e &1tie" % ,i" %%ice 1ntil ,e ,a" %ile& t,e "tate*ent % c ntri+1ti n" an& e76en&it1re" ,erein reA1ire&. T,e "a*e 6r ,i+iti n ",all a66l0 i% t,e 6 litical 6art0 =,ic, n *inate& t,e =innin- can&i&ate %ail" t %ile t,e "tate*ent reA1ire& ,erein =it,in t,e 6eri & 6re"cri+e& +0 t,i" Act. E7ce6t can&i&ate" % r electi!e +aran-a0 %%ice> %ail1re t %ile t,e "tate*ent" r re6 rt" in c nnecti n =it, elect ral c ntri+1ti n" an& e76en&it1re" are reA1ire& ,erein ",all c n"tit1te an a&*ini"trati!e %%en"e % r =,ic, t,e %%en&er" ",all +e lia+le t 6a0 an a&*ini"trati!e %ine ran-in- %r * One t, 1"an& 6e" " (P1>))).))) t T,irt0 t, 1"an& 6e" " (P()>))).)))> in t,e &i"creti n % t,e C **i""i n.

146

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS T,e %ine ",all +e 6ai& =it,in t,irt0 (()) &a0" %r * recei6t % n tice % "1c, %ail1re@ t,er=i"e> it ",all +e en% rcea+le +0 a =rit % e7ec1ti n i""1e& +0 t,e C **i""i n a-ain"t t,e 6r 6ertie" % t,e %%en&er. It ",all +e t,e &1t0 % e!er0 cit0 r *1nici6al electi n re-i"trar t a&!i"e in =ritin-> +0 6er" nal &eli!er0 r re-i"tere& *ail> =it,in %i!e (4) &a0" %r * t,e &ate % electi n all can&i&ate" re"i&in- in ,i" B1ri"&icti n t c *6l0 =it, t,eir +li-ati n t %ile t,eir "tate*ent" % c ntri+1ti n" an& e76en&it1re". F r t,e c **i""i n % a "ec n& r "1+"eA1ent %%en"e 1n&er t,i" "ecti n> t,e a&*ini"trati!e %ine ",all +e %r * T= t, 1"an& 6e" " (P$>))).))) t Si7t0 t, 1"an& 6e" " (P2)>))).)))> in t,e &i"creti n % t,e C **i""i n. In a&&iti n> t,e %%en&er ",all +e "1+Bect t 6er6et1al &i"A1ali%icati n t , l& 61+lic %%ice. Secti n 18 % /.A. 3122 "tate" t,at Me!er0 can&i&ateN ,a" t,e +li-ati n t %ile ,i" "tate*ent an& c ntri+1ti n" an& e76en&it1re". T,e la= *a:e" n &i"tincti n r A1ali%icati n a" t =,et,er t,e can&i&ate 61r"1e& ,i" can&i&ac0 r =it,&re= t,e "a*e> t,ere% re t,e ter* Me!er0 can&i&ateN *1"t +e &ee*e& t re%er n t nl0 t a can&i&ate =, 61r"1e& ,i" ca*6ai-n> +1t al" t ne =, =it,&re= ,i" can&i&ac0. Secti n 11$. /e6 rt % c ntract r an& +1"ine"" %ir*". # E!er0 6er" n r %ir* t =, * an0 elect ral e76en&it1re i" *a&e ",all> =it,in t,irt0 &a0" a%ter t,e &a0 % t,e electi n> %ile =it, t,e C **i""i n a re6 rt "ettin- % rt, t,e %1ll na*e" an& e7act a&&re""e" % t,e can&i&ate"> trea"1rer" % 6 litical 6artie"> an& t,er 6er" n" inc1rrin- "1c, e76en&it1re"> t,e nat1re r 61r6 "e % eac, e76en&it1re> t,e &ate an& c "t" t,ere %> an& "1c, t,er 6artic1lar" a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 reA1ire. T,e re6 rt ",all +e "i-ne& an& "= rn t +0 t,e "166lier r c ntract r> r in ca"e % a +1"ine"" %ir* r a"" ciati n> +0 it" 6re"i&ent r -eneral *ana-er. It ",all +e t,e &1t0 % "1c, 6er" n r %ir* t =, * an elect ral e76en&it1re i" *a&e t reA1ire e!er0 a-ent % a can&i&ate r % t,e trea"1rer % a 6 litical 6art0 t 6re"ent =ritten a1t, rit0 t inc1r elect ral e76en&it1re" in +e,al% % "1c, can&i&ate r trea"1rer> an& t :ee6 an& 6re"er!e at it" 6lace % +1"ine""> "1+Bect t in"6ecti n +0 t,e C **i""i n r it" a1t, ri<e& re6re"entati!e"> c 6ie" % "1c, =ritten a1t, rit0> c ntract"> ! 1c,er"> in! ice" an& t,er rec r&" an& & c1*ent" relati!e t "ai& e76en&it1re" % r a 6eri & % t,ree 0ear" a%ter t,e &ate % t,e electi n t =,ic, t,e0 6ertain. It ",all +e 1nla=%1l % r an0 "166lier> c ntract r r +1"ine"" %ir* t enter int c ntract in! l!in- electi n e76en&it1re" =it, re6re"entati!e" % can&i&ate" r 6 litical 6artie" =it, 1t "1c, =ritten a1t, rit0.

147

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

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

Secti n 11(. 2epealed by /A 818. O Secti n 3 Secti n 3. 3ene#al 2e*ist#ation of 4ote#s. I**e&iatel0 a%ter t,e +aran-a0 electi n" in 1..3> t,e e7i"tin- certi%ie& li"t % ! ter" ",all cea"e t +e e%%ecti!e an& 6erati!e. F r 61r6 "e& % t,e Ma0 1..8 electi n" an& all electi n"> 6le+i"cite"> re%eren&a> initiati!e"> an& recall" "1+"eA1ent t,eret > t,e C **i""i n ",all 1n&erta:e a -eneral re-i"trati n % ! ter" +e% re t,e B ar& % Electi n In"6ect r" n E1ne 18> 14> $1> an& $$ an&> "1+Bect t t,e &i"creti n % t,e C **i""i n> n E1ne $8 an& $.> 1..3 in acc r&ance =it, t,i" Act. Secti n 118. 2epealed by /A 818. O Secti n 8 Secti n 8. 'ystem of Continuin* 2e*ist#ation of 4ote#s. T,e 6er" nal %ilin- % a66licati n % re-i"trati n % ! ter" ",all +e c n&1cte& &ail0 in t,e %%ice % t,e Electi n O%%icer &1rin- re-1lar %%ice , 1r". N re-i"trati n ",all> , =e!er> +e c n&1cte& &1rin- t,e 6eri & "tartin- ne ,1n&re& t=ent0 (1$)) &a0" +e% re a re-1lar electi n an& ninet0 (.)) &a0" +e% re a "6ecial electi n. Secti n 114. 2epealed by /A 818. O Secti n 8

148

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti n 8. Pe#manent List of 4ote#s. T,ere ",all +e a 6er*anent li"t % ! ter" 6er 6recinct in eac, cit0 r *1nici6alit0 c n"i"tin- % all re-i"tere& ! ter" re"i&in- =it,in t,e territ rial B1ri"&icti n % e!er0 6recinct in&icate& +0 t,e 6recinct *a6". S1c, 6recinct#le!el li"t % ! ter" ",all +e acc *6anie& +0 an a&&iti n &eleti n li"t % t,e 61r6 "e % 16&atin- t,e li"t. F r t,e 61r6 "e % t,e 1..3 -eneral re-i"trati n> t,e C **i""i n ",all ca1"e t,e 6re6arati n an& 6 "tin- % all 6recinct *a6" in e!er0 +aran-a0 nati n=i&e. Fi!e &a0" +e% re t,e 1..3 -eneral re-i"trati n> in&i!i&1al 6recinct *a6" ",all +e 6 "te& at t,e & r % eac, 6 llin6lace. S1+"eA1entl0> t,e Electi n O%%icer ",all +e re"6 n"i+le % r t,e &i"6la0> t,r 1-, 1t t,e 0ear> % 6recinct *a6" in ,i" %%ice an& in t,e +1lletin + ar& % t,e cit0 r *1nici6al ,all. T,e 6recinct a""i-n*ent % a ! ter in t,e 6er*anent li"t % ! ter" ",all n t +e c,an-e& r altere& r tran"%erre& t an t,er 6recinct =it, 1t t,e e76re"" =ritten c n"ent % t,e ! ter? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at t,e ! ter ",all n t 1nrea" na+l0 =it,, l& "1c, c n"ent. An0 !i lati n t,ere % ",all c n"tit1te an electi n %%en"e =,ic, ",all +e 61ni",e& in acc r&ance =it, la=. Secti n 112 an& Secti n 113 2epealed by /.A. 818. # Secti n . 'ection 5. 6ho may 2e*iste#. All citi<en" % t,e P,ili66ine" n t t,er=i"e &i"A1ali%ie& +0 la= =, are at lea"t ei-,teen (18) 0ear" % a-e> an& =, ",all ,a!e re"i&e& in t,e P,ili66ine" % r at lea"t ne (1) 0ear> an& in t,e 6lace =,erein t,e0 6r 6 "e t ! te> % r at lea"t "i7 (2) * nt," i**e&iatel0 6rece&in- t,e electi n> *a0 re-i"ter a" a ! ter. An0 6er" n =, te*6 raril0 re"i&e" in an t,er cit0> *1nici6alit0 r c 1ntr0 " lel0 +0 rea" n % ,i" cc16ati n> 6r %e""i n> e*6l 0*ent in 6ri!ate r 61+lic "er!ice> e&1cati nal acti!itie"> = r: in t,e *ilitar0 r na!al re"er!ati n" =it,in t,e P,ili66ine"> "er!ice in t,e Ar*e& F rce" % t,e P,ili66ine"> t,e Nati nal P lice F rce"> r c n%ine*ent r &etenti n in - !ern*ent in"tit1ti n" in acc r&ance =it, la=> ",all n t +e &ee*e& t ,a!e l "t ,i" ri-inal re"i&ence. An0 6er" n> =, > n t,e &a0 % re-i"trati n *a0 n t ,a!e reac,e& t,e reA1ire& a-e r 6eri & % re"i&ence +1t> =, > n t,e &a0 % t,e electi n ",all 6 ""e"" "1c, A1ali%icati n"> *a0 re-i"ter a" a ! ter. Only citi.en of the Philippines may #e*iste# to "ote. As a *ene#al p#oposition+ all citi.ens of a*e+ not othe#!ise dis7ualified by la! !ho meet the #esidency #e7ui#ements en8oy the #i*ht to suff#a*e. Ho!e"e#+ one cannot e/e#cise the #i*ht to suff#a*e !ithout fi#st #e*iste#in* to "ote. 149

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS It i" inc1*+ent 16 n ne =, clai*" P,ili66ine citi<en",i6 t 6r !e t t,e "ati"%acti n % t,e c 1rt t,at ,e i" reall0 a Fili6in . N 6re"1*6ti n can +e in&1l-e& in %a! r % t,e clai*ant % t,e P,ili66ine citi<en",i6 an& an0 & 1+t re-ar&in- t,e citi<en",i6 *1"t +e re" l!e& in %a! r % t,e "tate. It i" a "ettle& r1le t,at nl0 le-iti*ate c,il&ren % ll = t,e citi<en",i6 % t,e %at,er an& t,at ille-iti*ate c,il&ren are 1n&er t,e 6arental a1t, rit0 % t,e * t,er an& % ll = ,er nati nalit0. M re !er> =e ,a!e al" r1le& t,at an ille-iti*ate c,il& % a Fili6ina nee& n t 6er% r* an0 act t c n%er 16 n ,i* all t,e ri-,t" an& 6ri!ile-e" attac,e& t citi<en" % t,e P,ili66ine"@ ,e a1t *aticall0 +ec *e" citi<en ,i*"el%. C,an-e % /e"i&ence t an t,er Cit0 r M1nici6alit0 'ection -2. Chan*e of 2esidence to Anothe# City o# Municipality. An0 re-i"tere& ! ter =, ,a" tran"%erre& re"i&ence t an t,er cit0 r *1nici6alit0 *a0 a66l0 =it, t,e Electi n O%%icer % ,i" ne= re"i&ence % r t,e tran"%er % ,i" re-i"trati n rec r&". T,e a66licati n % r tran"%er % re-i"trati n ",all +e "1+Bect t t,e reA1ire*ent" % n tice an& ,earin- an& t,e a66r !al % t,e Electi n /e-i"trati n B ar&> in acc r&ance =it, t,i" Act. U6 n a66r !al % t,e a66licati n % r tran"%er> an& a%ter n tice % "1c, a66r !al t t,e Electi n O%%icer % t,e % r*er re"i&ence % t,e ! ter> "ai& Electi n O%%icer ",all tran"*it +0 re-i"tere& *ail t,e ! terP" re-i"trati n rec r& t t,e Electi n O%%icer % t,e ! terP" ne= re"i&ence. C,an-e % A&&re"" in t,e Sa*e Cit0 r M1nici6alit0 Secti n 1(. Chan*e of Add#ess in the 'ame City o# Municipality. An0 ! ter =, ,a" c,an-e& ,i" a&&re"" in t,e "a*e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 ",all i**e&iatel0 n ti%0 t,e Electi n O%%icer in =ritin-. I% t,e c,an-e % a&&re"" in! l!e" a c,an-e in 6recinct> t,e B ar& ",all tran"%er ,i" re-i"trati n rec r& t t,e 6recinct + : % ! ter" % ,i" ne= 6recinct an& n ti%0 t,e ! ter % ,i" ne= 6recinct all c,an-e" % a&&re"" ",all +e re6 rte& t t,e %%ice % t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r an& t,e C **i""i n in Manila.

EU/ISP/UDENCE

ASISTIO !". T/INIDAD#PE AGUI//E> et al. G./. N . 1.11$8> A6ril $3> $)1)

150

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS T8e residenc% re5uirement '- a *'ter is at "east 'ne (!) %ear residence in t8e ,8i"ippines and at "east si4 (.) m'nt8s in t8e p"ace >8ere t8e pers'n pr'p'ses 'r intends t' *'te EResidence9F as used in t8e "a> prescri$in( t8e 5ua"i-icati'ns -'r su--ra(e and -'r e"ecti*e '--ice9 is d'ctrina""% sett"ed t' mean Ed'mici"e9F imp'rtin( n't 'n"% an intenti'n t' reside in a -i4ed p"ace $ut a"s' pers'na" presence in t8at p"ace9 c'up"ed >it8 c'nduct indicati*e '- suc8 intenti'n in-era$"e -r'm a pers'nAs acts9 acti*ities9 and utterances ED'mici"eF den'tes a -i4ed permanent residence >8ere9 >8en a$sent -'r $usiness 'r p"easure9 'r -'r "i=e reas'ns9 'ne intends t' return In t8e c'nsiderati'n '- circumstances '$tainin( in eac8 particu"ar case9 t8ree ru"es must $e $'rne in mind9 name"%G (!) t8at a pers'n must 8a*e a residence 'r d'mici"e s'me>8ereH (#) 'nce esta$"is8ed9 it remains unti" a ne> 'ne is ac5uiredH and (&) t8at a pers'n can 8a*e $ut 'ne residence 'r d'mici"e at a time D'mici"e is n't easi"% "'st T' success-u""% e--ect a trans-er t8ere'-9 'ne must dem'nstrateG (!) an actua" rem'*a" 'r c8an(e '- d'mici"eH (#) a $'na -ide intenti'n '- a$and'nin( t8e -'rmer p"ace '- residence and esta$"is8in( a ne> 'neH and (&) acts >8ic8 c'rresp'nd >it8 t8at purp'se T8ere must $e animus manendi c'up"ed >it8 animus n'n re*ertendi T8e purp'se t' remain in 'r at t8e d'mici"e '- c8'ice must $e -'r an inde-inite peri'd '- timeH t8e c8an(e '- residence must $e *'"untar%H and t8e residence at t8e p"ace c8'sen -'r t8e ne> d'mici"e must $e actua"

Secti n 118. 2epealed by /.A. 818. O Secti n 11 Secti n 11. 9is7ualification. T,e % ll =in- ",all +e &i"A1ali%ie& %r * re-i"terin-? a) An0 6er" n =, ,a" +een "entence& +0 %inal B1&-*ent t "1%%er i*6ri" n*ent % n t le"" t,an ne (1) 0ear> "1c, &i"a+ilit0 n t ,a!in+een re* !e& +0 6lenar0 6ar& n r a*ne"t0? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at an0 6er" n &i"A1ali%ie& t ! te 1n&er t,i" 6ara-ra6, ",all a1t *aticall0 reacA1ire t,e ri-,t t ! te 16 n e76irati n % %i!e (4) 0ear" a%ter "er!ice % "entence@ +) An0 6er" n =, ,a" +een a&B1&-e& +0 %inal B1&-*ent +0 a c *6etent c 1rt r tri+1nal % ,a!in- c **itte& an0 cri*e in! l!in- &i"l 0alt0 t t,e &1l0 c n"tit1te& - !ern*ent "1c, a" re+elli n> "e&iti n> !i lati n % t,e %irear*" la=" r an0 cri*e a-ain"t nati nal "ec1rit0> 1nle"" re"t re& t ,i" %1ll ci!il an& 6 litical ri-,t" in acc r&ance =it, la=? Pr !i&e&> T,at ,e ",all a1t *aticall0 reacA1ire t,e ri-,t t ! te 16 n e76irati n % %i!e (4) 0ear" a%ter "er!ice % "entence@ an& c) In"ane r inc *6etent 6er" n" &eclare& a" "1c, +0 c *6etent a1t, rit0 1nle"" "1+"eA1entl0 &eclare& +0 6r 6er a1t, rit0 t,at "1c, 6er" n i" n l n-er in"ane r inc *6etent. Secti n 11.. Pre6arati n % t,e 6er*anent li"t % ! ter". & F r t,e 6re6arati n % t,e 6er*anent li"t % ! ter" in nineteen ,1n&re& an& ninet0#"i7 an& e!er0 t=el!e 0ear" t,erea%ter> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" re%erre& t in Article 5I' 151

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS ,ere % % eac, electi n 6recinct ",all , l& % 1r *eetin-" n t,e "e!ent, Sat1r&a0> "e!ent, S1n&a0> "i7t, Sat1r&a0 an& "i7t, S1n&a0 6rece&in- t,e &ate % t,e re-1lar electi n t +e ,el&. At t,e"e *eetin-" t,e + ar& ",all 6re6are ei-,t c 6ie" % t,e li"t % ! ter" % t,e 6recinct =,erein it ",all re-i"ter t,e elect r" a66l0in- % r re-i"trati n. Secti n 1$) an& Secti n 1$1 2epealed by /.A. 818. O Secti n () 'ection %0. P#epa#ation and Postin* of the Ce#tified List of 4ote#s. T,e B ar& ",all 6re6are an& 6 "t certi%ie& li"t % ! ter" ninet0 (.)) &a0" +e% re a re-1lar electi n an& "i7t0 (2)) &a0" +e% re a "6ecial electi n an& %1rni", c 6ie" t,ere % t t,e 6r !incial> re-i nal an& nati nal central %ile". C 6ie" % t,e certi%ie& li"t> al n- =it, a certi%ie& li"t % &eacti!ate& ! ter" cate- ri<e& +0 6recinct 6er +aran-a0> =it,in t,e "a*e 6eri & ",all li:e=i"e +e 6 "te& in t,e %%ice % t,e Electi n O%%icer an& in t,e +1lletin + ar& % eac, cit0J*1nici6al ,all. U6 n 6a0*ent % t,e %ee" a" %i7e& +0 t,e C **i""i n> t,e can&i&ate" an& ,ea&" % re-i"tere& 6 litical 6artie" ",all al" +e %1rni",e& c 6ie" t,ere %. T,e B ar& ",all al" %1rni", t= ($) certi%ie& c 6ie" % r "ai& certi%ie& li"t % ! ter"> al n- =it, a certi%ie& li"t % &eacti!ate& ! ter" t t,e B ar& % Electi n In"6ect r" % r 6 "tin- in t,e 6 llin- 6lace an& % r t,eir re%erence n electi n &a0. Sealin- % Precinct B : % ' ter" Secti n (1. 'ealin* of P#ecinct ,oo: of 4ote#s. T,e B ar& ",all n ti%0 =it,in %i%teen (14) &a0" +e% re t,e "tart % t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri & % all re-i"tere& 6 litical 6artie" an& *e*+er" % t,e B ar& % Electi n In"6ect r" t in"6ect an& !eri%0 t,e c *6letene"" % t,e ! terP" re-i"trati n rec r&" % r eac, 6recinct c *6ile& in t,e + : % ! ter". A%ter !eri%icati n an& certi%icati n +0 t,e B ar& % Electi n In"6ect r" an& 6art0 re6re"entati!e" a" t t,e c *6letene"" % t,e ! ter"P re-i"trati n rec r&" in t,e 6recinct + : % ! ter"> t,e B ar& ",all "eal t,e + : % ! ter" in t,e 6re"ence % t,e % r*er at t,e "tart % t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri & an& ta:e c1"t &0 % t,e "a*e 1ntil t,eir &i"tri+1ti n t t,e B ar& % Electi n In"6ect r" n electi n &a0. T,e Electi n O%%icer ",all &eli!er t,e "eale& 6recinct + : % ! ter" t t,e c,air*an % t,e B ar& % Electi n In"6ect r" =,en t,e latter "ec1re" it" %%icial +all t" an& t,er 6ara6,ernalia % r Electi n Da0. Secti n 1$$. Tran"%er % na*e" % ! ter" %r * t,e 6er*anent li"t t t,e c1rrent ne. & T,e tran"%er % t,e na*e" % t,e ! ter" % t,e 6recinct alrea&0 re-i"tere& in t,e li"t 1"e& in t,e 6rece&in- electi n t t,e li"t t +e *a&e a" 6r !i&e& % r in t,e t= 6rece&in- "ecti n" i" a *ini"terial &1t0 % t,e + ar&> an& an0 *i""i n r err r in c 60in- ",all +e c rrecte& * t1 6r 6ri > r 16 n 6etiti n % t,e intere"te& 6art0> =it, 1t &ela0 an& in n ca"e +e0 n& t,ree &a0" %r * t,e ti*e "1c, err r i" n tice&@ an& i% t,e + ar& ", 1l& re%1"e> t,e intere"te& 6art0 *a0 152

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS a66l0 % r "1c, c rrecti n t t,e 6r 6er *1nici6al r *etr 6 litan trial c 1rt =,ic, ",all &eci&e t,e ca"e =it, 1t &ela0 an& in n ca"e +e0 n& t,ree &a0" %r * t,e &ate t,e 6etiti n i" %ile&. T,e &eci"i n % t,e 6r 6er *1nici6al r *etr 6 litan trial c 1rt ",all +e %inal an& 1na66eala+le in =,ate!er % r* r *anner. T %acilitate t,e tran"%er % na*e" % ! ter"> t,e electi n re-i"trar ",all &eli!er t,e + : % ! ter" t t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" n t,e &a0 +e% re t,e re-i"trati n % ! ter"> t +e ret1rne& a%ter t,e la"t &a0 % re-i"trati n. Secti n 1$(. Cancellati n an& e7cl1"i n in t,e tran"%er % na*e" . & In tran"%errin- t,e na*e" % t,e ! ter" % t,e 6recinct %r * t,e li"t 1"e& in t,e 6rece&in- electi n t t,e c1rrent li"t> t,e + ar& ",all e7cl1&e t, "e =, ,a!e a66lie& % r t,e cancellati n % t,eir re-i"trati n> t, "e =, ,a!e &ie&> t, "e =, &i& n t ! te in t,e i**e&iatel0 6rece&in- t= "1cce""i!e re-1lar electi n"> t, "e =, ,a!e +een e7cl1&e& +0 c 1rt r&er" i""1e& in acc r&ance =it, t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" C &e> an& t, "e =, ,a!e +een &i"A1ali%ie&> 16 n * ti n % an0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& r % an0 elect r r =atc,er> 16 n "ati"%act r0 6r % t t,e + ar& an& 16 n "1** n" t t,e ! ter in ca"e" % &i"A1ali%icati n. T,e * ti n ",all +e &eci&e& +0 t,e + ar& =it, 1t &ela0 an& in n ca"e +e0 n& t,ree &a0" %r * it" %ilin-. S, 1l& t,e + ar& &en0 t,e * ti n> r %ail t act t,ere n =it,in t,e 6eri & ,erein %i7e&> t,e intere"te& 6art0 *a0 a66l0 % r "1c, e7cl1"i n t t,e *1nici6al r *etr 6 litan trial c 1rt =,ic, ",all &eci&e t,e 6etiti n =it, 1t &ela0 an& in n ca"e +e0 n& t,ree &a0" %r * t,e &ate t,e 6etiti n i" %ile&. T,e &eci"i n % t,e c 1rt ",all +e %inal. T,e 6 ll cler: ",all :ee6 a rec r& % t,e"e e7cl1"i n" an& ",all %1rni", t,ree c 6ie" t,ere % t t,e electi n re-i"trar =, ",all> in t1rn :ee6 ne c 60 an& "en& t,e t= t,er c 6ie" t,ere % t t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r an& t,e C **i""i n> t +e attac,e& +0 t,e* t t,e 6er*anent li"t 1n&er t,eir c1"t &0. In ca"e % &eat,> re%er t /.A. 818.> Secti n $. Secti n 1$8. Meetin- t cl "e t,e li"t % ! ter" . & T,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all al" *eet n t,e "ec n& Sat1r&a0 i**e&iatel0 6rece&in- t,e &a0 % t,e re-1lar electi n> r n t,e "ec n& &a0 i**e&iatel0 6rece&in- t,e &a0 % t,e "6ecial electi n> 6le+i"cite r re%eren&1* =,et,er it +e S1n&a0 r a le-al , li&a0> % r t,e 61r6 "e % *a:in- "1c, incl1"i n"> e7cl1"i n"> an& c rrecti n" a" *a0 +e r *a0 ,a!e +een r&ere& +0 t,e c 1rt"> "tatin- 66 "ite e!er0 na*e " c rrecte&> a&&e&> r cancelle&> t,e &ate % t,e r&er an& t,e c 1rt =,ic, i""1e& t,e "a*e@ an& % r t,e c n"ec1ti!e n1*+erin- % t,e ! ter" % t,e electi n 6recinct. S, 1l& t,e + ar& %ail t incl1&e in t,e li"t % ! ter" an0 6er" n r&ere& +0 c *6etent c 1rt t +e " incl1&e&> "ai& 6er" n ",all> 16 n 6re"entati n % a certi%ie& c 60 % t,e r&er % incl1"i n an& 16 n 6r 6er i&enti%icati n> +e all =e& +0 t,e + ar& t ! te. S, 1l& t,e + ar& %ail t e7cl1&e %r * t,e li"t % ! ter" an0 6er" n r&ere& +0 t,e c 1rt t +e " e7cl1&e&> t,e + ar& ",all n t 6er*it "ai& 6er" n t ! te 16 n 153

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS 6re"entati n t it +0 an0 intere"te& 6art0 % a certi%ie& c 60 % t,e r&er % e7cl1"i n. Secti n 1$4. /e#re-i"trati n. & A ! ter =, i" re-i"tere& in t,e 6er*anent li"t % ! ter" nee& n t re-i"ter ane= % r "1+"eA1ent electi n" 1nle"" ,e tran"%er re"i&ence t an t,er cit0 r *1nici6alit0> r ,i" re-i"trati n ,a" +een cancelle& n t,e -r 1n& % &i"A1ali%icati n an& "1c, &i"A1ali%icati n ,a" +een li%te& r re* !e&. Li:e=i"e a ! ter =, "e re-i"trati n ,a" +een cancelle& &1e t %ail1re t ! te in t,e 6rece&in- re-1lar electi n *a0 re-i"ter ane= in t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 =,ere ,e i" A1ali%ie& t ! te. Secti n 1$2. 2epealed by /.A. 818. O Secti n 1) 'ection -0. 2e*ist#ation of 4ote#s. A A1ali%ie& ! ter ",all +e re-i"tere& in t,e 6er*anent li"t % ! ter" in a 6recinct % t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 =,erein ,e re"i&e" t +e a+le t ! te in an0 electi n. T re-i"ter a" a ! ter> ,e ",all 6er" nall0 acc *6li", an a66licati n % r* % r re-i"trati n a" 6re"cri+e& +0 t,e C **i""i n in t,ree (() c 6ie" +e% re t,e Electi n O%%icer n an0 &ate &1rin- %%ice , 1r" a%ter ,a!inacA1ire& t,e A1ali%icati n" % a ! ter. T,e a66licati n ",all c ntain t,e % ll =in- &ata? a) Na*e> "1rna*e> *i&&le na*e> an&J r *aternal "1rna*e@ +) Se7@ c) Date> an& 6lace % +irt,@ &) Citi<en",i6@ e) Ci!il "tat1"> i% *arrie&> na*e % "6 1"e@ %) Pr %e""i n> cc16ati n r = r:@ -) Peri &" % re"i&ence in t,e P,ili66ine" an& in t,e 6lace % re-i"trati n@ ,) E7act a&&re"" =it, t,e na*e % t,e "treet an& , 1"e n1*+er % r l cati n in t,e 6recinct *a6" *aintaine& +0 t,e l cal %%ice % t,e C **i""i n> r in ca"e t,ere i" n ne> a +rie% &e"cri6ti n % ,i" re"i&ence> "iti > an& +aran-a0@ i) A "tate*ent t,at t,e a66licant 6 ""e""e" all t,e A1ali%icati n" % a ! ter@ B) A "tate*ent t,at t,e a66licant i" n t a re-i"tere& ! ter 6recinct@ an& 154 % an0

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS :) S1c, in% r*ati n r &ata a" *a0 +e reA1ire& +0 t,e C **i""i n. T,e a66licati n % r re-i"trati n ",all c ntain t,ree (() "6eci*en "i-nat1re" % t,e a66licant> clear an& le-i+le r lle& 6rint" % ,i" le%t an& ri-,t t,1*+6rint"> =it, % 1r (8) i&enti%icati n "i<e c 6ie" % ,i" late"t 6, t -ra6,> attac,e& t,eret > t +e ta:en at t,e e76en"e % t,e C **i""i n. Be% re t,e a66licant acc *6li",e" ,i" a66licati n % r re-i"trati n> t,e Electi n O%%icer ",all in% r* ,i* % t,e A1ali%icati n" an& &i"A1ali%icati n" 6re"cri+e& +0 la= % r a ! ter> an& t,erea%ter> "ee t it t,at t,e acc *6li",e& a66licati n c ntain" all t,e &ata t,erein reA1ire& an& t,at t,e a66licantP" "6eci*en "i-nat1re"> %in-er6rint"> an& 6, t -ra6," are 6r 6erl0 a%%i7e& in all c 6ie" % t,e ! terP" a66licati n.

EU/ISP/UDENCE

ADBAFAN#FOUTH !". COMELEC (44 SC/A (18 T8e Estand$% p'>erF '- t8e COMELEC t' -i4 additi'na" dates and peri'ds -'r re(istrati'n under Secti'n #2 '- Repu$"ic Act N' ..). and Secti'n #1 '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. must $e underst''d in t8e c'nte4t '- t8e inade5uac% '- t8e re(istrati'n peri'd under t8e "a> t8en pre*ai"in(9 i e 9 t8e peri'd pr'*ided in Secti'n !#. '- Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11!9 under >8ic8 pr'*isi'n '- t8e re(istrati'n '- *'ters >as 8e"d 'n"% 'n t8e se*ent8 and si4t8 Saturda%s $e-'re a re(u"ar e"ecti'n O$*i'us"%9 >8en C'n(ress prescri$ed t8e ne> s%stem '- re(istrati'n under Repu$"ic Act N' 1!129 it intended t' discard t8e s%stem set -'rt8 in Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11! T8e ri(8t t' su--ra(e is s' imp'rtant t8at e*er% citi<en =n'>s 'r 'u(8t t' =n'> t8at it is 8is ri(8t9 dut% and pri*i"e(e t' re(ister and *'te9 i- 5ua"i-ied Determinati'n '- t8e -easi$i"it% '- c'nductin( a specia" re(istrati'n "ess t8an -i-t% (+3) da%s pri'r t' t8e re(u"ar e"ecti'n must $e dea"t >it8 rea"istica""% and n't -r'm t8e standp'int '- pure t8e'r% Since it is t8e COMELECAs 8'nest7t'7(''dness assessment t8at it cann't underta=e t8e c'nduct '- specia" re(istrati'n >it8'ut c'mpr'misin( t8e inte(rit% '- t8e entire e"ecti'n pr'cess9 t8en t8e C'urt >'u"d d' >e"" t' respect t8is administrati*e E-indin( '- -act F

Secti n 1$3. 2epealed by /.A. 818. O Secti n 18

155

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti n 18. ;llite#ate o# 9isabled Applicants. An0 illiterate 6er" n *a0 re-i"ter =it, t,e a""i"tance % t,e Electi n O%%icer r an0 *e*+er % an accre&ite& citi<enP" ar*". T,e Electi n O%%icer ",all 6lace "1c, illiterate 6er" n 1n&er at,> a": ,i* t,e A1e"ti n"> an& rec r& t,e an"=er" -i!en in r&er t acc *6li", t,e a66licati n % r* in t,e 6re"ence % t,e *aB rit0 % t,e *e*+er" % t,e B ar&. T,e Electi n O%%icer r an0 *e*+er % an accre&ite& citi<enP" ar* ",all rea& t,e acc *6li",e& % r* al 1& t t,e 6er" n a""i"te& an& a": ,i* i% t,e in% r*ati n -i!en i" tr1e an& c rrect T,e acc *6li",e& % r* ",all +e "1+"cri+e& +0 t,e a66licant in t,e 6re"ence % t,e B ar& +0 *ean" % t,1*+ *ar: r " *e t,er c1"t *ar0 *ar: an& it ",all +e "1+"cri+e& an& atte"te& +0 t,e *aB rit0 % t,e *e*+er" % t,e B ar&. T,e atte"tati n ",all "tate t,e na*e % t,e 6er" n a""i"te&> t,e na*e % t,e Electi n O%%icer r t,e *e*+er % t,e accre&ite& citi<enP" ar* =, a""i"te& t,e a66licant> t,e %act t,at t,e Electi n O%%icer 6lace& t,e a66licant 1n&er at,> t,at t,e Electi n O%%icer r t,e *e*+er % t,e accre&ite& citi<enP" ar* =, a""i"te& t,e a66licant rea& t,e acc *6li",e& % r* t t,e 6er" n a""i"te&> an& t,at t,e 6er" n a""i"te& a%%ir*e& it" tr1t, an& acc1rac0> +0 6lacin- ,i" t,1*+*ar: r " *e t,er c1"t *ar0 *ar: n t,e a66licati n in t,e 6re"ence % t,e B ar&. T,e a66licati n % r re-i"trati n % a 6,0"icall0 &i"a+le& 6er" n *a0 +e 6re6are& +0 an0 relati!e =it,in t,e % 1rt, ci!il &e-ree % c n"an-1init0 r a%%init0 r +0 t,e Electi n O%%icer r an0 *e*+er % an accre&ite& citi<enP" ar* 1"in- t,e &ata "166lie& +0 t,e a66licant. T,e %act % illiterac0 r &i"a+ilit0 ",all +e " in&icate& in t,e a66licati n. An illiterate r &i"a+le& 6er" n re%er" t ne =, cann t +0 ,i*"el% 6re6are an a66licati n % r re-i"trati n +eca1"e % ,i" 6,0"ical &i"a+ilit0 an&J r ina+ilit0 t rea& an& =rite (/.A. 818.> Sec. (). An illiterate r &i"a+le& ! ter 1n&er t,e la= i" ne =, i" &1l0 re-i"tere& a" "1c,> an& t,e %act % =,ic, i" clearl0 in&icate& t,e ! terP" re-i"trati n rec r& ('//). N 6er" n *a0 ! te a" an illiterate r &i"a+le& ! ter> reA1irina""i"tance =it, 1t 6ri r re-i"trati n % "1c, at t,e ti*e % ,i" a66licati n % r re-i"trati n. Un&er Sec. () % t,e COMELECP" in"tr1cti n" t t,e B ar& % Electi n In"6ect r" &ate& Dece*+er $.> $)).> n ! ter ",all +e all =e& t ! te a" illiterate r 6er" n =it, &i"a+ilit0J&i"a+le&> 1nle"" "1c, %act i" in&icate& in t,e EDCL r t,e '//. H =e!er> n te t,at t,ere i" an e7ce6ti n t t,e reA1ire*ent t 6ri r re-i"trati n> 1n&er t,e "a*e "ecti n> t,1" a M6er" n =it, 6,0"icall0 i*6aire& ca6acit0 t 1"e t,e AES *0 al" +e a""i"te& in %ee&in- ,i" +all t int t,e PCOS.N C n"eA1entl0> " *e ne "1%%erin- %r * tre* r" +eca1"e % Par:in" nP" &i"ea"e> % r e7a*6le> *a0 +e a""i"te& in t,e %ee&in- % t,e +all t int t,e *ac,ine> +1t n t =it, t,e act1al ! tin- it"el%. Secti n 1$8. 2epealed by /.A. 818. O Secti n $4 156

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti n $4. 4ote#<s ;dentification Ca#d. T,e ! ter" i&enti%icati n car& i""1e& t t,e re-i"tere& ! ter ",all "er!e a" a & c1*ent % r ,i" i&enti%icati n. In ca"e % l "" r &e"tr1cti n> n c 60 t,ere % *a0 +e i""1e& e7ce6t t t,e re-i"tere& ! ter ,i*"el% an& nl0 16 n t,e a1t, rit0 % t,e C **i""i n. T,e C **i""i n ",all a& 6t a &e"i-n % r t,e ! terP" i&enti%icati n car& =,ic, ",all +e> a" *1c, a" 6 ""i+le> ta*6er 6r %. It ",all 6r !i&e t,e % ll =in-? t,e na*e an& a&&re"" % t,e ! ter> ,i" &ate % +irt,> "e7> 6, t -ra6,> t,1*+*ar:> an& t,e n1*+er % 6recinct =,ere ,e i" re-i"tere&> t,e "i-nat1re % t,e ! ter an& t,e c,air*an % t,e Electi n /e-i"trati n B ar& an& t,e ! terP" i&enti%icati n n1*+er ('IN). Secti n $2. 4ote#<s ;dentification =umbe# >4;=?. T,e C **i""i n ",all a""i-n e!er0 re-i"tere& ! ter a ! terP" i&enti%icati n n1*+er ('1N) c n"i"tin- % t,ree 6art"> eac, "e6arate& +0 a &a",. F r e7a*6le? 34)1 #))1.1 #C184BCD. a) Part 1? C1rrent A&&re"" % t,e ' ter 1) T,e %ir"t t= &i-it" 34 "tan& % r t,e 6r !ince@ an& $) T,e la"t t= &i-it"> )1> "tan& % r t,e cit0> *1nici6alit0> r a &i"trict> 6artic1larl0 in Manila. T,e c &e a""i-n*ent % r 6r !ince"> citie" an& *1nici6alitie" ",all % ll = t,e Ur+an C &e &e!i"e& +0 t,e Nati nal Cen"1" an& Stati"tic" O%%ice (NCSO). +) Part II? C1rrent Precinct A""i-n*ent % t,e ' ter 1) T,e %ir"t % 1r &i-it"> ))1.> "tan& % r t,e 6er*anent n1*+er % t,e 6recinct =,ere t,e ! ter i" c1rrentl0 a""i-ne&? an& $) T,e letter in&icate" =,et,er it i" a * t,er 6recinct. r a &a1-,ter

T,e n1*+er a""i-ne& t t,e 6recinct in e!er0 cit0 r *1nici6alit0 ",all +e 6er*anent +1t t,e ! ter *a0 tran"%er ,i" 6recinct n1*+er. T,e 'IN re%lect" t,e c1rrent 6recinct a""i-n*ent % t,e ! ter. c) Part III? Per*anent Birt, an& Na*e C &e UniA1e t t,e ' ter 1) T,e letter> C> "tan&" % r t,e * nt,> i.e.> A % r Ean1ar0> B % r Fe+r1ar0> an& " % rt,@ $) T,e ne7t t= &i-it"> 18> "tan& % r t,e &ate % +irt,@ 157

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS () T,e ne7t t= &i-it"> 41> "tan& % r t,e 0ear % +irt,@ an& 8) T,e la"t t,ree letter"> BCD> "tan& % r t,e na*e c &e> i.e.> Ba0ani Cr1< Da!i&e. T,e la"t t,ree letter" ",all "tan& % r t,e %ir"t letter % t,e %ir"t na*e> t,e *i&&le na*e> an& t,e la"t na*e in t,at r&er. T,e C **i""i n ",all en"1re t,at Part III ,ere % % t,e ! terP" i&enti%icati n n1*+er ('IN) ",all +e 6er*anent an& 1niA1e t eac, ! ter. I% nece""ar0> t,e C **i""i n *a0 e76an& an& * &i%0 t,e "a*e. &) T,e c *+ine& +irt, an& na*e c &e i" a""i-ne& &1rin- t,e li%eti*e % e!er0 ! ter. U6 n tran"%er % t,e ! ter t an t,er 6recinct> t,e %ir"t t= 6art" % t,e 'IN ",all c,an-e. Petiti n" % r E7cl1"i n an& Incl1"i n /.A. 818.> Secti n 1.. Po!e# to Administe# Oath and ;ssue 'ummons. F r 61r6 "e" % &eter*inin- t,e ri-,t % t,e a66licant" t +e re-i"tere& a" a ! ter> t,e Electi n O%%icer ",all ,a!e t,e 6 =er t a&*ini"ter at,> i""1e "1+6 ena &1ce" tec1* an& "=ear in =itne""e". T,e %ee" an& e76en"e" inci&ental t,eret ",all +e 6ai& in a&!ance +0 t,e 6art0 in =, "e +e,al% t,e "1** n" i" i""1e&. In ca"e" % a66r !al an& &i"a66r !al> an0 a--rie!e& 6art0 *a0 %ile a 6etiti n % r e7cl1"i n r incl1"i n> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e> t,e 6r 6er M1nici6al r Metr 6 litan Trial C 1rt a" 6r !i&e& % r in t,i" act. Secti n 1$.. Acti n +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" . & U6 n recei6t % t,e ! terG" a%%i&a!it> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all e7a*ine t,e &ata t,erein. I% it %in&" t,at t,e a66licant 6 ""e""e" all t,e A1ali%icati n" an& n ne % t,e &i"A1ali%icati n" % a ! ter> ,e ",all +e re-i"tere&. Ot,er=i"e> ,e ",all n t +e re-i"tere&. T,e na*e an& a&&re"" % eac, re-i"tere& ! ter ",all> i**e&iatel0 16 n ,i" re-i"trati n> +e entere& in t,e 6r 6er al6,a+etical -r 16 in t,e li"t a%ter =,ic, t,e ! ter i&enti%icati n car& ",all +e i""1e& t t,e ! ter. Secti n 1(). Pr !incial central %ile % re-i"tere& ! ter" . & T,ere ",all +e a 6r !incial central %ile % re-i"tere& ! ter" c ntainin- t,e &16licate c 6ie" % all a66r !e& ! terG" a%%i&a!it" in eac, cit0 an& *1nici6alit0 in t,e 6r !ince =,ic, ",all +e 1n&er t,e c1"t &0 an& "16er!i"i n % t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r. T,e a66licati n" ",all +e c *6ile& al6,a+eticall0 +0 6recinct" " a" t *a:e t,e %ile an e7act re6lica % t,e + : % ! ter" in t,e 6 ""e""i n % t,e electi n re-i"trar. 158

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS S, 1l& t,e + : % ! ter" in t,e c1"t &0 % t,e electi n re-i"trar +e l "t r &e"tr 0e& at a ti*e " cl "e t t,e Electi n Da0 t,at t,ere i" n ti*e t rec n"tit1te t,e "a*e> t,e c rre"6 n&in- + : % ! ter" in t,e 6r !incial %ile ",all +e 1"e& &1rin- t,e ! tin-. Secti n 1(1. 2epealed by /.A. 818. O Secti n $8 'ection 2@. =ational Cent#al 1ile. T,ere ",all +e a nati nal central %ile 1n&er t,e c1"t &0 % t,e C **i""i n in Manila c n"i"tin- % t,e t,ir& c 6ie" % all a66r !e& ! ter re-i"trati n rec r&" in eac, cit0 r *1nici6alit0. It ",all +e c *6ile& +0 6recinct in eac, cit0J*1nici6alit0 an& arran-e& al6,a+eticall0 +0 "1rna*e " a" t *a:e t,e %ile a re6lica % t,e + : % ! ter" in t,e 6 ""e""i n % t,e Electi n O%%icer. T,erea%ter a nati nal li"t ",all +e 6re6are& % ll =in- t,e al6,a+etical arran-e*ent" % "1rna*e" % ! ter". T,ere ",all +e a nati nal %ile c n"i"tin- % t,e c *61teri<e& ! ter"P li"t (C'L)> + t, in 6rint an& in &i":ette> "1+*itte& +0 t,e Electi n O%%icer" in eac, cit0 an& *1nici6alit0 c ncerne&> 1n&er t,e c1"t &0 % t,e C **i""i n in Manila. T,e c *61teri<e& ! ter"P li"t ",all *a:e 1"e % a "in-le an& 1ni% r* c *61ter 6r -ra* t,at =ill ,a!e a &etaile& " rtin- ca6a+ilit0 t li"t ! ter" al6,a+eticall0 +0 t,e 6recinct" =,ere t,e0 ! te> +0 t,e +aran-a0"> *1nici6alitie"> citie" r 6r !ince" =,ere t,e0 re"i&e an& +0 t,eir ! ter" i&enti%icati n n1*+er ('IN). Deacti!ati n % /e-i"trati n Secti n $3. 9eacti"ation of 2e*ist#ation. T,e + ar& ",all &eacti!ate t,e re-i"trati n an& re* !e t,e re-i"trati n rec r&" % t,e % ll =in- 6er" n" %r * t,e c rre"6 n&in- 6recinct + : % ! ter" an& 6lace t,e "a*e> 6r 6erl0 *ar:e& an& &ate& in in&eli+le in:> in t,e inacti!e %ile a%ter enterin- t,e ca1"e r ca1"e" % &eacti!ati n? a) An0 6er" n =, ,a" +een "entence& +0 %inal B1&-*ent t "1%%er i*6ri" n*ent % r n t le"" t,an ne (1) 0ear> "1c, &i"a+ilit0 n t ,a!in+een re* !e& +0 6lenar0 6ar& n r a*ne"t0? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at an0 6er" n &i"A1ali%ie& t ! te 1n&er t,i" 6ara-ra6, ",all a1t *aticall0 reacA1ire t,e ri-,t t ! te 16 n e76irati n % %i!e (4) 0ear" a%ter "er!ice % "entence a" certi%ie& +0 t,e cler:" % c 1rt" % t,e M1nici6alJM1nici6al Circ1itJMetr 6 litanJ/e-i nal Trial C 1rt" an& t,e San&i-an+a0an@ +) An0 6er" n =, ,a" +een a&B1&-e& +0 %inal B1&-*ent +0 a c *6etent c 1rt r tri+1nal % ,a!in- ca1"e&Jc **itte& an0 cri*e in! l!in&i"l 0alt0 t t,e &1l0 c n"tit1te& - !ern*ent "1c, a" re+elli n> "e&iti n> !i lati n % t,e anti#"1+!er"i n an& %irear*" la="> r an0 cri*e a-ain"t 159

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS nati nal "ec1rit0> 1nle"" re"t re& t ,i" %1ll ci!il an& 6 litical ri-,t" in acc r&ance =it, la=@ Pr !i&e&> T,at ,e ",all re-ain ,i" ri-,t t ! te a1t *aticall0 16 n e76irati n % %i!e (4) 0ear" a%ter "er!ice % "entence@ c) An0 6er" n &eclare& +0 c *6etent a1t, rit0 t +e in"ane r inc *6etent 1nle"" "1c, &i"A1ali%icati n ,a" +een "1+"eA1entl0 re* !e& +0 a &eclarati n % a 6r 6er a1t, rit0 t,at "1c, 6er" n i" n l n-er in"ane r inc *6etent@ &) An0 6er" n =, &i& n t ! te in t,e t= ($) "1cce""i!e 6rece&inre-1lar electi n" a" ", =n +0 t,eir ! tin- rec r&". F r t,i" 61r6 "e> re-1lar electi n" & n t incl1&e t,e San--1nian- Da+ataan (SD) electi n"@ e) An0 6er" n =, "e re-i"trati n ,a" +een r&ere& e7cl1&e& +0 t,e C 1rt@ an& %) An0 6er" n =, ,a" l "t ,i" Fili6in citi<en",i6. F r t,i" 61r6 "e> t,e cler:" % c 1rt % r t,e M1nici6alJM1nici6al Circ1itJMetr 6 litanJ/e-i nal Trial C 1rt" an& t,e San&i-an+a0an ",all %1rni", t,e Electi n O%%icer % t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 c ncerne& at t,e en& % eac, * nt, a certi%ie& li"t % 6er" n" =, are &i"A1ali%ie& 1n&er 6ara-ra6, (a) ,ere %> =it, t,eir a&&re""e". T,e C **i""i n *a0 reA1e"t a certi%ie& li"t % 6er" n" =, ,a!e l "t t,eir Fili6in Citi<en",i6 r &eclare& a" in"ane r inc *6etent =it, t,eir a&&re""e" %r * t,er - !ern*ent a-encie". T,e Electi n O%%icer ",all 6 "t in t,e +1lletin + ar& % ,i" %%ice a certi%ie& li"t % t, "e 6er" n" =, "e re-i"trati n =ere &eacti!ate& an& t,e rea" n" t,ere% r> an& %1rni", c 6ie" t,ere % t t,e l cal ,ea&" % 6 litical 6artie"> t,e nati nal central %ile> 6r !incial %ile> an& t,e ! ter c ncerne&. /eacti!ati n % /e-i"trati n Secti n $8. 2eacti"ation of 2e*ist#ation. An0 ! ter =, "e re-i"trati n ,a" +een &eacti!ate& 61r"1ant t t,e 6rece&in- Secti n *a0 %ile =it, t,e Electi n O%%icer a "= rn a66licati n % r reacti!ati n % ,i" re-i"trati n in t,e % r* % an a%%i&a!it "tatin- t,at t,e -r 1n&" % r t,e &eacti!ati n n l n-er e7i"t an0 ti*e +1t n t later t,an ne ,1n&re& t=ent0 (1$)) &a0" +e% re a re-1lar electi n an& ninet0 (.)) &a0" +e% re a "6ecial electi n. T,e Electi n O%%icer ",all "1+*it "ai& a66licati n t /e-i"trati n B ar& % r a66r 6riate acti n. t,e Electi n

160

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS In ca"e t,e a66licati n i" a66r !e&> t,e Electi n O%%icer ",all retrie!e t,e re-i"trati n rec r& %r * t,e inacti!e %ile an& incl1&e t,e "a*e in t,e c rre"6 n&in- 6recinct + : % ! ter. L cal ,ea&" r re6re"entati!e" % 6 litical 6artie" ",all +e 6r 6erl0 n ti%ie& n a66r !e& a66licant". Cancellati n % /e-i"trati n 'ection 25. Cancellation of 2e*ist#ation. T,e B ar& ",all cancel t,e re-i"trati n rec r&" % t, "e =, ,a!e &ie& a" certi%ie& +0 t,e L cal Ci!il /e-i"trar. T,e L cal Ci!il /e-i"trar ",all "1+*it eac, * nt, a certi%ie& li"t % 6er" n" =, &ie& &1rin- t,e 6re!i 1" * nt, t t,e Electi n O%%icer % t,e 6lace =,ere t,e &ecea"e& are re-i"tere&. In t,e a+"ence % in% r*ati n c ncernin- t,e 6lace =,ere t,e &ecea"e& i" re-i"tere&> t,e li"t ",all +e "ent t t,e Electi n O%%icer % t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 % t,e &ecea"e&P" re"i&ence a" a66earin- in ,i" &eat, certi%icate. In an0 ca"e> t,e L cal Ci!il /e-i"trar ",all %1rni", a c 60 % t,i" li"t t t,e nati nal central %ile an& t,e 6r 6er 6r !incial %ile. T,e Electi n O%%icer ",all 6 "t in t,e +1lletin + ar& % ,i" %%ice a li"t % t, "e 6er" n" =, &ie& =, "e re-i"trati n" =ere cancelle&> an& %1rni", c 6ie" t,ere % t t,e l cal ,ea&" % t,e 6 litical 6artie"> t,e nati nal central %ile> an& t,e 6r !incial %ile. Secti n 1($. Pre"er!ati n % ! terG" a%%i&a!it" . & A c 60 % t,e a%%i&a!it % eac, ! ter ",all +e :e6t +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" 1ntil a%ter t,e electi n =,en it ",all &eli!er t,e "a*e t t,e electi n re-i"trar t -et,er =it, t,e c 6ie" % t,e li"t % ! ter" an& t,er electi n 6a6er" % r 1"e in t,e ne7t electi n. T,e electi n re-i"trar ",all c *6ile t,e ! terG" a%%i&a!it" +0 6recinct al6,a+eticall0 in a + : % ! ter". T,e t,er t= c 6ie" ",all +e "ent +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" n t,e &a0 % ll =in- t,e &ate % t,e a%%i&a!it t t,e %%ice % t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r an& t,e C **i""i n in Manila. T,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r an& t,e C **i""i n ",all re"6ecti!el0 %ile an& 6re"er!e t,e ! terG" a%%i&a!it" +0 cit0 an& *1nici6alit0 an& in al6,a+etical r&er % t,eir "1rna*e". T,e % 1rt, c 60 ",all +e -i!en t t,e ! ter a" e!i&ence % ,i" re-i"trati n. Secti n 1((. C l1*n" in t,e li"t % ! ter". & T,e li"t % ! ter" ",all +e arran-e& in c l1*n" a" % ll ="? In t,e %ir"t c l1*n t,ere ",all +e entere&> at t,e ti*e % cl "in- % t,e li"t +e% re t,e electi n> a n1*+er 66 "ite t,e na*e % eac, ! ter re-i"tere&> +e-innin- =it, n1*+er ne an& c ntin1in- in c n"ec1ti!e r&er 1ntil t,e en& % t,e li"t. In t,e "ec n& c l1*n> t,e "1rna*e" % t,e re-i"tere& ! ter" ",all +e =ritten in al6,a+etical r&er % ll =e& +0 t,eir re"6ecti!e %ir"t na*e"> =it, 1t a++re!iati n" % an0 :in&. In t,e t,ir& c l1*n> t,e re"6ecti!e re"i&ence" % "1c, 6er" n" =it, t,e na*e % t,e "treet an& n1*+er> r> in ca"e t,ere +e n ne> a +rie% &e"cri6ti n % t,e l calit0 r 6lace. In t,e % 1rt, c l1*n> ",all +e entere& t,e 6eri &" % re"i&ence in t,e P,ili66ine" an& in t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0. In t,e %i%t, c l1*n> t,ere ",all +e entere& n t,e &a0 % t,e electi n t,e n1*+er" % t,e +all t" =,ic, =ere -i!en "1cce""i!el0 t eac, ! ter. In t,e "i7t, c l1*n> t,e ! ter ",all "ta*6 n t,e &a0 % t,e electi n t,e *ar: % 161

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS t,e t,1*+ % ,i" ri-,t ,an& an& 1n&er "ai& *ar: ,i" "i-nat1re. An& in t,e "e!ent, c l1*n> t,e "i-nat1re % t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" =, ,a" ,an&e& t,e +all t t t,e ! ter. It =ill +e "1%%icient t,at t,e %i%t,> "i7t,> an& "e!ent, c l1*n" ",all +e %ille& in t,e c 60 % t,e li"t 1n&er t,e c1"t &0 % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" =,ic, ",all "ee t it t,at t,e t,1*+ *ar: i" "ta*6e& 6lainl0. Secti n 1(8. Certi%icate % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" in t,e li"t % ! ter" . & U6 n t,e a&B 1rn*ent % eac, *eetin- % r t,e re-i"trati n % ! ter"> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all cl "e eac, al6,a+etical -r 16 % "1rna*e" % ! ter" +0 =ritin- t,e &ate" n t,e ne7t line in +lan:> =,ic, ",all +e % rt,=it, "i-ne& +0 eac, *e*+er> an&> +e% re a&&in- a ne= na*e n t,e "a*e 6a-e at t,e ne7t *eetin-> it ",all =rite t,e % ll =in-? CA&&e& at t,e Q Q Q *eetin-C "6eci%0in- i% it i" t,e "ec n& t,ir& r % 1rt, *eetin- % t,e + ar&> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e. I% t,e *eetin- a&B 1rne& i" t,e la"t ne % r t,e re-i"trati n % ! ter"> t,e + ar& ",all> +e"i&e" cl "in- eac, al6,a+etical -r 16 % ! ter" a" a+ !e 6r !i&e&> a&& at t,e en& % t,e li"t a certi%icate (a) % t,e c rrecti n" an& cancellati n" *a&e in t,e 6er*anent li"t> "6eci%0in- t,e*> r t,at t,ere ,a" +een n ne> an& (+) % t,e t tal n1*+er % ! ter" re-i"tere& in t,e 6recinct. Secti n 1(4. P1+licati n % t,e li"t. & At t,e %ir"t , 1r % t,e = r:in- &a0 % ll =in- t,e la"t &a0 % re-i"trati n % ! ter"> t,e 6 ll cler: ",all &eli!er t t,e electi n re-i"trar a c 60 % t,e li"t certi%ie& t +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" a" 6r !i&e& in t,e 6rece&in- "ecti n@ an t,er c 60> al" certi%ie&> ",all +e "ent t t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r % t,e 6r !ince> an& an t,er> li:e=i"e certi%ie&> ",all +e "ent t t,e C **i""i n> in =, "e %%ice" "ai& c 6ie" ",all +e 6en t 61+lic in"6ecti n &1rin- re-1lar %%ice , 1r". On t,e "a*e &a0 an& , 1r> t,e 6 ll cler: ",all al" 6 "t a c 60 % t,e li"t in t,e 6 llin- 6lace in a "ec1re 6lace n t,e & r r near t,e "a*e at a ,ei-,t % a *eter an& a ,al%> =,ere it *a0 +e c n!enientl0 c n"1lte& +0 t,e intere"te& 6artie". T,e c,air*an> 6 ll cler: an& t,e t= *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all eac, :ee6 a c 60 % t,e li"t =,ic, *a0 +e in"6ecte& +0 t,e 61+lic in t,eir re"i&ence r %%ice &1rin- re-1lar %%ice , 1r". I**e&iatel0 a%ter t,e *eetin- % r t,e cl "in% t,e li"t> t,e 6 ll cler: ",all al" "en& a n tice t t,e electi n re-i"trar> 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r an& t,e C **i""i n re-ar&in- t,e c,an-e" an& t,e n1*+erin- a+ !e re%erre& t > t +e attac,e& t t,e c 60 % t,e li"t 1n&er t,eir c1"t &0. Secti n 1(2. C,allen-e % ri-,t t re-i"ter. & An0 6er" n a66l0in- % r re-i"trati n *a0 +e c,allen-e& +e% re t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" n an0 re-i"trati n &a0 +e an0 *e*+er> ! ter> can&i&ate> r =atc,er. T,e + ar& ",all t,en e7a*ine t,e c,allen-e& 6er" n an& ",all recei!e "1c, t,er e!i&ence a" it *a0 &ee* 6ertinent> a%ter =,ic, it ",all &eci&e =,et,er t,e elect r ",all +e incl1&e& in r e7cl1&e& %r * t,e li"t a" *a0 +e 6r 6er. All c,allen-e" ",all +e ,ear& an& &eci&e& =it, 1t &ela0> an& in n ca"e +e0 n& t,ree &a0" %r * t,e &ate t,e c,allen-e =a" *a&e.

162

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS A%ter t,e A1e"ti n ,a" +een &eci&e&> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all -i!e t eac, 6art0 a +rie% certi%ie& "tate*ent "ettin- % rt, t,e c,allen-e an& t,e &eci"i n t,ere n. Secti n 1(3. P =er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t a&*ini"ter at," an& i""1e "1** n". # F r t,e 61r6 "e % &eter*inin- t,e ri-,t % a66licant" t +e re-i"tere& a" ! ter" in t,e li"t> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all ,a!e t,e "a*e 6 =er t a&*ini"ter at,"> t i""1e "1+6 ena an& "1+6 ena &1ce" tec1* an& t c *6el =itne""e" t a66ear an& te"ti%0> +1t t,e latterG" %ee" an& e76en"e" inci&ent t t,e 6r ce"" ",all +e 6ai& in a&!ance +0 t,e 6art0 in =, "e +e,al% t,e "1** n" i" i""1e&. Secti n 1(8. E1ri"&icti n in incl1"i n an& e7cl1"i n ca"e". & T,e *1nici6al an& *etr 6 litan trial c 1rt" ",all ,a!e ri-inal an& e7cl1"i!e B1ri"&icti n !er all *atter" % incl1"i n an& e7cl1"i n % ! ter" %r * t,e li"t in t,eir re"6ecti!e *1nici6alitie" r citie". Deci"i n" % t,e *1nici6al r *etr 6 litan trial c 1rt" *a0 +e a66eale& &irectl0 +0 t,e a--rie!e& 6art0 t t,e 6r 6er re-i nal trial c 1rt =it,in %i!e &a0" %r * recei6t % n tice t,ere %> t,er=i"e "ai& &eci"i n % t,e *1nici6al r *etr 6 litan trial c 1rt ",all +ec *e %inal an& e7ec1t r0 a%ter "ai& 6eri &. T,e re-i nal trial c 1rt ",all &eci&e t,e a66eal =it,in ten &a0" %r * t,e ti*e t,e a66eal =a" recei!e& an& it" &eci"i n ",all +e i**e&iatel0 %inal an& e7ec1t r0. N * ti n % r rec n"i&erati n ",all +e entertaine& +0 t,e c 1rt".

EU/ISP/UDENCE

CANICOSA !". COMELEC G./. N . 1$)(18> Dece*+er 4> 1..3 /ACTSG Ricard' EB'%F Canic'sa and Se*erin' LaCara >ere candidates -'r Ma%'r in Ca"am$a9 La(una durin( t8e 1 Ma% !22+ e"ecti'ns LaCara >as pr'c"aimed >inner $% t8e Municipa" B'ard '- Can*assers On !+ Ma% Canic'sa -i"ed >it8 t8e COMELEC a ,etiti'n t' Dec"are /ai"ure '- E"ecti'n and t' Dec"are Nu"" and 6'id t8e Can*ass and ,r'c"amati'n $ecause '- a""e(ed >idespread -rauds and an'ma"ies ;'>e*er9 t8e COMELEC en $anc dismissed t8e petiti'n 'n t8e (r'und t8at t8e a""e(ati'ns t8erein did n't Custi-% a dec"arati'n '- -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n ISSUEG W8et8er 'r n't a COMELEC di*isi'n s8'u"d 8a*e -irst 8eard t8e petiti'n $e-'re decidin( 'n it en $anc 'n a m'ti'n -'r rec'nsiderati'n ;ELDG NO Secti'n &9 Artic"e IO7C app"ies 'n"% >8en t8e COMELEC acts in t8e e4ercise '- its adCudicat'r% 'r 5uasi7Cudicia" -uncti'ns and n't >8en it mere"% e4ercises pure"% administrati*e -uncti'ns M're'*er9 it is e4press"% pr'*ided in Ru"e #09 Secti'n 0 '- t8e COMELEC Ru"es '- ,r'cedure t8at an% part% dissatis-ied >it8 t8e ru"in( '- t8e $'ard '- can*assers s8a"" 8a*e a ri(8t t' appea" t' t8e COMELEC en 163

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS $anc ?uesti'ns as t' >8et8er e"ecti'ns 8a*e $een 8e"d 'r >8et8er certain returns >ere -a"si-ied 'r manu-actured and t8ere-'re s8'u"d $e e4c"uded -r'm t8e can*ass d' n't in*'"*e t8e ri(8t t' *'te Suc8 5uesti'ns are pr'per"% >it8in t8e administrati*e Curisdicti'n '- COMELEC9 8ence9 ma% $e acted up'n direct"% $% t8e COMELEC en $anc >it8'ut 8a*in( t' pass t8r'u(8 an% '- its di*isi'ns T8ere are 'n"% t8ree instances >8ere a -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n ma% $e dec"ared9 name"%G a $ T8e e"ecti'n in an% p'""in( p"ace 8as n't $een 8e"d 'n t8e date -i4ed 'n acc'unt '- -'rce maCeure9 *i'"ence9 terr'rism9 -raud9 'r 't8er ana"'('us causesH T8e e"ecti'n in an% p'""in( p"ace 8as $een suspended $e-'re t8e 8'ur -i4ed $% "a> -'r t8e c"'sin( '- t8e *'tin( 'n acc'unt '- -'rce maCeure9 *i'"ence9 terr'rism9 -raud9 'r 't8er ana"'('us causesH 'r A-ter t8e *'tin( and durin( t8e preparati'n and transmissi'n '- t8e e"ecti'n returns 'r in t8e cust'd% 'r can*ass t8ere'-9 suc8 e"ecti'n resu"ts in a -ai"ure t' e"ect 'n acc'unt '- -'rce maCeure9 *i'"ence9 terr'rism9 -raud9 'r 't8er ana"'('us causes

T8e 5uesti'n '- inc"usi'n 'r e4c"usi'n -r'm t8e "ist '- *'ters in*'"*es t8e ri(8t t' *'te >8ic8 is n't >it8in t8e p'>er and aut8'rit% '- COMELEC t' ru"e up'n T8e determinati'n '- >8et8er 'ne 8as t8e ri(8t t' *'te is a Custicia$"e issue pr'per"% c'(ni<a$"e $% 'ur re(u"ar c'urts It is 'n"% in t8e e4ercise '- its adCudicat'r% 'r 5uasi7 Cudicia" p'>ers t8at t8e COMELEC is mandated t' 8ear and decide cases -irst $% Di*isi'n and t8en9 up'n m'ti'n -'r rec'nsiderati'n9 $% t8e COMELEC en $anc T8is is >8en it is Curisdicti'na" T8e COMELEC e4ercises direct and immediate super*isi'n and c'ntr'" '*er nati'na" and "'ca" '--icia"s 'r emp"'%ees9 inc"udin( mem$ers '- an% nati'na" 'r "'ca" "a> en-'rcement a(enc% and instrumenta"it% '- t8e ('*ernment re5uired $% "a> t' per-'rm duties re"ati*e t' t8e c'nduct '- e"ecti'ns Its p'>er t' direct super*isi'n and c'ntr'" inc"udes t8e p'>er t' re*ie>9 m'di-%9 'r set aside an% act '- suc8 nati'na" and "'ca" '--icia"s It e4ercises immediate super*isi'n '*er t8e mem$ers '- t8e $'ards '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs and can*assers Its statut'r% p'>er '- super*isi'n and c'ntr'" inc"udes t8e p'>er t' re*ise9 re*erse9 'r set aside t8e acti'n '- t8e $'ards9 as >e"" as t' d' >8at t8e $'ards s8'u"d 8a*e d'ne9 e*en i5uesti'ns re"ati*e t8eret' 8a*e n't $een e"e*ated t' it $% an a((rie*ed part%9 -'r suc8 p'>er inc"udes t8e aut8'rit% t' initiate m'tu pr'pri' 'r $% itse"- suc8 steps 'r acti'ns as ma% $e re5uired pursuant t' "a>

Secti n 1(.. 2epealed by /.A. 818. O Secti n (8 Secti n (8. Petition fo# ;nclusion of 4ote#s in the List. An0 6er" n =, "e a66licati n % r re-i"trati n ,a" +een &i"a66r !e& +0 t,e B ar& r =, "e na*e ,a" +een "tric:en 1t %r * t,e li"t *a0 %ile =it, t,e c 1rt a 6etiti n t incl1&e ,i" na*e in t,e 6er*anent li"t % ! ter" in ,i" 6recinct at an0 ti*e e7ce6t ne ,1n&re& %i!e (1)4) &a0" 6ri r t a re-1lar electi n r "e!ent0#%i!e (34) &a0" 6ri r t a "6ecial electi n. It 164

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS ",all +e "166 rte& +0 a certi%icate % &i"a66r !al % ,i" a66licati n an& 6r % % "er!ice % n tice % ,i" 6etiti n 16 n t,e B ar&. T,e 6etiti n ",all +e &eci&e& =it,in %i%teen (14) &a0" a%ter it" %ilin-. I% t,e &eci"i n i" % r t,e incl1"i n % ! ter" in t,e 6er*anent li"t % ! ter"> t,e B ar& ",all 6lace t,e a66licati n % r re-i"trati n 6re!i 1"l0 &i"a66r !e& in t,e c rre"6 n&in- + : % ! ter" an& in&icate in t,e a66licati n % r re-i"trati n t,e &ate % t,e r&er % incl1"i n an& t,e c 1rt =,ic, i""1e& t,e "a*e. Secti n 18). 2epealed by /.A. 818. O Secti n (3 an& Secti n (8 Secti n (3. 4ote# E/cluded h#ou*h ;nad"e#tence o# 2e*iste#ed !ith an E##oneous o# Misspelled name. # An0 re-i"tere& ! ter =, ,a" n t +een incl1&e& in t,e 6recinct certi%ie& li"t % ! ter" r =, ,a" +een incl1&e& t,erein =it, a =r n- r *i""6elle& na*e *a0 %ile =it, t,e B ar& an a66licati n % r rein"tate*ent r c rrecti n % na*e. I% it i" &enie& r n t acte& 16 n> ,e *a0 %ile n an0 &ate =it, t,e 6r 6er M1nici6al Circ1it> M1nici6al r Metr 6 litan Trial C 1rt a 6etiti n % r an r&er &irectint,at ,i" na*e +e entere& r c rrecte& in t,e li"t. He ",all attac, t t,e 6etiti n a certi%ie& c 60 % ,i" re-i"trati n rec r& r i&enti%icati n car& r t,e entr0 % ,i" na*e in t,e certi%ie& li"t % ! ter" 1"e& in t,e 6rece&in- electi n> t -et,er =it, t,e 6r % t,at ,i" a66licati n =a" &enie& r n t acte& 16 n +0 t,e B ar& an& t,at ,e ,a" "er!e& n tice t t,e B ar&. Secti n (8. 4ote#s E/cluded th#ou*h ;nad"e#tence o# 2e*iste#ed !ith an E##oneous o# Misspelled =ame. # An0 re-i"tere& ! ter =, "e re-i"trati n rec r& ,a" n t +een incl1&e& in t,e 6recinct + : % ! ter"> r =, "e na*e ,a" +een *itte& in t,e li"t % ! ter" r =, ,a" +een incl1&e& t,erein =it, a =r n- r *i""6elle& na*e *a0 %ile =it, t,e B ar& an a66licati n % r incl1"i n % ,i" rec r&> r rein"tate*ent r c rrecti n % ,i" na*e a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e. I% it i" &enie& r n t acte& 16 n> t,e ! ter *a0 %ile n an0 &ate =it, t,e 6r 6er M1nici6al r Metr 6 litan Trial C 1rt a 6etiti n % r an r&er &irectin- t,at t,e ! terP" na*e +e entere& r c rrecte& in t,e li"t. T,e ! ter" ",all attac, t t,e 6etiti n a certi%ie& tr1e c 60 % ,i" re-i"trati n rec r& r i&enti%icati n car& r t,e entr0 % ,i" na*e in t,e li"t % ! ter" 1"e& in t,e 6rece&in- electi n> t -et,er =it, 6r % t,at ,i" a66licati n =a" &enie& r n t acte& 16 n +0 t,e B ar& an& t,at ,e ,a" "er!e& n tice t,ere % t t,e B ar&. Ann1l*ent at B : % ' ter" Secti n (.. Annulment at ,oo: of 4ote#s. T,e C **i""i n ",all> 16 n !eri%ie& 6etiti n % an0 ! ter r electi n %%icer r &1l0 re-i"tere& 6 litical 6art0> an& a%ter n tice an& ,earin-> ann1l an0 + : % ! ter" t,at i" n t 6re6are& in acc r&ance =it, t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" Act r =a" 6re6are& t,r 1-, %ra1&> +ri+er0> % r-er0> i*6er" nati n> inti*i&ati n> % rce r an0 "i*ilar irre-1larit0> r =,ic, c ntain" &ata t,at are 165

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS "tati"ticall0 i*6r +a+le. N r&er> r1lin- r &eci"i n ann1llin- a + : % ! ter" ",all +e e7ec1te& =it,in ninet0 (.)) &a0" +e% re an electi n. Secti n 181. C,an-e % na*e % re-i"tere& ! ter . & An0 6re!i 1"l0 re-i"tere& ! ter =, "e na*e ,a" +een c,an-e& +0 rea" n % *arria-e r +0 !irt1e % a c 1rt r&er *a0 reA1e"t t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" &1rin- an0 % it" *eetin-" ,el& 1n&er t,i" Article t,at ,i" re-i"trati n in t,e li"t +e rec r&e& 1n&er ,i" r ,er ne= na*e. Secti n 18$. 2epealed by /.A. 818. O Secti n (4 Secti n (4. Petition fo# E/clusion of 4ote#s f#om the List. An0 re-i"tere& ! ter"> re6re"entati!e % a 6 litical 6art0 r t,e Electi n O%%icer> *a0 %ile =it, t,e c 1rt a "= rn 6etiti n % r t,e e7cl1"i n % a ! ter %r * t,e 6er*anent li"t % ! ter" -i!in- t,e na*e> a&&re"" an& t,e 6recinct % t,e c,allen-e& ! ter at an0 ti*e e7ce6t ne ,1n&re& (1))) &a0" 6ri r t a re-1lar electi n r "i7t0#%i!e (24) &a0" +e% re a "6ecial electi n. T,e 6etiti n ",all +e acc *6anie& +0 6r % % n tice t t,e B ar& an& t t,e c,allen-e& ! ter an& ",all +e &eci&e& =it,in ten (1)) &a0" %r * it" %ilin-. I% t,e &eci"i n i" % r t,e e7cl1"i n % t,e ! ter %r * t,e li"t> t,e B ar& ",all> 16 n recei6t % t,e %inal &eci"i n> re* !e t,e ! terP" re-i"trati n rec r& %r * t,e c rre"6 n&in- + : % ! ter"> enter t,e r&er % e7cl1"i n t,erein> an& t,erea%ter 6lace t,e rec r& in t,e inacti!e %ile. Secti n 18(. 2epealed by /.A. 818. O Secti n ($ Secti n ($. Common 2ules 3o"e#nin* Audicial+ P#oceedin*s in the Matte# of ;nclusion+ E/clusion+ and Co##ection of =ames of 4ote#s. a) Petiti n % r incl1"i n> e7cl1"i n r c rrecti n % na*e" % ! ter" ",all +e %ile& &1rin- %%ice , 1r"@ +) N tice % t,e 6lace> &ate an& ti*e % t,e ,earin- % t,e 6etiti n ",all +e "er!e& 16 n t,e *e*+er" % t,e B ar& an& t,e c,allen-e& ! ter 16 n %ilin- % t,e 6etiti n. Ser!ice % "1c, n tice *a0 +e *a&e +0 "en&in- a c 60 t,ere % +0 6er" nal &eli!er0> +0 lea!in- it in t,e 6 ""e""i n % a 6er" n % "1%%icient &i"creti n in t,e re"i&ence % t,e c,allen-e& ! ter> r +0 re-i"tere& *ail. S, 1l& t,e % re- in- 6r ce&1re" n t +e 6ractica+le> t,e n tice ",all +e 6 "te& in t,e +1lletin + ar& % t,e cit0 r *1nici6al ,all an& in t= ($) t,er c n"6ic1 1" 6lace" =it,in t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0@ c) A 6etiti n ",all re%er nl0 t a" re"6 n&ent"@ ne (1) 6recinct an& i*6lea& t,e B ar&

&) N c "t" ",all +e a""e""e& a-ain"t an0 6art0 in t,e"e 6r cee&in-". H =e!er> i% t,e c 1rt ", 1l& %in& t,at t,e a66licati n ,a" +een %ile& 166

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS " lel0 t ,ara"" t,e a&!er"e 6art0 an& ca1"e ,i* t inc1r e76en"e"> it ",all r&er t,e c1l6a+le 6art0 t 6a0 t,e c "t" an& inci&ental e76en"e"@ e) An0 ! ter> can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0 =, *a0 +e a%%ecte& +0 t,e 6r cee&in-" *a0 inter!ene an& 6re"ent ,i" e!i&ence@ %) T,e &eci"i n ",all +e +a"e& n t,e e!i&ence 6re"ente& an& in n ca"e ren&ere& 16 n a "ti61lati n % %act". I% t,e A1e"ti n i" =,et,er r n t t,e ! ter i" real r %ictiti 1"> ,i" n n#a66earance n t,e &a0 "et % r ,earin",all +e 6ri*a %acie e!i&ence t,at t,e c,allen-e& ! ter i" %ictiti 1"@ an& -) T,e 6etiti n ",all +e ,ear& an& &eci&e& =it,in ten (1)) &a0" %r * t,e &ate % it" %ilin-. Ca"e" a66eale& t t,e /e-i nal Trial C 1rt ",all +e &eci&e& =it,in ten (1)) &a0" %r * recei6t % t,e a66eal. In all ca"e"> t,e c 1rt ",all &eci&e t,e"e 6etiti n" n t later t,an %i%teen (14) &a0" +e% re t,e electi n an& t,e &eci"i n ",all +ec *e %inal an& e7ec1t r0.

EU/ISP/UDENCE

ME/CADO> et al. !". EUDGE DFSANGCO> an& ESTEBAN A.M. N . MTE#))#1()1> E1l0 ()> $))$ /ACTSG T8e c'mp"ainants a""e(ed t8at pri'r t' t8e Baran(a% E"ecti'ns '- Ma% !#9 !2209 )1 pers'ns (2 >ere supp'rters '- Mercad'9 >8i"e &2 >ere supp'rters '@'n<a"es) -i"ed >it8 t8e Municipa" Circuit Tria" C'urt '- Nati*idad7L"anera9 Nue*a EciCa a petiti'n -'r inc"usi'n in t8e *'tersA "ist Mercad' and @'n<a"es >ere candidates -'r t8e p'siti'n '- Baran(a% C8airman '- :a$u"i8an9 @en Nati*idad9 Nue*a EciCa C'nse5uent"%9 c'mp"ainants -i"ed an 'pp'siti'n t' t8e petiti'n '- t8e &2 supp'rters '- @'n<a"es Se*era" 8earin( dates >ere set T8e -irst t8ree 8earin(s >ere cance""ed due t' t8e a$sence '- eit8er Jud(e D%san(c' 'r petiti'nersA c'unse" T8e Ma% 1 8earin( pr'ceeded9 t8e 2 petiti'ners (Mercad'As supp'rters) presented t8eir e*idence T8e &2 petiti'ners (@'n<a"esA supp'rters) re5uested t8e p'stp'nement 't8e 8earin( t' Ma% 2 ;'>e*er9 t8e% did n't appear t8e -'""'>in( da%9 t8us9 t8e Jud(e dismissed t8eir petiti'ns On Ma% !39 t8e Jud(e assured t8e c'mp"ainants t8at 8e did n't issue an 'rder -'r t8e inc"usi'n '- t8e &2 Mercad'As supp'rters in t8e *'tersA "ist ;'>e*er9 'n t8e da% '- t8e e"ecti'n9 t8e% >ere surprised t' -ind t8e &) ('ut '- t8e &2 petiti'ners) >it8 an 'rder si(ned $% t8e Jud(e and attested $% t8e c"er= '- c'urt9 directin( t8eir inc"usi'n in t8e *'tersA "ist On Ma% #29 !2209 t8e c'mp"ainants -i"ed a c'mp"aint a(ainst t8e resp'ndents -'r aidin( t8e -"%in( *'ters in *i'"atin( t8e E"ecti'n La>s and in-"uencin( t8e resu"t '- t8e Baran(a% E"ecti'ns in :a$u"i8an9 @en Nati*idad9 Nue*a EciCa

167

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS On Januar% &9 #3339 E4ecuti*e Jud(e Ba""uta% -'und t8at t8e act '- t8e Jud(e D%san(c' '- 'rderin( t8e inc"usi'n '- t8e &) petiti'ners 'n t8e *'tersA "ist and a""'>in( t8em t' *'te $ased 'n t8e stren(t8 '- pers'na" inter*ie> c'nducted $% t8e Jud(e >it8'ut t8e presence '- t8e c'unse"9 is n't 'n"% repre8ensi$"e9 $ut a"s' denia" '- due pr'cess ;e rec'mmended t8at t8e Jud(e $e -ined ,+9333 >it8 a >arnin( t8at a repetiti'n >i"" $e dea"t >it8 m're se*ere"% and 'n t8e part '- Este$an9 t8e C"er= 'C'urt9 s8e must $e reprimanded and >arned t8at s8e s8'u"d $e m're care-u" in 8er actuati'n and s8e s8'u"d act strict"% in acc'rdance >it8 8er duties T8e C'urt Administrat'r c'ncurred >it8 t8e '$ser*ati'n '- E4ecuti*e Jud(e Ba""uta%9 8'>e*er9 t8e "ia$i"it% '- t8e C"er= '- C'urt >as n't su--icient"% esta$"is8ed Acc'rdin("%9 t8e SC dismissed t8e c'mp"aint a(ainst Este$an RULIN@G Secti'n !)& '- Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11!9 't8er>ise =n'>n as t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de9 e4p"icit"% "a%s d'>n t8e pr'cedure ('*ernin( petiti'ns -'r inc"usi'n9 e4c"usi'n9 and c'rrecti'n '- names '- *'ters T8e c"ear mandate '- t8e "a> is -'r t8e municipa" Cud(e a) t' decide t8e petiti'n 'n t8e $asis '- t8e e*idence presented9 $) t' c'nduct a 8earin( t8ere'n9 and c) t' render a decisi'n >it8in !3 da%s -r'm t8e -i"in( '- t8e petiti'n Resp'ndent Cud(e9 un-'rtunate"%9 d'es n't =n'> t8e a$'*e "e(a" pr'*isi'ns T8e resp'ndent Cud(e c"aimed t8at 8e pers'na""% inter*ie>ed &) petiti'ners 'n Apri" #+9 !220 and t8at t8is >as t8e $asis '- 8is Order And9 sec'nd9 8e issued t8e Order $e%'nd t8e ten7da% peri'd re5uired $% Secti'n !)& T8e petiti'ns '- t8e &2 @'n<a"es supp'rters >ere -i"ed pri'r t' Apri" !09 !2209 %et t8e Order (rantin( t8em >as issued 'n"% 'n Ma% 29 !220 In re"easin( t8e Order t>' da%s $e-'re t8e Baran(a% E"ecti'ns9 8e e--ecti*e"% depri*ed t8e c'mp"ainants '- t8eir ri(8t t' appea" t' t8e Re(i'na" Tria" C'urt C"ear"%9 t8e% >ere depri*ed '- t8eir ri(8t t' due pr'cess

Secti n 188. 2epealed by /.A. 818. O Secti n (2 Secti n (2. 4e#ification of 2e*iste#ed 4ote#s. T,e Electi n %%icer ",all> in r&er t 6re"er!e t,e inte-rit0 % t,e 6er*anent li"t % ! ter"> %ile e7cl1"i n 6r cee&in-" =,en nece""ar0> an& !eri%0 t,e li"t % t,e re-i"tere& ! ter" % an0 6recinct +0 re-1lar *ail r , 1"e t , 1"e can!a"". T,e C **i""i n *a0 enli"t t,e ,el6 % re6re"entati!e" % 6 litical 6artie" an& &e61ti<e n n#- !ern*ent r-ani<ati n" (NGO")> ci!ic r-ani<ati n" an& +aran-a0 %%icial" t a""i"t in t,e !eri%icati n an& , 1"e t , 1"e can!a"" % re-i"tere& ! ter" in e!er0 6recinct. Secti n 184. Ann1l*ent % 6er*anent li"t" % ! ter". & An0 + : % ! ter" n t 6re6are& in acc r&ance =it, t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" C &e r t,e 6re6arati n % =,ic, ,a" +een e%%ecte& =it, %ra1&> +ri+er0> % r-er0> i*6er" nati n> inti*i&ati n> % rce> r an0 t,er "i*ilar irre-1larit0 r =,ic, li"t i" "tati"ticall0 168

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS i*6r +a+le *a0> 16 n !eri%ie& 6etiti n % an0 ! ter r electi n re-i"trar> r &1l0 re-i"tere& 6 litical 6art0> an& a%ter n tice an& ,earin-> +e ann1lle& +0 t,e C **i""i n? Pr !i&e&> T,at n r&er> r1lin- r &eci"i n ann1llin- a + : % ! ter" ",all +e e7ec1te& =it,in "i7t0 &a0" +e% re an electi n.

A*en&e& +0 Secti n1) % /.A. 3122 ,ere %? Secti n 1). Annulment of the List of 4ote#s. # An0 + : % ! ter" t,e 6re6arati n % =,ic, ,a" +een a%%ecte& =it, %ra1&> +ri+er0> % r-er0> i*6er" nati n> inti*i&ati n> % rce r an0 t,er "i*ilar irre-1larit0 r =,ic, i" "tati"ticall0 i*6r +a+le *a0 +e ann1lle&> a%ter &1e n tice % a !eri%ie& c *6laint? Pr !i&e&> T,at> n r&er> r1lin- r &eci"i n ann1llin- a + : % ! ter" ",all +e e7ec1te& =it,in "i7t0 (2)) &a0" +e% re an electi n. 2ule %- of the COMELEC 2ules of P#ocedu#e Secti n 1. 3#ounds. # An0 + : % ! ter" n t 6re6are& in acc r&ance =it, t,e 6r !i"i n" % la=> r t,e 6re6arati n % =,ic, ,a" +een e%%ecte& =it, %ra1&> +ri+er0> % r-er0> i*6er" nati n> inti*i&ati n> % rce> r an0 t,er "i*ilar irre-1larit0> r =,ic, li"t i" "tati"ticall0 i*6r +a+le> *a0 +e ann1lle& +0 t,e C **i""i n. Secti n $. Petition to Annul. # An0 ! ter> electi n re-i"trar> r &1l0 re-i"tere& 6 litical 6art0> r-ani<ati n r c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie" *a0 %ile =it, t,e La= De6art*ent % t,e C **i""i n a 6etiti n t ann1l a 6er*anent li"t % ! ter". Secti n (. =otice of Hea#in*. # 9it,in t,ree &a0" %r * t,e %ilin- % t,e 6etiti n> t,e Cler: % C 1rt c ncerne& ",all *a:e a re6 rt % t,e 6etiti n % t,e C **i""i n =,ic, ",all &eter*ine eit,er t -i!e it &1e c 1r"e r t &en0 t,e "a*e. I% t,e C **i""i n ",all &eci&e t -i!e it &1e c 1r"e> an Or&er t t,at e%%ect> %i7in- t,e &ate % ,earin-> ",all +e 61+li",e& in a ne="6a6er % -eneral circ1lati n in t,e 6r !ince r cit0 c ncerne& nce a =ee: % r t= c n"ec1ti!e =ee:"> t,e la"t % =,ic, ",all n t +e le"" t,an ten &a0" 6ri r t t,e &ate % ,earin-. C 6ie" % t,e r&er ",all li:e=i"e +e %1rni",e& t all re-i"tere& 6 litical 6artie"> r-ani<ati n r c aliti n r 6 litical 6artie" in t,e 6r !ince r cit0 c ncerne&. E76en"e" % r t,e 61+licati n an& n tice" ",all +e + rne +0 t,e 6etiti ner> =,ic, a" 6reli*inar0 e"ti*ate&> ",all +e &e6 "ite& =it, t,e C **i""i n. I% t,e 6etiti ner i" an Electi n /e-i"trar t,e e76en"e" % r 61+licati n ",all +e + rne +0 t,e C **i""i n. Secti n 8. ime to 1ile Opposition. # On r +e% re t,e &ate "et % r t,e ,earin-> an0 intere"te& 6art0 *a0 %ile a !eri%ie& 66 "iti n t t,e 6etiti n. 169

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti n 4. 'umma#y P#oceedin*s. # T,e 6etiti n *a0 +e ,ear& "1**aril0. Secti n 2. 9ele*ation of Hea#in* and 2eception of E"idence. # T,e ,earin- an& rece6ti n % e!i&ence *a0 +e &ele-ate& +0 t,e C **i""i n t an0 % it" %%icial" =, are *e*+er" % t,e P,ili66ine Bar. Secti n 3. P#ohibition of E/ecution of 9ecision . # An0 6r !i"i n % t,e"e /1le" t t,e c ntrar0 n t=it,"tan&in-> a &eci"i n t ann1l a + : % ! ter" ",all n t +e e7ec1te& =it,in "i7t0 (2)) &a0" +e% re an electi n. Secti n 182. 2epealed by /.A. 818. O Secti n 8) Secti n 8). 2econstitution of Lost o# 9est#oyed 2e*ist#ation 2eco#ds. T,e C **i""i n ",all rec n"tit1te all re-i"trati n rec r&" =,ic, ,a!e +een l "t r &e"tr 0e& +0 1"in- t,e c rre"6 n&in- c 6ie" % t,e 6r !incial r nati nal central %ile". In ca"e % c n%lict t,e C **i""i n ",all &eter*ine =,ic, %ile ",all +e 1"e& % r rec n"tit1ti n 61r6 "e". I% t,i" i" n t %ea"i+le> t,e C **i""i n ",all c n&1ct a -eneral re-i"trati n % ! ter" in t,e a%%ecte& area? Pr !i&e&> t,at t,ere i" a "c,e&1le& electi n +e% re t,e ne7t "c,e&1le& -eneral re-i"trati n % ! ter" in acc r&ance =it, t,e O*ni+1" Electi n C &e. All "1c, ! ter" ",all retain t,eir ! terP" i&enti%icati n n1*+er. /ec n"tit1te& % r*" ",all +e clearl0 *ar:e& =it, t,e = r& Crec n"tit1te&.C It ",all +e t,e &1t0 % t,e Electi n O%%icer t i**e&iatel0 re6 rt t t,e C **i""i n an0 ca"e % l "" r &e"tr1cti n % re-i"trati n rec r& in ,i" c1"t &0. T,e rec n"tit1ti n % an0 l "t r &e"tr 0e& re-i"trati n rec r&" ",all n t a%%ect t,e cri*inal lia+ilit0 % an0 6er" n =, i" re"6 n"i+le % r "1c, l "" r &e"tr1cti n. Secti n 8(. Compute#i.ation at Pe#manent List of 4ote#s. # A 6er*anent an& c *61teri<e& li"t arran-e& +0 6recinct> cit0 r *1nici6alit0> 6r !ince an& re-i n ",all +e 6re6are& +0 t,e C **i""i n. T,erea%ter> an t,er li"t ",all +e 6re6are& c n"i"tin- % t,e na*e" % t,e ! ter"> arran-e& al6,a+eticall0 acc r&in- t "1rna*e". T,e c *61ter 6rint# 1t" % t,e li"t % ! ter" &1l0 certi%ie& +0 t,e B ar& are %%icial & c1*ent" an& ",all +e 1"e& % r ! tin- an& t,er electi n relate& 61r6 "e" a" =ell a" % r le-iti*ate re"earc, nee&". T,e t tal n1*+er % ! ter" in t,e 6er*anent li"t ",all +e t,e +a"i" % r t,e 6rintin- % t,e %%icial +all t" +0 t,e C **i""i n. Secti n 183. E7a*inati n % re-i"trati n rec r&".# All re-i"trati n rec r&" in t,e 6 ""e""i n % t,e cit0 r *1nici6al electi n re-i"trar> t,e 6r !incial electi n 170

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS "16er!i" r> an& t,e C **i""i n ",all> &1rin- re-1lar %%ice , 1r"> +e 6en t e7a*inati n +0 t,e 61+lic =it, le-iti*ate inA1irie" % r 61r6 "e" % electi n. La= en% rce*ent a-encie" ",all> 16 n 6ri r a1t, ri<ati n +0 t,e C **i""i n> ,a!e acce"" t "ai& re-i"trati n rec r&" ", 1l& t,e "a*e +e nece""ar0 t > r in ai& %> t,eir in!e"ti-ati!e %1ncti n" an& &1tie"> "1+Bect t re-1lati n" 6r *1l-ate& +0 t,e C **i""i n. C **ent? T,i" i" t a""1re t,e 61+lic % t,e tran"6arenc0 an& inte-rit0 % t,e C **i""i n. Secti n 188. Li"t % ! ter".# Fi%teen &a0" +e% re t,e &ate % t,e re-1lar electi n r "6ecial electi n> re%eren&1* r 6le+i"cite> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" *1"t 6 "t t,e %inal li"t % ! ter" in eac, 6recinct =it, eac, an& e!er0 6a-e t,ere % &1l0 "i-ne& an& "1+"cri+e& an& "= rn t +0 t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& t,at %ail1re t c *6l0 =it, t,i" 6r !i"i n =ill c n"tit1te an electi n %%en"e. An0 can&i&ate r a1t, ri<e& re6re"entati!e % an accre&ite& 6 litical 6art0> 16 n % r*al reA1e"t *a&e t an electi n re-i"trar> ",all +e entitle& t a certi%ie& c 60 % t,e * "t recent li"t % ! ter" in an0 6recinct> *1nici6alit0> cit0 r 6r !ince> 16 n 6a0*ent % a rea" na+le %ee a" *a0 +e 6re"cri+e& +0 t,e C **i""i n. /.A. N . 818. r T,e ' ter"P /e-i"trati n Act % 1..2 a*en&e& t,e 6r !i"i n" in Article 5II n /e-i"trati n % ' ter". T,e B : % ' ter"> nce it i" "eale&> cann t +e 6ene& 1ntil electi n &a0. T,i" *ean" t,at n ' ter"P /e-i"trati n /ec r& ('//) *a0 +e a&&e& r re* !e& %r * it a%ter it i" "eale&.

DISCUSSIONS

/e-i"trati n % ' ter" Re(istrati'n is a c'nditi'n precedent t' t8e e4ercise '- t8e ri(8t '- su--ra(e (JRA *s A$an'9 @ R L7&3!109 N'*em$er !+9 !2#1) T8e State 8as ad'pted a met8'd t' s%stemati<e re(istrati'n in 'rder t' esta$"is8 a c"ear9 c'mp"ete9 permanent and updated "ist '- *'ters9 descri$ed 8ereunderG T8e act '- re(istrati'n is d'ne $% a 5ua"i-ied *'ter $% acc'mp"is8in( and -i"in( a s>'rn app"icati'n -'r re(istrati'n $e-'re t8e E"ecti'n O--icer '- t8e cit% 'r municipa"it% >8ere 8e resides An app"icati'n -'r re(istrati'n du"% appr'*ed $% t8e E"ecti'n Re(istrati'n B'ard is ca""ed a Re(istrati'n Rec'rd >8i"e a c'mpi"ati'n '171

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Re(istrati'n Rec'rds per precinct is ca""ed a B''= '- 6'ters T8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs use t8e B''= '- 6'ters as re-erence in case 5uesti'ns arise 'n t8e "ist 're(istered *'ters certi-ied $% t8e E"ecti'n Re(istrati'n B'ard and p'sted in t8e precincts -'r use 'n e"ecti'n da% T8e State rec'(ni<es t8at t8e ri(8t '- su--ra(e is in "ine >it8 t8e State p'"ic% 'pe'p"e emp'>erment C'n(ress mandated a c'ntinuin( re(istrati'n '- *'ters9 dai"%9 durin( '--ice 8'urs in t8e '--ice '- t8e E"ecti'n O--icer9 (Bautista *s COMELEC9 )!) SCRA #229 @ R N's !+)02.7209 Oct'$er #&9 #33&)9 e4cept durin( t8e peri'd startin( !#3 da%s $e-'re a re(u"ar e"ecti'n and 23 da%s $e-'re a specia" e"ecti'n (:a$ataan ,art% List *s COMELEC 9 @R N' !121.19 Dec !+9 #332) t' (i*e COMELEC en'u(8 time t' ma=e a"" t8e necessar% preparati'ns >it8 respect t' t8e c'min( e"ecti'ns M're'*er9 COMELEC cann't $e c'mpe""ed t' c'nduct a specia" re(istrati'n '- *'ters $ecause it is n't a ministeria" act $ut a discreti'nar% 'ne (A:BAJAN J'ut8 *s COMELEC9 @R N' !)03..9 #. Marc8 #33!) 9, are A1ali%ie& t re-i"ter ! Citi<ens '- t8e ,8i"ippines /i"ipin' citi<ens8ip must $e pr'*en t' t8e satis-acti'n '- t8e c'urt Le(itimate c8i"dren -'""'> t8e citi<ens8ip '- t8e -at8er >8i"e i""e(itimate c8i"dren under t8e parenta" aut8'rit% '- t8e m't8er9 >i"" -'""'> 8er nati'na"it% (Car"'s T @'9 Sr *s Luis T Ram'sK ;'n A"ipi' /ernande< *s Jimm% T @'H @R N's !.0+.2K+03 and !0!2). Sept )9 #332) # T8'se n't dis5ua"i-ied $% "a> t' re(ister ,ers'ns dis5ua"i-ied are t8e -'""'>in(G a T8'se sentenced $% -ina" Cud(ment t' su--er impris'nment '- n't "ess t8an 'ne (!) %ear9 n't 8a*in( recei*ed pard'n 'r amnest% ;'>e*er9 t8e ri(8t t' *'te s8a"" $e reac5uired up'n e4pirati'n '- -i*e %ears a-ter ser*in( sentence T8'se adCud(ed $% -ina" Cud(ment $% C'urt 'r Tri$una" '- 8a*in( c'mmitted re$e""i'n9 sediti'n9 *i'"ati'n '- -irearms 'r an% crime a(ainst nati'na" securit%9 un"ess rest'red t' 8is -u"" ci*i" and p'"itica" ri(8ts in acc'rdance >it8 "a> T8e ri(8t t' *'te s8a"" $e reac5uired a-ter t8e "apse '- -i*e %ears a-ter ser*ice '- sentence Insane 'r inc'mpetent pers'ns dec"ared as suc8 $% c'mpetent aut8'rit% un"ess "ater dec"ared $% pr'per aut8'rit% t8at 8eKs8e is n' "'n(er insane 'r inc'mpetent Secti'n + '- Repu$"ic Act 2!12 a"s' pr'*ides dis5ua"i-icati'n -'r t8'se >8' 8a*e "'st t8eir /i"ipin' citi<ens8ip in acc'rdance >it8 ,8i"ippine "a>s9 t8'se >8' 8a*e ren'unced t8eir ,8i"ippine citi<ens8ip 'r t8'se >8' 8a*e p"ed(ed a""e(iance t' a -'rei(n c'untr% and rec'(ni<ed as suc8 $% t8e 8'st c'untr%9 un"ess 8eKs8e e4ecutes an a--ida*it dec"arin( t8at 8eKs8e 172

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS s8a"" resume p8%sica" permanent residence in t8e ,8i"ippines n't "ater t8an & %ears -r'm t8e appr'*a" '- 8isK8er re(istrati'n t' *'te (Ma=a"inta" *s COMELEC9 @R N' !+03!& !3 Ju"% #33& ) T ( Nic'"as7 Le>is *s COMELEC @ R N' !.#0+29 ) Au(ust #33.) & ) + T8'se !1 %ears '"d and a$'*e T8'se >8' 8a*e resided in t8e ,8i"ippines -'r at "east 'ne %ear Resident in t8e Cit% 'r Municipa"it% >8ere 8e pr'p'ses t' *'te -'r at "east . m'nt8s immediate"% precedin( t8e e"ecti'n In E"ecti'n La>9 t8e term E residence E >8ic8 s8'>s intenti'n t' reside in a -i4ed p"ace >it8 pers'na" presence in t8at p"ace and c'nduct indicati*e 'suc8 intenti'n 9 8as t8e same meanin( as E d'mici"e E >8ic8 is a -i4ed permanent residence t' >8ic8 'ne >8' is a$sent -'r $usiness 'r p"easure intend t' return (,8i"ip @ R'mua"de< *s RTC Br 09 @R N' !3)2.39 Sept !)9 !22&)9 (,ere< *s COMELEC9 @ R N' !&&2))9 &!0 SCRA .)! (!222) and (D'min' *s COMELEC9 @ R N' !&)3!+9 !2 Ju"% !222) An i""iterate 'r disa$"ed *'ter 9 >8'se disa$i"it% t' read and >rite renders 8im una$"e t' prepare -'r 8imse"- 8is app"icati'n -'r re(istrati'n (suc8 -act must $e indicated in t8e 6'terAs Re(istrati'n Rec'rd)9 8is *'terAs a--ida*it ma%$e prepared $% an% re"ati*e >it8in t8e -'urt8 ci*i" de(ree '- c'nsan(uinit% 'r a--init% 'r $% an% mem$er '- t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs >8' s8a"" prepare t8e A--ida*it in acc'rdance >it8 t8e data supp"ied $% t8e app"icant (!210 Bar ?uesti'n N' OII) Wit8 respect t' t8e Aut'mated E"ecti'n S%stem9 a pers'n p8%sica""% impaired t' use t8e AES9 ma%$e assisted in -eedin( t8e $a""'t int' t8e ,COS mac8ine

/e-i"trati n Pr ce&1re Durin( '--ice 8'urs 'n an% date >it8in t8e re(istrati'n peri'd set $% t8e COMELEC 9 a 5ua"i-ied *'ter s8a"" pers'na""% (' t' t8e '--ice '- t8e E"ecti'n O--icer '- t8e cit% 'r municipa"it% >8ere 8e resides Acc'mp"is8 t8e COMELEC App"icati'n /'rm -'r Re(istrati'n in & c'pies $e-'re t8e E"ecti'n O--icer T8e App"icati'n /'rm s8a"" 8a*e t8e -'""'>in( data G t8e app"icantAs name9 surname9 midd"e name andK'r materna" surnameH se4H date and p"ace '- $irt8H citi<ens8ipH ci*i" status and i- married9 name 'sp'useH pr'-essi'n9 'ccupati'n 'r >'r=H peri'ds '- residence in t8e ,8i"ippines and in t8e p"ace '- re(istrati'nH e4act address >it8 street and 8'me n' H statement t8at t8e app"icant p'ssess a"" t8e 5ua"i-icati'ns '- a *'ter and a statement t8at t8e app"icant is n't a re(istered *'ter '- an% precinct T8e app"icant s8a"" t8en a--i4 8is si(nature 'n t8e app"icati'n -'rm t8ree times (&) and 8is c"ean and "e(i$"e "e-t and ri(8t t8um$prints and 8is ) ID pictures 9 t' $e ta=en at t8e e4pense '- t8e COMELEC 173

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS T8e E"ecti'n O--icer sets a 8earin( -'r t8e app"icati'ns -'r re(istrati'n9 n'tice '- >8ic8 s8a"" $e p'sted in t8e Cit% 'r Municipa" $u""etin $'ard and in t8e '--ice '- t8e E"ecti'n O--icer at "east 'ne >ee= $e-'re t8e 8earin( C'pies t8ere'- s8a"" $e (i*en t' t8e app"icant9 representati*es '- p'"itica" parties and 't8er (r'ups >8ic8 acti*e"% participate in t8e e"ect'ra" pr'cess in t8e cit% 'r municipa"it% ;earin( and pr'cessin( '- re(istrati'n s8a"" $e 'n 5uarter"% $asis s' t8e E"ecti'n Re(istrati'n B'ard s8a"" c'n*ene 'n t8e & rd M'nda% '- Apri"9 Ju"%9 Oct'$er and Januar% '- e*er% ca"endar %ear9 e4cept in an e"ecti'n %ear t' c'n-'rm >it8 t8e !#3 da%s pr'8i$iti*e peri'd $e-'re e"ecti'n da% T8e B'ard s8a"" adC'urn -r'm da% t' da% i- a"" accepted app"icati'ns can $e pr'cessed >it8in 'ne da% An app"icantAs app"icati'n -'r inc"usi'n in t8e 6'tersA "ist can $e c8a""en(ed $% an% *'ter9 candidate 'r representati*e '- a re(istered p'"itica" part% T8e c8a""en(e s8a"" $e in >ritin(9 under 'at8 and attac8ed t' t8e app"icati'n9 >it8 pr''- '- n'tice t' t8e app"icant and t8e c8a""en(er It s8'u"d $e -i"ed n't "ater t8an t8e sec'nd M'nda% '- t8e m'nt8 >8en it is sc8edu"ed t' $e 8eard $% t8e E"ecti'n Re(istrati'n B'ard T8e 8earin( '- t8e c8a""en(e s8a"" $e 'n t8e & rd M'nda% '- t8e m'nt8 Durin( t8e 8earin(9 t8e E"ecti'n O--icer s8a"" recei*e e*idence -'r 'r a(ainst t8e app"icant I- t8ere is 'pp'siti'n9 t8e app"icant s8'u"d appear in t8e 8earin( t' re-ute e*idence presented a(ainst 8is re(istrati'n T8e decisi'n is rendered $e-'re t8e end '- t8e m'nt8 and an% part% a((rie*ed in cases '- appr'*a" 'r disappr'*a" '- t8e *'terAs app"icati'n9 ma% -i"e a petiti'n -'r e4c"usi'n 'r inc"usi'n >it8 t8e pr'per Municipa" 'r Metr'p'"itan Tria" C'urt RO<amis *s X'sa9 &) SCRA )#) (!203)S

Di"A1ali%icati n" A I- sentenced $% -ina" Cud(ment t' su--er impris'nment -'r n't "ess t8an 'ne (!) %ear and suc8 disa$i"it% >as n't rem'*ed $% p"enar% pard'n 'r 8as n't $een (ranted amnest% ;'>e*er9 an% pers'n dis5ua"i-ied t' *'te s8a"" aut'matica""% reac5uire t8e ri(8t t' *'te up'n e4pirati'n '- + %ears a-ter ser*ice '- sentence B An% pers'n >8' 8as $een adCud(ed $% -ina" Cud(ment $% c'mpetent c'urt 'r tri$una" '- 8a*in( c'mmitted an% crime in*'"*in( dis"'%a"t% t' t8e du"% c'nstituted ('*ernment suc8 as re$e""i'n 'r an% crime a(ainst nati'na" securit%G ! # UNLESS rest'red t' 8is -u"" ci*i" and p'"itica" ri(8ts in acc'rdance >it8 "a> ;'>e*er9 8e s8a"" re(ain 8is ri(8t t' *'te aut'matica""% up'n e4pirati'n '- + %ears a-ter ser*ice '- sentence 174

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS C Insane 'r inc'mpetent pers'ns as dec"ared $% c'mpetent aut8'rit%

E1ri"&icti n in Incl1"i nJE7cl1"i n ca"e" A T8e municipa" and metr'p'"itan tria" c'urts s8a"" 8a*e 'ri(ina" and e4c"usi*e Curisdicti'n '*er a"" matters '- inc"usi'n and e4c"usi'n '- *'ters -r'm t8e "ist in t8eir respecti*e municipa"ities 'r cities ,etiti'n -i"ed at an% time e4cept !3+ da%s $e-'re re(u"ar e"ecti'n 'r 0+ da%s $e-'re specia" e"ecti'n B Decisi'ns ma% $e appea"ed t' t8e RTC >it8in + da%s -r'm receipt '- n'tice '- decisi'n C RTC >i"" decide t8e appea" >it8in !3 da%s Decisi'n is -ina" and e4ecut'r% D N'teG Re"ate t8is t' Artic"e IO '- t8e C'nstituti'n >8ic8 pr'*ides t8at t8e COMELEC 8as n' Curisdicti'n '*er 5uesti'ns in*'"*in( t8e ri(8t t' *'te E E4c"usi'n is t8r'u(8 s>'rn petiti'n and n't "ater t8an !33 da%s $e-'re re(u"ar e"ecti'nH .+ da%s $e-'re specia" e"ecti'n

P "tin- % t,e Certi%ie& Li"t % ' ter" T8e E"ecti'n Re(istrati'n B'ard s8a"" prepare and p'st t8e certi-ied "ist '- *'ters 9 a"'n( >it8 a certi-ied "ist '- deacti*ated *'ters $% precinct per $aran(a%9 ninet% da%s $e-'re a re(u"ar e"ecti'n and .3 da%s $e-'re a specia" e"ecti'n T8e "ist s8a"" $e p'sted in t8e '--ice '- t8e E"ecti'n O--icer and in t8e $u""etin $'ard '- eac8 cit% 'r municipa" 8a"" T>' certi-ied true c'pies '- said "ist s8a"" $e (i*en t' t8e B'ard 'E"ecti'n Inspect'rs -'r p'stin( in t8e p'""in( p"ace and re-erence 'n e"ecti'n da% Su$Cect t' reas'na$"e re(u"ati'ns '- t8e COMELEC9 t8e pu$"ic and t8e du"% aut8'ri<ed representati*es '- a re(istered p'"itica" part% 'r $'na-ide candidate 8a*e t8e ri(8t t' inspect 'r c'p% t8e "ist '- re(istered *'ters Sealin- % t,e Precinct B : % ' ter" /i-teen da%s $e-'re t8e start '- t8e campai(n peri'd9 t8e E"ecti'n Re(istrati'n B'ard s8a"" in-'rm a"" re(istered p'"itica" parties and mem$ers '- t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs t' inspect and *eri-% t8e c'mp"eteness '- t8e *'tersA re(istrati'n rec'rds -'r eac8 precinct c'mpi"ed in t8e B''= '- 6'ters A-ter certi-icati'n '- c'mp"eteness is issued $% t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs and part% representati*es9 t8e E"ecti'n Re(istrati'n B'ard s8a"" sea" t8e B''= '- 6'ters and ta=e cust'd% '- t8e same unti" e"ecti'n da% >8en t8e E"ecti'n O--icer >i"" de"i*er t8e sea"ed B''= '- 6'ters t' t8e C8airman '- t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs

A-ter N'tice and ;earin(9 a B''= O- 6'ters pr'*en t' $e prepared t8r'u(8 irre(u"arities "i=e impers'nati'n9 -'r(er%9 $ri$er%9 -raud 'r intimidati'n9 >it8 data 175

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS t8at are statistica""% impr'$a$"e9 s8a"" $e annu""ed $% COMELEC $e-'re 23 da%s pri'r t' an e"ecti'n

In case '- "'ss 'r destructi'n '- Re(istrati'n Rec'rds9 eit8er t8e pr'*incia" 'r nati'na" centra" -i"es s8a"" $e used -'r rec'nstituti'n purp'ses I- n't -easi$"e9 a (enera" re(istrati'n '- *'ters s8a"" $e c'nducted $% t8e COMELEC in t8e area a--ected In acc'rdance >it8 t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de9 t8is is d'ne i- t8ere is a sc8edu"ed e"ecti'n $e-'re t8e ne4t sc8edu"ed (enera" re(istrati'n '- *'ters ,ers'ns resp'nsi$"e -'r "'ss 'r destructi'n '- t8e re(istrati'n '- *'ters s8a"" $e crimina""% "ia$"e -'r suc8 acti'n Gr 1n&" =,en t,e Li"t % ' ter" *a0 +e altere&? ?2his list is .xclusive* ! # & ) + . Deacti*ati'nK Reacti*ati'n E4c"usi'nK Inc"usi'n Cance""ati'n '- Re(istrati'n in case '- Deat8 Ne> *'ters Annu"ment '- B''= '- 6'ters Trans-er '- Residence

Di"a+le& r Illiterate ' ter" N' *'ter >8' is i""iterate 'r disa$"ed s8a"" n't $e a""'>ed 'r depri*ed '- 8is ri(8t t' *'te $ased 'n suc8 (r'und a"'ne I""iterate 'r disa$"ed pers'ns ma%$e assisted in t8e preparati'n '- 8is $a""'t $% a re"ati*e9 $% a--init% 'r c'nsan(uinit%9 >it8in t8e -'urt8 ()t8) ci*i" de(ree9 in t8e a$sence '- suc8 $% an% pers'n >8' $e"'n(s t' t8e same 8'use8'"d 'r an% mem$er '- t8e BEI It must $e n'ted 8'>e*er t8at suc8 *'ter cann't *'te as an i""iterate 'r disa$"ed and $e assisted $% an't8er pers'n9 un"ess it is indicated in 8is re(istrati'n rec'rd t8at suc8 pers'n is i""iterate 'r disa$"ed and t8at suc8 -act appears in t8e E"ecti'n Da% C'mputeri<ed 6'ters List (EDC6L) and t8e 6RR T8e pers'n t8us c8'sen must 'n"% d' s' n't m're t8an t8ree (&) times >it8 t8e 'n"% e4cepti'n '- t8e n'n7part% mem$er '- t8e BEI >8' ma% assist an% num$er '- i""iterate 'r disa$"ed pers'ns An% *i'"ati'n '- t8ese pr'*isi'ns s8a"" $e c'nsidered as an e"ecti'n '--ense Wit8 respect t' t8e -eedin( '- t8e $a""'ts in t8e ,COS Mac8ine9 a pers'n >8' is una$"e t' -eed t8e $a""'t int' t8e ,COS Mac8ine ma% "i=e>ise $e assisted in -eedin( 8is $a""'t in t8e mac8ine Durin( t8e pr'cess '- -eedin( t8e assistant must ma=e sure t8at t8e c'ntents '- t8e $a""'t are n't e4p'sed t' t8e *ie> '- 't8er pe'p"e durin( t8e pr'cess '- -eedin(

176

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS C,allen-in- Ille-al r Fl0in- ' ter"

,ers'ns >8' can C8a""en(e I""e(a" 6'tersG a $ 6'ters Accredited Watc8ers

@r'unds -'r C8a""en(in( t8e 6'ter a Identit% D t8e BEI s8a"" res'"*e t8e issue $% re5uirin( a *a"id identi-icati'n -r'm t8e a""e(ed i""e(a" *'ter I- 8e can present a *a"id identi-icati'n and 8is name appears in t8e E"ecti'n Da% C'mputeri<ed 6'ters List (ED6CL) 8e s8'u"d $e a""'>ed t' *'te9 su$Cect t' t8e >ritten pr'test '- t8e >atc8er s8'u"d 8e insist 'n pr'testin( t8e *'terAs identit% Baran(a% certi-icati'ns and C'mmunit% Ta4 Certi-icates (Cedu"a) are n't accepta$"e -'r 'n"% ('*ernment issued identi-icati'n cards are a""'>ed ;e9 t8e *'ter is n't re5uired t' present 8is *'ters a--ida*it 'n t8e da% 't8e e"ecti'n i- 8e can $e identi-ied $% an% 't8er manner as pr'*ided $% t8e e"ecti'n c'de 'r under t8e instructi'ns '- COMELEC under Res'"uti'n N' 10&2 Ot8er I""e(a" Acts D a *'ter ma%$e c8a""en(ed i- 8e 8as recei*ed 'r e4pects t' recei*e9 8as paid9 '--ered9 'r pr'mised t' pa%9 8as c'ntri$uted9 '--ered 'r pr'mised t' c'ntri$ute m'ne%9 'r an%t8in( '- *a"ue as c'nsiderati'n -'r 8is *'te 'r -'r an't8er pers'nAs *'te9 'r i- 8e 8as recei*ed a pr'mise 'r 8as made a pr'mise t' in-"uence t8e (i*in( 'r >it88'"din( '- an% t' suc8 *'ter9 'r i- 8e 8as made a $et 'r is direct"% 'r indirect"% interested in a $et >8ic8 depends in t8e resu"t '- t8e e"ecti'n Be-'re t8e c8a""en(ed *'ter is a""'>ed t' cast 8is *'te 8e must -irst ta=e an 'at8 $e-'re t8e BEI t8at 8e 8as n't in an% >a% s8ape 'r -'rm c'mmitted an% '- t8e acts as a""e(ed $% t8e c8a""en(er T8e c8a""en(e s8a"" $e dismissed a-ter t8e 'at8 ;'>e*er i- t8e *'ter re-uses t' ta=e t8e 'at8 and t8e c8a""en(e is sustained t8en suc8 *'ter s8a"" $e pr'8i$ited -r'm *'tin(

BAR ?UESTION ! EAF9 >8i"e '- "e(a" a(e and '- s'und mind9 is i""iterate ;e 8as as=ed %'u -'r ad*ice 'n 8'> 8e can *'te in t8e c'min( e"ecti'ns -'r 8is $r't8er9 >8' is runnin( -'r ma%'r T8is >i"" $e t8e -irst time t8at EAF >i"" *'te and 8e 8as ne*er re(istered as a *'ter $e-'re W8at ad*ice >i"" %'u (i*e 8im 'n t8e pr'cedure t8at 8e needs t' -'""'> in 'rder t' $e a$"e t' *'te (!210 Bar E4aminati'ns ?uesti'n !#)U Ans>erG 177

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS T8e c'nstituti'n pr'*ides t8at unti" t8e c'n(ress s8a"" 8a*e pr'*ided 't8er>ise I""iterate and disa$"ed *'ters s8a"" $e a""'>ed t' *'te under e4istin( "a>s and re(u"ati'ns (Art 6 Sec #) It is necessar% -'r an% 5ua"i-ied *'ter t' re(ister in 'rder t' $e a""'>ed t' *'te In t8e case '- i""iterate and disa$"ed *'ters9 t8eir *'ters a--ida*it ma% $e prepared $% an% re"ati*e >it8in t8e -'urt8 () t8) ci*i" de(ree '- c'nsan(uinit% 'r a--init% 'r $% an% mem$er '- t8e 8'use8'"d 'r $% an% mem$er '- t8e BEI >8' s8a"" prepare t8e a--ida*it in acc'rdance >it8 t8e data supp"ied $% t8e app"icant (Ans>er Supp"ied $% t8e U , La> Center) Let us supp'se t8at c'n(ress enacted a "a> >8ic8 amended t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de (B , 11!) (particu"ar"% secs !&19 !&29 !)#9 !)&) $% *estin( in t8e COMELEC t8e Curisdicti'n '*er inc"usi'n and e4c"usi'n cases -i"ed $% *'ters9 instead '- in t8e c'urts (MTC9 t8en RTC) # Is t8e "a> *a"id 'r n't9 >8%U

Ans>erG

T8e "a> (rantin( t8e COMELEC Curisdicti'n '*er t8e inc"usi'n 'r e4c"usi'n cases is unc'nstituti'na" Under Sec #(&)9 Art IO7C '- t8e C'nstituti'n9 t8e COMELEC cann't decide t8e ri(8t t' *'te9 >8ic8 re-ers t' t8e inc"usi'n and e4c"usi'n '- *'ters Under Sec #(.)9 Art IO7C '- t8e C'nstituti'n 9 it can 'n"% -i"e petiti'ns in c'urt -'r inc"usi'n 'r e4c"usi'n '- *'ters

Gr 1n&" % r Deacti!ati n % /e-i"trati n

T8e re(istrati'n rec'rds '- pers'ns >8' are c'*ered $% t8e dis5ua"i-icati'n ru"es discussed ear"ier and t8'se >8' did n't *'te in t>' successi*e re(u"ar e"ecti'ns as s8'>n $% t8eir *'tin( rec'rds 'r t8'se >8' "'se t8eir /i"ipin' citi<ens8ip 'r >8'se re(istrati'n 8as $een 'rdered e4c"uded $% t8e C'urt 9 s8a"" $e p"aced in t8e inacti*e -i"e

N't "ater t8an !#3 da%s $e-'re a re(u"ar e"ecti'n and 23 da%s $e-'re a specia" e"ecti'n9 an% deacti*ated *'ter ma% -i"e >it8 t8e E"ecti'n O--icer a s>'rn app"icati'n -'r reacti*ati'n t8ru an a--ida*it statin( t8at t8e (r'unds -'r deacti*ati'n n' "'n(er e4ist and s8a"" $e su$mitted t' t8e E"ecti'n Re(istrati'n B'ard -'r 178

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS appr'priate acti'n In case t8e E"ecti'n Re(istrati'n B'ard appr'*es t8e app"icati'n9 8is re(istrati'n rec'rd >i"" $e retrie*ed -r'm t8e inacti*e -i"e and inc"uded in t8e precinct $''= '- *'ters

Cancellati n % /e-i"trati n

T8e L'ca" Ci*i" Re(istrar s8a"" su$mit m'nt8"% t' t8e E"ecti'n O--icer a certi-ied "ist '- pers'ns >8' died in t8e pre*i'us m'nt8 T8e "ist '- dead pers'ns >8'se re(istrati'n >ere cance"ed s8a"" $e p'sted in t8e '--ice '- t8e E"ecti'n O--icer and c'pies sent t' t8e "'ca" 8eads '- t8e p'"itica" parties9 t8e pr'*incia" -i"e and t8e nati'na" centra" -i"e

I- an% *'ter >as unintenti'na""% e4c"uded -r'm t8e certi-ied "ist '- *'ters 'r >8'se name >as misspe""ed t8erein9 8eKs8e ma% -i"e an app"icati'n -'r reinstatement -'r c'rrecti'n '- name I- denied 'r n't acted up'n9 t8e *'ter can -i"e 'n an% date >it8 Municipa"K Metr'p'"itan Tria" C'urt9 a petiti'n -'r an 'rder directin( t8at t8e *'terAs name $e c'rrected 'r entered in t8e "ist T8e petiti'n s8'u"d inc"ude a certi-ied true c'p% '- 8is re(istrati'n rec'rd and ID Card as >e"" as t8e "ist '- *'ters in t8e precedin( e"ecti'n >it8 8is name 'n it and pr''- t8at 8is app"icati'n -'r Inc"usi'n KE4c"usi'n '- name >as denied 'r >as n't acted up'n $% t8e B'ard RD'min' *s COMELEC9 &!3 SCRA +).9 @ R N' !&)3! (Ju"% !29 !222)S

A/TICLE 5III 179

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS P/ECINCTS AND POLLING PLACES

Secti n 8 % /.A. 3122 a*en&e& Secti n 18. ,ere %? 'ection B. P#ecincts and thei# Establishment .# An0 6r !i"i n % la= t t,e c ntrar0 n t=it,"tan&in-> =,ere it i" n t 6ractica+le t &i!i&e t,e 6recinct +0 territ r0> t,e C **i""i n *a0 a&B1"t r "6lit t,e 6recinct +0 a""i-nin- t,e re-i"tere& ! ter" t,erein al6,a+eticall0 an& eA1ita+l0 a* n- t,e a&B1"te& r "6lit 6recinct"? Pr !i&e&> T,at> t,e 6 llin- 6lace" % "ai& 6recinct" ",all +e in t,e "a*e +1il&in- r 6re*i"e". T,e C **i""i n *a0 re" rt t circ1*"tance" =arrant. t,i" nl0 =,en nece""ar0 an& t,e

Secti n 14). Arran-e*ent" % electi n 6recinct".# (a) Eac, electi n 6recinct ",all ,a!e> a" %ar a" 6 ""i+le n t * re t,an t,ree ,1n&re& ! ter" an& ",all c *6ri"e> a" %ar a" 6ractica+le> c nti-1 1" an& c *6act territ r0. (+) 9,en it a66ear" t,at an electi n 6recinct c ntain" * re t,an t,ree ,1n&re& ! ter"> t,e C **i""i n ",all> in t,e intere"t % r&erl0 electi n> an& in r&er t %acilitate t,e ca"tin- % ! te"> +e a1t, ri<e& t &i!i&e a 6recinct n t later t,an ne =ee: a%ter t,e la"t &a0 % re-i"trati n % ! ter". B1t t,e 6 llin- 6lace % all t,e 6recinct" create& t,ere+0 ",all +e l cate& in t,e "a*e +1il&in- r c *6 1n& =,ere t,e 6 llin- 6lace % t,e ri-inal 6recinct i" l cate&> an& i% t,i" +e n t %ea"i+le> in a 6lace a" cl "e a" 6 ""i+le t t,e 6 llin- 6lace % t,e ri-inal 6recinct? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at t,e 6 llin- 6lace % t,e ne= 6recinct *a0 +e l cate& el"e=,ere 16 n =ritten 6etiti n % t,e *aB rit0 % t,e ! ter" % t,e ne= 6recinct? Pr !i&e&> %1rt,er> T,at =,en a 6recinct i" &i!i&e& int t= r * re 6recinct"> t,e re-i"tere& ! ter" ",all +e incl1&e& in t,e 6recinct =,erein t,e0 re"i&e. E!er0 ca"e % alterati n % a 6recinct ",all +e &1l0 61+li",e& +0 6 "tin- a n tice % an0 c,an-e in c n"6ic1 1" l cati n in t,e 6recinct> an& in t,e *1nici6al +1il&in- r cit0 ,all> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e. (c) A *1nici6alit0 =,ic, ,a" +een *er-e& =it, an t,er *1nici6alit0 ",all c n"tit1te at lea"t ne electi n 6recinct> i% t,e &i"tance +et=een t,e re* te"t +aran-a0 % t,e *er-e& *1nici6alit0 an& t,e neare"t 6 llin- 6lace in t,e *1nici6alit0 t =,ic, it ,a" +een *er-e& ",all> +0 t,e ", rte"t r a&> e7cee& %i!e :il *eter". (&) An i"lan& r -r 16 % i"lan&" ,a!in- ne ,1n&re& an& %i%t0 r * re ! ter" ",all c n"tit1te a 6recinct. (e) An0 alterati n % t,e electi n 6recinct" r t,e e"ta+li",*ent % ne= ne" ",all +e c **1nicate& t t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r> t,e 6r !incial "16erinten&ent % "c, l"> etc. t -et,er =it, t,e c rre"6 n&in- *a6"> =,ic, ",all +e 61+li",e& a" 6re"cri+e& in t,e ne7t "1ccee&in- "ecti n". 180

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS C **ent? T,e C **i""i n i" e*6 =ere& t & t,i" t *aintain t,e r&erl0 a&*ini"trati n % t,e ! tin- 6r ce"" an& t e76e&ite t,e ! tinan& c 1ntin- in e!er0 6recinct. Secti n 141. P1+licati n % *a6" r 6recinct".# At lea"t %i!e &a0" +e% re t,e %ir"t re-i"trati n &a0 6rece&in- a re-1lar electi n r "6ecial electi n r a re%eren&1* r a 6le+i"cite> t,e C **i""i n ",all> t,r 1-, it" &1l0 a1t, ri<e& re6re"entati!e> 6 "t in t,e cit0 ,all r *1nici6al +1il&in- an& in t,ree t,er c n"6ic1 1" 6lace" in t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 an& n t,e & r % eac, 6 llin6lace> a *a6 % t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 ", =in- it" &i!i"i n int 6recinct" =it, t,eir re"6ecti!e + 1n&arie" an& in&icatin- t,erein all "treet" an& alle0" in 6 61l 1" area" an& t,e l cati n % eac, 6 llin- 6lace. T,e"e *a6" ",all +e :e6t 6 "te& 1ntil a%ter t,e electi n> re%eren&1* 6le+i"cite. r

C **ent? T,ere i" a nee& % t,e 6 "tin- " t,at n t,e &a0 % t,e electi n t,e ! ter" % eac, 6recinct = 1l& :n = =,ere t - t an& ca"t t,eir ! te". T,i" =ill = r: t t,e a&!anta-e % t,e C **i""i n t le""en it" +1r&en n t,e electi n &a0 an& % r t,e "6ee&0 ! tin- an& c 1ntin-. Secti n 14$. P llin- Place.# A 6 llin- 6lace i" t,e +1il&in- r 6lace =,ere t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" c n&1ct" it" 6r cee&in-" an& =,ere t,e ! ter" ",all ca"t t,eir ! te". C **ent? It i" t,e * "t i*6 rtant 6lace c *e electi n &a0. Secti n 14(. De"i-nati n % 6 llin- 6lace".# T,e l cati n % 6 llin- 6lace" &e"i-nate& in t,e 6rece&in- re-1lar electi n ",all c ntin1e =it, "1c, c,an-e" a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 %in& nece""ar0> a%ter n tice t re-i"tere& 6 litical 6artie" an& can&i&ate" in t,e 6 litical 1nit a%%ecte&> i% an0> an& ,earin-? Pr !i&e&> T,at n l cati n ",all +e c,an-e& =it,in % rt0#%i!e &a0" +e% re a re-1lar electi n an& t,irt0 &a0" +e% re a "6ecial electi n r a re%eren&1* r 6le+i"cite> e7ce6t in ca"e it i" &e"tr 0e& r it cann t +e 1"e&. C **ent? T,e l cati n % 6 llin- 6lace" *a0 +e c,an-e& =,en nece""ar0 % r t,e "a%et0 an& c n!enience % t,e ! ter". Secti n 148. /eA1ire*ent" % r 6 llin- 6lace".# Eac, 6 llin- 6lace ",all +e> a" %ar a" 6ractica+le> a -r 1n& %l r an& ",all +e % "1%%icient "i<e t a&*it an& c *% rta+l0 acc ** &ate % rt0 ! ter" at ne ti*e 1t"i&e t,e -1ar& rail % r t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". T,e 6 llin- 6lace ",all +e l cate& =it,in t,e territ r0 % t,e 6recinct a" centrall0 a" 6 ""i+le =it, re"6ect t t,e re"i&ence % t,e ! ter" t,erein an& =,ene!er 6 ""i+le> "1c, l cati n ",all +e al n- a 61+lic r a&. N &e"i-nati n % 6 llin- 6lace" ",all +e c,an-e& e7ce6t 16 n =ritten 6etiti n % t,e *aB rit0 % t,e ! ter" % t,e 6recinct r a-ree*ent % all t,e 6 litical 6artie" r +0 re" l1ti n % t,e C **i""i n 16 n 6ri r n tice an& ,earin-. 181

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS A 61+lic +1il&in- ,a!in- t,e reA1ire*ent" 6re"cri+e& in t,e 6rece&in6ara-ra6, ",all +e 6re%erre& a" 6 llin- 6lace. C **ent? It i" % r t,e ea"0 acce"" % r t,e ! ter" i% t,e l cati n % t,e 6 llin- 6lace i" al n- a 61+lic r a&. Secti n 144. B1il&in- t,at ",all n t +e 1"e& a" 6 llin- 6lace".# N 6 llin- 6lace ",all +e l cate& in a 61+lic r 6ri!ate +1il&in- =ne&> lea"e&> r cc16ie& +0 an0 can&i&ate r % an0 6er" n =, i" relate& t an0 can&i&ate =it,in t,e % 1rt, ci!il &e-ree % c n"an-1init0 r a%%init0> r an0 %%icer % t,e - !ern*ent r lea&er % an0 6 litical 6art0> -r 16 r %acti n> n r in an0 +1il&in- r "1rr 1n&in- 6re*i"e" 1n&er t,e act1al c ntr l % a 6ri!ate entit0> 6 litical 6art0 r reli-i 1" r-ani<ati n. In 6lace" =,ere n "1ita+le 61+lic +1il&in- i" a!aila+le> 6ri!ate "c, l +1il&in-" *a0 +e 1"e& a" 6 llin- 6lace". N 6 llin6lace ",all +e l cate& =it,in t,e 6eri*eter % r in"i&e a *ilitar0 r 6 lice ca*6 r re"er!ati n r =it,in a 6ri" n c *6 1n&. An0 re-i"tere& ! ter> can&i&ate r 6 litical 6art0 *a0 6etiti n t,e C **i""i n n t later t,an t,irt0 &a0" +e% re t,e %ir"t re-i"trati n &a0 % r t,e tran"%er % t,e 6 llin- 6lace %r * t,e 6r ,i+ite& +1il&in-" 6r !i&e& ,erein. S1c, 6etiti n ",all +e ,ear& an& &eci&e& +0 t,e C **i""i n =it,in t=ent0 &a0" %r * t,e %ilin- % t,e 6etiti n. Fail1re t e%%ect t,e tran"%er % t,e 6 llin- 6lace a%ter t,e C **i""i n % 1n& it t +e l cate& in !i lati n % t,i" "ecti n =it,in t,e 6eri & 6re"cri+e& ,erein ",all +e a -r 1n& % r t,e 6 "t6 ne*ent % t,e electi n in t,e 6 llin- 6lace c ncerne&. C **ent? T,e rati nale % t,i" 6r !i"i n i" t in&e6en&ence an& inte-rit0 % t,e C **i""i n. *aintain t,e

Secti n 142. Si-n" an& %la-" % 6 llin- 6lace".# On t,e &a0 % t,e ! tin- a" =ell a" n an0 &a0 t,at t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" *i-,t *eet> e!er0 6 llin- 6lace ",all ,a!e in %r nt a "i-n ", =in- t,e n1*+er % t,e 6recinct t =,ic, it +el n-" an& t,e P,ili66ine %la- ",all +e , i"te& at t,e 6r 6er ,ei-,t. C **ent? T,i" i" t in% r* t,e ! ter" n =,ere t 6r cee& an& ca"t t,eir ! te". Secti n 143. Arran-e*ent an& c ntent" % 6 llin- 6lace".# Eac, 6 llin- 6lace ",all c n% r* a" *1c, a" 6 ""i+le t t,e ":etc, n t,e % ll =in- 6a-e. C **ent? P llin- 6lace" *1"t +e r-ani<e& " a" n t t *i"lea& t,e re-i"tere& ! ter". Secti n 11 % /.A. N . 3122 a*en&e& Secti n 148 ,ere %? 'ection --. 4otin* ,ooth.# An0 6r !i"i n % la= t t,e c ntrar0 n t=it,"tan&in-> t,ere ",all +e in eac, 6 llin- 6lace at lea"t ten (1)) ! tin- + t," % "1c, "i<e> "6eci%icati n" an& *aterial" a" t,e 182

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS C **i""i n *a0 6r !i&e t ena+le t,e ! ter" t %ill 1t t,eir +all t" "ecretl0. DISCUSSIONS

S8a"" t8e e"ecti'n in certain municipa"ities $e dec"ared nu"" and *'id -'r t8e reas'n t8at pr'per *'tin( $''t8s 8ad n't $een prepared9 $% reas'n '- >8ic8 t8e *'ters >ere n't a$"e t' prepare t8eir $a""'ts in secretU It >as 8e"d in t8e case '- @ardiner * R'mu"'9 (#. ,8i" +#!) t8at Et8e re5uirements '- t8e E"ecti'n La>9 pr'*idin( -'r t8e "'cati'n '- p'""in( stati'ns and t8e c'nstructi'n '- $''t8s and (uard rai"s -'r t8e "atter9 ma% $e departed -r'm in s'me particu"ars and %et preser*e in su$stantia" -'rm -r'm t8e secrec% >8ic8 t8e "a> re5uires But t8e -ai"ure t' pr'*ide d''rs and (uard rai"s -'r t8e $''t8s and t8e p"acin( '- t8e >ritin( s8e"- s' t8at it -aces t8e side instead '- t8e rear '- t8e $''t8 are9 c'm$ined9 a -ata" disre(ard '- t8e "a>9 inasmuc8 as suc8 an arran(ement d'es n't '--er9 e*en in su$stantia" -'rm9 t8e secrec% and sec"usi'n >8ic89 acc'rdin( t' t8e purp'se and spirit '- t8e E"ecti'n La>9 it is m'st mandat'r% re5uirement F

A. Precinct" E*er% $aran(a% must 8a*e at"east 'ne precinctH t8e COMELEC ma% a"s' intr'duce adCustments9 c8an(es9 create ne> di*isi'ns 'r a$'"is8 a precinct itse"- inecessar% It must 8'>e*er $e remem$ered t8at t8e territ'r% c'mprisin( an e"ecti'n precinct must n't $e a"tered 'r create a ne> precinct >it8in -'rt% ()3) da%s $e-'re t8e re(u"ar e"ecti'n 'r >it8in t8irt% (&3) da%s $e-'re a specia" e"ecti'n9 re-erendum 'r p"e$iscite (Sec !)2 B , 11!) T8e COMELEC durin( t8e "ast e"ecti'n passed Res'"uti'n N' 1.22 >8ic8 pr'*ides t8at precincts s8a"" $e c"ustered int' (r'ups '- n't "ess t8an t8ree (&) 'r m're t8an se*en (0) /'r t8e purp'se '- suc8 c"usterin( t8e e5uita$"e distri$uti'n '- *'ters per precinct s8a"" $e ta=en int' c'nsiderati'n In n' case 8'>e*er s8a"" t8e a((re(ate num$er '- re(istered *'ters in t8e c"ustered 'r (r'uped precinct e4ceed One T8'usand (!9333) T8e passin( '- suc8 res'"uti'n amended Sec !+3 '- B , 11! >8ic8 "imited t8e num$er '- *'ters per precinct t' mere"% t8ree 8undredH t8us n'> due t' suc8 c"usterin( a precinct ma% 8a*e t8e ma4imum '- 'ne t8'usand *'ters castin( t8eir *'tes

B. P llin- Place"

183

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS a @enera" ,r'*isi'ns

,'""in( p"aces are $ui"din(s 'r p"aces >8ere t8e BEI c'nducts its pr'ceedin(s and >8ere t8e *'ters cast t8eir *'tes (Sec !+# B , 11!) It must $e as -ar as p'ssi$"e 'n t8e (r'und -"''r9 '- su--icient si<e t' admit and c'm-'rta$"% acc'mm'date at "east -'rt% ()3) *'ters at 'ne time It must $e "'cated >it8in t8e territ'r% '- t8e precinct9 and i- p'ssi$"e it must $e a"'n( a pu$"ic r'ad A pu$"ic $ui"din( 8a*in( t8e same re5uirements ma% "i=e>ise $e used as a p'""in( p"ace Sec !+) B , 11!) On t8e da% 'r t8e e"ecti'n9 as >e"" as 'n an% da% t8at t8e BEI mi(8t meet9 e*er% p'""in( p"ace must 8a*e in -r'nt a si(n s8'>in( t8e num$er '- t8e precinct t' >8ic8 it $e"'n(s and t8e ,8i"ippine -"a( s8a"" $e C'isted at t8e pr'per 8ei(8t (sec !+. B , 11!) T8e COMELEC ma% a"s' c8an(e t8e "'cati'n '- t8e p'""in( p"ace i- it is necessar%9 8'>e*er $e-'re d'in( t8at it must -irst n'ti-% t8e p'"itica" parties 'r candidates t8at are a--ected $% suc8 c8an(e and t8en c'nduct a 8earin( T8e C'mmissi'n must n't 8'>e*er c8an(e t8e "'cati'n '- t8e p'""in( p"ace >it8in -'rt%7-i*e ()+) da%s a re(u"ar e"ecti'n 'r >it8in t8irt% (&3) da%s $e-'re a specia" e"ecti'n9 re-erendum 'r p"e$iscite On"% e4cept >8en suc8 p'""in( p"ace is destr'%ed 'r di"apidated9 t8e use t8ere'- mi(8t cause inCur% t' t8e *'ters 'r >8en it can n' "'n(er $e used (Sec !+& B , 11!) Be-'re t8e da% '- t8e e"ecti'n t8e C8airman '- t8e COMELEC s8a""9 t8r'u(8 8is aut8'ri<ed representati*es9 see t' it t8at a"" p'""in( p"aces are inspected and suc8 'missi'ns and de-ects c'rrected T8e COMELEC s8a"" =eep a rec'rd '- suc8 rep'rts (Sec !.& B , 11!)

Bui"din(s t8at s8a"" n't $e used as ,'""in( ,"aces

# &

An% $ui"din(9 pri*ate 'r pu$"ic"% '>ned9 "eased9 'r 'ccupied $% an% candidate 'r an% pers'n >8' is re"ated t' an% candidate >it8in t8e -'urt8 ()t8) ci*i" de(ree '- c'nsan(uinit% 'r a--init% 'r an% '--icer 't8e ('*ernment 'r "eader '- an% p'"itica" part%9 (r'up 'r -acti'nH An% $ui"din( 'r surr'undin( premises under t8e c'ntr'" '- a pri*ate entit%9 p'"itica" part% 'r re"i(i'us 'r(ani<ati'n An% $ui"din( "'cated >it8in t8e perimeter '- 'r inside a mi"itar% 'r p'"ice camp 'r reser*ati'n 'r >it8in a pris'n c'mp'und (Sec !++ B , 11!)

184

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS EU/ISP/UDENCER In t8e case '- ,au"in' * Cai""es9 (N' L7!#0+&9 &0 ,8i" 1#+) 8'>e*er9 $''t8s >ere prepared9 s' -ar as t8e rec'rd s8'>s9 in acc'rdance >it8 t8e pr'*isi'ns '- t8e "a> Durin( t8e pr'(ress '- t8e *'tin(9 8'>e*er9 s'me '- t8e partiti'ns $et>een t8e di--erent $''t8s9 >8ic8 seem t' 8a*e $een made '- paper9 >ere9 $% a str'n( >ind9 destr'%ed 'r $r'=en d'>n t' s'me e4tent N' 'ne seems t' 8a*e $een resp'nsi$"e e4cept t8at t8e inspect'rs -ai"ed t' ta=e t8e pr'per precauti'n in t8e c'nstructi'n 't8e $''t8s Neit8er d'es it appear t8at t8ere >ere n't su--icient $''t8s "e-t intact t' permit a"" t8'se *'ters9 >8'9 in -act9 desired t' prepare t8eir $a""'ts in secret9 t' d' s' W8i"e t8ere >as a"m'st an ine4cusa$"e ne("i(ence 'n t8e part '- t8'se in aut8'rit% in t8e c'nstructi'n '- t8e $''t8s9 t8e C'urt -'und n' reas'n -'r m'di-%in( t8e c'nc"usi'n '- t8e "'>er c'urt W8i"e t8e "a> pr'*ides t8e manner '- c'nstructin( *'tin( $''t8s9 and >8i"e t8e pr'*isi'ns are in a sense mandat'r% %et t8e purp'se '- t8e "a> is t' re5uire *'tin( $''t8s >8ic8 a--'rd t8e *'ter an 'pp'rtunit%9 i- 8e desires9 t' prepare 8is $a""'t in a$s'"ute secrec% Secrec% is t8e '$Cect '- t8e $''t8 An 'pp'rtunit% t' prepare t8e $a""'t in pri*ate is t8e purp'se '- t8e pr'*isi'n W8en t8e $''t8 a--'rds t8at pr'tecti'n t8e purp'se '- t8e "a> is -u"-i""ed T' 8'"d 't8er>ise7 t' esta$"is8 a di--erent ru"e D >'u"d ma=e t8e manner '- per-'rmin( a pu$"ic dut% m're imp'rtant t8an t8e per-'rmance '- t8e dut% itse"- (Lin' Luna * R'dri(ue<9 N' !&0))9 &2 ,8i" #31)

Secti n 14.. G1ar& rail".# (a) In e!er0 6 llin- 6lace t,ere ",all +e a -1ar& rail +et=een t,e ! tin- + t," an& t,e ta+le % r t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" =,ic, ",all ,a!e "e6arate entrance an& e7it. T,e + t," ",all +e " arran-e& t,at t,e0 can +e acce""i+le nl0 +0 6a""in- t,r 1-, t,e -1ar& rail an& +0 enterin- t,r 1-, it" 6en "i&e %acin- t,e ta+le % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". (+) T,ere ",all al" +e a -1ar& rail % r t,e =atc,er" +et=een t,e 6lace re"er!e& % r t,e* an& t,e ta+le % r t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& at a &i"tance % n t * re t,an %i%t0 centi*eter" %r * t,e latter " t,at t,e =atc,er" *a0 "ee an& rea& clearl0 &1rin- t,e c 1ntin- % t,e c ntent" % t,e +all t" an& "ee an& c 1nt t,e ! te" rec r&e& +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" *e*+er n t,e c rre"6 n&in- tall0 ",eet". ( c ) T,ere ",all al" +e> i% 6 ""i+le> -1ar& rail" "e6aratin- t,e ta+le % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" %r * t,e ! ter" =aitin- % r t,eir t1rn t ca"t t,eir ! te"> =it, entrance an& e7it t -i!e t,e* r&erl0 acce"" t t,e ta+le an& t,e + t," &1rin- t,e ! tin-. (&) T,e 6 llin- 6lace ",all +e " arran-e& t,at t,e + t,"> t,e ta+le> t,e +all t + 7e" an& t,e =, le 6 llin- 6lace> e7ce6t =,at i" +ein- =ritten =it,in t,e + t,"> ",all +e in 6lain !ie= % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> t,e =atc,er" an& t,er 6er" n" =, *a0 +e =it,in t,e 6 llin- 6lace. 185

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS T,i" i" re" rte& t % r t,e r&erl0 an& r-ani<e& ! tin- 6r ce"" an& t "ancti n 6ara*eter" a* n- ! ter"> =atc,er"> electi n in"6ect r" an& t, "e =, *a0 +e =it,in t,e 6 llin- 6lace. Secti n 12). Ball t + 7e".# (a) T,ere ",all +e in eac, 6 llin- 6lace n t,e &a0 % t,e ! tin- a +all t + 7 ne "i&e % =,ic, ",all +e tran"6arent =,ic, ",all +e "et in a *anner !i"i+le t t,e ! tin- 61+lic c ntainin- t= c *6art*ent"> na*el0> t,e c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t" =,ic, i" in&icate& +0 an interi r c !er 6ainte& =,ite an& t,e c *6art*ent % r "6 ile& +all t" =,ic, i" in&icate& +0 an interi r c !er 6ainte& re&. T,e + 7e" ",all +e 1ni% r* t,r 1-, 1t t,e P,ili66ine" an& ",all +e " li&l0 c n"tr1cte& an& ",all +e cl "e& =it, t,ree &i%%erent l c:" a" =ell a" t,ree n1*+ere& "ec1rit0 l c:" an& "1c, t,er "a%et0 &e!ice" a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 6re"cri+e in "1c, a =a0 t,at t,e0 can n t +e 6ene& e7ce6t +0 *ean" % t,ree &i"tinct :e0" an& +0 &e"tr 0in- "1c, "a%et0 &e!ice". (+) In ca"e % t,e &e"tr1cti n r &i"a66earance % an0 +all t + 7 n electi n &a0> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all i**e&iatel0 re6 rt it t t,e cit0 r *1nici6al trea"1rer =, ",all %1rni", an t,er + 7 r rece6tacle a" eA1all0 a&eA1ate a" 6 ""i+le. T,e electi n re-i"trar ",all re6 rt t,e inci&ent an& t,e &eli!er0 % a ne= +all t + 7 +0 t,e %a"te"t *ean" % c **1nicati n n t,e "a*e &a0 t t,e C **i""i n an& t t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r. Secti n 121. Tall0 + ar&".# At t,e +e-innin- % t,e c 1ntin-> t,ere ",all +e 6lace& =it,in t,e 6lain !ie= % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> =atc,er" an& t,e 61+lic> a tall0 + ar& =,ere t,e na*e" % all re-i"tere& can&i&ate" r t,e i""1e" r A1e"ti n" t +e ! te& 16 n ",all +e =ritten> an& t,e 6 ll cler: ",all rec r& t,ere n t,e ! te" recei!e& +0 eac, % t,e* a" t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" rea&" t,e +all t. Secti n 12$. F1rni",in- % +all t + 7e"> % r*"> "tati nerie" an& *aterial" % r electi n.# T,e C **i""i n ",all 6re6are an& %1rni", t,e +all t + 7e"> % r*"> "tati nerie" an& *aterial" nece""ar0 % r t,e re-i"trati n % ! ter" an& t,e , l&in- % t,e electi n. T,e 6r !incial> cit0 an& *1nici6al trea"1rer ",all ,a!e c1"t &0 % "1c, electi n 6ara6,ernalia> "166lie" an& *aterial" a" are entr1"te& t ,i* 1n&er t,e la= r r1le" % t,e C **i""i n an& ",all +e re"6 n"i+le % r t,eir 6re"er!ati n an& "t ra-e> an& % r an0 l ""> &e"tr1cti n> i*6air*ent r &a*a-e % an0 electi n eA1i6*ent> *aterial r & c1*ent in t,eir 6 ""e""i n %1rni",e& 1n&er t,i" C &e.

DISCUSSIONS

/e" l1ti n N . 82.2 186

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS 444 T8e -'""'>in( p'"ic% directi'ns -'r t8e Aut'mated E"ecti'n S%stem in t8e Ma% !39 #3!3 nati'na" and "'ca" e"ecti'ns9 as -'""'>sG ! # T8e $a""'t $'4 s8a"" 8a*e 'n"% 'ne c'mpartment ReCected $a""'ts >i"" $e returned t' t8e *'ter9 >8' >i"" in turn (i*e t8e same t' t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs T8e *'ter >i"" n't $e issued a rep"acement $a""'t A *'te is c'nsidered *a"id i- t8e mar= 'r s8ade 'n t8e '*a" reac8es t8e t8res8'"d '- +3Q T8e $a""'t s8a"" c'ntain t8e name '- t8e candidate9 sta(e nameKnic=name and p'"itica" part% a--i"iati'n /'r e*er% p'siti'n9 eac8 candidate s8a"" $e assi(ned a num$er >8ic8 s8a"" $e in se5uentia" 'rder $e(innin( >it8 t8e num$er E!F in acc'rdance >it8 t8eir a"p8a$etica" "istin( ,art%7"ist (r'ups s8a"" $e "isted 'n t8e $a""'t $% t8eir acr'n%m T8e -u"" name '- t8e part%7"ist (r'up s8a"" $e indicated in a certi-ied "ist >8ic8 s8a"" $e printed in ne>sprint -'r distri$uti'n t' a"" precincts 'r c"ustered precincts Eac8 part%7"ist (r'up s8a"" a"s' $e assi(ned a num$er >8ic8 s8a"" $e in se5uentia" 'rder $e(innin( >it8 t8e num$er E!F in acc'rdance >it8 t8eir a"p8a$etica" "istin( T8e pr'curement '- $a""'t $'4es s8a"" $e t8r'u(8 an% '- t8e app"ica$"e a"ternati*e met8'ds '- pr'curement aut8'ri<ed under Repu$"ic Act N' 2!1) T' e4pedite t8e manu-acturin( pr'cess9 t8e manu-acturin( c'ntract ma% $e mu"ti7s'urced9 pr'*ided suc8 -act '- mu"ti7s'urcin( s8a"" $e disc"'sed in t8e re5uest -'r ,r'p'sa"

& )

444

Secti n 12(. In"6ecti n % 6 llin- 6lace".# Be% re t,e &a0 % t,e electi n> re%eren&1* r 6le+i"cite> t,e C,air*an % t,e C **i""i n ",all> t,r 1-, it" a1t, ri<e& re6re"entati!e"> "ee t it t,at all 6 llin- 6lace" are in"6ecte& an& "1c, *i""i n" an& &e%ect" a" *a0 +e % 1n& c rrecte&. T,e C **i""i n ",all :ee6 t,e re6 rt" n t,e"e in"6ecti n". C,ec:in- t,e ' tin- Center" an& P llin- Place" 6ri r t Electi n" +0 t,e B ar& % Electi n In"6ect r" (BEI). T,e BEI"> =it, t,e a""i"tance % t,e S16er!i" r" r Princi6al"> ", 1l& !eri%0 an& c,ec: %r * t,e E.O.> t,e e7act l cati n % t,e 6 llin- 6lace 6re%era+l0 ne r t= =ee:" +e% re electi n. T,e BEI" ", 1l& in"6ect t,e 6 llin- 6lace t &eter*ine i% t,ere i" a&eA1ate li-,tin-> etc. " t,at re6air" can +e rec **en&e& an& 6er% r*e& +e% re Electi n Da0.

187

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

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

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

DISCUSSIONS

Secti'n !& '- RA N' ..). amended Secti'n !.) 8ere'-G +ection '(. 4oard of .lection <nspectors 7 T8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs t' $e c'nstituted $% t8e C'mmissi'n under Secti'n !.) '- Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11! s8a"" $e c'mp'sed '- a c8airman and t>' (#) mem$ers9 'ne '- >8'm s8a"" $e desi(nated as p'"" c"er=9 a"" '- >8'm s8a"" $e pu$"ic sc8''" teac8ers9 (i*in( pre-erence t' t8'se >it8 permanent app'intments In case t8ere are 188

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS n't en'u(8 pu$"ic sc8''" teac8ers9 teac8ers in pri*ate sc8''"s9 emp"'%ees in t8e ci*i" ser*ice9 'r 't8er citi<ens '- =n'>n pr'$it% and c'mpetence >8' are re(istered *'ters '- t8e cit% 'r municipa"it% ma% $e app'inted -'r e"ecti'n dut%

Secti n 124. Oat, % t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r".# T,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> =,et,er 6er*anent> "1+"tit1te r te*6 rar0> ",all +e% re a""1*in- t,eir %%ice> ta:e an& "i-n an at, 16 n % r*" 6re6are& +0 t,e C **i""i n> +e% re an %%icer a1t, ri<e& t a&*ini"ter at," r> in ,i" a+"ence> +e% re an0 t,er *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" 6re"ent> r in ca"e n ne i" 6re"ent> t,e0 ",all ta:e it +e% re an0 ! ter. T,e at," ",all +e "ent i**e&iatel0 t t,e cit0 r *1nici6al trea"1rer. T,i" i" +eca1"e % t,e nat1re % t,eir %%ice. T,e0 are "er!in- t,e /e61+lic % t,e P,ili66ine"> t,1" it i" a &elicate &1t0 +eca1"e t,eir ta": i" t a"certain t,e =ill % t,e 6e 6le. Secti n 122. H1ali%icati n % *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r".# N 6er" n ",all +e a66 inte& c,air*an> *e*+er r "1+"tit1te *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" 1nle"" ,e i" % - & * ral c,aracter an& irre6r ac,a+le re61tati n> a re-i"tere& ! ter % t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0> ,a" ne!er +een c n!icte& % an0 electi n %%en"e r % an0 t,er cri*e 61ni",a+le +0 * re t,an "i7 * nt," % i*6ri" n*ent> r i% ,e ,a" 6en&in- a-ain"t ,i* an in% r*ati n % r an0 electi n %%en"e. He *1"t +e a+le t "6ea: an& =rite En-li", r t,e l cal &ialect. N te? T,i" i" t *aintain t,e inte-rit0 % t,e ! te" an& t,e C **i""i n it"el%. Secti n 123. Di"A1ali%icati n.# N 6er" n ",all "er!e a" c,air*an r *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" i% ,e i" relate& =it,in t,e % 1rt, ci!il &e-ree % c n"an-1init0 r a%%init0 t an0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" r t an0 can&i&ate t +e ! te& % r in t,e 6 llin- 6lace r ,i" "6 1"e.

DISCUSSIONS

Under C'me"ec Res'"uti'n N' 00219 t8ere is a pr'8i$iti'n -'r $aran(a% '--icia"s t' $ec'me mem$ers '- t8e BEI T8is pr'*isi'n is $asic9 t8e purp'se '- >8ic8 is in 'rder t' pre*ent -raud 189

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

Secti n 128. P =er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r".# T,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all ,a!e t,e % ll =in- 6 =er" an& %1ncti n"? a. C n&1ct t,e ! tin- an& c 1ntin- % ! te" in t,eir re"6ecti!e 6 llin- 6lace"@ +. Act a" &e61tie" % t,e C **i""i n in t,e "16er!i"i n an& c ntr l % t,e electi n in t,e 6 llin- 6lace" =,erein t,e0 are a""i-ne&> t a""1re t,e , l&in- % t,e "a*e in a %ree> r&erl0 an& , ne"t *anner@ an& c. Per% r* "1c, t,er %1ncti n" 6re"cri+e& +0 t,i" C &e r +0 t,e r1le" an& re-1lati n" 6r *1l-ate& +0 t,e C **i""i n. Secti n 12.. ' tin- 6ri!ile-e % *e*+er" % + ar& % electi n in"6ect r".# Me*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& t,eir "1+"tit1te" *a0 ! te in t,e 6 llin6lace =,ere t,e0 are a""i-ne& n electi n &a0? Pr !i&e&> T,at t,e0 are re-i"tere& ! ter" =it,in t,e 6r !ince> cit0 r *1nici6alit0 =,ere t,e0 are a""i-ne&? an& Pr !i&e&> %inall0> t,at t,eir ! tin- in t,e 6 llin- 6lace" =,ere t,e0 are n t re-i"tere& ! ter" +e n te& in t,e *in1te" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". T,i" 6ri!ile-e i" -i!en t in"1re t,at t,e ri-,t t ! te % t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" i" n t &e%eate&. Secti n 13). /elie% an& "1+"tit1ti n % *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r".# P1+lic "c, l teac,er" =, are *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all n t +e relie!e& n r &i"A1ali%ie& %r * actin- a" "1c, *e*+er"> e7ce6t % r ca1"e an& a%ter &1e ,earin-. An0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> n *inate& +0 a 6 litical 6art0> a" =ell a" ,i" "1+"tit1te *a0 at an0 ti*e +e relie!e& %r * %%ice an& "1+"tit1te& =it, an t,er ,a!in- t,e le-al A1ali%icati n" 16 n 6etiti n % t,e a1t, ri<e& re6re"entati!e % t,e 6art0 16 n =, "e n *inati n t,e a66 int*ent =a" *a&e> an& it ",all +e 1nla=%1l t 6re!ent "ai& 6er" n %r *> r &i"t1r+e& ,i* in> t,e 6er% r*ance % t,e &1tie" % t,e "ai& %%ice. A rec r& % eac, ca"e % "1+"tit1ti n ",all +e *a&e> "ettin- % rt, t,erein t,e , 1r in =,ic, t,e re6lace& *e*+er ,a" cea"e& in t,e %%ice an& t,e "tat1" % t,e = r: % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". Sai& rec r& ",all +e "i-ne& +0 eac, *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" incl1&in- t,e inc *in- an& t,e 1t- in- %%icer". N te? T,i" i" re" rte& t =,ene!er t,e circ1*"tance" " =arrant.

190

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti n 131. 'acanc0 in t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r".# E!er0 !acanc0 in t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all +e %ille& in t,e re*ainin- 6eri & in t,e *anner ,erein+e% re 6re"cri+e&. Secti n 13$. Pr cee&in-" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r".# T,e *eetin-" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all +e 61+lic an& ",all +e ,el& nl0 in t,e 6 llin- 6lace a1t, ri<e& +0 t,e C **i""i n. T,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all ,a!e %1ll a1t, rit0 t *aintain r&er =it,in t,e 6 llin- 6lace an& it" 6re*i"e"> t :ee6 acce"" t,eret 6en an& 1n +"tr1cte&> an& t en% rce +e&ience t it" la=%1l r&er". I% an0 6er" n ",all re%1"e t +e0 la=%1l r&er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> r ",all c n&1ct ,i*"el% in a &i" r&erl0 *anner in it" 6re"ence r =it,in it" ,earin- an& t,ere+0 interr16t r &i"t1r+ it" 6r cee&in-"> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" *a0 i""1e an r&er in =ritin- &irectin- an0 6eace %%icer t ta:e "1c, 6er" n int c1"t &0 1ntil t,e a&B 1rn*ent % t,e *eetin-> +1t "1c, r&er ",all n t +e e7ec1te& a" t 6re!ent an0 6er" n " ta:en int c1"t &0 %r * e7erci"in- ,i" ri-,t t ! te. S1c, r&er ",all +e e7ec1te& +0 an0 6eace %%icer t =, * it *a0 +e &eli!ere&> +1t i% n ne +e 6re"ent> +0 an0 t,er 6er" n &e61ti<e& +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" in =ritin-. N te? T,e r&er *1"t +e in =ritin-. Secti n 13(. Pr ,i+iti n % 6 litical acti!it0.# N *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all en-a-e in an0 6arti"an 6 litical acti!it0 r ta:e 6art in t,e electi n e7ce6t t &i"c,ar-e ,i" &1tie" a" "1c, an& t ! te. Secti n 138. F1ncti nin- % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r".# T,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all act t,r 1-, it" c,air*an> an& ",all &eci&e =it, 1t &ela0 +0 *aB rit0 ! te all A1e"ti n" =,ic, *a0 ari"e in t,e 6er% r*ance % it" &1tie". Secti n 134. Te*6 rar0 !acancie".# I%> at t,e ti*e % t,e *eetin- % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> an0 *e*+er i" a+"ent> r t,e %%ice i" "till !acant> t,e *e*+er" 6re"ent ",all call 16 n t,e "1+"tit1te r t,e a+"ent *e*+er" t 6er% r* t,e &1tie" % t,e latter@ an&> in ca"e "1c, "1+"tit1te cann t +e % 1n&> t,e *e*+er" 6re"ent ",all a66 int an0 n n#6arti"an re-i"tere& ! ter % t,e 6 llin6lace t te*6 raril0 %ill "ai& !acanc0 1ntil t,e a+"ent *e*+er a66ear" r t,e !acanc0 i" %ille&. In ca"e t,ere are t= r * re *e*+er 6re"ent> t,e0 ",all act B intl0? Pr !i&e&> T,at i% t,e a+"ent *e*+er i" ne =, ,a" +een 6r 6 "e& +0 an accre&ite& 6 litical 6art0> t,e re6re"entati!e % "ai& 6 litical 6art0 r in ,i" a+"ence t,e =atc,er" +el n-in- t "ai& 6art0 ",all &e"i-nate a re-i"tere& ! ter % t,e 6 llin- 6lace t te*6 raril0 %ill "ai& !acanc0? Pr !i&e&> %1rt,er> T,at in t,e e!ent r re%1"al r %ail1re % eit,er re6re"entati!e r =atc,er" % "ai& 6 litical 6art0 t *a:e t,e &e"i-nati n> t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n 191

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS in"6ect r" 6re"ent ",all c, "e a n n#6arti"an re-i"tere& ! ter % t,e 6 llin6lace t %ill t,e !acanc0. Secti n 132. Te*6 rar0 &e"i-nati n % *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" +0 =atc,er".# I% at t,e ti*e t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" *1"t *eet> all t,e 6 "iti n" in t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" are !acant> r i% n t ne % t,e a66 inte& *e*+er" ",all a66ear> t,e =atc,er" 6re"ent *a0 &e"i-nate ! ter" % t,e 6 llin- 6lace t act in t,e 6lace % "ai& *e*+er" 1ntil t,e a+"entee" ",all a66ear r t,e !acancie" are %ille&. Secti n 133. Arre"t % a+"ent *e*+er".# T,e *e*+er r *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" 6re"ent *a0 r&er t,e arre"t % an0 t,er *e*+er r "1+"tit1te t,ere %> =, in t,eir B1&-*ent> ,a" a+"ente& ,i*"el% =it, intenti n % +"tr1ctin- t,e 6er% r*ance % &1tie" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". N te? T,i" &e6en&" 16 n t,e " 1n& B1&-*ent % "1c, *e*+er r *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". T,e0 ", 1l& ,a!e a !ali& an& clear +a"i" +e% re *a:in- "1c, an r&er.

DISCUSSIONS

T,e B ar& % Electi n In"6ect r" (BEI)? A C'mp'siti'nG T8e $'ard c'mprises '- a c8airman9 a p'"" c"er= >8' must $e $'t8 pu$"ic sc8''" teac8ers9 pri'rit% s8a"" $e (i*en t' ci*i" ser*ice e"i(i$"es and t>' mem$ers eac8 representin( t'> accredited p'"itica" parties Am'n( t8'se ) mem$ers '- t8e $'ard Sec & '- R A 2&.2 re5uires t8at at"east 'ne '- t8e mem$ers is an In-'rmati'n Tec8n'"'(% (I T) capa$"e pers'n >8' >as eit8er trained 'r certi-ied $% t8e DOST t' 8and"e 'r use t8e Aut'mated E"ecti'n S%stem (AES)

B @enera" ?ua"i-icati'nsG B , 11! Sec !.. N' pers'n s8a"" $e app'inted as c8airman9 mem$er 'r su$stitute mem$er '- t8e BEI un"ess 8e isG ! # O- (''d m'ra" c8aracter and irrepr'ac8a$"e reputati'nH A re(istered *'ter '- t8e cit% 'r municipa"it%H

192

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS & ;as ne*er $een c'n*icted '- an% 't8er crime punis8a$"e $% m're t8an si4 (.) m'nt8s impris'nment9 'r i- 8e 8as pendin( a(ainst 8im an in-'rmati'n -'r an% e"ecti'n In additi'n Sec & '- R A 2&.2 pr'*ides t8at at"east 'ne mem$er '- t8e BEI is an in-'rmati'n tec8n'"'(% (I T) capa$"e pers'n >8' >as trained 'r certi-ied $% t8e DOST t' use t8e AES

C Dis5ua"i-icati'nsG

Sec !.0 '- B , 11! pr'*ides t8at a pers'n s8a"" $e dis5ua"i-ied t' ser*e as t8e c8airman 'r mem$er '- t8e BEI i- 8e is re"ati*e >it8in t8e -'urt8 () t8) ci*i" de(ree '- c'nsan(uinit% 'r a--init% t' an% mem$er '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs 'r t' an% candidate t' $e *'ted up'n in t8e p'""in( p"ace 'r 8is sp'use Simp"% put i- %'u are t8e sp'use 'r re"ati*e up t' ) t8 de(ree '- a--init% 'r c'nsan(uinit% 'r a re"ati*e up t' %'ur !st c'usin '- a candidate 'r an% mem$er 't8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs %'u are dis5ua"i-ied t' 8'"d t8e p'siti'n '- eit8er c8airman 'r mem$er '- t8e BEI T8e s'undest reas'n -'r suc8 pr'8i$iti'n is t' pre*ent an% p'ssi$i"it% '- c'ntri*in( t' manipu"ate 'r a"ter t8e $a""'ts t8at u"timate"% mi(8t a--ect t8e 'utc'me '- t8e e"ecti'n

D ,'>ers and /uncti'nsG

Sec !.1 '- B , 11! pr'*ides t8at t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs 8as t8e -'""'>in( p'>ers and -uncti'nsH a $ C'nduct t8e *'tin( and c'untin( '- *'tes in t8eir respecti*e p'""in( p"acesH Act as t8e deputies '- t8e COMELEC in t8e super*isi'n and c'ntr'" 't8e e"ecti'n in t8e p'""in( p"aces >8erein t8e% are assi(ned9 t' assure t8e 8'"din( '- t8e same in a -ree9 'rder"% and 8'nest mannerH and ,er-'rm suc8 't8er p'>ers and prescri$es $% t8e c'de 'r $% t8e ru"es and re(u"ati'ns pr'mu"(ated $% t8e COMELEC 193

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

EU/ISP/UDENCE In ,an(andaman * C'me"ec9 (@ R N' !&)&)39 N'*em$er #+9 !2229 &!2 SCRA #1&) it >as 8e"d t8erein t8at t8e insistence '- petiti'ner t8at t8e C'me"ec *i'"ated Secti'ns !..9 !039 !0+ and !0. '- B , 11! >8en it 'rdered e"ements '- t8e Armed /'rces '- t8e ,8i"ippines (A/,) and t8e ,8i"ippine Nati'na" ,'"ice (,N,) >8' are n't assi(ned t' t8e a--ected areas as mem$ers '- t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs (BEIs) is "i=e>ise unc'n*incin( *is7M7*is t8e under"%in( reas'n '- t8e pu$"ic resp'ndent t' 8a*e an e--ecti*e and impartia" mi"itar% presence Et' a*'id t8e ris= 'an't8er -ai"ure '- e"ecti'ns F

A/TICLE 5' 9ATCHE/S

Secti n 138. O%%icial =atc,er" % can&i&ate".# E!er0 re-i"tere& 6 litical 6art0> c aliti n r 6 litical 6artie" an& e!er0 in&e6en&ent can&i&ate ",all eac, +e entitle& t ne =atc,er in e!er0 6 llin- 6lace. N 6er" n ",all +e a66 inte& =atc,er 1nle"" ,e i" a A1ali%ie& ! ter % t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0> % - & re61tati n an& ",all n t ,a!e +een c n!icte& +0 %inal B1&-*ent % an0 electi n %%en"e r % an0 t,er cri*e> *1"t :n = , = t rea& an& =rite Pili6in > En-li",> S6ani", r an0 % t,e 6re!ailin- l cal &ialect"> an& n t relate& =it,in t,e % 1rt, ci!il &e-ree % c n"an-1init0 r a%%init0 t t,e c,air*an r an0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" in t,e 6 llin- 6lace =,ere ,e "ee:" a66 int*ent a" a =atc,er. Eac, can&i&ate> 6 litical 6art0 r c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie" ",all &e"i-nate in e!er0 6r !ince> ,i-,l0 1r+ani<e& cit0 r &i"trict in t,e Metr 6 litan Manila area> a re6re"entati!e" a1t, ri<e& t a66 int =atc,er"> %1rni",in- t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r r t,e cit0 electi n re-i"trar> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e> t,e na*e" % "1c, re6re"entati!e". T,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r" ",all %1rni", t,e *1nici6al electi n re-i"trar" an& electi n re-i"trar" % c *6 nent citie" =it, t,e li"t % "1c, re6re"entati!e". In t,e ca"e % Metr 6 litan Manila> t,e &e"i-nati n % t,e 6er" n" a1t, ri<e& t a66 int =atc,er" ",all +e %ile& =it, t,e C **i""i n> =,ic, ",all %1rni", t,e li"t % "1c, re6re"entati!e" t t,e re"6ecti!e cit0 an& *1nici6al electi n re-i"trar". 194

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti n $2 % /.A. 3122 a*en&e& Secti n 138 ,ere %? Sec. $2. O%%icial 9atc,er".# E!er0 re-i"tere& 6 litical 6art0 r c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie"> an& e!er0 can&i&ate ",all eac, +e entitle& t ne =atc,er in e!er0 6 llin- 6lace an& can!a""in- center? Pr !i&e&> t,at can&i&ate" % r t,e San--1nian- Panlala=i-an> San--1nian- Panl1n-" &> r San--1nian- Ba0an +el n-in- t t,e "a*e "late r tic:et ",all c llecti!el0 +e entitle& t nl0 ne =atc,er. T,ere ",all al" +e rec -ni<e& "i7 (2) 6rinci6al =atc,er"> re6re"entint,e "i7 (2) accre&ite& *aB r 6 litical 6artie"> =, ",all +e &e"i-nate& +0 t,e C **i""i n 16 n n *inati n % t,e "ai& 6artie". T,e"e 6 litical 6artie" ",all +e &eter*ine& +0 t,e C **i""i n 16 n n tice an& ,earinn t,e +a"i" % t,e % ll =in- circ1*"tance"? a. T,e e"ta+li",e& rec r& % t,e "ai& 6artie"> c aliti n r -r 16" t,at n = c *6 "e& t,e*> ta:in- int acc 1nt> a* n- t,er t,in-"> t,eir ", =in- in t,e 6a"t electi n"@ +. T,e n1*+er % inc1*+ent electi!e %%icial" +el n-in- t t,e* ninet0 (.)) &a0" +e% re t,e &ate % electi n@ c. T,eir i&enti%ia+le 6 litical r-ani<ati n" an& "tren-t," a" e!i&ence& +0 t,eir r-ani<e& c,a6ter"@

&. T,e a+ilit0 t %ill a c *6lete "late % can&i&ate" %r * t,e *1nici6al le!el t t,e 6 "iti n % 6re"i&ent@ an& e. Ot,er anal - 1" circ1*"tance" t,at *a0 &eter*ine t,eir relati!e r-ani<ati n" an& "tren-t,".

Secti n 138> a" a*en&e& +0 Sec. $2 % /A N . 3122 i" %1rt,er a*en&e& +0 Sec. (8 % /A .(2.. Sec. (8. Sec. $2 % /A N . 3122 i" ,ere+0 a*en&e& t rea& a" % ll ="? 'ec. 2C. Official 6atche#s. # E!er0 re-i"tere& 6 litical 6art0 r c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie"> an& e!er0 can&i&ate ",all eac, +e entitle& t ne =atc,er in e!er0 6 llin- 6lace an& can!a""in- center? Pr !i&e&> t,at> can&i&ate" % r t,e San--1nian- Panlala=i-an> San--1nian- Panl1n-" &> r San--1nian- Ba0an +el n-in- t t,e "a*e "late r tic:et ",all c llecti!el0 +e entitle& t nl0 ne =atc,er. T,e & *inant *aB rit0 6art0 an& & *inant *in rit0 6art0> =,ic, t,e C **i""i n ",all &eter*ine in acc r&ance =it, la=> ",all eac, +e entitle& t ne %%icial =atc,er =, ",all +e 6ai& a %i7 6er &ie* % F 1r ,1n&re& 6e" " (P8)).))). T,ere ",all al" +e rec -ni<e& "i7 6rinci6al =atc,er"> re6re"entin- t,e "i7 accre&ite& *aB r 6 litical 6artie" e7cl1&in- t,e & *inant *aB rit0 195

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS an& *in rit0 6artie"> =, ",all +e &e"i-nate& +0 t,e C **i""i n 16 n n *inati n % t,e "ai& 6artie". T,e"e 6 litical 6artie" ",all +e &eter*ine& +0 t,e C **i""i n 16 n n tice an& ,earin- n t,e +a"i" % t,e % ll =in- circ1*"tance"? a. T,e e"ta+li",e& rec r& % t,e "ai& 6artie"> c aliti n % -r 16" t,at n = c *6 "e& t,e*> ta:in- int acc 1nt> a* n- t,er t,in-"> t,eir ", =in- in 6a"t electi n"@ +. T,e n1*+er % inc1*+ent electi!e %%icial" +el n-in- t t,e* ninet0 (.)) &a0" +e% re t,e &ata % electi n@ c. T,eir i&enti%ia+le 6 litical r-ani<ati n" an& "tren-t," a" e!i&ence& +0 t,eir r-ani<e&Jc,a6ter"@

&. T,e a+ilit0 t %ill a c *6lete "late % can&i&ate" %r * t,e *1nici6al le!el t t,e 6 "iti n % Pre"i&ent@ an& e. Ot,er anal - 1" circ1*"tance t,at *a0 &eter*ine t,eir relati!e r-ani<ati n" an& "tren-t,".

Secti n 13.. /i-,t" an& &1tie" % =atc,er".# U6 n enterin- t,e 6 llin- 6lace> t,e =atc,er" ",all 6re"ent an& &eli!er t t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ,i" a66 int*ent> an& % rt,=it,> ,i" na*e ",all +e rec r&e& in t,e *in1te" =it, a n tati n 1n&er ,i" "i-nat1re t,at ,e i" n t &i"A1ali%ie& 1n&er t,e "ec n& 6ara-ra6, % Secti n 138. T,e a66 int*ent" % t,e =atc,er" ",all +ear t,e 6er" nal "i-nat1re r t,e %ac"i*ile "i-nat1re % t,e can&i&ate r t,e &1l0 a1t, ri<e& re6re"entati!e" % t,e 6 litical 6art0 r c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie" =, a66 inte& ,i* r % r-ani<ati n" a1t, ri<e& +0 t,e C **i""i n 1n&er Secti n 18). T,e =atc,er" ",all ,a!e t,e ri-,t t "ta0 in t,e "6ace re"er!e& % r t,e* in"i&e t,e 6 llin- 6lace. T,e0 ",all ,a!e t,e ri-,t t =itne"" an& in% r* t,e*"el!e" % t,e 6r cee&in-" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> incl1&in- it" 6r cee&in-" &1rin- t,e re-i"trati n % ! ter"> t ta:e n te" % =,at t,e0 *a0 "ee r ,ear> t ta:e 6, t -ra6," % t,e 6r cee&in-" an& inci&ent"> i% an0> &1rin- t,e c 1ntin- % ! te"> a" =ell a" % electi n ret1rn"> tall0 + ar&" an& +all t + 7e"> t %ile a 6r te"t a-ain"t an0 irre-1larit0 r !i lati n % la= =,ic, t,e0 +elie!e *a0 ,a!e +een c **itte& +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" r +0 an0 % it" *e*+er" r +0 an0 6er" n"> t +tain %r * t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" a certi%icate a" t t,e %ilin- % "1c, 6r te"t an&J r % t,e re" l1ti n t,ere n> t rea& t,e +all t" a%ter t,e0 ",all ,a!e +een rea& +0 t,e c,air*an> a" =ell a" t,e electi n ret1rn" a%ter t,e0 ",all ,a!e +een c *6lete& an& "i-ne& +0 t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" =it, 1t t 1c,in- t,e*> +1t t,e0 ",all n t "6ea: t an0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> r t an0 ! ter> r a* n- t,e*"el!e"> in "1c, a *anner a" = 1l& &i"tract t,e 6r cee&in-"> an& t +e %1rni",e& =it, a certi%icate % t,e n1*+er % ! te" in = r&" an& %i-1re" ca"t % r eac, can&i&ate> &1l0 "i-ne& an& t,1*+*ar:e& +0 t,e c,air*an an& all t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". /e%1"al % t,e c,air*an an& t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t "i-n an& %1rni", "1c, certi%icate ",all c n"tit1te an electi n %%en"e an& ",all +e 6enali<e& 1n&er t,i" C &e. 196

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti n 18). Ot,er =atc,er".# T,e &1l0 accre&ite& citi<en" ar* % t,e C **i""i n ",all +e entitle& t a66 int a =atc,er in e!er0 6 llin- 6lace. Ot,er ci!ic> reli-i 1"> 6r %e""i nal> +1"ine""> "er!ice> 0 1t, an& an0 t,er "i*ilar r-ani<ati n"> =it, 6ri r a1t, rit0 % t,e C **i""i n> ",all +e entitle& c llecti!el0 t a66 int ne =atc,er in e!er0 6 llin- 6lace.

DISCUSSIONS

A ,'>er t' App'int Watc8ers

Sec !01 '- B , 11! pr'*ides t8at e*er% re(istered p'"itica" part%9 c'a"iti'n 'p'"itica" parties and e*er% independent candidate is entit"ed t' 'ne p'"" >atc8er in e*er% p'""in( p"ace T8is measure is used t' assure 'r (uarantee e*er% candidate >8et8er 'r n't 8e $e"'n(s a p'"itica" part% t8at *'tes cast in 8is -a*'r are pr'tected9 8'>e*er in 'rder t' a*'id an% p'ssi$"e c'n-usi'n due t' t8e num$er 'pe'p"e inside t8e present 'n"% 'ne >atc8er per candidate 'r part% is a""'>ed

B ?ua"i-icati'ns '- Watc8ers ! # & ) + ?ua"i-ied *'ter '- t8e cit% 'r municipa"it% O- (''d reputati'n S8a"" n't 8a*e $een c'n*icted $% -ina" Cud(ment '- an% '--ense '- an% e"ecti'n '--ense 'r '- an% 't8er crime Must =n'> 8'> t' read and >rite /i"ipin'9 En("is89 Spanis8 'r an% 't8e pre*ai"in( "'ca" dia"ects9 and N't re"ated >it8in t8e -'urt8 () t8) ci*i" de(ree '- c'nsan(uinit% 'r a--init% t' t8e c8airman 'r an% mem$er '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs in t8e p'""in( p"ace >8ere 8e see=s app'intment as a >atc8er N'teG Eac8 candidate9 p'"itica" part% 'r c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" parties can desi(nate in e*er% pr'*ince9 8i(8"% ur$ani<ed cit% 'r district in t8e Metr'p'"itan Mani"a area9 a representati*e t' app'int >atc8er9 -urnis8in( t8e pr'*incia" e"ecti'n super*is'r 'r t8e cit% e"ecti'n re(istrar9 as t8e case ma%$e9 t8e names '- suc8 representati*es In Metr' Mani"a9 t8e desi(nati'n '- t8e pers'ns aut8'ri<ed t' app'int >atc8ers s8a"" $e -i"ed in t8e C'mmissi'n itse"197

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

C Ri(8ts and Duties '- Watc8ers

T8e >atc8ers must up'n enterin( t8e p'""in( p"ace present 8is app'intment t' t8e c8airman '- t8e BEI9 a-ter >8ic8 8is name s8a"" $e rec'rded in t8e minutes >it8 a n'tati'n under 8is si(nature t8at 8e is n't dis5ua"i-ied under t8e sec'nd para(rap8 '- Sec !01 ;is app'intment must $ear t8e pers'na" si(nature 'r t8e -acsimi"e si(nature '- t8e candidate 'r p'"itica" part% >8' app'inted 8im

Sec !01 '- B , 11! pr'*ides t8at e*er% >atc8er s8a"" 8a*e t8e ri(8t am'n( 't8er t8in(s t'H -irst9 sta% in t8e p"ace 'r space reser*ed -'r t8em inside t8e p'""in( precint H sec'nd9 t' >itness and in-'rm t8emse"*es '- t8e pr'ceedin(s '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs9 inc"udin( its pr'ceedin(s durin( t8e re(istrati'n '*'tersH t8ird9 t' ta=e n'tes '- >8at t8e% mi(8t 8ear 'r see9 t' ta=e p8't'(rap8s 't8e pr'ceedin(s and incidents9 i- an%9 durin( t8e c'untin( '- *'tes9 as >e"" as e"ecti'n returns9 ta""% $'ards and $a""'t $'4esH -'urt89 t' -i"e an% pr'test a(ainst an% irre(u"arit% 'r *i'"ati'n '- "a> >8ic8 t8e% $e"ie*e ma% 8a*e $een c'mmitted $% t8e BEI 'r $% an% 't8er pers'nH and "ast"%9 t' '$tain -r'm t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs a certi-icate as t' t8e -i"in( '- suc8 pr'test andK'r '- t8e res'"uti'n t8ere'n

Due t' t8e ad*ent '- t8e passin( '- R A 2&.2 s'me ri(8ts ma% n' "'n(er $e app"ica$"e suc8 as t8e readin( '- t8e $a""'ts a-ter t8e% 8ad $een read $% t8e c8airman '- t8e BEI a-ter t8e% 8ad $een c'mp"eted and si(ned $% t8e mem$ers t8ere'- >it8'ut t'uc8in( t8em9 $ecause due t' t8e aut'mati'n t8ere is n' "'n(er a need t' manua""% read t8e $a""'ts

198

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

199

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

A/TICLE 5'I OFFICIAL BALLOTS AND ELECTION /ETU/NS Sec. 181. O%%icial +all t". # Ball t" % r nati nal an& l cal %%ice" ",all +e % 1ni% r* "i<e an& c l r an& ",all +e 6r !i&e& at 61+lic e76en"e. T,e0 ",all +e 6rinte& n 6a6er =it, =ater*ar:" r t,er *ar:" t,at =ill rea&il0 &i"tin-1i", t,e +all t 6a6er %r * r&inar0 6a6er. Eac, +all t ",all +e in t,e ",a6e % a "tri6 =it, "t1+ an& &etac,a+le c 16 n c ntainin- t,e "erial n1*+er % t,e +all t> an& a "6ace % r t,e t,1*+ *ar: % t,e ! ter n t,e &etac,a+le c 16 n. It ",all +ear at t,e t 6 n t,e *i&&le 6 rti n t,ere % t,e c at % ar*" % t,e /e61+lic % t,e P,ili66ine"> t,e = r&" CO%%icial Ball tC> t,e na*e % t,e cit0 r t,e *1nici6alit0 an& 6r !ince in =,ic, t,e electi n i" ,el&> t,e &ate % t,e electi n> an& t,e % ll =in- n tice? CFill 1t t,i" +all t "ecretl0 in"i&e t,e ! tin- + t,. D n t 61t an0 &i"tincti!e *ar: n an0 6art % t,i" +all t.C T,e +all t ",all al" c ntain t,e na*e" % all t,e %%ice" t +e ! te& % r in t,e electi n> all =in- 66 "ite t,e na*e % eac, %%ice> "1%%icient "6ace r "6ace" =it, , ri< ntal line" =,ere t,e ! ter *a0 =rite t,e na*e r na*e" % t,e in&i!i&1al can&i&ate" ! te& % r +0 ,i*. T,ere ",all n t +e an0t,in- n t,e re!er"e "i&e % t,e +all t. Ball t" in citie" an& *1nici6alitie" =,ere Ara+ic i" % -eneral 1"e ",all ,a!e eac, % t,e title" % %%ice" t +e ! te& 6rinte& in Ara+ic in a&&iti n t an& i**e&iatel0 +el = t,e En-li", title. N t=it,"tan&in- t,e 6rece&in- 6r !i"i n" % t,i" "ecti n> t,e C **i""i n i" ,ere+0 e*6 =ere& t 6re"cri+e a &i%%erent % r* % +all t t %acilitate ! tin- +0 illiterate ! ter" an& t 1"e r a& 6t t,e late"t tec,n l -ical an& electr nic &e!ice" a" a1t, ri<e& 1n&er 6ara-ra6, (i) % Secti n 4$ ,ere %. EU/ISP/UDENCE ALBE/TO !". COMELEC (11 SC/A $14 W8i"e it ma% $e true t8at t8ere is n' speci-ic COMELEC ru"e ('*ernin( t8e p8't'c'p%in( '- $a""'ts9 it 8as $ec'me a practice a""'>ed $% t8e C'mmissi'n itse"- in numer'us e"ecti'n cases La>s ('*ernin( e"ecti'n c'ntests must $e "i$era""% c'nstrued t' t8e end t8at t8e >i"" '- t8e pe'p"e in t8e c8'ice '- pu$"ic '--icia"s ma% 200

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS n't $e de-eated $% mere tec8nica" '$Cecti'ns E"ecti'n c'ntests s8'u"d $e rapid"% and ec'n'mica""% decided9 a*'idin( unnecessar% de"a%s EUAN !". COMELEC G./. N . 1222(.> A6ril $8> $))3 A $a""'t indicates t8e *'terAs >i"" T8ere is n' re5uirement t8at t8e entries in t8e $a""'t $e >ritten nice"% 'r t8at t8e name '- t8e candidate $e spe""ed accurate"% In t8e readin( and appreciati'n '- $a""'ts9 e*er% $a""'t is presumed *a"id un"ess t8ere is a c"ear reas'n t' Custi-% its reCecti'n T8e '$Cect in t8e appreciati'n '- $a""'ts is t' ascertain and carr% int' e--ect t8e intenti'n '- t8e *'ter9 i- it can $e determined >it8 reas'na$"e certaint% W8en p"aced in issue9 as in t8is case9 t8e appreciati'n 'c'ntested $a""'ts and e"ecti'n d'cuments >8ic8 in*'"*es a 5uesti'n '- -act9 is $est "e-t t' t8e determinati'n '- t8e COMELEC

Sec. 18$. E*er-enc0 +all t". # N +all t" t,er t,an t,e %%icial +all t" ",all +e 1"e& r c 1nte&> e7ce6t in t,e e!ent % %ail1re t recei!e t,e %%icial +all t" n ti*e> r =,ere t,ere are n "1%%icient +all t" % r all re-i"tere& ! ter" r =,ere t,e0 are &e"tr 0e& at "1c, ti*e a" ",all ren&er it i*6 ""i+le t 6r !i&e t,er %%icial +all t"> in =,ic, ca"e" t,e cit0 r *1nici6al trea"1rer ",all 6r !i&e t,er +all t" =,ic, ",all +e a" "i*ilar t t,e %%icial ne" a" circ1*"tance" =ill 6er*it an& =,ic, ",all +e 1ni% r* =it,in eac, 6 llin- 6lace. T,e trea"1rer ",all i**e&iatel0 re6 rt "1c, acti n t t,e C **i""i n. T,e *1nici6al trea"1rer ",all n t 1n&erta:e t,e 6re6arati n % t,e e*er-enc0 +all t" 1nle"" t,e 6 litical 6artie"> can&i&ate" an& t,e r-ani<ati n" c llecti!el0 a1t, ri<e& +0 t,e C **i""i n t &e"i-nate =atc,er" ,a!e +een "1%%icientl0 n ti%ie& t "en& t,eir re6re"entati!e" an& ,a!e a-ree& in =ritin- t t,e 6re6arati n an& 1"e % e*er-enc0 +all t". Sec. 18(. /eA1i"iti n % %%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn". # O%%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn" ",all +e 6rinte& 16 n r&er" % t,e C **i""i n. /eA1i"iti n % %%icial +all t" ",all +e % r eac, cit0 an& *1nici6alit0> at t,e rate % ne an& ne# %i%t, +all t" % r e!er0 re-i"tere& ! ter in t,e ne7t 6rece&in- electi n@ an& % r electi n ret1rn"> at ne "et t,ere % % r e!er0 6 llin- 6lace. Sec. 188. Printin- % %%icial +all t" an& electi n" ret1rn". # T,e %%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn" ",all +e 6rinte& +0 t,e G !ern*ent Printin- O%%ice an&J r t,e Central Ban: 6rintin- %acilitie" e7cl1"i!el0> 1n&er t,e e7cl1"i!e "16er!i"i n an& c ntr l % t,e C **i""i n =,ic, ",all &eter*ine an& 6r !i&e t,e nece""ar0 "ec1rit0 *ea"1re" in t,e 6rintin-> "t ra-e an& &i"tri+1ti n t,ere %. Eac, +all t ",all +e B ine& +0 a 6er% rate& line t a "t1+ n1*+ere& c n"ec1ti!el0> +e-innin- =it, n1*+er C1C in eac, cit0 an& *1nici6alit0. Eac, +all t ",all al" ,a!e at t,e + tt * a &etac,a+le c 16 n +earin- t,e "a*e n1*+er % t,e "t1+. Eac, 6a& % +all t" ",all +ear n it" c !er t,e na*e % t,e 201

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS cit0 r *1nici6alit0 in =,ic, t,e +all t" are t +e 1"e& an& t,e incl1"i!e "erial n1*+er" % t,e +all t" c ntaine& t,erein. T,e %%icial +all t" ",all +e + 1n& in "e6arate 6a&" % %i%t0 r ne ,1n&re& +all t" eac, a" *a0 +e reA1ire&. T,e electi n ret1rn" ",all +e 6re6are& in "et" % "i7 c 6ie" 6er "et an& ",all +e n1*+ere& c n"ec1ti!el0> +e-innin- =it, n1*+er C1C in eac, cit0 an& *1nici6alit0. Eac, "et % t,e electi n ret1rn" ",all +e 6rinte& in "1c, a *anner t,at =ill en"1re t,at t,e entrie" n t,e ri-inal % t,e ret1rn" are clearl0 re6r &1ce& n t,e t,er c 6ie" t,ere % an& ",all +ear t,e na*e % t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 in =,ic, t,e ret1rn" are t +e 1"e&. F r t,i" 61r6 "e"> t,e C **i""i n ",all acA1ire> i% nece""ar0> a "6ecial :in& % car+ n 6a6er r c,e*icall0 treate& 6a6er. Sec. 184. Sa*6le %%icial +all t". # T,e C **i""i n ",all 6r !i&e t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" =it, "a*6le %%icial +all t" at t,e rate % t,irt0 +all t" 6er 6 llin- 6lace. T,e "a*6le %%icial +all t" ",all +e 6rinte& n c l re& 6a6er> in all re"6ect" li:e t,e %%icial +all t" +1t +earin- in"tea& t,e = r&" CSa*6le O%%icial Ball tC> t +e ", =n t t,e 61+lic an& 1"e& in &e* n"tratin- , = t %ill 1t an& % l& t,e %%icial +all t" 6r 6erl0. N na*e % an0 act1al can&i&ate ",all +e =ritten n t,e "6ace" % r ! tin- n t,e "a*6le %%icial +all t" 6r !i&e& +0 t,e C **i""i n> n r ",all t,e0 +e 1"e& % r ! tin-. Sec. 182. Di"tri+1ti n % %%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn". # T,e %%icial +all t" an& t,e electi n ret1rn" ",all +e &i"tri+1te& +0 t,e C **i""i n t eac, cit0 an& *1nici6alit0 at t,e rate % ne an& ne#%i%t, +all t" % r e!er0 ! ter re-i"tere& in eac, 6 llin- 6lace@ an& % r electi n ret1rn"> at t,e rate % ne "et eac, % r e!er0 6 llin- 6lace. 1. $. T,e +all t + 7 ",all ,a!e nl0 ne c *6art*ent. /eBecte& +all t" =ill +e ret1rne& t t,e ! ter> =, =ill in t1rn -i!e t,e "a*e t t,e B ar& % Electi n In"6ect r". T,e ! ter =ill n t +e i""1e& a re6lace*ent +all t. A ! te i" c n"i&ere& !ali& i% t,e *ar: r ",a&e n t,e !al reac,e" t,e t,re", l& % 4)S. T,e +all t ",all c ntain t,e na*e % t,e can&i&ate> "ta-e na*eJnic:na*e an& 6 litical 6art0 a%%iliati n. F r e!er0 6 "iti n> eac, can&i&ate ",all +e a""i-ne& a n1*+er =,ic, ",all +e in "eA1ential r&er +e-innin- =it, t,e n1*+er M1N in acc r&ance =it, t,eir al6,a+etical li"tin-. Part0#li"t -r 16" ",all +e li"te& n t,e +all t +0 t,eir acr n0*. T,e %1ll na*e % t,e 6art0#li"t -r 16 ",all +e in&icate& in a certi%ie& li"t =,ic, ",all +e 6rinte& in ne="6rint % r &i"tri+1ti n t all 6recinct r cl1"tere& 6recinct". Eac, 6art0#li"t -r 16 ",all al" +e 202

(. 8.

4.

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS a""i-ne& a n1*+er =,ic, ",all +e in "eA1ential r&er +e-innin- =it, t,e n1*+er M1N in acc r&ance =it, t,eir al6,a+etical li"tin-. 2. T,e 6r c1re*ent % +all t + 7e" ",all +e t,r 1-, an0 % t,e a66lica+le alternati!e *et, &" % 6r c1re*ent a1t, ri<e& 1n&er /e61+lic Act N . .188. T e76e&ite t,e *an1%act1rin- 6r ce""> t,e *an1%act1rin- c ntract *a0 +e *1lti#" 1rce&> 6r !i&e& "1c, %act % *1lti#" 1rcin- ",all +e &i"cl "e& in t,e /eA1e"t % r Pr 6 "al.

Secti n 183 =a" a*en&e& +0 Secti n 8 % /.A. 2282. 'ection B. 2ep#esentati"es of pa#ties du#in* p#intin* of #etu#ns and ballots.& T,e re-i"tere& 6 litical 6artie" r c aliti n % 6artie"> r t,eir c *6 nent" ", 1l& t,ere +e an0 &i"" l1ti n r &i!i"i n % "ai& c aliti n> =, "e can&i&ate" +taine& at lea"t ten 6ercent (1)S) % t,e t tal ! te" ca"t in t,e ne7t 6rece&in- "enat rial electi n ",all eac, ,a!e a =atc,er an&J r re6re"entati!e in t,e 6r c1re*ent an& =ater*ar:in- % 6a6er" t +e 1"e& in t,e 6rintin- % electi n ret1rn" an& %%icial +all t" an& in t,e 6rintin-> n1*+erin-> "t ra-e> an& &i"tri+1ti n t,ere %. Secti n 188. D1tie" % t,e c **ittee n 6rintin- % %%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn".# Un&er "1c, r&er" r in"tr1cti n" a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 i""1e> an& in a&&iti n t -eneral "16er!i"i n an& c ntr l !er t,e 6rintin- an& ",i6*ent % %%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn"> t,e c **ittee n 6rintin- % %%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn" ",all (a) ta:e c,ar-e % t,e r * r r *" =,ere t,e 6a6er an& 6ara6,ernalia 1"e& in t,e 6rintin- % %%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn" are "t re& an& =,ere 6rinte& %%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn" are 6ac:e& an& 6re6are& % r ",i6*ent> (+) "16er!i"e all a"6ect" relatin- t t,e 6rintin-> "t ra-e an& ",i6*ent % %%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn" an& re6 rt t t,e C **i""i n an0 irre-1larit0 =,ic, t,e0 +elie!e *a0 ,a!e +een c **itte&> an& (c) 6er% r* "1c, t,er relate& %1ncti n" a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 &irect. Secti n 18.. /e6re"entati!e" % t,e re-i"tere& 6 litical 6artie" in t,e !eri%icati n an& &i"tri+1ti n % %%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn".# T,e r1lin- 6art0 an& t,e & *inant 66 "iti n 6art0 r t,eir re"6ecti!e &1l0 a1t, ri<e& re6re"entati!e" in t,e &i%%erent 6r !ince"> citie" an& *1nici6alitie"> ",all "1+*it t,e na*e" % t,eir re"6ecti!e =atc,er" =, > t -et,er =it, t,e re6re"entati!e" % t,e C **i""i n an& t,e 6r !incial> cit0 an& *1nici6al trea"1rer ",all !eri%0 t,e c ntent" % t,e + 7e" c ntainin- t,e ",i6*ent % %%icial +all t"> electi n ret1rn" an& "a*6le %%icial +all t" recei!e& +0 t,e "ai& trea"1rer". T,e 6r !incial trea"1rer" ",all :ee6 a rec r& % t,eir recei6t an& &i"tri+1ti n t eac, *1nici6al trea"1rer> =,ile t,e cit0 an& *1nici6al trea"1rer ",all eac, :ee6 a rec r& % t,eir &i"tri+1ti n t t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". N te? 9atc,er" ", 1l& :ee6 a =atc,%1l e0e n t,e BEI *e*+er". It i" &1rin- t,i" critical 6eri & t,at t,e BEI *e*+er" are e76 "e& t all " rt" % te*6tati n. DISCUSSIONS 203

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

T8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" prescri$e t8e -'rmat '- t8e e"ectr'nic disp"a% andK'r t8e si<e and -'rm '- t8e '--icia" $a""'t9 >8ic8 s8a"" c'ntainG t8e tit"es '- t8e p'siti'n t' $e -i""ed andK'r t8e pr'p'siti'n t' $e *'ted up'n in an initiati*e9 re-erendum 'r p"e$iscite W8ere practica$"e9 e"ectr'nic disp"a%s must $e c'nstructed t' present t8e names '- a"" candidates -'r t8e same p'siti'n in t8e same pa(e 'r screen9 't8er>ise9 t8e e"ectr'nic disp"a%s must $e c'nstructed t' present t8e entire $a""'t t' t8e *'ter9 in a series 'se5uentia" pa(es9 and t' ensure t8at t8e *'ter sees a"" '- t8e $a""'t 'pti'ns 'n a"" pa(es $e-'re c'mp"etin( 8is 'r 8er *'te and t' a""'> t8e *'ter t' re*ie> and c8an(e a"" $a""'t c8'ices pri'r t' c'mp"etin( and castin( 8is 'r 8er $a""'t Under eac8 p'siti'n t' $e -i""ed9 t8e names '- candidates s8a"" $e arran(ed a"p8a$etica""% $% surname and uni-'rm"% indicated usin( t8e same t%pe si<e T8e maiden 'r married name s8a"" $e "isted in t8e '--icia" $a""'t9 as pre-erred $% t8e -ema"e candidate Under eac8 pr'p'siti'n t' $e *'te up'n9 t8e c8'ices s8'u"d $e uni-'rm"% indicated usin( t8e same -'nt and si<e A -i4ed space >8ere t8e c8airman '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'r s8a"" a--i4 8erK8er si(nature t' aut8enticate t8e '--icia" $a""'t s8a"" $e pr'*ided IT' pre*ent t8e use '- -a=e $a""'ts9 t8e C'mmissi'n t8r'u(8 t8e C'mmittee s8a"" ensure t8at t8e necessar% sa-e(uards9 suc8 as9 $ut n't "imited t'9 $ar c'des9 8'"'(rams9 c'"'r s8i-tin( in=9 micr'printin(9 are pr'*ided 'n t8e $a""'t (Sec !+9 R A n' 2&.2)

Wit8 respect t' a paper7$ased e"ecti'n s%stem9 t8e '--icia" $a""'ts s8a"" $e printed $% t8e Nati'na" ,rintin( O--ice andK'r t8e 4angGo +entral ng -ilipinas at t8e price c'mpara$"e >it8 t8at '- pri*ate printers under pr'per securit% measures >8ic8 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" ad'pt T8e C'mmissi'n ma% c'ntact t8e ser*ices '- pri*ate printers up'n certi-icati'n $% t8e Nati'na" ,rintin( O--iceK 4angGo +entral ng -ilipinas t8at it cann't meet t8e printin( re5uirements Accredited p'"itica" parties and deputi<ed citi<enBs arms '- t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" assi(n >atc8ers in t8e printin(9 st'ra(e and distri$uti'n '- '--icia" $a""'ts (Sec !+9 R A 2&.2) T8e '--icia" $a""'ts s8a"" $e printed and distri$uted t' eac8 cit%Kmunicipa"it% at t8e rate '- 'ne $a""'t -'r e*er% re(istered *'ter >it8 a pr'*isi'n '- additi'na" t8ree $a""'ts per precinct (Sec !+ R A n' 2&.2) S6 ile& +all t" ,re*i'us t' t8e use '- t8e Aut'mated E"ecti'n S%stem9 t8ere >as >8at >as ca""ed sp'i"ed $a""'ts Under Sec !20 '- B , B"( 11!9 sp'i"ed $a""'ts areG I- a *'ter s8'u"d accidenta""% sp'i" 'r de-ace a $a""'t in suc8 a >a% t8at it cann't "a>-u""% $e used9 8e s8a"" surrender i- -'"ded t' t8e c8airman >8' 204

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS s8a"" n'te in t8e c'rresp'ndin( space in t8e *'tin( rec'rd t8at said $a""'t is sp'i"ed T8e *'ter s8a"" t8en $e entit"ed t' an't8er $a""'t >8ic8 t8e c8airman s8a"" (i*e 8im a-ter ann'uncin( t8e seria" num$er '- t8e sec'nd $a""'t and rec'rdin( said seria" num$er in t8e c'rresp'ndin( spaces in t8e *'tin( rec'rd I- t8e sec'nd $a""'t is a(ain sp'i"ed 'r de-aced in suc8 a >a% t8at it cann't "a>-u""% $e used9 t8e same s8a"" $e surrendered t' t8e c8airman and rec'rded in t8e same manner as t8e -irst sp'i"ed 'r de-aced $a""'t ;'>e*er9 n' *'ter s8a"" c8an(e 8is $a""'t m're t8an t>ice T8e sp'i"ed $a""'t s8a""9 >it8'ut $ein( un-'"ded and >it8'ut rem'*in( t8e detac8a$"e c'up'n9 $e distinct"% mar=ed >it8 t8e >'rd Isp'i"edI and si(ned $% t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs 'n t8e end'rsement -'"d t8ere'- and immediate"% p"aced in t8e c'mpartment -'r sp'i"ed $a""'ts

;'>e*er due t' t8e Aut'mated E"ecti'n S%stem t8e -'""'>in( matters re"atin( t' $a""'ts are pr'*ided $% Res'"uti'n n' 101.G Secti n (8. ReEected /allotsJ -rocedure. 7 Ba""'ts ma% $e reCected $% t8en ,COS durin( t8e scannin( T8ere >i"" $e t8ree (&) di--erent t%pes 'messa(es >8en t8e ,COS reCects a $a""'t /'r eac8 messa(es9 t8e BEI s8a"" '$ser*e t8e -'""'>in( pr'ceduresG >As 2e"ised? a IAMBI@UOUS MAR:I i Let t8e *'ter re*ie> 8is $a""'t and ensure t8at t8e '*a"s 'pp'site t8e name '- candidateKpart% *'ted -'r are -u""% s8aded $ c IMISREAD BALLOTI 7 "et t8e *'ter re7-eed t8e $a""'t in ) di--erent 'rientati'ns '- $a""'t IIN6ALID BALLOTI i 6eri-% i- t8e $a""'t $e"'n(s t' t8e precinct I- t8e $a""'t $e"'n(s t' an't8er precinct9 t8e *'ter s8a"" return t8e $a""'t t' t8e C8airman >8' s8a"" pr'ceed t' Step ) and + 8ere'-H ii I- t8e $a""'t $e"'n(s t' t8e precinct9 "et t8e *'ter re7-eed t8e $a""'t in ) di--erent 'rientati'ns d In a"" cases9 i- t8e ,COS reCects a $a""'t9 t8e *'ter s8a"" return t8e $a""'t t' t8e C8airman >8' s8a""G i Distinct"% mar= t8e $ac= t8ere'- as IREJECTEDIH ii Re5uire a"" mem$ers '- t8e BEI t' si(n at t8e $ac= t8ere'-9 and p"ace inside t8e En*e"'pe -'r ReCected Ba""'ts (A!+) e N' rep"acement $a""'t s8a"" $e issued t' a *'ter >8'se $a""'t is reCected $% t8e ,COSH 205

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS An% part% '$Cectin( t' t8e reCecti'n '- t8e $a""'t s8a"" reduce 8is '$Cecti'n in >ritin(9 >8ic8 t8e BEI s8a"" attac8 and n'te in t8e Minutes

Secti n (.. Kisposition of unused /allots. 7 A-ter t8e *'tin(9 t8e c8airman in t8e presence '- t8e BEI s8a""G >2enumbe#ed? a $ c d Rec'rd in t8e Minutes t8e 5uantit% '- unused $a""'tsH >2enumbe#ed? Tear t8e unused $a""'ts in 8a"- "en(t8>iseH >2enumbe#ed? ,"ace 'ne 8a"- in t8e en*e"'pe (A!+)9 and su$mit t' t8e EO -'r sa-e=eepin(H and >2enumbe#ed? ,"ace t8e 't8er 8a"- in an't8er en*e"'pe (A!+)9 and t8en dep'sit inside t8e c'mpartment '- t8e $a""'t $'4 -'r *a"id $a""'ts Suc8 -acts s8a"" $e entered in t8e Minutes >2enumbe#ed?

A/TICLE 5'II CASTING OF 'OTES

Secti n 1.). ' tin- , 1r".# T,e ca"tin- % ! te" ",all "tart at "e!en Pcl c: in t,e * rnin- an& ",all en& at t,ree Pcl c: in t,e a%tern n> e7ce6t =,en t,ere are ! ter" 6re"ent =it,in t,irt0 *eter" in %r nt % t,e 6 llin- 6lace =, ,a!e n t 0et ca"t t,eir ! te"> in =,ic, ca"e t,e ! tin- ",all c ntin1e +1t nl0 t all = "ai& ! ter" t ca"t t,eir ! te" =it, 1t interr16ti n. T,e 6 ll cler: ",all> =it, 1t &ela0> 6re6are a c *6lete li"t c ntainin- t,e na*e" % "ai& ! ter" c n"ec1ti!el0 n1*+ere&> an& t,e ! ter" " li"te& ",all +e calle& t ! te +0 ann 1ncin- eac, 206

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS na*e re6eate&l0 t,ree ti*e" in t,e r&er in =,ic, t,e0 are li"te&. An0 ! ter in t,e li"t =, i" n t 6re"ent =,en ,i" na*e i" calle& 1t ",all n t +e 6er*itte& t ! te. ' tin- c **ence" at e7actl0 3?)) A.M. an& en&" at e7actl0 (?)) P.M. H =e!er> ! ter" =it,in t,irt0 *eter" in %r nt % t,e 6 llin- 6lace =, ,a!e n t 0et ca"t t,eir ! te" ",all +e all =e& t ca"t t,eir ! te" e!en a%ter (?)) P.M. H =e!er> in t,e Ma0 1)> $)1) nati nal an& l cal electi n" t,e C **i""i n e7ten&e& t,e ! tin- , 1r" 1ntil 2?)) P.M. Sec. 1.1. Preli*inarie" t t,e ! tin-. # (a) T,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all *eet at t,e 6 llin- 6lace at "i7#t,irt0 Gcl c: in t,e * rnin- % electi n &a0 an& ",all ,a!e t,e + : % ! ter" c ntainin- all t,e a66r !e& a66licati n" % re-i"trati n % ! ter" 6ertainin- t t,e 6 llin- 6lace> t,e certi%ie& li"t % ! ter"> t,e certi%ie& li"t % can&i&ate"> t,e +all t + 7> t,e %%icial +all t"> "1%%icient in&eli+le 6encil" r +all 6en" % r t,e 1"e % t,e ! ter"> t,e % r*" t +e 1"e&> an& all t,er *aterial" =,ic, *a0 +e nece""ar0. (+) I**e&iatel0 t,erea%ter> t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all 6en t,e +all t + 7> e*6t0 + t, % it" c *6art*ent"> e7,i+it t,e* t all t, "e 6re"ent an& +ein- e*6t0> l c: it" interi r c !er" =it, t,ree 6a&l c:". (c) T,e c,air*an ",all % rt,=it, ", = t t,e 61+lic an& t,e =atc,er" 6re"ent t,e 6ac:a-e % %%icial +all t" recei!e& %r * t,e cit0> r *1nici6al trea"1rer &1l0 =ra66e& an& "eale& an& t,e n1*+er % 6a&"> t,e "erial n1*+er" an& t,e t06e % r*" % t,e +all t" in eac, 6a& a66earin- n t,e c !er> an& t,e + : % ! ter" &1l0 "eale&. T,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all t,en +rea: t,e "eal" % t,e 6ac:a-e % %%icial +all t" an& t,e + : % ! ter". T,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all enter in t,e *in1te" t,e %act t,at t,e 6ac:a-e % +all t"> an& t,e + : % ! ter" =ere ", =n t t,e 61+lic =it, t,eir =ra66in- an& c rre"6 n&in"eal" intact an&J r i% t,e0 %in& t,at t,e =ra66in- an& "eal" are +r :en> "1c, %act *1"t +e "tate& in t,e *in1te" a" =ell a" t,e n1*+er % 6a&" an& t,e "erial n1*+er" % +all t" t,at t,e0 %in& in t,e 6ac:a-e. Ball t" =it, "e6aratel0 6rinte& "erial n1*+er" ",all +e &ee*e& "61ri 1" an& ",all n t +e 1tili<e& +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" 1nle"" t,e C **i""i n re6re"entati!e ",all r&er t,eir 1"e in =ritin-> "tatin- t,e rea" n" t,ere% r. (&) T,e c,air*an an& t,e t= 6art0 *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all retain in t,eir 6 ""e""i n t,eir re"6ecti!e :e0" t t,e 6a&l c:" &1rin- t,e ! tin-. (e) T,e + 7 ",all re*ain l c:e& 1ntil t,e ! tin- i" %ini",e& an& t,e c 1ntin+e-in". H =e!er> i% it ", 1l& +ec *e nece""ar0 t *a:e r * % r * re +all t"> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" *a0 6en t,e + 7 in t,e 6re"ence % t,e =, le + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& t,e =atc,er"> an& t,e c,air*an ",all 6re"" & =n =it, ,i" ,an&" t,e +all t" c ntaine& t,erein =it, 1t re* !in- an0 % 207

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS t,e*> a%ter =,ic, t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all cl "e t,e + 7 an& l c: it =it, t,ree 6a&l c:" a" ,erein+e% re 6r !i&e&.

DISCUSSIONS

/e" l1ti n N . 82.2 444 Re"ati*e t' t8e c'nduct '- t8e Aut'mated E"ecti'n S%stem (AES) -'r t8e Ma% !39 #3!3 nati'na" and "'ca" e"ecti'ns in 'rder t' pr'*ide directi'ns t' t8e COMELEC ,r'Cect Mana(ement O--ice and t8e Smartmatic DTIM ,r'Cect mana(ement Team 'n t8e preparati'ns necessar% t' ensure as success-u" imp"ementati'n '- t8e AES 444

Secti n 1.$. Per" n" all =e& in an& ar 1n& t,e 6 llin- 6lace . & D1rin- t,e ! tin-> n 6er" n ",all +e all =e& in"i&e t,e 6 llin- 6lace> e7ce6t t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> t,e =atc,er"> t,e re6re"entati!e" % t,e C **i""i n> t,e ! ter" ca"tin- t,eir ! te"> t,e ! ter" =aitin- % r t,eir t1rn t -et in"i&e t,e + t," =, "e n1*+er ",all n t e7cee& t=ice t,e n1*+er % + t," an& t,e ! ter" =aitin- % r t,eir t1rn t ca"t t,eir ! te" =, "e n1*+er ",all n t e7cee& t=ent0 at an0 ne ti*e. T,e =atc,er" ",all "ta0 nl0 in t,e "6ace re"er!e& % r t,e*> it +ein- ille-al % r t,e* t enter 6lace" re"er!e& % r t,e ! ter" r % r t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" r t *in-le an& tal: =it, t,e ! ter" =it,in t,e 6 llin- 6lace. It ",all +e 1nla=%1l % r an0 %%icer r *e*+er % t,e Ar*e& F rce" % t,e P,ili66ine" incl1&in- t,e P,ili66ine C n"ta+1lar0 r t,e Inte-rate& Nati nal P lice r 6eace %%icer r an0 ar*e& 6er" n +el n-in- t an0 e7tra#le-al 6 lice a-enc0> "6ecial % rce"> reacti n % rce"> "tri:e % rce"> , *e &e%en"e 1nit"> +aran-a0 tan &> r t,er "i*ilar % rce" r 6ara#*ilitar0 % rce"> incl1&in"6ecial % rce"> "ec1rit0 -1ar&"> "6ecial 6 lice*an> an& all t,er :in&" % ar*e& r 1nar*e& e7tra#le-al 6 lice %%icer"> t enter an0 6 llin- 6lace> 1nle"" it i" ,i" 6 llin- 6lace =,ere ,e =ill ! te +1t in "1c, ca"e ,e ", 1l& i**e&iatel0 lea!e t,e 6 llin- 6lace> n 6 lice*an r 6eace %%icer ",all +e all =e& t enter r "ta0 in"i&e t,e 6 llin- 6lace e7ce6t =,en t,ere i" an act1al &i"t1r+ance % t,e 6eace an& r&er t,erein. H =e!er> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" 16 n *aB rit0 ! te> i% it &ee*" nece""ar0> *a0 *a:e a call in =ritin-> &1l0 entere& in t,e *in1te"> % r t,e &etail % a 6 lice*an r an0 6eace %%icer % r t,eir 6r tecti n r % r t,e 6r tecti n % t,e electi n & c1*ent" an& 6ara6,ernalia> in =,ic, ca"e> t,e "ai& 6 lice*an r 6eace %%icer ",all "ta0 1t"i&e t,e 6 llin- 6lace =it,in a ra&i1" % t,irt0 *eter" near en 1-, t +e ea"il0 calle& +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" at an0 ti*e> +1t ne!er at t,e & r> an& in n ca"e ",all t,e "ai& 6 lice*an r 6eace %%icer , l& an0 c n!er"ati n =it, an0 ! ter r &i"t1r+ r 208

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS 6re!ent r in an0 *anner +"tr1ct t,e %ree acce"" % t,e ! ter" t t,e 6 llin6lace. It ",all li:e=i"e +e 1nla=%1l % r an0 +aran-a0 %%icial t enter an& "ta0 in"i&e an0 6 llin- 6lace e7ce6t t ! te r e7ce6t =,en "er!in- a" a =atc,er r *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> in =,ic, ca"e> ,e ",all lea!e t,e 6 llin- 6lace i**e&iatel0 a%ter ! tin-. Secti n 1.(. Or&er % ! tin-. & T,e ! ter" ",all ! te in t,e r&er % t,eir entrance int t,e 6 llin- 6lace. T,e ! ter" ",all ,a!e t,e ri-,t t %reel0 enter t,e 6 llin- 6lace a" " n a" t,e0 arri!e 1nle"" t,ere are ! ter" =aitin- in"i&e> in =,ic, ca"e t,e0 ",all %all in line in t,e r&er % t,eir arri!al an& ",all n t cr =& ar 1n& t,e ta+le % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". T,e ! ter" a%ter ,a!in- ca"t t,eir ! te" ",all i**e&iatel0 &e6art. N te? SUPPLEMENTED BF COMELEC /ESOLUTION 33.3 (Ma0 18> $))3) In /e? A+"entee ' tinSecti n 1.8. Manner % +tainin- +all t". & T,e ! ter ",all a66r ac, t,e c,air*an an& ",all -i!e ,i" na*e an& a&&re"" t -et,er =it, t,er &ata c ncernin- ,i" 6er" n. In ca"e an0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" & 1+t" t,e i&entit0 % t,e ! ter> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all c,ec: ,i" ! terG" i&enti%icati n car& r> i% ,e & e" n t ,a!e an0> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all re%er t ,i" 6, t -ra6, an& "i-nat1re in t,e ! terG" a66licati n % r re-i"trati n. I% t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" i" "ati"%ie& =it, ,i" i&entit0> t,e c,air*an ",all &i"tinctl0 ann 1nce t,e ! terG" na*e in a t ne l 1& en 1-, t +e 6lainl0 ,ear& t,r 1-, 1t t,e 6 llin- 6lace. I% "1c, ! ter ,a" n t +een c,allen-e&> r i% ,a!in- +een c,allen-e&> t,e A1e"ti n ,a" +een &eci&e& in ,i" %a! r> t,e ! ter ",all % rt,=it, a%%i7 ,i" "i-nat1re in t,e 6r 6er "6ace in t,e ! tin- rec r&> an& t,e c,air*an ",all> a%ter %ir"t enterin- t,e n1*+er % t,e +all t in t,e c rre"6 n&in- "6ace % t,e ! tin- rec r&> &eli!er t t,e ! ter ne +all t c rrectl0 % l&e&. N 6er" n t,er t,an t,e c,air*an ",all &eli!er %%icial +all t" n r ",all * re t,an ne +all t +e &eli!ere& at ne ti*e.

DISCUSSIONS

SUPPLEMENTED BF Secti n $8 /A 3122 +ignature of 5hairman at the 4acG of .very 4allot. 7 In e*er% case $e-'re de"i*erin( an '--icia" $a""'t t' t8e *'ter9 t8e c8airman '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs s8a""9 in t8e presence '- t8e *'ter9 a--i4 8is si(nature at t8e $ac= t8ere'- /ai"ure t' s' aut8enticate s8a"" $e n'ted in t8e minutes '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs and s8a"" c'nstitute an e"ecti'n '--ense punis8a$"e under Secti'n #.& and #.) '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de

209

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti n 1.4. Manner % 6re6arin- t,e +all t . & T,e ! ter> 16 n recei!in- ,i" % l&e& +all t> ",all % rt,=it, 6r cee& t ne % t,e e*6t0 ! tin- + t," an& ",all t,ere %ill ,i" +all t +0 =ritin- in t,e 6r 6er "6ace % r eac, %%ice t,e na*e % t,e in&i!i&1al can&i&ate % r =, * ,e &e"ire" t ! te. N ! ter ",all +e all =e& t enter a + t, cc16ie& +0 an t,er> n r enter t,e "a*e acc *6anie& +0 " *e+ &0> e7ce6t a" 6r !i&e& % r in t,e "1ccee&in"ecti n ,ere %> n r "ta0 t,erein % r a l n-er ti*e t,an nece""ar0> n r "6ea: =it, an0 ne t,er t,an a" ,erein 6r !i&e& =,ile in"i&e t,e 6 llin- 6lace. It ",all +e 1nla=%1l t 6re6are t,e +all t 1t"i&e t,e ! tin- + t,> r t e7,i+it it" c ntent" t an0 6er" n> r t era"e an0 6rintin- %r * t,e +all t> r t intenti nall0 tear r &e%ace t,e "a*e r 61t t,ere n an0 &i"tin-1i",in- *ar:. It ",all li:e=i"e +e 1nla=%1l t 1"e car+ n 6a6er> 6ara%%in 6a6er> r t,er *ean" % r *a:in- a c 60 % t,e c ntent" % t,e +all t r *a:e 1"e % an0 t,er *ean" t i&enti%0 t,e ! te % t,e ! ter. Secti n 1.2. Pre6arati n % +all t" % r illiterate an& &i"a+le& 6er" n" . & A ! ter =, i" illiterate r 6,0"icall0 1na+le t 6re6are t,e +all t +0 ,i*"el% *a0 +e a""i"te& in t,e 6re6arati n % ,i" +all t +0 a relati!e> +0 a%%init0 r c n"an-1init0 =it,in t,e % 1rt, ci!il &e-ree r i% ,e ,a" n ne> +0 an0 6er" n % ,i" c n%i&ence =, +el n- t t,e "a*e , 1"e, l& r an0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> e7ce6t t,e t= 6art0 *e*+er"? Pr !i&e&> T,at n ! ter ",all +e all =e& t ! te a" illiterate r 6,0"icall0 &i"a+le& 1nle"" it i" " in&icate& in ,i" re-i"trati n rec r&? Pr !i&e&> %1rt,er> T,at in n ca"e ",all an a""i"t r a""i"t * re t,an t,ree ti*e" e7ce6t t,e n n#6art0 *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". T,e 6er" n t,1" c, "en ",all 6re6are t,e +all t % r t,e illiterate r &i"a+le& ! ter in"i&e t,e ! tin- + t,. T,e 6er" n a""i"tin- ",all +in& ,i*"el% in a % r*al & c1*ent 1n&er at, t %ill 1t t,e +all t "trictl0 in acc r&ance =it, t,e in"tr1cti n" % t,e ! ter an& n t t re!eal t,e c ntent" % t,e +all t 6re6are& +0 ,i*. 'i lati n % t,i" 6r !i"i n ",all c n"tit1te an electi n %%en"e. Secti n 1.3. S6 ile& +all t". & I% a ! ter ", 1l& acci&entall0 "6 il r &e%ace a +all t in "1c, a =a0 t,at it cann t la=%1ll0 +e 1"e&> ,e ",all "1rren&er i% % l&e& t t,e c,air*an =, ",all n te in t,e c rre"6 n&in- "6ace in t,e ! tin- rec r& t,at "ai& +all t i" "6 ile&. T,e ! ter ",all t,en +e entitle& t an t,er +all t =,ic, t,e c,air*an ",all -i!e ,i* a%ter ann 1ncin- t,e "erial n1*+er % t,e "ec n& +all t an& rec r&in- "ai& "erial n1*+er in t,e c rre"6 n&in- "6ace" in t,e ! tin- rec r&. I% t,e "ec n& +all t i" a-ain "6 ile& r &e%ace& in "1c, a =a0 t,at it cann t la=%1ll0 +e 1"e&> t,e "a*e ",all +e "1rren&ere& t t,e c,air*an an& rec r&e& in t,e "a*e *anner a" t,e %ir"t "6 ile& r &e%ace& +all t. H =e!er> n ! ter ",all c,an-e ,i" +all t * re t,an t=ice. T,e "6 ile& +all t ",all> =it, 1t +ein- 1n% l&e& an& =it, 1t re* !in- t,e &etac,a+le c 16 n> +e &i"tinctl0 *ar:e& =it, t,e = r& C"6 ile&C an& "i-ne& +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" n t,e en& r"e*ent % l& t,ere % an& i**e&iatel0 6lace& in t,e c *6art*ent % r "6 ile& +all t". Secti n 1.8. ' tin-. & 210

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (a) A%ter t,e ! ter ,a" %ille& ,i" +all t ,e ",all % l& it in t,e "a*e *anner a" =,en ,e recei!e& it an& ret1rn it t t,e c,air*an. (+) In t,e 6re"ence % all t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> ,e ",all a%%i7 ,i" t,1*+ *ar: n t,e c rre"6 n&in- "6ace in t,e c 16 n> an& &eli!er t,e % l&e& +all t t t,e c,air*an. (c) T,e c,air*an> in t,e 6re"ence an& !ie= % t,e ! ter an& all t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> =it, 1t 1n% l&in- t,e +all t r "eein- it" c ntent"> ",all !eri%0 it" n1*+er %r * t,e ! tin- rec r& =,ere it =a" 6re!i 1"l0 entere&. (&) T,e ! ter ",all % rt,=it, a%%i7 ,i" t,1*+ *ar: +0 t,e "i&e % ,i" "i-nat1re in t,e "6ace inten&e& % r t,at 61r6 "e in t,e ! tin- rec r& an& t,e c,air*an ",all a66l0 "il!er nitrate an& c **a""ie +l1e n t,e ri-,t % re%in-er nail r n an0 t,er a!aila+le %in-er nail> i% t,ere +e n % re%in-er nail. (e) T,e c,air*an ",all "i-n in t,e 6r 6er "6ace +e"i&e t,e t,1*+ *ar: % t,e ! ter. (%) T,e c,air*an> a%ter %in&in- e!er0t,in- t +e in r&er> ",all t,en &etac, t,e c 16 n in t,e 6re"ence % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& % t,e ! ter an& ",all &e6 "it t,e % l&e& +all t in t,e c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t"> an& t,e &etac,e& c 16 n in t,e c *6art*ent % r "6 ile& +all t". (-) T,e ! ter ",all t,en &e6art. An0 +all t ret1rne& t t,e c,air*an =, "e &etac,a+le c 16 n ,a" +een re* !e& n t in t,e 6re"ence % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& % t,e ! ter> r an0 +all t =, "e n1*+er & e" n t c inci&e =it, t,e n1*+er % t,e +all t &eli!ere& t t,e ! ter> a" entere& in t,e ! tin- rec r&> ",all +e c n"i&ere& a" "6 ile& an& ",all +e " *ar:e& an& "i-ne& +0 t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". Secti n 1... C,allen-e % ille-al ! ter". & (a) An0 ! ter> r =atc,er *a0 c,allen-e an0 6er" n %%erin- t ! te % r n t +ein- re-i"tere&> % r 1"in- t,e na*e % an t,er r "1%%erin- %r * e7i"tin- &i"A1ali%icati n. In "1c, ca"e> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all "ati"%0 it"el% a" t =,et,er r n t t,e -r 1n& % r t,e c,allen-e i" tr1e +0 reA1irin- 6r % % re-i"trati n r t,e i&entit0 % t,e ! ter@ an& (+) N ! ter ",all +e reA1ire& t 6re"ent ,i" ! terG" a%%i&a!it n electi n &a0 1nle"" ,i" i&entit0 i" c,allen-e&. Hi" %ail1re r ina+ilit0 t 6r &1ce ,i" ! terG" a%%i&a!it 16 n +ein- c,allen-e&> ",all n t 6recl1&e ,i* %r * ! tin- i% ,i" i&entit0 +e ", =n %r * t,e 6, t -ra6,> %in-er6rint"> r 211

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS "6eci*en "i-nat1re" in ,i" a66r !e& a66licati n in t,e + : % ! ter" r i% ,e i" i&enti%ie& 1n&er at, +0 a *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& "1c, i&enti%icati n ",all +e re%lecte& in t,e *in1te" % t,e + ar&. Secti n $)). C,allen-e +a"e& n certain ille-al act". & An0 ! ter r =atc,er *a0 c,allen-e an0 ! ter %%erin- t ! te n t,e -r 1n& t,at t,e c,allen-e& 6er" n ,a" recei!e& r e76ect" t recei!e> ,a" 6ai&> %%ere& r 6r *i"e& t 6a0> ,a" c ntri+1te&> %%ere& r 6r *i"e& t c ntri+1te * ne0 r an0t,in- % !al1e a" c n"i&erati n % r ,i" ! te r % r t,e ! te % an t,er@ t,at ,e ,a" *a&e r recei!e& a 6r *i"e t in%l1ence t,e -i!in- r =it,, l&in- % an0 "1c, ! te r t,at ,e ,a" *a&e a +et r i" intere"te& &irectl0 r in&irectl0 in a +et =,ic, &e6en&" 16 n t,e re"1lt % t,e electi n. T,e c,allen-e& 6er" n ",all ta:e a 6re"cri+e& at, +e% re t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t,at ,e ,a" n t c **itte& an0 % t,e act" alle-e& in t,e c,allen-e. U6 n t,e ta:in- % "1c, at,> t,e c,allen-e ",all +e &i"*i""e& an& t,e c,allen-e& ! ter ",all +e all =e& t ! te> +1t in ca"e % ,i" re%1"al t ta:e "1c, at,> t,e c,allen-e ",all +e "1"taine& an& ,e ",all n t +e all =e& t ! te. Secti n $)1. A&*i""i n % c,allen-e& ! te i**aterial in cri*inal 6r cee&in-". & T,e a&*i""i n % t,e c,allen-e& ! te 1n&er t,e t= 6rece&in- "ecti n" ",all n t +e c ncl1"i!e 16 n an0 c 1rt a" t t,e le-alit0 % t,e re-i"trati n % t,e ! ter c,allen-e& r ,i" ! te in a cri*inal acti n a-ain"t "1c, 6er" n % r ille-al re-i"trati n r ! tin-. Secti n $)$. /ec r& % c,allen-e" an& at,". & T,e 6 ll cler: ",all :ee6 a 6re"cri+e& rec r& % c,allen-e" an& at," ta:en in c nnecti n t,ere=it, an& t,e re" l1ti n % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" in eac, ca"e an&> 16 n t,e ter*inati n % t,e ! tin-> ",all certi%0 t,at it c ntain" all t,e c,allen-e" *a&e. T,e ri-inal % t,i" rec r& ",all +e attac,e& t t,e ri-inal c 60 % t,e *in1te" % t,e ! tin- a" 6r !i&e& in t,e "1ccee&in- "ecti n. Secti n $)(. Min1te" % ! tin- an& c 1ntin- % ! te" . & T,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all 6re6are an& "i-n a "tate*ent in % 1r c 6ie" "ettin- % rt, t,e % ll =in-? 1. T,e ti*e t,e ! tin- c **ence& an& en&e&@ $. T,e "erial n1*+er" % t,e %%icial +all t" an& electi n ret1rn"> "6ecial en!el 6e" an& "eal" recei!e&@ (. T,e n1*+er % %%icial +all t" 1"e& an& t,e n1*+er le%t 1n1"e&@ 8. T,e n1*+er % ! ter" =, ca"t t,eir ! te"@ 4. T,e n1*+er % ! ter" c,allen-e& &1rin- t,e ! tin-@ 2. T,e na*e" % t,e =atc,er" 6re"ent@ 212

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS 3. T,e ti*e t,e c 1ntin- % ! te" c **ence& an& en&e&@ 8. T,e n1*+er % %%icial +all t" % 1n& in"i&e t,e c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t"@ .. T,e n1*+er % !ali& +all t"> i% an0> retrie!e& %r * t,e c *6art*ent % r "6 ile& +all t"@ 1). T,e n1*+er % +all t"> i% an0> % 1n& % l&e& t -et,er@ 11. T,e n1*+er % "6 ile& +all t" =it,&ra=n %r * t,e c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t"@ 1$. T,e n1*+er % e7ce"" +all t"@ 1(. T,e n1*+er % *ar:e& +all t"@ 18. T,e n1*+er % +all t" rea& an& c 1nte&@ 14. T,e ti*e t,e electi n ret1rn" =ere "i-ne& an& "eale& in t,eir re"6ecti!e "6ecial en!el 6e"@ 12. T,e n1*+er an& nat1re % 6r te"t" *a&e +0 =atc,er"@ an& 13. S1c, t,er *atter" t,at t,e C **i""i n *a0 reA1ire. C 6ie" % t,i" "tate*ent a%ter +ein- &1l0 acc *6li",e& ",all +e "eale& in "e6arate en!el 6e" an& ",all +e &i"tri+1te& a" % ll ="? (a) t,e ri-inal t t,e cit0 r *1nici6al electi n re-i"trar@ (+) t,e "ec n& c 60 t +e &e6 "ite& in"i&e t,e c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t" % t,e +all t + 7@ an& (c) t,e t,ir& an& % 1rt, c 6ie" t t,e re6re"entati!e" % t,e accre&ite& 6 litical 6artie". Secti n $)8. Di"6 "iti n % 1n1"e& +all t" at t,e cl "e % t,e ! tin- , 1r" . & T,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all 6re6are a li"t ", =in- t,e n1*+er % 1n1"e& +all t" t -et,er =it, t,e "erial n1*+er". T,i" li"t ",all +e "i-ne& +0 all t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> a%ter =,ic, all t,e 1n1"e& +all t" ",all +e t rn ,al%=a0 in t,e 6re"ence % t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". Secti n $)4. Pr ,i+iti n % 6re*at1re ann 1nce*ent % ! tin-. & N *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all> +e% re t,e ter*inati n % t,e ! tin-> *a:e an0 ann 1nce*ent a" t =,et,er a certain re-i"tere& ! ter ,a" alrea&0 ! te& r n t> a" t , = *an0 ,a!e alrea&0 ! te& r , = *an0 " %ar ,a!e %aile& t ! te> r an0 t,er %act ten&in- t ", = r ", =in- t,e "tate % t,e 6 ll"> n r ",all ,e *a:e an0 "tate*ent at an0 ti*e> e7ce6t a" =itne"" +e% re a c 1rt> a" t , = an0 6er" n ! te&.

213

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS DISCUSSIONS

A. ' tin- H 1r" T8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de particu"ar"% under Sec !23 pr'*ides t8at *'tin( s8a"" c'mmence at se*en 'A c"'c= (0G33 AM) in t8e m'rnin( and s8a"" end at t8ree 'A c"'c= in t8e a-tern''n (&G33 ,M)9 un"ess t8ere are *'ters present >it8in t8irt% (&3) meters in -r'nt '- t8e p'""in( p"ace >8' 8a*e n't %et cast t8eir *'tes9 in >8ic8 case t8e% s8a"" $e a""'>ed t' cast t8eir *'tes ;'>e*er t8is ru"e is n't ir'nc"ad -'r as >e 8a*e seen durin( t8e e"ecti'n "ast Ma% !39 #3!3 >8erein t8e COMELEC as t8e resu"t '- t8e num$er '- *'ters per precinct re"a4ed t8e *'tin( 8'urs up t' se*en 'A c"'c= in t8e e*enin( (0G33 ,M) in s'me precincts t' a""'> *'ters t' e4ercise t8eir ri(8t t' su--ra(e Up'n terminati'n '- t8e castin( '- *'tes t8e c'untin( '- *'tes s8a"" $e(in

JURIS,RUDENCE

BASHE/ !". COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS an& AMPATUA G./. N . 1(.)$8> A6ril 1$> $))) T8e Supreme C'urt t8r'u(8 t8e case '- rein-'rced said pr'*isi'n $% statin( t8at t8e Ie"ecti'nI -'r Baran(a% Maidan '--icia"s t8at >as 8e"d a-ter 2G33 p m '- Au(ust &39 !220 unti" t8e >ee 8'urs '- t8e -'""'>in( da% is patent"% irre(u"ar T8e e"ecti'n c'nducted >as n't in acc'rdance >it8 "a> 'r t8e C'me"ec Ru"es T8e C'me"ec erred in interpretin( t8e sec'nd sentence '- Secti'n ##9 Artic"e I6 '- C'me"ec Res'"uti'n #20!9 >8ic8 states t8at Ii- at t8ree 'Bc"'c= in t8e a-tern''n9 t8ere are sti"" *'ters >it8in t8irt% meters in -r'nt '- t8e p'""in( p"ace >8' 8a*e n't cast t8eir *'tes9 t8e *'tin( s8a"" c'ntinue t' a""'> said *'ters t' cast t8eir *'tes >it8'ut interrupti'n I T8is sentence presupp'ses t8at t8e e"ecti'n commenced durin( t8e '--icia" time and is simp"% continued $e%'nd &G33 p m in 'rder t' acc'mm'date *'ters >8' are >it8in t8irt% meters '- t8e p'""in( p"ace9 a"read% >aitin( -'r t8eir turn t' cast t8eir *'tes T8is is c"ear"% t8e meanin( and intent '- t8e >'rd c'ntinue L It' (' on in a speci-ied c'urse '- acti'n 'r c'nditi'n I T8e acti'n 'r c'nditi'n a"read% su$sists and is a""'>ed t' (' 'n Ot8er>ise9 t8e "a> s8'u"d 8a*e stated instead t8at It8e *'tin( ma% a"s' start e*en $e%'nd &G33 p m i- t8ere are *'ters >it8in t8irt% meters in -r'nt '- t8e p'""in( p"ace IT8is strained interpretati'n '- t8e C'me"ec enc'ura(es t8e c'nduct '- c"andestine Ie"ecti'ns9I -'r it *irtua""% aut8'ri<es t8e 8'"din( '- e"ecti'ns $e%'nd 8'urs e4press"% pr'*ided -'r $% "a>9 e*en at midni(8t >8en circumstances c'u"d $e m're t8reatenin( and c'nducti*e t' un"a>-u" acti*ities On a d'ctrina" $asis9 suc8 n'cturna" e"ect'ra" practice disc'ura(es t8e pe'p"eBs e4ercise '- t8eir -undamenta" ri(8t '- su--ra(e9 $ecause it e4p'ses t8em t' t8e dan(ers attri$uted t' 214

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS ni(8t9 especia""% in -ar7-"un( $aran(a%s c'nstant"% t8reatened >it8 re$e" and mi"itar% (un-ires B. Preli*inarie" t ' tin-

T8e BEI is re5uired t' meet at t8e p'""in( p"ace at ar'und si4 'A c"'c= in t8e m'rnin( (.G33 AM) and ensure t8at t8e% 8a*e a"" e"ecti'n parap8erna"ia inc"udin( t8e C8airmanAs securit% =e% -'r 'peratin( t8e ,recint C'unt Optica" S%stem (,COS) and ,ers'na" Identi-icati'n Num$er (,IN) '- eac8 mem$er '- t8e BEI -'r di(ita""% si(nin( t8e E"ecti'n Returns (ER) $e-'re its transmissi'n

,ri'r t' actua" *'tin( t8e BEI mustG

S8'> t' t8e pu$"ic and >atc8ers present t8atH i ii T8e ,COS $'4 is sea"ed T8e $a""'t $'4 is empt% and "'c=edH and

iii T8e pac=a(e '- '--icia" $a""'ts and t8e $''= '- 6'ters are $'t8 du"% sea"ed9 and t8erea-ter9 $rea= t8emH $ C'unt t8e Ba""'t B'4 Manua""% and state in t8e minutes t8e num$er '$a""'tsH and t8e -act t8at t8e ,COS $'49 pac=a(e '- $a""'ts and B''= '6'ters >ere s8'>n t' t8e pu$"ic >it8 its sea"s intact Rem'*e t8e sea" '- t8e ,COS $'49 retrie*e t8e ,COS -r'm t8e $'4 and s8'> t8at t8e sea"s '- t8e printer c'*er9 main mem'r% card s"'t and $ac= up mem'r% card s"'t '- t8e ,COS mac8ine are intact Insta"" t8e ,COS mac8ines and initia"i<e t8e same D a-ter 'penin( t8e mac8ine $% t8e use '- t8e securit% =e% and t8e ,IN t8e mac8ine s8a"" print t8e INITIALIXATION RE,ORT >8ic8 must s8'> <er' *'tes -'r eac8 candidate T8is pr'cedure is t' ensure t8at t8e mac8ine is n't stu--ed >it8 *'tes

Ca"tin- % ' te" ,ri'r t' t8e actua" castin( '- *'tes $% t8e *'ter 8e must -irst appr'ac8 t8e c8airman '- t8e BEI9 (i*e 8is name and address In additi'n t' t8is in-'rmati'n t8e *'ter s8'u"d present 8is se5uence num$er in t8e ,recinct C'mputeri<ed 6'terAs List (,C6L) p'sted 'utside t8e p'""in( p"ace On"% *'ters "isted in t8e E"ecti'n Da% C'mputeri<ed 6'ters List (EDC6L) s8a"" $e a""'>ed t' *'te In case '- an% d'u$ts 215

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS as t' t8e identit% '- suc8 *'ter9 t8e BEI ma% c8ec= 8is *'ters ID9 i- 8e 8as n'ne t8en 8is p8't' and si(nature in t8e EDC6L 'r an% ('*ernment issued ID I- t8e BEI is satis-ied as t' 8is identit%9 8is name s8a"" $e ann'unced "'ud"% $% t8e C8airman9 and i- t8ere are n' c8a""en(ers as t' 8is identit% 8e ma% a--i4 8is si(nature in t8e *'tin( rec'rd9 t8e c8airman s8a"" t8en >rite t8e num$er '- t8e $a""'t in t8e c'rresp'ndin( space usua""% ne4t t' 8is name A-ter >8ic8 t8e $a""'t s8a"" $e de"i*ered -'"ded t' t8e *'ter A-ter t8e de"i*er% '- t8e -'"ded $a""'t t' t8e *'ter 8e ma% t8en pr'ceed t' t8e *'tin( $''t8s and -i"" t8e $a""'t $% s8adin( t8e '*a"s c'rresp'ndin( t' a candidateAs name >it8 a pen pr'*ided $% t8e BEI A-ter >8ic8 t8e *'ter s8a"" pr'ceed t' t8e ,COS mac8ine and insert 8is $a""'t I- 8is $a""'t is accepted a-ter readin( t8e -r'nt 'r $ac= side '- t8e same9 t8e *'terAs -'re-in(er s8a"" $e mar=ed $% inde"i$"e in= I- t8e $a""'t is 8'>e*er reCected 8e is a""'>ed t' re7insert it a(ain I- a-ter t8e sec'nd time 8is $a""'t is sti"" reCected t8e $a""'t s8a"" $e mar=ed as reCected and t8e c8airman s8a"" re5uire a"" t8e mem$ers '- t8e BEI t' put t8eir si(nature at t8e $ac= t8ere'- T8e $a""'t s8a"" t8en $e p"ace in an en*e"'pe -'r EReCected Ba""'tsF pr'*ided $% t8e COMELEC In n' >a% s8a"" rep"acement $a""'ts $e issued T8e '>ner '- t8e reCected $a""'t s8a"" $e "i=e>ise $e mar=ed $% t8e inde"i$"e in= in 8is -'re-in(er Ba""'ts under t8e Aut'mated E"ecti'n S%stem 8as $een made t' $e precinct speci-ic9 t8is means t8at a $a""'t in 'ne precinct cann't $e used in an't8erH -'r e4amp"e a $a""'t -'r Muntin"upa Cit% s8'u"d $e used 'n"% in Muntin"upa Cit% and n't in Las ,inas Cit% De-aced 'r t8'se >8ic8 c'ntain unaut8'ri<ed mar=in(s ma% a"s' reCected T8e reCecti'n and t8e reas'n 'r circumstances attendin( suc8 reCecti'n s8a"" $e rec'rded in t8e minutes '- *'tin( A/TICLE 5'III COUNTING OF 'OTES

Secti n $)2. C 1ntin- t +e 61+lic an& =it, 1t interr16ti n. & A" " n a" t,e ! tin- i" %ini",e&> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all 61+licl0 c 1nt in t,e 6 llin- 6lace t,e ! te" ca"t an& a"certain t,e re"1lt". T,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all n t a&B 1rn r 6 "t6 ne r &ela0 t,e c 1nt 1ntil it ,a" +een %1ll0 c *6lete&> 1nle"" t,er=i"e r&ere& +0 t,e C **i""i n. T,e C **i""i n> in t,e intere"t % %ree> r&erl0> an& , ne"t electi n"> *a0 r&er t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t c 1nt t,e ! te" an& t acc *6li", t,e electi n ret1rn" an& t,er % r*" 6re"cri+e& 1n&er t,i" C &e in an0 t,er 6lace =it,in a 61+lic +1il&in- in t,e "a*e *1nici6alit0 r cit0? Pr !i&e&> T,at t,e "ai& 61+lic +1il&in- ",all n t +e l cate& =it,in t,e 6eri*eter % r in"i&e a *ilitar0 r 6 lice ca*6 r re"er!ati n n r in"i&e a 6ri" n c *6 1n&. Secti n. $)2 % Bata" Pa*+an"a Bl-. 881 (a" AMENDED BF Sec. (4 /A .(2.) i" ,ere+0 a*en&e& t rea& a" % ll ="? 216

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS "'EC. 20C Countin* to be Public and !ithout ;nte##uption . # A" " n a" t,e ! tin- i" %ini",e&> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all 61+licl0 c 1nt in t,e 6 llin- 6lace t,e ! te" ca"t an& a"certain t,e re"1lt". T,e + ar& *a0 rearran-e t,e 6,0"ical "et 16 % t,e 6 llin- 6lace % r t,e c 1ntin- r 6er% r* an0 t,er acti!it0 =it, re"6ect t t,e tran"iti n %r * ! tin- c 1ntin-. H =e!er> it *a0 & " nl0 in t,e 6re"ence % t,e =atc,er" an& =it,in cl "e !ie= % t,e 61+lic. At all ti*e"> t,e +all t + 7e" an& all electi n & c1*ent" an& 6ara6,ernalia ",all +e =it,in cl "e !ie= % t,e =atc,er" an& t,e 61+lic. CT,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all n t a&B 1rn r 6 "t6 ne r &ela0 t,e c 1nt 1ntil it ,a" +een %1ll0 c *6lete&> 1nle"" t,er=i"e r&ere& +0 t,e C **i""i n. CT,e C **i""i n> in t,e intere"t % %ree> r&erl0> an& , ne"t electi n> *a0 a1t, ri<e t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t c 1nt t,e ! te" an& t acc *6li", t,e electi n ret1rn an& t,er % r*" 6re"cri+e& 1n&er t,e c &e in an0 t,er 6lace =it,in a 61+lic +1il&in- in t,e "a*e *1nici6alit0 r cit0 n acc 1nt % i**inent &an-er % =i&e"6rea& !i lence r "i*ilar ca1"e" % c *6ara+le *a-nit1&e? P#o"ided> T,at t,e tran"%er ",all +een rec **en&e& in =ritin- +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" +0 1nani* 1" ! te an& en& r"e& in =ritin- +0 t,e *aB rit0 % =atc,er" 6re"ent? P#o"ided+ fu#the#> t,at t,e "ai& 61+lic +1il&in- ",all n t l cate& =it,in t,e 6eri*eter % r in"i&e a *ilitar0 r 6 lice ca*6> re"er!ati n> ,ea&A1arter"> &etac,*ent r %iel& %%ice n r =it,in t,e 6re*i"e" % a 6ri" n r &etenti n +1rea1 r an0 la= en% rce*ent r in!e"ti-ati n a-enc0. CAn0 !i lati n % t,i" "ecti n> r it" 6ertinent 6 rti n> ",all c n"tit1te an& electi n %%en"e an& ",all +e 6enali<e& in acc r&ance =it, Bata" Pa*+an"a Bl-. 881.C 'ection 20D. E/cess ballots. & Be% re 6r cee&in- t c 1nt t,e ! te" t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all c 1nt t,e +all t" in t,e c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t" =it, 1t 1n% l&in- t,e* r e76 "in- t,eir c ntent"> e7ce6t " %ar a" t a"certain t,at eac, +all t i" "in-le> an& c *6are t,e n1*+er % +all t" in t,e + 7 =it, t,e n1*+er % ! ter" =, ,a!e ! te&. I% t,ere are e7ce"" +all t"> t,e0 ",all +e ret1rne& in t,e + 7 an& t, r 1-,l0 *i7e& t,erein> an& t,e 6 ll cler:> =it, 1t "eein- t,e +all t" an& =it, ,i" +ac: t t,e + 7> ",all 61+licl0 &ra= 1t a" *a0 +all t" a" *a0 +e eA1al t t,e e7ce"" an& =it, 1t 1n% l&in- t,e*> 6lace t,e* in an en!el 6e =,ic, ",all +e *ar:e& Ce7ce"" +all t"C an& =,ic, ",all +e "eale& an& "i-ne& +0 t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". T,e en!el 6e ",all +e 6lace& in t,e c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t"> +1t it" c ntent" ",all n t +e rea& in t,e c 1ntin- % ! te". I% in t,e c 1r"e % t,e e7a*inati n +all t" are % 1n& % l&e& t -et,er +e% re t,e0 =ere &e6 "ite& in t,e + 7> t,e0 ",all +e 6lace& in t,e en!el 6e % r e7ce"" +all t". In ca"e +all t" =it, t,eir &etac,a+le c 16 n" +e % 1n& in t,e + 7> "1c, c 16 n" ",all +e re* !e& an& &e6 "ite& in t,e c *6art*ent 217

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS % r "6 ile& +all t"> an& t,e +all t" ",all +e incl1&e& in t,e %ile % !ali& +all t". I% +all t" =it, t,e = r&" C"6 ile&C +e % 1n& in t,e + 7> "1c, +all t" ",all li:e=i"e +e 6lace& in t,e c *6art*ent % r "6 ile& +all t". 'ection 20B. Ma#:ed ballots. & T,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all t,en 1n% l& t,e +all t" an& &eter*ine =,et,er t,ere are an0 *ar:e& +all t"> an&> i% an0 +e % 1n&> t,e0 ",all +e 6lace& in an en!el 6e la+ele& C*ar:e& +all t"C =,ic, ",all +e "eale& an& "i-ne& +0 t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& 6lace& in t,e c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t" an& ",all n t +e c 1nte&. A *aB rit0 ! te % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all +e "1%%icient t &eter*ine =,et,er an0 +all t i" *ar:e& r n t. N n# %%icial +all t" =,ic, t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" *a0 %in&> e7ce6t t, "e =,ic, ,a!e +een 1"e& a" e*er-enc0 +all t" ",all +e c n"i&ere& a" *ar:e& +all t".

EU/ISP/UDENCE

CUNDANGAN !". COMELEC G./. N . 138(.$> A1-1"t $8> $))3 In On( * C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns9 @ R N' !))!209 Decem$er !&9 #333 t8e C'urt 8e"d t8at $i( $'"d "etters t8at 'ccup% a"" t8e spaces -'r t8e speci-ic p'siti'n s8'u"d $e in*a"idated9 inasmuc8 as t8is e*inces an e*ident intent t' mar= t8e $a""'t PE/MAN !". COMELEC G./. N . 138)1)> Fe+r1ar0 8> $))3 In 'rder -'r a $a""'t t' $e c'nsidered mar=ed9 in t8e sense necessar% t' in*a"idate it9 it must appear t8at t8e *'ter desi(ned"% p"aced s'me super-"u'us si(n 'r mar= 'n t8e $a""'t >8ic8 mi(8t ser*e t' identi-% it t8erea-ter N' $a""'t s8'u"d $e discarded as a mar=ed $a""'t un"ess its c8aracter as suc8 is unmista=a$"e T8e distin(uis8in( mar= >8ic8 t8e "a> -'r$ids t' $e p"aced 'n t8e $a""'ts is t8at >8ic8 t8e e"ect'r ma% 8a*e p"aced >it8 t8e intenti'n '- -aci"itatin( t8e means '- identi-%in( said $a""'t9 -'r t8e purp'se '- de-eatin( t8e secrec% '- su--ra(e >8ic8 t8e "a> esta$"is8es T8us9 mar=ed $a""'ts are $a""'ts c'ntainin( distin(uis8in( mar=s9 t8e purp'se '- >8ic8 is t' identi-% t8em

'ILLAG/ACIA !". COMELEC G./. N . 128$.2> Ean1ar0 (1> $))3 T8e distincti'n s8'u"d a">a%s $e $et>een mar=s t8at >ere apparent"% care"ess"% 'r inn'cent"% made9 >8ic8 d' n't in*a"idate t8e $a""'t9 and mar=s purp'se"% p"aced 218

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS t8ere'n $% t8e *'ter >it8 a *ie> t' p'ssi$"e -uture identi-icati'n9 >8ic8 in*a"idates it T8e mar=s >8ic8 s8a"" $e c'nsidered su--icient t' in*a"idate t8e $a""'t are t8'se >8ic8 t8e *'ter 8imse"- de"i$erate"% p"aced 'n 8is $a""'t -'r t8e purp'se 'identi-%in( it t8erea-ter

'ection 205. Compa#tment fo# spoiled ballots. & T,e +all t" &e6 "ite& in t,e c *6art*ent % r "6 ile& +all t" ",all +e 6re"1*e& t +e "6 ile& +all t"> =,et,er r n t t,e0 c ntain "1c, n tati n@ +1t i% t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ", 1l& %in& t,at &1rin- t,e ! tin- an0 !ali& +all t =a" err ne 1"l0 &e6 "ite& in t,i" c *6art*ent> r i% an0 +all t "e6arate& a" e7ce"" r *ar:e& ,a& +een err ne 1"l0 &e6 "ite& t,erein> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all 6en "ai& c *6art*ent a%ter t,e ! tin- an& +e% re t,e c 1ntin- % ! te" % r t,e " le 61r6 "e % &ra=in1t t,e +all t" err ne 1"l0 &e6 "ite& t,erein. It ",all t,en 6re6are an& "i-n a "tate*ent % "1c, %act an& l c: t,e + 7 =it, it" t,ree :e0" i**e&iatel0 t,erea%ter. T,e !ali& +all t" " =it,&ra=n ",all +e *i7e& =it, t,e t,er !ali& +all t"> an& t,e e7ce"" r *ar:e& +all t" ",all +e 6lace& in t,eir 6r 6er en!el 6e" =,ic, ",all % r "1c, 61r6 "e" +e 6ene& an& a-ain la+ele&> "eale&> "i-ne& an& :e6t a" ,ereina%ter 6r !i&e&. 'ection 2-0. Manne# of countin* "otes. & T,e c 1ntin- % ! te" ",all +e *a&e in t,e % ll =in- *anner? t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all 1n% l& t,e +all t" an& % r* "e6arate 6ile" % ne ,1n&re& +all t" eac,> =,ic, ",all +e ,el& t -et,er =it, r1++er +an&"> =it, car&+ ar& % t,e "i<e % t,e +all t" t "er!e a" % l&er". T,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all ta:e t,e +all t" % t,e %ir"t 6ile ne +0 ne an& rea& t,e na*e" % can&i&ate" ! te& % r an& t,e %%ice" % r =,ic, t,e0 =ere ! te& in t,e r&er in =,ic, t,e0 a66ear t,ere n> a""1*in- "1c, a 6 "iti n a" t ena+le all % t,e =atc,er" t rea& "1c, na*e". T,e c,air*an ",all "i-n an& a%%i7 ,i" ri-,t ,an& t,1*+*ar: at t,e +ac: % t,e +all t i**e&iatel0 a%ter it i" c 1nte&. T,e 6 ll cler:> an& t,e t,ir& *e*+er> re"6ecti!el0> ",all rec r& n t,e electi n ret1rn" an& t,e tall0 + ar& r ",eet eac, ! te a" t,e na*e" ! te& % r eac, %%ice are rea&. Eac, ! te ",all +e rec r&e& +0 a !ertical line> e7ce6t e!er0 %i%t, ! te =,ic, ",all +e rec r&e& +0 a &ia- nal line cr ""in- t,e 6re!i 1" % 1r !ertical line". One 6art0 *e*+er ",all "ee t it t,at t,e c,air*an rea&" t,e ! te a" =ritten n t,e +all t> an& t,e t,er ",all c,ec: t,e rec r&in% t,e ! te" n t,e tall0 + ar& r ",eet an& t,e electi n ret1rn" "eein- t it t,at t,e "a*e are c rrectl0 acc *6li",e&. A%ter %ini",in- t,e %ir"t 6ile % +all t"> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all &eter*ine t,e t tal n1*+er % ! te" rec r&e& % r eac, can&i&ate> t,e "1* +ein- n te& n t,e tall0 + ar& r ",eet an& n t,e electi n ret1rn". In ca"e % &i"cre6anc0 "1c, rec 1nt a" *a0 +e nece""ar0 ",all +e *a&e. T,e +all t" ",all t,en +e -r 16e& t -et,er a-ain a" +e% re t,e rea&in-. T,erea%ter> t,e "a*e 6r ce&1re ",all +e % ll =e& =it, t,e "ec n& 6ile % +all t" an& " n 219

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS "1cce""i!el0. A%ter all t,e +all t" ,a!e +een rea&> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all "1* 16 t,e t tal" rec r&e& % r eac, can&i&ate> an& t,e a--re-ate "1* ",all +e rec r&e& + t, n t,e tall0 + ar& r ",eet an& n t,e electi n ret1rn". It ",all t,en 6lace t,e c 1nte& +all t" in an en!el 6e 6r !i&e& % r t,e 61r6 "e> =,ic, ",all +e cl "e& "i-ne& an& &e6 "ite& in t,e c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t". T,e tall0 + ar& r ",eet a" acc *6li",e& an& certi%ie& +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all n t +e c,an-e& r &e"tr 0e& +1t ",all +e :e6t in t,e c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t". T,e *anner % ca"tin- ! te" =a" AMENDED BF SEC. (1 /.A. .(2.. Secti n $4 % /e61+lic Act N . 3122 i" ,ere+0 a*en&e& t rea& a" % ll ="? Sec $4. Manne# of Countin* 4otes. # In a&&iti n t t,e reA1ire*ent in t,e % 1rt, 6ara-ra6, % Secti n 1$ % t,e /e61+lic Act N . 2282 an& Secti n $1) % t,e O*ni+1" Electi n C &e> in rea&in- t,e %%icial +all t" &1rint,e c 1ntin-> t,e c,air*an> t,e 6 ll cler: an& t,e t,ir& *e*+er ",all a""1*e "1c, 6 "iti n" a" t 6r !i&e t,e =atc,er" an& t,e *e*+er" % t,e 61+lic a" *a0 +e c n!enientl0 acc ** &ate& in t,e 6 llin- 6lace> an 1ni*6e&e& !ie= % t,e +all t +ein- rea&0 +0 t,e c,air*an> % t,e electi n ret1rn an& t,e tall0 + ar& +ein- "i*1ltane 1"l0 acc *6li",e& +0 t,e> 6 ll cler: an& t,e t,ir& *e*+er re"6ecti!el0> =it, 1t t 1c,inan0 % t,e"e electi n & c1*ent". T,e ta+le ",all +e cleare& % all 1nnece""ar0 =ritin- 6ara6,ernalia. An0 !i lati n % t,i" reA1ire*ent ",all c n"tit1te an electi n %%en"e 61ni",a+le 1n&er Secti n $2( an& $28 t,e O*ni+1" Electi n C &e. T,e c,air*an ",all %ir"t rea& t,e ! te" % r nati nal 6 "iti n". An0 !i lati n % t,i" Secti n> r it" 6ertinent 6 rti n> ",all c n"tit1te an electi n %%en"e an& ",all +e 6enali<e& in acc r&ance =it, Bata" Pa*+an"a Bl-. 881. Secti n $11. /1le" % r t,e a66reciati n % +all t". & In t,e rea&in- an& a66reciati n % +all t"> e!er0 +all t ",all +e 6re"1*e& t +e !ali& 1nle"" t,ere i" clear an& - & rea" n t B1"ti%0 it" reBecti n. T,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all +"er!e t,e % ll =in- r1le"> +earin- in *in& t,at t,e +Bect % t,e electi n i" t +tain t,e e76re""i n % t,e ! terG" =ill? 1. 9,ere nl0 t,e %ir"t na*e % a can&i&ate r nl0 ,i" "1rna*e i" =ritten> t,e ! te % r "1c, can&i&ate i" !ali&> i% t,ere i" n t,er can&i&ate =it, t,e "a*e %ir"t na*e r "1rna*e % r t,e "a*e %%ice. $. 9,ere nl0 t,e %ir"t na*e % a can&i&ate i" =ritten n t,e +all t> =,ic, =,en rea&> ,a" a " 1n& "i*ilar t t,e "1rna*e % an t,er can&i&ate> t,e ! te ",all +e c 1nte& in %a! r % t,e can&i&ate =it, "1c, "1rna*e. I% t,ere are t= r * re can&i&ate" =it, t,e "a*e %1ll na*e> %ir"t na*e r "1rna*e an& ne % t,e* i" t,e inc1*+ent> an& n t,e 220

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS +all t i" =ritten nl0 "1c, %1ll na*e> %ir"t na*e r "1rna*e> t,e ! te ",all +e c 1nte& in %a! r % t,e inc1*+ent. (. In ca"e t,e can&i&ate i" a = *an =, 1"e" ,er *ai&en r *arrie& "1rna*e r + t, an& t,ere i" an t,er can&i&ate =it, t,e "a*e "1rna*e> a +all t +earin- nl0 "1c, "1rna*e ",all +e c 1nte& in %a! r % t,e can&i&ate =, i" an inc1*+ent. 8. 9,en t= r * re = r&" are =ritten n t,e "a*e line n t,e +all t> all % =,ic, are t,e "1rna*e" % t= r * re can&i&ate"> t,e "a*e ",all n t +e c 1nte& % r an0 % t,e*> 1nle"" ne i" a "1rna*e % an inc1*+ent =, ,a" "er!e& % r at lea"t ne 0ear in =,ic, ca"e it ",all +e c 1nte& in %a! r % t,e latter. 9,en t= r * re = r&" are =ritten n &i%%erent line" n t,e +all t all % =,ic, are t,e "1rna*e" % t= r * re can&i&ate" +earin- t,e "a*e "1rna*e % r an %%ice % r =,ic, t,e la= a1t, ri<e" t,e electi n % * re t,an ne an& t,ere are t,e "a*e n1*+er % "1c, "1rna*e" =ritten a" t,ere are can&i&ate" =it, t,at "1rna*e> t,e ! te ",all +e c 1nte& in %a! r % all t,e can&i&ate" +earin- t,e "1rna*e. 4. 9,en n t,e +all t i" =ritten a "in-le = r& =,ic, i" t,e %ir"t na*e % a can&i&ate an& =,ic, i" at t,e "a*e ti*e t,e "1rna*e % ,i" 66 nent> t,e ! te ",all +e c 1nte& in %a! r % t,e latter. 2. 9,en t= = r&" are =ritten n t,e +all t> ne % =,ic, i" t,e %ir"t na*e % t,e can&i&ate an& t,e t,er i" t,e "1rna*e % ,i" 66 nent> t,e ! te ",all n t +e c 1nte& % r eit,er. 3. A na*e r "1rna*e inc rrectl0 =ritten =,ic,> =,en rea&> ,a" a " 1n& "i*ilar t t,e na*e r "1rna*e % a can&i&ate =,en c rrectl0 =ritten ",all +e c 1nte& in ,i" %a! r@ 8. 9,en a na*e % a can&i&ate a66ear" in a "6ace % t,e +all t % r an %%ice % r =,ic, ,e i" a can&i&ate an& in an t,er "6ace % r =,ic, ,e i" n t a can&i&ate> it ",all +e c 1nte& in ,i" %a! r % r t,e %%ice % r =,ic, ,e i" a can&i&ate an& t,e ! te % r t,e %%ice % r =,ic, ,e i" n t a can&i&ate ",all +e c n"i&ere& a" "tra0> e7ce6t =,en it i" 1"e& a" a *ean" t i&enti%0 t,e ! ter> in =,ic, ca"e> t,e =, le +all t ",all +e ! i&. I% t,e = r& r = r&" =ritten n t,e a66r 6riate +lan: n t,e +all t i" t,e i&entical na*e r "1rna*e r %1ll na*e> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e> % t= r * re can&i&ate" % r t,e "a*e %%ice n ne % =, * i" an inc1*+ent> t,e ! te ",all +e c 1nte& in %a! r % t,at can&i&ate t =, "e tic:et +el n- all t,e t,er can&i&ate" ! te& % r in t,e "a*e +all t % r t,e "a*e c n"tit1enc0.

221

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS .. 9,en in a "6ace in t,e +all t t,ere a66ear" a na*e % a can&i&ate t,at i" era"e& an& an t,er clearl0 =ritten> t,e ! te i" !ali& % r t,e latter. 1). T,e err ne 1" initial % t,e %ir"t na*e =,ic, acc *6anie" t,e c rrect "1rna*e % a can&i&ate> t,e err ne 1" initial % t,e "1rna*e acc *6an0in- t,e c rrect %ir"t na*e % a can&i&ate> r t,e err ne 1" *i&&le initial % t,e can&i&ate ",all n t ann1l t,e ! te in %a! r % t,e latter. 11. T,e %act t,at t,ere e7i"t" an t,er 6er" n =, i" n t a can&i&ate =it, t,e %ir"t na*e r "1rna*e % a can&i&ate ",all n t 6re!ent t,e a&B1&icati n % t,e ! te % t,e latter. 1$. Ball t" =,ic, c ntain 6re%i7e" "1c, a" CSr.C> CMr.C> CDat1C> CD nC> CGin C> CH n.C> CG +.C r "1%%i7e" li:e CHiB C> CEr.C> CSe-1n& C> are !ali&. 1(. T,e 1"e % t,e nic:na*e" an& a66ellati n" % a%%ecti n an& %rien&",i6> i% acc *6anie& +0 t,e %ir"t na*e r "1rna*e % t,e can&i&ate> & e" n t ann1l "1c, ! te> e7ce6t =,en t,e0 =ere 1"e& a" a *ean" t i&enti%0 t,e ! ter> in =,ic, ca"e t,e =, le +all t i" in!ali&? Pr !i&e&> T,at i% t,e nic:na*e 1"e& i" 1nacc *6anie& +0 t,e na*e r "1rna*e % a can&i&ate an& it i" t,e ne +0 =,ic, ,e i" -enerall0 r 6 61larl0 :n =n in t,e l calit0> t,e na*e ",all +e c 1nte& in %a! r % "ai& can&i&ate> i% t,ere i" n t,er can&i&ate % r t,e "a*e %%ice =it, t,e "a*e nic:na*e. 18. An0 ! te c ntainin- initial" nl0 r =,ic, i" ille-i+le r =,ic, & e" n t "1%%icientl0 i&enti%0 t,e can&i&ate % r =, * it i" inten&e& ",all +e c n"i&ere& a" a "tra0 ! te +1t ",all n t in!ali&ate t,e =, le +all t. 14. I% n t,e +all t i" c rrectl0 =ritten t,e %ir"t na*e % a can&i&ate +1t =it, a &i%%erent "1rna*e> r t,e "1rna*e % t,e can&i&ate i" c rrectl0 =ritten +1t =it, &i%%erent %ir"t na*e> t,e ! te ",all n t +e c 1nte& in %a! r % an0 can&i&ate ,a!in- "1c, %ir"t na*e an&J r "1rna*e +1t t,e +all t ",all +e c n"i&ere& !ali& % r t,er can&i&ate". 12. An0 +all t =ritten =it, cra0 n> lea& 6encil> r in in:> =, ll0 r in 6art> ",all +e !ali&. 13. 9,ere t,ere are t= r * re can&i&ate" ! te& % r in an %%ice % r =,ic, t,e la= a1t, ri<e" t,e electi n % nl0 ne> t,e ! te ",all n t +e c 1nte& in %a! r % an0 % t,e*> +1t t,i" ",all n t a%%ect t,e !ali&it0 % t,e t,er ! te" t,erein. 18. I% t,e can&i&ate" ! te& % r e7cee& t,e n1*+er % t, "e t +e electe&> t,e +all t i" !ali&> +1t t,e ! te" ",all +e c 1nte& nl0 in %a! r % t,e can&i&ate" =, "e na*e" =ere %ir"tl0 =ritten +0 t,e ! ter =it,in t,e 222

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS "6ace" 6r !i&e& % r "ai& %%ice in t,e +all t 1ntil t,e a1t, ri<e& n1*+er i" c !ere&. 1.. An0 ! te in %a! r % a 6er" n =, ,a" n t %ile& a certi%icate % can&i&ac0 r in %a! r % a can&i&ate % r an %%ice % r =,ic, ,e &i& n t 6re"ent ,i*"el% ",all +e c n"i&ere& a" a "tra0 ! te +1t it ",all n t in!ali&ate t,e =, le +all t. $). Ball t" c ntainin- t,e na*e % a can&i&ate 6rinte& an& 6a"te& n a +lan: "6ace % t,e +all t r a%%i7e& t,eret t,r 1-, an0 *ec,anical 6r ce"" are t tall0 n1ll an& ! i&. $1. Circle"> cr ""e" r line" 61t n t,e "6ace" n =,ic, t,e ! ter ,a" n t ! te& ",all +e c n"i&ere& a" "i-n" t in&icate ,i" &e"i"tance %r * ! tinan& ",all n t in!ali&ate t,e +all t. $$. Unle"" it ", 1l& clearl0 a66ear t,at t,e0 ,a!e +een &eli+eratel0 61t +0 t,e ! ter t "er!e a" i&enti%icati n *ar:"> c **a"> & t"> line"> r ,06,en" +et=een t,e %ir"t na*e an& "1rna*e % a can&i&ate> r in t,er 6art" % t,e +all t> trace" % t,e letter CTC> CEC> an& t,er "i*ilar ne"> t,e %ir"t letter" r "0lla+le" % na*e" =,ic, t,e ! ter & e" n t c ntin1e> t,e 1"e % t= r * re :in&" % =ritin- an& 1nintenti nal r acci&ental %l 1ri",e"> "tr :e"> r "train"> ",all n t in!ali&ate t,e +all t. $(. An0 +all t =,ic, clearl0 a66ear" t ,a!e +een %ille& +0 t= &i"tinct 6er" n" +e% re it =a" &e6 "ite& in t,e +all t + 7 &1rin- t,e ! tin- i" t tall0 n1ll an& ! i&. $8. An0 ! te ca"t in %a! r % a can&i&ate =, ,a" +een &i"A1ali%ie& +0 %inal B1&-*ent ",all +e c n"i&ere& a" "tra0 an& ",all n t +e c 1nte& +1t it ",all n t in!ali&ate t,e +all t. $4. Ball t" =, ll0 =ritten in Ara+ic in l calitie" =,ere it i" % -eneral 1"e are !ali&. T rea& t,e*> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" *a0 e*6l 0 an inter6reter =, ",all ta:e an at, t,at ,e ",all rea& t,e ! te" c rrectl0. $2. T,e acci&ental tearin- r 6er% rati n % a +all t & e" n t ann1l it. $3. Fail1re t re* !e t,e &etac,a+le c 16 n %r * a +all t & e" n t ann1l "1c, +all t. $8. A ! te % r t,e Pre"i&ent ",all al" +e a ! te % r t,e 'ice#Pre"i&ent r1nnin- 1n&er t,e "a*e tic:et % a 6 litical 6art0> 1nle"" t,e ! ter ! te" % r a 'ice#Pre"i&ent =, & e" n t +el n- t "1c, 6art0.

EU/ISP/UDENCE 223

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

TOLENTINO !". COMELEC> et al. G./. N ". 183.48> 183.21 I 183.2$> A6ril 3> $)1) In re(u"ar e"ecti'n c'ntests9 t8e (enera" a*erment '- -raud 'r irre(u"arities in t8e c'untin( '- *'tes Custi-ies t8e e4aminati'n '- t8e $a""'ts and rec'untin( '- *'tes T8is pr'cess '- e4aminati'n is t8e re*isi'n '- t8e $a""'ts pursuant t' Secti'n .9 Ru"e #3 '- t8e !22& COMELEC Ru"es '- ,r'cedure T8e pr'tests in*'"*ed 8erein assai"ed t8e aut8enticit% '- t8e e"ecti'n returns and t8e *eracit% '- t8e c'untin( '- t8e $a""'ts In t8at re(ard9 t8e $a""'ts t8emse"*es are t8e $est e*idence T8e 'n"% means t' '*erc'me t8e presumpti'n '- "e(itimac% '- t8e e"ecti'n returns is t' e4amine and determine -irst >8et8er t8e $a""'t $'4es 8a*e $een su$stantia""% preser*ed in t8e manner mandated $% "a> ;ence9 t8e necessit% t' issue t8e 'rder '- re*isi'n N' ru"in( c'u"d $e 8anded d'>n a(ainst t8e inte(rit% '- t8e $a""'t $'4es t8at >'u"d e--ecti*e"% render nau(8t t8e e*identiar% *a"ue '- t8e $a""'ts t8e% c'ntained un"ess a -u"" $"'>n tria" 'n t8e merits >as -irst c'nducted T'"entin' s8'u"d accept t8e "e(a" imp'ssi$i"it% -'r t8e Di*isi'n t' ru"e 'n t8e issue '- inc"usi'n 'r e4c"usi'n '- t8e set7 aside $a""'t $'4es e4cept a-ter t8e re*isi'n pr'cess BATALLA !". COMELEC an& BATALLE/ G./. N . 188$28> Se6te*+er 14> $)). T8e nei(8$'r8''d ru"e is a sett"ed ru"e statin( t8at >8ere t8e name '- a candidate is n't >ritten in t8e pr'per space in t8e $a""'t9 $ut is preceded $% t8e name '- t8e '--ice -'r >8ic8 8e is a candidate9 t8e *'te s8'u"d $e c'unted as *a"id -'r said candidate Suc8 ru"e is usua""% app"ied in c'ns'nance >it8 t8e intent ru"e >8ic8 stems -r'm t8e princip"e t8at in t8e appreciati'n '- t8e $a""'t9 t8e '$Cect s8'u"d $e t' ascertain and carr% int' e--ect t8e intenti'n '- t8e *'ter9 i- it c'u"d $e determined >it8 reas'na$"e certaint%

CUNDANGAN !". COMELEC G./. N . 138(.$> A1-1"t $8> $))3 T8e COMELEC c'rrect"% c'unted t8e t>' c"aimed $a""'ts in -a*'r '- C8ua $% reas'n '- t8e nei(8$'r8''d ru"e9 c'nsiderin( t8at t8e name '- C8ua >as >ritten 'n t8e -irst space -'r :a(a>ads and t8at t8e space -'r ,un'n( Baran(a% >as "e-t $"an= DE LOS /EFES !". COMELEC G./. N . 13))3)> Fe+r1ar0 $8> $))3 In t8e present case9 t8e -indin( '- t8e COMELEC -e"" s8'rt '- t8e -'re('in( standard It sa> n' di--erences in t8e 8and>ritin(s 'n t8e $a""'ts %et it is si"ent 'n >8et8er it 224

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS discerned in t8e $a""'ts simi"arities and di*er(ences in t8e c"ass and indi*idua" c8aracteristics '- t8e 8and>ritin(s as >'u"d c'nc"usi*e"% esta$"is8 t8at t8ese >ere made $% t8e same 8and T8ere >as t8ere-'re inc'mp"eteness in COMELECAs appreciati'n '- t8e $a""'ts t8at it acted premature"% >8en it dec"ared said $a""'ts in*a"id M're'*er9 t8e COMELEC re-erred s'"e"% t' t8e $a""'ts t' res'"*e t8e issue '- >8et8er t8e% >ere prepared $% 'ne pers'n De"'s Re%es 5uesti'ns t8is9 ar(uin( t8at t' determine >8et8er t8e $a""'ts >ere in*a"id -'r 8a*in( $een >ritten $% 'ne pers'n9 it >as n't su--icient -'r t8e COMELEC t' 8a*e mere"% re"ied 'n t8e $a""'ts a"'neH it s8'u"d 8a*e a"s' c'nsu"ted t8e Minutes '- 6'tin( and C'untin( in t8e c'ntested precincts 'ELASCO !". COMELEC G./. N . 122.(1> Fe+r1ar0 $$> $))3 In t8is $a""'t9 t8e *'ter >r'te resp'ndentAs name t>ice Y 'n t8e upper ri(8t side 't8e $a""'t a$'*e t8e instructi'ns t' t8e *'ter and 'n t8e -irst "ine -'r San((unian( Baran(a% :a(a>ad9 "ea*in( $"an= t8e space -'r ,un'n( Baran(a% B't8 names are -'""'>ed $% t8e >'rd IC8airman I T8e COMELEC c'rrect"% credited resp'ndent >it8 t8e *'te cast -'r 8im in t8is $a""'t -'""'>in( t8e e4cepti'n t' Secti'n #!!(!2) '- $a""'ts >it8 a sin("e misp"aced name -'""'>ed $% t8e tit"e '- t8e c'ntested '--ice T8e *'terAs repetiti'n '- resp'ndentAs name in t8e -irst "ine -'r San((unian( Baran(a% :a(a>ad -'""'>ed $% t8e >'rd IC8airmanI renders t8e *'te *a"id T8e *'terAs intent t' cast 8is *'te -'r resp'ndent as ,un'n( Baran(a% 'r $aran(a% c8airman is '$*i'us >8en 8e >r'te t8e >'rd IC8airmanI D >8ic8 can 'n"% stand -'r IRBaran(a%S C8airmanI D a-ter resp'ndentAs name 4444 T8is C'urt is e*er mind-u" '- t8e need9 under 'ur repu$"ican -'rm '- ('*ernment9 t' (i*e -u"" e4pressi'n t' t8e *'tersA >i"" as indicated in t8e $a""'ts T8is e4p"ains t8e numer'us e4cepti'ns >e 8a*e car*ed 'ut '- Secti'n #!!(!2) ;'>e*er9 "i$era"it% in $a""'t appreciati'n ends >8ere su$*ersi'n '- t8e "e(is"atureAs >i"" $e(ins C'n(ress enacted Secti'ns !2+ and #!!(!2) precise"% t' (uard a(ainst t8e e4treme irre(u"arit% E48i$its I2I and I!&I present T8us9 >e 8ere dra> t8e "ine $et>een permissi$"e de*iati'ns -r'm Secti'ns !2+ and #!!(!2) and -"a(rant disre(ard '- an e"ementar% ru"e in *'tin( under 'ur present e"ect'ra" s%stem

CAFETANO !". COMELEC G./. N ". 122(88 I 12224$> Ean1ar0 $(> $))2 T8e a$'*e -actua" -indin(s '- t8e COMELEC supp'rted $% e*idence9 are acc'rded9 n't 'n"% respect9 $ut -ina"it% T8is is s' $ecause It8e c'nduct '- p"e$iscite and determinati'n '- its resu"t 8a*e a">a%s $een t8e $usiness '- t8e COMELEC and n't t8e re(u"ar c'urts Suc8 a case in*'"*es t8e appreciati'n '- $a""'ts >8ic8 is $est "e-t 225

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS t' t8e COMELEC As an independent c'nstituti'na" $'d% e4c"usi*e"% c8ar(ed >it8 t8e p'>er '- en-'rcement and administrati'n '- a"" "a>s and re(u"ati'ns re"ati*e t' t8e c'nduct '- an e"ecti'n9 p"e$iscite9 initiati*e9 re-erendum and reca""9 t8e COMELEC 8as t8e indisputa$"e e4pertise in t8e -ie"d '- e"ecti'n and re"ated "a>s I Its acts9 t8ere-'re9 enC'% t8e presumpti'n '- re(u"arit% in t8e per-'rmance '- '--icia" duties

DE GU;MAN> Er. !". SISON (44 SC/A 2. It is perp"e4in( >8% resp'ndent Cud(e insisted in app"%in( Batas ,am$ansa B"( ### >8ic8 pertained 'n"% t' t8e e"ecti'n '- $aran(a% '--icia"s in !21# instead '- Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11# >8ic8 e4press"% ('*erns ma%'ra"t% e"ecti'ns inc"udin( t8'se 8e"d in !221H La>s and statutes ('*ernin( e"ecti'n c'ntests especia""% t8e appreciati'n '- $a""'ts must $e "i$era""% c'nstrued t' t8e end t8at t8e >i"" '- t8e e"ect'rate in t8e c8'ice 'pu$"ic '--icia"s ma% n't $e de-eated $% tec8nica" in-irmities

'ILLA/OSA !". COMELEC (1. SC/A 83) W8en t8e COMELEC dra>s its c'nc"usi'n t8at a particu"ar nic=name is n't 'ne $% >8ic8 a candidate is (enera""% 'r p'pu"ar"% =n'>n pure"% -r'm t8e a""e(ati'ns '- a "etter7petiti'n >it8'ut -irst a--'rdin( t8e candidate t8e 'pp'rtunit% t' e4p"ain 8er side9 it acts in e4cess '- its Curisdicti'n Depri*ati'n '- due pr'cess cann't $e success-u""% in*'=ed >8ere a part% >as (i*en t8e c8ance t' $e 8eard 'n 8is m'ti'n -'r rec'nsiderati'n is n't app"ica$"e >8ere t8e m'*antAs immediate c'ncern -'r d'in( s' >as n't main"% t' e4ercise 8er ri(8t t' $e 8eard9 $ut t' 8a*e t8e COMELEC seas'na$"% rec'nsider its res'"uti'n >8i"e can*assin( >as sti"" at t8e precinct 'r municipa" "e*e" T8e COMELEC Ru"es '- ,r'cedure re5uire t8at a"" acti'ns -i"ed >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n $e pr'secuted and de-ended in t8e name '- t8e rea" part% in interest A"" e"ecti'n cases s8a"" -irst $e 8eard and decided $% a di*isi'n '- t8e COMELEC $e-'re $ein( $r'u(8t t' t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc -'r rec'nsiderati'n A directi*e $% t8e COMELEC t' disa""'> a candidateAs use '- a particu"ar nic=name c"ear"% necessitates a determinati'n '- >8et8er suc8 candidate is in -act n't (enera""% 'r p'pu"ar"% =n'>n as suc8 in t8e "'ca"it%9 ca""in( -'r t8e C'mmissi'nBs e4ercise 'its adCudicat'r% p'>ers and -a""s >it8in t8e c'ncept '- an Ie"ecti'n c'ntest I 226

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS T8e Supreme C'urt is 8ard put t' treat t8e issue as administrati*e >8en petiti'ner stands t' $e s' ad*erse"% a--ected $% t8e re"ie- as=ed -'r and t8e -act t8at t8e petiti'n is in t8e -'rm '- a "etter d'es n't ma=e t8e issues p'sed t8erein "ess su$stantia"

Secti n $1$. Electi n ret1rn". & T,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all 6re6are t,e electi n ret1rn" "i*1ltane 1"l0 =it, t,e c 1ntin- % t,e ! te" in t,e 6 llin6lace a" 6re"cri+e& in Secti n $1) ,ere %. T,e ret1rn ",all +e 6re6are& in "e7t16licate. T,e rec r&in- % ! te" ",all +e *a&e a" 6re"cri+e& in "ai& "ecti n. T,e entr0 % ! te" in = r&" an& %i-1re" % r eac, can&i&ate ",all +e cl "e& =it, t,e "i-nat1re an& t,e clear i*6rint % t,e t,1*+*ar: % t,e ri-,t ,an& % all t,e *e*+er"> li:e=i"e t +e a%%i7e& in %1ll !ie= % t,e 61+lic> i**e&iatel0 a%ter t,e la"t ! te rec r&e& r i**e&iatel0 a%ter t,e na*e % t,e can&i&ate =, &i& n t recei!e an0 ! te. T,e ret1rn" ",all al" ", = t,e &ate % t,e electi n> t,e 6 llin- 6lace> t,e +aran-a0 an& t,e cit0 % *1nici6alit0 in =,ic, it =a" ,el&> t,e t tal n1*+er % +all t" % 1n& in t,e c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t"> t,e t tal n1*+er % !ali& +all t" =it,&ra=n %r * t,e c *6art*ent % r "6 ile& +all t" +eca1"e t,e0 =ere err ne 1"l0 6lace& t,erein> t,e t tal n1*+er % e7ce"" +all t"> t,e t tal n1*+er % *ar:e& r ! i& +all t"> an& t,e t tal n1*+er % ! te" +taine& +0 eac, can&i&ate> =ritin- 1t t,e "ai& n1*+er in = r&" an& %i-1re" an&> at t,e en& t,ere %> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all certi%0 t,at t,e c ntent" are c rrect. T,e ret1rn" ",all +e acc *6li",e& in a "in-le ",eet % 6a6er> +1t i% t,i" i" n t 6 ""i+le> a&&iti nal ",eet" *a0 +e 1"e& =,ic, ",all +e 6re6are& in t,e "a*e *anner a" t,e %ir"t ",eet an& li:e=i"e certi%ie& +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". T,e C **i""i n ",all ta:e "te6" " t,at t,e entrie" n t,e %ir"t c 60 % t,e electi n ret1rn" are clearl0 re6r &1ce& n t,e "ec n&> t,ir&> % 1rt,> %i%t,> an& "i7t, c 6ie" t,ere %> an& % r t,i" 61r6 "e t,e C **i""i n ",all 1"e a "6ecial :in& % 6a6er. I**e&iatel0 16 n t,e acc *6li",*ent % t,e electi n ret1rn"> eac, c 60 t,ere % ",all +e "eale& in t,e 6re"ence % t,e =atc,er" an& t,e 61+lic> an& 6lace& in t,e 6r 6er en!el 6e> =,ic, ",all li:e=i"e +e "eale& an& &i"tri+1te& a" ,erein 6r !i&e&. An0 electi n ret1rn =it, a "e6aratel0 6rinte& "erial n1*+er r =,ic, +ear" a &i%%erent "erial n1*+er %r * t,at a""i-ne& t t,e 6artic1lar 6 llin- 6lace c ncerne& ",all n t +e can!a""e&. T,i" i" t +e &eter*ine& +0 t,e + ar& % can!a""er" 6ri r t it" can!a""in- n t,e +a"i" % t,e certi%icati n % t,e 6r !incial> cit0 r *1nici6al trea"1rer a" t t,e "erial n1*+er % t,e electi n ret1rn a""i-ne& t t,e "ai& ! tin- 6recinct> 1nle"" t,e C **i""i n ",all r&er in =ritin- % r it" can!a""in-> "tatin- t,e rea" n % r t,e !ariance in "erial n1*+er". I% t,e "i-nat1re" an&J r t,1*+*ar:" % t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" r " *e % t,e* a" reA1ire& in t,i" 6r !i"i n are *i""in- in t,e 227

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS electi n ret1rn"> t,e + ar& % can!a""er" *a0 "1** n t,e *e*+er" + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" c ncerne& t c *6lete t,e ret1rn". % t,e

DISCUSSIONS

Secti'n #!# '- Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11! as amended9 is 8ere$% t' read as -'""'>s (AMENDED BJ Sec &# RA 2&.2)G SEC #!# .lection Returns 7 T8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs s8a"" prepare t8e e"ecti'n returns simu"tane'us"% >it8 t8e c'untin( '- *'tes in t8e p'""in( p"aces as prescri$e in Secti'n #!3 8ere'- T8e rec'rdin( '- *'te s8a"" $e made as prescri$ed in said secti'n T8e entr% '- *'tes in >'rds and -i(ures -'r eac8 candidate s8a"" $e c"'sed >it8 t8e si(nature and t8e c"ear imprint 't8e t8um$mar= '- t8e ri(8t 8and '- a"" t8e mem$ers9 "i=e>ise t' $e a--i4ed in -u"" *ie> '- t8e pu$"ic9 immediate"% a-ter t8e "ast *'te rec'rded 'r immediate"% a-ter t8e name '- t8e candidate >8' did n't recei*e an% *'te T8e returns s8a"" a"s' s8'> t8e date '- t8e e"ecti'n9 t8e p'""in( p"ace9 t8e $aran(a% and t8e cit% 'r municipa"it% in >8ic8 it >as 8e"d9 t8e t'ta" num$er '- $a""'ts -'und in t8e c'mpartment -'r *a"id $a""'ts9 t8e t'ta" num$er '*a"id $a""'ts >it8dra>n -r'm t8e c'mpartment -'r sp'i"ed $a""'ts $ecause t8e% >ere err'ne'us"% p"aced t8erein9 t8e t'ta" num$er '- e4cess $a""'ts9 t8e t'ta" num$er '- mar=ed 'r *'id $a""'ts9 and t8e t'ta" num$ers '- *'tes '$tained $% eac8 candidate9 >ritin( 'ut t8e said num$er in >'rds and -i(ures and9 at t8e end t8ere'-9 t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs s8a"" certi-% t8at t8e c'ntents are c'rrect T8e returns s8a"" $e acc'mp"is8ed in a sin("e s8eet 'paper9 $ut i- t8is is n't p'ssi$"e9 additi'na" s8eets ma% $e used >8ic8 s8a"" $e prepared in t8e same manner as t8e -irst s8eet and "i=e>ise certi-ied $% t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs T8e c'mmissi'n s8a"" ta=e steps s' t8at t8e entries 'n t8e -irst c'p% '- t8e e"ecti'n returns are c"ear"% repr'duced 'n t8e sec'nd9 t8ird9 -'urt89 -i-t89 si4t8 c'pies t8ere'-9 and -'r t8e purp'se t8is C'mmissi'n s8a"" use a specia" =ind '- paper Immediate"% up'n t8e acc'mp"is8ment '- t8e e"ecti'n return -'r nati'na" p'siti'n9 t8e p'"" c"er= s8a"" ann'unce t8e p'stin( '- t8e sec'nd c'p% '- t8e e"ecti'n return 'n a >a"" >it8 su--icient "i(8tin( >it8in t8e premises '- t8e p'""in( p"ace 'r c'untin( center ;e s8a"" t8en pr'ceed t' d' t8e same in t8e presence '- t8e 't8er mem$ers '- t8e B'ard9 t8e >atc8ers and t8'se present in t8e p'""in( p"ace 'r c'untin( center Wit8'ut de"a% and9 >8en -easi$"e9 8e s8a"" secure an ima(e '- t8e e"ecti'n return usin( a secured data capturin( de*ice and immediate"% t8erea-ter9 >8i"e in t8e premises '- t8e p'""in( p"ace 'r c'untin( center9 direct"% print t8irt% (&3) c'pies '- t8e e"ecti'n return 228

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Once t8e prints 8a*e $een pr'duced9 t8e p'"" c"er= s8a"" ca"" t8e 't8er mem$ers '- t8e $'ard t' aut8enticate eac8 print c'p% $% c"'se"% c'mparin( t8e same >it8 t8e e"ecti'n return p'sted 'n t8e >a"" in t8e presence '- t8e >atc8ers and >it8in *ie> '- t8e pu$"ic I- t8e B'ard -inds eac8 print a -ait8-u" repr'ducti'n '- t8e e"ecti'n return9 a"" mem$ers t8ere'- s8a"" ann'tate and si(n a certi-icati'n t' t8at e--ect 'n t8e $'tt'm -r'nt '- t8e print Eac8 certi-ied printed c'p% s8a"" $e p"aced in an en*e"'pe and distri$uted as 8erein pr'*ided Desi(nated recipients '- t8e certi-ied print c'pies ma% recei*e t8eir c'pies at t8e p'""in( p"ace 'r c'untin( center Immediate"% up'n t8e acc'mp"is8ment '- t8e e"ecti'n returns -'r "'ca" p'siti'n9 t8e sec'nd c'p% '- t8e same s8a"" $e p'sted 'n a >a"" >it8 su--icient "i(8tin( >it8in t8e premises '- t8e p'""in( p"ace T8e 't8er c'pies '- e"ecti'n returns -'r $'t8 nati'na" and "'ca" p'siti'n s8a"" $e sea"ed in t8e presence '- t8e >atc8ers and t8e pu$"ic9 and p"aced in t8e pr'per en*e"'pe9 >8ic8 s8a"" "i=e>ise $e sea"ed and distri$uted as 8erein pr'*ided I An% e"ecti'n return >it8 a separate"% printed seria" num$er 'r >8ic8 $ears a di--erent seria" num$er -r'm t8at assi(ned t' t8e particu"ar p'""in( p"ace c'ncerned s8a"" n't $e can*assed T8is is t' $e determined $% t8e $'ard can*assers pri'r t' its can*assin( 'n t8e $asis '- t8e certi-icati'n '- t8e pr'*incia"9 cit% 'r municipa" treasurer as t' t8e seria" num$er '- t8e e"ecti'n return assi(ned t' said *'tin( precinct9 un"ess t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" 'rder in >ritin( -'r its can*assin(9 statin( t8e reas'n -'r t8e *ariance in seria" num$ers I- t8e si(natures andK'r t8um$ mar=s '- t8e mem$ers '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs 'r s'me '- t8em as re5uired in t8is pr'*isi'n are missin( in t8e e"ecti'n returns9 t8e $'ard '- can*assers ma% summ'n t8e mem$ers '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs c'ncerned t' c'mp"ete t8e returns T8e citi<enBs arm is mandated t' present -'r perusa" its c'p% '- t8e e"ecti'n return t' t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n can*assers up'n t8e re5uest '- an% interested candidate An% *i'"ati'n '- t8is e"ecti'n 'r its pertinent p'rti'n9 s8a"" c'nstitute an e"ecti'n '--ense and s8a"" $e pena"i<ed in acc'rdance >it8 Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11! In additi'n9 t8e -'""'>in( s8a"" "i=e>ise $e (ui"t% '- an e"ecti'n '--enseG (a) An% ,ers'n >8' rem'*es t8e e"ecti'n return p'sted 'n t8e >a""9 >8et8er >it8in 'r a-ter t8e prescri$ed -'rt%7ei(8t ()1) 8'urs '- p'stin(9 'r de-aces t8e same in an% mannerH 229

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS ($) An% pers'n >8' simu"ates an actua" e"ecti'n return 'r a print 'r di(ita" c'p% t8ere'-H (c) An% pers'n >8' simu"ates t8e certi-icati'n in a print '- an e"ecti'n returnH (d) T8e c8airman 'r an% mem$er '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs >8'9 durin( t8e prescri$e peri'd '- p'stin(9 rem'*es t8e e"ecti'n return -r'm t8e >a"" 'n >8ic8 it 8ad $een p'sted 't8er t8an -'r t8e purp'se '- immediate"% trans-errin( it t' a m're suita$"e p"aceH (e) T8e c8airman 'r an% mem$er '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs >8' si(ns 'r aut8enticates a print '- t8e e"ecti'n return 'utside '- t8e p'""in( p"aceH and (-) T8e c8airman 'r an% mem$er '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs >8' si(ns 'r aut8enticates a print >8ic8 $ears an ima(e di--erent -r'm t8e e"ecti'n return pr'duced a-ter c'untin( and p'sted 'n t8e >a""

EU/ISP/UDENCE TO//ES !". HOUSE OF /EP/ESENTATI'ES ELECTO/AL T/IBUNAL (41 SC/A (1$ W8ere t8e pr'testerAs a""e(ati'n t8at t8e *a"id *'tes cast in 8is 'r 8er -a*'r >ere su$stituted >it8 -a=e stra% $a""'ts durin( t8e p'st7c'untin( sta(e9 it is imperati*e t' res'"*e >8et8er t8ere >ere indeed -a=e $a""'ts and >8et8er t8ese >ere p"aced inside t8e $a""'t $'4es t' rep"ace t8e *'tes '- t8e pr'tested In an e"ecti'n c'ntest >8ere >8at is in*'"*ed is t8e c'rrectness '- t8e num$er '*'tes '- eac8 candidate9 t8e $est and m'st c'nc"usi*e e*idence are t8e $a""'ts t8emse"*es9 $ut >8ere t8e $a""'ts cann't $e pr'duced 'r are n't a*ai"a$"e9 t8e e"ecti'n returns >'u"d $e t8e $est e*idence T8e Supreme C'urtBs Curisdicti'n t' re*ie> decisi'ns and 'rders '- e"ect'ra" tri$una"s 'perates 'n"% up'n a s8'>in( '- (ra*e a$use '- discreti'n 'n t8e part '- t8e tri$una" T8e cardina" '$Cecti*e '- $a""'t appreciati'n is t' disc'*er and (i*e e--ect t'9 rat8er t8an -rustrate t8e intenti'n '- t8e *'ters9 t8us9 e*er% $a""'t s8a"" $e presumed *a"id un"ess c"ear and (''d reas'ns Custi-% its reCecti'n /ECABO> Er. !. COMELEC ()8 SC/A 3.(

230

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS A certi-icate '- *'tes d'es n't c'nstitute su--icient e*idence '- t8e true and (enuine resu"ts '- t8e e"ecti'nH 'n"% e"ecti'n returns are T8e d'ctrine t8at a mere tec8nica"it% cann't $e used t' -rustrate t8e pe'p"e >i"" -ind n' app"icati'n in a case >8ere t8e resu"ts '- t8e e"ecti'n 8a*e n't $een -u""% esta$"is8ed Disunit% and disc'rd am'n(st mem$ers '- a p'"itica" part% s8'u"d n't $e a""'>ed t' create a m'c=er% '- t8e e"ect'ra" pr'cess9 >8ic8 en*isi'ns 'ne candidate -r'm a p'"itica" part% -'r eac8 p'siti'n It is >e""7sett"ed t8at a certi-icate -i"ed $e%'nd t8e dead"ine is n't *a"id It is sett"ed t8at t8e dis5ua"i-icati'n 'r n'n75ua"i-icati'n '- t8e >inner in a *ice ma%'ra"t% race d'es n't Custi-% t8e pr'c"amati'n '- t8e de-eated candidate >8' '$tained t8e sec'nd 8i(8est num$er '- *'tes T8e *acanc% in t8e p'siti'n '- *ice7ma%'r due t' t8e ine"i(i$i"it% '- t8e >innin( candidate s8'u"d $e -i""ed up in acc'rdance >it8 Secti'n )) '- t8e L'ca" @'*ernment C'de '- !22! >8ic8 pr'*ides t8at t8e 8i(8est ran=in( san((unian mem$er s8a"" $ec'me t8e *ice7ma%'r Secti n $1(. Pr cla*ati n % t,e re"1lt % t,e electi n in t,e 6 llin- 6lace . & U6 n t,e c *6leti n % t,e electi n ret1rn"> t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all rall0 an& 61+licl0 ann 1nce t,e t tal n1*+er % ! te" recei!e& in t,e electi n in t,e 6 llin- 6lace +0 eac, an& e!er0 ne % t,e can&i&ate"> "tatin- t,eir c rre"6 n&in- %%ice. Secti n $18. Di"6 "iti n % electi n ret1rn". & (1) In a 6re"i&ential electi n? t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all 6re6are in ,an&=ritin- an& "i-n t,e ret1rn" % t,e electi n in "e7t16licate in t,eir re"6ecti!e 6 llin- 6lace in a % r* t +e 6re"cri+e& +0 t,e C **i""i n. One c 60 ",all +e &e6 "ite& in t,e c *6art*ent % t,e +all t + 7 % r !ali& +all t"> an& in t,e ca"e % *1nici6alitie" t= c 6ie" incl1&in- t,e ri-inal c 60 ",all +e ,an&e& t t,e *1nici6al electi n re-i"trar =, ",all i**e&iatel0 &eli!er t,e ri-inal c 60 t t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r an& % r=ar& t,e t,er c 60 t t,e C **i""i n> an& ne c 60 eac, t t,e a1t, ri<e& re6re"entati!e" % t,e accre&ite& 6 litical 6artie". In t,e ca"e % t,e citie"> t,e cit0 re-i"trar ",all retain t,e ri-inal c 60 % r "1+*i""i n t t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r> an& % r=ar& t,e t,er c 60 t t,e C **i""i n. ($) In t,e electi n % r Me*+er" % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a? t,e ri-inal % t,e electi n ret1rn" ",all +e &eli!ere& t t,e electi n re-i"trar % t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 % r tran"*ittal t t,e c,air*an % t,e 6r !incial + ar& % can!a""er"> an& &irect t t,e c,air*an % t,e cit0 r &i"trict + ar& % can!a""er" in t,e 1r+ani<e& citie" an& t,e &i"trict" % Metr 6 litan Manila> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e> % r 1"e in t,e can!a"". T,e "ec n& c 60 ",all li:e=i"e +e &eli!ere& t t,e electi n re-i"trar % r tran"*ittal t t,e C **i""i n. T,e t,ir& c 60 ",all +e &e6 "ite& in t,e c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t". T,e % 1rt, c 60 ",all +e &eli!ere& t t,e electi n re-i"trar =, ",all 1"e "ai& c 60 in t,e ta+1lati n % t,e a&!ance re"1lt" % t,e electi n in t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0. T,e %i%t, an& "i7t, c 6ie" ",all eac, re"6ecti!el0 +e &eli!ere& t t,e *e*+er" re6re"entin- 6 litical 6artie" re6re"ente& in t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". 231

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (() In l cal electi n"? t,e ri-inal c 60 % t,e electi n ret1rn" ",all +e &eli!ere& t t,e cit0 r *1nici6al + ar& % can!a""er" a" a + &0 % r it" 1"e in t,e cit0 % *1nici6al can!a"". T,e "ec n& c 60 ",all +e &eli!ere& t t,e electi n re-i"trar % t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 % r tran"*ittal t t,e 6r !incial + ar& % can!a""er" a" a + &0 % r it" 1"e in t,e 6r !incial can!a"". T,e t,ir& c 60 ",all li:e=i"e +e &eli!ere& t t,e electi n re-i"trar % r tran"*ittal t t,e C **i""i n. T,e % 1rt, c 60 ",all +e &e6 "ite& in t,e c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t". T,e %i%t, an& "i7t, c 6ie" ",all eac, re"6ecti!el0 +e &eli!ere& t t,e *e*+er" re6re"entin- t,e 6 litical 6artie" re6re"ente& in t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". T,e C **i""i n ",all 6r *1l-ate r1le" % r t,e "6ee&0 an& "a%e &eli!er0 % t,e electi n ret1rn". AMENDED BF SEC. (( /A .(2.. Secti n $3 % /e61+lic Act N . 3122> a" a*en&e& +0 /e61+lic Act N . 8)84 an& /e61+lic Act N . 813( i" ,ere+0 %1rt,er a*en&e& t rea& a" % ll ="? SEC. $3. =umbe# of Copies of Election 2etu#ns and thei# 9ist#ibution . # T,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all 6re6are in ,an&=ritin- t,e electi n ret1rn" in t,eir re"6ecti!e 6 llin- 6lace> in t,e n1*+er % c 6ie" ,erein 6r !i&e& an& in t,e % r* t +e 6re"cri+e& an& 6r !i&e& +0 t,e C **i""i n. CT,e c 6ie" % electi n ret1rn" ",all +e &i"tri+1te& +0 t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" a" % ll ="? (a) In t,e electi n % 6re"i&ent> !ice#6re"i&ent> "enat r" an& *e*+er" % t,e H 1"e % /e6re"entati!e" incl1&in- t,e 6art0#li"t re6re"entati!e"? (1) T,e %ir"t c 60 ",all +e &eli!ere& t t,e cit0 r *1nici6al + ar& % can!a""er"@ ($) T,e "ec n& c 60 t +e 6 "te& n a =all =it,in t,e 6re*i"e" % t,e 6 llin- 6lace@ (() T,e t,ir& c 60> t t,e c n-re""> &irecte& t t,e Pre"i&ent % t,e Senate@ (8) T,e % 1rt, c 60. t t,e C **i""i n@ (4) T,e %i%t, c 60> t t,e & *inant *aB rit0 6art0 a" &eter*ine& +0 t,e C **i""i n in acc r&ance =it, la=@ (2) T,e "i7t, c 60> t t,e & *inant *in rit0 6art0 a" &eter*ine& +0 t,e C **i""i n in acc r&ance =it, la=@

232

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (3) T,e "e!ent, c 60> t a citi<en"G a1t, ri<e& +0 t,e C **i""i n t c n&1ct an 1n %%icial c 1nt? P#o"ided+ ho!e"e#> t,at t,e accre&itati n % t,e citi<en"G ar* ",all +e "1+Bect t t,e 6r !i"i n % Secti n 4$(:) % Bata" Pa*+an"a Bl&-. 881@ an& (8) T,e ei-,t c 60 ",all +e &e6 "ite& in"i&e t,e c *6art*ent % t,e +all t + 7 % r !ali& +all t"@ an& (+) In t,e electi n % l cal %%icial"@ (1) T,e Fir"t c 60 ",all +e &eli!ere& t t,e cit0 r *1nici6al + ar& % can!a""er"@ ($) T,e "ec n& c 60 t +e 6 "te& n a =all =it,in t,e 6re*i"e" % t,e 6 llin- 6lace@ (() T,e t,ir& c 60> t t,e C **i""i n@ (8) T,e % 1rt, c 60> t t,e 6r !incial + ar& % can!a""er"@ (4) T,e %i%t, c 60> t t,e & *inant *aB rit0 6art0 a" &eter*ine& +0 t,e C **i""i n in acc r&ance =it, la=@ (2) T,e "i7t, c 60> t t,e & *inant *in rit0 6art0 a" &eter*ine& +0 t,e C **i""i n in acc r&ance =it, la=@ (3) T,e "e!ent, c 60> t a citi<en"G a1t, ri<e& +0 t,e C **i""i n t c n&1ct an 1n %%icial c 1nt? P#o"ided+ ho!e"e#> t,at t,e accre&itati n % t,e citi<en"G ar* ",all +e "1+Bect t t,e 6r !i"i n" % Secti n 4$(:) % Bata" Pa*+an"a Bl&-. 881@ an& (8) T,e ei-,t, c 60 ",all +e &e6 "ite& in"i&e t,e c *6art*ent % t,e +all t + 7 % r !ali& ! te". T,e c 60 % t,e electi n ret1rn 6 "te& n t,e =all ",all +e 6en % r 61+lic !ie=in- at an0 ti*e % t,e &a0 % r % rt0#ei-,t (88) , 1r" % ll =init" 6 "tin-. An0 6er" n *a0 !ie= r ca6t1re an i*a-e % t,e electi n ret1rn +0 *ean" % an0 &ata ca6t1rin- &e!ice "1c, a"> +1t n t li*ite& t > ca*era" at an0 ti*e % t,e &a0 % r % rt0#ei-,t (88) , 1r" % ll =in- it" 6 "tin-. A%ter t,e 6re"cri+e& 6eri & % r 6 "tin-> t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all c llect t,e 6 "te& electi n ret1rn" an& :ee6 t,e "a*e in ,i" c1"t &0 t +e 6r &1ce& % r i*a-e r &ata ca6t1rina" *a0 +e reA1e"te& +0 an0 ! ter r an0 la=%1l 61r6 "e a" *a0 +e r&ere& +0 c *6etent a1t, rit0. E7ce6t % r t, "e c 6ie" t,at are reA1ire& t +e &eli!ere&> c 6ie" % electi n ret1rn" *a0 +e clai*e& at t,e 6 llin- 6lace. An0 1nclai*e& c 60 ",all +e +r 1-,t +0 t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % electi n 233

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS in"6ect r" t t,e can!a""in- center =,ere t,e reci6ient" r t,eir re6re"entati!e" *a0 clai* t,e*. C 6ie" "till 1nclai*e& at t,e can!a""incenter ",all +e &ee*e& 6lace& in t,e c1"t &0 % t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> =, ",all 6r &1ce t,e* =,en reA1e"te& +0 t,e reci6ient r =,en r&ere& +0 a c *6etent a1t, rit0. T,e T,irt0 (()) certi%ie& 6rint c 6ie" % t,e electi n ret1rn % r nati nal 6 "iti n" ",all +e &i"tri+1te& a" % ll ="? (a) T,e %ir"t % 1rteen (18) c 6ie" ",all +e -i!en t t,e % 1rteen (18) accre&ite& *aB r nati nal 6artie" in acc r&ance =it, a ! l1ntar0 a-ree*ent a* n- t,e*. I% n "1c, a-ree*ent i" reac,e&> t,e C **i""i n ",all &eci&e =,ic, 6artie" ",all recei!e t,e c 6ie" n t,e +a"i" % t,e criteria 6r !i&e& in Secti n $2 ,ere %@ (+) T,e ne7t t,ree c 6ie" ",all +e -i!en t t,e t,ree accre&ite& *aB r l cal 6artie" in acc r&ance =it, a ! l1ntar0 a-ree*ent a* n- t,e*. I% n "1c, a-ree*ent i" reac,e&> t,e C **i""i n ",all &eci&e =,ic, 6artie" ",all recei!e t,e c 6ie" n t,e +a"i" % criteria anal - 1" t t,at 6r !i&e& in Secti n $2 Here %@ (c) T,e ne7t %i!e c 6ie" ",all +e -i!en t nati nal +r a&ca"t r 6rint *e&ia entitie" a" *a0 +e eA1ita+l0 &eter*ine& +0 t,e C **i""i n in !ie= % 6r 6a-atin- t,e c 6ie" t t,e =i&e"t e7tent 6 ""i+le@ (&) T,e ne7t t= c 6ie" ",all +e -i!en t l cal +r a&ca"t r 6rint *e&ia entitie" a" *a0 +e eA1ita+l0 &eter*ine& +0 t,e C **i""i n in !ie= % 6r 6a-atin- t,e c 6ie" t t,e =i&e"t e7tent 6 ""i+le@ (e) T,e ne7t % 1r c 6ie" t t,e *aB r citi<en"G ar*"> incl1&in- t,e accre&ite& citi<en"G ar*" an& t,er n n#6arti"an -r 16" r r-ani<ati n" enli"te& +0 t,e C **i""i n 61r"1ant t Secti n 4$(:) % Bata" Pa*+an"a Bl-. 881@ (%) T,e ne7t c 60 t +e 6lace& in"i&e t,e c *6art*ent % t,e +all t + 7 % r !ali& +all t"@ an& (-) T,e la"t c 60 t t,e 6r !incial + ar& % can!a""er". T,e certi%ie& 6rint c 6ie" *a0 +e clai*e& at t,e 6 llin- 6lace. An0 1nclai*e& c 60 ",all +e +r 1-,t +0 t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t t,e can!a""in- center =,ere t,e reci6ient" r re6re"entati!e" *a0 clai* t,e*. C 6ie" "till 1nclai*e& at t,e can!a""incenter ",all +e 6lace& in t,e c1"t &0 % t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& electi n in"6ect r"> =, ",all 6r &1ce t,e* =,en reA1e"te& +0 t,e reci6ient r =,en r&ere& +0 a c *6etent a1t, rit0.

234

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS An0 6r !i"i n % la= t t,e c ntrar0 n t=it,"tan&in-> an0 % t,e reci6ient" % t,e 6rint r &i-ital c 6ie" % t,e electi n ret1rn *a0 c n&1ct an 1n %%icial c n" li&ati n % ! te" an& *a0 ann 1nce t,e re"1lt t t,e 61+lic. T,e C **i""i n ",all 6 "t it" &i-ital %ile" in it" =e+"ite % r t,e 61+lic t !ie= r & =nl a& at an0 ti*e % t,e &a0. T,e C **i""i n ",all *aintain t,e %ile" at lea"t t,ree 0ear" %r * t,e &ate % 6 "tin-. CAn0 !i lati n % t,i" "ecti n> r it" 6ertinent 6 rti n> ",all c n"tit1te an electi n %%en"e an& ",all +e 6enali<e& in acc r&ance =it, Bata" Pa*+an"a Bl-. 881@ Secti n $14. B ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t i""1e a certi%icate % t,e n1*+er % ! te" 6 lle& +0 t,e can&i&ate" % r an %%ice t t,e =atc,er". & A%ter t,e ann 1nce*ent % t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n an& +e% re lea!in- t,e 6 llin- 6lace> it ",all +e t,e &1t0 % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t i""1e a certi%icate % t,e n1*+er % t,e ! te" recei!e& +0 a can&i&ate 16 n reA1e"t % t,e =atc,er". All t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all "i-n t,e certi%icate. AMENDED BF Secti n 12 /A 2282. Ce#tificates of 4otes. # A%ter t,e c 1ntin- % t,e ! te" ca"t in t,e 6recinct an& ann 1nce*ent % t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n> an& +e% re lea!in- t,e 6 llin- 6lace> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all i""1e a certi%icate % ! te" 16 n reA1e"t % t,e &1l0 accre&ite& =atc,er". T,e certi%icate ",all c ntain t,e n1*+er % ! te" +taine& +0 eac, can&i&ate =ritten in = r&" an& %i-1re"> t,e n1*+er % t,e 6recinct> t,e na*e % t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0 an& 6r !ince> t,e t tal n1*+er % ! ter" =, ! te& in t,e 6recinct an& t,e &ate an& ti*e i""1e&> an& ",all +e "i-ne& an& t,1*+ *ar:e& +0 eac, *e*+er % t,e + ar&. Secti n $12. Alterati n" an& c rrecti n" in t,e electi n ret1rn". & An0 c rrecti n r alterati n *a&e in t,e electi n> ret1rn" +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" +e% re t,e ann 1nce*ent % t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n in t,e 6 llin- 6lace ",all +e &1l0 initiale& +0 all t,e *e*+er" t,ere %. A%ter t,e ann 1nce*ent % t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n in t,e 6 llin- 6lace ,a" +een *a&e> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all n t *a:e an0 alterati n r a*en&*ent in an0 % t,e c 6ie" % t,e electi n ret1rn"> 1nle"" " r&ere& +0 t,e C **i""i n 16 n 6etiti n % t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" =it,in %i!e &a0" %r * t,e &ate % t,e electi n r t=ent0#% 1r , 1r" %r * t,e ti*e a c 60 % t,e electi n ret1rn" c ncerne& i" 6ene& +0 t,e + ar& % can!a""er"> =,ic,e!er i" earlier. T,e 6etiti n ",all +e acc *6anie& +0 6r % % "er!ice 16 n all can&i&ate" a%%ecte&. I% t,e 6etiti n i" +0 all *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n = 1l& n t +e a%%ecte& +0 "ai& c rrecti n an& n ne % t,e can&i&ate" a%%ecte& +Bect" t,eret > t,e C **i""i n> 16 n +ein- "ati"%ie& % t,e !eracit0 % t,e 6etiti n an& % t,e err r alle-e& t,erein> ",all r&er t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t *a:e t,e 6r 6er c rrecti n n t,e electi n ret1rn". 235

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS H =e!er> i% a can&i&ate a%%ecte& +0 "ai& 6etiti n +Bect" t,eret > =,et,er t,e 6etiti n i" %ile& +0 all r nl0 a *aB rit0 % t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n = 1l& +e a%%ecte& +0 t,e c rrecti n " 1-,t t +e *a&e> t,e C **i""i n ",all 6r cee& "1**aril0 t ,ear t,e 6etiti n. I% it %in&" t,e 6etiti n *erit ri 1" an& t,ere are n e!i&ence r "i-n" in&icatin- t,at t,e i&entit0 an& inte-rit0 % t,e +all t + 7 ,a!e +een !i late&> t,e C **i""i n ",all r&er t,e 6enin- % t,e +all t + 7. A%ter "ati"%0in- it"el% t,at t,e inte-rit0 % t,e +all t" t,erein ,a" al" +een &1l0 6re"er!e&> t,e C **i""i n ",all r&er t,e rec 1ntin- % t,e ! te" % t,e can&i&ate" a%%ecte& an& t,e 6r 6er c rrecti n" *a&e n t,e electi n ret1rn"> 1nle"" t,e c rrecti n " 1-,t i" "1c, t,at it can +e *a&e =it, 1t nee& % 6enin- t,e +all t + 7. Secti n $13. Deli!er0 % t,e +all t + 7e"> :e0" an& electi n "166lie" an& & c1*ent". & U6 n t,e ter*inati n % t,e c 1ntin- % ! te"> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all 6lace in t,e c *6art*ent % r !ali& +all t"> t,e en!el 6e" % r 1"e& +all t" ,erein+e% re re%erre& t > t,e 1n1"e& +all t"> t,e tall0 + ar& r ",eet> a c 60 % t,e electi n ret1rn"> an& t,e *in1te" % it" 6r cee&in-"> an& t,en ",all l c: t,e +all t + 7 =it, t,ree 6a&l c:" an& "1c, "a%et0 &e!ice" a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 6re"cri+e. I**e&iatel0 a%ter t,e + 7 i" l c:e&> t,e t,ree :e0" % t,e 6a&l c:" ",all +e 6lace& in t,ree "e6arate en!el 6e" an& ",all +e "eale& an& "i-ne& +0 all t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". T,e a1t, ri<e& re6re"entati!e" % t,e C **i""i n ",all % rt,=it, ta:e &eli!er0 % "ai& en!el 6e"> "i-nin- a recei6t t,ere% r> an& &eli!er =it, 1t &ela0 ne en!el 6e t t,e 6r !incial trea"1rer> an t,er t t,e 6r !incial %i"cal an& t,e t,er t t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r. T,e +all t + 7> all "166lie" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& all 6ertinent 6a6er" an& & c1*ent" ",all i**e&iatel0 +e &eli!ere& +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& t,e =atc,er" t t,e cit0 r *1nici6al trea"1rer =, ",all :ee6 ,i" %%ice 6en all ni-,t n t,e &a0 % electi n i% nece""ar0 % r t,i" 61r6 "e> an& ",all 6r !i&e t,e nece""ar0 %acilitie" % r "ai& &eli!er0 at t,e e76en"e % t,e cit0 r *1nici6alit0. T,e + : % ! ter" ",all +e ret1rne& t t,e electi n re-i"trar =, ",all :ee6 it 1n&er ,i" c1"t &0. T,e trea"1rer an& t,e electi n re-i"trar> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e> ",all n t,e &a0 a%ter t,e electi n reA1ire t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" =, %aile& t "en& t,e +Bect" re%erre& t ,erein t &eli!er t,e "a*e t ,i* i**e&iatel0 an& ac:n =le&-e recei6t t,ere % in &etail. Secti n $18. Pre"er!ati n % t,e ! tin- rec r&. & T,e ! tin- rec r& % eac, 6 llin- 6lace ",all +e &eli!ere& t t,e electi n re-i"trar =, ",all ,a!e c1"t &0 % t,e "a*e> :ee6in- t,e* in a "a%e 6lace> 1ntil "1c, ti*e t,at t,e C **i""i n ",all -i!e in"tr1cti n" n t,eir &i"6 "iti n. Secti n $1.. Pre"er!ati n % t,e +all t + 7e"> t,eir :e0" an& &i"6 "iti n % t,eir c ntent". & (a) T,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r> t,e 6r !incial trea"1rer an& t,e 6r !incial %i"cal ",all :ee6 t,e en!el 6e c ntainin- t,e :e0" in t,eir 6 ""e""i n intact &1rin- t,e 6eri & % t,ree * nt," % ll =in- t,e 236

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS electi n. U6 n t,e la6"e % t,i" 6eri &> 1nle"" t,e C **i""i n ,a" r&ere& t,er=i"e> t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r an& t,e 6r !incial %i"cal ",all &eli!er t t,e 6r !incial trea"1rer t,e en!el 6e c ntainin- t,e :e0" 1n&er t,eir c1"t &0. (+) T,e cit0 an& *1nici6al trea"1rer ",all :ee6 t,e +all t + 7e" 1n&er t,eir re"6 n"i+ilit0 % r t,ree * nt," an& "t re& 1n 6ene& in a "ec1re 6lace> 1nle"" t,e C **i""i n r&er" t,er=i"e =,ene!er "ai& +all t + 7e" are nee&e& in an0 6 litical e7erci"e =,ic, *i-,t +e calle& =it,in t,e "ai& 6eri &> 6r !i&e& t,e"e are n t in! l!e& in an0 electi n c nte"t r %%icial in!e"ti-ati n> r t,e C **i""i n r t,er c *6etent a1t, rit0 ",all &e*an& t,e* " ner r ",all r&er t,eir 6re"er!ati n % r a l n-er ti*e in c nnecti n =it, an0 6en&in- c nte"t r in!e"ti-ati n. H =e!er> 16 n ", =in- +0 an0 can&i&ate t,at t,e + 7e" =ill +e in &an-er % +ein!i late& i% :e6t in t,e 6 ""e""i n % "1c, %%icial"> t,e C **i""i n *a0 r&er t,e* :e6t +0 an0 t,er %%icial =, * it *a0 &e"i-nate. U6 n t,e la6"e % "ai& ti*e an& i% t,ere ", 1l& +e n r&er t t,e c ntrar0> t,e C **i""i n *a0 a1t, ri<e t,e cit0 an& *1nici6al trea"1rer in t,e 6re"ence % it" re6re"entati!e t 6en t,e + 7e" an& +1rn t,eir c ntent"> e7ce6t t,e c 60 % t,e *in1te" % t,e ! tin- an& t,e electi n ret1rn" &e6 "ite& t,erein =,ic, t,e0 ",all ta:e an& :ee6. (c) In ca"e % cala*it0 r % rt1it 1" e!ent "1c, a" %ire> %l &> "t r*> r t,er "i*ilar cala*itie" =,ic, *a0 act1all0 ca1"e &a*a-e t t,e +all t + 7e" an&J r t,eir c ntent"> t,e C **i""i n *a0 a1t, ri<e t,e 6enin% "ai& +all t + 7e" t "al!a-e t,e +all t" an& t,er c ntent" +0 6lacint,e* in t,er +all t + 7e"> ta:in- "1c, t,er 6reca1ti nar0 *ea"1re" a" *a0 +e nece""ar0 t 6re"er!e "1c, & c1*ent". Secti n $$). D c1*ent" an& article" *itte& r err ne 1"l0 6lace& in"i&e t,e +all t + 7. # I% a%ter t,e &eli!er0 % t,e :e0" % t,e +all t + 7 t t,e 6r 6er a1t, ritie"> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all &i"c !er t,at " *e & c1*ent" r article" reA1ire& t +e 6lace& in t,e +all t + 7 =ere n t 6lace& t,erein> t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> in"tea& % 6enin- t,e +all t + 7 in r&er t 6lace t,erein "ai& & c1*ent" r article"> ",all &eli!er t,e "a*e t t,e C **i""i n r it" &1l0 a1t, ri<e& re6re"entati!e". In n in"tance ",all t,e +all t + 7 +e re 6ene& t 6lace t,erein r ta:e 1t t,ere%r * an0 & c1*ent r article e7ce6t t retrie!e c 6ie" % t,e electi n ret1rn" =,ic, =ill +e nee&e& in an0 can!a"" an& in "1c, e7ce6te& in"tance"> t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& =atc,er" % t,e can&i&ate" ",all +e n ti%ie& % t,e ti*e an& 6lace % t,e 6enin% "ai& +all t + 7? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at i% t,ere are t,er c 6ie" % t,e electi n ret1rn" 1t"i&e % t,e +all t + 7 =,ic, can +e 1"e& in can!a""> "1c, c 6ie" % t,e electi n ret1rn" ",all +e 1"e& in "ai& can!a"" an& t,e 6enin- % t,e +all t + 7 t retrie!e c 6ie" % t,e electi n ret1rn" 6lace& t,erein ",all t,en +e &i"6en"e& =it,.

DISCUSSIONS 237

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

C 1ntin- % ' te" T8e COMELEC is aut8'ri<ed t' prescri$e t8e manner and pr'cedure '- c'untin( '*'tes under t8e aut'mated s%stem9 pr'*ided t8at apart -r'm t8e e"ectr'nica""% st'red resu"t9 t8irt% (&3) c'pies '- t8e e"ecti'n returns are printed (Sec !1 R A 2&.2) Secti'n &! '- Repu$"ic Act 2&.2 pr'*ides t8at added t' t8e manner '- c'untin( '*'tes under Sec !# ,ar ) '- R A ..). and Sec #!3 '- B , 11!9 t8e c8airman9 p'"" c"er= and t8e t8ird mem$er must assume t8e p'siti'n as t' pr'*ide t8e >atc8ers and t8e pu$"ic t' an unimpeded *ie> '- t8e $a""'t $ein( read $% t8e c8airman9 '- t8e e"ecti'n returns9 and t8e ta""% $'ard $ein( acc'mp"is8ed $% t8e p'"" c"er= >it8'ut e*er a""'>in( t8em t' t'uc8 t8ese e"ecti'n d'cuments T8e ta$"e s8'u"d $e c"eared 'a"" >ritin( materia"s In a"" instances t8e c8airman must -irst read t8e *'tes -'r nati'na" p'siti'ns An% *i'"ati'n '- t8ese re5uirements s8a"" $e c'nsidered as an e"ecti'n '--ense punis8a$"e under Secs #.& and #.) '- B , 11! As t' t8e actua" c'untin( pr'cedure t8e c8airman s8a"" -irst insert 8is Securit% =e% in t8e appr'priate s"'t in t8e ,COS Mac8ine9 t8en 8e s8a"" press t8e ECLOSE 6OTIN@ O,TIONF in t8e screen menu T8e mac8ine s8a"" t8en pr'mpt t8e 'perat'r t' c'n-irm t8e c"'sin( '- t8e *'tin( a-ter >8ic8 t8e mac8ine s8a"" n' "'n(er accept an% $a""'t A-ter >8ic8 t8e p'"" c"er= and t8e t8ird mem$er '- t8e BEI s8a"" enter t8eir respecti*e ,IN t8e ,COS Mac8ine s8a"" t8en aut'matica""% c'unt t8e *'tes A-ter t8e c'untin( t8e ,COS mac8ine s8a"" aut'matica""% print ei(8t (1) c'pies 'e"ecti'n returns -'r nati'na" p'siti'ns -'""'>ed $% an't8er ei(8t (1) c'pies -'r t8e "'ca" p'siti'ns in t8eir respecti*e p'""in( p"ace Eac8 c'p% '- t8e e"ecti'n returns must $ear t8e appr'priate c'ntr'" mar=s t' determine t8e time and p"ace '- printin(9 it must "i=e>ise $e si(ned and t8um$ mar=ed $% a"" t8e mem$ers '- t8e BEI and >atc8ers present T8e c'pies s8a"" $e t8en distri$uted $% t8e c8airman '- t8e BEI in t8e -'""'>in( mannerG A /'r Nati'na" p'siti'ns suc8 as t8e e"ecti'n '- president9 *ice7president9 senat'rs and mem$ers '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es inc"udin( t8e ,art%7 ListG a $ c d e /irst (!st) C'p% D t' t8e cit% 'r municipa" B'ard '- Can*assersH Sec'nd (#nd) C'p% D p'sted 'n a >a"" >it8in t8e premises '- t8e p'""in( p"aceH T8ird (&rd) C'p% D t' t8e C'n(ress directed t' t8e ,resident '- t8e SenateH /'urt8 ()t8) C'p% D t' t8e COMELEC /i-t8 (+t8) C'p% D t' t8e d'minant maC'rit% part% as determined $% t8e COMELEC in acc'rdance >it8 "a>H Si4t8 (.t8) C'p% D t8e d'minant min'rit% part% as determined $% t8e COMELEC in acc'rdance >it8 "a>H 238

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS ( Se*ent8 (0t8) C'p% D t' a citi<enAs arm aut8'ri<ed $% t8e COMELEC t' c'nduct an un'--icia" c'unt pr'*ided t8at t8e accreditati'n '- t8e citi<enAs arm s8a"" $e su$Cect t' t8e pr'*isi'n '- Sec +#(=) '- B , 11!H and Ei(8t8 (1t8) C'p% D s8a"" $e dep'sited inside t8e c'mpartment '- t8e $a""'t $'4 -'r *a"id $a""'ts

B As -'r "'ca" '--icia"sH a $ c d e ( /irst (!st) C'p% D t' t8e cit% 'r municipa" B'ard '- Can*assersH Sec'nd (#nd) C'p% D p'sted 'n a >a"" >it8in t8e premises '- t8e p'""in( p"aceH T8ird (&rd) C'p% D t' t8e COMELECH /'urt8 ()t8) C'p% D t' t8e pr'*incia" $'ard '- can*assersH /i-t8 (+t8) C'p% D t' t8e d'minant maC'rit% part% as determined $% t8e COMELEC in acc'rdance >it8 "a>H Si4t8 (.t8) C'p% D t8e d'minant min'rit% part% as determined $% t8e COMELEC in acc'rdance >it8 "a>H Se*ent8 (0t8) C'p% D t' a citi<enAs arm aut8'ri<ed $% t8e COMELEC t' c'nduct an un'--icia" c'unt pr'*ided t8at t8e accreditati'n '- t8e citi<enAs arm s8a"" $e su$Cect t' t8e pr'*isi'n '- Sec +#(=) '- B , 11!H and Ei(8t8 (1t8) C'p% D s8a"" $e dep'sited inside t8e c'mpartment '- t8e $a""'t $'4 -'r *a"id $a""'ts (Sec !2 R A 2&.2)

N'teG T8e C8airman s8a"" ann'unce t8e p'stin( '- t8e sec'nd c'p% '- t8e ER -'r $'t8 t8e nati'na" and "'ca" p'siti'ns 'n a >a"" >it8in t8e premises '- t8e p'""in( p"aceH it s8'u"d $e su--icient"% "i(8ted and accessi$"e t' t8e pu$"ic T8e pu$"ic ma% *ie> 'r capture an ima(e '- t8e e"ecti'n returns $% means '- an% data capturin( de*ice suc8 as $ut n't "imited t' cameras A-ter -'rt%7ei(8t ()1) 8'urs -'""'>in( t8e p'stin( '- t8e c8airman '- t8e BEI s8a"" ta=e d'>n t8e p'sted e"ecti'n returns and =eep t8e same in 8is cust'd% t' $e pr'duced -'r ima(e 'r data capturin( as ma%$e re5uested $% an% *'ter 'r -'r an% "a>-u" purp'se as ma%$e 'rdered $% c'mpetent aut8'rit% (Sec && R A 2&.2) /'r t8e purp'se '- can*assin( t8e *'tes t8e e"ecti'n returns s8a"" $e e"ectr'nica""% transmitted t' $e used $% t8e B'ard '- Can*assers (BOC) T8e e"ecti'n returns must $e di(ita""% si(ned $% t8e mem$ers '- t8e BEI -'r 239

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS re-usa" t' si(n t8e same is c'nsidered as an e"ecti'n '--ense I- t8e returns are success-u""% recei*ed a messa(e t' t8at e--ect s8a"" appear 'n t8e screen '- t8e ,COS mac8ine Sec &1 (-) '- COMELEC Res'"uti'n N' 10&2 pr'*ides t8at a-ter t8e printin( '- a"" t8e rep'rtsG ! # T8e mem$ers '- t8e BEI s8a"" a--i4 t8eir si(natures and t8um$ mar=s 'n t8e &3 printed ERs T8e BEI s8a"" as= t8e >atc8ers present t' a--i4 t8eir si(natures 'n t8e printed e"ecti'n returns

Un"ess 't8er>ise 'rdered $% t8e C'mmissi'n9 t8e BEI s8a"" n't st'p 'r p'stp'ne t8e c'untin( unti" it 8as $een c'mp"eted In case a ,COS -ai"s t' c'unt t8e *'te 'r transmitKprint t8e resu"ts9 t8e Operat'r s8a"" ann'unce t8e err'r and underta=e t8e necessar% c'rrecti*e measures S8'u"d t8e Operat'r $e una$"e t' c'rrect t8e err'r9 8e s8a"" ca"" 'n t8e Tec8nica" Supp'rt pers'nne" assi(ned t' t8e 6'tin( Center -'r assistance Suc8 -act s8a"" $e n'ted in t8e Minutes (Sec &1 (-) COMELEC Res'"uti'n N' 10&2)

A/TICLE 5I5 CAN'ASS AND P/OCLAMATION 240

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

Secti n $$1. B ar& % can!a""er". & T,ere ",all +e a + ar& % can!a""er" % r eac, 6r !ince> cit0> *1nici6alit0> an& &i"trict % Metr 6 litan Manila a" % ll ="? (a) Pr !incial + ar& % can!a""er". # t,e 6r !incial + ar& % can!a""er" ",all +e c *6 "e& % t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r r a "eni r la=0er in t,e re-i nal %%ice % t,e C **i""i n> a" c,air*an> t,e 6r !incial %i"cal> a" !ice#c,air*an> an& t,e 6r !incial "16erinten&ent % "c, l"> an& ne re6re"entati!e %r * eac, % t,e r1lin- 6art0 an& t,e & *inant 66 "iti n 6 litical 6art0 in t,e c n"tit1enc0 c ncerne& entitle& t +e re6re"ente&> a" *e*+er". (+) Cit0 + ar& % can!a""er". # t,e cit0 + ar& % can!a""er" ",all +e c *6 "e& % t,e cit0 electi n re-i"trar r a la=0er % t,e C **i""i n> a" c,air*an> t,e cit0 %i"cal an& t,e cit0 "16erinten&ent % "c, l"> an& ne re6re"entati!e %r * eac, % t,e r1lin- 6art0 an& t,e & *inant 66 "iti n 6 litical 6art0 entitle& t +e re6re"ente&> a" *e*+er". (c) Di"trict + ar& % can!a""er" % Metr 6 litan Manila # t,e &i"trict + ar& % can!a""er" ",all +e c *6 "e& % a la=0er % t,e C **i""i n> a" c,air*an> an& a ran:in- %i"cal in t,e &i"trict an& t,e * "t "eni r &i"trict "c, l "16er!i" r in t,e &i"trict t +e a66 inte& 16 n c n"1ltati n =it, t,e Mini"tr0 % E1"tice an& t,e Mini"tr0 % E&1cati n> C1lt1re an& S6 rt"> re"6ecti!el0> an& ne re6re"entati!e %r * eac, % t,e r1lin6art0 an& t,e & *inant 66 "iti n 6 litical 6art0 in t,e c n"tit1enc0 c ncerne&> a" *e*+er". (&) M1nici6al + ar& % can!a""er". # t,e *1nici6al + ar& % can!a""er" ",all +e c *6 "e& % t,e electi n re-i"trar r a re6re"entati!e % t,e C **i""i n> a" c,air*an> t,e *1nici6al trea"1rer> an& t,e &i"trict "16er!i" r r in ,i" a+"ence an0 61+lic "c, l 6rinci6al in t,e *1nici6alit0 an& ne re6re"entati!e %r * eac, % t,e r1lin- 6art0 an& t,e & *inant 66 "iti n 6 litical 6art0 entitle& t +e re6re"ente&> a" *e*+er". (e) B ar& % can!a""er" % r ne=l0 create& 6 litical "1+&i!i"i n" # t,e C **i""i n ",all c n"tit1te a + ar& % can!a""er" an& a66 int t,e *e*+er" t,ere % % r t,e %ir"t electi n in a ne=l0 create& 6r !ince> cit0 r *1nici6alit0 in ca"e t,e %%icial" =, ",all act a" *e*+er" t,ere % ,a!e n t 0et a""1*e& t,eir &1tie" an& %1ncti n". Secti n $$$. /elati n",i6 =it, can&i&ate" an& t,er *e*+er". & T,e c,air*an an& t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all n t +e relate& =it,in t,e % 1rt, ci!il &e-ree % c n"an-1init0 r a%%init0 t an0 % t,e can&i&ate" =, "e ! te" =ill +e can!a""e& +0 "ai& + ar&> r t an0 *e*+er % t,e "a*e + ar&.

241

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti n $$(. Pr ,i+iti n a-ain"t lea!in- %%icial "tati n. & D1rin- t,e 6eri & +e-innin- electi n &a0 1ntil t,e 6r cla*ati n % t,e =innin- can&i&ate"> n *e*+er r "1+"tit1te *e*+er % t,e &i%%erent + ar&" % can!a""er" ",all +e tran"%erre&> a""i-ne& r &etaile& 1t"i&e % ,i" %%icial "tati n> n r ",all ,e lea!e "ai& "tati n =it, 1t 6ri r a1t, rit0 % t,e C **i""i n. Secti n $$8. Fei-ne& illne"". & An0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" %ei-ninillne"" in r&er t +e "1+"tit1te& n electi n &a0 1ntil t,e 6r cla*ati n % t,e =innin- can&i&ate" ",all +e -1ilt0 % an electi n %%en"e. Secti n $$4. ' te reA1ire&. & A *aB rit0 ! te % all t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all +e nece""ar0 t ren&er a &eci"i n. Secti n $$2. Inca6acit0 an& "1+"tit1ti n % *e*+er" % + ar&" % can!a""er". & In ca"e % n n#a!aila+ilit0> a+"ence> &i"A1ali%icati n &1e t relati n",i6> r inca6acit0 % r an0 ca1"e % t,e c,air*an> t,e C **i""i n ",all &e"i-nate t,e 6r !incial r cit0 %i"cal t act a" c,air*an. Li:e=i"e> in ca"e % n n#a!aila+ilit0> a+"ence> &i"A1ali%icati n &1e t relati n",i6> r inca6acit0 % r an0 ca1"e> % "1c, &e"i-nee> t,e ne7t ran:in- 6r !incial r cit0 %i"cal ",all +e &e"i-nate& +0 t,e C **i""i n an& "1c, &e"i-nati n ",all 6a"" t t,e ne7t in ran: 1ntil t,e &e"i-nee A1ali%ie". 9it, re"6ect t t,e t,er *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % can!a""er"> t,e C **i""i n ",all a66 int a" "1+"tit1te t,e 6r !incial> cit0 r *1nici6al %%icer" % t,er - !ern*ent a-encie" in t,e 6r !ince> cit0 r *1nici6alit0> a" t,e ca"e *a0 +e> an& =it, re"6ect t t,e re6re"entati!e" % t,e accre&ite& 6 litical 6artie"> t,e C **i""i n ",all a66 int a" "1+"tit1te" t, "e n *inate& +0 t,e "ai& 6 litical 6artie". AMENDED BF Secti n $1 /A 2282. 'ubstitution of Chai#man and Membe#s of the ,oa#d of Can"asse#s. # In ca"e % n n#a!aila+ilit0> a+"ence> &i"A1ali%icati n &1e t relati n",i6> r inca6acit0 % r an0 ca1"e % t,e c,air*an> t,e C **i""i n ",all a66 int a" "1+"tit1te a ran:in- la=0er % t,e C **i""i n. 9it, re"6ect t t,e t,er *e*+er" % t,e + ar&> t,e C **i""i n ",all a66 int a" "1+"tit1te t,e % ll =in- in t,e r&er na*e&? T,e Pr !incial A1&it r> t,e /e-i"trar % Dee&"> t,e Cler: % C 1rt n *inate& +0 t,e E7ec1ti!e E1&-e % t,e /e-i nal Trial C 1rt> an& an0 t,er a!aila+le a66 inti!e 6r !incial %%icial in t,e ca"e % t,e 6r !incial + ar& % can!a""er"@ t,e %%icial" in t,e cit0 c rre"6 n&in- t t, "e en1*erate&> in t,e ca"e % t,e cit0 + ar& % can!a""er"@ an& t,e M1nici6al A&*ini"trat r> t,e M1nici6al A""e"" r> t,e Cler: % C 1rt n *inate& +0 t,e E7ec1ti!e E1&-e % t,e M1nici6al Trial C 1rt> r an0 t,er a!aila+le a66 inti!e *1nici6al %%icial"> in t,e ca"e % t,e *1nici6al + ar& % can!a""er". Secti n $$3. S16er!i"i n an& c ntr l !er + ar& % can!a""er". & T,e C **i""i n ",all ,a!e &irect c ntr l an& "16er!i"i n !er t,e + ar& % can!a""er". An0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" *a0> at an0 ti*e> +e relie!e& % r ca1"e an& "1+"tit1te& * t1 6r 6ri +0 t,e C **i""i n. 242

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti n $$8. N tice % *eetin- % t,e + ar&. & At lea"t %i!e &a0" +e% re t,e *eetin- % t,e + ar&> t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& ",all -i!e n tice t all *e*+er" t,ere % an& t eac, can&i&ate an& 6 litical 6art0 % t,e &ate> ti*e an& 6lace % t,e *eetin-. AMENDED BF Secti n $( /A 2282. =otice of Meetin*s of the ,oa#d. # At lea"t %i!e (4) &a0" +e% re t,e initial *eetin- % t,e + ar& % can!a""er"> t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& ",all -i!e =ritten n tice t all *e*+er" t,ere % an& t eac, can&i&ate an& 6 litical 6art0 6re"entin- can&i&ate" % r electi n in t,e 6 litical "1+&i!i"i n c ncerne& % t,e &ate> ti*e an& 6lace % t,e *eetin-. Si*ilar n tice ",all al" +e -i!en % r "1+"eA1ent *eetin-" 1nle"" n tice ,a" +een -i!en in 6en "e""i n % t,e + ar&. Pr % % "er!ice % n tice t eac, *e*+er> can&i&ate an& 6 litical 6art0 ",all +e attac,e& t an& ",all % r* 6art % t,e rec r&" % t,e 6r cee&in-". I% n tice i" -i!en in 6en "e""i n> "1c, %act ",all +e rec r&e& in t,e *in1te" % t,e 6r cee&in-". Secti n $$.. Manner % &eli!er0 an& tran"*ittal % electi n ret1rn" . & (a) F r t,e cit0 an& *1nici6al + ar& % can!a""er"> t,e c 60 % t,e electi n ret1rn" % a 6 llin- 6lace inten&e& % r t,e cit0 r *1nici6al + ar& % can!a""er"> &1l0 6lace& in"i&e a "eale& en!el 6e "i-ne& an& a%%i7e& =it, t,e i*6rint % t,e t,1*+ % t,e ri-,t ,an& % all t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> ",all +e 6er" nall0 &eli!ere& +0 t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t t,e cit0 r *1nici6al + ar& % can!a""er" 1n&er 6r 6er recei6t t +e "i-ne& +0 all t,e *e*+er" t,ere %. (+) F r t,e 6r !incial an& &i"trict + ar&" % can!a""er" in Metr 6 litan Manila> t,e c 60 % t,e electi n ret1rn" % a 6 llin- 6lace inten&e& % r t,e 6r !incial r &i"trict + ar& % can!a""er" in t,e ca"e % Metr 6 litan Manila> ",all +e 6er" nall0 &eli!ere& +0 t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t t,e electi n re-i"trar % r tran"*ittal t t,e 6r 6er + ar& % can!a""er" 1n&er 6r 6er recei6t t +e "i-ne& +0 all t,e *e*+er" t,ere %. T,e electi n re-i"trar c ncerne& ",all 6lace all t,e ret1rn" inten&e& % r t,e + ar& % can!a""er" in"i&e a +all t + 7 6r !i&e& =it, t,ree 6a&l c:" =, "e :e0" ",all +e :e6t a" % ll ="? ne +0 t,e electi n re-i"trar> an t,er +0 t,e re6re"entati!e % t,e r1lin- 6art0 an& t,e t,ir& +0 t,e re6re"entati!e % t,e & *inant 6 litical 66 "iti n 6art0. F r t,i" 61r6 "e> t,e t= 6 litical 6artie" ",all &e"i-nate t,eir re6re"entati!e" =, "e na*e" ",all +e "1+*itte& t t,e electi n re-i"trar c ncerne& n r +e% re t,e tent, &a0 6rece&in- t,e electi n. T,e t,ree in 6 ""e""i n % t,e :e0" ",all 6er" nall0 tran"*it t,e +all t + 7> 6r 6erl0 l c:e&> c ntainin- t,e electi n ret1rn" t t,e + ar& % can!a""er". 9atc,er" % 6 litical 6artie"> c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie"> an& % r-ani<ati n" c llecti!el0 a1t, ri<e& +0 t,e C **i""i n t &e"i-nate =atc,er" ",all ,a!e t,e ri-,t t acc *6an0 tran"*ittal % t,e +all t + 7e" c ntainin- t,e electi n ret1rn". 243

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS It ",all +e 1nla=%1l % r an0 6er" n t &ela0> +"tr1ct> i*6e&e r 6re!ent t,r 1-, % rce> !i lence> c erci n> inti*i&ati n r +0 an0 *ean" =,ic, !itiate" c n"ent> t,e tran"*ittal % t,e electi n ret1rn" r t ta:e a=a0> a+"c n& =it,> &e"tr 0> &e%ace r *1tilate r "1+"tit1te t,e electi n ret1rn" r t,e en!el 6e r t,e +all t + 7 c ntainin- t,e electi n ret1rn" r t !i late t,e ri-,t % t,e =atc,er". T,e =atc,er" % t,e 6 litical 6artie"> c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie" an& t,e can&i&ate" ",all ,a!e t,e ri-,t t acc *6an0 t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" r t,e electi n re-i"trar in *a:in- t,e &eli!er0 t t,e + ar&" % can!a""er". Secti n $(). Sa%e:ee6in- % tran"*itte& electi n ret1rn" . & T,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all :ee6 t,e +all t + 7e" c ntainin- t,e electi n ret1rn" in a "a%e an& "ec1re r * +e% re an& a%ter t,e can!a"". T,e & r t t,e r * *1"t +e 6a&l c:e& +0 t,ree l c:" =it, t,e :e0" t,ere % :e6t a" % ll ="? ne =it, t,e c,air*an> t,e t,er =it, t,e re6re"entati!e % t,e r1lin- 6art0> an& t,e t,er =it, t,e re6re"entati!e % t,e & *inant 66 "iti n 6 litical 6art0. T,e =atc,er" % can&i&ate"> 6 litical 6artie"> c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie" an& r-ani<ati n c llecti!el0 a1t, ri<e& +0 t,e C **i""i n t a66 int =atc,er" ",all ,a!e t,e ri-,t t -1ar& t,e r *. 'i lati n % t,i" ri-,t ",all c n"tit1te an electi n %%en"e. Secti n $(1. Can!a"" +0 t,e + ar&. & T,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all *eet n t later t,an "i7 Gcl c: in t,e a%tern n % electi n &a0 at t,e 6lace &e"i-nate& +0 t,e C **i""i n t recei!e t,e electi n ret1rn" an& t i**e&iatel0 can!a"" t, "e t,at *a0 ,a!e alrea&0 +een recei!e&. It ",all *eet c ntin1 1"l0 %r * &a0 t &a0 1ntil t,e can!a"" i" c *6lete&> an& *a0 a&B 1rn +1t nl0 % r t,e 61r6 "e % a=aitin- t,e t,er electi n ret1rn" %r * t,er 6 llin- 6lace" =it,in it" B1ri"&icti n. Eac, ti*e t,e + ar& a&B 1rn"> it ",all *a:e a t tal % all t,e ! te" can!a""e& " %ar % r eac, can&i&ate % r eac, %%ice> %1rni",in- t,e C **i""i n in Manila +0 t,e %a"te"t *ean" % c **1nicati n a certi%ie& c 60 t,ere %> an& *a:in- a!aila+le t,e &ata c ntaine& t,erein t t,e *a"" *e&ia an& t,er intere"te& 6artie". A" " n a" t,e t,er electi n ret1rn" are &eli!ere&> t,e + ar& ",all i**e&iatel0 re"1*e can!a""in- 1ntil all t,e ret1rn" ,a!e +een can!a""e&. T,e re"6ecti!e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all 6re6are a certi%icate % can!a"" &1l0 "i-ne& an& a%%i7e& =it, t,e i*6rint % t,e t,1*+ % t,e ri-,t ,an& % eac, *e*+er> "166 rte& +0 a "tate*ent % t,e ! te" recei!e& +0 eac, can&i&ate in eac, 6 llin- 6lace an&> n t,e +a"i" t,ere %> ",all 6r clai* a" electe& t,e can&i&ate" =, +taine& t,e ,i-,e"t n1*+er % ! te" ca"t in t,e 6r !ince> cit0> *1nici6alit0 r +aran-a0. Fail1re t c *6l0 =it, t,i" reA1ire*ent ",all c n"tit1te an electi n %%en"e. S1+Bect t rea" na+le e7ce6ti n"> t,e + ar& % can!a""er" *1"t c *6lete t,eir can!a"" =it,in t,irt0#"i7 , 1r" in *1nici6alitie"> % rt0#ei-,t , 1r" in citie" an& "e!ent0#t= , 1r" in 6r !ince". 'i lati n ,ere % ",all +e an electi n %%en"e 61ni",a+le 1n&er Secti n $28 ,ere %. 244

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS 9it, re"6ect t t,e electi n % r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent> t,e 6r !incial an& cit0 + ar&" % can!a""er" ",all 6re6are in A1int16licate a certi%icate % can!a"" "166 rte& +0 a "tate*ent % ! te" recei!e& +0 eac, can&i&ate in eac, 6 llin6lace an& tran"*it t,e %ir"t c 60 t,ere % t t,e S6ea:er % t,e Bata"anPa*+an"a. T,e "ec n& c 60 ",all +e tran"*itte& t t,e C **i""i n> t,e t,ir& c 60 ",all +e :e6t +0 t,e 6r !incial electi n "16er!i" r r cit0 electi n re-i"trar@ t,e % 1rt, an& t,e %i%t, c 6ie" t eac, % t,e t= accre&ite& 6 litical 6artie". AMENDED BF SEC. 8) .(2.. Secti n $. % /e61+lic Act N . 3122 i" ,ere+0 a*en&e& t rea& a" % ll ="? CSEC.$.. =umbe# of Copies of Ce#tificate of Can"ass and thei# 9ist#ibution. # a) t,e certi%icate % can!a"" % r 6re"i&ent> !ice#6re"i&ent> "enat r an& *e*+er % t,e , 1"e % /e6re"entati!e" an& electi!e 6r !incial %%icial ",all +e 6re6are& in "e!en c 6ie" +0 t,e cit0 r *1nici6al + ar& % can!a""er" an& &i"tri+1te& a" % ll ="? (1) T,e %ir"t c 60 ",all +e &eli!ere& t t,e 6r !incial + ar& % can!a""er" % r 1"e in t,e can!a"" electi n re"1lt" % r 6re"i&ent> !ice# 6re"i&ent> "enat r an& *e*+er % t,e H 1"e % re6re"entati!e" an& electi!e 6r !incial %%icial"? ($) T,e "ec n& c 60 ",all +e "ent t t,e C **i""i n@ (() T,e t,ir& c 60 ",all +e 6 "te& n a =all =it,in t,e 6re*i"e" % t,e can!a""in- center (8) T,e % 1rt, c 60 ",all +e :e6t +0 t,e c,air*an % t,e B ar&? an& (4) t,e %i%t, c 60 ",all +e -i!en t,e citi<en"G ar* &e"i-nate& +0 t,e C **i""i n t c n&1ct a *e&ia#+a"e& 1n %%icial c 1nt> an& t,e "i7t, an& "e!ent, c 6ie" ",all +e -i!en t t,e citi<enG" ar* &e"i-nate& +0 t,e C **i""i n t c n&1ct a *e&ia # +a"e& 1n %%icial c 1nt > an& t,e "i7t, an& "e!ent, c 6ie" ",all +e -i!en t t,e re6re"entati!e" % t= % t,e "i7 *aB r 6 litical 6artie" in acc r&ance =it, t,e ! l1ntar0 a-ree*ent % t,e 6artie". I% n "1c, a-ree*ent i" reac,e&> t,e c **i""i n ",all &eci&e =,ic, 6artie" ",all recei!e t,e c 6ie" % t,e certi%icate % t,e can!a"" n t,e +a"i" % t,e criteria 6r !i&e& in Secti n $2 ,ere %. T,e 6artie" recei!in- t,e certi%icate ",all ,a!e +li-ati n t %1rni", t,e t,er 6artie" =it, a1t,entic c 6ie" t,ere % =it, t,e at lea"t 6 ""i+le &ela0. +) T,e certi%icate" % can!a"" % r 6re"i&ent> !ice 6re"i&ent> "enat r" ",all +e 6re6are& in "e!en (3) c 6ie" +0 t,e cit0 + ar&" % can!a""er" % citie" c *6ri"in- ne r * re le-i"lati!e &i"trict"> +0 6r !incial + ar&" % can!a""er" in t,e Metr Manila Area> an& &i"tri+1te& a" % ll ="?

245

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (1) T,e %ir"t c 60 ",all +e "ent t t,e C n-re"" &irecte& t t,e Pre"i&ent % t,e Senate % r 1"e in t,e can!a"" % electi n re"1lt" % r 6re"i&ent an& !ice#6re"i&ent@ ($) T,e "ec n& c 60 ",all +e "ent t t,e C **i""i n % r 1"e in t,e can!a"" % t,e electi n re"1lt" % r Senat r"@ (() T,e t,ir& c 60 ",all +e 6 "te& n a =all =it,in t,e 6re*i"e" % t,e can!a""in- center@ (8) T,e % 1rt, c 60 ",all +e :e6t +0 t,e C,air*an % t,e B ar&@ an& (4) T,e %i%t, c 60 ",all +e -i!en t t,e citi<en"G " ar* &e"i-nate& +0 t,e C **i""i n t c n&1ct a *e&ia #+a"e& 1n %%icial c 1nt> an& t,e "i7t, an& "e!ent, c 6ie" ",all +e -i!en t t,e re6re"entati!e" % t= % t,e "i7 *aB r 6 litical 6artie". I% n "1c, a-ree*ent i" reac,e&> t,e c **i""i n ",all &eci&e =,ic, 6artie" ",all recei!e t,e c 6ie" % t,e certi%icate % can!a"" n t,e +a"i" % t,e criteria 6r !i&e& in Secti n $2 ,ere %. T,e 6artie" recei!in- t,e certi%icate" ",all ,a!e t,e +li-ati n t %1rni", t,e t,er 6artie" =it, a1t,entic c 6ie" t,ere % =it, t,e lea"t 6 ""i+le &ela0. T,e % t,e certi%icate % can!a"" 6 "te& n t,e =all ",all +e 6en % r 61+lic !ie=in- at an0 ti*e % t,e &a0 % r % rt0 #ei-,t (88) , 1r" % ll =init" 6 "tin-. An0 6er" n *a0 !ie= r ca6t1re an i*a-e % t,e certi%icate % can!a"". A%ter t,e 6re"cri+e& 6eri & % r 6 "tin-> t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all c llect t,e 6 "te& certi%icate % can!a"" an& :ee6 t,e "a*e in ,i" c1"t &0 t +e 6r &1ce& % r i*a-e r &ata ca6t1rina" *a0 +e reA1e"te& +0 an0 ! ter r % r an0 la=%1l 61r6 "e a" *a0 +e r&ere& c *6etent a1t, rit0. E7ce6t % r t, "e c 6ie" t,at are reA1ire& t +e &eli!ere&> c 6ie" % certi%icate" % can!a"" *a0 +e clai*e& at t,e can!a""in- center. An0 1nclai*e& c 60 ",all +e &ee*e& 6lace& in t,e c1"t &0 % t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % can!a""er"> =, ",all 6r &1ce t,e* reA1e"te& +0 t,e reci6ient r =,en r&ere& +0 a c *6etent a1t, rit0. T,e t,irt0 (()) certi%ie& 6rint c 6ie" % t,e certi%icate can!a"" % r nati nal 6 "iti n" ",all +e &i"tri+1te& a" % ll ="? (a) T,e %ir"t % 1rteen (18) c 6ie" ",all +e -i!en t t,e % 1rteen (18) accre&ite& *aB r nati nal 6artie" in acc r&ance =it, a ! l1ntar0 a-ree*ent a* n- t,e*. I% n "1c, a-ree*ent i" reac,e&> t,e c **i""i n ",all &eci&e =,ic, 6artie" ",all recei!e t,e c 6ie" n t,e +a"i" % t,e criteria 6r !i&e& in Secti n $2 ,ere %@ (+) T,e ne7t t,ree c 6ie" ",all +e -i!en t t,e t,ree accre&ite& *aB r l cal 6artie" in acc r&ance =it, a ! l1ntar0 a-ree*ent a* n- t,e*. I% n "1c, a-ree*ent i" reac,e&> t,e C **i""i n ",all &eci&e =,ic, 246

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS 6artie" ",all recei!e t,e c 6ie" in t,e +a"i" % criteria anal - 1" t t,e 6r !i&e& in Secti n $2 ,ere %@ (c) T,e ne7t %i!e c 6ie" ",all +e -i!en t nati nal +r a&ca"t r 6rint *e&ia entitie" a" *a0 +e eA1ita+l0 &eter*ine& +0 t,e c **i""i n in !ie= % 6r 6a-atin- t,e c 6ie" t t,e =i&e"t e7tent 6 ""i+le@ (&) T,e ne7t t= c 6ie" ",all +e -i!en t l cal +r a&ca"t r 6rint *e&ia entitle" a" *a0 +e eA1ita+l0 &eter*ine& +0 t,e C **i""i n in !ie= 6r 6a-atin- t,e c 6ie" t t,e =i&e"t e7tent 6 ""i+le@ (e) T,e ne7t % 1r c 6ie" t t,e *aB r citi<enG" ar*"> incl1&in- accre&ite& citi<enG" ar*> an& t,er n n#6arti"an -r 16" r r-ani<ati n" enli"te& +0 t,e c **i""i n 61r"1ant t "ecti n 4$(D) % Bata" Pa*+an"a Bl-. 881@ an& (%) T,e la"t t= c 6ie" t +e :e6t in %ile +0 t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" t +e "1+"eA1entl0 &i"tri+1te& a" t,e nati nal + ar& % can!a""er" *a0 &irect. T,e certi%ie& 6rint c 6ie" *a0 +e clai*e& at t,e can!a""in- center. An0 1nclai*e& c 60 ",all +e &ee*e& 6lace in t,e c1"t &0 % t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % can!a""er"> =, ",all 6r &1ce t,e* =,en reA1e"te& +0 t,e reci6ient r =,en r&ere& +0 a c *6etent a1t, rit0. T,e c **i""i n ",all 6 "t it" &i-ital %ile" in it" =e+"ite % r t,e 61+lic t !ie= r & =nl a& at an0 ti*e % t,e &a0. T,e c **i""i n ",all *aintain t,e %ile" % r at lea"t t,ree 0ear" %r * t,e &ate % 6 "tin-. An0 !i lati n % t,i" "ecti n> r it" 6ertinent 6 rti n> ",all c n"tit1te an electi n %%en"e an& ",all +e 6enali<e& in acc r&ance =it, Bata" Pa*+an"a Bl-. 881.C Secti n $($. Per" n" n t all =e& in"i&e t,e can!a""in- r *. & It ",all +e 1nla=%1l % r an0 %%icer r *e*+er % t,e Ar*e& F rce" % t,e P,ili66ine"> incl1&in- t,e P,ili66ine C n"ta+1lar0> r t,e Inte-rate& Nati nal P lice r an0 6eace %%icer r an0 ar*e& r 1nar*e& 6er" n" +el n-in- t an e7tra#le-al 6 lice a-enc0> "6ecial % rce"> reacti n % rce"> "tri:e % rce"> , *e &e%en"e % rce"> +aran-a0 "el%#&e%en"e 1nit"> +aran-a0 tan &> r % an0 *e*+er % t,e "ec1rit0 r 6 lice r-ani<ati n" % - !ern*ent *ini"trie"> c **i""i n"> c 1ncil"> +1rea1"> %%ice"> in"tr1*entalitie"> r - !ern*ent# =ne& r c ntr lle& c r6 rati n" r t,eir "1+"i&iarie" r % an0 *e*+er % a 6ri!atel0 =ne& r 6erate& "ec1rit0> in!e"ti-ati!e> 6r tecti!e r intelli-ence a-enc0 6er% r*ini&entical r "i*ilar %1ncti n" t enter t,e r * =,ere t,e can!a""in- % t,e electi n ret1rn" are ,el& +0 t,e + ar& % can!a""er" an& =it,in a ra&i1" % %i%t0 *eter" %r * "1c, r *? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at t,e + ar& % can!a""er" +0 a *aB rit0 ! te> i% it &ee*" nece""ar0> *a0 *a:e a call in =ritin- % r t,e &etail % 6 lice*en r an0 6eace %%icer" % r t,eir 6r tecti n r % r t,e 6r tecti n % t,e 247

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS electi n & c1*ent" an& 6ara6,ernalia in t,e 6 ""e""i n % t,e + ar&> r % r t,e *aintenance % 6eace an& r&er> in =,ic, ca"e "ai& 6 lice*en r 6eace %%icer"> =, ",all +e in 6r 6er 1ni% r*> ",all "ta0 1t"i&e t,e r * =it,in a ra&i1" % t,irt0 *eter" near en 1-, t +e ea"il0 calle& +0 t,e + ar& % can!a""er" at an0 ti*e. Secti n $((. 9,en t,e electi n ret1rn" are &ela0e&> l "t r &e"tr 0e& . & In ca"e it" c 60 % t,e electi n ret1rn" i" *i""in-> t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all> +0 *e""en-er r t,er=i"e> +tain "1c, *i""in- electi n ret1rn" %r * t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" c ncerne&> r i% "ai& ret1rn" ,a!e +een l "t r &e"tr 0e&> t,e + ar& % can!a""er"> 16 n 6ri r a1t, rit0 % t,e C **i""i n> *a0 1"e an0 % t,e a1t,entic c 6ie" % "ai& electi n ret1rn" r a certi%ie& c 60 % "ai& electi n ret1rn" i""1e& +0 t,e C **i""i n> an& % rt,=it, &irect it" re6re"entati!e t in!e"ti-ate t,e ca"e an& i**e&iatel0 re6 rt t,e *atter t t,e C **i""i n. T,e + ar& % can!a""er"> n t=it,"tan&in- t,e %act t,at n t all t,e electi n ret1rn" ,a!e +een recei!e& +0 it> *a0 ter*inate t,e can!a"" an& 6r clai* t,e can&i&ate" electe& n t,e +a"i" % t,e a!aila+le electi n ret1rn" i% t,e *i""inelecti n ret1rn" =ill n t a%%ect t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n.

EU/ISP/UDENCE

CHU !". COMELEC (1. SC/A 88$ ,re7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% re-ers t' an% 5uesti'n pertainin( t' 'r a--ectin( t8e pr'ceedin(s '- t8e $'ard '- can*assers >8ic8 ma% $e raised $% an% candidate 'r $% an% re(istered p'"itica" part% 'r c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" parties $e-'re t8e $'ard 'r direct"% >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n9 'r an% matter raised under Secti'ns #&&9 #&)9 #&+ and #&. in re"ati'n t' t8e preparati'n9 transmissi'n9 receipt9 cust'd% and appreciati'n 't8e e"ecti'n returns A"" pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ersies 'n e"ecti'n returns 'r certi-icates '- can*ass s8a"" $e disp'sed '- summari"% D -irst9 $% t8e $'ard '- can*assers9 and t8en9 $% t8e COMELEC In a pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers%9 t8e $'ard '- can*assers and t8e COMELEC are n't t' "''= $e%'nd 'r $e8ind e"ecti'n returns >8ic8 are 'n t8eir -ace re(u"ar and aut8entic returns T8e "e(is"ati*e intent $e8ind t8e summar% disp'siti'n '- pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ersies is t' (i*e "i-e t' t8e p'"ic% t8at t8e can*ass and pr'c"amati'n $e de"a%ed as "itt"e as p'ssi$"e -'r it is in t8e pu$"ic interest t8at t8e p'siti'n -'r >8ic8 t8e e"ecti'n >as 8e"d s8'u"d $e -i""ed pr'mpt"%9 e*en t8'u(8 t8e pr'c"amati'n '- t8e 248

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS >innin( candidates $e pr'*isi'na" in nature9 in t8at t8e same ma% sti"" $e su$Cect t' t8e resu"ts '- t8e e"ecti'n pr'tests t8at ma% $e su$se5uent"% -i"ed One '- t8e issues pr'per"% pertainin( t' a pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% is t8at Lt8e e"ecti'n returns >ere prepared under duress9 t8reats9 c'erci'n9 'r intimidati'n9 'r t8e% are '$*i'us"% manu-actured 'r n't aut8entic T' pr'*e t8e intimidati'n >8ic8 petiti'ner asserts >as e4erted up'n t8e mem$ers 't8e BEI $% Sanc8e< and 8er supp'rters s8'u"d $e pr'per"% raised in an e"ecti'n pr'test I- t8ere 8ad $een s8am *'tin( 'r minima" *'tin( >8ic8 >as made t' appear as n'rma" t8r'u(8 t8e -a"si-icati'n '- t8e e"ecti'n returns9 suc8 (r'unds are pr'per"% c'(ni<a$"e in an e"ecti'n pr'test and n't in a pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% In t8e a$sence '- pa"pa$"e err'rs andK'r materia" de-ects >8ic8 are c"ear"% discerni$"e 'n t8e -ace '- an e"ecti'n return9 t8e same s8'u"d $e inc"uded in t8e can*assin( $% t8e B'ard '- Can*assers

Secti n $(8. Material &e%ect" in t,e electi n ret1rn" . & I% it ", 1l& clearl0 a66ear t,at " *e reA1i"ite" in % r* r &ata ,a& +een *itte& in t,e electi n ret1rn"> t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all call % r all t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" c ncerne& +0 t,e * "t e76e&iti 1" *ean"> % r t,e "a*e + ar& t e%%ect t,e c rrecti n? Pr !i&e&> T,at in ca"e % t,e *i""i n in t,e electi n ret1rn" % t,e na*e % an0 can&i&ate an&J r ,i" c rre"6 n&in- ! te"> t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all reA1ire t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" c ncerne& t c *6lete t,e nece""ar0 &ata in t,e electi n ret1rn" an& a%%i7 t,erein t,eir initial"? Pr !i&e&> %1rt,er> T,at i% t,e ! te" *itte& in t,e ret1rn" cann t +e a"certaine& +0 t,er *ean" e7ce6t +0 rec 1ntin- t,e +all t"> t,e C **i""i n> a%ter "ati"%0in- it"el% t,at t,e i&entit0 an& inte-rit0 % t,e +all t + 7 ,a!e n t +een !i late&> ",all r&er t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t 6en t,e +all t + 7> an&> al" a%ter "ati"%0in- it"el% t,at t,e inte-rit0 % t,e +all t" t,erein ,a" +een &1l0 6re"er!e&> r&er t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t c 1nt t,e ! te" % r t,e can&i&ate =, "e ! te" ,a!e +een *itte& =it, n tice t,ere % t all can&i&ate" % r t,e 6 "iti n in! l!e& an& t,erea%ter c *6lete t,e ret1rn". T,e ri-,t % a can&i&ate t a!ail % t,i" 6r !i"i n ",all n t +e l "t r a%%ecte& +0 t,e %act t,at an electi n 6r te"t i" "1+"eA1entl0 %ile& +0 an0 % t,e can&i&ate". Secti n $(4. 9,en electi n ret1rn" a66ear t +e ta*6ere& =it, r %al"i%ie& . & I% t,e electi n ret1rn" "1+*itte& t t,e + ar& % can!a""er" a66ear t +e ta*6ere& =it,> altere& r %al"i%ie& a%ter t,e0 ,a!e le%t t,e ,an&" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> r t,er=i"e n t a1t,entic> r =ere 6re6are& +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" 1n&er &1re""> % rce> inti*i&ati n> r 6re6are& +0 6er" n" t,er t,an t,e *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all 1"e t,e t,er c 6ie" % "ai& electi n ret1rn" an&> i% nece""ar0> t,e c 60 in"i&e t,e 249

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS +all t + 7 =,ic, 16 n 6re!i 1" a1t, rit0 -i!en +0 t,e C **i""i n *a0 +e retrie!e& in acc r&ance =it, Secti n $$) ,ere %. I% t,e t,er c 6ie" % t,e ret1rn" are li:e=i"e ta*6ere& =it,> altere&> %al"i%ie&> n t a1t,entic> 6re6are& 1n&er &1re""> % rce> inti*i&ati n> r 6re6are& +0 6er" n" t,er t,an t,e *e*+er" % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> t,e + ar& % can!a""er" r an0 can&i&ate a%%ecte& ",all +rin- t,e *atter t t,e attenti n % t,e C **i""i n. T,e C **i""i n ",all t,en> a%ter -i!in- n tice t all can&i&ate" c ncerne& an& a%ter "ati"%0in- it"el% t,at n t,in- in t,e +all t + 7 in&icate t,at it" i&entit0 an& inte-rit0 ,a!e +een !i late&> r&er t,e 6enin- % t,e +all t + 7 an&> li:e=i"e a%ter "ati"%0in- it"el% t,at t,e inte-rit0 % t,e +all t" t,erein ,a" +een &1l0 6re"er!e& ",all r&er t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" t rec 1nt t,e ! te" % t,e can&i&ate" a%%ecte& an& 6re6are a ne= ret1rn =,ic, ",all t,en +e 1"e& +0 t,e + ar& % can!a""er" a" +a"i" % t,e can!a"". Secti n $(2. Di"cre6ancie" in electi n ret1rn" . & In ca"e it a66ear" t t,e + ar& % can!a""er" t,at t,ere e7i"t" &i"cre6ancie" in t,e t,er a1t,entic c 6ie" % t,e electi n ret1rn" %r * a 6 llin- 6lace r &i"cre6ancie" in t,e ! te" % an0 can&i&ate in = r&" an& %i-1re" in t,e "a*e ret1rn> an& in eit,er ca"e t,e &i%%erence a%%ect" t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n> t,e C **i""i n> 16 n * ti n % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" r an0 can&i&ate a%%ecte& an& a%ter &1e n tice t all can&i&ate" c ncerne&> ",all 6r cee& "1**aril0 t &eter*ine =,et,er t,e inte-rit0 % t,e +all t + 7 ,a& +een 6re"er!e&> an& nce "ati"%ie& t,ere % ",all r&er t,e 6enin- % t,e +all t + 7 t rec 1nt t,e ! te" ca"t in t,e 6 llin- 6lace " lel0 % r t,e 61r6 "e % &eter*inin- t,e tr1e re"1lt % t,e c 1nt % ! te" % t,e can&i&ate" c ncerne&. DISCUSSIONS

SECTIONS #&+K#&. AMENDED BJ Secti'n !0 RA ..). 5ertificate of >otes as .vidence. 7 T8e pr'*isi'ns '- Secti'ns #&+ and #&. 'Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11! n't>it8standin(9 t8e certi-icate '- *'tes s8a"" $e admissi$"e in e*idence t' pr'*e tamperin(9 a"terati'n9 -a"si-icati'n 'r an% an'ma"% c'mmitted in t8e e"ecti'n returns c'ncerned9 >8en du"% aut8enticated $% testim'nia" 'r d'cumentar% e*idence presented t' t8e $'ard '- can*assers $% at "east t>' mem$ers '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs >8' issued t8e certi-icateG ,r'*ided9 T8at -ai"ure t' present an% certi-icate '*'tes s8a"" $e a $ar t' t8e presentati'n '- 't8er e*idence t' impu(n t8e aut8enticit% '- t8e e"ecti'n returns

EU/ISP/UDENCE 250

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

OLOND/I;> Er. !". COMELEC (1( SC/A 1$8 A rec'unt '- *'tes is in 'rder >8ere a discrepanc% e4ists $et>een t8e *'tes >ritten in >'rds 'r in -i(ures ,u$"ic interest and s'*erei(n >i"" '- t8e pe'p"e e4pressed in t8eir $a""'ts must9 at a"" times9 $e t8e param'unt c'nsiderati'n in an e"ecti'n c'ntr'*ers%

Secti n $(3. 9,en inte-rit0 % +all t" i" !i late& . & I% 16 n t,e 6enin- % t,e +all t + 7 a" r&ere& +0 t,e C **i""i n 1n&er Secti n" $(8> $(4 an& $(2> ,ere %> it ", 1l& a66ear t,at t,ere are e!i&ence r "i-n" % re6lace*ent> ta*6erin- r !i lati n % t,e inte-rit0 % t,e +all t"> t,e C **i""i n ",all n t rec 1nt t,e +all t" +1t ",all % rt,=it, "eal t,e +all t + 7 an& r&er it" "a%e:ee6in-. Secti n $(8. Can!a"" % re*ainin- r 1nA1e"ti ne& ret1rn" t c ntin1e . & In ca"e" 1n&er Secti n" $((> $(8> $(4 an& $(2 ,ere %> t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all c ntin1e t,e can!a"" % t,e re*ainin- r 1nA1e"ti ne& electi n ret1rn". I%> a%ter t,e can!a"" % all t,e "ai& ret1rn"> it ", 1l& +e &eter*ine& t,at t,e ret1rn" =,ic, ,a!e +een "et a"i&e =ill a%%ect t,e re"1lt % t,e electi n> n 6r cla*ati n ",all +e *a&e e7ce6t 16 n r&er" % t,e C **i""i n a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-. An0 6r cla*ati n *a&e in !i lati n ,ere % ",all +e n1ll an& ! i&.

EU/ISP/UDENCE

CA/UNCHO III !". COMELEC (14 SC/A 2.( Due pr'cess in 5uasi7Cudicia" pr'ceedin(s $e-'re t8e COMELEC re5uires due n'tice and 8earin( T8e pr'c"amati'n '- a >innin( candidate cann't $e annu""ed i- 8e 8as n't $een n'ti-ied '- t8e m'ti'n t' set aside 8is pr'c"amati'n B% rea" interest is meant a present su$stantia" interest9 as distin(uis8ed -r'm a mere e4pectanc% 'r a -uture9 c'ntin(ent9 su$'rdinate9 'r c'nse5uentia" interest ?uasi7Cudicia" a(encies s8'u"d $e C'ined as pu$"ic resp'ndents $ut it is t8e dut% 't8e pri*ate resp'ndent t' appear and de-end suc8 a(enc%

251

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS An inc'mp"ete can*ass '- *'tes is i""e(a" and cann't $e t8e $asis '- a su$se5uent pr'c"amati'n A can*ass cann't $e re-"ecti*e '- t8e true *'te '- t8e e"ect'rate un"ess a"" returns are c'nsidered and n'ne is 'mitted Secti n $(.. 9atc,er". & Eac, can&i&ate> 6 litical 6art0 r c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie" ",all +e entitle& t a66 int ne =atc,er in t,e + ar& % can!a""er". T,e =atc,er ",all ,a!e t,e ri-,t t +e 6re"ent at> an& ta:e n te %> all t,e 6r cee&in-" % t,e + ar& % can!a""er"> t rea& t,e electi n ret1rn" =it, 1t t 1c,in- t,e*> t %ile a 6r te"t a-ain"t an0 irre-1larit0 in t,e electi n ret1rn" "1+*itte&> an& t +tain %r * t,e + ar& % can!a""er" a re" l1ti n t,ere n. Sec. $8). Electi n re"1ltin- in tie. # 9,ene!er it ",all a66ear %r * t,e can!a"" t,at t= r * re can&i&ate" ,a!e recei!e& an eA1al an& ,i-,e"t n1*+er % ! te"> r in ca"e" =,ere t= r * re can&i&ate" are t +e electe& % r t,e "a*e 6 "iti n an& t= r * re can&i&ate" recei!e& t,e "a*e n1*+er % ! te" % r t,e la"t 6lace in t,e n1*+er t +e electe&> t,e + ar& % can!a""er"> a%ter rec r&int,i" %act in it" *in1te"> ",all +0 re" l1ti n> 16 n %i!e &a0" n tice t all t,e tie& can&i&ate"> , l& a "6ecial 61+lic *eetin- at =,ic, t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all 6r cee& t t,e &ra=in- % l t" % t,e can&i&ate" =, ,a!e tie& an& ",all 6r clai* a" electe& t,e can&i&ate" =, *a0 +e %a! re& +0 l1c:> an& t,e can&i&ate" " 6r clai*e& ",all ,a!e t,e ri-,t t a""1*e %%ice in t,e "a*e *anner a" i% ,e ,a& +een electe& +0 6l1ralit0 % ! te. T,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all % rt,=it, *a:e a certi%icate "tatin- t,e na*e % t,e can&i&ate =, ,a& +een %a! re& +0 l1c: an& ,i" 6r cla*ati n n t,e +a"i" t,ere %. N t,in- in t,i" "ecti n ",all +e c n"tr1e& a" &e6ri!in- a can&i&ate % ,i" ri-,t t c nte"t t,e electi n. DISCUSSIONS BOA/D OF CAN'ASSE/S

Din&" an& C *6 "iti n % t,e B ar&" % Can!a""er"? ! Nati'na" B'ard '- Can*assers -'r ,resident and 6ice7,resident D c'mp'sed '- t8e Senate and t8e ;'use '- Representati*es in a C'int pu$"ic sessi'n assem$"ed A-ter transmissi'n '- t8e certi-icates '- can*ass and up'n receipt9 t8e ,resident '- t8e Senate s8a""9 n't "ater t8an t8irt% (&3) da%s a-ter e"ecti'n da%9 'pen a"" t8e certi-icates up'n determinati'n '- aut8enticit% and due e4ecuti'n '- t8e same can*ass t8e resu"ts -'r t8e president and *ice7president and u"timate"% pr'c"aim t8e >inner (Sec #& R A 2&.2) Nati'na" B'ard '- Can*assers -'r Senat'rs and ,art%7"ist Representati*es D c'mp'sed '- t8e C8airman and t8e mem$ers '- t8e COMELEC sittin( en $anc It s8a"" can*ass t8e resu"ts $% c'ns'"idatin( t8e certi-icates '- can*ass e"ectr'nica""% transmitted and u"timate"% pr'c"aim t8e >inners 252

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS & ,r'*incia" B'ard '- Can*assers D c'mp'sed '- t8e pr'*incia" e"ecti'n super*is'r 'r a "a>%er in t8e re(i'na" '--ice '- t8e COMELEC as c8airman9 t8e pr'*incia" -isca"9 as *ice7c8airman9 and t8e pr'*incia" superintendent 'sc8''"s as mem$er It s8a"" can*ass t8e *'tes -'r president9 *ice7president9 senat'rs9 mem$ers '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es and "'ca" e"ecti*e pr'*incia" '--icia"s $% c'ns'"idatin( a"" t8e resu"ts e"ectr'nica""% transmitted -r'm t8e cit%Kmunicipa"c'ns'"idatin( centers c'ntained in t8e data st'ra(e de*ices su$mitted $% t8e BOC '- municipa"ities and c'mp'nent cities Up'n c'mp"eti'n '- t8e can*ass it s8a"" pr'duce t8e certi-icates '- can*ass *'tes -'r t8e president9 *ice7 president and senat'rs and t8erea-ter pr'c"aim t8e e"ected >inners '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es and ,r'*incia" O--icia"s (Sec #3 R A 2&.2) Cit% B'ard '- Can*assers D c'mp'sed '- t8e cit% e"ecti'n re(istrar 'r a "a>%er '- t8e COMELEC9 as c8airman9 t8e cit% -isca" as *ice7c8airman and t8e cit% superintendent '- sc8''"s as mem$er In case t8ere t>' 'r m're cit% e"ecti'n re(istrar t8e COMELEC s8a"" desi(nate t8e 'ne >8' s8a"" act as c8airman It s8a"" can*ass t8e *'tes -'r president9 *ice7president9 senat'rs9 mem$ers '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es and e"ecti*e cit% '--icia"s $% c'ns'"idatin( a"" t8e certi-icates '- can*ass e"ectr'nica""% transmitted 'r t8e resu"ts c'ntained in t8e data st'ra(e de*ices used in t8e printin( '- t8e e"ecti'n returns Up'n c'mp"eti'n '- t8e can*ass it s8a"" pr'ceed >it8 t8e can*ass '- t8e *'tes -'r president9 *ice7president9 and senat'rs and t8erea-ter pr'c"aim t8e >innin( mem$er '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es and cit% '--icia"s Municipa" B'ard '- Can*assers D c'mp'sed '- t8e e"ecti'n re(istrar 'r a representati*e '- t8e COMELEC9 as c8airman9 t8e municipa" treasurer9 as *ice7c8airman and t8e m'st seni'r district sc8''" super*is'r 'r in 8is a$sence a principa" '- t8e sc8''" district 'r e"ementar% sc8''" as mem$er It s8a"" can*ass t8e *'tes -'r t8e president9 *ice7president9 senat'rs9 and parties 'r 'r(ani<ati'ns 'r c'a"iti'ns participatin( under t8e part%7"ist s%stem$% c'ns'"idatin( t8e e"ectr'nica""% transmitted resu"ts Up'n c'mp"eti'n '- t8e can*ass it s8a"" print t8e certi-icate '- can*ass '- *'tes -'r t8e president9 *ice7president9 and senat'rs and mem$ers '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es and e"ecti*e pr'*incia" '--icia"s and t8erea-ter pr'c"aim t8e >innin( municipa" candidates District B'ard '- Can*assers 7 In t8e Metr' Mani"a area9 eac8 municipa"it% c'mprisin( a "e(is"ati*e district s8a"" 8a*e a district $'ard '- can*assers >8ic8 s8a"" can*ass t8e *'tes -'r president9 *ice7president9 senat'rs9 mem$ers '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es and e"ecti*e municipa" '--icia"s $% c'ns'"idatin( t8e e"ectr'nica""% transmitted resu"ts 'r t8e resu"ts c'ntained in t8e data st'ra(e de*ices used in t8e printin( '- t8e e"ecti'n returns Up'n c'mp"eti'n '- t8e can*ass9 it s8a"" pr'duce t8e certi-icate '- can*ass '- *'tes -'r president9 *ice7president9 and senat'rs and t8erea-ter9 pr'c"aim t8e e"ected mem$ers '- t8e ;'use Representati*es and municipa" '--icia"s T8e district $'ard '- can*assers '- eac8 "e(is"ati*e district c'mprisin( t>' municipa"ities in t8e Metr' Mani"a area s8a"" can*ass t8e *'tes -'r president9 *ice7president9 senat'rs and mem$ers '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es $% 253

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS c'ns'"idatin( t8e certi-icates '- can*ass e"ectr'nica""% transmitted -r'm t8e cit%Kmunicipa" c'ns'"idatin( centers 'r t8e resu"ts c'ntained in t8e data st'ra(e de*ices su$mitted $% t8e municipa" $'ard '- can*assers '- t8e c'mp'nent municipa"ities Up'n c'mp"eti'n '- t8e can*ass It s8a"" pr'duce a certi-icate '- t8e can*ass *'tes -'r president9 *ice7president9 senat'rs and t8erea-ter9 pr'c"aim t8e e"ected mem$ers '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es in t8e "e(is"ati*e district

/1le" an& Pr ce&1re ! # T8e c8airpers'n '- t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs must *a"idate t8e IButt'n securit% =e% Suc8 c8airpers'n t8en c"'ses t8e *'tin(9 $% pressin( t8e CLOSE 6OTIN@ 'pti'n 'n t8e screen '- t8e ,COS mac8ine9 n' $a""'ts s8a"" $e accepted a-ter t8is pr'cess T8e t>' 't8er mem$ers '- t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n inspect'rs9 $ein( t8e p'"" c"er= and t>' 't8er mem$ers must enter t8eir assi(ned ,IN9 a-ter>8ic8 t8e ,COS mac8ine >i"" c'unt t8e *'tes cast and accepted Ei(8t (1) c'pies '- $'t8 t8e nati'na" and "'ca" e"ecti'n9 respecti*e"%9 s8a"" $e printed a-ter t8e mac8ine is d'ne c'untin( t8e *'tes T8e c8airman '- t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs s8a"" ann'unce t8e t'ta" num$er '- *'tes recei*ed $% t8e candidates and t8eir respecti*e p'siti'ns T8e p'"" c"er= >i"" ann'unce t8e p'stin( '- a sec'nd c'p% '- t8e e"ecti'n returns -'r nati'na" and "'ca" p'siti'ns It s8a"" $e p'sted 'n a >a"" >it8in t8e premises '- t8e p'""in( p"ace

&

) +

EU/ISP/UDENCE DO/OMAL !". BI/ON an& COMELEC G./. N . 1818).> Fe+r1ar0 13> $)1) In sum9 it >as 8i(8"% irre(u"ar -'r t8e COMELEC t' 'utri(8t e4c"ude t8e su$Cect returns resu"tin( in t8e disen-ranc8isement '- s'me !9!#0 *'ters as per t8e rec'rds 't8is case T8e pr'per pr'cedure in case '- discrepanc% in t8e 't8er aut8entic c'pies 't8e e"ecti'n returns is c"ear"% spe""ed 'ut in Secti'n #&. '- t8e OEC /'r c'ntra*enin( t8is "e(a" pr'*isi'n9 t8e COMELEC acted >it8 (ra*e a$use '- discreti'n am'untin( t' "ac= 'r e4cess '- Curisdicti'n 254

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS SAKO> Er. !". COMELEC> et al. G./. N . 18$$$1> Fe+r1ar0 (> $)1) C'nsistent >it8 t8e summar% c8aracter and "imited sc'pe '- a pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers%9 Secti'n #3 '- RA 0!.. "a%s d'>n t8e pr'cedure t' $e -'""'>ed >8en E"ecti'n Returns (ER) are c'ntested $e-'re t8e B'ard '- Can*assers (BOC) C'mp"iance >it8 t8is pr'cedure is mandat'r%9 s' as t' permit t8e BOC t' res'"*e t8e '$Cecti'ns as 5uic="% as p'ssi$"e Secti'n #3 '- RA 0!.. and Secti'n &. 'COMELEC Res'"uti'n #2.# pr'*ide t8at an% candidate ma% c'ntest t8e inc"usi'n 'an ER $% ma=in( an 'ra" '$Cecti'n at t8e time t8e 5uesti'ned return is su$mitted -'r can*assH t8e '$Cectin( part% s8a"" a"s' su$mit 8is '$Cecti'ns in >ritin( simu"tane'us"% >it8 t8e 'ra" '$Cecti'ns T8e BOC s8a"" c'nsider t8e >ritten '$Cecti'ns and 'pp'siti'n9 i- an%9 and summari"% ru"e 'n t8e petiti'n -'r e4c"usi'n An% part% ad*erse"% a--ected $% suc8 ru"in( must immediate"% in-'rm t8e BOC i- 8e intends t' appea" suc8 ru"in( A-ter t8e BOC ru"es 'n t8e c'ntested returns and can*asses a"" t8e unc'ntested returns9 it s8a"" suspend t8e can*ass An% part% ad*erse"% a--ected $% t8e ru"in( 8as )1 8'urs t' -i"e a N'tice '- Appea"H t8e appea" s8a"" $e -i"ed >it8in -i*e da%s Up'n receipt '- t8e n'tice '- appea"9 t8e BOC >i"" ma=e its rep'rt t' t8e COMELEC9 and e"e*ate t8e rec'rds and e*idence M're'*er9 pursuant t' Secti'n #&+ '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de9 in cases >8ere t8e ERs appear t' 8a*e $een tampered >it89 a"tered 'r -a"si-ied9 t8e COMELEC s8a"" e4amine t8e 't8er c'pies '- t8e 5uesti'ned returns and9 i- t8e 't8er c'pies are "i=e>ise tampered >it89 a"tered9 -a"si-ied9 'r 't8er>ise spuri'us9 a-ter 8a*in( (i*en n'tice t' a"" candidates and satis-ied itse"- t8at t8e inte(rit% '- t8e $a""'t $'4 and 't8e $a""'ts t8erein 8a*e $een du"% preser*ed9 s8a"" 'rder a rec'unt '- t8e *'tes cast9 prepare a ne> return >8ic8 s8a"" $e used $% t8e BOC as $asis -'r t8e can*ass9 and direct t8e pr'c"amati'n '- t8e >inner acc'rdin("% Based 'n t8e rec'rds '- t8is case9 >e -ind t8at petiti'ner -ai"ed t' time"% ma=e 8is '$Cecti'ns t' t8e c'ntested ERs

255

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS A/TICLE 55 P/E#P/OCLAMATION CONT/O'E/SIES

Sec. $81. De%initi n. # A 6re#6r cla*ati n c ntr !er"0 re%er" t an0 A1e"ti n 6ertainin- t r a%%ectin- t,e 6r cee&in-" % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" =,ic, *a0 +e rai"e& +0 an0 can&i&ate r +0 an0 re-i"tere& 6 litical 6art0 r c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie" +e% re t,e + ar& r &irectl0 =it, t,e C **i""i n> r an0 *atter rai"e& 1n&er Secti n" $((> $(8> $(4 an& $(2 in relati n t t,e 6re6arati n> tran"*i""i n> recei6t> c1"t &0 an& a66reciati n % t,e electi n ret1rn".

DISCUSSIONS

T8e !210 C'nstituti'n9 Art IO7C9 Secti'n # (&) pr'*ides t8at C'mmissi'n s8a"" Edecide9 e4cept t8'se in*'"*in( t8e ri(8t t' *'te9 a"" 5uesti'ns a--ectin( e"ecti'ns F T8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" decide 5uesti'ns a--ectin( t8e c'nduct '- castin( and c'untin( '- *'tes and it >i"" $e determined $ased 'n t8e e*idences presented $% t8e parties i- it am'unts t' a pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% 'r i- it is an e"ecti'n c'ntest As >e are ad'pted t8e aut'mated e"ecti'n9 t8e '"d >a% '- *'tin( is "'n( ('ne T8e B'ard 'Can*assers are re5uired t' use t8e e"ectr'nica""% transmitted returns -'r t8e pr'cess '(eneratin( t8eir certi-icate '- can*ass T8e purp'se '- pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% is t' ascertain t8e >innerKs in t8e e"ecti'n 'n t8e $asis '- t8e e"ecti'n returns transmitted t' t8e B'ard '- Can*assers Pre#Pr cla*ati n C ntr !er"ie" A ,re7,r'c"amati'n C'ntr'*ers% under Ru"e & '- Res'"uti'n n' 113)G Secti n 1. -re--roclamation 5ontroversy. 7 A pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% re-ers t' t8e pr'ceedin(s '- t8e $'ard '- can*assers >8ic8 ma% $e raised $% an% candidates 'r $% an% re(istered p'"itica" part% 'r c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" parties9 'r $% an% accredited and participatin( part% "ist (r'up9 $e-'re t8e $'ard 'r direct"% >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n It c'*ers 'n"% t>' issuesG a I""e(a" c'mp'siti'n '- t8e B'ard '- Can*assers (BOC)H T8ere is i""e(a" c'mp'siti'n '- t8e BOC >8en9 am'n( 't8er simi"ar circumstances9 an% '- t8e mem$ers d' n't p'ssess "e(a" 5ua"i-icati'ns and app'intments T8e in-'rmati'n tec8n'"'(% capa$"e pers'n re5uired t' assist t8e BOC $% Repu$"ic Act N' 2&.2 s8a"" $e inc"uded as am'n( 256

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS t8'se >8'se "ac= '- 5ua"i-icati'ns ma% $e 5uesti'ned (Sec ! Ru"e ) 'Res'"uti'n n' 113)) $ I""e(a" pr'ceedin(s '- t8e BOC

T8ere is i""e(a" pr'ceedin(s '- t8e BOC >8en t8e can*assin( is a s8am 'r mere cerem'n%9 t8e resu"ts '- >8ic8 are pre7determined and manipu"ated as >8en an% '- t8e -'""'>in( circumstances are presentG ! # & ) precipitate can*assin(H terr'rismH "ac= '- su--icient n'tice t' t8e mem$ers '- t8e BOCBsH Impr'per *enue (Sec #9 Ru"e ) '- Res'"uti'n n' 113))

T8e $asis '- t8e can*ass s8a"" $e e"ectr'nica""% transmitted resu"ts T8e COMELEC 8as e4c"usi*e Curisdicti'n in pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ersies arisin( -r'm nati'na"9 re(i'na" pr "'ca" e"ecti'ns A pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% ma% $e raisedG ! # $% an% candidate $% an% re(istered p'"itica" part%9 'r(ani<ati'n9 'r c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" parties $e-'re t8e BOC9 'r direct"% >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n (Sec # Ru"e & '- Res'"uti'n n' 113))

T8e -'""'>in( are t8e Ri(8ts '- ,'"itica" ,arties and Candidates Be-'re t8e B'ard 'Can*assers in ,re7,r'c"amati'n cases G ! A"" re(istered p'"itica" parties9 'r(ani<ati'ns9 'r c'a"iti'ns '- p'"itica" parties9 and accredited citi<ensB arms9 and candidates9 8a*e t8e ri(8t t' $e present and t' $e represented $% c'unse" durin( t8e can*ass '- e"ecti'n returns9 'r certi-icates '- can*ass On"% 'ne c'unse" ma% ar(ue -'r eac8 re(istered p'"itica" part%9 'r(ani<ati'n9 'r c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" parties9 accredited citi<ensB arm 'r candidate N' di"at'r% acti'n s8a"" $e a""'>ed $% t8e BOC It ma% imp'se time "imits -'r 'ra" ar(uments A"" re(istered p'"itica" parties9 'r(ani<ati'ns9 'r c'a"iti'ns '- p'"itica" parties9 and candidates9 are entit"ed t' '$tain a c'p% '- t8e Statement '6'tes per precinct and a c'p% '- t8e certi-icate '- can*ass du"% aut8enticated $% t8e BOC (Sec &9 Ru"e & '- Res'"uti'n n' 113)) 257

& )

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS EU/ISP/UDENCE As 8e"d in t8e case '- Da("'c *s COMELEC (@ R N' !&12.29 Decem$er !09 !222)9 it is summar% in nature and it intends t' st'p t8e practice '- E(ra$$in( t8e pr'c"amati'n and pr'"'n(in( t8e pr'test9F $a"ancin( suc8 situati'ns a(ainst s8'rtenin( t8e time >8ere n' >inners are pr'c"aimed

LUCMAN !". COMELEC G./. N . 122$$.> E1ne $.> $))4 ,re7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ersies are "imited t' c8a""en(es directed a(ainst t8e B'ard '- Can*assers and pr'ceedin(s $e-'re said B'ard re"atin( t' particu"ar e"ecti'n returns t' >8ic8 pri*ate resp'ndent s8'u"d 8a*e made speci-ic *er$a" '$Cecti'ns su$se5uent"% reduced t' >ritin( A pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% is "imited t' an e4aminati'n '- t8e e"ecti'n returns 'n t8eir -ace As a ru"e9 t8e COMELEC is "imited t' an e4aminati'n '- t8e e"ecti'n returns 'n t8eir -ace It is $e%'nd t8e COMELECAs Curisdicti'n t' (' $e%'nd t8e -ace '- t8e returns 'r in*esti(ate e"ecti'n irre(u"arities T8e pr'ceedin(s in a pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% are summar% in nature Recepti'n '- e*idence a"iunde9 suc8 as t8e List '- 6'ters >it8 6'tin( Rec'rd and t8e 6RRs9 is pr'scri$ed Issues suc8 as -raud 'r terr'rism attendant t' t8e e"ecti'n pr'cess9 t8e res'"uti'n '- >8ic8 >'u"d c'mpe" 'r necessitate t8e COMELEC t' pierce t8e *ei" 'e"ecti'n returns >8ic8 appear t' $e prima -acie re(u"ar9 'n t8eir -ace9 are anat8ema t' a pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% Suc8 issues s8'u"d $e p'sed and res'"*ed in a re(u"ar e"ecti'n pr'test9 >8ic8 is >it8in t8e 'ri(ina" Curisdicti'n '- t8e Re(i'na" Tria" C'urt (RTC) In a re(u"ar e"ecti'n pr'test9 t8e parties ma% "iti(ate a"" t8e "e(a" and -actua" issues raised $% t8em inasmuc8 detai" as t8e% ma% deem necessar% 'r appr'priate

SA/ANGANI !". COMELEC G./. N ". 14442)#2$> N !e*+er 11> $))( T8e Supreme C'urt stated t8at its -uncti'n is mere"% t' c8ec= 'r t' ascertain >8ere COMELEC mi(8t 8a*e ('ne -ar astra% -r'm parameters "aid d'>n $% "a> $ut n't t' supp"ant its -actua" -indin(s S' "'n( as its -indin(s are n't ar$itrar% and un-'unded9 t8e C'urt is n't at "i$ert% t' discard and i(n're suc8 -indin(s In a pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers%9 t8e $'ard '- can*assers and t8e COMELEC are n't re5uired t' "''= $e%'nd 'r $e8ind t8e e"ecti'n returns >8ic8 are 'n t8eir -ace re(u"ar and aut8entic W8ere a part% see=s t' raise issues t8e res'"uti'n 'n >8ic8 >'u"d necessitate t8e COMELEC t' pierce t8e *ei" '- e"ecti'n returns >8ic8 are prima -acie re(u"ar9 t8e pr'per remed% >'u"d $e a re(u"ar e"ecti'n pr'test and n't a pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% T8e rec'rds9 as >e"" as t8e -indin(s '- t8e COMELEC en $anc9 >'u"d disc"'se t8at t8e '"d ,BC did n't c'n*ene 'n its sc8edu"ed 8earin( 'n &3 June #33! >8ere it >as 258

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS supp'sed t' pr'mu"(ate its ru"in(H instead9 it mere"% su$mitted t8e same t' t8e O--ice '- t8e Secretar% '- t8e COMELEC 'n 3# Ju"% #33! On said date ('- 3# Ju"% #33!)9 t8e COMELEC9 >it8'ut $ein( a>are t8at t8e 'ri(ina" ,BC su$mitted its ru"in(s t' t8e O--ice '- t8e Secretar% '- COMELEC9 issued an 'rder c8an(in( t8e c'mp'siti'n '- t8e B'ard '- Can*assers It >as t8en $e-'re t8e ne> B'ard '- Can*assers t8at petiti'ner c'u"d raise 8is '$Cecti'ns t' t8e ru"in( '- t8e 'ri(ina" $'ard In sum9 t8e COMELEC en $anc 8as n't c'mmitted (ra*e a$use '- discreti'n in annu""in( and settin( aside t8e ru"in( '- its Sec'nd Di*isi'n and in 'rderin( t8e inc"usi'n '- t8e COCs -r'm t8e municipa"ities '- Wa' and Bu$'n(9 Lana' de" Sur9 in t8e can*ass 't8e !)t8 Ma% #33! e"ecti'n resu"ts -'r t8e p'siti'n '- ('*ern'r '- Lana' de" Sur T8e C'urt reiterates t8e ru"e t8at9 un"ess t8e COMELEC is s8'>n t' 8a*e c'mmitted (ra*e a$use '- discreti'n9 its decisi'n >i"" n't $e inter-ered >it8 $% t8e C'urt

MACABAGO !". COMELEC an& SALACOP G./. N . 14$12(> N !e*+er 18> $))$ On Ma% ##9 #33!9 Maca$a(' >as pr'c"aimed $% t8e Municipa" B'ard '- Can*assers as t8e >innin( candidate -'r t8e Municipa" Ma%'r '- Sa(uiran9 Lana' de" Sur9 >it8 a "ead '- !21 *'tes as a(ainst Sa"ac'p Sa"ac'p -i"ed a petiti'n a(ainst t8e pr'c"aimed '--icia"s9 inc"udin( t8e 6ice Ma%'r and C'unci"'rs9 as >e"" as t8e mem$ers '- t8e Municipa" B'ard '- Can*assers ;e a""e(ed t8at t8ere >as a massi*e su$stituti'n '*'tes and rampant irre(u"arities in *'tin( pr'cedures in a num$er '- precincts9 and -ai"ure '- t8e BEI t' c'mp"% >it8 t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de Maca$a(' denied t8e a""e(ati'ns '- Sa"ac'p t8at raised a pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% and rati'na"i<ed t8at t8e (r'unds re"ied $% Sa"ac'p >'u"d $e pr'per in an e"ecti'n pr'test T8e COMELEC en $anc t''= c'(ni<ance '- t8e petiti'n and directed t8e E"ecti'n O--icer '- Sa(uiran9 Lana' de" Sur9 t' $rin( t' and pr'duce $e-'re t8e COMELEC O--ice in Mani"a t8e 'ri(ina" 6'ter Re(istrati'n Rec'rds9 presented $% Sa"ac'p9 '- t8e 5uesti'ned precincts -'r tec8nica" e4aminati'n T8e COMELEC c'nc"uded t8at t8ere >as c'n*incin( pr''- '- massi*e -raud in t8e c'nduct '- t8e e"ecti'ns It -urt8er n'ted t8at t8e 'utc'me '- t8e petiti'n >'u"d ad*erse"% a--ect t8e resu"t '- t8e e"ecti'ns Maca$a(' -i"ed a petiti'n -'r certi'rari under Ru"e .+ It >as 8e"d t8at t8e petiti'n -i"ed $% Sa"ac'p is n't a pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% 'r -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n ,re7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ersies are pr'per"% "imited t' c8a""en(es directed a(ainst t8e B'ard '- Can*assers and pr'ceedin(s $e-'re said B'ard re"atin( t' particu"ar e"ecti'n returns t' >8ic8 Sa"ac'p s8'u"d 8a*e made speci-ic *er$a" '$Cecti'ns su$se5uent"% reduced t' >ritin( T8e pr'ceedin(s are summar% in natureH t8us9 t8e recepti'n '- e*idence a"iunde9 e ( t8e 'ri(ina" c'pies '- t8e 6RRs9 is pr'scri$ed In -ine9 in pre7pr'c"amati'n pr'ceedin(s9 t8e COMELEC is n't t' "''= $e%'nd 'r $e8ind e"ecti'n returns >8ic8 are 'n t8eir -ace re(u"ar and aut8entic returns Issues suc8 as -raud 'r terr'rism attendant t' t8e e"ecti'n pr'cess9 t8e res'"uti'n '- >8ic8 >'u"d c'mpe" 'r necessitate t8e COMELEC t' pierce t8e *ei" 'e"ecti'n returns >8ic8 appear t' $e prima -acie re(u"ar9 'n t8eir -ace9 are anat8ema t' a pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% Suc8 issues s8'u"d $e p'sed and res'"*ed in a re(u"ar e"ecti'n pr'test 259

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Sa"ac'pAs petiti'n >it8 t8e COMELEC a""e(ed t8at -raud and irre(u"arities are perpetrated $% unscrupu"'us indi*idua"s9 in c'nspirac% >it8 t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs Suc8 (r'unds are n't pr'per $ases -'r a pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% $ut are appr'priate -'r a re(u"ar e"ecti'n c'ntest >it8in t8e 'ri(ina" Curisdicti'n '- t8e Re(i'na" Tria" C'urt Neit8er is Sa"ac'pAs petiti'n 'ne -'r dec"arati'n '- a -ai"ure 'e"ecti'ns in Sa(uiran9 Lana' de" Sur Secti'n .9 Artic"e ! '- R A N' 0!.. Under Secti'n +9 Artic"e ! '- t8e a-'rementi'ned "a>9 t8e matter '- t8e p'stp'nement 'r dec"arati'n '- -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n and t8e ca""in( '- a specia" e"ecti'n as pr'*ided -'r in Secti'n .9 s8a"" $e decided $% t8e COMELEC sittin( En Banc $% a maC'rit% 'its mem$ers Be-'re t8e COMELEC can (rant a *eri-ied petiti'n see=in( t' dec"are a -ai"ure 'e"ecti'n9 t8e c'ncurrence '- t>' (#) c'nditi'ns must $e esta$"is8ed9 name"%G (a) n' *'tin( 8as ta=en p"ace in t8e precincts c'ncerned 'n t8e date -i4ed $% "a> 'r9 e*en it8ere >as *'tin(9 t8e e"ecti'n ne*ert8e"ess resu"ted in a -ai"ure t' e"ectH ($) t8e *'tes cast >'u"d a--ect t8e resu"t '- t8e e"ecti'n W8i"e -raud is a (r'und t' dec"are a -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n9 suc8 -raud must $e 'ne t8at pre*ents 'r suspends t8e 8'"din( '- an e"ecti'n9 inc"udin( t8e preparati'n and transmissi'n '- t8e e"ecti'n returns I/ai"ure t' e"ectI must $e underst''d in its "itera" senseL>8ic8 is9 n'$'d% emer(es as a >inner T8e $are-aced -act t8at a candidate 8as $een pr'c"aimed and 8as assumed '--ice d'es n't depri*e t8e COMELEC '- its aut8'rit% t' annu" an% can*ass and i""e(a" pr'c"amati'n A petiti'n -'r t8e annu"ment '- e"ecti'n is n't t8e same as 'ne in*'"*in( a pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% Sa"ac'p a""e(ed in 8is petiti'n >it8 t8e COMELEC En Banc t8at t8e e"ecti'ns ensued in t8e su$Cect precincts and t8at Maca$a(' emer(ed as t8e >inner and >as in -act pr'c"aimed as suc8 $% t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs In sum t8en9 t8e (r'unds a""e(ed are t8'se -'r a re(u"ar e"ecti'n pr'test and are n't pr'per in a pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers%H n'r is suc8 petiti'n 'ne -'r annu"ment 't8e e"ecti'ns 'r -'r a dec"arati'n '- -ai"ure '- e"ecti'ns in t8e municipa"it% 'Sa(uiran9 Lana' de" Sur T8e COMELEC s8'u"d 8a*e 'rdered t8e dismissa" '- t8e petiti'n instead '- issuin( t8e assai"ed 'rder T8e COMELEC t8us c'mmitted a (ra*e a$use '- its discreti'n am'untin( t' e4cess 'r "ac= '- Curisdicti'n in issuin( t8e same T8e err'r is c'rrecti$"e $% t8e specia" ci*i" acti'n -'r certi'rari

Sec. $8$. C **i""i nG" e7cl1"i!e B1ri"&icti n % all 6re#6r cla*ati n c ntr !er"ie". # T,e C **i""i n ",all ,a!e e7cl1"i!e B1ri"&icti n % all 6re# 6r cla*ati n c ntr !er"ie". It *a0 * t1 6r 6ri r 16 n =ritten 6etiti n> an& a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-> r&er t,e 6artial r t tal "1"6en"i n % t,e 6r cla*ati n % an0 can&i&ate#elect r ann1al 6artiall0 r t tall0 an0 6r cla*ati n> i% ne ,a" +een *a&e> a" t,e e!i&ence ",all =arrant in acc r&ance =it, t,e "1ccee&in- "ecti n".

260

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS EU/ISP/UDENCE

SANDO'AL !". COMELEC an& O/ETA G./. N . 1((88$> Ean1ar0 $2> $))) As a general rule9 candidates and re(istered p'"itica" parties in*'"*ed in an e"ecti'n are a""'>ed t' -i"e pre7pr'c"amati'n cases $e-'re t8e COMELEC ,re7pr'c"amati'n cases re-er t' an% 5uesti'n pertainin( t' 'r a--ectin( t8e pr'ceedin(s '- t8e $'ard 'can*assers >8ic8 ma% $e raised $% an% candidate 'r $% an% re(istered p'"itica" part% 'r c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" parties $e-'re t8e $'ard 'r direct"% >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n9 'r an% matter raised under Secti'ns #&&9 #&)9 #&+ and #&. in re"ati'n t' t8e preparati'n9 transmissi'n9 receipt9 cust'd% and appreciati'n 'e"ecti'n returns T8e COMELEC 8as e4c"usi*e Curisdicti'n '*er a"" pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ersies As an exception9 8'>e*er9 t' t8e (enera" ru"e9 Secti'n !+ '- Repu$"ic Act (RA) 0!.. pr'8i$its candidates in t8e presidentia"9 *ice7presidentia"9 senat'ria" and c'n(ressi'na" e"ecti'ns -r'm -i"in( pre7pr'c"amati'n cases T8e p8rase Imotu proprioI d'es n't re-er t' t8e annu"ment '- pr'c"amati'n $ut t' t8e manner '- initiatin( t8e pr'ceedin(s t' annu" a pr'c"amati'n made $% t8e $'ard 'can*assers T8e "a> pr'*ides t>' >a%s $% >8ic8 annu"ment pr'ceedin(s ma% $e initiated It ma% $e at t8e '>n initiati*e '- t8e COMELEC ( motu proprio) 'r $% >ritten petiti'n In eit8er caseH n'tice and 8earin( is re5uired T8is is c"ear -r'm t8e "an(ua(e '- t8e "a>

Sec. $8(. I""1e" t,at *a0 +e rai"e& in 6re#6r cla*ati n c ntr !er"0. # T,e % ll =in- ",all +e 6r 6er i""1e" t,at *a0 +e rai"e& in a 6re#6r cla*ati n c ntr !er"0? (a) Ille-al c *6 "iti n r 6r cee&in-" % t,e + ar& % can!a""er"@ Pr cee&in-" % an i*6r 6erl0 c n"tit1te& B ar& % Can!a""er" are ille-al. It i" al" ille-al % r t,e + ar& t tran"act +1"ine"" =it, 1t a A1 r1* r =it, 1t &1e n tice t it" *e*+er". H1e"ti n" a%%ectin- t,e c *6 "iti n r 6r cee&in- % t,e + ar& *a0 +e initiate& in t,e + ar& r t t,e c **i""i n. In Paci" !". COMELEC> it =a" ,el& t,at t,e 6artie" a&!er"el0 a%%ecte& +0 a r1lin- % t,e + ar& re-ar&in- t,e a+ !e *atter *a0 a66eal t,e *atter t t,e C **i""i n =it,in t,ree (() &a0" %r * t,e r1lin- t,ere n> an& it ",all +e "1**aril0 &eci&e& =it,in %i!e (4) &a0" %r * t,e %ilin- t t,e C **i""i n.

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NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS In ,acis *s COMELEC9 #+ SCRA &2! it stated t8erein t8at >8ere si4 su$stitute mem$ers '- t8e B'ard '- Can*assers >ere dra>n -r'm t8e same part% >it8'ut as=in( t8e 't8er part% t' rec'mmend t8eir su$stitute t8e can*ass and t8e resu"tin( pr'c"amati'n are $'t8 nu"" and *'id In Na*arr' *s COMELEC (@ R !+30229 /e$ruar% &9 #33&)9 8'>e*er9 n'n7c'mp"iance $% a BOC '- t8e prescri$ed can*assin( pr'cedure is n't an i""e(a" pr'ceedin( under para(rap8 (a) '- sec #)& '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de9 (i*en t8e summar% nature '- a pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers%9 c'nsistent >it8 t8e "a>As desire t' can*ass and pr'c"amati'n $e de"a%ed as "itt"e as p'ssi$"e Acti*e participati'n in t8e pr'ceedin(s '- t8e B'ard '- Can*assers ma% $e deemed >ai*er 'n t8e part '- a petiti'ner (+) T,e can!a""e& electi n ret1rn" are inc *6lete> c ntain *aterial &e%ect"> a66ear t +e ta*6ere& =it, r %al"i%ie&> r c ntain &i"cre6ancie" in t,e "a*e ret1rn" r in t,er a1t,entic c 6ie" t,ere % a" *enti ne& in Secti n" $((> $(8> $(4 an& $(2 % t,i" C &e@ Un&er /.A. .(2.> =e n = ,a!e an electr nic can!a""in- =,erein electi n ret1rn" are in electr nic an& 6rinte& % r* &irectl0 6r &1ce& +0 t,e c 1ntin- r ! tin- *ac,ine an& t,e electi n" ret1rn" t,at =ill +e 1"e& are t, "e t,at are electr nicall0 tran"*itte& +0 t,e B ar& % In"6ect r" =,ic, +ear t,eir &i-ital "i-nat1re" =,ic, are ,ar& t ta*6er 1nle""> t,e0 +l c: t,e tran"*i""i n> 1"e Ba**er" r t,er &e!ice t,at =ill tran"*it r "en& a %al"e electi n ret1rn". T,e + ar& % can!a""er" *a0 6r clai* t,e can&i&ate" electe& n t=it,"tan&in- t,e %act t,at n t all ret1rn" ,a!e +een tran"*itte& electr nicall0 a" l n- a" t,e *i""in- electi n ret1rn" =ill n t a%%ect t,e re"1lt % t,e electi n. (c) T,e electi n ret1rn" =ere 6re6are& 1n&er &1re""> t,reat"> c erci n> r inti*i&ati n> r t,e0 are +!i 1"l0 *an1%act1re& r n t a1t,entic@ an& An electi n ret1rn 6re6are& at t,e 6 int % a -1n i" n t a ret1rn at all. In t,e a1t *ate& electi n" &1re""> t,reat"> c erci n> r inti*i&ati n i" li*ite& "ince t,e BEI =ill nl0 ,a!e t 61", t,e +1tt n an& a%%i7 t,eir "i-nat1re t tran"*it t,e electi n ret1rn". In Baterina !". COMELEC> a+"ence r lac: % &i-ital "i-nat1re" in t,e tran"*itte& ret1rn"> =,ile inten&e& t &i"c 1ra-e t,e 6re6arati n % %al"i%ie& ret1rn"> & e" n t -i!e ri"e t a 6re"1*6ti n t,at t,e electi n ret1rn" are *an1%act1re& r "61ri 1" an& ", 1l& c n"eA1entl0 +e e7cl1&e& in t,e can!a"". Se+a"tian !". COMELEC> t,at a 6re#6r cla*ati n c ntr !er"0 i" li*ite& t an e7a*inati n % t,e electi n ret1rn" n t,eir %ace. T,e COMELEC a" a -eneral r1le nee& n t - +e0 n& t,e %ace % t,e ret1rn" an& in!e"ti-ate t,e alle-e& electi n irre-1laritie".

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NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (&) 9,en "1+"tit1te r %ra1&1lent ret1rn" in c ntr !erte& 6 llin- 6lace" =ere can!a""e&> t,e re"1lt" % =,ic, *ateriall0 a%%ecte& t,e "tan&in- % t,e a--rie!e& can&i&ate r can&i&ate".

EU/ISP/UDENCE

BELAC !". COMELEC (42 SC/A (.8 Secti'n #)! '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de pr'*ides t8at a pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% re-ers t' an% 5uesti'n pertainin( t' 'r a--ectin( t8e pr'ceedin(s '- t8e B'ard '- Can*assers >8ic8 ma% $e raised $% an% candidate 'r $% an% re(istered p'"itica" part% 'r c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" parties $e-'re t8e B'ard 'r direct"% >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n Secti'n #)& '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de enumerates t8e speci-ic issues t8at ma% $e raised in a pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% In a pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers%9 t8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns (COMELEC)9 as a ru"e9 is restricted t' an e4aminati'n '- t8e e"ecti'n returns and is >it8'ut Curisdicti'n t' (' $e%'nd 'r $e8ind t8em and in*esti(ate e"ecti'n irre(u"arities T8e p'"ic% c'nsiderati'n under"%in( t8e de"imitati'n $'t8 '- su$stanti*e (r'und and pr'cedure is t8e p'"ic% t' determine as 5uic="% as p'ssi$"e t8e resu"t '- t8e e"ecti'n 'n t8e $asis '- t8e can*ass ,re7 pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ersies are mandated $% "a> t' $e summari"% disp'sed '- ,re7 pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ersies9 $% t8eir *er% nature9 are t' $e res'"*ed in summar% pr'ceedin(s >8ic8 '$*i'us"% s8'u"d $e disp'sed '- >it8'ut an% unnecessar% de"a% Sec. $88. C nte"te& c *6 "iti n r 6r cee&in-" % t,e + ar&. # 9,en t,e c *6 "iti n r 6r cee&in-" % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" are c nte"te&> t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all> =it,in t=ent0#% 1r , 1r"> *a:e a r1lin- t,ere n =it, n tice t t,e c nte"tant =, > i% a&!er"el0 a%%ecte&> *a0 a66eal t,e *atter t t,e C **i""i n =it,in %i!e &a0" a%ter t,e r1lin- =it, 6r 6er n tice t t,e + ar& % can!a""er". A%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-> t,e C **i""i n ",all &eci&e t,e ca"e =it,in ten &a0" %r * t,e %ilin- t,ere %. D1rin- t,e 6en&enc0 % t,e ca"e> t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all "1"6en& t,e can!a"" 1ntil t,e C **i""i n r&er" t,e c ntin1ati n r re"1*6ti n t,ere % an& citin- t,eir rea" n" r -r 1n&" t,ere% r. Sec. $84. C nte"te& electi n ret1rn". # An0 can&i&ate> 6 litical 6art0 r c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie"> c nte"tin- t,e incl1"i n r e7cl1"i n in t,e can!a"" % an0 electi n ret1rn" n an0 % t,e -r 1n&" a1t, ri<e& 1n&er t,i" article r in Secti n" $(8> $(4 an& $(2 % Article 5I5 ",all "1+*it t,eir !er+al +Becti n" t t,e c,air*an % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" at t,e ti*e t,e A1e"ti ne& ret1rn" i" 6re"ente& % r incl1"i n r e7cl1"i n> =,ic, +Becti n" ",all +e n te& in t,e *in1te" % t,e can!a""in-.

263

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS T,e + ar& % can!a""er" 16 n recei6t % an0 "1c, +Becti n" ",all a1t *aticall0 &e%er t,e can!a"" % t,e c nte"te& ret1rn" an& ",all 6r cee& t can!a"" t,e re"t % t,e ret1rn" =,ic, are n t c nte"te& +0 an0 6art0. 9it,in t=ent0#% 1r , 1r" %r * an& a%ter t,e 6re"entati n % a !er+al +Becti n> t,e "a*e ",all +e "1+*itte& in =ritten % r* t t,e + ar& % can!a""er". T,erea%ter> t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all ta:e 16 eac, c nte"te& ret1rn> c n"i&er t,e =ritten +Becti n" t,eret an& "1**aril0 r1le t,ere n. Sai& r1lin",all +e *a&e ral initiall0 an& t,en re&1ce& t =ritin- +0 t,e + ar& =it,in t=ent0#% 1r , 1r" %r * t,e ti*e t,e ral r1lin- i" *a&e. An0 6art0 a&!er"el0 a%%ecte& +0 an ral r1lin- n it"J,i" +Becti n ",all i**e&iatel0 "tate rall0 =,et,er itJ,e inten&" t a66eal "ai& r1lin-. T,e "ai& intent t a66eal ",all +e "tate& in t,e *in1te" % t,e can!a""in-. I% a 6art0 *ani%e"t" it" intent t a66eal> t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all "et a"i&e t,e ret1rn an& 6r cee& t r1le n t,e t,er c nte"te& ret1rn". 9,en all t,e c nte"te& ret1rn" ,a!e +een r1le& 16 n +0 it> t,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all "1"6en& t,e can!a"" an& ",all *a:e an a66r 6riate re6 rt t t,e C **i""i n> c 60 %1rni",e& t,e 6artie". T,e + ar& % can!a""er" ",all n t 6r clai* an0 can&i&ate a" =inner 1nle"" a1t, ri<e& +0 t,e C **i""i n a%ter t,e latter ,a" r1le& n t,e +Becti n" +r 1-,t t it n a66eal +0 t,e l "in- 6art0 an& an0 6r cla*ati n *a&e in !i lati n ,ere % ",all +e ! i& a+ initi > 1nle"" t,e c nte"te& ret1rn" =ill n t a&!er"el0 a%%ect t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n.

EU/ISP/UDENCE

OCAMPO !". COMELEC> MUNICIPAL BOA/D OF CAN'ASSE/S OF STA. /ITA> PAMPANGA an& SALALILA> G./. N . 1(2$8$> Fe+r1ar0 14> $))) T8at t8e e"ecti'n returns >ere '$*i'us"% manu-actured must $e e*ident -r'm t8e -ace '- said d'cuments In t8e a$sence '- a str'n( e*idence esta$"is8in( spuri'usness 't8e returns9 t8e $asic ru"e t8at t8e e"ecti'n returns s8a"" $e acc'rded prima facie status as /ona fide rep'rts '- t8e resu"ts '- t8e c'unt '- t8e *'tes -'r can*assin( and pr'c"amati'n purp'ses must per-'rce pre*ai" T8e COMELEC en /anc did n't -ind an% si(ns '- a"terati'ns 'r tamperin( 'n t8e e"ecti'n returns n'r did t8e petiti'ner present an% 8ard e*idence '- suc8 irre(u"arit% T8e 'n"% t8in( >8ic8 >e surmise came t'' c"'se t' suc8 a c8an(e >as t8e >ritten superimp'siti'n made 'n t8e -ami"% names '- t8e candidates in t8e e"ecti'n returns '- t8e c"ustered precincts 2&7A and 2)7A T8is >as certain"% n't an a"terati'n 'r tamperin( since t8e COMELEC en /anc -'und t8at suc8 superimp'siti'n >as necessari"% d'ne in 'rder t' ma=e t8e names reada$"e N'net8e"ess9 petiti'ner -ai"ed t' deduce e*idence t' t8e c'ntrar% T8e 't8er 264

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS t8in( >8ic8 petiti'ner c'nsidered t8e returns t' $e I'$*i'us"% manu-acturedI >as t8e -act t8at petiti'ner (arnered <er' (3) *'tes in t8ree (&) precincts >8ic8 >as a""e(ed"% statistica""% impr'$a$"e /'r as "'n( as t8e e"ecti'n returns >8ic8 'n t8eir -ace appear re(u"ar and >antin( 'an% p8%sica" si(ns '- tamperin(9 a"terati'n 'r 't8er simi"ar *ice9 suc8 e"ecti'n returns cann't Cust $e unCusti-ia$"% e4c"uded T' "''= $e%'nd 'r $e8ind t8ese returns is n't a pr'per issue in a pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% as in t8e case at $ar

Sec. $82. S1**ar0 6r cee&in-" +e% re t,e C **i""i n. # All 6re#6r cla*ati n c ntr !er"ie" ",all +e ,ear& "1**aril0 +0 t,e C **i""i n a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-> an& it" &eci"i n" ",all +e e7ec1t r0 a%ter t,e la6"e % %i!e &a0" %r * recei6t +0 t,e l "in- 6art0 % t,e &eci"i n % t,e C **i""i n> 1nle"" re"traine& +0 t,e S16re*e C 1rt. Sec. $83. Partial 6r cla*ati n. # N t=it,"tan&in- t,e 6en&enc0 % an0 6re# 6r cla*ati n c ntr !er"0> t,e C **i""i n *a0> * t1 6r 6ri r 16 n t,e %ilin- % a !eri%ie& 6etiti n an& a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-> r&er t,e 6r cla*ati n % t,er =innin- can&i&ate" =, "e electi n =ill n t +e a%%ecte& +0 t,e 1tc *e % t,e c ntr !er"0. Sec. $88. E%%ect % %ilin- 6etiti n t ann1al r t "1"6en& t,e 6r cla*ati n. # T,e %ilin- =it, t,e C **i""i n % a 6etiti n t ann1al r t "1"6en& t,e 6r cla*ati n % an0 can&i&ate ",all "1"6en& t,e r1nnin- % t,e 6eri & =it,in =,ic, t %ile an electi n 6r te"t r A1 =arrant 6r cee&in-".

DISCUSSIONS

T8e pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ersies must -irst $e 8eard and decided $% a Di*isi'n 't8e C'mmissi'n T8e C'mmissi'n en $anc d'es n't 8a*e t8e aut8'rit% t' 8ear and decide t8ese cases in t8e -irst instance Under t8e C'me"ec Ru"es and ,r'cedures9 it is c"assi-ied as specia" cases an under t8e C'nstituti'n9 t8e di*isi'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n are *ested >it8 aut8'rit% t' 8ear and decide it and 8a*e t' $e 8eard and adCudicated -irst in t8ese "e*e" It is n't a pr'cedura" ru"e $ut Curisdicti'na" ;'>e*er9 a petiti'n -'r c'rrecti'n '- mani-est err'rs in t8e Statement '- 6'tes 'r in t8e ta$u"ati'n 'r ta""%in( '- t8e resu"ts9 a pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers%9 ma% $e -i"ed direct"% >it8 t8e COMELEC en $anc Instances >8ere it can $e $r'u(8t and $e 8eard $% t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc under t8e COMELEC Ru"es '- ,r'cedure inc"udesG

265

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS ! W8en t8e issue in*'"*es t8e i""e(a" c'mp'siti'n 'r pr'ceedin(s '- t8e $'ard '- can*assers as >8en a maC'rit% '- a"" t8e mem$ers d' n't 8'"d "e(a" app'intments 'r are in -act usurpersH 'r >8en t8e can*assin( 8as $een a mere cerem'n% t8at >as predetermined and manipu"ated t' resu"t in n't8in( $ut a s8am as >8ere t8ere >as c'n*er(ence '- circumstances '- precipitate can*assin(9 terr'rism9 "ac= '- su--icient n'tice t' t8e mem$ers '- t8e $'ard '- can*assers and disre(ard '- mani-est irre(u"arities 'n t8e -ace '- t8e 5uesti'ned returns 'r certi-icates 'can*ass in appr'priate casesH W8en t8e issue in*'"*es t8e c'rrecti'n '- mani-est err'rs in t8e ta$u"ati'n 'r ta""%in( '- t8e resu"ts durin( t8e can*assin( as >8ereG ! a c'p% '- t8e e"ecti'n returns 'r certi-icate '- can*as >as ta$u"ated m're t8an 'nce9 # t>' 'r m're c'pies '- t8e e"ecti'n returns '- 'ne precinct9 'r t>' 'r m're c'pies '- certi-icate '- can*as >ere ta$u"ated separate"%9 & t8ere 8ad $een a mista=e in t8e c'p%in( '- t8e -i(ures int' t8e statement '- *'tes 'r int' t8e certi-icate '- can*as9 ) s' ca""ed returns -r'm n'n7e4istent precincts >ere inc"uded in t8e can*ass9 $ut suc8 err'rs c'u"d n't 8a*e $een disc'*ered durin( t8e can*assin( despite t8e e4ercise '- due di"i(ence and pr'c"amati'n '- t8e >innin( candidates 8ad a"read% $een made

In a"" t8e a$'*e situati'ns9 it is re5uired t8at t8e num$er '- 5uesti'ned *'tes >i"" a--ect t8e resu"ts '- t8e e"ecti'n RA 0!.. sec !+ pr'*ides t8at -'r purp'ses '- t8e e"ecti'n -'r ,resident9 6ice7 ,resident9 Senat'r and Mem$er '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es9 n' pre7pr'c"amati'n cases s8a"" $e a""'>ed 'n matters re"atin( t' t8e preparati'n9 transmissi'n9 receipt9 cust'd% and appreciati'n '- t8e e"ecti'n returns 'r t8e certi-icates '- can*ass9 as t8e case ma% $e Secti'n !0 Artic"e 6I '- t8e !210 C'nstituti'n pr'*ides t8at t8e E"ect'ra" Tri$una" 't8e ;'use '- Representati*es is t8e Es'"e Cud(e '- a"" c'ntests re"atin( t' t8e e"ecti'n9 returns9 and 5ua"i-icati'nsF '- its mem$ers E"ect'ra" Tri$una" '- t8e Senate and t8e ;'use '- Representati*es t8e s'"e Cud(e 'a"" c'ntests re"atin( t' t8e e"ecti'n9 returns9 and 5ua"i-icati'ns '- t8eir respecti*e mem$ers ,etiti'nerAs '$Cecti'n re"atin( t' t8e preparati'n transmissi'n and appreciati'n '- t8e e"ecti'n returns 'r certi-icates '- can*ass -a""s >it8in t8e s'"e Curisdicti'n '- t8e ;'use E"ect'ra" Tri$una" EU/ISP/UDENCE 6in<'ns7C8at' *s COMELEC9 @ R N' !0.+.& Apri" #9 #3309 stated t8at t8e >innin( candidate 8as $een pr'c"aimed9 ta=en 8is 'at89 and assumed '--ice as a Mem$er '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es9 t8e COMELECAs Curisdicti'n '*er e"ecti'n c'ntests re"atin( t' 8is e"ecti'n9 returns9 and 5ua"i-icati'ns ends9 and t8e ;RETAs '>n Curisdicti'n $e(ins Stated in an't8er manner9 >8ere t8e candidate 8as a"read% $een pr'c"aimed >inner in t8e c'n(ressi'na" e"ecti'ns9 t8e remed% '- t8e petiti'ner is t' -i"e an e"ect'ra" pr'test >it8 t8e ;RET 266

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS ;'>e*er9 in C8a*e< *s COMELEC 8e"d t8at t8e COMELEC 8as e4c"usi*e Curisdicti'n '*er a"" pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ersies As an e4cepti'n9 8'>e*er9 t' t8e (enera" ru"e9 Sec !+ '- RA 0!.. pr'8i$its candidates in t8e presidentia"9 *ice7 presidentia"9 senat'ria" and c'n(ressi'na" e"ecti'ns -r'm -i"in( pre7pr'c"amati'n cases T8e e4cepti'n t' t8e e4cepti'n is t8e sec'nd sentence '- Sec !+ a""'>s t8e -i"in( 'petiti'ns -'r c'rrecti'n '- mani-est err'rs in t8e certi-icate '- can*ass 'r e"ecti'n returns e*en in e"ecti'ns -'r president9 *ice7president and mem$ers '- t8e ;'use 'Representati*es -'r t8e simp"e reas'n t8at t8e c'rrecti'n '- mani-est err'r >i"" n't pr'"'n( t8e pr'cess '- can*assin( n'r de"a% t8e pr'c"amati'n '- t8e >inner in t8e e"ecti'n In Sand'*a" *s COMELEC @ R N' !&&1)#9 Januar% #.9 #3339 it >as 8e"d t8at t8e pr'8i$iti'n aims t' a*'id de"a% in t8e pr'c"amati'n '- t8e >inner in t8e e"ecti'n9 >8ic8 de"a% mi(8t resu"t in a *acuum t8ese sensiti*e p'sts A candidate >8' 8as n't $een pr'c"aimed and >8' 8as n't ta=en 8is 'at8 '- '--ice cann't $e said t' $e a mem$er '- c'n(ress and 8e cann't in*'=e Art 6I sec !0 '- t8e !210 C'nstituti'n9 as a(ainst t8e COMELECAs e4ercisin( Curisdicti'n t' pass up'n t8e 5uesti'n '- t8e candidateAs 5ua"i-icati'ns 'r dis5ua"i-icati'ns9 suc8 as t8e "ac= 'residence re5uirement In ,an(i"inan *s COMELEC9 @ R N' !3+#019 N'*em$er !19 !22&9 t8e C'urt 8e"d t8at t8e c'mmissi'n c"ear"% 8as aut8'rit% '*er issues a--ectin( t8e e"ecti'ns 'mem$ers '- c'n(ress9 >8' 8a*e n't $een pr'c"aimed and ta=en t8eir 'at8 in cases in*'"*in(G ! mani-est err'rs in t8e certi-icates '- can*ass 'r e"ecti'n returns >8ic8 ma% $e c'rrected $% t8e can*assin( $'ard m'tu pr'pi' up'n >ritten c'mp"aint '- interested pers'ns9 'r $% t8e COMELEC in a petiti'n -i"ed direct"% >it8 it 'r up'n pr'per appea" -r'm t8e ru"in( '- t8e $ard 'can*assersH and t8e c'mp'siti'n '- t8e $'ard 'r its pr'ceedin(s >8ic8 ma% $e decided $% t8e can*assin( $'ard 'r $% t8e COMELEC up'n pr'per petiti'n direct"% -i"ed >it8 it 'r up'n appea" -r'm t8e ru"in( '- t8e $ard '- can*assers

In ,imente" *s C'me"ec9 Supreme C'urt rec'(ni<es an e4cepti'n and a""'>s t8e can*assin( $'d% m'tu pr'pi' 'r an interested pers'n t' -i"e a >ritten c'mp"aint -'r t8e c'rrecti'n '- mani-est err'rs in t8e e"ecti'n returns 'r certi-icates '- can*ass e*en in e"ecti'ns -'r ,resident9 6ice7,resident9 Senat'rs9 and Mem$ers '- t8e ;'use 'Representati*es -'r t8e simp"e reas'n t8at t8e c'rrecti'n '- mani-est err'r must >i"" n't pr'"'n( t8e pr'cess '- can*assin( n'r de"a% t8e pr'c"amati'n '- t8e >inner in t8e e"ecti'n Issues t8at cann't $e raised in a pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers%G ! cases t8at re5uire t8e appreciati'n '- $a""'ts 267

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS # tec8nica" e4aminati'n '- t8e si(natures and t8um$ mar=s '- *'ters

A pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% is "imited t' c8a""en(es directed a(ainst t8e B'ard 'Can*assers n't 8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs An acti'n -'r annu"ment '- e"ecti'n returns ma% $e pr'per (r'unds -'r pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ersies A pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% s8a"" n' "'n(er $e *ia$"e a-ter t8e pr'c"amati'n and assumpti'n int' '--ice $% t8e candidate >8'se e"ecti'n is c'ntested T8e pre7 pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% in m'st cases s8'u"d $e dismissed and t8e pr'per remed% instead is an e"ecti'n pr'test $e-'re t8e pr'per -'rum In Lee *s COMELEC (@ R N' !+033)9 Ju"% )9 #33&)9 ana"'('us"%9 i- t8e apparent return "''=s re(u"ar 'n its -ace $ut 'ne can present prima -acie e*idence t8at t8e return9 t8'u(8 apparent"% re(u"ar9 is n't (enuine n't 'n"% $ecause it ma% 8a*e $een transmitted -r'm an irre(u"ar and un'--icia" site9 t8e COMELEC ma% n't $e entire"% p'>er"ess t' -ind a $asis -'r t8e e4c"usi'n '- t8e c'ntested return T8is scenari'9 8'>e*er9 it re5uires tec8nica" e4pertise and t8e trans"ati'n '- e"ectr'nic e*idence int' 'ne "e(a""% accepta$"e -'r '$Cecti'n purp'ses in a pr'per pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers%

DAGLOC !". COMELEC ($1 SC/A $3( T8e peri'd -'r -i"in( an e"ecti'n pr'test under Secti'n #12 '- t8e -'rmer E"ecti'n C'de is suspended $% t8e -i"in( '- a petiti'n -'r annu"ment '- pr'c"amati'n T8e peri'd -'r -i"in( an e"ecti'n pr'test under Secti'n #12 '- t8e -'rmer E"ecti'n C'de is suspended $% t8e -i"in( '- a petiti'n -'r annu"ment '- pr'c"amati'n /i"in( '- pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ersies under Secti'n #)1 '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de is n't t8e 'n"% (r'und -'r t8e suspensi'n '- pr'c"amati'n T>' 't8er instances are pr'*ided in Repu$"ic Act N' ..).9 =n'>n as IT8e E"ect'ra" Re-'rms La> '!210 I N't a"" acti'ns see=in( t8e annu"ment '- pr'c"amati'n suspend t8e runnin( '- t8e peri'd -'r -i"in( an e"ecti'n pr'test 'r a petiti'n -'r 5u' >arrant' @r'unds >8ic8 are pr'per -'r e"ect'ra" pr'tests s8'u"d n't $e a""'>ed t' de"a% t8e pr'c"amati'n '- t8e >inners

268

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

A/TICLE 55I ELECTION CONTESTS

Electi n C nte"t" are a&!er"arial 6r cee&in-" +0 =,ic, *atter" in! l!in- t,e title r clai* t an electi!e %%ice are "ettle&> *a&e +e% re r a%ter 6r cla*ati n % a =inner> re-ar&le"" % =,et,er r n t t,e c nte"tant i" clai*in- t,e %%ice in &i"61te. It" 61r6 "e i" t &eter*ine t,e can&i&ate la=%1ll0 electe& t %%ice. T,e ter* Electi n Pr te"t i" a c nte"t +et=een t,e &e%eate& an& =innincan&i&ate n t,e -r 1n& % %ra1& r an *alie" acc *6an0in- t,e ca"tin- an& c 1ntin- % +all t" an& t,e 6re6arati n % t,e electi n ret1rn". It rai"e& t,e A1e"ti n a" t =,ic, can&i&ate act1all0 recei!e& t,e ,i-,e"t n1*+er % ! te" an& i" t,ere% re entitle& t , l& %%ice. T,e la=" an& "tat1te" - !ernin- electi n c nte"t" e"6eciall0 a66reciati n % +all t" *1"t +e li+erall0 c n"tr1e& t t,e en& t,at t,e =ill % t,e elect rate in t,e c, ice % 61+lic %%icial" *a0 net +e &e%eate& +0 tec,nical in%ir*itie". General r1le> i" t,at t,e %ilin- % a 6re#6r cla*ati n ca"e "1"6en&" t,e 6eri & % r %ilin- an electi n 6r te"t an& t,e %ilin- % a 6r 6er 6etiti n t ann1l t,e 6r cla*ati n % t,e re"6 n&ent "1"6en&" t,e r1nnin- % t,e 6eri & t %ile an electi n 6r te"t. C n!er"el0> an electi n 6r te"t r a 6etiti n % r A1 =arrant i" a +ar t t,e "1+"eA1ent %ilin- % a 6re#6r cla*ati n c ntr !er"0 r a 6etiti n t ann1l 6r cla*ati n. It *a0 al" a* 1nt t t,e a+an& n*ent % t,e"e acti n" i% "1c, =ere %ile& earlier t,an t,e electi n c nte"t. E7ce6ti n> it *a0 "till 6r cee& t it" c ncl1"i n" &e"6ite t,e %ilin- % an electi n 6r te"t r 6etiti n % r A1 =arrant . T,e e7ce6ti n" are lai& & =n in Sa*a& ca"e 1) =,ere t,e + ar& % can!a""er" =a" i*6r 6erl0 c n"tit1te& $) =,ere A1 =arrant =a" n t 6r 6erl0 re*e&0 () =,ere =,at =a" %ile& =a" n t reall0 a 6etiti n % r A1 =arrant r an electi n 6r te"t +1t a 6etiti n t ann1l 6r cla*ati n 8) =,ere t,e %ilin- % a A1 =arrant 6etiti n r in electi n 6r te"t =a" e76re""l0 *a&e =it, 1t 6reB1&ice t t,e 6re#6r cla*ati n c ntr !er"0 r =a" *a&e a& ca1tela* 4) =,ere t,e 6r cla*ati n =a" n1ll ! i&. 269

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

DISCUSSIONS

ELECTION P/OTEST Intr &1cti n an& E1ri"&icti n T8e COMELEC is t8e s'"e Cud(e '- a"" c'ntests re"atin( t' e"ecti'n9 returns and 5ua"i-icati'ns '- a"" Mem$ers '- C'n(ress9 e"ecti*e re(i'na"9 pr'*incia" and cit% '--icia"s (Sec #)2 B , 11!) T8is pr'*isi'n 8as $een amended $% t8e !210 C'nstituti'n particu"ar"% sec !0 Art 6I in s' -ar as t8e Curisdicti'n t' 8ear and decide a"" 5uesti'ns re"atin( t' e"ecti'n9 returns9 and 5ua"i-icati'ns '- senat'rs and mem$ers '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es is n'> *ested >it8 t8e respecti*e e"ect'ra" tri$una"s '- t8e Senate and ;'use '- Representati*es Under t8e a$'*ementi'ned pr'*isi'n9 e"ect'ra" tri$una"s assumes Curisdicti'n 'n"% >8en t8e candidates $ec'me a mem$er t8ere'- T8us a candidate >8' 8as n't >'n and ta=en an 'at8 '- '--ice cann't in*'=e t8e pr'*isi'n '- t8e c'nstituti'n9 t8e COMELEC ma% t8ere-'re assume Curisdicti'n A-ter t8e pr'c"amati'n and 'at8 ta=in(9 an% 5uesti'n re"atin( t' suc8 c'ntr'*ersies c'mes >it8in t8e Curisdicti'n '- t8e e"ect'ra" tri$una"9 >8ic8 ma% $e raised as an e"ecti'n pr'test 'r petiti'n -'r 5u' >arrant' On t8e 't8er 8and9 e"ecti'n c'ntests re"atin( t' municipa" '--ices c'me >it8in t8e Curisdicti'n '- t8e Re(i'na" Tria" C'urts (RTC) >8i"e t8'se in*'"*in( $aran(a% '--icia"s -a"" under t8e Curisdicti'n '- t8e pr'per municipa" 'r mertr'p'"itan c'urts T8e COMELEC sti"" 8as an appe""ate Curisdicti'n '*er t8e appea"s -r'm eit8er c'urt

De%initi n % Ter*"

E"ecti'n ,r'tests D are t8'se e"ecti'n c'ntests re"atin( t' e"ecti'n and returns It can $e -i"ed $% an% candidate >8' 8as -i"ed a certi-icate '- candidac% and 8as $een *'ted up'n -'r t8e same '--ice9 and >8' 8as n't 8imse"- caused 'r c'ntri$uted t' t8e irre(u"arities 'r -rauds '- >8ic8 8e c'mp"ains It ma%$e -i"ed $ased 'n an% 'r a"" '- t8e -'""'>in( (r'undH /raud9 terr'rism9 irre(u"arities 'r i""e(a" acts c'mmitted $e-'re9 durin( 'r a-ter t8e castin( and c'untin( '- *'tes 270

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS E"ecti'n pr'tests are c'nsidered as specia" summar% pr'ceedin(s due t' t8e -act t8at t8e issues must $e sett"ed e4pediti'us"% $et>een t8e >innin( and "'sin( candidates s' as n't t' preCudice t8e pu$"ic >8' $ad"% needs t8eir representati*es It main purp'se is t' determine >8et8er 'r n't t8e >innin( candidate pr'c"aimed $% t8e B'ard '- Can*assers (BOC) is t8e candidate rea""% c8'sen $% t8e e"ect'rate E"ecti'n pr'tests ma%$e -i"ed >it8in !3 da%s -r'm pr'c"amati'n '- t8e resu"ts 't8e e"ecti'n T8is ru"e is -urt8er e4p"ained $% t8e Supreme C'urt in t8e case 'R'5uer' *s COMELEC #12 SCRA !+3 >8erein t8e% said t8at i-9 a-ter + da%s -r'm t8e pr'c"amati'n '- t8e >innin( candidate9 t8e "'ser -i"es a m'ti'n -'r rec'nsiderati'n in t8e pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers%9 t8ere are 'n"% + da%s >8ic8 remain '- t8e peri'd >it8in >8ic8 t' -i"e an e"ecti'n pr'test a E--ect '- t8e Deat8 '- t8e Appe""ant T8e Supreme C'urt in t8e case '- De Castr' * COMELEC9 #.0 SCRA 13. ru"ed t8at t8e deat8 '- t8e pr'testant d'es n't e4tin(uis8 an e"ecti'n pr'test As stated ear"ier an e"ecti'n pr'test is 'ne im$ued >it8 pu$"ic interest >8ic8 raises its "e*e" a$'*e mere 'rdinar% ci*i" acti'ns9 $ecause it in*'"*es n't 'n"% t8e determinati'n '- t8e pri*ate interest '- t8e ri*a" candidates $ut a"s' t8e param'unt need '- sett"in( 'nce and -'r a"" t8e uncertaint% t8at c"'uds t8e rea" c8'ice '- t8e pe'p"e >it8 respect t' t8e 'ne >8' s8a"" disc8ar(e t8e prer'(ati*es '- t8e '--ice under c'nsiderati'n ;'>e*er9 it is n't t8e 8eirs 't8e deceased >8' s8a"" $e t8e success'rs7in7interest t' t8e suit9 $ut t8e succeedin( candidate7e"ect /'r e4amp"e9 i- t8e deceased >as a ma%'ra"t% candidate9 t8e rea" part% in interest in t8e c'ntinuati'n '- t8e pr'ceedin(s is t8e 6ice7Ma%'r7e"ect9 as 8e >i"" succeed in t8e e*ent t8at t8e pr'testant is dec"ared t' $e t8e pers'n "a>-u""% e"ected t' t8e '--ice Li=e>ise in t8e case '- /ernand' ,'e Jr *s @"'ria Macapa(a"7Arr'%'9 ,residentia" E"ect'ra" Tri$una" Case N' 33#9 Marc8 #29 #33+9 t8e Supreme C'urt said t8at i- pers'ns n't rea" parties in t8e acti'n c'u"d $e a""'>ed t' inter*ene9 pr'ceedin(s >i"" $e unnecessari"% c'mp"icated9 e4pensi*e and intermina$"eLand t8is is n't t8e p'"ic% '- t8e "a> Inasmuc8 as n' rea" parties suc8 as t8e *ice7presidentia" aspirants in t8e #33) e"ecti'ns 8a*e c'me -'r>ard t' inter*ene9 'r t' $e su$stituted -'r t8e deceased pr'testant9 it is -ar m're prudent t' a$ide $% t8e e4istin( and strict "imitati'ns 'n inter*enti'n and su$stituti'n under t8e "a> and t8e ru"es $ E--ect '- Runnin( and Winnin( -'r an't8er ,'siti'n T8e Supreme C'urt in t8e case '- Miriam De-ens'r Santia(' *s /ide" 6a"de< Ram's (#+& SCRA +22) stated t8at e"ecti'n pr'test -i"ed $% Santia(' >as rendered m''t and academic $% t8e e"ecti'n '- Santia(' as a Senat'r in t8e Ma% !22+ e"ecti'ns and pr'test 'r at t8e *er% "east9 in t8e "an(ua(e 'M'ra"eCa * Re"'*a9 a$and'ned 8er determinati'n t' pr'tect and pursue t8e pu$"ic interest in*'"*ed 'n >8' is t8e rea" c8'ice '- t8e e"ect'rate 271

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS # ?u' Warrant' D can $e -i"ed $% an% re(istered *'ter in t8e c'nstituenc% 'n t8e (r'und '- Ine"i(i$i"it% 'r dis"'%a"t% t' t8e Repu$"ic '- t8e ,8i"ippines And "i=e t8at '- e"ecti'n pr'tests it must $e -i"ed >it8in !3 da%s -r'm pr'c"amati'n '- t8e resu"ts '- t8e e"ecti'n /'r t8'se c'ntests re(ardin( t8e e"ecti'n '- municipa" 'r $aran(a% '--icia"s9 t8e c'ntestant must -i"e a s>'rn petiti'n -'r 5u' >arrant' >it8 t8e Re(i'na" Tria" C'urt (RTC) 'r t' t8e Municipa" 'r Metr'p'"itan Tria" C'urt (MTC 'r MeTC)9 respecti*e"% ;'>e*er Sec # Ru"e . '- res'"uti'n n' 113) pr'*ides t8atG Secti'n # E"ecti'n pr'test 7 A petiti'n c'ntestin( t8e e"ecti'ns 'r returns '- an e"ecti*e re(i'na"9 pr'*incia"9 'r cit% '--icia" s8a"" $e -i"ed >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n $% an% candidate >8' >as *'ted -'r in t8e same '--ice and >8' recei*ed t8e sec'nd '- t8ird 8i(8est num$er '- *'tes 'r9 in a mu"ti7 s"'t p'siti'n9 >as am'n( t8e ne4t -'ur candidates -'""'>in( t8e "ast ran=ed >inner du"% pr'c"aimed9 as re-"ected in t8e '--icia" resu"ts '- t8e e"ecti'n c'ntained in t8e Statement '- 6'tes T8e part% -i"in( t8e pr'test s8a"" $e desi(nated as t8e pr'testantH t8e ad*erse part% s8a"" $e =n'>n as t8e pr'testee

T,e 6r ce&1re an& reA1ire*ent" % r %ilin- an Electi n Pr te"t? ! An e"ecti'n pr'test 'r petiti'n -'r 5u' >arrant' s8a"" $e -i"ed direct"% >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n in ten (!3) "e(i$"e c'pies p"us suc8 num$er '- c'pies c'rresp'ndin( t' t8e num$er '- pr'testees (Sec & Ru"e . '- Res'"uti'n n' 113)) An e"ecti'n pr'test 'r petiti'n -'r 5u' >arrant' s8a"" speci-ica""% state t8e -'""'>in( -actsG a $ c d T8e p'siti'n in*'"*edH T8at t8e pr'testant >as a candidate >8' 8as du"% -i"ed a certi-icate 'candidac% and 8as $een *'ted -'r t8e same '--iceH T8e date '- pr'c"amati'nH and T8e num$er '- *'tes credited t' t8e parties per pr'c"amati'n

An e"ecti'n pr'test s8a"" a"s' stateG e T8e t'ta" num$er '- precincts '- t8e re(i'n9 pr'*ince 'r cit% c'ncernedH T8e pr'tested precincts and *'tes '- t8e parties in t8e pr'tested precincts per t8e Statement '- 6'tes B% ,recinct 'r9 i- t8e *'tes '272

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS t8e parties are n't speci-ied an e4p"anati'n >8% t8e *'tes are n't speci-iedH ( A detai"ed speci-icati'n '- t8e acts 'r 'missi'ns c'mp"ained 's8'>in( t8e e"ect'ra" -rauds9 an'ma"ies 'r irre(u"arities in t8e pr'tested precincts (Sec 0 Ru"e . '- Res'"uti'n n' 113))

& )

Wit8in a n'n7e4tendi$"e peri'd '- ten da%s -'""'>in( t8e date 'pr'c"amati'n (Sec & Ru"e . '- Res'"uti'n n' 113)) Eac8 c'ntest s8a"" re-er e4c"usi*e"% t' 'ne '--ice $ut c'ntents -'r '--ices 't8e San((unian( ,amp''=9 San((unian( ,an"a"a>i(an 'r San((unian( ,an("un(s'd ma% $e c'ns'"idated in 'ne case (Sec & Ru"e . '- Res'"uti'n n' 113)) Ser*ice and -i"in( '- p"eadin(s9 inc"udin( t8e initiat'r% petiti'n and 't8er papers9 s8a"" $e d'ne pers'na""% E4cept >it8 respect t' papers emanatin( -r'm t8e C'mmissi'n9 a res'rt t' 't8er m'des '- ser*ice must $e acc'mpanied $% a >ritten e4p"anati'n >8% t8e ser*ice 'r -i"in( >as n't d'ne pers'na""% A *i'"ati'n '- t8is Ru"e s8a"" $e a cause t' c'nsider t8e p"eadin( 'r paper as n't -i"ed (Sec ) Ru"e . '- Res'"uti'n n' 113)) An e"ecti'n pr'test s8a"" $e *eri-ied $% an a--ida*it statin( t8at t8e a--iant 8as read t8e petiti'n and t8at t8e a""e(ati'ns t8erein are true and c'rrect 'a--iantBs '>n =n'>"ed(e 'r $ased 'n aut8entic rec'rds A *eri-icati'n $ased 'n Iin-'rmati'n and $e"ie-I 'r up'n t8e I=n'>"ed(e9 in-'rmati'n and $e"ie-I is n't a su--icient *eri-icati'n (Sec + Ru"e . '- Res'"uti'n n' 113)) T8e pr'testant s8a"" pers'na""% si(n t8e certi-icate '- n'n7-'rum s8'ppin( >8ic8 must $e anne4ed t' t8e e"ecti'n pr'test An un*eri-ied petiti'n 'r 'ne >it8 insu--icient *eri-icati'n 'r unacc'mpanied $% a certi-icate '- n'n7-'rum s8'ppin( s8a"" $e dismissed 'utri(8t and s8a"" n't suspend t8e runnin( '- t8e re("ementar% peri'd t' -i"e an e"ecti'n pr'test (Sec + Ru"e . '- Res'"uti'n n' 113))

/ec 1nt Sec # Ru"e !+ '- Res'"uti'n n' 113) pr'*ides t8atG T8ere s8a"" $e c'nstituted suc8 num$er '- rec'unt c'mmittees as ma% $e necessar% T8e "ist '- t8e rec'unt c'mmittees s8a"" $e su$mitted $% t8e Di*isi'n C"er= '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 t8r'u(8 t8e Direct'r I69 E"ect'ra" C'ntests AdCudicati'n Department9 t' t8e ,residin( C'mmissi'ner '- eit8er t8e /irst 'r Sec'nd Di*isi'n Eac8 rec'unt c'mmittee s8a"" $e c'mp'sed '- a Rec'unt C''rdinat'rKC8airman >8' s8a"" $e a "a>%er '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 rec'rder9 c"er=9 t%pist and $a""'t $'4 cust'dian and 'ne representati*e eac8 -r'm t8e pr'testant and t8e pr'testee T8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" desi(nate t8e 273

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Rec'unt C''rdinat'rsK C8airman -r'm am'n( its pers'nne" T8e parties s8a"" a"s' desi(nate t8eir respecti*e a"ternati*e representati*es T8e rec'unt c'mmittee s8a"" c'nduct t8e rec'unt in t8e C'mmissi'nBs premises 'r at suc8 't8er p"aces as ma% $e desi(nated $% t8e C'mmissi'n9 $ut in e*er% case under its strict super*isi'n

Once c'mmenced9 t8e rec'unt s8a"" c'ntinue -r'm da% t' da% as -ar as practica$"e unti" terminated a -eriod for Recount. 7 rec'unt s8a"" $e c'nducted -r'm 1G&3 'Bc"'c= in t8e m'rnin( t' !#G33 n''n and -r'm !G&3 t' )G&3 'Bc"'c= in t8e a-tern''n -r'm M'nda% t' /rida%9 e4cept 'n n'n7>'r=in( 8'"ida%s T8e mem$ers '- t8e Rec'unt C'mmittee ma% ta=e a -i-teen7minute $rea= in eac8 sessi'n Recount to continue even if a party representative is a/sent or late. 7 T8e rec'unt '- $a""'ts s8a"" n't $e de"a%ed 'r p'stp'ned $% reas'n '- t8e a$sence 'r tardiness '- a part% representati*e as "'n( as t8e Rec'unt C''rdinat'r and 'ne part% representati*e are present T8e C'mmissi'n ma% at an% time desi(nate an't8er Rec'unt C''rdinat'r i- t8e re(u"ar Rec'unt C''rdinat'r -ai"s -'r an% reas'n t' rep'rt <f the representative of the protestee is a/sent or late. 7 I- t8e representati*e '- t8e pr'testee is a$sent 'r "ate -'r t8irt% minutes and n' a"ternate appears as a su$stitute9 t8e rec'unt s8a""9 ne*ert8e"ess9 c'mmenceH t8e pr'testee s8a"" $e deemed t' 8a*e >ai*ed t8e ri(8t t' appear and t' '$Cect t' t8e $a""'ts in t8e precinct 'r precincts sc8edu"ed -'r rec'unt 'n t8at particu"ar da% <f the representative of protestant or counter-protestant, or of /oth parties fail to appear. 7 I- t8e representati*e '- t8e pr'testant9 'r '- $'t8 parties and a"ternates -ai" t' appear -'r n' Custi-ia$"e reas'n >it8in 'ne 8'ur a-ter -i4ed 8'urs -r'm t8e start '- t8e rec'unt9 t8e $a""'t $'4es sc8edu"ed -'r t8at da%9 and t8e c'rresp'ndin( =e%s in t8e p'ssessi'n 't8e c8airpers'n9 s8a"" $e returned t' t8e $a""'t $'4 cust'dian '- t8e C'mmissi'n and s8a"" n' "'n(er $e rec'untedH it is underst''d t8at t8e parties >ai*e t8eir ri(8t t' rec'unt t8e same9 and t8e Rec'unt C''rdinat'r c'ncerned s8a"" state suc8 -acts in t8e c'rresp'ndin( Rec'unt rep'rt (Sec ) Ru"e !+ '- Res'"uti'n 113))

Sec .9 Ru"e !+ '- Res'"uti'n n' 113) pr'*idesG T8e rec'unt '- t8e *'tes 'n t8e $a""'ts s8a"" $e d'ne manua""% and *isua""% and acc'rdin( t' t8e pr'cedures 8ereunderG a At t8e pre"iminar% c'n-erence t8e date and t8e p"ace '- t8e rec'unt and t8e num$er '- t8e rec'unt c'mmittees s8a"" $e set 274

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS $ c At t8e app'inted p"ace and da%9 t8e rec'unt c'mmitteeKs s8a"" c'n*ene At t8e same p"ace and da%9 t8e $a""'t $'4es c'ntainin( t8e $a""'ts -r'm t8e pr'tested precincts9 t8e data st'ra(e de*ice used in said precincts9 as >e"" as t8e mac8ine 'r an% de*ice t8at can $e used t' aut8enticate 'r assure t8e (enuineness '- t8e $a""'ts s8a"" $e $r'u(8t t' t8e *enue '- t8e rec'unt T8e di--erent rec'unt c'mmittees >i"" $e pr'*ided >it8 an ade5uate >'r=space9 >it8 ta$"es and c8airs t8at >'u"d ena$"e t8em t' per-'rm t8e rec'unt in an e--icient and transparent manner T8e rec'unt c'mmittee9 up'n t8e re5uest in >ritin( '- parties9 >i"" t8en rand'm"% pic= t8e precinct -r'm >8ic8 t8e% >'u"d d' t8e rec'unt Be-'re 'penin( t8e $a""'t $'49 t8e rec'unt c'mmittee s8a"" n'te its c'nditi'n as >e"" as t8at '- t8e "'c=s 'r "'c=in( mec8anism and rec'rd t8e c'nditi'n in t8e rec'unt rep'rt /r'm its '$ser*ati'n9 t8e rec'unt c'mmittee must a"s' ma=e a determinati'n as t' >8et8er t8e inte(rit% '- t8e $a""'t $'4 8as $een preser*ed T8e $a""'t $'4 s8a"" t8en $e 'pened and t8e $a""'ts s8a"" $e ta=en 'ut T8e I*a"idI $a""'ts s8a"" -irst $e c'unted9 >it8'ut re(ard t' t8e *'tes '$tain $% t8e parties T8is >i"" $e -'""'>ed $% t8e c'untin( 't8e t'rn9 unused and stra% $a""'ts9 as c"assi-ied at t8e p'"in( p"ace T8e 6'tes appearin( in e"ecti'n return c'p% -'r t8e $a""'t $'4 s8a"" t8en $e rec'rded in t8e minutes ,ri'r t' t8e actua" c'nduct '- t8e rec'unt '- t8e *'tes t8e rec'unt c'mmittee must aut8enticate eac8 and e*er% $a""'t t' ma=e sure t8at t8e% >ere t8e same $a""'ts t8at >ere cast and -ed t' t8e ,COS mac8ine durin( t8e e"ecti'ns T8e aut8enticati'n s8a"" $e t8r'u(8 t8e use '- t8e ,COS mac8ine actua""% used durin( t8e e"ecti'ns in t8e su$Cect precinct9 'r $% an't8er de*ice certi-ied $% t8e C'mmissi'n as 'ne t8at can per-'rm t8e desired aut8enticati'n re5uirement t8r'u(8 t8e use '- $ar c'de and u"tra7*i'"et ra% c'de detecti'n mec8anism On"% >8en t8e rec'unt c'mmittee9 t8r'u(8 t8e rec'unt c''rdinat'r9 determines t8at t8e inte(rit% '- t8e $a""'ts 8as $een preser*ed9 >i"" t8e rec'unt pr'ceed Up'n suc8 determinati'n9 t8e rec'unt c'mmittee s8a"" t8en "''= at t8e $a""'t and c'unt t8e *'tes as re(istered in eac8 and e*er% 'ne 't8em -'r t8e c'ntested p'siti'n In "''=in( at t8e s8ades 'r mar=s used t' re(ister *'tes9 t8e rec'unt c'mmittee s8a"" $ear in mind t8at t8e >i"" '- t8e *'ters re-"ected as *'tes in t8e $a""'ts s8a"" as muc8 as p'ssi$"e $e (i*en e--ect9 settin( 275

8 i

"

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS aside an% tec8nica"ities /urt8erm're9 t8e *'tes t8ere'n are presumed t' 8a*e $een 9made $% t8e *'ter and s8a"" $e c'nsidered as suc8 un"ess reas'ns e4ist t8at >i"" Custi-% t8eir reCecti'n ;'>e*er9 mar=s 'r s8ades >8ic8 are "ess t8an +3Q '- t8e '*a" s8a"" n't $e c'nsidered as *a"id *'tes An% issue as t' >8et8er a certain mar= 'r s8ade is >it8in t8e t8res8'"d s8a"" $e determined $% -eedin( t8e $a""'t 'n t8e ,COS mac8ine9 and n't $% 8uman determinati'n m T8e ru"es 'n appreciati'n '- $a""'ts under Secti'n #!! '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de s8a"" app"% supp"et'ri"% >8en appr'priate n T8ere s8a"" $e a ta""% s8eet9 '- at "east + c'pies9 p"us additi'na" c'pies dependin( 'n t8e num$er '- additi'na" parties9 t8at >i"" $e used -'r t8e ta""%in( '- t8e *'tes as t8e% are c'unted9 t8r'u(8 t8e use '- t8e tara 'r stic=s A-ter a"" t8e $a""'ts -r'm 'ne $a""'t $'4 8a*e $een c'unted9 t8e rec'unt c'mmittee s8a"" secure t8e c'ntested $a""'ts and c'mp"ete t8e rec'unt rep'rt -'r said precinct T8erea-ter9 it s8a"" pr'ceed t' rec'unt t8e *'tes 'n t8e $a""'ts -r'm t8e ne4t precinct In case '- mu"tip"e rec'unt c'mmittees9 t8e rec'unt s8a"" $e d'ne simu"tane'us"% In t8e e*ent t8at t8e rec'unt c'mmittee determine t8at t8e inte(rit% '- t8e $a""'ts and t8e $a""'t $'4 >ere n't preser*ed9 as >8en t8ere is pr''- '- tamperin( 'r su$stituti'n9 it s8a"" pr'ceed t' instruct t8e printin( '- t8e picture ima(e '- t8e $a""'ts '- t8e su$Cect precinct st'red in t8e data st'ra(e de*ice -'r t8e same precinct T8e c'mmissi'n s8a"" pr'*ide a n'n7partisan tec8nica" pers'n >8' s8a"" c'nduct t8e necessar% aut8enticati'n pr'cess t' ensure t8at t8e data 'r ima(e st'red is (enuine and n't a su$stitute It is 'n"% up'n suc8 determinati'n t8at t8e printed picture ima(e can $e used -'r t8e rec'unt

'

p 5

EU/ISP/UDENCE

PIMENTEL> E/. !". COMELEC> et al. G./. N . 1((4).> Fe+r1ar0 .> $))) T8ese circumstances9 in t8emse"*es9 c'nstitute pr'$a$"e cause t8at Custi-ies t8e $e"iet8at m're "i=e"% t8an n't9 t8e e"ecti'n '--ense >as c'mmitted and >as c'mmitted $% pri*ate resp'ndents Sa"a%'n and L"'rente ,r'$a$"e cause is $ased neit8er 'n c"ear and c'n*incin( e*idence '- (ui"t n'r e*idence esta$"is8in( a$s'"ute certaint% '- (ui"t It is mere"% $ased 'n 'pini'n and reas'na$"e $e"ie-9 and s' it is en'u(8 t8at t8ere e4ists suc8 state '- -acts as >'u"d "ead a pers'n '- 'rdinar% cauti'n and prudence t' 276

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS $e"ie*e9 'r entertain an 8'nest 'r str'n( suspici'n9 t8at a t8in( is s' !. C'nsiderin( t8at pri*ate resp'ndents Sa"a%'n and L"'rente9 in in*'=in( t8e de-ense '- 8'nest mista=e9 '*ersi(8t due t' -ati(ue9 and per-'rmance '- ministeria" duties9 *irtua""% admitted t8e e4istence '- t8e discrepancies in t8e t'ta" num$er '- *'tes (arnered $% petiti'ner and 't8er senat'ria" candidates9 >8ic8 discrepancies $% n' stretc8 '- t8e ima(inati'n c'u"d $e dismissed as ne("i(i$"e 'r inc'nse5uentia"9 t8ere is n't mere"% a str'n( suspici'n t8at t8e% actua""% c'mmitted t8e e"ecti'n '--ense >it8 >8ic8 t8e% are c8ar(ed T8e $urden '- pr''- appears t' 8a*e s8i-ted t' t8em t' 8a*e s8i-ted t' t8em t' pr'*e t8at t8e said discrepancies cann't $e c'nsidered i""e(a" and crimina"

Sec. $8.. E1ri"&icti n % t,e C **i""i n. # T,e C **i""i n ",all +e t,e " le B1&-e % all c nte"t" relatin- t t,e electi n"> ret1rn"> an& A1ali%icati n" % all Me*+er" % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a> electi!e re-i nal> 6r !incial an& cit0 %%icial". DISCUSSIONS

T8e Supreme C'urt 8a*e t8e e4c"usi*e 'ri(ina" Curisdicti'n9 Artic"e 6II9 secti'n ) 't8e !2210 C'nstituti'n9 t8e Supreme C'urt9 sittin( en $anc9 s8a"" $e t8e s'"e Cud(e 'a"" c'ntests re"atin( t' t8e e"ecti'n9 returns9 and 5ua"i-icati'ns '- t8e ,resident9 6ice7 ,resident9 and ma% pr'mu"(ate its ru"es -'r t8is purp'se T8e Supreme C'urt 8as e4c"usi*e 'ri(ina" Curisdicti'n t' issue >rits '- certi'rari a(ainst an% decisi'ns '- an E"ect'ra" Tri$una" T8e Supreme C'urt 8as appe""ate Curisdicti'n '*er decisi'ns '- t8e COMELEC in e"ecti'n c'ntests re"atin( t' t8e e"ecti'ns9 returns and 5ua"i-icati'ns '- a"" e"ecti*e Re(i'na"9 ,r'*incia" and Cit% O--icia"s T8e petiti'n s8a"" $e -i"ed >it8in t8irt% (&3) da%s -r'm n'tice '- Cud(ment 'r -ina" 'rder 'r res'"uti'n s'u(8t t' $e re*ie>ed T8e COMELEC 8as e4c"usi*e 'ri(ina" Curisdicti'n '*er a"" e"ecti'n c'ntests re"atin( t' t8e e"ecti'ns9 returns9 and 5ua"i-icati'ns '- a"" e"ecti*eG ! re(i'na" '--icia"sH # pr'*incia" '--icia"sH and cit% '--icia"s T8e COMELEC 8as appe""ate Curisdicti'n '*er a"" c'ntests in*'"*in( e"ecti*e municipa" '--icia"s decided $% tria" c'urts '- (enera" Curisdicti'n 'r in*'"*in( e"ecti*e $aran(a% '--icia"s decided $% tria" c'urts '- "imited Curisdicti'n T8e Re(i'na" Tria" C'urts and Municipa" Tria" C'urts 8a*e e4c"usi*e 'ri(ina" Curisdicti'n '*er municipa" and $aran(a% '--icia"s9 respecti*e"% A"" e"ecti'n c'ntests in*'"*in( municipa" '--ices -i"ed >it8 t8e RTC s8a"" $e decided e4pediti'us"% T8e decisi'n ma% $e appea"ed t' t8e C'mmissi'n >it8in -i*e da%s -r'm pr'mu"(ati'n 'r receipt '- a c'p% t8ere'- $% t8e a((rie*ed part% T8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" decide t8e appea" >it8in si4t% da%s a-ter it is su$mitted -'r 277

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS decisi'n9 $ut n't "ate t8an si4 m'nt8s a-ter t8e -i"in( '- t8e appea"9 >8ic8 decisi'n s8a"" $e -ina"9 unappea"a$"e and e4ecut'r% Su$Cect t' t8e C'urtAs t8e ru"in( in 6e"'ria *s C'me"ec9 a m'ti'n -'r t8e rec'nsiderati'n '- t8e RTC decisi'n is a pr'8i$ited p"eadin( and d'es n't interrupt t8e runnin( '- t8e -i*e da% peri'd '- appea" T8e pr'*isi'n '- R A N' ..02 (rantin( appe""ate Curisdicti'n t' RTC '*er t8e decisi'n '- Municipa" C'urts in e"ect'ra" cases in*'"*in( e"ecti*e $aran(a% '--icia"s is unc'nstituti'na"9 per t8e ru"in( in /"'res *s COMELEC An e"ecti'n pr'test m're t8an see=s t8e 'uster '- t8e >inner -r'm '--ice as it is strict"% a c'ntest $et>een t8e de-eated and t8e >innin( candidate9 $ased 'n (r'unds '- e"ecti'n -raud 'r irre(u"arit%9 its purp'se is t' ascertain >8' actua""% '$tained t8e maC'rit% '- t8e "e(a" *'tes in t8e e"ecti'n and is t8ere-'re entit"ed t' t8e '--ice

Sec. $4). Electi n c nte"t" % r Bata"an- Pa*+an"a> re-i nal> 6r !incial an& cit0 %%ice". # A "= rn 6etiti n c nte"tin- t,e electi n % an0 Me*+er % t,e Bata"anPa*+an"a r an0 re-i nal> 6r !incial r cit0 %%icial ",all +e %ile& =it, t,e C **i""i n +0 an0 can&i&ate =, ,a" &1l0 %ile& a certi%icate % can&i&ac0 an& ,a" +een ! te& % r t,e "a*e %%ice> =it,in ten &a0" a%ter t,e 6r cla*ati n % t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n.

EU/ISP/UDENCE /EFES 'S COMELEC G./. NO. $)3$28> EUNE $4> $)1( /actsG ,etiti'ner -i"ed 8er Certi-icate '- Candidac% (COC) -'r t8e p'siti'n 'Representati*e (as a mem$er '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es) '- t8e "'ne district 'Marindu5ue T8erea-ter9 s8e >as e*en pr'c"aimed as t8e >inner in t8e e"ecti'n ;'>e*er9 e*en $e-'re t8e e"ecti'n da% itse"-9 t8e COMELEC a"read% 'rdered t8e cance""ati'n '- t8e COC '- t8e petiti'ner 'n t8e (r'und t8at s8e is n't e"i(i$"e t' run -'r t8e a-'resaid p'siti'n -'r -ai"ure t' c'mp"% >it8 t8e re5uirements "aid d'>n in Secti'n .9 Art . '- t8e !210 C'nstituti'n ,etiti'ner c'ntended am'n( 't8ers t8at COMELEC d'es n't 8a*e Curisdicti'n '*er t8e caseH t8at t8e case is under t8e Curisdicti'n '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es E"ect'ra" Tri$una" (;RET)9 t8us re*'=in( t8e COMELECAs cance""ati'n '- 8er COC IssuesG ! D'es ;RET 8a*e Curisdicti'n '*er t8e case and n't COMELECU # W'u"d 8er ine"i(i$i"it% nu""i-% 8er >innin( '- t8e e"ecti'nU 278

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Ru"in(G T8e petiti'n is denied ! N'9 t8e case -a""s >it8in t8e Curisdicti'n '- t8e COMELEC Reas'nG E;RETAs Curisdicti'n as t8e s'"e Cud(e '- a"" c'ntests re"atin( t' t8e e"ecti'ns9 returns and 5ua"i-icati'ns '- mem$ers '- C'n(ress $e(ins 'n"% a-ter a candidate 8as $ec'me a mem$er '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es9 it is '$*i'us t8at t8e ;RET at t8is p'int 8as n' Curisdicti'n '*er t8e 5uesti'n F (Emp8asis supp"ied ) T8e Curisdicti'n '- t8e ;RET 'n"% $e(ins E'nce t8e >innin( candidate 8as $een pr'c"aimed9 ta=en 8is 'at89 and assumed '--iceF A"t8'u(8 petiti'ner >as pr'c"aimed as t8e >inner9 sti""9 Es8e 8as n't %et assumed '--ice F M're'*er9 t8e term '- '--ice '- a Mem$er '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es $e(ins 'n"% Eat n''n 'n t8e t8irtiet8 da% '- June ne4t -'""'>in( t8eir e"ecti'n F T8us9 unti" suc8 time9 t8e COMELEC retains Curisdicti'n # Jes It is e4p"icit"% c"ear t8at s8e is ine"i(i$"e (dis5ua"i-ied) -'r t8e said p'siti'n Be it a"s' n'ted t8at t8e COMELECAs 'rder -'r t8e cance""ati'n '- 8er COC t''= p"ace e*en $e-'re t8e e"ecti'n da% itse"- T' a""'> 8er t' c"aim t8e p'siti'n and t' e4ercise its p'>ers >'u"d $e >ie"din( 8a*'c a(ainst Secti'n .9 Art . '- t8e !210 C'nstituti'n

CE/IACO BULILIS 'S HON. 'ICTO/INO NUE; G./ NO 1.4.4(> AUGUST .> $)11 In e"ecti'n cases in*'"*in( an act 'r an 'missi'n '- a municipa" 'r a re(i'na" tria" c'urt9 t8e petiti'n s8a"" $e -i"ed e4c"usi*e"% >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns9 in aid '- its appe""ate Curisdicti'n T8is inc"udes inter"'cut'r% 'rders

BA/BE/S !". COMELEC G./. N . 1242.1> E1ne $$> $))4 T8e a""e(ed in*a"idit% '- Bia<'nAs pr'c"amati'n in*'"*es a dispute 'r c'ntest re"atin( t' t8e e"ecti'n returns '- mem$ers '- t8e Senate Indisputa$"%9 t8e res'"uti'n '- suc8 dispute -a""s >it8in t8e s'"e Curisdicti'n '- t8e SET /'r t8is C'urt t' ta=e c'(ni<ance '- t8e e"ect'ra" pr'test a(ainst Bia<'n >'u"d usurp t8e c'nstituti'na" -uncti'ns '- t8e SET In additi'n9 t8e COMELEC did n't c'mmit an% (ra*e a$use '- discreti'n in issuin( t8e assai"ed Res'"uti'ns a--irmin( Bia<'nAs pr'c"amati'n since t8e uncan*assed returns and t8e resu"ts '- t8e specia" e"ecti'ns t' $e 8e"d >'u"d n't materia""% a--ect t8e resu"ts '- t8e e"ecti'ns GA/CIA !". HOUSE OF /EP/ESENTATI'ES ELECTO/AL T/IBUNAL (1$ SC/A (4( T8e -act t8at t8e ;'use '- Representati*es E"ect'ra" Tri$una" (;RET) is t8e s'"e Cud(e '- a"" c'ntests re"atin( t' t8e e"ecti'ns9 returns and 5ua"i-icati'ns '- its mem$ers d'es n't $ar t8e Supreme C'urt -r'm entertainin( petiti'ns >8ic8 c8ar(e t8e ;RET >it8 (ra*e a$use '- discreti'n T8e cas8 dep'sit re5uired in 5u' >arrant' cases is -i4ed9 i e 9 ,+9333 339 and is re5uired t' $e paid t'(et8er >it8 t8e -i"in( -ee at 279

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS t8e time t8e petiti'n is -i"ed T8e ;RET ma% dismiss a 5u' >arrant' petiti'n -'r -ai"ure t' pa% t8e re5uired cas8 dep'sit 7 it is its Cud(ment ca"" >8ic8 is c"ear"% aut8'ri<ed under its Ru"es T8e a""e(ed ine"i(i$i"it% '- a C'n(ressman t' 8'"d '--ice -'r n't $ein( a natura"7$'rn citi<en is a seri'us c8ar(e9 and in *ie> '- t8e de"icate nature and imp'rtance '- t8e c8ar(e9 t8e '$ser*ance '- t8e ;RET Ru"es '- ,r'cedure must $e ta=en seri'us"% i- t8e% are t' attain t8eir '$Cecti*e9 i e 9 t8e speed% and 'rder"% determinati'n '- t8e true >i"" '- t8e e"ect'rate /ASUL !". COMELEC (1( SC/A 18 T8e pr'per remed% '- a "'sin( candidate >8' assai"s t8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'nsA res'"uti'n pr'c"aimin( t8e t>e"-t8 (!# t8) >innin( senat'ria" candidate is t' -i"e a re(u"ar e"ecti'n pr'test >8ic8 under t8e C'nstituti'n and t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de e4c"usi*e"% pertains t' t8e Senate E"ect'ra" Tri$una" T8e p8rase Ie"ecti'n9 returns and 5ua"i-icati'nsI s8'u"d $e interpreted in its t'ta"it% as re-errin( t' a"" matters a--ectin( t8e *a"idit% '- t8e c'ntesteeBs tit"e T8e >'rd Is'"eI in Secti'n !09 Artic"e 6I '- t8e !210 C'nstituti'n and Secti'n #+3 '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de undersc're t8e e4c"usi*it% '- t8e Tri$una"Bs Curisdicti'n '*er e"ecti'n c'ntests re"atin( t' its mem$ers BULAONG !". COMELEC $81 SC/A 18) Re5uest -'r additi'na" time >as pr'per"% denied >8ere petiti'ner 8ad $een (i*en su--icient time '- ++ da%s t' c'mp"ete t8e tec8nica" e4aminati'n '- e"ecti'n d'cuments and t' pr'*e 8is a""e(ati'ns /act t8at t8ere is a E8u(e discrepanc%F $et>een t8e resu"t '- t8e can*ass and t8at '- t8e re*isi'n is n' pr''- t8at t8e C'mmissi'n c'mmitted a (ra*e a$use '- discreti'n in den%in( 8is re5uest -'r additi'na" time t' c'nduct a tec8nica" e4aminati'n '- e"ecti'n d'cuments and t' 8a*e 8is >itnesses e4amine t8e $a""'ts $e-'re re5uirin( t8em t' ma=e t8eir a--ida*its As -'r t8e a""e(ed"% -a=e $a""'ts9 n' $etter aut8'rit% t8an t8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns can determine t8eir aut8enticit%9 8a*in( itse"- 'rdered and super*ised t8e printin( '- a"" t8e '--icia" $a""'ts Un"ess t8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns is s8'>n t' 8a*e c'mmitted a (ra*e a$use 'discreti'n9 its decisi'n and ru"in(s >i"" n't $e inter-ered >it8 $% t8e Supreme C'urt T8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns is *ested $% t8e C'nstituti'n >it8 e4c"usi*e 'ri(ina" Curisdicti'n '*er e"ecti'n c'ntests in*'"*in( re(i'na"9 pr'*incia" and cit% '--icia"s9 as >e"" as appe""ate Curisdicti'n '*er e"ecti'n c'ntests in*'"*in( e"ecti*e municipa" and $aran(a% '--icia"s

/OMUALDE;#MA/COS !". COMELEC $88 SC/A ()) 280

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS T8e ;'use '- Representati*es E"ect'ra" Tri$una"As Curisdicti'n as t8e s'"e Cud(e '- a"" c'ntests re"atin( t' t8e e"ecti'ns9 returns and 5ua"i-icati'ns '- mem$ers '- C'n(ress $e(ins 'n"% a-ter a candidate 8as $ec'me a mem$er '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es 6ie> t8at t8e COMELECAs Curisdicti'n9 in t8e case '- c'n(ressi'na" e"ecti'ns9 ends >8en t8e Curisdicti'n '- t8e E"ect'ra" Tri$una" c'ncerned $e(ins 6ie> t8at t8e Supreme C'urt s8'u"d re-rain -r'm an% undue encr'ac8ment 'n t8e u"timate e4ercise '- aut8'rit% $% t8e E"ect'ra" Tri$una"s 'n matters >8ic89 $% n' "ess t8an a c'nstituti'na" -iat9 are e4p"icit"% >it8in t8eir e4c"usi*e d'main AHUINO !". COMELEC $88 SC/A 8)) T8e e"ect'ra" tri$una" assumes Curisdicti'n '*er a"" c'ntests re"ati*e t' t8e e"ecti'n9 returns and 5ua"i-icati'ns '- candidates -'r eit8er Senate 'r t8e ;'use 'n"% >8en t8e "atter $ec'me mem$ers '- eit8er t8e Senate 'r t8e ;'use '- Representati*es and9 a candidate >8' 8as n't $een pr'c"aimed and 8as ta=en 8is 'at8 '- '--ice cann't $e said t' $e a mem$er W8i"e t8e pr'c"amati'n '- a >innin( candidate is ministeria"9 Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11! in c'nCuncti'n >it8 Secti'n . '- Repu$"ic Act N' ..). a""'>s suspensi'n 'pr'c"amati'n under circumstances menti'ned t8erein D e*en a-ter t8e e"ecti'ns9 t8e COMELEC is emp'>ered t' c'ntinue t' 8ear and decide 5uesti'ns re"atin( t' 5ua"i-icati'ns '- candidates

Sec. $41. Electi n c nte"t" % r *1nici6al %%ice". # A "= rn 6etiti n c nte"tint,e electi n % a *1nici6al %%icer ",all +e %ile& =it, t,e 6r 6er re-i nal trial c 1rt +0 an0 can&i&ate =, ,a" &1l0 %ile& a certi%icate % can&i&ac0 an& ,a" +een ! te& % r t,e "a*e %%ice> =it,in ten &a0" a%ter 6r cla*ati n % t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n.

EU/ISP/UDENCE

SAHUILAFAN !". COMELEC G./. N . 143$8.> N !e*+er $8> $))( /ACTSG ,etiti'ner Sa5ui"a%an and resp'ndent Jar' >ere candidates -'r t8e O--ice 'Municipa" Ma%'r '- Imus9 Ca*ite in t8e Ma% !)9 #33! "'ca" e"ecti'ns A-ter t8e *'tes >ere can*assed9 Sa5ui"a%an >as pr'c"aimed t8e >inner -'r 8a*in( recei*ed #09)2) 281

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS *'tes a(ainst Jar'As #.90). *'tes On Ma% #19 #33!9 Jar' instituted an E"ecti'n ,r'test Case (E,C N' 3!73#) $e-'re t8e RTC '- Imus9 Ca*ite c'ntestin( t8e resu"ts in a"" )+& e"ecti'n precincts in t8e Municipa"it% '- Imus Sa5ui"a%an -i"ed 8is Ans>er >it8 M'ti'n t' Dismiss c'ntendin(9 am'n( 't8er t8in(s9 t8at t8e e"ecti'n pr'test -ai"ed t' state a cause '- acti'n T8e M'ti'n t' Dismiss >as denied $% t8e RTC in an Order dated Ju"% &!9 #33! Sa5ui"a%an 5uesti'ned t8e denia" $e-'re t8e C'me"ecAs Sec'nd Di*isi'n t8r'u(8 a petiti'n -'r certi'rari and pr'8i$iti'n9 >8ic8 >as d'c=eted as S,R N' !27#33! On Januar% ##9 #33#9 t8e Sec'nd Di*isi'n ru"ed in -a*'r 'Sa5ui"a%an and 'rdered t8e dismissa" '- t8e e"ecti'n pr'test Jar' s'u(8t a rec'nsiderati'n '- t8e 'rder '- dismissa" and t8e case >as e"e*ated t' t8e C'me"ec en $anc On /e$ruar% #.9 #33&9 t8e C'me"ec en $anc issued t8e 5uesti'ned res'"uti'n (rantin( Jar'As M'ti'n -'r Rec'nsiderati'n Sa5ui"a%anAs petiti'n >as t8ereunder dismissed and E,C N' 3!73# >as 'rdered t' pr'ceed A((rie*ed9 Sa5ui"a%an -i"ed t8e present petiti'n RULIN@G T8e Supreme C'urt stated t8at e"ecti'n c'ntests in*'"*e pu$"ic interest9 and tec8nica"ities and pr'cedura" $arriers s8'u"d n't $e a""'>ed t' stand i- t8e% c'nstitute an '$stac"e t' t8e determinati'n '- t8e true >i"" '- t8e e"ect'rate in t8e c8'ice '- t8eir e"ecti*e '--icia"s La>s ('*ernin( e"ecti'n c'ntests must $e "i$era""% c'nstrued t' t8e end t8at t8e >i"" '- t8e pe'p"e in t8e c8'ice '- pu$"ic '--icia"s ma% n't $e de-eated $% mere tec8nica" '$Cecti'ns In an e"ecti'n case9 t8e c'urt 8as an imperati*e dut% t' ascertain $% a"" means >it8in its c'mmand >8' is t8e rea" candidate e"ected $% t8e e"ect'rate T8e Supreme C'urt -r'>ns up'n an% interpretati'n '- t8e "a> 'r t8e ru"es t8at >'u"d 8inder in an% >a% n't 'n"% t8e -ree and inte""i(ent castin( '- t8e *'tes in an e"ecti'n $ut a"s' t8e c'rrect ascertainment 't8e resu"ts N' d'u$t9 a""'>in( t8e e"ecti'n pr'test t' pr'ceed >'u"d $e t8e $est >a% '- rem'*in( an% d'u$t as t' >8' >as t8e rea" candidate c8'sen $% t8e e"ect'rate Barrin( t8e pr'ceedin(s due t' tec8nica"ities and pr'cedures acc'mp"is8es n't8in( e4cept p'ssi$"% t' suppress t8e >i"" '- t8e maC'rit% T8e petiti'n >as dismissed Sec. $4$. Electi n c nte"t % r +aran-a0 %%ice". # A "= rn 6etiti n c nte"tin- t,e electi n % a +aran-a0 %%icer ",all +e %ile& =it, t,e 6r 6er *1nici6al r *etr 6 litan trial c 1rt +0 an0 can&i&ate =, ,a" &1l0 %ile& a certi%icate % can&i&ac0 an& ,a" +een ! te& % r t,e "a*e %%ice> =it,in ten &a0" a%ter t,e 6r cla*ati n % t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n. T,e trial c 1rt ",all &eci&e t,e electi n 6r te"t =it,in %i%teen &a0" a%ter t,e %ilin- t,ere %. T,e &eci"i n % t,e *1nici6al r *etr 6 litan trial c 1rt *a0 +e a66eale& =it,in ten &a0" %r * recei6t % a c 60 t,ere % +0 t,e a--rie!e& 6art0 t t,e re-i nal trial c 1rt =,ic, ",all &eci&e t,e ca"e =it,in t,irt0 &a0" %r * it" "1+*i""i n> an& =, "e &eci"i n" ",all +e %inal.

EU/ISP/UDENCE SAHALI !". COMELEC an& MATBA G./. N . 1(812.> Fe+r1ar0 $> $)))

282

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS T' 5uesti'n t8e Curisdicti'n '- t8e "'>er c'urt 'r t8e a(enc% e4ercisin( Cudicia" 'r 5uasi7Cudicia" -uncti'ns9 t8e remed% is a specia" ci*i" acti'n -'r certiorari under Ru"e .+ '- t8e Ru"es '- C'urt T8e petiti'ner in suc8 cases must c"ear"% s8'> t8at t8e pu$"ic resp'ndent acted >it8'ut Curisdicti'n 'r >it8 (ra*e a$use '- discreti'n am'untin( t' "ac= 'r e4cess '- Curisdicti'n @ra*e a$use '- discreti'n de-ies e4act de-initi'n9 $ut (enera""% re-ers t' Icaprici'us 'r >8imsica" e4ercise '- Cud(ment as is e5ui*a"ent t' "ac= '- Curisdicti'n T8e a$use '- discreti'n must $e patent and (r'ss as t' am'unt t' an e*asi'n '- p'siti*e dut% 'r a *irtua" re-usa" t' per-'rm a dut% enC'ined $% "a>9 'r t' act at a"" in c'ntemp"ati'n '- "a>9 as >8ere t8e p'>er is e4ercised in an ar$itrar% and desp'tic manner $% reas'n '- passi'n and 8'sti"it% In -ine9 certiorari >i"" issue 'n"% t' c'rrect err'rs '- Curisdicti'n9 n't err'rs 'pr'cedure 'r mista=es in t8e -indin(s 'r c'nc"usi'ns '- t8e "'>er c'urt As "'n( as a c'urt acts >it8in its Curisdicti'n9 an% a""e(ed err'rs c'mmitted in t8e e4ercise '- its discreti'n >i"" am'unt t' n't8in( m're t8an err'rs '- Cud(ment >8ic8 are re*ie>a$"e $% time"% appea" and n't $% specia" ci*i" acti'n -'r certiorari

MA/HUE; !". COMELEC (1( SC/A 1)( T8e e"ecti'n '- San((unian( :a$ataan are ('*erned $% t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de An% c'ntest re"atin( t' t8e e"ecti'n '- mem$ers '- t8e San((unian( :a$ataan (inc"udin( t8e c8airman) L >8et8er pertainin( t' t8eir e"i(i$i"it% 'r t8e manner 't8eir e"ecti'n L is c'(ni<a$"e $% MTCs9 MCTCs9 and MeTCs It is t8e pr'c"amati'n >8ic8 mar=s '-- t8e Curisdicti'n '- t8e c'urts -r'm t8e Curisdicti'n '- e"ecti'n '--icia"s T8e d'ctrine '- Mercad' *s B'ard '- E"ecti'n Super*is'rs9 #)& SCRA )#&9 is n' "'n(er c'ntr'""in( Secti'n )2 '- COMELEC Res'"uti'n #1#) c'*ers $'t8 e"ecti'n pr'tests and 5u' >arrant' cases

ME/CADO !". BOA/D OF ELECTION SUPE/'ISO/S % IBAAN> BATANGAS $8( SC/A 8$$ T8e c'nduct and administrati'n '- t8e e"ecti'ns -'r San((unian( :a$ataan mem$ers s8a"" $e ('*erned $% t8e ru"es pr'mu"(ated $% t8e COMELEC COMELECAs e4c"usi*e appe""ate Curisdicti'n '*er c'ntests in*'"*in( e"ecti*e $aran(a% '--icia"s re-er t' t8e e"ecti*e $aran(a% '--icia"s under t8e pertinent "a>s in -'rce at t8e time t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de >as enacted and up'n t8e rati-icati'n 't8e C'nstituti'n C'ntests in*'"*in( e"ecti'ns '- S: '--icia"s d' n't -a"" >it8in Secti'n #+# '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de and para(rap8 #9 Artic"e IO7C '- t8e C'nstituti'n 283

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Re(i'na" Tria" C'urt is c'mpetent t' re*ie> t8e decisi'n '- t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Super*is'rs (BES) in e"ecti'n c'ntr'*ersies >it8in its "e*e"

Sec. $4(. Petiti n % r A1 =arrant . # An0 ! ter c nte"tin- t,e electi n % an0 Me*+er % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a> re-i nal> 6r !incial> r cit0 %%icer n t,e -r 1n& % ineli-i+ilit0 r % &i"l 0alt0 t t,e /e61+lic % t,e P,ili66ine" ",all %ile a "= rn 6etiti n % r A1 =arrant =it, t,e C **i""i n =it,in ten &a0" a%ter t,e 6r cla*ati n % t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n. An0 ! ter c nte"tin- t,e electi n % an0 *1nici6al r +aran-a0 %%icer n t,e -r 1n& % ineli-i+ilit0 r % &i"l 0alt0 t t,e /e61+lic % t,e P,ili66ine" ",all %ile a "= rn 6etiti n % r A1 =arrant =it, t,e re-i nal trial c 1rt r *etr 6 litan r *1nici6al trial c 1rt> re"6ecti!el0> =it,in ten &a0" a%ter t,e 6r cla*ati n % t,e re"1lt" % t,e electi n.

EU/ISP/UDENCE

ESPIDOL !". COMELEC G./. N . 128.$$> Oct +er 11> $))4 It $ears reiteratin(9 at t8is p'int9 t8at t8e C'urt 8as (i*en its imprimatur 'n t8e princip"e t8at t8e COMELEC is >it8 aut8'rit% t' annu" an% can*ass and pr'c"amati'n i""e(a""% made T8e -act t8at a candidate i""e(a""% pr'c"aimed 8as assumed '--ice is n't a $ar t' t8e e4ercise '- suc8 p'>er It is a"s' true t8at as a (enera" ru"e9 t8e pr'per remed% a-ter t8e pr'c"amati'n '- t8e >innin( candidate -'r t8e p'siti'n c'ntested >'u"d $e t' -i"e a re(u"ar e"ecti'n pr'test 'r 5u' >arrant' T8is ru"e9 8'>e*er9 admits '- e4cepti'ns and 'ne '- t8'se is >8ere t8e pr'c"amati'n >as nu"" and *'id In suc8 a case9 i e 9 >8ere t8e pr'c"amati'n is nu"" and *'id9 t8e pr'c"aimed candidateAs assumpti'n '- '--ice cann't depri*e t8e COMELEC '- t8e p'>er t' dec"are suc8 pr'c"amati'n a nu""it%

DUMAFAS> Er. !". COMELEC (43 SC/A (48 @enera""%9 t8e -i"in( '- an e"ecti'n pr'test 'r a petiti'n -'r 5u' >arrant' prec"udes t8e su$se5uent -i"in( '- a pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% 'r am'unts t' t8e a$and'nment '- 'ne ear"ier -i"ed

284

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS BA/ HUESTION A 5u' >arrant' pr'ceedin(9 is a pr'ceedin( t' unseat t8e resp'ndent -r'm '--ice $ut n't necessar% insta"" petiti'ner in 8is p"ace Under t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de (B , 11!9 as amended)9 $rie-"% di--erentiate an e"ecti'n pr'test -r'm a 5u' >arrant' case9 as t' >8'm can -i"e t8e case and t8e respecti*e (r'unds t8ere-'re Ans>er An e"ecti'n pr'test ma% $e -i"ed $% a "'sin( candidate -'r t8e same '--ice -'r >8ic8 t8e >inner -i"ed 8is certi-icate '- candidac% A 5u' >arrant' case ma% $e -i"ed $% an% *'ter >8' is a re(istered *'ter in t8e c'nstituenc% >8ere t8e >innin( candidate s'u(8t t' $e dis5ua"i-ied ran -'r '--ice In an e"ecti'n c'ntest9 t8e issues areG a) >8' recei*ed t8e maC'rit% 'r p"ura"it% '- t8e *'tes >8ic8 >ere "e(a""% cast and $) >8et8er t8ere >ere irre(u"arities in t8e c'nduct '- t8e e"ecti'n >8ic8 a--ected its resu"ts In a 5u' >arrant' case9 t8e issue is >8et8er t8e candidate >8' >as pr'c"aimed e"ected s8'u"d $e dis5ua"i-ied $ecause '- ine"i(i$i"it% 'r dis"'%a"t% t' t8e ,8i"ippines

Sec. $48. Pr ce&1re in electi n c nte"t". # T,e C **i""i n ",all 6re"cri+e t,e r1le" t - !ern t,e 6r ce&1re an& t,er *atter" relatin- t electi n c nte"t" 6ertainin- t all nati nal> re-i nal> 6r !incial> an& cit0 %%ice" n t later t,an t,irt0 &a0" +e% re "1c, electi n". S1c, r1le" ",all 6r !i&e a "i*6le an& ine76en"i!e 6r ce&1re % r t,e e76e&iti 1" &i"6 "iti n % electi n c nte"t" an& ",all +e 61+li",e& in at lea"t t= ne="6a6er" % -eneral circ1lati n. H =e!er> =it, re"6ect t electi n c nte"t" in! l!in- *1nici6al an& +aran-a0 %%ice" t,e % ll =in- r1le" % 6r ce&1re ",all - !ern? (a) N tice % t,e 6r te"t c nte"tin- t,e electi n % a can&i&ate % r a *1nici6al r +aran-a0 %%ice ",all +e "er!e& 16 n t,e can&i&ate +0 *ean" % a "1** n" at t,e 6 "tal a&&re"" "tate& in ,i" certi%icate % can&i&ac0 e7ce6t =,en t,e 6r te"tee> =it, 1t =aitin- % r t,e "1** n"> ,a" *a&e t,e c 1rt 1n&er"tan& t,at ,e ,a" +een n ti%ie& % t,e 6r te"t r ,a" %ile& ,i" an"=er ,eret @ (+) T,e 6r te"tee ",all an"=er t,e 6r te"t =it,in %i!e &a0" a%ter recei6t % t,e "1** n"> r> in ca"e t,ere ,a" +een n "1** n" %r * t,e &ate % ,i" a66earance an& in all ca"e" +e% re t,e c **ence*ent % t,e ,earin% t,e 6r te"t r c nte"t. T,e an"=er ",all &eal nl0 =it, t,e electi n in t,e 6 llin- 6lace" =,ic, are c !ere& +0 t,e alle-ati n" % t,e c nte"t@ (c) S, 1l& t,e 6r te"tee &e"ire t i*61-n t,e ! te" recei!e& +0 t,e 6r te"tant in t,er 6 llin- 6lace"> ,e ",all %ile a c 1nter#6r te"t =it,in t,e "a*e 6eri & %i7e& % r t,e an"=er "er!in- a c 60 t,ere % 16 n t,e 285

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS 6r te"tant +0 re-i"tere& *ail r +0 6er" nal &eli!er0 r t,r 1-, t,e ",eri%%@ (&) T,e 6r te"tant ",all an"=er t,e c 1nter#6r te"t =it,in %i!e &a0" a%ter n tice@ (e) 9it,in t,e 6eri & % %i!e &a0" c 1nte& %r * t,e %ilin- % t,e 6r te"t an0 t,er can&i&ate % r t,e "a*e %%ice *a0 inter!ene in t,e ca"e a" t,er c nte"tant" an& a": % r a%%ir*ati!e relie% in ,i" %a! r +0 a 6etiti n in inter!enti n> =,ic, ",all +e c n"i&ere& a" an t,er c nte"t> e7ce6t t,at it ",all +e "1+"tantiate& =it,in t,e "a*e 6r cee&in-". T,e 6r te"tant r 6r te"tee ",all an"=er t,e 6r te"t in inter!enti n =it,in %i!e &a0" a%ter n tice@ (%) I% n an"=er ",all +e %ile& t t,e c nte"t> c 1nter#6r te"t> r t t,e 6r te"t in inter!enti n> =it,in t,e ti*e li*it" re"6ecti!el0 %i7e&> a -eneral &enial ",all +e &ee*e& t ,a!e +een entere&@ (-) In electi n c nte"t 6r cee&in-"> t,e 6er*anent re-i"tr0 li"t % ! ter" ",all +e c ncl1"i!e in re-ar& t t,e A1e"ti n a" t =, ,a& t,e ri-,t t ! te in "ai& electi n.

DISCUSSIONS

E"ecti'n c'ntest in*'"*es t8e adCudicati'n n't 'n"% '- pri*ate and pecuniar% interests '- ri*a" candidates9 $ut a"s' pu$"ic interest c'nsiderin( t8e need t' dispe" uncertaint% '*er t8e rea" c8'ice '- t8e e"ect'rate Pr ce&1re % r 6r te"t" %ile& =it, t,e COMELEC ! # ,r'testant -i"es a *eri-ied petiti'n >it8 t8e COMELEC >it8in !3 da%s -r'm pr'c"amati'n and pa%s t8e re5uired d'c=et -ees /ai"ure t' pa% t8e d'c=et -ee >i"" resu"t in t8e dismissa" '- t8e acti'n T8e C"er= '- C'urt '- t8e COMELEC 'r t8e di*isi'n c'ncerned issues t8e c'rresp'ndin( summ'ns t' t8e pr'tested >it8in t8ree da%s -r'm t8e -i"in( '- t8e petiti'n ,r'tested must -i"e an ans>er >it8in -i*e da%s -r'm ser*ice 'summ'ns and a c'p% '- t8e petiti'n T8e pr'tested ma% inc'rp'rate in 8is ans>er a c'unter7pr'test 'r c'unter7c"aim 286

&

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS ) + T8e C'me"ec ma% n't entertain a c'unter7pr'test -i"ed $e%'nd t8e e"ementar% peri'd t' -i"e t8e same ,r'testant 8as + da%s -r'm t8e receipt '- t8e ans>er 'r ans>er >it8 c'unter7c"aim 'r c'unter7pr'test t' -i"e 8is rep"% 'r ans>er t' c'unter7 pr'test 'r c'unter7c"aim respecti*e"% I- n' ans>er is -i"ed t' t8e pr'test 'r c'unter7pr'test9 a (enera" denia" is deemed t' 8a*e $een entered A-ter t8e issues 8a*e $een C'ined9 t8e case s8a"" $e set -'r 8earin( and presentati'n and recepti'n '- e*idence A-ter t8e case 8as $een su$mitted -'r decisi'n9 t8e COMELEC s8a"" render its decisi'n I- t8e case is $ein( 8eard $% a Di*isi'n9 t8e case s8a"" $e decided >it8in !3 da%s I- it is $ein( 8eard $% t8e COMELEC en $anc9 it s8a"" $e decided >it8in &3 da%s T8e decisi'n '- t8e Di*isi'n $ec'mes -ina" and e4ecut'r a-ter t8e "apse '- !+ da%s -'""'>in( its pr'mu"(ati'n T8e a((rie*ed part% ma% -i"e a time"% m'ti'n -'r rec'nsiderati'n >it8in + da%s -r'm pr'mu"(ati'n '- t8e decisi'n 'n t8e (r'unds t8at t8e e*idence is insu--icient t' Custi-% t8e decisi'nH 'r t8at t8e said decisi'n is c'ntrar% t' "a> Decisi'ns '- t8e COMELEC en $anc9 $ec'me -ina" and e4ecut'r% &3 da%s -r'm pr'mu"(ati'n

. 0 1

!3

F r 6r te"t" %ile& =it, t,e /TC ! # & pr'testant -i"es a *eri-ied petiti'n >it8 t8e RTC >it8in !3 da%s -r'm pr'c"amati'n pr'testee must -i"e an ans>er >it8in + da%s a-ter receipt '- n'tice 't8e -i"in( '- t8e petiti'n and a c'p% '- t8e petiti'n s8'u"d t8e pr'testee desire t' impu(n t8e *'tes recei*ed $% t8e pr'testant in 't8er precincts9 8e ma% -i"e a *eri-ied c'unter7pr'test >it8in t8e same peri'd -i4ed -'r t8e -i"in( '- t8e ans>er pr'testant 8as + da%s -r'm receipt '- t8e c'unter7pr'test t' -i"e 8is ans>er t' suc8 c'unter7pr'test an% 't8er candidate -'r t8e same '--ice ma% inter*ene in t8e case >it8in + da%s -r'm -i"in( '- t8e pr'test $% -i"in( a *eri-ied petiti'n7in7 inter*enti'n T8e pr'testant 'r t8e pr'testee s8a"" ans>er t8e pr'test7in7 inter*enti'n >it8in -i*e da%s a-ter n'tice

) +

287

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS . i- n' ans>er is -i"ed t' t8e pr'test9 c'unter7pr'test 'r pr'test7in7 inter*enti'n >it8in t8e speci-ied time "imits9 a (enera" denia" is deemed t' 8a*e $een entered

A-ter t8e issues 8a*e $een C'ined9 t8e case s8a"" $e set -'r 8earin( T8e presentati'n and recepti'n '- e*idence s8a"" $e c'mp"eted >it8in &3 da%s -r'm t8e c'mmencement t8ere'T8e C'urt s8a"" decide t8e e"ecti'n c'ntest >it8in &3 da%s -r'm t8e date it is su$mitted -'r decisi'n9 $ut in e*er% case >it8in . m'nt8s a-ter its -i"in( Suc8 decisi'n s8a"" dec"are >8' am'n( t8e parties 8as $een e"ected9 'r in a pr'per case9 t8at n'ne '- t8em 8as $een "e(a""% e"ected T8e decisi'n $ec'mes -ina" + da%s a-ter its pr'mu"(ati'n M'ti'n -'r rec'nsiderati'n s8a"" n't $e entertained An a((rie*ed part% ma% appea" t8e decisi'n t' t8e COMELEC $% -i"in( a n'tice '- appea" >it8in + da%s -r'm pr'mu"(ati'n '- t8e decisi'n

EU/ISP/UDENCE SANGGUNIANG BAFAN % TAGUIG> MET/O MANILA !". EST/ELLA (8. SC/A 82 W8ere a""e(ati'ns in a pr'test 'r c'unter7pr'test s' >arrant9 'r >8ene*er in t8e 'pini'n '- t8e c'urt t8e interests '- Custice s' re5uire9 it s8a"" immediate"% 'rder t8e $''= '- *'ters9 $a""'t $'4es and t8eir =e%s9 $a""'ts and 't8er d'cuments used in t8e e"ecti'n $e $r'u(8t $e-'re it and t8at t8e $a""'ts $e e4amined and t8e *'tes rec'unted TOMA/ONG !". LUBGUBAN G./. N ". 113.44#48> Marc, 1(> 1..3 /ACTSG Se*era" candidates inc"udin( T'mar'n( >ere de-eated in t8e !22) Baran(a% E"ecti'ns in Si5uiC'r T8e% a"" -i"ed an e"ecti'n pr'test $e-'re t8e respecti*e MCTCAs T8e >innin( candidates -i"ed t8eir ans>ers pra%in( t8at t8e petiti'ns $e dismissed $ased 'n t8e a--irmati*e de-ense t8at t8e pr'testants -ai"ed t' attac8 t' t8eir petiti'ns t8e re5uired certi-icati'n 'n n'n7-'rum s8'ppin( as pr'*ided -'r in SC7AC N' 3)72) T8e MCTC initia""% ru"ed t' dismiss $ut de-erred t' t8e Secretar% '- Justice >8' t8en de-erred t' t8e C'urt Administrat'r >8' ru"ed t8at t8e certi-icati'n 'n n'n7-'rum s8'ppin( s8'u"d $e re5uired in e"ecti'ns c'ntests $e-'re t8e MTCAs T8us9 t8is petiti'n under Ru"e .+ ISSUEG W8et8er 'r n't t8e re5uirement '- t8e certi-icati'n '- n'n7-'rum s8'ppin( is re5uired -'r e"ecti'n c'ntests 288

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS ;ELDG Jes T8e C'urt9 citin( L'%'"a * C'urt '- Appea"s9 said t8atG EWe d' n't a(ree t8at SC7AC N' 3)72) is n't app"ica$"e t' e"ecti'n cases T8ere is n't8in( in t8e Circu"ar t8at indicates t8at it d'es n't app"% t' e"ecti'n cases On t8e c'ntrar%9 it e4press"% pr'*ides t8at t8e re5uirements t8erein9 >8ic8 are in additi'n t' t8'se in pertinent pr'*isi'ns '- t8e Ru"es '- C'urt and e4istin( circu"ars9 Ws8a"" $e strict"% c'mp"ied >it8 in t8e -i"in( '- c'mp"aints9 petiti'ns9 app"icati'ns 'r 't8er initiat'r% p"eadin(s in a"" c'urts and a(encies 't8er t8e Supreme C'urt and t8e C'urt 'Appea"s A U$i "e4 n'n distin(uit nec n's distin(uire de$emus F In t8is case9 t8e petiti'ners -i"ed t8e re5uired certi-icati'n !1 da%s a-ter -i"in( t8eir petiti'ns It cann't $e c'nsidered su$stantia" c'mp"iance >it8 t8e re5uirements '- t8e Circu"ar ?uite '$*i'us"%9 t8e re("ementar% peri'd -'r -i"in( t8e pr'test 8ad9 $% t8en9 a"read% e4pired ,etiti'n dismissed LOFOLA !". H/ET an& D/AGON G/. N . 1).)$2> Ean1ar0 8> 1..8 /ACTSG T8e petiti'ner -i"ed -'r an e"ect'ra" pr'test $e-'re t8e ;'use 'Representati*es E"ect'ra" Tri$una" (;RET) a(ainst t8e pr'c"aimed e"ected C'n(ressman Renat' Dra('n On Septem$er #19 !22# Dra('n -i"ed a m'ti'n t' $e (i*en an e4tensi'n unti" Oct'$er !#9 !22# t' -i"e 8is ans>er $ut it >as denied $% t8e ;RET N'net8e"ess9 Dra('n sti"" -i"ed 8is ans>er 'n Oct'$er !+9 !22# $ut it >as denied $% t8e ;RET and acc'rdin( t' t8e Re*ised Ru"es '- t8e ;'use 'Representati*es E"ect'ra" Tri$una"9 a (enera" denia" >'u"d $e entered i- n' ans>er is -i"ed t' t8e pr'test L'%'"a m'*es t8at t8e (enera" denia" entered -'r Dra('n is tantam'unt t' 8is admissi'n '- t8e materia" a""e(ati'ns in t8e pr'test and a decisi'n s8a"" $e $ased 'n 8is c'mp"aint and u"timate"%9 t8at 8e $e dec"ared as t8e du"% e"ected c'n(ressman '- t8e #nd district '- Ca*ite T8e ;RET denied t8e said m'ti'n 8ence t8e petiti'n ISSUEG W8et8er 'r n't an entr% '- (enera" denia" in e"ecti'n cases is e5ui*a"ent t' an admissi'n '- t8e materia" a""e(ati'ns in t8e pr'test RULIN@G T8e Supreme C'urt did n't render a Cud(ment in -a*'r '- t8e petiti'ner T8e petiti'ner cited t8e >'r= '- a n'ted aut8'r statin( t8at i- a materia" a*erment is n't speci-ica""% denied9 it is admitted t' $e true -'r t8e purp'ses '- t8e acti'n and t8e p"ainti-- need n't pr'*e t8e trut8 '- suc8 a""e(ati'ns ;'>e*er9 suc8 c'ntenti'n >as n't entertained $ecause t8e issue at 8and dea"s >it8 (enera" denia"s and n't speci-ic denia"s T8e c'urt a"s' e4p"ained t8at an entr% '- (enera" denia" mere"% denies t8e pr'testee t' present e*idence t' pr'*e an% a--irmati*e de-ense9 $ut 8e s8a"" sti"" $e a""'>ed t' present e*idence t' dispr'*e a""e(ati'ns a(ainst 8im

BA/ HUESTION In an e"ecti'n pr'test in*'"*in( t8e p'siti'n '- @'*ern'r '- t8e ,r'*ince 'La(una $et>een EAF9 t8e pr'testee9 and EBF9 t8e pr'testant9 t8e /irst Di*isi'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns rendered a decisi'n up8'"din( BAs pr'test 289

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Can EAF -i"e a petiti'n -'r certi'rari >it8 t8e Supreme C'urt under Ru"e .+ '- t8e Ru"es '- C'urt9 -r'm t8e decisi'n '- t8e COMELEC /irst Di*isi'nU I- %es9 W8%U In't9 >8at pr'cedura" step must 8e underta=e -irstU

Ans>er EAF cann't -i"e a petiti'n -'r certi'rari >it8 t8e Supreme C'urt As 8e"d in Mastura *s C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns9 #1+ SCRA )2& (!211)9 t8e Supreme C'urt cann't re*ie> t8e decisi'ns 'r res'"uti'ns '- a di*isi'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns EAF s8'u"d -irst -i"e a m'ti'n -'r rec'nsiderati'n >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns en $anc

Sec. $44. E1&icial c 1ntin- % ! te" in electi n c nte"t. # 9,ere alle-ati n" in a 6r te"t r c 1nter#6r te"t " =arrant> r =,ene!er in t,e 6ini n % t,e c 1rt t,e intere"t" % B1"tice " reA1ire> it ",all i**e&iatel0 r&er t,e + : % ! ter"> +all t + 7e" an& t,eir :e0"> +all t" an& t,er & c1*ent" 1"e& in t,e electi n +e +r 1-,t +e% re it an& t,at t,e +all t" +e e7a*ine& an& t,e ! te" rec 1nte&. Sec. $42. A66eal". # A66eal" %r * an0 &eci"i n ren&ere& +0 t,e re-i nal trial c 1rt 1n&er Secti n $41 an& 6ara-ra6, t= > Secti n $4( ,ere % =it, re"6ect t A1 =arrant 6etiti n" %ile& in electi n c nte"t" a%%ectin- *1nici6al %%icer"> t,e a--rie!e& 6art0 *a0 a66eal t t,e Inter*e&iate A66ellate C 1rt =it,in %i!e &a0" a%ter recei6t % a c 60 % t,e &eci"i n. N * ti n % r rec n"i&erati n ",all +e entertaine& +0 t,e c 1rt. T,e a66eal ",all +e &eci&e& =it,in "i7t0 &a0" a%ter t,e ca"e ,a" +een "1+*itte& % r &eci"i n.

EU/ISP/UDENCE

FE/NANDE; !". COMELEC G./. N . 132$.2> E1ne ()> $))8 T8e !210 C'nstituti'n *ests in t8e COMELEC appe""ate Curisdicti'n '*er a"" c'ntests in*'"*in( e"ecti*e $aran(a% '--icia"s decided $% tria" c'urts '- "imited Curisdicti'n C'nstrued in re"ati'n t' t8e pr'*isi'n in R A N' 0!.3 t8at inc"udes in t8e enumerati'n '- $aran(a% '--icia"s t8e S: c8airman9 t8e c'nstituti'na" pr'*isi'n indeed sancti'ns t8e appe""ate re*ie> $% t8e COMELEC '- e"ecti'n pr'tests in*'"*in( t8e p'siti'n '- S: c8airman9 as in t8e instant case ;ence9 >e -ind n't8in( impr'per in t8e COMELECAs assumpti'n '- Curisdicti'n '*er resp'ndentAs appea"

290

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Sec. $43. Deci"i n in t,e C **i""i n. # T,e C **i""i n ",all &eci&e all electi n ca"e" +r 1-,t +e% re it =it,in ninet0 &a0" %r * t,e &ate % t,eir "1+*i""i n % r &eci"i n. T,e &eci"i n % t,e C **i""i n ",all +ec *e %inal t,irt0 &a0" a%ter recei6t % B1&-*ent. Sec. $48. Pre%erential &i"6 "iti n % c nte"t" in c 1rt". # T,e c 1rt"> in t,eir re"6ecti!e ca"e"> ",all -i!e 6re%erence t electi n c nte"t" !er all t,er ca"e"> e7ce6t t, "e % ,a+ea" c r61"> an& ",all =it, 1t &ela0> ,ear an&> =it,in t,irt0 &a0" %r * t,e &ate % t,eir "1+*i""i n % r &eci"i n> +1t in e!er0 ca"e =it,in "i7 * nt," a%ter %ilin-> &eci&e t,e "a*e.

EU/ISP/UDENCE

LO/EN;O !". COMELEC G./. N . 148(31> Dece*+er 11> $))( /ACTSG ,etiti'ner S'nia R L'ren<' and resp'ndent Nest'r B Ma(n' >ere ri*a" candidates -'r Ma%'r '- San Isidr'9 Nue*a EciCa in t8e "'ca" e"ecti'ns '- Ma% !)9 #33! A certain Car"'s M'ntes9 resident '- San Isidr'9 -i"ed >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns a petiti'n9 d'c=eted as S,A 3!7!+&9 -'r t8e dis5ua"i-icati'n '- resp'ndent Ma(n' as a candidate 'n t8e (r'und '- 8is c'n*icti'n $% t8e Sandi(an$a%an '- -'ur c'unts '- Direct Bri$er% On Ma% 09 #33!9 t8e COMELEC Sec'nd Di*isi'n issued a Res'"uti'n dis5ua"i-%in( resp'ndent Ma(n' T8is >as a--irmed 'n appea" $% t8e COMELEC En Banc 'n Ma% !#9 #33! T8e a-'resaid Res'"uti'n >as disseminated -'r imp"ementati'n $% t8e Municipa" B'ard '- Can*assers '- San Isidr' ;ence9 'n Ma% !19 #33!9 petiti'ner L'ren<' >as pr'c"aimed as t8e Ma%'r7e"ect '- San Isidr' Mean>8i"e9 resp'ndent Ma(n' $r'u(8t a petiti'n -'r certi'rari $e-'re t8is C'urt9 assai"in( 8is dis5ua"i-icati'n $% t8e COMELEC9 >8ic8 petiti'n >as d'c=eted as @ R N' !)023) On Oct'$er )9 #33#9 t8is C'urt rendered a Decisi'n re*ersin( and settin( aside t8e t>' c8a""en(ed Res'"uti'ns '- t8e COMELEC dated Ma% 0 and !#9 #33!9 and dec"arin( t8at Ma(n' >as under n' dis5ua"i-icati'n t' run -'r ma%'r 'San Isidr'9 Nue*a EciCa in t8e Ma% !)9 #33! e"ecti'ns On Oct'$er #!9 #33#9 resp'ndent Ma(n' -i"ed an Omni$us M'ti'n >it8 t8e COMELEC in S,A 3!7!+&9 see=in( t8at (a) t8at 8is name $e reinstated in t8e certi-ied "ist '- candidates -'r municipa" ma%'r '- San Isidr'9 Nue*a EciCa in t8e Ma% !)9 #33! "'ca" e"ecti'nH ($) t8e nu""i-icati'n '- t8e pr'c"amati'n '- L'ren<' as ma%'r '- San Isidr'9 Nue*a EciCaH (c) t8at a specia" $'ard '- can*assers $e -'rmed t' c'ntinue t8e can*as '- *'tes cast in -a*'r '- resp'ndent Ma(n'H and (d) a-ter c'mp"eti'n '- t8e can*as9 t8at Ma(n' $e pr'c"aimed t8e >inner T8e COMELEC En Banc t8erea-ter issued a Res'"uti'n dated Ma% !&9 #33&9 >8erein it (a) 'rdered t8e creati'n '- ne> B'ards '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs -'r a"" precincts in t8e municipa"it% '- San Isidr'9 -'r t8e purp'se 'c'untin( t8e *'tes cast -'r Ma(n' and preparin( ne> e"ecti'n returns -'r su$missi'n t' t8e Municipa" B'ard '- Can*assers '- San Isidr'H and ($) c'nstituted a ne> Municipa" B'ard '- Can*assers -'r t8e purp'se '- can*assin( said e"ecti'n returns and su$mittin( t8e resu"ts t' t8e COMELEC Su$se5uent"%9 'n Ma% ##9 #33&9 t8e 291

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS COMELEC partia""% m'di-ied t8e a$'*e Res'"uti'n t' 'rder t8e immediate c'nstituti'n '- a ne> Municipa" B'ard '- Can*assers9 it appearin( t8at t8e '"d Municipa" B'ard '- Can*assers '- San Isidr'9 Nue*a EciCa 8ad a"read% can*assed a"" t8e e"ecti'n returns -'r a"" precincts e4cept t8e *'tes -'r Ma(n' T8e COMELEC reiterated t8e directi*e in an Order dated June !39 #33& RULIN@G T8e Supreme C'urt 8e"d t8at >e"" sett"ed is t8e d'ctrine t8at e"ecti'n c'ntests in*'"*e pu$"ic interest9 and tec8nica"ities and pr'cedura" $arriers s8'u"d n't $e a""'>ed t' stand i- t8e% c'nstitute an '$stac"e t' t8e determinati'n '- t8e true >i"" '- t8e e"ect'rate in t8e c8'ice '- t8eir e"ecti*e '--icia"s A"s' sett"ed is t8e ru"e t8at "a>s ('*ernin( e"ecti'n c'ntests must $e "i$era""% c'nstrued t' t8e end t8at t8e >i"" '- t8e pe'p"e in t8e c8'ice '- pu$"ic '--icia"s ma% n't $e de-eated $% mere tec8nica" '$Cecti'ns In an e"ecti'n case9 t8e c'urt 8as an imperati*e dut% t' ascertain $% a"" means >it8in its c'mmand >8' is t8e rea" candidate e"ected $% t8e e"ect'rate As a (enera" ru"e9 t8e pr'per remed% a-ter t8e pr'c"amati'n '- t8e >innin( candidate -'r t8e p'siti'n c'ntested >'u"d $e t' -i"e a re(u"ar e"ecti'n pr'test 'r a petiti'n -'r 5u' >arrant' T8is ru"e9 8'>e*er9 admits '- e4cepti'ns9 t' >itG (!) >8ere t8e $'ard '- can*assers >as impr'per"% c'nstitutedH (#) >8ere 5u' >arrant' >as n't t8e pr'per remed%H &) >8ere >8at >as -i"ed >as n't rea""% a petiti'n -'r 5u' >arrant' 'r an e"ecti'n pr'test $ut a petiti'n t' annu" t8e pr'c"amati'nH ()) >8ere t8e -i"in( '- a 5u' >arrant' petiti'n 'r an e"ecti'n pr'test >as e4press"% made >it8'ut preCudice t' t8e pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% 'r >as made ad caute"amH and +) >8ere t8e pr'c"amati'n >as nu"" and *'id M're'*er9 as c'rrect"% ar(ued $% t8e S'"icit'r @enera"9 resp'ndent Ma(n' cann't $e -au"ted -'r 8is -ai"ure t' -i"e an e"ecti'n pr'test T8e 5uesti'n '- 8is 5ua"i-icati'n 'r dis5ua"i-icati'n -'r t8e p'siti'n '- Ma%'r 8ad n't %et $een sett"ed as '- t8e e4pirati'n '- t8e ten7da% re("ementar% peri'd As suc89 Ma(n' >as n't %et e"i(i$"e t' -i"e an e"ecti'n pr'test and9 t8ere-'re9 t8e -act t8at n' suc8 pr'test >as -i"ed s8'u"d n't $e an impediment t' 8is pr'c"amati'n as ma%'r i- t8e resu"ts '- t8e can*ass '- t8e ne> Municipa" B'ard '- Can*assers >'u"d s8'> t8at 8e (arnered t8e 8i(8est num$er '- *'tes /irst9 t8e rec'rds '- t8e case c"ear"% s8'> t8at petiti'ner >as (i*en -u"" 'pp'rtunit% t' participate in S,A 3!7!+&9 $'t8 *ia due n'tice '- and attendance at 8earin(s and t8e 'pp'rtunit% t' su$mit mem'randa and p"eadin(s Sec'nd9 t8ere >as n' su$stantia" m'di-icati'n '- t8e COMELECBs En Banc Res'"uti'n dated Ma% !&9 #33& T8e Orders issued $% resp'ndent COMELEC C8airman dated Ma% ##9 #33& and June !39 #33& >ere mere"% t' imp"ement t8e COMELEC En BancBs Res'"uti'n9 >it8 t8e end ('a" 'can*assin( t8e *'tes cast in t8e m'st e4pediti'us >a% p'ssi$"e T8e petiti'n >as dismissed

AL'A/E; !. COMELEC G./. N . 18$4$3> Marc, 1> $))1 E"ecti'n cases must $e res'"*ed Cust"%9 e4pediti'us"% and ine4pensi*e"% ,re-erentia" disp'siti'n app"ies t' cases $e-'re t8e c'urts and n't t8'se $e-'re t8e COMELEC 292

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS E"ecti'n cases pertainin( t' $aran(a% e"ecti'ns ma% $e appea"ed $% >a% '- a specia" ci*i" acti'n -'r certi'rari9 $ut rec'urse is a*ai"a$"e 'n"% >8en t8e COMELECBs -actua" determinati'ns are marred $% (ra*e a$use '- discreti'n

BINCE> Er. !". COMELEC $8$ SC/A $3( Sett"ed is t8e ru"e t8at "a>s ('*ernin( e"ecti'n c'ntests must $e "i$era""% c'nstrued t' t8e end t8at t8e >i"" '- t8e pe'p"e in t8e c8'ice '- pu$"ic '--icia"s ma% n't $e de-eated $% mere tec8nica" '$Cecti'ns COMELEC did n't c'mmit (ra*e a$use '- discreti'n in settin( aside t8e i""e(a" pr'c"amati'n

Sec. $4.. Act1al r c *6en"at r0 &a*a-e". # Act1al r c *6en"at r0 &a*a-e" *a0 +e -rante& in all electi n c nte"t" r in A1 =arrant 6r cee&in-" in acc r&ance =it, la=. Sec. $2). N tice % &eci"i n". # T,e cler: % c 1rt an& t,e c rre"6 n&in- %%icial in t,e C **i""i n +e% re =, * an electi n c nte"t r a A1 =arrant 6r cee&in- ,a" +een in"tit1te& r =,ere t,e a66eal % "ai& ca"e ,a" +een ta:en ",all n ti%0 i**e&iatel0 t,e Pre"i&ent % t,e P,ili66ine" % t,e %inal &i"6 "iti n t,ere %. In electi n c nte"t" in! l!in- 6r !incial> cit0> *1nici6al> r +aran-a0 %%ice"> n tice % "1c, %inal &i"6 "iti n ",all al" +e "ent t t,e "ecretar0 % t,e l cal "an--1nian c ncerne&. I% t,e &eci"i n +e t,at n ne % t,e 6artie" ,a" +een le-all0 electe&> "ai& %%icial ",all certi%0 "1c, &eci"i n t t,e Pre"i&ent % t,e P,ili66ine" an&> in a66r 6riate ca"e" t t,e C **i""i n.

EU/ISP/UDENCE In La<atin *s ;RET (@ R N' 1)#209 Decem$er 19 !221)9 it >as 8e"d t8at -'r purp'se '- e"ecti'n c'ntests c'(ni<a$"e $% t8e ;RET9 t8e ru"es '- pr'cedure '- suc8 tri$una"s s8a"" pre*ai" '*er t8e pr'*isi'ns '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de And e"ect'ra" tri$una"9 in determinin( t8e true >i"" '- t8e e"ect'rate9 8as t8e p'>er9 t' suspend its '>n ru"es Rec'urse ma% $e 8ad >it8 t8e Supreme C'urt i- t8e ;RET acted >it8 (ra*e a$use 'discreti'n T8e Supreme C'urt sittin( en $anc9 s8a"" $e t8e s'"e Cud(e '- a"" c'ntest re"atin( t' t8e e"ecti'n9 returns9 and 5ua"i-icati'ns '- t8e ,resident9 6ice7,resident9 and ma% pr'mu"(ate its ru"es -'r t8e purp'se

293

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

A/TICLE 55II ELECTION OFFENSES

Sec. $21. Pr ,i+ite& Act". # T,e % ll =in- ",all +e -1ilt0 % an electi n %%en"e? (a) ' te#+10in- an& ! te#"ellin-. # (1) An0 6er" n =, -i!e"> %%er" r 6r *i"e" * ne0 r an0t,in- % !al1e> -i!e" r 6r *i"e" an0 %%ice r e*6l 0*ent> %ranc,i"e r -rant> 61+lic r 6ri!ate> r *a:e" r %%er" t *a:e an e76en&it1re> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> r ca1"e an e76en&it1re t +e *a&e t an0 6er" n> a"" ciati n> c r6 rati n> entit0> r c **1nit0 in r&er t in&1ce an0 ne r t,e 61+lic in -eneral t ! te % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate r =it,, l& ,i" ! te in t,e electi n> r t ! te % r r a-ain"t an0 a"6irant % r t,e n *inati n r c, ice % a can&i&ate in a c n!enti n r "i*ilar "electi n 6r ce"" % a 6 litical 6art0. ($) An0 6er" n> a"" ciati n> c r6 rati n> -r 16 r c **1nit0 =, " licit" r recei!e"> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> an0 e76en&it1re r 6r *i"e % an0 %%ice r e*6l 0*ent> 61+lic r 6ri!ate> % r an0 % t,e % re- inc n"i&erati n". (+) C n"6irac0 t +ri+e ! ter". # T= r * re 6er" n"> =,et,er can&i&ate" r n t> =, c *e t an a-ree*ent c ncernin- t,e c **i""i n % an0 !i lati n % 6ara-ra6, (a) % t,i" "ecti n an& &eci&e t c **it it. (c) 9a-erin- 16 n re"1lt % electi n. # An0 6er" n =, +et" r =a-er" 16 n t,e 1tc *e %> r an0 c ntin-enc0 c nnecte& =it, an electi n. An0 * ne0 r t,in% !al1e r &e6 "it % * ne0 r t,in- % !al1e "it1ate& an0=,ere in t,e P,ili66ine" 61t a" "1c, +et r =a-er ",all +e % r%eite& t t,e - !ern*ent. 294

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (&) C erci n % "1+ r&inate". # (1) An0 61+lic %%icer> r an0 %%icer % an0 61+lic r 6ri!ate c r6 rati n r a"" ciati n> r an0 ,ea&> "16eri r> r a&*ini"trat r % an0 reli-i 1" r-ani<ati n> r an0 e*6l 0er r lan&# =ner =, c erce" r inti*i&ate" r c *6el"> r in an0 *anner in%l1ence> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> an0 % ,i" "1+ r&inate" r *e*+er" r 6ari",i ner" r e*6l 0ee" r , 1"e ,el6er"> tenant"> !er"eer"> %ar* ,el6er"> tiller"> r lea"e , l&er" t ai&> ca*6ai-n r ! te % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate r an0 a"6irant % r t,e n *inati n r "electi n % can&i&ate". ($) An0 61+lic %%icer r an0 %%icer % an0 c **ercial> in&1"trial> a-ric1lt1ral> ec n *ic r " cial enter6ri"e r 61+lic r 6ri!ate c r6 rati n r a"" ciati n> r an0 ,ea&> "16eri r r a&*ini"trat r % an0 reli-i 1" r-ani<ati n> r an0 e*6l 0er r lan& =ner =, &i"*i""e" r t,reaten" t &i"*i""> 61ni",e" r t,reaten" t 61ni", +e re&1cin- ,i" "alar0> =a-e r c *6en"ati n> r +0 &e* ti n> tran"%er> "1"6en"i n> "e6arati n> e7c **1nicati n> eBect*ent> r ca1"in- ,i* ann 0ance in t,e 6er% r*ance % ,i" B + r in ,i" *e*+er",i6> an0 "1+ r&inate *e*+er r a%%iliate> 6ari",i ner> e*6l 0ee r , 1"e ,el6er> tenant> !er"eer> %ar* ,el6er> tiller> r lea"e , l&er> % r &i" +e0in- r n t c *6l0in- =it, an0 % t,e act" r&ere& +0 t,e % r*er t ai&> ca*6ai-n r ! te % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate> r an0 a"6irant % r t,e n *inati n r "electi n % can&i&ate". (e) T,reat"> inti*i&ati n> terr ri"*> 1"e % %ra1&1lent &e!ice r t,er % r*" % c erci n. # An0 6er" n =, > &irectl0 r in&irectl0> t,reaten"> inti*i&ate" r act1all0 ca1"e"> in%lict" r 6r &1ce" an0 !i lence> inB1r0> 61ni",*ent> &a*a-e> l "" r &i"a&!anta-e 16 n an0 6er" n r 6er" n" r t,at % t,e i**e&iate *e*+er" % ,i" %a*il0> ,i" , n r r 6r 6ert0> r 1"e" an0 %ra1&1lent &e!ice r "c,e*e t c *6el r in&1ce t,e re-i"trati n r re%rainin- %r * re-i"trati n % an0 ! ter> r t,e 6artici6ati n in a ca*6ai-n r re%rainin- r &e"i"tance %r * an0 ca*6ai-n> r t,e ca"tin- % an0 ! te r *i""i n t ! te> r an0 6r *i"e % "1c, re-i"trati n> ca*6ai-n> ! te> r *i""i n t,ere%r *. (%) C erci n % electi n %%icial" an& e*6l 0ee". # An0 6er" n =, > &irectl0 r in&irectl0> t,reaten"> inti*i&ate"> terr ri<e" r c erce" an0 electi n %%icial r e*6l 0ee in t,e 6er% r*ance % ,i" electi n %1ncti n" r &1tie". (-) A66 int*ent % ne= e*6l 0ee"> creati n % ne= 6 "iti n> 6r * ti n> r -i!in- "alar0 increa"e". # D1rin- t,e 6eri & % % rt0#%i!e &a0" +e% re a re-1lar electi n an& t,irt0 &a0" +e% re a "6ecial electi n> (1) an0 ,ea&> %%icial r a66 intin- %%icer % a - !ern*ent %%ice> a-enc0 r in"tr1*entalit0> =,et,er nati nal r l cal> incl1&in- - !ern*ent# =ne& r c ntr lle& c r6 rati n"> =, a66 int" r ,ire" an0 ne= e*6l 0ee> =,et,er 6r !i"i nal> te*6 rar0 r ca"1al> r create" an& %ill" an0 ne= 6 "iti n> e7ce6t 16 n 6ri r a1t, rit0 % t,e C **i""i n. T,e C **i""i n ",all n t -rant t,e a1t, rit0 " 1-,t 1nle""> it i" "ati"%ie& t,at t,e 6 "iti n t +e %ille& i" e""ential t t,e 6r 6er %1ncti nin- % t,e 295

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS %%ice r a-enc0 c ncerne&> an& t,at t,e 6 "iti n ",all n t +e %ille& in a *anner t,at *a0 in%l1ence t,e electi n. A" an e7ce6ti n t t,e % re- in- 6r !i"i n"> a ne= e*6l 0ee *a0 +e a66 inte& in ca"e % 1r-ent nee&? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at n tice % t,e a66 int*ent ",all +e -i!en t t,e C **i""i n =it,in t,ree &a0" %r * t,e &ate % t,e a66 int*ent. An0 a66 int*ent r ,irin- in !i lati n % t,i" 6r !i"i n ",all +e n1ll an& ! i&. ($) An0 - !ern*ent %%icial =, 6r * te"> r -i!e" an0 increa"e % "alar0 r re*1nerati n r 6ri!ile-e t an0 - !ern*ent %%icial r e*6l 0ee> incl1&int, "e in - !ern*ent# =ne& r c ntr lle& c r6 rati n". (,) Tran"%er % %%icer" an& e*6l 0ee" in t,e ci!il "er!ice. # An0 61+lic %%icial =, *a:e" r ca1"e" an0 tran"%er r &etail =,ate!er % an0 %%icer r e*6l 0ee in t,e ci!il "er!ice incl1&in- 61+lic "c, l teac,er"> =it,in t,e electi n 6eri & e7ce6t 16 n 6ri r a66r !al % t,e C **i""i n. (i) Inter!enti n % 61+lic %%icer" an& e*6l 0ee". # An0 %%icer r e*6l 0ee in t,e ci!il "er!ice> e7ce6t t, "e , l&in- 6 litical %%ice"@ an0 %%icer> e*6l 0ee> r *e*+er r t,e Ar*e& F rce" % t,e P,ili66ine"> r an0 6 lice % rce> "6ecial % rce"> , *e &e%en"e % rce"> +aran-a0 "el%#&e%en"e 1nit" an& all t,er 6ara# *ilitar0 1nit" t,at n = e7i"t r =,ic, *a0 ,erea%ter +e r-ani<e& =, > &irectl0 r in&irectl0> inter!ene" in an0 electi n ca*6ai-n r en-a-e" in an0 6arti"an 6 litical acti!it0> e7ce6t t ! te r t 6re"er!e 61+lic r&er> i% ,e i" a 6eace %%icer. (B) Un&1e in%l1ence. # It i" 1nla=%1l % r an0 6er" n t 6r *i"e an0 %%ice r e*6l 0*ent> 61+lic r 6ri!ate> r t *a:e r %%er t *a:e an e76en&it1re> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> r t ca1"e an e76en&it1re t +e *a&e t an0 6er" n> a"" ciati n> c r6 rati n r entit0> =,ic, *a0 in&1ce an0 ne r t,e 61+lic in -eneral eit,er t ! te r =it,, l& ,i" ! te> r t ! te % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate in an0 electi n r an0 a"6irant % r t,e n *inati n r "electi n % an %%icial can&i&ate in a c n!enti n % a 6 litical 6art0. It i" li:e=i"e 1nla=%1l % r an0 6er" n> a"" ciati n> c r6 rati n r c **1nit0> t " licit r recei!e> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> an0 e76en&it1re r 6r *i"e r an0 %%ice> r e*6l 0*ent> 61+lic r 6ri!ate> % r an0 % t,e % re- in- c n"i&erati n". (:) Unla=%1l electi neerin-. # It i" 1nla=%1l t " licit ! te" r 1n&erta:e an0 6r 6a-an&a n t,e &a0 % re-i"trati n +e% re t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" an& n t,e &a0 % electi n> % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate r an0 6 litical 6art0 =it,in t,e 6 llin- 6lace an& =it, a ra&i1" % t,irt0 *eter" t,ere %. (l) Pr ,i+iti n a-ain"t &i"*i""al % e*6l 0ee"> la+ rer"> r tenant". # N e*6l 0ee r la+ rer ",all +e &i"*i""e&> n r a tenant +e eBecte& %r * ,i" lan&, l&in-" % r re%1"in- r %ailin- t ! te % r an0 can&i&ate % ,i" e*6l 0er r lan& =ner. An0 e*6l 0ee> la+ rer r tenant " &i"*i""e& r eBecte& ",all +e rein"tate& an& t,e "alar0 r =a-e % t,e e*6l 0ee r la+ rer> r t,e ",are % t,e ,ar!e"t % t,e tenant> ",all +e re"t re& t t,e a--rie!e& 6art0 16 n a66licati n t t,e 6r 6er c 1rt. 296

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (*) A66 int*ent r 1"e % "6ecial 6 lice*en> "6ecial a-ent"> c n%i&ential a-ent" r t,e li:e. # D1rin- t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri &> n t,e &a0 +e% re an& n electi n &a0> an0 a66 intin- a1t, rit0 =, a66 int" r an0 6er" n =, 1tili<e" t,e "er!ice" % "6ecial 6 lice*en> "6ecial a-ent"> c n%i&ential a-ent" r 6er" n" 6er% r*in"i*ilar %1ncti n"@ 6er" n" 6re!i 1"l0 a66 inte& a" "6ecial 6 lice*en> "6ecial a-ent"> c n%i&ential a-ent" r 6er" n" 6er% r*in- "i*ilar %1ncti n" =, c ntin1e actin- a" "1c,> an& t, "e =, %ail t t1rn !er t,eir %irear*"> 1ni% r*"> in"i-nia" an& t,er +a&-e" % a1t, rit0 t t,e 6r 6er %%icer =, i""1e& t,e "a*e. At t,e "tart % t,e a% re*enti ne& 6eri &> t,e +aran-a0 c,air*an> *1nici6al *a0 r> cit0 *a0 r> 6r !incial - !ern r> r an0 a66 intin- a1t, rit0 ",all "1+*it t t,e C **i""i n a c *6lete li"t % all "6ecial 6 lice*en> "6ecial a-ent"> c n%i&ential a-ent" r 6er" n" 6er% r*in- "i*ilar %1ncti n" in t,e e*6l 0 % t,eir re"6ecti!e 6 litical "1+&i!i"i n"> =it, "1c, 6artic1lar" a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 reA1ire. (n) Ille-al relea"e % 6ri" ner" +e% re an& a%ter electi n. # T,e Direct r % t,e B1rea1 % Pri" n"> an0 6r !incial =ar&en> t,e :ee6er % t,e Bail r t,e 6er" n r 6er" n" reA1ire& +0 la= t :ee6 6ri" ner" in t,eir c1"t &0 =, ille-all0 r&er" r all =" an0 6ri" ner &etaine& in t,e nati nal 6enitentiar0> r t,e 6r !incial> cit0 r *1nici6al Bail t lea!e t,e 6re*i"e" t,ere % "i7t0 &a0" +e% re an& t,irt0 &a0" a%ter t,e electi n. T,e *1nici6al r cit0 =ar&en> t,e 6r !incial =ar&en> t,e :ee6er % t,e Bail r t,e 6er" n r 6er" n" reA1ire& +0 la= t :ee6 6ri" ner" in t,eir c1"t &0 ",all 6 "t in t,ree c n"6ic1 1" 61+lic 6lace" a li"t % t,e 6ri" ner" r &etenti n 6ri" ner" 1n&er t,eir care. Detenti n 6ri" ner" *1"t +e cate- ri<e& a" "1c,. ( ) U"e % 61+lic %1n&"> * ne0 &e6 "ite& in tr1"t> eA1i6*ent> %acilitie" =ne& r c ntr lle& +0 t,e - !ern*ent % r an electi n ca*6ai-n. # An0 6er" n =, 1"e" 1n&er an0 -1i"e =,at" e!er> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> (1) 61+lic %1n&" r * ne0 &e6 "ite& =it,> r ,el& in tr1"t +0> 61+lic %inancin- in"tit1ti n" r +0 - !ern*ent %%ice"> +an:"> r a-encie"@ ($) an0 6rintin- 6re""> ra&i > r tele!i"i n "tati n r a1&i #!i"1al eA1i6*ent 6erate& +0 t,e G !ern*ent r +0 it" &i!i"i n"> "1+#&i!i"i n"> a-encie" r in"tr1*entalitie"> incl1&in- - !ern*ent# =ne& r c ntr lle& c r6 rati n"> r +0 t,e Ar*e& F rce" % t,e P,ili66ine"@ r (() an0 eA1i6*ent> !e,icle> %acilit0> a66arat1"> r 6ara6,ernalia =ne& +0 t,e - !ern*ent r +0 it" 6 litical "1+&i!i"i n"> a-encie" incl1&in- - !ern*ent# =ne& r c ntr lle& c r6 rati n"> r +0 t,e Ar*e& F rce" % t,e P,ili66ine" % r an0 electi n ca*6ai-n r % r an0 6arti"an 6 litical acti!it0. (6) Dea&l0 =ea6 n". # An0 6er" n =, carrie" an0 &ea&l0 =ea6 n in t,e 6 llin6lace an& =it,in a ra&i1" % ne ,1n&re& *eter" t,ere % &1rin- t,e &a0" an& , 1r" %i7e& +0 la= % r t,e re-i"trati n % ! ter" in t,e 6 llin- 6lace> ! tin-> c 1ntin- % ! te"> r 6re6arati n % t,e electi n ret1rn". H =e!er> in ca"e" % a%%ra0> t1r* il> r &i" r&er> an0 6eace %%icer r 61+lic %%icer a1t, ri<e& +0 t,e C **i""i n t "16er!i"e t,e electi n i" entitle& t carr0 %irear*" r an0 t,er =ea6 n % r t,e 61r6 "e % 6re"er!in- r&er an& en% rcin- t,e la=. 297

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (A) Carr0in- %irear*" 1t"i&e re"i&ence r 6lace % +1"ine"". # An0 6er" n =, > alt, 1-, 6 ""e""in- a 6er*it t carr0 %irear*"> carrie" an0 %irear*" 1t"i&e ,i" re"i&ence r 6lace % +1"ine"" &1rin- t,e electi n 6eri &> 1nle"" a1t, ri<e& in =ritin- +0 t,e C **i""i n? Pr !i&e&> T,at a * t r !e,icle> =ater r air cra%t ",all n t +e c n"i&ere& a re"i&ence r 6lace % +1"ine"" r e7ten"i n ,ere %. T,i" 6r ,i+iti n ",all n t a66l0 t ca",ier" an& &i"+1r"in- %%icer" =,ile in t,e 6er% r*ance % t,eir &1tie" r t 6er" n" =, +0 nat1re % t,eir %%icial &1tie"> 6r %e""i n> +1"ine"" r cc16ati n ,a+it1all0 carr0 lar-e "1*" % * ne0 r !al1a+le". D1rin- t,e electi n 6eri & > n 6er" n ",all +ear> carr0 r tran"6 rt %irear*" r t,er &ea&l0 =ea6 n" in 61+lic 6lace"> incl1&in- an0 61+lic "treet"> +1il&in-"> 6ar:> 6ri!ate !e,icle" r 61+lic c n!e0ance> e!en i% licen"e& t 6 ""e"" r carr0 t,e "a*e> 1nle"" a1t, ri<e& in =ritin- +0 t,e C **i""i n. T,e i""1ance % %irear*" licen"e ",all +e "1"6en&e&. Onl0 re-1lar *e*+er" r %%icer" % t,e PNP> AFP an& t,er la= en% rce*ent a-encie" % t,e G !ern*ent =, are &1l0 &e61ti<e& in =ritin- +0 t,e C **i""i n % r electi n &1t0 *a0 +e a1t, ri<e& in =ritin- +0 t,e C **i""i n % r electi n &1t0 *a0 +e a1t, ri<e& t carr0 an& 6 ""e"" %irear*" &1rin- t,e electi n 6eri &? Pr !i&e&> T,at> =,en in t,e 6 ""e""i n % %irear*"> t,e &e61ti<e& la= en% rce*ent %%icer *1"t +e? a) in %1ll 1ni% r* ", =in- clearl0 an& le-i+l0 ,i" na*e> ran: an& "erial n1*+er =,ic, ",all re*ain !i"i+le at all ti*e"@ an& +) in t,e act1al 6er% r*ance % ,i" electi n &1t0 in t,e "6eci%ic area &e"i-nate& +0 t,e C **i""i n. (r) U"e % ar* re& lan&> =ater r air cra%t. # An0 6er" n =, 1"e" &1rin- t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri &> n t,e &a0 +e% re an& n electi n &a0> an0 ar* re& lan&> =ater r air cra%t> 6r !i&e& =it, an0 te*6 rar0 r 6er*anent eA1i6*ent r an0 t,er &e!ice r c ntra6ti n % r t,e * 1ntin- r in"tallati n % cann n"> *ac,ine -1n" an& t,er "i*ilar ,i-, cali+er %irear*"> incl1&in- *ilitar0 t06e tan:"> ,al% tr1c:"> "c 1t tr1c:"> ar* re& tr1c:"> % an0 *a:e r * &el> =,et,er ne=> rec n&iti ne&> re+1ilt r re* &ele&? Pr !i&e&> T,at +an:in- r %inancial in"tit1ti n" an& all +1"ine"" %ir*" *a0 1"e n t * re t,an t= ar* re& !e,icle" "trictl0 % r> an& li*ite& t > t,e 61r6 "e % tran"6 rtin- ca",> - l& +1lli n r t,er !al1a+le" in c nnecti n =it, t,eir +1"ine"" %r * an& t t,eir 6lace % +1"ine""> 16 n 6re!i 1" a1t, rit0 % t,e C **i""i n. (") 9earin- % 1ni% r*" an& +earin- ar*". # D1rin- t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri &> n t,e &a0 +e% re an& n electi n &a0> an0 *e*+er % "ec1rit0 r 6 lice r-ani<ati n % - !ern*ent a-encie"> c **i""i n"> c 1ncil"> +1rea1"> %%ice"> r - !ern*ent# =ne& r c ntr lle& c r6 rati n"> r 6ri!atel0# =ne& r 6erate& "ec1rit0> in!e"ti-ati!e> 6r tecti!e r intelli-ence a-encie"> =, =ear" ,i" 1ni% r* r 1"e" ,i" in"i-nia> &ec rati n" r re-alia> r +ear" ar*" 1t"i&e t,e i**e&iate !icinit0 % ,i" 6lace % = r:? Pr !i&e&> T,at t,i" 6r ,i+iti n ",all n t a66l0 298

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS =,en "ai& *e*+er i" in 61r"1it % a 6er" n =, ,a" c **itte& r i" c **ittina cri*e in t,e 6re*i"e" ,e i" -1ar&in-@ r =,en e"c rtin- r 6r !i&in- "ec1rit0 % r t,e tran"6 rt % 6a0r ll"> &e6 "it"> r t,er !al1a+le"@ r =,en -1ar&in- t,e re"i&ence % 6ri!ate 6er" n" r =,en -1ar&in- 6ri!ate re"i&ence"> +1il&in-" r %%ice"? Pr !i&e&> %1rt,er> T,at in t,e la"t ca"e 6ri r =ritten a66r !al % t,e C **i""i n ",all +e +taine&. T,e C **i""i n ",all &eci&e all a66licati n" % r a1t, rit0 1n&er t,i" 6ara-ra6, =it,in %i%teen &a0" %r * t,e &ate % t,e %ilin- % "1c, a66licati n. D1rin- t,e "a*e 6eri &> an& en&in- t,irt0 &a0" t,erea%ter an0 *e*+er % t,e Ar*e& F rce" % t,e P,ili66ine"> "6ecial> % rce"> , *e &e%en"e % rce"> +aran-a0 "el%#&e%en"e 1nit" an& all t,er 6ara#*ilitar0 1nit" t,at n = e7i"t r =,ic, *a0 ,erea%ter +e r-ani<e& =, =ear" ,i" 1ni% r* r +ear" ar*" 1t"i&e t,e ca*6> -arri" n r +arrac:" t =,ic, ,e i" a""i-ne& r &etaile& r 1t"i&e t,eir , *e"> in ca"e % *e*+er" % 6ara#*ilitar0 1nit"> 1nle"" (1) t,e Pre"i&ent % t,e P,ili66ine" ",all ,a!e -i!en 6re!i 1" a1t, rit0 t,ere% r> an& t,e C **i""i n n ti%ie& t,ere % in =ritin-> r ($) t,e C **i""i n a1t, ri<e" ,i* t & " > =,ic, a1t, rit0 it ",all -i!e nl0 =,en nece""ar0 t a""i"t it in *aintainin- %ree> r&erl0 an& , ne"t electi n"> an& nl0 a%ter n tice an& ,earin-. All 6er" nnel % t,e Ar*e& F rce" a1t, ri<e& +0 t,e Pre"i&ent r t,e C **i""i n t +ear ar*" r =ear t,eir 1ni% r*" 1t"i&e t,eir ca*6" an& all 6 lice an& 6eace %%icer" ",all +ear t,eir tr1e na*e> ran: an& "erial n1*+er> i% an0> "titc,e& in +l c: letter" n a =,ite +ac:-r 1n& n t,e le%t +rea"t % t,eir 1ni% r*> in letter" an& n1*+er" % a clearl0 le-i+le &e"i-n at lea"t t= centi*eter" tall> =,ic, ",all at all ti*e" re*ain !i"i+le an& 1nc !ere&. D1rin- t,e electi n 6eri &> =,ene!er t,e C **i""i n %in&" it nece""ar0 % r t,e 6r * ti n % %ree> r&erl0> , ne"t an& 6eace%1l electi n" in a "6eci%ic area> it ",all c n%i"cate r r&er t,e c n%i"cati n % %irear*" % an0 *e*+er r *e*+er" % t,e Ar*e& F rce" % t,e P,ili66ine"> 6 lice % rce"> , *e &e%en"e % rce"> +aran-a0 "el%#&e%en"e 1nit"> an& all t,er 6ara#*ilitar0 1nit" t,at n = e7i"t> r =,ic, *a0 ,erea%ter +e r-ani<e&> r an0 *e*+er r *e*+er" % t,e "ec1rit0 r 6 lice r-ani<ati n> - !ern*ent *ini"trie"> c **i""i n"> c 1ncil"> +1rea1"> %%ice"> in"tr1*entalitie"> r - !ern*ent# =ne& r c ntr lle& c r6 rati n" an& t,er "1+"i&iarie"> r % an0 *e*+er r *e*+er" % 6ri!atel0 =ne& r 6erate& "ec1rit0> in!e"ti-ati!e> 6r tecti!e r intelli-ence a-encie" 6er% r*ini&entical r "i*ilar %1ncti n". (t) P lice*en an& 6r !incial -1ar&" actin- a" + &0-1ar&" r "ec1rit0 -1ar&". # D1rin- t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri &> n t,e &a0 +e% re an& n electi n &a0> an0 *e*+er % t,e cit0 r *1nici6al 6 lice % rce> an0 6r !incial r "1+#6r !incial -1ar&> an0 *e*+er % t,e Ar*e& F rce" % t,e P,ili66ine"> "6ecial % rce"> , *e &e%en"e % rce"> +aran-a0 "el%#&e%en"e 1nit" an& all t,er 6ara#*ilitar0 1nit" t,at n = e7i"t r =,ic, *a0 ,erea%ter +e r-ani<e& =, act" a" + &0-1ar& r "ec1rit0 -1ar& % an0 61+lic %%icial> can&i&ate r an0 t,er 6er" n> an& an0 % t,e latter =, 1tili<e" t,e "er!ice" % t,e % r*er a" + &0-1ar& r "ec1rit0 -1ar&? Pr !i&e&> T,at> a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-> =,en t,e li%e an& "ec1rit0 % a can&i&ate i" in Be 6ar&0> t,e C **i""i n i" e*6 =ere& t a""i-n at t,e can&i&ateG" c, ice> an0 *e*+er % t,e P,ili66ine C n"ta+1lar0 r t,e 6 lice 299

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS % rce % an0 *1nici6alit0 =it,in t,e 6r !ince t act a" ,i" + &0-1ar& r "ec1rit0 -1ar& in a n1*+er t +e &eter*ine& +0 t,e C **i""i n +1t n t t e7cee& t,ree 6er can&i&ate? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at =,en t,e circ1*"tance" reA1ire i**e&iate acti n> t,e C **i""i n *a0 i""1e a te*6 rar0 r&er all =in- t,e a""i-n*ent % an0 *e*+er % t,e P,ili66ine C n"ta+1lar0 r t,e l cal 6 lice % rce t act a" + &0-1ar& r "ec1rit0 -1ar& % t,e can&i&ate> "1+Bect t c n%ir*ati n r re! cati n. (1) Or-ani<ati n r *aintenance % reacti n % rce"> "tri:e % rce"> r t,er "i*ilar % rce". # An0 6er" n =, r-ani<e" r *aintain" a reacti n % rce> "tri:e % rce r "i*ilar % rce &1rin- t,e electi n 6eri &. T,e ,ea&" % all reacti n % rce"> "tri:e % rce"> r "i*ilar % rce" ",all> n t later t,an % rt0#%i!e &a0" +e% re t,e electi n> "1+*it t t,e C **i""i n a c *6lete li"t % all *e*+er" t,ere % =it, "1c, 6artic1lar" a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 reA1ire. (!) Pr ,i+iti n a-ain"t relea"e> &i"+1r"e*ent r e76en&it1re % 61+lic %1n&". # An0 61+lic %%icial r e*6l 0ee incl1&in- +aran-a0 %%icial" an& t, "e % - !ern*ent# =ne& r c ntr lle& c r6 rati n" an& t,eir "1+"i&iarie"> =, > &1rin- % rt0#%i!e &a0" +e% re a re-1lar electi n an& t,irt0 &a0" +e% re a "6ecial electi n> relea"e"> &i"+1r"e" r e76en&" an0 61+lic %1n&" % r? (1) An0 an& all :in&" % 61+lic = r:"> e7ce6t t,e % ll =in-? (a) Maintenance % e7i"tin- an&J r c *6lete& 61+lic = r:" 6r Bect? Pr !i&e&> T,at n t * re t,an t,e a!era-e n1*+er % la+ rer" r e*6l 0ee" alrea&0 e*6l 0e& t,erein &1rin- t,e "i7#* nt, 6eri & i**e&iatel0 6ri r t t,e +e-innin- % t,e % rt0#%i!e &a0 6eri & +e% re electi n &a0 ",all +e 6er*itte& t = r: &1rin- "1c, ti*e? Pr !i&e&> %1rt,er> T,at n a&&iti nal la+ rer" ",all +e e*6l 0e& % r *aintenance = r: =it,in t,e "ai& 6eri & % % rt0#%i!e &a0"@ (+) 9 r: 1n&erta:en +0 c ntract t,r 1-, 61+lic +i&&in- ,el&> r +0 ne- tiate& c ntract a=ar&e&> +e% re t,e % rt0#%i!e &a0 6eri & +e% re electi n? Pr !i&e&> T,at = r: % r t,e 61r6 "e % t,i" "ecti n 1n&erta:en 1n&er t,e " #calle& Cta:a0C r C6aA1ia C "0"te* ",all n t +e c n"i&ere& a" = r: +0 c ntract@ (c) Pa0*ent % r t,e 1"1al c "t % 6re6arati n % r = r:in- &ra=in-"> "6eci%icati n"> +ill" % *aterial"> e"ti*ate"> an& t,er 6r ce&1re" 6re6arat r0 t act1al c n"tr1cti n incl1&in- t,e 61rc,a"e % *aterial" an& eA1i6*ent> an& all inci&ental e76en"e" % r =a-e" % =atc,*en an& t,er la+ rer" e*6l 0e& % r "1c, = r: in t,e central %%ice an& %iel& "t re, 1"e" +e% re t,e +e-innin- % "1c, 6eri &? Pr !i&e&> T,at t,e n1*+er % "1c, la+ rer" ",all n t +e increa"e& !er t,e n1*+er ,ire& =,en t,e 6r Bect r 6r Bect" =ere c **ence&@ an& 300

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (&) E*er-enc0 = r: nece""itate& +0 t,e cc1rrence % a 61+lic cala*it0> +1t "1c, = r: ",all +e li*ite& t t,e re"t rati n % t,e &a*a-e& %acilit0. N 6a0*ent ",all +e *a&e =it,in %i!e &a0" +e% re t,e &ate % electi n t la+ rer" =, ,a!e ren&ere& "er!ice" in 6r Bect" r = r:" e7ce6t t, "e %allin- 1n&er "1+6ara-ra6," (a)> (+)> (c)> an& (&)> % t,i" 6ara-ra6,. T,i" 6r ,i+iti n ",all n t a66l0 t n- in- 61+lic = r:" 6r Bect" c **ence& +e% re t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri & r "i*ilar 6r Bect" 1n&er % rei-n a-ree*ent". F r 61r6 "e" % t,i" 6r !i"i n> it ",all +e t,e &1t0 % t,e - !ern*ent %%icial" r a-encie" c ncerne& t re6 rt t t,e C **i""i n t,e li"t % all "1c, 6r Bect" +ein- 1n&erta:en +0 t,e*. ($) T,e Mini"tr0 % S cial Ser!ice" an& De!el 6*ent an& an0 t,er %%ice in t,er *ini"trie" % t,e - !ern*ent 6er% r*in- %1ncti n" "i*ilar t "ai& *ini"tr0> e7ce6t % r "alarie" % 6er" nnel> an& % r "1c, t,er r 1tine an& n r*al e76en"e"> an& % r "1c, t,er e76en"e" a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 a1t, ri<e a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-. S, 1l& a cala*it0 r &i"a"ter cc1r> all relea"e" n r*all0 r 1"1all0 c 1r"e& t,r 1-, t,e "ai& *ini"trie" an& %%ice" % t,er *ini"trie" ",all +e t1rne& !er t > an& a&*ini"tere& an& &i"+1r"e& +0> t,e P,ili66ine Nati nal /e& Cr ""> "1+Bect t t,e "16er!i"i n % t,e C **i""i n n A1&it r it" re6re"entati!e"> an& n can&i&ate r ,i" r ,er "6 1"e r *e*+er % ,i" %a*il0 =it,in t,e "ec n& ci!il &e-ree % a%%init0 r c n"an-1init0 ",all 6artici6ate> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> in t,e &i"tri+1ti n % an0 relie% r t,er - &" t t,e !icti*" % t,e cala*it0 r &i"a"ter@ an& (() T,e Mini"tr0 % H1*an Settle*ent" an& an0 t,er %%ice in an0 t,er *ini"tr0 % t,e - !ern*ent 6er% r*in- %1ncti n" "i*ilar t "ai& *ini"tr0> e7ce6t % r "alarie" % 6er" nnel an& % r "1c, t,er nece""ar0 a&*ini"trati!e r t,er e76en"e" a" t,e C **i""i n *a0 a1t, ri<e a%ter &1e n tice an& ,earin-. (=) Pr ,i+iti n a-ain"t c n"tr1cti n % 61+lic = r:"> &eli!er0 % *aterial" % r 61+lic = r:" an& i""1ance % trea"1r0 =arrant" an& "i*ilar &e!ice". # D1rint,e 6eri & % % rt0#%i!e &a0" 6rece&in- a re-1lar electi n an& t,irt0 &a0" +e% re a "6ecial electi n> an0 6er" n =, (a) 1n&erta:e" t,e c n"tr1cti n % an0 61+lic = r:"> e7ce6t % r 6r Bect" r = r:" e7e*6te& in t,e 6rece&in- 6ara-ra6,@ r (+) i""1e"> 1"e" r a!ail" % trea"1r0 =arrant" r an0 &e!ice 1n&erta:in- %1t1re &eli!er0 % * ne0> - &" r t,er t,in-" % !al1e c,ar-ea+le a-ain"t 61+lic %1n&". (7) S1"6en"i n % electi!e 6r !incial> cit0> *1nici6al r +aran-a0 %%icer. # T,e 6r !i"i n" % la= t t,e c ntrar0 n t=it,"tan&in- &1rin- t,e electi n 6eri &> an0 61+lic %%icial =, "1"6en&"> =it, 1t 6ri r a66r !al % t,e C **i""i n> an0 electi!e 6r !incial> cit0> *1nici6al r +aran-a0 %%icer> 1nle"" "ai& 301

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS "1"6en"i n =ill +e % r 61r6 "e" % a66l0in- t,e CAnti#Gra%t an& C rr16t Practice" ActC in relati n t t,e "1"6en"i n an& re* !al % electi!e %%icial"@ in =,ic, ca"e t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" "ecti n ",all +e ina66lica+le. (0) On /e-i"trati n % ' ter"? (1) An0 6er" n =, > ,a!in- all t,e A1ali%icati n" an& n ne % t,e &i"A1ali%icati n" % a ! ter> %ail" =it, 1t B1"ti%ia+le e7c1"e t re-i"ter a" a ! ter in an electi n> 6le+i"cite r re%eren&1* in =,ic, ,e i" A1ali%ie& t ! te. ($) An0 6er" n =, :n =in-l0 *a:e" an0 %al"e r 1ntr1t,%1l "tate*ent relati!e t an0 % t,e &ata r in% r*ati n reA1ire& in t,e a66licati n % r re-i"trati n. (() An0 6er" n =, &eli+eratel0 i*6rint" r ca1"e" t,e i*6rintin- % +l1rre& r in&i"tinct %in-er6rint" n an0 % t,e c 6ie" % t,e a66licati n % r re-i"trati n r n t,e ! terG" a%%i&a!it@ r an0 6er" n in c,ar-e % t,e re-i"trati n % ! ter" =, &eli+eratel0 r t,r 1-, ne-li-ence> ca1"e" r all =" t,e i*6rintin- % +l1rre& r in&i"tinct %in-er6rint" n an0 % t,e a% re*enti ne& re-i"trati n % r*"> r an0 6er" n =, ta*6er" =it, t,e %in-er6rint" in "ai& re-i"trati n rec r&". (8) An0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" =, a66r !e" an0 a66licati n =,ic, n it" %ace ", =" t,at t,e a66licant & e" n t 6 ""e"" all t,e A1ali%icati n" 6re"cri+e& +0 la= % r a ! ter@ r =, &i"a66r !e" an0 a66licati n =,ic, n it" %ace ", =" t,at t,e a66licant 6 ""e""e" all "1c, A1ali%icati n". (4) An0 6er" n =, > +ein- a re-i"tere& ! ter> re-i"ter" ane= =it, 1t %ilin- an a66licati n % r cancellati n % ,i" 6re!i 1" re-i"trati n. (2) An0 6er" n =, re-i"ter" in "1+"tit1ti n % r an t,er =,et,er =it, r =it, 1t t,e latterG" :n =le&-e r c n"ent. (3) An0 6er" n =, ta*6er" =it, r c,an-e" =it, 1t a1t, rit0 an0 &ata r entr0 in an0 ! terG" a66licati n % r re-i"trati n. (8) An0 6er" n =, re-i"terin-. &ela0"> ,in&er" r +"tr1ct an t,er %r *

(.) An0 6er" n =, %al"el0 certi%ie" r i&enti%ie" an t,er a" a + na %i&e re"i&ent % a 6artic1lar 6lace r l calit0 % r t,e 61r6 "e % "ec1rin- t,e latterG" re-i"trati n a" a ! ter. (1)) An0 6er" n =, 1"e" t,e ! terG" a%%i&a!it % an t,er % r t,e 61r6 "e % ! tin-> =,et,er r n t ,e act1all0 "1ccee&" in ! tin-. 302

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (11) An0 6er" n =, 6lace"> in"ert" r t,er=i"e incl1&e"> a" a66r !e& a66licati n % r re-i"trati n in t,e + : % ! ter" r in t,e 6r !incial r nati nal central %ile" % re-i"tere& ! ter"> t,e a66licati n % an0 %ictiti 1" ! ter r an0 a66licati n t,at ,a" n t +een a66r !e&@ r re* !e" %r *> r t,er=i"e ta:e" 1t % t,e + : % ! ter" r t,e 6r !incial r nati nal central %ile" % re-i"tere& ! ter" an0 &1l0 a66r !e& ! terG" a66licati n> e7ce6t 16 n la=%1l r&er % t,e C **i""i n> r % a c *6etent c 1rt r a%ter 6r 6er cancellati n a" 6r !i&e& in Secti n" 1$$> 1$(> 1$8 an& 1$4 ,ere %. (1$) An0 6er" n =, tran"%er" r ca1"e" t,e tran"%er % t,e re-i"trati n rec r& % a ! ter t t,e + : % ! ter" % an t,er 6 llin- 6lace> 1nle"" "ai& tran"%er =a" &1e t a c,an-e % a&&re"" % t,e ! ter an& t,e ! ter =a" &1l0 n ti%ie& % ,i" ne= 6 llin- 6lace. (1() An0 6er" n =, a":"> &e*an&"> ta:e"> acce6t" r 6 ""e""e"> &irectl0 r in&irectl0> t,e ! terG" a%%i&a!it % an t,er> in r&er t in&1ce t,e latter t =it,, l& ,i" ! te> r t ! te % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate in an electi n r an0 i""1e in a 6le+i"cite r re%eren&1*. It ",all +e 6re"1*e& 6ri*a %acie t,at t,e a":in-> &e*an&in-> ta:in-> acce6tin-> r 6 ""e""ini" =it, "1c, intent i% & ne =it,in t,e 6eri & +e-innin- ten &a0" +e% re electi n &a0 an& en&in- ten &a0" a%ter electi n &a0> 1nle"" t,e ! terG" a%%i&a!it % an t,er an& t,e latter are + t, *e*+er" % t,e "a*e %a*il0. (18) An0 6er" n =, &eli!er"> ,an&" !er> entr1"t"> -i!e"> &irectl0 r in&irectl0 ,i" ! terG" a%%i&a!it t an t,er in c n"i&erati n % * ne0 r t,er +ene%it r 6r *i"e" t,ere %> r ta:e" r acce6t" "1c, ! terG" a%%i&a!it &irectl0 r in&irectl0> +0 -i!in- r ca1"in- t,e -i!in- % * ne0 r t,er +ene%it r *a:in- r ca1"in- t,e *a:in- % a 6r *i"e t,ere %. (14) An0 6er" n =, alter" in an0 *anner> tear"> &e%ace"> re* !e" r &e"tr 0" an0 certi%ie& li"t % ! ter". (12) An0 6er" n =, ta:e"> carrie" r 6 ""e""e" an0 +lan: r 1n1"e& re-i"trati n % r* alrea&0 i""1e& t a cit0 r *1nici6alit0 1t"i&e % "ai& cit0 r *1nici6alit0 e7ce6t a" t,er=i"e 6r !i&e& in t,i" C &e r =,en &irecte& +0 e76re"" r&er % t,e c 1rt r % t,e C **i""i n. (13) An0 6er" n =, *alici 1"l0 *it"> ta*6er" r tran"%er" t an t,er li"t t,e na*e % a re-i"tere& ! ter %r * t,e %%icial li"t % ! ter" 6 "te& 1t"i&e t,e 6 llin- 6lace. (<) On ! tin-? (1) An0 6er" n =, %ail" t ca"t ,i" ! te =it, 1t B1"ti%ia+le e7c1"e. ($) An0 6er" n =, ! te" * re t,an nce in t,e "a*e electi n> r =, > n t +ein- a re-i"tere& ! ter> ! te" in an electi n. 303

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (() An0 6er" n =, ! te" in "1+"tit1ti n % r an t,er =,et,er =it, r =it, 1t t,e latterG" :n =le&-e an&J r c n"ent. (8) An0 6er" n =, > n t +ein- illiterate r 6,0"icall0 &i"a+le&> all =" ,i" +all t t +e 6re6are& +0 an t,er> r an0 6er" n =, 6re6are" t,e +all t % an t,er =, i" n t illiterate r 6,0"icall0 &i"a+le&> =it, r =it, 1t t,e latterG" :n =le&-e an&J r c n"ent. (4) An0 6er" n =, a!ail" ,i*"el% % an0 *ean" % "c,e*e t &i"c !er t,e c ntent" % t,e +all t % a ! ter =, i" 6re6arin- r ca"tin- ,i" ! te r =, ,a" B1"t ! te&. (2) An0 ! ter =, > in t,e c 1r"e % ! tin-> 1"e" a +all t t,er t,an t,e ne -i!en +0 t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" r ,a" in ,i" 6 ""e""i n * re t,an ne %%icial +all t. (3) An0 6er" n =, 6lace" 1n&er arre"t r &etain" a ! ter =it, 1t la=%1l ca1"e> r * le"t" ,i* in "1c, a *anner a" t +"tr1ct r 6re!ent ,i* %r * - in- t t,e 6 llin- 6lace t ca"t ,i" ! te r %r * ret1rnin- , *e a%ter ca"tin- ,i" ! te> r t c *6el ,i* t re!eal , = ,e ! te&. (8) An0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect &1t0 % rea&in- t,e +all t &1rin- t,e c 1ntin- % ! *it" t rea& t,e ! te &1l0 =ritten n t,e +all t> act1all0 =ritten t,ere n r rea&" t,e na*e % a na*e i" =ritten n t,e +all t. r" c,ar-e& =it, t,e te" =, &eli+eratel0 r *i"rea&" t,e ! te can&i&ate =,ere n

(.) An0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" c,ar-e& =it, t,e &1t0 % tall0in- t,e ! te" in t,e tall0 + ar& r ",eet> electi n ret1rn" r t,er 6re"cri+e& % r* =, &eli+eratel0 %ail" t rec r& a ! te t,erein r rec r&" err ne 1"l0 t,e ! te" a" rea&> r rec r&" a ! te =,ere n "1c, ! te ,a" +een rea& +0 t,e c,air*an. (1)) An0 *e*+er % a + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" =, ,a" *a&e 6 ""i+le t,e ca"tin- % * re ! te" t,an t,ere are re-i"tere& ! ter". (11) An0 6er" n =, > % r t,e 61r6 "e % &i"r16tin- r +"tr1ctin- t,e electi n 6r ce"" r ca1"in- c n%1"i n a* n- t,e ! ter"> 6r 6a-ate" %al"e an& alar*in- re6 rt" r in% r*ati n r tran"*it" r circ1late" %al"e r&er"> &irecti!e" r *e""a-e" re-ar&in- an0 *atter relatin- t t,e 6rintin- % %%icial +all t"> t,e 6 "t6 ne*ent % t,e electi n> t,e tran"%er % 6 llin- 6lace r t,e -eneral c n&1ct % t,e electi n. (1$) An0 6er" n =, > =it, 1t le-al a1t, rit0> &e"tr 0"> "1+"tit1te" r ta:e" a=a0 %r * t,e 6 ""e""i n % t, "e ,a!in- le-al c1"t &0 t,ere %> r %r * t,e 6lace =,ere t,e0 are le-all0 &e6 "ite&> an0 electi n % r* r & c1*ent r +all t + 7 =,ic, c ntain" %%icial +all t" r t,er & c1*ent" 1"e& in t,e electi n. 304

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (1() An0 6er" n ,a!in- le-al c1"t &0 % t,e +all t + 7 c ntainin- t,e %%icial +all t" 1"e& in t,e electi n =, 6en" r &e"tr 0" "ai& + 7 r re* !e" r &e"tr 0" it" c ntent" =it, 1t r a-ain"t t,e r&er % t,e C **i""i n r =, > t,r 1-, ,i" ne-li-ence> ena+le" an0 6er" n t c **it an0 % t,e a% re*enti ne& act"> r ta:e" a=a0 "ai& +all t + 7 %r * ,i" c1"t &0. (18) An0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" =, :n =in-l0 1"e" +all t" t,er t,an t,e %%icial +all t"> e7ce6t in t, "e ca"e" =,ere t,e 1"e % e*er-enc0 +all t" i" a1t, ri<e&. (14) An0 61+lic %%icial =, ne-lect" r %ail" t 6r 6erl0 6re"er!e r acc 1nt % r an0 +all t + 7> & c1*ent" an& % r*" recei!e& +0 ,i* an& :e6t 1n&er ,i" c1"t &0. (12) An0 6er" n =, re!eal" t,e c ntent" % t,e +all t % an illiterate r &i"a+le& ! ter =, * ,e a""i"te& in 6re6arin- a +all t. (13) An0 6er" n =, > =it, 1t a1t, rit0> tran"%er" t,e l cati n 6 llin- 6lace. % a

(18) An0 6er" n =, > =it, 1t a1t, rit0> 6rint" r ca1"e" t,e 6rintin- % an0 +all t r electi n ret1rn" t,at a66ear" a" %%icial +all t" r electi n ret1rn" r =, &i"tri+1te" r ca1"e" t,e "a*e t +e &i"tri+1te& % r 1"e in t,e electi n> =,et,er r n t t,e0 are act1all0 1"e&. (1.) An0 6er" n =, > =it, 1t a1t, rit0> :ee6"> 1"e" r carrie" 1t r ca1"e" t +e :e6t> 1"e& r carrie& 1t> an0 %%icial +all t r electi n ret1rn" r 6rinte& 6r % t,ere %> t06e#% r* * 1l&> electr #t06e 6rintin6late" an& an0 t,er 6late> n1*+erin- *ac,ine" an& t,er 6rintin6ara6,ernalia +ein- 1"e& in c nnecti n =it, t,e 6rintin- % %%icial +all t" r electi n ret1rn". ($)) An0 %%icial r e*6l 0ee % an0 6rintin- e"ta+li",*ent r % t,e C **i""i n r an0 *e*+er % t,e c **ittee in c,ar-e % t,e 6rintin% %%icial +all t" r electi n ret1rn" =, ca1"e" %%icial +all t" r electi n ret1rn" t +e 6rinte& in A1antitie" e7cee&in- t, "e a1t, ri<e& +0 t,e C **i""i n r =, &i"tri+1te"> &eli!er"> r in an0 *anner &i"6 "e" % r ca1"e" t +e &i"tri+1te&> &eli!ere&> r &i"6 "e& %> an0 %%icial +all t r electi n ret1rn" t an0 6er" n r 6er" n" n t a1t, ri<e& +0 la= r +0 t,e C **i""i n t recei!e r :ee6 %%icial +all t" r electi n ret1rn" r =, "en&" r ca1"e" t,e* t +e "ent t an0 6lace n t &e"i-nate& +0 la= r +0 t,e C **i""i n. ($1) An0 6er" n =, > t,r 1-, an0 act> *ean" r &e!ice> !i late" t,e inte-rit0 % an0 %%icial +all t r electi n ret1rn" +e% re r a%ter t,e0 are 1"e& in t,e electi n. 305

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS ($$) An0 6er" n =, re* !e"> tear"> &e%ace" r &e"tr 0" an0 certi%ie& li"t % can&i&ate" 6 "te& in"i&e t,e ! tin- + t," &1rin- t,e , 1r" % ! tin-. ($() An0 6er" n =, , l&" r ca1"e" t,e , l&in- % an electi n n an0 t,er &a0 t,an t,at %i7e& +0 la= r +0 t,e C **i""i n> r "t 6" an0 electi n +ein- le-all0 ,el&. ($8) An0 6er" n =, &eli+eratel0 +l1r" ,i" %in-er6rint in t,e ! tinrec r&. (aa) On Can!a""in-? (1) An0 c,air*an % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" =, %ail" t -i!e &1e n tice % t,e &ate> ti*e an& 6lace % t,e *eetin- % "ai& + ar& t t,e can&i&ate"> 6 litical 6artie" an&J r *e*+er" % t,e + ar&. ($) An0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" =, 6r cee&" =it, t,e can!a"" % t,e ! te" an&J r 6r cla*ati n % an0 can&i&ate =,ic, =a" "1"6en&e& r ann1lle& +0 t,e C **i""i n. (() An0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" =, 6r cee&" =it, t,e can!a"" % ! te" an&J r 6r cla*ati n % an0 can&i&ate in t,e a+"ence % A1 r1*> r =it, 1t -i!in- &1e n tice % t,e &ate> ti*e an& 6lace % t,e *eetin- % t,e + ar& t t,e can&i&ate"> 6 litical 6artie"> an&J r t,er *e*+er" % t,e + ar&. (8) An0 *e*+er % t,e + ar& % can!a""er" =, > =it, 1t a1t, rit0 % t,e C **i""i n> 1"e" in t,e can!a"" % ! te" an&J r 6r cla*ati n % an0 can&i&ate an0 & c1*ent t,er t,an t,e %%icial c 60 % t,e electi n ret1rn". (++) C ** n t all + ar&" % electi n in"6ect r" an& + ar&" % can!a""er"? (1) An0 *e*+er % an0 + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" r + ar& % can!a""er" =, &eli+eratel0 a+"ent" ,i*"el% %r * t,e *eetin-" % "ai& + &0 % r t,e 61r6 "e % +"tr1ctin- r &ela0in- t,e 6er% r*ance % it" &1tie" r %1ncti n". ($) An0 *e*+er % an0 + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" r + ar& % can!a""er" =, > =it, 1t B1"ti%ia+le rea" n> re%1"e" t "i-n an& certi%0 an0 electi n % r* reA1ire& +0 t,i" C &e r 6re"cri+e& +0 t,e C **i""i n alt, 1-, ,e =a" 6re"ent &1rin- t,e *eetin- % t,e "ai& + &0. (() An0 6er" n =, > +ein- ineli-i+le % r a66 int*ent a" *e*+er % an0 + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" r + ar& % can!a""er"> acce6t" an a66 int*ent t "ai& + &0> a""1*e" %%ice> an& act1all0 "er!e" a" a 306

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS *e*+er t,ere %> r an0 % 61+lic %%icer r an0 6er" n actin- in ,i" +e,al% =, a66 int" "1c, ineli-i+le 6er" n :n =in- ,i* t +e ineli-i+le. (8) An0 6er" n =, > in t,e 6re"ence r =it,in t,e ,earin- % an0 + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" r + ar& % can!a""er" &1rin- an0 % it" *eetin-"> c n&1ct" ,i*"el% in "1c, a &i" r&erl0 *anner a" t interr16t r &i"r16t t,e = r: r 6r cee&in-" t t,e en& % 6re!entin- "ai& + &0 %r * 6er% r*in- it" %1ncti n"> eit,er 6artl0 r t tall0. (4) An0 61+lic %%icial r 6er" n actin- in ,i" +e,al% =, relie!e" an0 *e*+er % an0 + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" r + ar& % can!a""er" r =, c,an-e" r ca1"e" t,e c,an-e % t,e a""i-n*ent" % an0 *e*+er % "ai& + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" r + ar& % can!a""er" =it, 1t a1t, rit0 % t,e C **i""i n. (cc) On can&i&ac0 an& ca*6ai-n? (1) An0 6 litical 6art0 =,ic, , l&" 6 litical c n!enti n" r *eetin-" t n *inate it" %%icial can&i&ate" earlier t,at t,e 6eri & %i7e& in t,i" C &e. ($) An0 6er" n =, a+"tract"> &e"tr 0" r cancel" an0 certi%icate % can&i&ac0 &1l0 %ile& an& =,ic, ,a" n t +een cancelle& 16 n r&er % t,e C **i""i n. (() An0 6er" n =, *i"lea&" t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" +0 "1+*ittin- an0 %al"e r "61ri 1" certi%icate % can&i&ac0 r & c1*ent t t,e 6reB1&ice % a can&i&ate. (8) An0 6er" n =, > +ein- a1t, ri<e& t recei!e certi%icate" % can&i&ac0> recei!e" an0 certi%icate % can&i&ac0 1t"i&e t,e 6eri & % r %ilin- t,e "a*e an& *a:e" it a66ear t,at "ai& certi%icate % can&i&ac0 =a" %ile& n ti*e@ r an0 6er" n =, > +0 *ean" % %ra1&> t,reat> inti*i&ati n> terr ri"* r c erci n> ca1"e" r c *6el" t,e c **i""i n % "ai& act. (4) An0 6er" n =, > +0 an0 &e!ice r *ean"> Ba*"> +"tr1ct" r inter%ere" =it, a ra&i r tele!i"i n +r a&ca"t % an0 la=%1l 6 litical 6r -ra*. (2) An0 6er" n =, " licit" ! te" r 1n&erta:e" an0 6r 6a-an&a> n t,e &a0 % electi n> % r r a-ain"t an0 can&i&ate r an0 6 litical 6art0 =it,in t,e 6 llin- 6lace r =it,in a ra&i1" % t,irt0 *eter" t,ere %. (&&) Ot,er 6r ,i+iti n"? (1) An0 6er" n =, "ell"> %1rni",e"> %%er"> +10"> "er!e" r ta:e" int 7icatin- liA1 r n t,e &a0" %i7e& +0 la= % r t,e re-i"trati n % ! ter" 307

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS in t,e 6 llin- 6lace> r n t,e &a0 +e% re t,e electi n r n electi n &a0? Pr !i&e&> T,at , tel" an& t,er e"ta+li",*ent" &1l0 certi%ie& +0 t,e Mini"tr0 % T 1ri"* a" t 1ri"t riente& an& ,a+it1all0 in t,e +1"ine"" % caterin- t % rei-n t 1ri"t" *a0 +e e7e*6te& % r B1"ti%ia+le rea" n" 16 n 6ri r a1t, rit0 % t,e C **i""i n? Pr !i&e&> %1rt,er> T,at % rei-n t 1ri"t" ta:in- int 7icatin- liA1 r in "ai& a1t, ri<e& , tel" r e"ta+li",*ent" are e7e*6te& %r * t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" "1+6ara-ra6,. ($) An0 6er" n =, 6en" in an0 6 llin- 6lace r =it,in a ra&i1" % t,irt0 *eter" t,ere % n electi n &a0 an& &1rin- t,e c 1ntin- % ! te"> + t," r "tall" % an0 :in& % r t,e "ale> &i"6en"in- r &i"6la0 % =are"> *erc,an&i"e r re%re",*ent"> =,et,er " li& r liA1i&> r % r an0 t,er 61r6 "e". (() An0 6er" n =, , l&" n electi n &a0> %air"> c c:%i-,t"> + 7in-> , r"e race"> Bai#alai r an0 t,er "i*ilar "6 rt". (8) /e%1"al t carr0 electi n *ail *atter. # An0 6erat r r e*6l 0ee % a 61+lic 1tilit0 r tran"6 rtati n c *6an0 6eratin- 1n&er a certi%icate % 61+lic c n!enience> incl1&in- - !ern*ent# =ne& r c ntr lle& 6 "tal "er!ice r it" e*6l 0ee" r &e61ti<e& a-ent" =, re%1"e t carr0 %%icial electi n *ail *atter" %ree % c,ar-e &1rin- t,e electi n 6eri &. In a&&iti n t t,e 6enalt0 6re"cri+e& ,erein> "1c, re%1"al ",all c n"tit1te a -r 1n& % r cancellati n r re! cati n % certi%icate % 61+lic c n!enience r %ranc,i"e. (4) Pr ,i+iti n a-ain"t &i"cri*inati n in t,e "ale % air ti*e. # An0 6er" n =, 6erate" a ra&i r tele!i"i n "tati n =, =it, 1t B1"ti%ia+le ca1"e &i"cri*inate" a-ain"t an0 6 litical 6art0> c aliti n r a--r 16*ent % 6artie" r an0 can&i&ate in t,e "ale % air ti*e. In a&&iti n t t,e 6enalt0 6re"cri+e& ,erein> "1c, re%1"al ",all c n"tit1te a -r 1n& % r cancellati n r re! cati n % t,e %ranc,i"e. Sec. $2$. Ot,er electi n %%en"e". # 'i lati n % t,e 6r !i"i n"> r 6ertinent 6 rti n"> % t,e % ll =in- "ecti n" % t,i" C &e ",all c n"tit1te electi n %%en"e"? Secti n" .> 18> 38> 34> 32> 8)> 81> 8$> 8(> 88> 84> 82> 83> 88> 8.> .4> .2> .3> .8> ..> 1))> 1)1> 1)$> 1)(> 1)8> 1)4> 1)2 1)3> 1)8> 1).> 11)> 111> 11$> 1$$> 1$(> 1$3> 1$8> 1$.> 1($> 1(8> 1(4> 184> 188> 14)> 14$> 13$> 13(> 138> 138> 18)> 18$> 188> 184> 182> 18.> 1.)> 1.1> 1.$> 1.8> 1.4> 1.2> 1.3> 1.8> $)$> $)(> $)8> $)4> $)2> $)3> $)8> $).> $1)> $11> $1$> $1(> $18> $14> $12> $13> $18> $1.> $$)> $$(> $$.> $()> $(1> $((> $(8> $(4> $(2> $(. an& $8).

DISCUSSIONS 308

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Ot,er electi n %%en"e" In additi'n t' t8e pr'8i$ited acts and e"ecti'n '--enses enumerated in Secti'ns #.# and #.# '- B, 11!9 as amended9 t8e -'""'>in( s8a"" $e (ui"t% '- e"ecti'n '--ensesG a) an% pers'n >8' causes t8e printin( '- '--icia" $a""'ts and e"ecti'n returns $% an% printin( esta$"is8ment >8ic8 is n't under c'ntract >it8 t8e COMELEC and an% printin( esta$"is8ment >8ic8 underta=es suc8 unaut8'ri<ed printin( $) an% mem$er '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs 'r $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs 'r $'ard '- can*assers >8' tampers9 increases9 'r decreases t8e *'tes recei*ed $% a candidate in an% e"ecti'n 'r an% mem$er '- t8e $'ard >8' re-uses9 a-ter pr'per *eri-icati'n and 8earin(9 t' credit t8e c'rrect *'tes 'r deduct suc8 tampered *'tes c) an% mem$er '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs >8' re-uses t'' issue t' du"% accredited >atc8ers t8e certi-icate '- *'tes pr'*ided in Secti'n !. 8ere'd) an% pers'n >8' *i'"ates secti'n !! 8ere'- re(ardin( pr'8i$ited -'rms 'e"ecti'n pr'pa(anda e) an% c8airman '- t8e $'ard '- can*assers >8' -ai"s t' (i*e n'tice 'meetin(s t' 't8er mem$ers '- t8e $'ard9 candidate9 'r p'"itica" part% as re5uired under Secti'n #& 8ere'-) an% pers'n dec"ared a nuisance candidate as de-ined in sec .2 '- B, 11!9 'r is 't8er>ise dis5ua"i-ied9 $% -ina" and e4ecut'r% Cud(ment9 >8' c'ntinues t' misrepresent 8imse"-9 'r 8'"ds 8im se"- 'ut9 as a candidate9 suc8 as $% c'ntinuin( t' campai(n t8erea-ter9 andK'r 't8er pu$"ic '--icer 'r pri*ate indi*idua"9 >8' =n'>in("% induces 'r a$ets suc8 misrepresentati'n9 $% c'mmissi'n 'r 'missi'n9 s8a"" $e (ui"t% '- an '--ense and su$Cect t' t8e pena"t% pr'*ided in sec #.) 8ere'-

A statut'r% '--ense9 suc8 as *i'"ati'n '- e"ecti'n "a>9 is ma"a pr'8i$ita ,r''- 'crimina" intent is n't necessar% @''d -ait89 i(n'rance 'r "ac= '- ma"ice is $eside t8e p'int C'mmissi'n '- t8e act is su--icient It is t8e act itse"- t8at is punis8ed and n't mere intenti'n One s8'u"d n't c'n-use an acti'n '- 5u' >arrant' >it8 t8e c'mp"aint -'r a *i'"ati'n '- t8e E"ecti'n C'de e*en i- t8e same in a >a% 8a*e t8e e--ect '- dis5ua"i-%in( a candidate t' 8'"d t8e '--ice t' >8ic8 8e is e"ected One parta=es '- t8e nature '- a ci*i" case >8erein t8e petiti'ner is t8e de-eated candidate >8i"e t8e 't8er is a crimina" acti'n >8ic8 is pr'secuted in t8e name '- t8e pe'p"e B't8 pr'ceedin(s 8a*e di--erent '$Cecti*es and are premeditated 'n t8e same (r'unds T8e purp'se '- a 5u' 309

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS >arrant' is mere"% t' pre*ent an e"ecti*e '--icia" -r'm assumin( '--ice 'n t8e (r'und '- ine"i(i$i"it% T' $e e"i(i$"e9 'ne must 8a*e t8e 5ua"i-icati'ns re5uired $% "a> >it8 re(ard t' citi<ens8ip9 residence9 a(e9 "'%a"t%9 etc On t8e 't8er 8and9 t8e principa" purp'se '- t8e crimina" acti'n is impris'nment '- t8e '--ender9 $e 8e a candidate 'r n't9 and t8e (r'unds '- t8e acti'n *ar% dependin( up'n t8e acti'ns9 c'mmitted ;ere t8e acti'ns in*'"*ed are t8'se pr'8i$ited $% secti'n )2 '- t8e E"ecti'n C'de re"ati*e t' c'rrupt practices T8e -act t8at t8e present '--ense carries >it8 it t8e necessar% pena"t% '- dis5ua"i-icati'n -r'm 8'"din( '--ice d'es n't c'n*ert it int' an acti'n '5u' >arrant' T8ere is a di--erence as re(ards t8e prescripti$i"it% '- t8e acti'n9 >8i"e an acti'n '- 5u' >arrant' s8'u"d $e -i"ed >it8in 'ne >ee= -r'm pr'c"amati'n9 an e"ecti'n '--ense prescri$es a-ter t>' %ears -r'm t8e date '- its c'mmissi'n9 and i- t8e disc'*er% is made 'n t8e 'ccasi'n '- an e"ecti'n c'ntest9 t8e peri'd s8a"" c'mmence 'n t8e date '- t8e Cud(ment $ec'mes -ina" Candidate e"ect ma% a"s' $e ine"i(i$"e 'r dis5ua"i-ied t' 8'"d p'siti'n in t8e ('*ernment '--ice >8' are c8ar(ed and c'n*icted '-G a $ c d e Espi'na(e and 't8er '--enses a(ainst t8e Nati'na" Securit%H Mem$ers8ip in t8e 'ut"a>ed C'mmunist ,art% '- t8e ,8i"ippines and simi"ar ass'ciati'nsH T8'se >8' are pena"i<ed '- capita" '--enses under t8e Re*ised ,ena" C'deH T8'se >8' are c8ar(ed and c'n*icted $% Anti7@ra-t and C'rrupt ,ractices ActH and T8'se >8' are c8ar(ed and c'n*icted '- i""e(a" recruitment >8ic8 t8e "a> c'nsidered as ec'n'mic sa$'ta(e

EU/ISP/UDENCE MAPPALA !". NUNE; $8) SC/A 2)) T' supp'rt a c'n*icti'n under Secti'n #.! (p) '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de9 it is n't necessar% t8at t8e dead"% >eap'n s8'u"d 8a*e $een sei<ed -r'm t8e accused >8i"e 8e >as in t8e precinct 'r >it8in a radius '- !33 meters t8ere-r'm9 as it is en'u(8 t8at 8e carried t8e dead"% >eap'n Ein t8e p'""in( p"ace 'r >it8in !33 meters t8ere'-F durin( an% '- t8e speci-ied da%s and 8'urs

EDDING !". COMELEC $82 SC/A 4)$ T8e COMELEC 8as t8e aut8'rit% t' issue t8e e4tra'rdinar% >rits '- certi'rari9 pr'8i$iti'n and mandamus in aid '- its appe""ate Curisdicti'n 310

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS W8ere t8e m'ti'n -'r e4ecuti'n pendin( appea" >as -i"ed >it8in t8e re("ementar% peri'd -'r per-ectin( an appea"9 t8e -i"in( '- a n'tice '- appea" $% t8e 'pp'sin( part% >as '- n' m'ment and did n't di*est t8e tria" c'urt '- its Curisdicti'n t' res'"*e t8e m'ti'n -'r immediate e4ecuti'n '- t8e Cud(ment pendin( appea" /'r t8e Ma% !!9 !22# s%nc8r'ni<ed nati'na" and "'ca" e"ecti'ns9 t8e COMELEC -i4ed a "'n(er e"ecti'n peri'd '- 'ne 8undred t>ent% (!#3) da%s $e-'re t8e sc8edu"ed e"ecti'ns and t8irt% (&3) da%s t8erea-ter N' '--icer 'r emp"'%ee in t8e ci*i" ser*ice s8a"" en(a(e direct"% 'r indirect"%9 in an% e"ecti'neerin( 'r partisan p'"itica" campai(n Secti'n #.! (8) '- Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11! d'es n't per se 'ut"a> t8e trans-er '- a ('*ernment '--icer 'r emp"'%ee durin( t8e e"ecti'n peri'd E"ements '- a *i'"ati'n '- Secti'n #.! (8) '- Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11!9 areG (!) T8e -act '- trans-er 'r detai" '- a pu$"ic '--icer 'r emp"'%ee >it8in t8e e"ecti'n peri'd as -i4ed $% t8e COMELEC9 and (#) t8e trans-er 'r detai" >as e--ected >it8'ut pri'r appr'*a" '- t8e COMELEC in acc'rdance >it8 its imp"ementin( ru"es and re(u"ati'ns An '--icer cann't $e 8e"d "ia$"e -'r *i'"ati'n '- Secti'n #.! (8) '- Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11!9 a pena" pr'*isi'n9 $e-'re t8e e--ecti*it% '- COMELEC Res'"uti'n N' #&&& pr'mu"(atin( t8e necessar% imp"ementin( ru"es

Sec. $2(. Per" n" cri*inall0 lia+le. # T,e 6rinci6al"> acc *6lice"> an& acce"" rie"> a" &e%ine& in t,e /e!i"e& Penal C &e> ",all +e cri*inall0 lia+le % r electi n %%en"e". I% t,e ne re"6 n"i+le +e a 6 litical 6art0 r an entit0> it" 6re"i&ent r ,ea&> t,e %%icial" an& e*6l 0ee" % t,e "a*e> 6er% r*in- &1tie" c nnecte& =it, t,e %%en"e c **itte& an& it" *e*+er" =, *a0 +e 6rinci6al"> acc *6lice"> r acce"" rie" ",all +e lia+le> in a&&iti n t t,e lia+ilit0 % "1c, 6art0 r entit0. Sec. $28. Penaltie". # An0 6er" n % 1n& -1ilt0 % an0 electi n %%en"e 1n&er t,i" C &e ",all +e 61ni",e& =it, i*6ri" n*ent % n t le"" t,an ne 0ear +1t n t * re t,an "i7 0ear" an& ",all n t +e "1+Bect t 6r +ati n. In a&&iti n> t,e -1ilt0 6art0 ",all +e "entence& t "1%%er &i"A1ali%icati n t , l& 61+lic %%ice an& &e6ri!ati n % t,e ri-,t % "1%%ra-e. I% ,e i" a % rei-ner> ,e ",all +e "entence& t &e6 rtati n =,ic, ",all +e en% rce& a%ter t,e 6ri" n ter* ,a" +een "er!e&. An0 6 litical 6art0 % 1n& -1ilt0 ",all +e "entence& t 6a0 a %ine % n t le"" t,an ten t, 1"an& 6e" "> =,ic, ",all +e i*6 "e& 16 n "1c, 6art0 a%ter cri*inal acti n ,a" +een in"tit1te& in =,ic, t,eir c rre"6 n&in- %%icial" ,a!e +een % 1n& -1ilt0. In ca"e % 6ri" ner r 6ri" ner" ille-all0 relea"e& %r * an0 6enitentiar0 r Bail &1rin- t,e 6r ,i+ite& 6eri & a" 6r !i&e& in Secti n $21> 6ara-ra6, (n) % t,i" 311

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS C &e> t,e &irect r % 6ri" n"> 6r !incial =ar&en> :ee6er % t,e Bail r 6ri" n> r 6er" n" =, are reA1ire& +0 la= t :ee6 "ai& 6ri" ner in t,eir c1"t &0 ",all> i% c n!icte& +0 a c *6etent c 1rt> +e "entence& t "1%%er t,e 6enalt0 % 6ri"i n *a0 r in it" *a7i*1* 6eri & i% t,e 6ri" ner r 6ri" ner" " ille-all0 relea"e& c **it an0 act % inti*i&ati n> terr ri"* % inter%erence in t,e electi n. An0 6er" n % 1n& -1ilt0 % t,e ",all> 16 n c n!icti n> +e %ine& &i"A1ali%icati n t r1n % r 61+lic ,i" c n!icti n r +e a66 inte& % ll =in- ,i" c n!icti n. %%en"e % %ail1re t re-i"ter r %ail1re t ! te ne ,1n&re& 6e" ". In a&&iti n> ,e ",all "1%%er %%ice in t,e ne7t "1ccee&in- electi n % ll =int a 61+lic %%ice % r a 6eri & % ne 0ear

EU/ISP/UDENCE BLANCO !". COMELEC G./. N . 18)128> E1ne 13> $))8 T8e rec'rds did n't s8'> t8at a crimina" c'mp"aint >as -i"ed a(ainst petiti'ner -'r t8e e"ecti'n '--ense '- *'te7$u%in( under Sec #.! (a) '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de T8ere >as a"s' n' e*idence t8at t8e access'r% pena"t% '- dis5ua"i-icati'n t' 8'"d pu$"ic '--ice under Sec #.) '- t8e same C'de >as imp'sed 'n petiti'ner $% t8e pr'per c'urt as a c'nse5uence '- c'n*icti'n -'r an e"ecti'n '--ense Since t8ere is n' pr''- t8at petiti'ner >as c'n*icted '- an e"ecti'n '--ense under t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de and sentenced t' su--er dis5ua"i-icati'n t' 8'"d pu$"ic '--ice9 t8e COMELEC9 Sec'nd Di*isi'n9 c'mmitted (ra*e a$use '- discreti'n in pr'n'uncin( t8at a$sent an% s8'>in( t8at petiti'ner 8ad $een $est'>ed a presidentia" pard'n9 amnest% 'r an% 't8er -'rm '- e4ecuti*e c"emenc%9 petiti'nerBs dis5ua"i-icati'n -r'm $ein( a candidate -'r an e"ecti*e p'siti'n remains

Sec. $24. Pr "ec1ti n. # T,e C **i""i n ",all> t,r 1-, it" &1l0 a1t, ri<e& le-al %%icer"> ,a!e t,e e7cl1"i!e 6 =er t c n&1ct 6reli*inar0 in!e"ti-ati n % all electi n %%en"e" 61ni",a+le 1n&er t,i" C &e> an& t 6r "ec1te t,e "a*e. T,e C **i""i n *a0 a!ail % t,e a""i"tance % t,er 6r "ec1tin- ar*" % t,e - !ern*ent? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> t,at in t,e e!ent t,at t,e C **i""i n %ail" t act n an0 c *6laint =it,in % 1r * nt," %r * ,i" %ilin-> t,e c *6lainant *a0 %ile t,e c *6laint =it, t,e %%ice % t,e %i"cal r =it, t,e Mini"tr0 % E1"tice % r 6r 6er in!e"ti-ati n an& 6r "ec1ti n> i% =arrante&.

DISCUSSIONS

312

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Sec )& Secti'n #.+ '- Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11! is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ESec #.+ ,r'secuti'n 7 T8e C'mmissi'n s8a""9 t8r'u(8 its du"% aut8'ri<ed "e(a" '--icers9 8a*e t8e p'>er9 c'ncurrent >it8 t8e 't8er pr'secutin( arms 't8e ('*ernment9 t' c'nduct pre"iminar% in*esti(ati'n '- a"" e"ecti'n '--enses punis8a$"e under t8is C'de9 and t' pr'secute t8e same F T8us9 under t8e c"ear te4t '- RA 2&.29 t8e p'>er t' in*esti(ate e"ecti'n '--enses is n'> c'ncurrent >it8 't8er pr'secutin( arms '- t8e ('*ernment N'ta$"%9 t8e >'rd Ee4c"usi*eF >as rem'*ed -r'm secti'n #.+ '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de

Sec. $22. Arre"t in c nnecti n =it, t,e electi n ca*6ai-n. # N 6er" n ",all +e arre"te& an&J r &etaine& at an0 ti*e % r an0 alle-e& %%en"e c **itte& &1rinan& in c nnecti n =it, an0 electi n t,r 1-, an0 act r lan-1a-e ten&in- t "166 rt r 66 "e an0 can&i&ate> 6 litical 6art0 r c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie" 1n&er r 61r"1ant t an0 r&er % =,ate!er na*e r nat1re an& +0 =, *" e!er i""1e& e7ce6t nl0 16 n a =arrant % arre"t i""1e& +0 a c *6etent B1&-e a%ter all t,e reA1ire*ent" % t,e C n"tit1ti n ",all ,a!e +een "trictl0 c *6lie& =it,. I% t,e %%en"e c,ar-e& i" 61ni",a+le 1n&er a 6re"i&ential &ecree =,et,er ri-inall0 r +0 a*en&*ent % a 6re!i 1" la=> t,e &eat, 6enalt0 ",all n t +e i*6 "e& 16 n t,e %%en&er e7ce6t =,ere *1r&er> ra6e r ar" n i" in! l!e&. In all ca"e"> t,e 6enalt0 ",all n t +e ,i-,er t,an recl1"i n 6er6et1a an& t,e %%en&er ",all +e entitle& t rea" na+le +ail 16 n "1%%icient "1retie" t +e -rante& "6ee&il0 +0 t,e c *6etent c 1rt. M re !er> l "" % t,e ri-,t % citi<en",i6 an& c n%i"cati n % 6r 6ert0 ",all n t +e i*6 "e&. An0 %%icer r a 6er" n =, ",all !i late an0 6r !i"i n % t,i" "ecti n ",all +e 61ni",e& +0 i*6ri" n*ent % n t le"" t,an "i7 (2) 0ear" an& ne (1) &a0 n r * re t,an t=el!e (1$) 0ear"> =it, t,e acce"" r0 6enaltie" % r electi n %%en"e". T,e 6r !i"i n % Secti n $23 % t,i" C &e ",all n t a66l0 t 6r "ec1ti n 1n&er t,i" "ecti n. Sec. $23. Pre"cri6ti n. # Electi n %%en"e" ",all 6re"cri+e a%ter %i!e 0ear" %r * t,e &ate % t,eir c **i""i n. I% t,e &i"c !er0 % t,e %%en"e +e *a&e in an electi n c nte"t 6r cee&in-"> t,e 6eri & % 6re"cri6ti n ",all c **ence n t,e &ate n =,ic, t,e B1&-*ent in "1c, 6r cee&in-" +ec *e" %inal an& e7ec1t r0. An0 in% r*ati n % r electi n %%en"e %ile& a%ter t,e la6"e % t,e 6re"cri6ti!e 6eri & % %i!e 0ear" c 1nte& %r * t,e &ate =,en an %%en"e c **itte& 61+licl0 an& +are%ace&l0 alrea&0 6re"cri+e&. Sec. $28. E1ri"&icti n % c 1rt". # T,e re-i nal trial c 1rt ",all ,a!e t,e e7cl1"i!e ri-inal B1ri"&icti n t tr0 an& &eci&e an0 cri*inal acti n r 6r cee&in-" % r !i lati n % t,i" C &e> e7ce6t t, "e relatin- t t,e %%en"e % %ail1re t re-i"ter r 313

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS %ail1re t ! te =,ic, ",all +e 1n&er t,e B1ri"&icti n % t,e *etr 6 litan r *1nici6al trial c 1rt". Fr * t,e &eci"i n % t,e c 1rt"> a66eal =ill lie a" in t,er cri*inal ca"e". Sec. $2.. Pre%erential &i"6 "iti n % electi n %%en"e". # T,e in!e"ti-ati n an& 6r "ec1ti n % ca"e" in! l!in- !i lati n" % t,e electi n la=" ",all +e -i!en 6re%erence an& 6ri rit0 +0 t,e C **i""i n n Electi n" an& 6r "ec1tin%%icial". T,eir in!e"ti-ati n ",all +e c **ence& =it, 1t &ela0> an& ",all +e re" l!e& +0 t,e in!e"ti-atin- %%icer =it,in %i!e &a0" %r * it" "1+*i""i n % r re" l1ti n. T,e c 1rt" ",all li:e=i"e -i!e 6re%erence t electi n %%en"e" !er all t,er ca"e"> e7ce6t 6etiti n" % r =rit % ,a+ea" c r61". T,eir trial ",all li:e=i"e +e c **ence& =it, 1t &ela0> an& ",all +e c n&1cte& c ntin1 1"l0 1ntil ter*inate&> an& t,e ca"e ",all +e &eci&e& =it,in t,irt0 &a0" %r * it" "1+*i""i n % r &eci"i n.

DISCUSSIONS

9,at are electi n %%en"e"@ , = c **itte&@ 6er" n" lia+le@ territ rialit0 . E"ecti'n '--enses are acts and 'missi'ns punis8a$"e under t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de9 Re*ised ,ena" C'de9 't8er specia" e"ecti'n "a>s9 ru"es T re(u"ati'ns as >e"" as res'"uti'ns issued $% t8e C'me"ec durin( re(u"ar e"ecti'ns 'r 'n t8e 'ccasi'n t8ere'durin( specia" e"ecti'ns E6i'"ati'n ma=es t8e perpetrat'r eit8er as a principa"9 acc'mp"ice9 'r access'r%H n'mina" nature '- t8e '--ense >8ere$% sta(es '- c'mmissi'n are n't app"ica$"e (attempted9 -rustrated9 'r c'nsummated )H e4empti'ns -'r access'ries in "ieu '- re"ati'ns8ip >it8 t8e '--ender >i"" a"s' n't app"% in "ieu '- t8e ma"a pr'8i$ita nature '- t8e '--ense >8erein intent is n't a necessar% e"ement F E"ecti'n '--enses ma% $e c'mmitted $% an% pers'n9 (r'up 'r ass'ciati'n n't 'n"% t8ru direct participati'n9 inducement 'r indispensa$"e c''perati'n as principa"s $ut a"s' $% >a% '- c'nspirac% (B, 11!9 Sec #.!9 (#)($)) Acc'mp"ices and access'ries are 8e"d "ia$"e and t8e president 'r 8ead '- t8e (r'up9 ass'ciati'n 'r c'rp'rati'n >i"" $e principally T solidarily "ia$"e -'r acts c'mmitted $% t8eir su$'rdinates 'r emp"'%ees direct"% under t8eir super*isi'n (B, 11!9 Sec #.& ) T8e e4empti'ns (i*en under t8e Re*ised ,ena" C'de -'r access'ries in "ieu '- re"ati'ns8ip >i"" n't a$s'"*e crimina" "ia$i"it% in "ieu '- t8e nature '- t8e '--ense $ein( 'ne '- a mala prohi/ita >8erein intent is n't a necessar% e"ement -'r its c'mmissi'n E7e*6ti n" %r * territ rialit0

314

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS T8us9 e*en pu$"ic 'r pri*ate indi*idua"s9 as >e"" as a"iens9 "i*in( a$r'ad $ut >8' inter-eres9 '$structs9 participates direct"% 'r indirect"% >it8 t8e 'utc'me '- t8e e"ect'ra" pr'cess ma% $e 8e"d "ia$"e -'r e"ecti'n '--enses (R A 2!12 D O*erseas A$sentee 6'tin( Act9 Sec #) 2) It >i"" $e n'ted t8at $ecause '- t8is e4terna" app"icati'n '- t8e Act9 /y inference9 diplomatic immunities 'r internati'na" a(reements runnin( $et>een nati'ns suc8 as t8e >isiting 8orces Agreement >i"" n't a$s'"*e t8e '--ender -'r "ia$i"it%H 8'>e*er su$Cect t' e4istin( e4traditi'n treaties '$ser*ed $% t8e nati'ns -'r t8e en-'rcement 'r pr'secuti'n '- t8e '--ense Or9 in 't8er instances >8erein t8e *'ter9 $ein( a citi<en and ta=in( ad*anta(e '- t8e a$sentee *'tin( act $ut t8erea-ter -ai"s t' return >it8in t8e (i*en peri'd '- & %ears and c'ntinues t' *'te -'r t8e ne4t succeedin( e"ecti'ns ma% a"s' $e 8e"d "ia$"e -'r e"ecti'n '--enses under t8is Act T8e ru"e app"ies e*en t' dua" citi<ens 'r citi<ens8ip ( R A 2!12 D O*erseas A$sentee 6'tin( Act9 Secti'n #) 29 para(rap8 )) 9,en & e" t,e 6eri & % r electi n B1ri"&icti n % t,e c 1rt". %%en"e" +e-in@ 6 =er t 6r "ec1te@

,eri'd >it8in >8ic8 an '--ense ma% $e c'nsidered as an e"ecti'n '--enseG @enera""%9 m'st '--enses >'u"d 'n"% $e c'nsidered as an e"ecti'n '--ense >8ene*er t8e% -a"" >it8in t8e Eelectoral period E'r t8e peri'd >it8in >8ic8 t8ere is a -'rt8c'min( e"ecti'n S' t8e 5uesti'n isG 6hen does the actual Eelection pe#iodF be*in in o#de# fo# the offense to be conside#ed as an election offenseG Is it t8e time >8en t8e -i"in( -'r certificates of candidacies 8as endedU Or t8e time >8en t8e campaign period 8as c'mmenced (a"$eit a$sence '- '--icia" "ist '- candidates) >8en candidates 8a*e n'> $ec'me E'--icia"FU /urt8erm're9 /.A. 3)42> Sec 8 9 as >e"" as t8e C'nstituti'n9 pr'*ides t8at EV the election pe#iod fo# #e*ula# $ special elections shall commence 50 days befo#e the day of the election and shall end %0 days the#eafte#H!he#eas campai*n pe#iods fo# #e*ula# $ special elections a#e as follo!s0 -20 days fo# P#esidential $ 4ice&P#esidential electionsI 50 days fo# 'enato#ial electionsI and @J days fo# Con*#essional elections !hich shall not include the day befo#e and the election day itself+ Maundy hu#sday+ and 3ood 1#iday du#in* !hich time campai*ns a#e st#ictly p#ohibited.F T8us9 m'st pe'p"e >'u"d t8in= t8at $% *irtue '- C'nstituti'na" mandate9 t8'se t>' peri'ds menti'ned (e"ecti'n T campai(n peri'ds) are und'u$ted"% t8e c'rrect parameters t' use and t8e determinant '- e"ecti'n peri'd and >8en e"ecti'n '--enses $e(in9 aside -r'm t8e -act t8at m'st '--enses under t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de -a"" c'nc'mitant >it8 'r attri$uta$"e t' >8en a candidateAs status 8as turned E'--icia"F and ma% n'> $e ri(8t-u""% ans>era$"e -'r suc8 acts c'mmitted $% 8im 'r 8erse"-9 8is 'r 8er -e""'> supp'rters9 as >e"" as t8e p'"itica" parties in*'"*ed 'r 'pp'sin( suc8 candidate ;'>e*er9 >8en t8e C'de and 't8er specia" "a>s are c"'se"% scrutini<ed9 certain '--enses under t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n c'de9 as >e"" as 't8er specia" e"ecti'n "a>s and res'"uti'ns '- t8e C'me"ec >i"" s8'> t8at s'me d' n't actua""% -a"" an%>8ere >it8in t8e t>' peri'ds speci-ied a$'*e (campai(n 'r e"ecti'n peri'd '- 23 da%s and &3 da%s t8erea-ter D R A 03+.) Stated 't8er>ise9 n't a"" '--enses are 'n"% p'ssi$"e 'r c'u"d $e c'mmitted durin( t8e E time of official candidacyF 'r >8en t8e 1campaign periodF 8as $e(un $ut !hen the#e is a fo#thcomin* electo#al p#ocess 315

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS and !as committed in anticipation of it !hethe# o# not it falls !ithin the of -20+ 50 o# @J days. /'r instance9 under C'me"ec Res'"uti'n N' 10!)9 Sec )9 (<) i* n's !17#39 in t8e ear"% sta(es '- t8e e"ect'ra" pr'cess >8ic8 ma% e*en $e muc8 ear"ier t8an !#3 'r 23 da%s9 a printer 'r c'ntract'r '- $a""'ts T 't8er C'me"ec parap8erna"ia9 ma% $e 8e"d "ia$"e -'r overprinting9 unauthori,ed usage, retention9 'r recGless discharge of spoilage >8ic8 >'u"d ma=e suc8 acts -a"" and $e pr'per"% ta((ed as Ee"ecti'n '--ensesF Or9 8'> a$'ut t8'se acts >8ic8 -a"" >a% $e%'nd &3 da%s a-ter pr'c"amati'n suc8 as >8en an e"ected '--icia" >8i"e in 8is 'r 8er 'at87ta=in( E-ai"s to assume officeF 'r Eanticipates assumption of officeF $e-'re8and and 8ad disc8ar(ed 'r e4ercised certain acts in de facto Suc8 acts -a"" "i=e>ise as Ee"ecti'n '--ensesF under t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de and as >e"" as t8e Re*ised ,ena" C'de In 't8er >'rds9 >8at >e see 8ere $% in-erence and ana"%sis9 a c'rrect interpretati'n '- an e"ecti'n '--ense is an offense of which its commission was made in anticipation of a forthcoming elections or one that is already taGing place regardless of whatever stage of the electoral process it is committed F T8is >'u"d $e t8e pr'per interpretati'n9 a"$eit c'rrect de-initi'n9 '- t8e Ee"ecti'n peri'dF -'r purp'ses 'e"ecti'n '--enses and n't t8e !#39 23 'r )+ da% ru"e Since e"ecti'ns $% -ar9 re(ard"ess '- t8eir t%pe $ein( 'ne 'r a re(u"ar 'r specia"9 are c'mprised '- *ari'us sta(es '- an entire pr'cess and t8e Ee"ecti'n peri'd Ec'ntemp"ated $% "a> (t8e C'nstituti'n T RA 03+.) 'n"% re-ers t' a minute p'rti'n '- t8e entire Ee"ect'ra" pr'cessF9 >8ic8 ma% eit8er start -r'm t8e ear"iest sta(es '- G ! # & ) + . 0 preparati'n '- t8e $a""'ts t8e *'ters re(istrati'n -i"in( '- t8e certi-icates '- candidac% t8e campai(n peri'd t8e e"ecti'n pr'per a-termat8 'r p'st7e"ecti'n pr'c"amati'nH and -ina""%9 t8e 'at87ta=in( 'r assumpti'n '- '--ice '- t8e e"ected '--icia"

A"" '- t8ese sta(es c'm$ined ma=e up t8e entire Ee"ect'ra" peri'dF >8ic8 is essentia""% di--erent -r'm an Ee"ecti'n peri'dF >8ic8 'n"% dictates -'r t8e peri'd >8en e"ecti'n pr'per 8as c'mmenced and >8en a"" 't8er preparati'ns -'r t8e entire Ee"ect'ra" pr'cessF 8a*e $een set in p"ace T8us9 stated $e"'> are t8e *ari'us sta(es '- t8e entire e"ect'ra" pr'cess >it8in >8ic8 carries certain '--enses >8ic8 ma% $e c'mmitted 'n >8at sta(e9 re(ard"ess '- >8et8er it >as c'mmitted 'utside '- t8e 237 da%s7and7&37da%s peri'd (e"ecti'n peri'd) 'r >it8in t8e !#37237)+7da%s peri'd (campai(n peri'd) a ! E"ect'ra" pr'per T campai(n e"ecti'n '--enses G Re(istrati'n '6'ters D e"ecti'neerin( $% n'n7*'ter9 misrepresentati'nsT 't8er -'rms '- *'ter -raud9 "i5u'r T (un $an 316

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS # & ) + $ ! /i"in( '- Certi-icate '- Candidac% D '--enses c'mmitted $% 'r a(ainst a candidate Campai(n peri'd D speci-ic *i'"ati'ns c'mmitted $% 'r a(ainst a candidate9 t8eir supp'rters9 p'"itica" parties9 t8e print T $r'adcast media E"ecti'n Da% D sta""s T sma"" $usiness '>ners *i'"atin( t8e &37meter perimeter ru"e ,r'c"amati'n 'r Da% '- Oat8 Ta=in( D re-usa" t' assume '--ice 'r anticipati'n '- '--ice ,re7e"ect'ra" T p'st7e"ect'ra" e"ecti'n '--enses G C'me"ec pre7e"ect'ra" preparati'ns T printin( D *i'"ati'ns '- C'me"ec Res 10!)9 '*erprintin(9 unaut8'ri<ed usa(e9 impr'per disp'sa" 'Sp'i"a(e $% t8e printer 'r c'ntract'rH Durin( incum$enc% '- t8e e"ected D *i'"ati'ns '- t8e &7%ear peri'd t' return t' t8e nati*e c'untr% $% t8e a$sentee *'ter

ZN'teG .lectoral sa/otage9 >8ic8 is -air"% a ne> '--ense9 ma% 'ccur at an% sta(e 't8e e"ect'ra" pr'cess menti'ned a$'*e since $% t8e *er% nature '- t8is '--ense9 it re5uires care-u" p"annin(9 tec8nica" e4pertise and >idespread s%stematic c'ntr'" 't8e aut'mated s%stem in 'rder -'r it t' $e e--ecti*e 'r '*erturn '--icia" data resu"ts ;ence9 it is n't a sin("e7sta(e assau"t $ut a c'mpre8ensi*e attac= 'n t8e entire e"ect'ra" pr'cess >8ic8 ma% t8us 8appen at an% sta(e '- t8e e"ect'ra" pr'cess In "ieu '- t8is9 a c"'se re*ie> 'n t8e de"i$erati'ns made $% t8e "a>ma=ers re*ea" t8at t8e e4treme pena"t% '- afflictive - reclusion perpetua 'r "i-e impris'nment >as meted (s8'rt '- t8e '$s'"eted deat8 pena"t%) T8e '$Cecti*eU T' deter >'u"d7$e perpertrat'rs >8' >'u"d m'st "i=e"% $e crux N handyworG of international cy/er-terrorists. In star= c'ntrast t' m'st e"ecti'n '--enses >8erein t8e usua" pena"t% ran(es -r'm not less than ' year and no more than ! years imprisonment. P =er t 6r "ec1te I c n&1ct 6reli*inar0 in!e"ti-ati n In e*er% e"ecti'n '--ense9 an% pri*ate indi*idua" a((rie*ed 'r t8e C'me"ec itse"- motu propio ma% -i"e t8e necessar% acti'n in c'urt9 eit8er in t8e Re(i'na" Tria" C'urt 'r t8e Municipa" Tria" C'urt as t8e case ma% $e Arrests in connection with utterances made during a campaign shall /e made only thru a warrant issued /y a competent Eudge after all constitutional re;uirements have /een met. ?4- ', +ec %!!* In a"" cases9 t8e pena"t% s8a"" n't $e 8i(8er t8an rec"usi'n perpetua and t8e '--ender s8a"" 8a*e t8e right to /ail (!210 C'nstituti'n) Under t8e c'de9 t8e C'me"ec 8as t8e p'>er t' c'nduct pre"iminar% in*esti(ati'ns re"ated t' a"" e"ecti'n '--enses ;'>e*er9 i- >it8in ) m'nt8s n' acti'n 8as $een -i"ed9 t8e cit% -isca" 'r state pr'secut'r (DOJ) ma% assume c'ncurrent Curisdicti'n t' pr'secute T -i"e t8e same ma=in( t8e pri*ate indi*idua" a((rie*ed t8e stateAs >itness (B, 11! 9 Sec #.+) C 1rt B1ri"&icti n 317

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS T8e Municipa" Tria" C'urt 8as 'ri(ina" e4c"usi*e Curisdicti'n '*er cases in*'"*in( failure to voteH A"" 't8er e"ecti'n7re"ated '--enses9 t8e Re(i'na" Tria" C'urt 8as 'ri(ina" e4c"usi*e Curisdicti'n t' 8ear t8em ;'>e*er9 -'r acts 'r 'missi'ns $% t8e Municipa" Tria" C'urt 'r Re(i'na" Tria" C'urt 'n e"ecti'n7re"ated cases9 t8e C'me"ec9 in aid '- its appe""ate Curisdicti'n9 8as t8e p'>er t' 8ear t8e same (Re*ised Ru"es 'Ci*i" ,r'cedure9 Ru"e .)) e4cept t8e right to vote >8ic8 s8a"" $e under t8e Curisdicti'n '- t8e re(u"ar c'urts (RTC) -i"ed t8ru an acti'n -'r dec"arat'r% re"ieA66lica+ilit0 % %%en"e" t "entence la=@ 6re"cri6ti n certain in&i!i&1al"@ 6enaltie"@ in&eter*inate

@enera""%9 e"ecti'n '--enses app"% t' a"m'st a"" indi*idua"s9 pu$"ic 'r pri*ate9 *'ter 'r n'n7*'ter ;'>e*er9 certain '--enses9 $% t8eir *er% nature9 ma% only app"% t' certain individuals or groups T8us9 $e"'> are certain e"ecti'n '--enses >8ic8 8ad $een (r'uped 'r c"assi-ied acc'rdin("% $ased 'n >8' >'u"d m'st "i=e"% c'mmit t8em 'r >'u"d $e "ia$"e ! # & B% a N'n7*'ter c'nspirac% t' $ri$e *'ters RB , 11!9 Secti'n #.!9 # ($) >a(erin( RB , 11!9 Secti'n #.!9 # (c)S 8arassment '- emp"'%ees9 "a$'rers and tenants RB , 11!9 Secti'n #.!9 # (")S pr'pa(atin( -a"se rum'rs RB , 11!9 Sec #.!9 & (<) 9 item (!!)S B% a *end'r9 sma"" $usiness '>ner9 -air T $et runners "i5u'r $an RB , 11!9 Secti'n #.!9 &(<)9 su$78eadin( i* (dd) items (! T #)S i""e(a" 'perati'n '- -airs9 c'c=-i(8ts9 8'rse races9 Cai7a"ai RB , 11!9 Secti'n #.!9 &(<)9 su$78eadin( i* (dd) item (&)S B% t8e 6'ter -ai"ure t' re(ister 'r *'te RB , 11!9 Secti'n #.!9 &(%) 9 item (!) T & (<) 9 item (!)S misrepresentati'n RB , 11!9 Secti'n #.!9 &(%) 9 item (#)S d'u$"e re(istrati'n 'r *'tin( (-"%in( *'ter) RB , 11!9 Secti'n9 Sec #.!9 &(%)9 item+) T & (<)9 item (#)S usurpati'n (B , 11!9 Secti'n9 &(%)9 items (. T !3) i""e(a" use '- sp'i"a(e RB , 11!9 Secti'n #.!9 &(%)9 item (!.) T & (<)9 item (.)S 318

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS ) + . 0 1 't8er -'rms '- -a"si-icati'n RB , 11!9 Secti'n9 &(<)9 item (#))S B% t8e printer 'r 8'"der '- t8e C'me"ec c'ntract -'r printin( materia"s -a"si-icati'n RB , 11!9 Secti'n9 &(<)9 su$78eadin( i*9 items (!1 T !2)S rec="ess disc8ar(e '- sp'i"a(e9 unaut8'ri<ed printin(9 '*erprintin( B% a p'"itica" part%9 citi<enAs arm 'r (r'up i""e(a" c'n*enti'ns 'r caucuses RB , 11!9 Secti'n9 &(<)9 su$78eadin( i* (cc) item (!)S re-usa" t' pr'*ide ta$u"ated data 'r in-'rmati'n RR A N'9 2&.29 Secti'n &+ (d T -)S *'te7$u%in( 'r *'te7s'"icitati'n RB , 11!9 Secti'n #.! (cc)9 item (.)S B% a p'sta" c'urier re-usa" t' carr% e"ecti'n mai" matter RB , 11!9 Secti'n9 &(<)9 su$7 8eadin( i* (dd)9 item ())S B% a T69 print9 and radi' $r'adcaster 'r 'perat'r discriminati'n in t8e sa"e '- airtime RB , 11!9 Secti'n #.!9 &(<)9 su$78eadin( i* (dd)9 item (+)S -ai"ure t' identi-% 'r re"ease t8e ad*ertisement sp'ns'r B% t8e e"ecti'n '--icer 'r emp"'%ee ZN'teG /'r reas'ns '- redundanc%9 t8e rest '- t8e '--enses >ere n' "'n(er enumerated 8ere since maC'rit% '- t8e pr'*isi'ns under t8e c'de T specia" "a>s pertain t' *i'"ati'ns c'mmitted $% e"ecti'n '--icers9 can*assers9 inspect'rs9 pu$"ic emp"'%ees 9 >8i"e in t8e per-'rmance '- t8eir duties >8et8er in an '--icia" 'r temp'rar% capacit% durin( t8e e"ect'ra" pr'cess N'te 8'>e*er9 in a"" t8e *i'"ati'ns attri$uta$"e t' pu$"ic '--icia"s T e"ecti'n '--icers9 is t8e -act t8at an% 'r c'nni*ance >it8 a pri*ate indi*idua" >i"" n't ma=e t8em an acc'mp"ice t' t8e pri*ate '--ense >8en suc8 '--ense 8as a c'unterpart pr'*isi'n and pena"t% speci-ic -'r a pu$"ic '--icer 'r e"ecti'n '--icer T8e pu$"ic '--ender >i"" $e c8ar(ed as a principa" under t8e speci-ic *i'"ati'n e5ui*a"ent -'r e"ecti'n '--icers 'r emp"'%ees An e4amp"e >'u"d $e falsification c'mmitted $% a *'ter durin( t8e re(istrati'n >8erein t8e re(istrati'n '--icia" >as a>are T8e *'ter >i"" $e c8ar(ed -'r t8e speci-ic '--ense under t8e re(istrati'n pr'cess as a principa" H >8i"e t8e re(istrati'n 319

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS '--icer >i"" "i=e>ise $e c8ar(ed as a principa" a"s' under a speci-ic pr'*isi'n re"ated t' '--icia"s under t8e re(istrati'n pr'cess >8' c'nni*es >it8 a -a"si-icati'n made $% a *'ter T8is is t8e 't8er distinct aspect ass'ciated >it8 e"ecti'n '--enses >8ic8 ma=es t8em (enera""% non&collabo#ati"e. Meanin(9 t8e commission of the offense is usually t#eated as a Estand&aloneF o# one !hich does not accommodate collabo#atin* pa#ties into thei# commission but ma:es the accomplice o# accesso#y a E doe# and p#incipalF of thei# o!n sepa#ate acts of colludin* o# conni"in* and punishable unde# a specific offense #elati"e to thei# act by "i#tue of thei# status o# office. An't8er e4amp"e >'u"d $e t8e '--ense '- Ec'nspirac% t' $ri$e *'tersF >8ic8 ma=es t8e c'nspirat'rs n't as acc'mp"ices 'r access'ries t' t8e candidate >8' is *'te7$u%in( 'r se""in( and t8ere-'re "ia$"e as principa"9 $ut instead ma=es t8e c'nspirat'rs "ia$"e as principa"s -'r t8eir '>n speci-ic act 'c'nspirac% menti'ned in t8e C'de T8is non&collabo#ati"e aspect $ec'mes apparent in "ieu '- c'unterpart pr'*isi'ns runnin( a"'n(side >it8 't8er pr'*isi'ns 'ne pr'*isi'n spea=s '- a Epri*ateF '--ender (*'ter)H >8i"e9 an't8er spea=s '- a Epu$"icF '--ender (e( (re(istrati'n '--icer9 inspect'r9 can*asser9 etc) >8' c'""udes 'r c'nni*es 'r is a>are '- t8e acts d'ne 'r $ein( d'ne $% t8e pri*ate indi*idua" T8us9 eac8 'ne $ec'mes "ia$"e as Eprincipa"sF -'r t8eir '>n speci-ic '--enses (N'n7 c'""a$'rati*e D'ctrine in Crimina" La>) 2 !3 !! B% an% pu$"ic '--icer 'r emp"'%ee i""e(a" app'intments9 pr'm'ti'ns 'r trans-ers RB , 11!9 Secti'n #.!9 su$di*isi'n (d)9 item # (- T ")S un"a>-u" dis$ursement 'r re"ease '- pu$"ic -unds9 't8er e4penditures RB , 11!9 Secti'n #.!9 su$di*isi'n (d)9 item (')S i""e(a" inter*enti'n RB , 11!9 Secti'n #.!9 su$di*isi'n (d)9 item (i)S i""e(a" re"ease '- pris'ners RB , 11!9 Secti'n #.!9 su$di*isi'n (d)9 item (n)S un"a>-u" c'ntractin( -'r pu$"ic >'r=s and simi"ar pr'Cects RB , 11!9 Secti'n #.!9 su$di*isi'n (d)9 item (*) ! (a t8ru d)S B% t8e mi"itar% 'r para7mi"itar% dead"% >eap'ns RB , 11!9 Secti'n #.!9 # (p) T (5)S >earin( '- uni-'rms and $earin( arms (C'me"ec Res'"uti'n N' 10!)9 Secti'n )) un"a>-u" use '- arm'red "and9 >ater 'r aircra-t RB , 11!9 Secti'n #.!9 su$di*isi'n (d)9 item (r)S B% t8e candidate9 8is 'r 8er supp'rters9 'r part% represented 320

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS *'te7$u%in( 'r *'te7se""in( RB , 11!9 Secti'n #.! (a)S c'erci'n '- su$'rdinates RB , 11!9 Secti'n #.!9 # (d)S pr'8i$iti'ns a(ainst e"ect'ra" pr'pa(anda (B , 11!9 Secti'n 1#) misrepresentati'n (B , 11!9 Secti'n 01) nuisance candidate (C'me"ec Res'"uti'n 1.01)

Penaltie"> %ine" I t,er acce"" r0 61ni",*ent"@ a66licati n % in&eter*inate "entence la= E4cept -'r electoral sa/otage >8ic8 carries >it8 it t8e pena"t% '- rec"usi'n perpetua 'r "i-e impris'nment9 e*er% pers'n -'und (ui"t% '- an e"ecti'n '--ense under t8e c'de s8a"" $e punis8ed >it8 impris'nment '- not less than ' year /ut not more than ! years and s8a"" n't $e 5ua"i-ied -'r pr'$ati'n 8'>e*er ;ualify for indeterminate sentence. In additi'n9 t8e (ui"t% part% s8a"" su--er a perpetual dis;ualification to hold pu/lic office and t8e right of suffrage. I- '--ender is a -'rei(ner9 8e s8a"" su--er imprisonment with deportation ta=in( e--ect t8erea-ter sentence 8ad $een ser*ed An% p'"itica" part% -'und (ui"t% s8a"" pa% a fine not less than -'", """."" pesos a-ter Cud(ment is made 'n t8e '--icers 'r mem$ers -'und (ui"t% '- t8e '--ense T8e pena"t% -'r a *'ter -'und (ui"t% '- failing to register or vote s8a"" $e a fine of -'""."" pesos >it8 temporary dis;ualification to run for pu/lic office in the next succeeding election following his conviction and t' /e appointed for pu/lic office for a period of ' year following his conviction In a"" cases 8'>e*er9 neit8er depri*ati'n '- citi<ens8ip n'r confiscation of property s8a"" $e imp'sed (B, 11!9 Sec #..) Pre"cri6ti n % %%en"e" E"ecti'n '--enses s8a"" prescri$e a-ter -i*e %ears -r'm date '- its c'mmissi'n ;'>e*er9 in case '- disc'*er% '- t8e '--ense durin( an e"ecti'n c'ntest pr'ceedin(s9 t8e peri'd '- prescripti'n s8a"" $e(in 'n"% 'n t8e date >8en Cud(ment in suc8 pr'ceedin(s 8as $ec'me -ina" and e4ecut'r%

BAR ?UESTION A Despite "in(erin( 5uesti'ns a$'ut 8is /i"ipin' citi<ens8ip and 8is 'ne7%ear residence in t8e district9 @a$rie" -i"ed 8is certi-icate '- candidac% -'r c'n(ressman $e-'re t8e dead"ine set $% "a> ;is 'pp'nent9 6it'9 8ires %'u as "a>%er t' c'ntest @a$rie"Bs candidac% ! Be-'re e"ecti'n da%9 >8at acti'n 'r acti'ns >i"" %'u institute a(ainst @a$rie"9 and $e-'re >8ic8 c'urt9 c'mmissi'n 'r tri$una" >i"" %'u -i"e suc8 acti'nKsU Reas'ns

321

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

ANSWERG An acti'n -'r -etition for Kis;ualification for 5andidacy ma% $e -i"ed a(ainst @a$rie" and >it8 t8e Law Kepartment of the House of Representatives .lectoral 2ri/unal since t8e 'pp'nent is 'ne '- a C'n(ressi'na" candidate >8ic8 c'mes under t8e pr'per Curisdicti'n '- t8e ;RET and n't under t8e C'me"ec in >8'se Curisdicti'n c'*ers Municipa" '--icia"s and "'>er

I-9 durin( t8e pendenc% '- suc8 acti'nKs $ut $e-'re e"ecti'n da%9 @a$rie" >it8dra>s 8is certi-icate '- candidac%9 can 8e $e su$stituted as candidateU Is'9 $% >8'm and >8%U I- n't9 >8% n'tU

ANSWERG Jes9 8e ma% sti"" $e su$stituted since t8e dead"ine -'r su$stituti'n under t8e c'de is n''ntime '- t8e da% '- t8e e"ecti'ns9 pr'*ided @a$rie" $e"'n(s t' a part% and n't Cust a "'ne candidate A"s'9 t8e su$stitute must c'me -r'm t8e same p'"itica" part% >8ere @a$rie" $e"'n(s and is '--icia""% n'minated and certi-ied $% t8eir part% c8airman

&

I- t8e acti'nKs instituted s8'u"d $e dismissed >it8 -ina"it% $e-'re t8e e"ecti'n9 and @a$rie" assumes '--ice a-ter $ein( pr'c"aimed t8e >inner in t8e e"ecti'n9 can t8e issue '- 8is candidac% andK'r citi<ens8ip and residence sti"" $e 5uesti'nedU I- s'9 >8at acti'n 'r acti'ns ma% $e -i"ed and >8ereU I- n't9 >8% n'tU

ANSWERG Jes9 t8e pr'c"amati'n ma% sti"" $e 5uesti'ned and raised $% >a% '- 5ertiorari >it8 t8e +upreme 5ourt under Ru"e .) A M'ti'n -'r Rec'nsiderati'n >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc >i"" n' "'n(er $e pr'sper since Cud(ment 8ad $ec'me -ina" and e4ecut'r% under C'me"ec Ru"es '- ,r'cedure B War"it'9 a natura"7$'rn /i"ipin'9 t''= up permanent residence in t8e United States9 and e*entua""% ac5uired American citi<ens8ip ;e t8en married S8ir"e%9 an American9 and sired t8ree c8i"dren In Au(ust #3329 War"it' decided t' *isit t8e ,8i"ippines >it8 8is >i-e and c8i"drenG J'8nn%9 #& %ears '- a(eH War"it'9 Jr 9 #3H and Luisa9 !0 W8i"e in t8e ,8i"ippines9 a -riend in-'rmed 8im t8at 8e c'u"d reac5uire ,8i"ippine citi<ens8ip >it8'ut necessari"% "'sin( U S nati'na"it% T8us9 8e t''= t8e 'at8 '- a""e(iance re5uired under R A 2##+ 322

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS ! ;a*in( reac5uired ,8i"ippine citi<ens8ip9 is War"it' a natura"7$'rn 'r a natura"i<ed /i"ipin' citi<en t'da%U E4p"ain %'ur ans>er

ANSWERG War"it' is a natura"i<ed citi<en a-ter rene(in( T e4c8an(in( 8is /i"ipin' citi<ens8ip >it8 t8at '- a US $e-'re As t8e "a> pr'*ides9 a natura"D$'rn citi<en is 'ne >8' n' "'n(er needs t' per-'rm an% act '- a""e(iance in 'rder t' ac5uire it War"it' 8ad t' under(' natura"i<ati'n pr'ceedin(s in 'rder t' re7ac5uire t8e same ZN'teG T8e di--erence >it8 t8at '- a natura"7$'rn /i"ipin' $'rn in t8e US >8' simi"ar"% ac5uires US citi<ens8ip $% reas'n '- $irt8ri(8t (Cus s'"i -'""'>ed in t8e US) a(ainst t8at '- War"it' 9 is t8at t8e -'rmer9 usua""% re-erred t' as dua"7citi<ens9 are natura"7$'rn /i"ipin's $% reas'n '- parenta(e (Cus san(uinis) T8eir US $irt8 $ein( a matter '- c'nse5uence and n't an act >8ic8 8ad t' $e per-'rmed t' ac5uire t8e same T8us9 t8e $irt8ri(8t is a Esec'nd citi<ens8ipF and n't a Esu$se5uent citi<ens8ipF >8erein 'ne 8ad t' "''se in 'rder t' e4c8an(e -'r an't8er As in t8e case '- War"it'9 >8' initia""% started >it8 a /i"ipin' citi<ens8ip9 t8en rene(ed and su$se5uent"% m'*ed 'n t' an American W8en t8is 8appens9 t8ere is de-inite"% >8at >e re-er t' in "a> as t8e Eneed (n't) per-'rm an act in 'rder t' (ain 'r ac5uire itF T8us9 in t8e same t'=en9 War"it' 8ad t' per-'rm a su$se5uent act '- natura"i<ati'n in 'rder t' ac5uire t8e same /i"ipin' citi<ens8ip a(ain # Wit8 War"it' 8a*in( re(ained ,8i"ippine citi<ens8ip9 >i"" S8ir"e% a"s' $ec'me a /i"ipin' citi<enU I- s'9 >8%U I- n't9 >8at >'u"d $e t8e speediest pr'cedure -'r S8ir"e% t' ac5uire ,8i"ippine citi<ens8ipU E4p"ain

ANSWERG Since War"it'As citi<ens8ip >as (ained t8ru natura"i<ati'n pr'ceedin(s9 t8e e--ects >i"" 8a*e n't8in( 'n S8ir"e%9 >8' remains t' $e an American in a"" respects and >i"" need t' under(' t8e same natura"i<ati'n pr'ceedin(s t8at War"it' under>ent intia""% ;'>e*er9 s8e ma% state in 8er app"icati'n 8er 8us$andAs natura"i<ati'n t' e4pedite and $rin( d'>n t8e E!37%ear residenc%F re5uirement t' "ess t8an + %ears9 aside -r'm 't8er re5uisites s8e must -urt8er c'mp"% >it8 & D' t8e c8i"dren 777 J'8nn%9 War"it' Jr 9 and Luisa 777 $ec'me /i"ipin' citi<ens >it8 t8eir -at8erBs reac5uisiti'n '- ,8i"ippine citi<ens8ipU E4p"ain %'ur ans>er

ANSWERG

323

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS T8e e--ects '- natura"i<ati'n -'r J'8nn%9 >8' is #& %ears '"d9 >'u"d 8a*e n' $earin( 'r si(ni-icance since 8e is a"read% $e%'nd t8e a(e '- maC'rit% But -'r min'rs War"it' Jr9 #39 and Luisa9 !09 t8e citi<ens8ip e4tends t' $'t8 '- t8em

EU/ISP/UDENCE

MENDO;A !". COMELEC an& PAGDANGANAN G./. N . 1.1)88> Marc0 $4> $)1) En $anc *ersus di*isi'n ru"in(H Sec . 9 C'me"ec Ru"es '- ,r'cedure *is7M7*is Sec &9 Art IO '- t8e C'nstituti'n 5omelec Rules of -rocedure, +ec ! 7 -rocedure if @pinion is .;ually Kivided. 7 W8en t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc is e5ua""% di*ided 'r -ai"s t' reac8 a maC'rit% decisi'n9 t8e case is deemed t' $e re78eard and i- in re78earin( n' decisi'n >as sti"" reac8ed9 t8e acti'n 'r pr'ceedin( >i"" $e dismissed i- t8e acti'n >as 'ri(ina""% c'mmenced >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n In appea"ed cases9 t8e Cud(ement 'r 'rder appea"ed -r'm stands as it 8ad $een 'ri(ina""% 'r pre*i'us"% recei*ed 5onstitution , Art <= , +ec. ( . T8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns ma% sit .n 4anc 'r in t>' di*isi'ns9 and s8a"" pr'mu"(ate its ru"es '- pr'cedure in 'rder t' e4pedite disp'siti'n '- e"ecti'n cases9 inc"udin( pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ersies A"" suc8 e"ecti'n cases s8a"" $e 8eard and decided in di*isi'n9 pr'*ided t8at m'ti'ns -'r rec'nsiderati'n '- decisi'ns s8a"" $e decided $% t8e C'mmissi'n .n 4anc.

324

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

A/TICLE 55III LEGAL FEES

Sec. $3). C llecti n % le-al %ee". # T,e C **i""i n i" ,ere+0 a1t, ri<e& t c llect %ee" a" % ll ="? (a) F r %1rni",in- certi%ie& tran"cri6t % rec r&" r c 6ie" % an0 rec r&> &eci"i n r r1lin- r entr0 % =,ic, an0 6er" n i" entitle& t &e*an& an& recei!e a c 60> % r e!er0 6a-e P $.)) (+) F r e!er0 certi%icate r =rit r 6r ce"" 1).)) (c) F r eac, certi%icate n t n 6r ce"" $.)) (&) In a66r 6riate ca"e"> % r %ilin- a "ec n& an& "1ccee&in- * ti n" % r rec n"i&erati n 4).)) (e) F r e!er0 "earc, % an0 rec r& % * re t,an ne 0earG" "tan&in- an& rea&int,e "a*e 1).)) Sec. $31. Pa0*ent % Fee". # T,e %ee" *enti ne& in t,e 6rece&in- "ecti n ",all +e 6ai& t t,e ca",ier % t,e C **i""i n =, ",all in all ca"e" i""1e a recei6t % r t,e "a*e an& ",all enter t,e a* 1nt recei!e& 16 n ,i" + : "6eci%0in- t,e &ate =,en recei!e&> t,e %ee> an& t,e 6er" n %r * =, * recei!e&. T,e ca",ier ",all i**e&iatel0 re6 rt "1c, 6a0*ent t t,e C **i""i n. 325

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

A/TICLE 55I' T/ANSITO/F P/O'ISIONS

Sec. $3$. Pen&in- acti n". # Pen&in- acti n" an& ca1"e" % acti n ari"in- +e% re t,e e%%ecti!it0 % t,i" C &e ",all +e - !erne& +0 t,e la=" t,en in % rce. Sec. $3(. De"i-nati n % certain 6re#electi n act" i**e&iatel0 a%ter t,e a66r !al % t,i" C &e. # I% it ", 1l& n l n-er +e rea" na+l0 6 ""i+le t +"er!e t,e 6eri &" an& &ate" ,erein 6re"cri+e& % r certain 6re#electi n act" in t,e electi n i**e&iatel0 % ll =in- t,e a66r !al % t,i" C &e> t,e C **i""i n ",all %i7 t,er 6eri &" in r&er t en"1re t,at ! ter" ",all n t +e &e6ri!e& % t,eir ri-,t % "1%%ra-e. Sec. $38. Accre&itati n % & *inant 66 "iti n 6art0. # F r 61r6 "e" % t,e ne7t l cal electi n" in 1.82 an& t,e ne7t 6re"i&ential electi n" in 1.83 r earlier> t,e & *inant 66 "iti n 6art0 ",all +e t,at 6 litical 6art0> -r 16 r r-ani<ati n r c aliti n % *aB r nati nal r re-i nal 6 litical 6artie" 66 "e& t t,e *aB rit0 6art0 =,ic, ,a" t,e ca6a+ilit0 t =a-e a + na %i&e nati n=i&e ca*6ai-n a" ", =n +0 t,e e7tent % it" r-ani<ati n an& t,e n1*+er % Me*+er" % Parlia*ent a%%iliate& =it, it? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at =it, "6eci%ic re%erence t t,e ne7t l cal electi n" in c n"tit1encie" =,ic, are re6re"ente& in t,e Bata"anPa*+an"a +0 Me*+er" =, & n t +el n- eit,er t t,e *aB rit0 6art0 r t t,e 6 litical 6art0 r c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie" &e"cri+e& a+ !e> t,e re6re"entati!e" % t,e 66 "iti n in t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r"> + ar& % can!a""er" r t,er "i*ilar + &ie" ",all +e 6r 6 "e& e7cl1"i!el0 +0 t,e 6art0 t =,ic, "ai& Me*+er % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a +el n-? Pr !i&e&> , =e!er> T,at it i" re-i"tere& +e% re t,e ne7t l cal electi n".

326

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS An0 6 litical 6art0> -r 16 r r-ani<ati n r c aliti n % 6 litical 6artie" "ee:in- accre&itati n 1n&er t,i" "ecti n ",all %ile a !eri%ie& 6etiti n =it, t,e C **i""i n n Electi n" "tatin- t,erein "1c, in% r*ati n a" *a0 +e nece""ar0 t ena+le t,e C **i""i n t &eter*ine t,e A1ali%icati n" % r accre&itati n in acc r&ance =it, t,e "tan&ar& ,erein 6r !i&e&. T,e C **i""i n n Electi n" ",all accre&it t,e & *inant 66 "iti n 6art0 n t later t,an t,irt0 &a0" +e% re t,e ca*6ai-n 6eri & in e!er0 electi n. In ca"e a 6re"i&ential electi n i" ,el& +e% re t,e ne7t l cal electi n" r +e% re t,e 6re"i&ential electi n in 1.83> t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,e C n"tit1ti n ",all +e en% rce& in &eter*inin- =,ic, ",all +e t,e & *inant 66 "iti n 6art0 % r 61r6 "e" % t,e ne7t l cal electi n". Sec. $34. Part0 re6re"entati!e" in t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". # Until "1c, ti*e a" t,e t= accre&ite& 6 litical 6artie" are &eter*ine& in acc r&ance =it, t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,e C n"tit1ti n> t,e t= *e*+er" ",all eac, +e 6r 6 "e& +0 t,e r1lin- 6art0 an& t,e & *inant 66 "iti n 6art0 a" *a0 +e &eter*ine& +0 t,e C **i""i n 61r"1ant t t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" C &e. Sec. $32. A66r 6riati n"> an& in"1rance % r + ar& % electi n in"6ect r". # T,e c "t % , l&in- t,e ne7t l cal electi n" 6r !i&e& in t,i" C &e ",all +e %1n&e& 1t % t,e c1rrent a66r 6riati n" % t,e C **i""i n n Electi n" 6r !i&e& % r t,i" 61r6 "e. In ca"e % &e%icienc0> a&&iti nal %1n&in- *a0 +e 6r !i&e& 1t % t,e "6ecial acti!itie" %1n& inten&e& % r "6ecial 6ri rit0 acti!itie" a1t, ri<e& in t,e General A66r 6riati n" Act. T,e c,air*an an& t,e 6 ll cler: % t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all recei!e 6er &ie* at t,e rate % ne ,1n&re& 6e" " n electi n &a0 an& %i%t0 6e" " n eac, % t,e re-i"trati n an& re!i"i n &a0". T,e in"6ect r" % t,e 6 litical 6artie" ",all +e -rante& a 6er &ie* % %i%t0 6e" " n electi n &a0 an& t=ent0#%i!e 6e" " n eac, % t,e re-i"trati n an& re!i"i n &a0". E&1cati n "166 rt 6er" nnel % t,e Mini"tr0 % E&1cati n> C1lt1re an& S6 rt" ",all recei!e a 6er &ie* % t=ent0# %i!e 6e" " &1rin- electi n &a0. S16er!i" r"> 6rinci6al" an& t,er a&*ini"trat r" % t,e Mini"tr0 % E&1cati n> C1lt1re an& S6 rt" =, *a0 +e a":e& +0 t,e C **i""i n> an& act1all0 re6 rt> % r "16er!i" r0 a""i-n*ent &1rin- re-i"trati n an& electi n &a0 ",all +e entitle& t a 6er &ie* % %i%t0 6e" ". T,e 6r !incial> cit0 an& *1nici6al trea"1rer" ",all recei!e 6er &ie* at t,e rate % ne ,1n&re& 6e" " n electi n &a0. Pa0*ent" % 6er &ie*" 1n&er t,i" "ecti n ",all +e *a&e =it,in "e!ent0#t= , 1r" a%ter t,e electi n r re-i"trati n &a0. T,e c,air*an> 6 ll cler: an& 6art0 re6re"entati!e" in t,e + ar& % electi n in"6ect r" ",all +e in"1re& =it, t,e - !ern*ent Ser!ice In"1rance S0"te* at 327

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS %i%t0 t, 1"an& 6e" " eac, 1n&er ter*" an& c n&iti n" t,at ",all +e a-ree& 16 n +0 t,e C,air*an % t,e C **i""i n> t,e Mini"trie" % t,e B1&-et> an& t,e Mini"ter % E&1cati n> C1lt1re an& S6 rt". Sec. $33. S6ecial electi n % r Pre"i&ent +e% re 1.83. # In ca"e a !acanc0 in t,e O%%ice % t,e Pre"i&ent cc1r" +e% re t,e 6re"i&ential electi n in 1.83> t,e S6ea:er % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a ",all act a" Pre"i&ent 1ntil a Pre"i&ent an& a 'ice#Pre"i&ent r eit,er % t,e* ",all ,a!e +een electe& an& ",all ,a!e A1ali%ie&. T,eir ter* % %%ice ",all c **ence at n n % t,e tent, &a0 % ll =in- t,eir 6r cla*ati n> an& ",all en& at n n n t,e t,irtiet, &a0 % E1ne % t,e "i7t, 0ear t,erea%ter. T,e Actin- Pre"i&ent *a0 n t &eclare *artial la= r "1"6en& t,e 6ri!ile-e % t,e =rit % ,a+ea" c r61" =it, 1t t,e 6ri r c n"ent % at lea"t a *aB rit0 % all t,e Me*+er" % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a> r i""1e an0 &ecree> r&er r letter % in"tr1cti n" =,ile t,e la=*a:in- 6 =er % t,e Pre"i&ent i" in % rce. He ",all +e &ee*e& a1t *aticall0 n lea!e an& t,e S6ea:er Pr #Te*6 re ",all act a" S6ea:er. 9,ile actin- a" Pre"i&ent> t,e S6ea:er *a0 n t +e re* !e&. He ",all n t +e eli-i+le % r electi n in t,e i**e&iatel0 "1ccee&in- electi n % r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent. T,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a ",all> at ten Gcl c: in t,e * rnin- % t,e t,ir& &a0 a%ter t,e !acanc0 cc1r"> c n!ene in acc r&ance =it, it" r1le" =it, 1t nee& % a call an& =it,in "e!en &a0" enact a la= callin- % r a "6ecial electi n t elect a Pre"i&ent an& a 'ice#6re"i&ent t +e ,el& n t earlier t,an % rt0#%i!e &a0" n r later t,an "i7t0 &a0" %r * t,e ti*e % "1c, call. T,e +ill callin- "1c, "6ecial electi n ",all +e &ee*e& certi%ie& 1n&er 6ara-ra6, ($)> Secti n 1.> Article 'III % t,e C n"tit1ti n an& ",all +ec *e la= 16 n it" a66r !al n t,ir& rea&in- +0 t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a. A66r 6riati n" % r t,e "6ecial electi n ",all +e c,ar-e& a-ain"t an0 c1rrent a66r 6riati n" an& ",all +e e7e*6t %r * t,e reA1ire*ent" % 6ara-ra6, (8)> Secti n 12 % Article 'III % t,e C n"tit1ti n. A" 6r !i&e& in t,e t,ir& 6ara-ra6,> Secti n . % Article 'II t,ere %> t,e c n!enin- % t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a cann t +e "1"6en&e& n r t,e "6ecial electi n 6 "t6 ne&. N "6ecial electi n ",all +e calle& i% t,e !acanc0 cc1r" =it,in "e!ent0 &a0" +e% re t,e &ate % t,e 6re"i&ential electi n % 1.83. A66 int*ent" e7ten&e& +0 t,e Actin- Pre"i&ent ",all re*ain e%%ecti!e> 1nle"" re! :e& +0 t,e ne=l0 electe& Pre"i&ent =it,in ninet0 &a0" %r * ,i" a""1*6ti n % %%ice. Sec. $38. S6ecial electi n t %ill e7i"tin- !acancie" in t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a. # T,e electi n % Me*+er" t %ill e7i"tin- !acancie" in t,e Bata"an- Pa*+an"a ",all +e ,el& "i*1ltane 1"l0 =it, t,e ne7t l cal electi n in 1.82 r in t,e ne7t "6ecial nati nal electi n % r Pre"i&ent an& 'ice#Pre"i&ent i% ne i" ,el& earlier. Sec. $3.. Electi!e %%icial" in e7i"tin- "1+#6r !ince". # T,e electi n % electi!e 61+lic %%icial" in e7i"tin- "1+#6r !ince" ",all li:e=i"e +e ,el& "i*1ltane 1"l0 =it, t,e ne7t l cal electi n" % 1.82 an& 1..) in acc r&ance =it, t,eir re"6ecti!e c,arter"> "1+Bect t t,e "a*e ter*> A1ali%icati n"> *anner % electi n an& 328

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS re" l1ti n % electi n c ntr !er"ie" a" are ,erein 6r !i&e& % r c *6ara+le 6r !incial electi!e %%icial".

A/TICLE 55' FINAL P/O'ISIONS

Sec. $8). /e r-ani<ati n % t,e C **i""i n n Electi n". # In r&er t 6r * te *a7i*1* e%%icienc0 in carr0in- 1t it" c n"tit1ti nal &1t0 t in"1re %ree> r&erl0 an& , ne"t electi n" an& in &i"c,ar-in- it" B1&icial 6 =er" an& %1ncti n" 1n&er t,e C n"tit1ti n> t,e C **i""i n i" ,ere+0 a1t, ri<e& t re r-ani<e it" %%ice =it,in t=el!e * nt," a%ter t,e %ir"t electi n t +e ,el& 1n&er t,i" C &e. It *a0 create> *er-e> r a+ li", &e6art*ent"> %%ice"> &i!i"i n" r 1nit"> re&i"tri+1te %1ncti n" an& rea""i-n 6er" nnel> c,an-e &e"i-nati n" % e7i"tin6 "iti n" "1+Bect t 6ertinent e7i"tin- la=" an& re-1lati n". It *a0 rec **en& t,e le!el" an& rate" % "alarie" % it" "1+ r&inate %%icial" an& e*6l 0ee" "1+Bect t t,e la=" an& re-1lati n" n ci!il "er!ice an& c *6en"ati n> 6 "iti n cla""i%icati n an& "tan&ar&i<ati n % "alarie"? Pr !i&e&> T,at n 6er*anent %%icial r e*6l 0ee alrea&0 in t,e "er!ice % t,e C **i""i n> 16 n a66r !al % t,i" C &e> ",all +e lai& %%> r &e* te& in ran: r "alar0. Sec. $81. Se6ara+ilit0 cla1"e. # I% % r an0 rea" n an0 "ecti n r 6r !i"i n % t,i" C &e> r an0 6 rti n t,ere %> r t,e a66licati n % "1c, "ecti n> 6r !i"i n r 6 rti n t an0 6er" n> -r 16 r circ1*"tance i" &eclare& in!ali& r 1nc n"tit1ti nal> t,e re*ain&er % t,i" C &e r t,e a66licati n % "1c, "ecti n> 6r !i"i n r 6 rti n t,ere % t t,er 6er" n"> -r 16" r circ1*"tance" ",all n t +e a%%ecte& +0 "1c, &eclarati n. Sec. $8$. /e6ealin- cla1"e. # Pre"i&ential Decree N . 1$.2> t,er=i"e :n =n a" T,e 1.38 Electi n C &e> a" a*en&e&> i" ,ere+0 re6eale&. All t,er electi n la="> &ecree"> e7ec1ti!e r&er"> r1le" an& re-1lati n"> r 6art" t,ere %> inc n"i"tent =it, t,e 6r !i"i n" % t,i" C &e are ,ere+0 re6eale&> e7ce6t Pre"i&ential Decree N . 1218 an& Bata" Pa*+an"a Bl-. $) - !ernin- t,e electi n % t,e *e*+er" % t,e San--1nian- Pa*6 : % /e-i n" I5 an& 5II. Sec. $8(. E%%ecti!it0. # T,i" C &e ",all ta:e e%%ect 16 n it" a66r !al. A66r !e&? Dece*+er (> 1.84

329

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

APPENDI5 A /ESOLUTION N . 82.2 /ULES ON DISHUALIFICATION CASES FILED IN CONNECTION 9ITH THE MAF 1)> $)1) AUTOMATED NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTIONS ,r'mu"(ati'nG 11 N !e*+er $)).

T8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns9 $% *irtue '- t8e p'>ers *ested in it $% t8e C'nstituti'n9 t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de and 't8er e"ecti'n "a>s9 RESOL6ED t' pr'mu"(ate9 as it 8ere$% RESOL6ES t' prescri$e t8e -'""'>in( ru"es '- pr'cedure c'ncernin( t8e -i"in( '- t8e -'""'>in( petiti'ns -'r purp'ses '- t8e Ma% !39 #3!3 nati'na" and "'ca" e"ecti'nsG a) ,etiti'n t' Den% Due C'urse t' 'r Cance" Certi-icate '- Candidac%H $) ,etiti'n T' Dec"are A Candidate As Nuisance CandidateH c) ,etiti'n T' Dis5ua"i-% A Candidate ,ursuant t' Sec .1 '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'deH and d) ,etiti'n T' is Dis5ua"i-% A Candidate -'r Lac= '- ?ua"i-icati'ns 'r ,'ssessin( S'me @r'unds /'r Dis5ua"i-icati'n9 SECTION ! Suspensi'n '- t8e C'me"ec Ru"es '- ,r'cedures 7 In t8e interest 'Custice and in 'rder t' attain speed% disp'siti'n '- cases9 t8e app"icati'n '- t8e C'me"ec Ru"es '- ,r'cedure 'r an% p'rti'n t8ere'- inc'nsistent 8ere>it8 is 8ere$% suspended SEC # W8ere t' -i"e petiti'ns 7 T8e petiti'ns 8erein menti'ned s8a"" $e -i"ed >it8 t8e O--ice '- t8e C"er= '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns9 in Mani"a ,etiti'ns -'r dis5ua"i-icati'n -i"ed >it8 '--ices 't8er t8an >it8 t8e O--ice '- t8e C"er= '- t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" n't $e accepted SEC & ,etiti'ns -i"ed t8r'u(8 mai" 'r n't in acc'rdance >it8 ru"esH E--ect 7 ,etiti'ns -i"ed t8r'u(8 mai" andK'r n't in acc'rdance >it8 t8e 8erein ru"es s8a"" n't $e accepted 'r d'c=eted ;'>e*er9 petiti'ner ma% re7-i"e t8e petiti'n in acc'rdance 330

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS >it8 t8e 8erein ru"es and $e-'re t8e "apse '- t8e re("ementar% peri'd pr'*ided -'r t8e -i"in( -'r eac8 petiti'n SEC ) ,r'cedure in -i"in( petiti'ns 7 /'r purp'ses '- t8e precedin( secti'ns9 t8e -'""'>in( pr'cedure s8a"" $e '$ser*edG ,ETITION TO DENJ DUE COURSE TO OR CANCEL CERTI/ICATE O/ CANDIDACJ A *eri-ied petiti'n t' den% due c'urse 'r t' cance" certi-icate '- candidac% ma% $e -i"ed $% an% pers'n >it8in -i*e (+) da%s -r'm t8e "ast da% -'r t8e -i"in( '- certi-icate '- candidac% $ut n't "ater t8an t>ent%7-i*e (#+) da%s -r'm t8e -i"in( '- certi-icate 'candidac% under Secti'n 01 '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de (OEC)H T8e petiti'n s8a"" $e -i"ed in ten (!3) "e(i$"e c'pies9 pers'na""% 'r t8r'u(8 a du"% aut8'ri<ed representati*e9 $% an% Gpers'n '- *'tin( a(e 'r a du"% re(istered p'"itica" part%9 'r(ani<ati'n9 'r c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" parties e4c"usi*e"% 'n t8e (r'und t8at an% materia" representati'n c'ntained t8erein as re5uired under Secti'n 0) '- t8e OEC is -a"se ,ETITION TO DECLARE A NUISANCE CANDIDATE A *eri-ied petiti'n t' dec"are a du"% re(istered candidate as a nuisance candidate under Secti'n .2 '- t8e OEC9 as amended $% Secti'n + '- R A ..).9 must $e -i"ed >it8in -i*e (+) da%s -r'm t8e "ast da% -'r t8e -i"in( '- certi-icates '- candidac%H T8e petiti'n s8a"" $e -i"ed in ten (!3) "e(i$"e c'pies pers'na""% 'r t8r'u(8 a du"% aut8'ri<ed representati*e9 $% an% candidate -'r t8e same '--ice 'n t8e -'""'>in( (r'undsG # ! T8e certi-icate '- candidac% 8as $een -i"ed t' put t8e e"ecti'n pr'cess in m'c=er% 'r disreputeH # # T8e certi-icate '- candidac% causes c'n-usi'n am'n( *'ters $% t8e simi"arit% 't8e names '- t8e re(istered candidatesH # & B% 't8er acts 'r circumstances >8ic8 c"ear"% dem'nstrate t8at t8e candidate 8as n' $'na -ideintenti'n t' run -'r t8e '--ice -'r >8ic8 t8e certi-icate '- candidac% 8as $een -i"ed and t8us pre*ent t8e -ait8-u" determinati'n '- t8e true >i"" '- t8e e"ect'rate B ,ETITION TO DISOUALI/J A CANDIDATE ,URSUANT TO SECTION .1 O/ T;E Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de AND ,ETITION TO DISOUALI/J /OR LAC: O/ OUALI/ICATIONS OR ,OSSESSIN@ SOME @ROUNDS /OR DIS?UALI/ICATION A *eri-ied petiti'n t' dis5ua"i-% a candidate pursuant t' Secti'n .1 '- t8e OEC and t8e *eri-ied petiti'n t' dis5ua"i-% a candidate -'r "ac= '- 5ua"i-icati'ns 'r p'ssessin( 331

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS s'me (r'unds -'r dis5ua"i-icati'n ma% $e -i"ed 'n an% da% a-ter t8e "ast da% -'r -i"in( '- certi-icates '- candidac% $ut n't "ater t8an t8e date '- pr'c"amati'nH T8e petiti'n t' dis5ua"i-% a candidate pursuant t' Secti'n .1 '- t8e OEC s8a"" $e -i"ed in ten (!3) "e(i$"e c'pies9 pers'na""% 'r t8r'u(8 a du"% aut8'ri<ed representati*e9 $% an% citi<en '- *'tin( a(e9 'r du"% re(istered p'"itica" part%9 'r(ani<ati'n 'r c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" parties a(ainst an% candidate >8'9 in an acti'n 'r pr'test in >8ic8 8e is a part%9 is dec"ared $% -ina" decisi'n '- a c'mpetent c'urt9 (ui"t% '-9 'r -'und $% t8e C'mmissi'n '-9 8a*in(G # ! @i*en m'ne% 'r 't8er materia" c'nsiderati'n t' in-"uence9 induce 'r c'rrupt *'ters 'r pu$"ic '--icia"s per-'rmin( e"ect'ra" -uncti'nsH # # C'mmitted acts '- terr'rism t' en8ance 8is candidac%H 'r # & Spent in 8is e"ecti'n campai(n an am'unt in e4cess '- t8at a""'>ed $% "a>H 'r # ) S'"icited9 recei*ed 'r made an% c'ntri$uti'n pr'8i$ited under Secti'ns 129 2+9 2.9 20 and !3) '- t8e OECH 'r # + 6i'"ated an% '- Secti'ns 139 1&9 1+9 1. and #.! para(rap8s d9 e9 = and * and cc su$7para(rap8 . '- t8e OEC9 s8a"" $e dis5ua"i-ied -r'm c'ntinuin( as a candidate9 'r i- 8e 8as $een e"ected9 -r'm 8'"din( t8e '--ice T8e petiti'n t' dis5ua"i-% a candidate -'r "ac= '- 5ua"i-icati'n 'r p'ssessin( s'me (r'unds -'r dis5ua"i-icati'n9 s8a"" $e -i"ed in ten (!3) "e(i$"e c'pies9 pers'na""% 'r t8r'u(8 a du"% aut8'ri<ed representati*e9 $% an% pers'n '- *'tin( a(e9 'r du"% re(istered p'"itica" part%9 'r(ani<ati'n 'r c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" parties 'n t8e (r'und t8at t8e candidate d'es n't p'ssess a"" t8e 5ua"i-icati'ns as pr'*ided -'r $% t8e C'nstituti'n 'r $% e4istin( "a> 'r >8' p'ssesses s'me (r'unds -'r dis5ua"i-icati'n as pr'*ided -'r $% t8e C'nstituti'n 'r $% e4istin( "a> C COMMON ,ROCEDURES ,etiti'ner s8a""9 $e-'re t8e -i"in( '- t8e petiti'n9 -urnis8 a c'p% '- t8e petiti'n t8r'u(8 pers'na" ser*ice9 t' t8e resp'ndent In case pers'na" ser*ice is n't -easi$"e9 'r t8e resp'ndent re-uses t' recei*e t8e petiti'n 'r t8e resp'ndentBs >8erea$'uts cann't $e ascertained9 t8e petiti'ner s8a"" e4ecute an a--ida*it statin( t8e reas'ns 'r circumstances t8ere-'reH T8e pr''- '- ser*ice 'r t8e a--ida*it s8a"" $e attac8ed t' t8e petiti'n t' $e -i"ed >it8 t8e O--ice '- t8e C"er= '- t8e C'mmissi'nH Up'n pa%ment '- t8e -i"in( -ee '- ,8p+9333 33 and "e(a" researc8 -ee '- ,8p+3 339 t8e O--ice '- t8e C"er= '- t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" d'c=et t8e petiti'n and assi(n t' it a d'c=et num$er9 >8ic8 must $e c'nsecuti*e acc'rdin( t' t8e 'rder '- receipt9 and must $ear t8e %ear and pre-i4ed as S,A (DC)H 332

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS N' petiti'n s8a"" $e d'c=eted un"ess t8e re5uirements in t8e precedin( para(rap8s 8a*e $een c'mp"ied >it8H Up'n pr'per -i"in( and d'c=etin( '- t8e petiti'n9 t8e O--ice '- t8e C"er= '- t8e C'mmissi'n s8a""9 >it8in t8ree (&) ca"endar da%s9 issue summ'ns >it8 n'tice '8earin( t8r'u(8 pers'na" ser*ice 'r te"e(ram9 -acsimi"e 'r t8r'u(8 t8e m'st -astest means '- c'mmunicati'n9 t' t8e resp'ndent and n'tice '- 8earin( t' t8e petiti'nerH Wit8in t8ree (&) ca"endar da%s -r'm receipt '- summ'ns9 t8e resp'ndent s8a""9 pers'na""% 'r t8r'u(8 8is aut8'ri<ed representati*e9 -i"e 8is *eri-ied ans>er (n't a M'ti'n t' Dismiss) t' t8e petiti'n9 at t8e O--ice '- t8e C"er= '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 in ten (!3) "e(i$"e c'pies9 >it8 pr''- '- pers'na" ser*ice '- Ans>er up'n t8e petiti'ner @r'unds -'r M'ti'n t' Dismiss ma% $e raised as an A--irmati*e De-enseH T8e pr'ceedin( s8a"" $e summar% in nature In "ieu '- 'ra" testim'nies9 t8e parties s8a"" su$mit t8e a--ida*its '- t8eir >itnesses and 't8er d'cumentar% e*idence t'(et8er >it8 t8eir p'siti'n papers 'r mem'randa T8e p'siti'n paper 'r mem'randa '- eac8 part% s8a"" c'ntain t8e -'""'>in(G 0 ! A IStatement '- t8e CaseI9 >8ic8 is a c"ear and c'ncise statement '- t8e nature '- t8e acti'n9 a summar% '- t8e d'cumentar% e*idence9 and 't8er matters necessar% t' an understandin( '- t8e c'ntr'*ers%H 0 # A IStatement '- t8e IssuesI9 >8ic8 is a c"ear and c'ncise statement '- t8e issuesH 0 & T8e IAr(umentI9 >8ic8 is a c"ear and c'ncise presentati'n '- t8e ar(ument in supp'rt '- eac8 issueH and 0 ) T8e IRe"ie-I9 >8ic8 is a speci-icati'n '- t8e Cud(ment >8ic8 t8e part% see=s t' '$tain Issues raised in t8e p"eadin(s t8at are n't inc"uded in t8e mem'randum s8a"" $e deemed >ai*ed 'r a$and'ned T8e C'mmissi'n ma% c'nsider t8e mem'randum a"'ne in decidin( 'r res'"*in( t8e petiti'n9 as said mem'randum is a summati'n 't8e partiesB p"eadin(s and d'cumentar% e*idence SEC + M'tu ,r'pri' Cases 7 T8e C'mmissi'n ma%9 at an% time $e-'re t8e e"ecti'n9 m'tu pr'pri' re-use t' (i*e due c'urse t' 'r cance" an% certi-icate '- candidac% 'an% candidate -'r t8e p'siti'ns '- ,resident9 6ice7,resident9 Senat'r and ,art%7List9 'n t8e -'""'>in( (r'undsG a) Candidates >8'9 'n t8e -ace '- t8eir certi-icates '- candidac% 'r9 in t8e case 'part%7"ist (r'ups 7 mani-estati'n '- intent t' participate in t8e part%7"ist s%stem 'representati'n 7 d' n't p'ssess t8e c'nstituti'na" and "e(a" 5ua"i-icati'ns '- t8e '--ice t' >8ic8 t8e% aspire t' $e e"ectedH $) Candidates 'r part%7"ist (r'up >8'9 'n t8e -ace '- said certi-icates 'r in t8e case 'part%7"ist (r'ups 7 mani-estati'n '- intent t' participate in t8e part%7"ist s%stem '333

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS representati'n 7 -i"ed t8eir certi-icates 'r mani-estati'n t' put t8e e"ecti'n pr'cess in m'c=er% 'r disreputeH c) Candidates >8'se certi-icates '- candidac% 'r part%7"ist (r'ups >8'se mani-estati'n c'u"d cause c'n-usi'n am'n( t8e *'ters $% t8e simi"arit% '- names and surnames >it8 't8er re(istered candidates 'r $% t8e simi"arit% '- t8eir part%7"ist name 'r acr'n%mH and d) Candidates 'r part%7"ist (r'ups >8' 8a*e n' $'na -ide intenti'n t' run -'r t8e '--ice -'r >8ic8 t8e certi-icate '- candidac% 'r mani-estati'n 8ad $een -i"ed 'r acts t8at c"ear"% dem'nstrate t8e "ac= '- suc8 $'na -ide intenti'n9 suc8 asG d ! Candidates >8' d' n't $e"'n( t' 'r are n't n'minated $% an% re(istered p'"itica" part% 'r nati'na" c'nstituenc%H d # Candidates >8' d' n't 8a*e a p"at-'rm '- ('*ernment and are n't capa$"e '>a(in( a nati'n>ide campai(n Up'n receipt '- t8e certi-icates '- candidac% -'r ,resident9 6ice7,resident9 Senat'r9 'r up'n receipt '- t8e mani-estati'n '- intent t' participate -'r t8e and part%7List9 t8e La> Department s8a""9 >it8in -i*e (+) da%s -r'm t8e "ast da% -'r -i"in( certi-icate 'candidac% and mani-estati'n9 -'r>ard t' t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc t8r'u(8 t8e O--ice '- t8e C'mmissi'n Secretar%9 t8e certi-icates '- candidac% and mani-estati'n9 t'(et8er >it8 its stud% and rec'mmendati'nH T8e C'mmissi'n Secretar% s8a"" up'n receipt t8ere'-9 immediate"% ca"endar -'r de"i$erati'n t8e certi-icates '- candidac% and mani-estati'n t'(et8er >it8 t8e stud% and rec'mmendati'n '- t8e La> Department >it8 n'tice t' a"" mem$ers '- t8e C'mmissi'n Wit8in t8ree (&) da%s -r'm t8e date '- t8e de"i$erati'n9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" res'"*e a"" matters re"ati*e t' t8e certi-icates '- candidac% and mani-estati'n su$mitted t' it T8e Res'"uti'n den%in( due c'urse 'r cance""in( t8e certi-icate '- candidac% 'candidates -'r ,resident9 6ice7,resident and Senat'r9 'r mani-estati'n9 s8a"" $e pu$"is8ed in t>' (#) ne>spapers '- (enera" circu"ati'n An% candidate >8'se certi-icate '- candidac% 'r an% part%7"ist (r'up >8'se mani-estati'n 8as $een ad*erse"% a--ected ma%9 pers'na""% 'r t8r'u(8 a du"% aut8'ri<ed representati*e9 -i"e a *eri-ied 'pp'siti'n t8eret'9 in ten (!3) "e(i$"e c'pies9 >it8in -i*e (+) da%s -r'm t8e date '- pu$"icati'n9 >it8 t8e O--ice '- t8e C"er= '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 >8ic8 s8a"" assi(n a d'c=et num$er >8ic8 must $e c'nsecuti*e acc'rdin( t' t8e 'rder '- receipt and must $ear t8e %ear and pre-i4ed as S,A (M,)H T8e C"er= '- t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" set t8e 'pp'siti'n -'r 8earin( >it8in t8ree (&) da%s -r'm receipt t8ere'-

334

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Wit8in t>' (#) da%s a-ter t8e 8earin(9 t8e C"er= '- t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" ca"endar t8e Opp'siti'n -'r c'nsu"tati'n and t8erea-ter9 t8e mem$er t' >8'm t8e case is assi(ned s8a"" pen t8e decisi'n >it8in -i*e (+) da%s -r'm t8e date '- c'nsu"tati'n SEC . ,r'mu"(ati'n 7 T8e pr'mu"(ati'n '- a Decisi'n 'r Res'"uti'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'r a Di*isi'n s8a"" $e made 'n a date pre*i'us"% -i4ed9 n'tice '- >8ic8 s8a"" $e ser*ed in ad*ance up'n t8e parties 'r t8eir att'rne%s pers'na""%9 'r $% re(istered mai"9 te"e(ram9 -a4 'r t8ru t8e -astest means '- c'mmunicati'n SEC 0 M'ti'n -'r rec'nsiderati'n 7 A m'ti'n t' rec'nsider a Decisi'n9 Res'"uti'n9 Order 'r Ru"in( '- a Di*isi'n s8a"" $e -i"ed >it8in t8ree (&) da%s -r'm t8e pr'mu"(ati'n t8ere'- Suc8 m'ti'n9 i- n't pr'7-'rma9 suspends t8e e4ecuti'n -'r imp"ementati'n '- t8e Decisi'n9 Res'"uti'n9 Order 'r Ru"in( Wit8in t>ent%7-'ur (#)) 8'urs -r'm t8e -i"in( t8ere'-9 t8e C"er= '- t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" n'ti-% t8e ,residin( C'mmissi'ner T8e "atter s8a"" >it8in t>' (#) da%s t8erea-ter certi-% t8e case t' t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc T8e C"er= '- t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" ca"endar t8e M'ti'n -'r Rec'nsiderati'n -'r t8e res'"uti'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc >it8in t8ree (&) da%s -r'm t8e certi-icati'n t8ere'SEC 1 E--ecti*it% 7 T8is Res'"uti'n s8a"" ta=e e--ect 'n t8e se*ent8 (0t8) da% a-ter its pu$"icati'n in t>' (#) dai"% ne>spapers '- (enera" circu"ati'n T8e Educati'n and In-'rmati'n Department9 t8is C'mmissi'n9 s8a"" cause t8e pu$"icati'n '- t8is Res'"uti'n in t>' (#) dai"% ne>spapers '- (enera" circu"ati'n SEC 2 Disseminati'n 7 T8e Educati'n and In-'rmati'n Department '- t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" -urnis8 c'pies '- t8is Res'"uti'n t' a"" -ie"d '--icia"s '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 t8e p'"itica" parties and accredited citi<ensB arm SO ORDERED

APPENDI5 B /.A. .(2. AN ACT AMENDING /EPUBLIC ACT NO. 88(2> ENTITLED CAN ACT AUTHO/I;ING THE COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS TO USE AN AUTOMATED ELECTION SFSTEM IN THE MAF 11> 1..8 NATIONAL O/ LOCAL ELECTIONS AND IN SUBSEHUENT NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTO/AL E5E/CISES> TO ENCOU/AGE T/ANSPA/ENCF> C/EDIBILITF> FAI/NESS AND ACCU/ACF OF ELECTIONS> 335

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS AMENDING FO/ THE PU/POSE BATAS PAMPANSA BLG. 881> AS AMEMDED> /EPUBLIC ACT NO. 3122 AND OTHE/ /ELATED ELECTIONS LA9S> P/O'IDING FUNDS THE/EFO/ AND FO/ OTHE/ PU/POSESC

SECTION ! Secti'n ! '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISECTION ! Dec"arati'n '- ,'"ic% 7 It is t8e p'"ic% '- t8e State t' ensure -ree9 'rder"%9 8'nest9 peace-u"9 credi$"e and in-'rmed e"ecti'ns9 p"e$iscites9 re-erenda9 reca"" and 't8er simi"ar e"ect'ra" e4ercises $% impr'*in( 'n t8e e"ecti'n pr'cess and ad'ptin( s%stems9 >8ic8 s8a"" in*'"*e t8e use '- an aut'mated e"ecti'n s%stem t8at >i"" ensure t8e secrec% and sanctit% '- t8e $a""'t and a"" e"ecti'n9 c'ns'"idati'n and transmissi'n d'cuments in 'rder t8at t8e pr'cess s8a"" $e transparent and credi$"e and t8at t8e resu"ts s8a"" $e -ast9 accurate and re-"ecti*e '- t8e (enuine >i"" '- t8e pe'p"e IT8e State rec'(ni<es t8e mandate and aut8'rit% '- t8e C'mmissi'n t' prescri$e t8e ad'pti'n and use '- t8e m'st suita$"e tec8n'"'(% '- dem'nstrated capa$i"it% ta=in( int' acc'unt t8e situati'n pre*ai"in( in t8e area and t8e -unds a*ai"a$"e -'r t8e purp'se I SEC # Secti'n # '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC # De-initi'n '- Terms 7 As used in t8is Act9 t8e -'""'>in( terms s8a"" meanG I! Aut'mated e"ecti'n s%stem9 8ereina-ter re-erred t' as AES 7 a s%stem usin( appr'priate tec8n'"'(% >8ic8 8as $een dem'nstrated in t8e *'tin(9 c'untin(9 c'ns'"idatin(9 can*assin(9 and transmissi'n '- e"ecti'n resu"ts9 and 't8er e"ect'ra" pr'cessesH I# E"ectr'nic transmissi'n 7 c'n*e%in( data in e"ectr'nic -'rm -r'm 'ne "'cati'n t' an't8erH I& O--icia" $a""'t 7 >8ere AES is uti"i<ed9 re-ers t' t8e paper $a""'t9 >8et8er printed 'r (enerated $% t8e tec8n'"'(% app"ied9 t8at -ait8-u""% captures 'r represents t8e *'tes cast $% a *'ter rec'rded 'r t' $e rec'rded in e"ectr'nic -'rmH I) E"ecti'n returns 7 a d'cument in e"ectr'nic and printed -'rm direct"% pr'duced $% t8e c'untin( 'r *'tin( mac8ine9 s8'>in( t8e date '- t8e e"ecti'n9 t8e pr'*ince9 municipa"it% and t8e precinct in >8ic8 it is 8e"d and t8e *'tes in -i(ures -'r eac8 candidate in a precinct in areas >8ere AES is uti"i<edH I+ Statement '- *'tes 7 a d'cument c'ntainin( t8e *'tes '$tained $% candidates in eac8 precinct in a cit%Kmunicipa"it%H 336

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS I. Cit%Kmunicipa"KdistrictKpr'*incia" certi-icate '- can*ass 7 a d'cument in e"ectr'nic and printed -'rm c'ntainin( t8e t'ta" *'tes in -i(ures '$tained $% eac8 candidate in a cit%Kmunicipa"it%KdistrictKpr'*ince as t8e case ma% $e T8e e"ectr'nic certi-icates 'can*ass s8a"" $e t8e '--icia" can*ass resu"ts in t8e a-'rementi'ned Curisdicti'nsH I0 ,aper7$ased e"ecti'n s%stem 7 a t%pe '- aut'mated e"ecti'n s%stem t8at uses paper $a""'ts9 rec'rds and c'unts *'tes9 ta$u"ates9 c'ns'"idatesKcan*asses and transmits e"ectr'nica""% t8e resu"ts '- t8e *'te c'untHI I1 Direct rec'rdin( e"ectr'nic e"ecti'n s%stem 7 a t%pe '- aut'mated e"ecti'n s%stem t8at uses e"ectr'nic $a""'ts9 rec'rds *'tes $% means '- a $a""'t disp"a% pr'*ided >it8 mec8anica" 'r e"ectr'7'ptica" c'mp'nents t8at can $e acti*ated $% t8e *'ter9 pr'cesses data $% means '- a c'mputer pr'(ram9 rec'rds *'tin( data and $a""'t ima(es9 and transmits *'tin( resu"ts e"ectr'nica""%H I2 C'untin( center 7 a pu$"ic p"ace >it8in t8e cit%Kmunicipa"it% 'r in suc8 't8er p"aces as ma% $e desi(nated $% t8e C'mmissi'n >8ere t8e '--icia" $a""'ts cast in *ari'us precincts '- t8e cit%Kmunicipa"it% s8a"" $e c'unted ,'""in( p"aces 'r *'tin( centers ma% a"s' $e desi(nated as c'untin( centersH I!3 C'ntinuit% p"an 7 a "ist '- c'ntin(enc% measures9 and t8e p'"icies -'r acti*ati'n '- suc89 t8at are put in p"ace t' ensure c'ntinu'us 'perati'n '- t8e AESH I!! Disa$"ed *'ters 7 a pers'n >it8 impaired capacit% t' use t8e AESH

I!# S'urce c'de 7 8uman reada$"e instructi'ns t8at de-ine >8at t8e c'mputer e5uipment >i"" d'H and I!& Stati'n 7 re-ers t' a p'""in( p"ace9 c'untin( center9 municipa" 'r pr'*incia" can*assin( center I SEC & Secti'n & '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC & B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs 7 W8ere AES s8a"" $e ad'pted9 at "east 'ne mem$er '- t8e B'ard '- E"ecti'n Inspect'rs s8a"" $e an in-'rmati'n tec8n'"'(%7 capa$"e pers'n9 >8' is trained 'r certi-ied $% t8e DOST t' use t8e AES Suc8 certi-icati'n s8a"" $e issued $% t8e DOST9 -ree '- c8ar(e I SEC ) Secti'n ) '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. is 8ere$% de"eted T8e succeedin( secti'ns are 8ere$% renum$ered acc'rdin("% SEC + Secti'n + '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC ) In-'rmati'n Tec8n'"'(% Supp'rt -'r t8e B'ard '- Can*assers 7 T' imp"ement t8e AES9 eac8 $'ard '- can*assers s8a"" $e assisted $% an in-'rmati'n tec8n'"'(%7capa$"e pers'n aut8'ri<ed t' 'perate t8e e5uipment ad'pted -'r t8e e"ecti'ns T8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" deputi<e in-'rmati'n tec8n'"'(% pers'nne" -r'm am'n( t8e a(encies and instrumenta"ities '- t8e ('*ernment9 inc"udin( ('*ernment7 337

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS '>ned and c'ntr'""ed c'rp'rati'ns T8e per diem '- t8e deputi<ed pers'nne" s8a"" $e t8e same as t8at '- t8e mem$ers '- t8e $'ard '- can*assers I SEC . Secti'n . '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC + Aut8'rit% t' Use an Aut'mated E"ecti'n S%stem 7 T' carr% 'ut t8e a$'*e7 stated p'"ic%9 t8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns9 8erein re-erred t' as t8e C'mmissi'n9 is 8ere$% aut8'ri<ed t' use an aut'mated e"ecti'n s%stem 'r s%stems in t8e same e"ecti'n in di--erent pr'*inces9 >8et8er paper7$ased 'r a direct rec'rdin( e"ectr'nic e"ecti'n s%stem as it ma% deem appr'priate and practica" -'r t8e pr'cess '- *'tin(9 c'untin( '- *'tes and can*assin(Kc'ns'"idati'n and transmitta" '- resu"ts '- e"ect'ra" e4ercisesG ,r'*ided9 T8at -'r t8e re(u"ar nati'na" and "'ca" e"ecti'ns9 >8ic8 s8a"" $e 8e"d immediate"% a-ter e--ecti*it% '- t8is Act9 t8e AES s8a"" $e used in at "east t>' 8i(8"% ur$ani<ed cities and t>' pr'*inces eac8 in Lu<'n9 6isa%as and Mindana'9 t' $e c8'sen $% t8e C'mmissi'nG ,r'*ided9 -urt8er9 T8at "'ca" ('*ernment units >8'se '--icia"s 8a*e $een t8e su$Cect '- administrati*e c8ar(es >it8in si4teen (!.) m'nt8s pri'r t' t8e Ma% !)9 #330 e"ecti'ns s8a"" n't $e c8'senG ,r'*ided -ina""%9 T8at n' area s8a"" $e c8'sen >it8'ut t8e c'nsent '- t8e San((unian '- t8e "'ca" ('*ernment unit c'ncerned T8e term "'ca" ('*ernment unit as used in t8is pr'*isi'n s8a"" re-er t' a 8i(8"% ur$ani<ed cit% 'r pr'*ince In succeedin( re(u"ar nati'na" 'r "'ca" e"ecti'ns9 t8e AES s8a"" $e imp"emented nati'n>ide I SEC 0 Secti'n 0 '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC . Minimum S%stem Capa$i"ities 7 IT8e aut'mated e"ecti'n s%stem must at "east 8a*e t8e -'""'>in( -uncti'na" capa$i"ities (a) Ade5uate securit% a(ainst unaut8'ri<ed accessH

($) Accurac% in rec'rdin( and readin( '- *'tes as >e"" as in t8e ta$u"ati'n9 c'ns'"idati'nKcan*assin(9 e"ectr'nic transmissi'n9 and st'ra(e '- resu"tsH (c) Err'r rec'*er% in case '- n'n7catastr'p8ic -ai"ure '- de*iceH

(d) S%stem inte(rit% >8ic8 ensures p8%sica" sta$i"it% and -uncti'nin( '- t8e *'te rec'rdin( and c'untin( pr'cessH (e) ,r'*isi'n -'r *'ter *eri-ied paper audit trai"H (-) S%stem audita$i"it% >8ic8 pr'*ides supp'rtin( d'cumentati'n -'r *eri-%in( t8e c'rrectness '- rep'rted e"ecti'n resu"tsH (() An e"ecti'n mana(ement s%stem -'r preparin( $a""'ts and pr'(rams -'r use in t8e castin( and c'untin( '- *'tes and t' c'ns'"idate9 rep'rt and disp"a% e"ecti'n resu"ts in t8e s8'rtest time p'ssi$"eH (8) Accessi$i"it% t' i""iterates and disa$"ed *'tersH 338

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (i) 6'te ta$u"atin( pr'(ram -'r e"ecti'n9 re-erendum 'r p"e$isciteH (C) Accurate $a""'t c'untersH (=) Data retenti'n pr'*isi'nH (") ,r'*ide -'r t8e sa-e=eepin(9 st'rin( and arc8i*in( '- p8%sica" 'r paper res'urce used in t8e e"ecti'n pr'cessH (m) Uti"i<e 'r (enerate '--icia" $a""'ts as 8erein de-inedH (n) ,r'*ide t8e *'ter a s%stem '- *eri-icati'n t' -ind 'ut >8et8er 'r n't t8e mac8ine 8as re(istered 8is c8'iceH and (') C'n-i(ure access c'ntr'" -'r sensiti*e s%stem data and -uncti'ns IIn t8e pr'curement '- t8is s%stem9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" de*e"'p and ad'pt an e*a"uati'n s%stem t' ascertain t8at t8e a$'*e minimum s%stem capa$i"ities are met T8is e*a"uati'n s%stem s8a"" $e de*e"'ped >it8 t8e assistance '- an ad*is'r% c'unci" I SEC 1 A ne> Secti'n 0 is 8ere$% pr'*ided t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC 0 C'mmunicati'n C8anne"s -'r E"ectr'nic Transmissi'ns 7 A"" e"ectr'nic transmissi'ns $% and am'n( t8e AES and its re"ated c'mp'nents s8a"" uti"i<e secure c'mmunicati'n c8anne"s as rec'mmended $% t8e Ad*is'r% C'unci"9 t' ensure aut8enticati'n and inte(rit% '- transmissi'ns I SEC 2 Ne> Secti'ns 19 29 !3 and !! are 8ere$% pr'*ided t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC 1 T8e Ad*is'r% C'unci" 7 T8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" create an Ad*is'r% C'unci"9 8erea-ter re-erred t' as t8e C'unci"9 >8ic8 s8a"" $e c'n*ened n't "ater t8an ei(8teen (!1) m'nt8s pri'r t' t8e ne4t sc8edu"ed e"ect'ra" e4ercise9 and deacti*ated si4 m'nt8s a-ter c'mp"eti'n '- can*assin(G ,r'*ided9 -'r purp'ses '- t8e #330 e"ecti'ns9 t8e Ad*is'r% C'unci" s8a"" $e immediate"% c'n*ened >it8in ten (!3) da%s a-ter t8e e--ecti*it% '- t8is Act IT8e C'unci" s8a"" $e c'mp'sed '- t8e -'""'>in( mem$ers9 >8' must $e re(istered /i"ipin' *'ters9 '- =n'>n independence9 c'mpetence and pr'$it%H I(a) T8e C8airman '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'n In-'rmati'n and C'mmunicati'ns Tec8n'"'(% (CICT) >8' s8a"" act as t8e c8airman '- t8e C'unci"H I($) I(c) One mem$er -r'm t8e Department '- Science and Tec8n'"'(%H One mem$er -r'm t8e Department '- Educati'nH

339

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS I(d) One mem$er representin( t8e academe9 t' $e se"ected $% t8e c8air '- t8e Ad*is'r% C'unci" -r'm am'n( t8e "ist '- n'minees su$mitted $% t8e c'untr%Bs academic instituti'nsH I(e) T8ree mem$ers representin( ICT pr'-essi'na" 'r(ani<ati'ns t' $e se"ected $% t8e c8air '- t8e Ad*is'r% C'unci" -r'm am'n( t8e "ist '- n'minees su$mitted $% ,8i"ippine7$ased ICT pr'-essi'na" 'r(ani<ati'ns N'minees s8a"" $e indi*idua"s9 at "east 'ne '- >8'm s8a"" $e e4perienced in mana(in( 'r imp"ementin( "ar(e7sca"e IT pr'Cects I(-) T>' mem$ers representin( n'n('*ernmenta" e"ect'ra" re-'rm 'r(ani<ati'ns9 t' $e se"ected $% t8e c8air '- t8e Ad*is'r% C'unci" -r'm am'n( t8e "ist '- n'minees su$mitted $% t8e c'untr%Bs n'n('*ernmenta" e"ect'ra" re-'rm 'r(ani<ati'ns IA pers'n >8' is a--i"iated >it8 an% p'"itica" part% 'r candidate -'r an% nati'na" p'siti'n9 'r is re"ated t' a candidate -'r an% nati'na" p'siti'n $% a--init% 'r c'nsan(uinit% >it8in t8e -'urt8 ci*i" de(ree9 s8a"" n't $e e"i(i$"e -'r app'intment 'r desi(nati'n t' t8e Ad*is'r% C'unci" S8'u"d an% suc8 situati'n arise at an% time durin( t8e incum$enc% '- a mem$er9 t8e desi(nati'n 'r app'intment '- t8at mem$er s8a"" ips' -act' $e terminated IAn% mem$er '- t8e Ad*is'r% C'unci" is pr'8i$ited -r'm en(a(in(9 direct"% 'r indirect"%9 >it8 an% entit% t8at ad*'cates9 mar=ets9 imp'rts9 pr'duces 'r in an% manner 8and"es s'-t>are9 8ard>are 'r an% e5uipment t8at ma% $e used -'r e"ecti'n purp'ses -'r pers'na" (ain IAn% *i'"ati'n '- t8e t>' immediate"% precedin( para(rap8s s8a"" dis5ua"i-% said mem$er -r'm t8e Ad*is'r% C'unci" and s8a"" $e punis8a$"e as pr'*ided in t8is Act and s8a"" $e pena"i<ed in acc'rdance >it8 t8e Anti7@ra-t and C'rrupt ,ractices Act and 't8er re"ated "a>s IT8e c'unci" ma% a*ai" itse"- '- t8e e4pertise and ser*ices '- res'urce pers'ns >8' are '- =n'>n independence9 c'mpetence and pr'$it%9 are n'npartisan9 and d' n't p'ssess an% '- t8e dis5ua"i-icati'ns app"ica$"e t' a mem$er '- t8e Ad*is'r% C'unci" as pr'*ided 8erein T8e res'urce pers'ns s8a"" a"s' $e su$Cect t' t8e same pr'8i$iti'ns and pena"ties as t8e mem$ers '- t8e Ad*is'r% C'unci" IT8e C'mmissi'n 'n In-'rmati'n and C'mmunicati'ns Tec8n'"'(% (CICT) s8a"" inc"ude in its annua" appr'priati'n t8e -unds necessar% t' ena$"e t8e C'unci" t' e--ecti*e"% per-'rm its -uncti'ns I ISEC 2 /uncti'ns '- t8e Ad*is'r% C'unci" 7 T8e C'unci" s8a"" 8a*e t8e -'""'>in( -uncti'nsG Rec'mmend t8e m'st appr'priate9 secure9 app"ica$"e and c'st7e--ecti*e tec8n'"'(% t' $e app"ied in t8e AES9 in >8'"e 'r in part9 at t8at speci-ic p'int in time

340

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS ,articipate as n'n*'tin( mem$ers '- t8e Bids and A>ards C'mmittee in t8e c'nduct '- t8e $iddin( pr'cess -'r t8e AES Mem$ers '- t8e Ad*is'r% C'unci" representin( t8e ICT pr'-essi'na" 'r(ani<ati'ns are 8ere$% e4c"uded -r'm participatin( in an% manner in t8e Bids and A>ards C'mmittee ,articipate as n'n*'tin( mem$ers '- t8e steerin( c'mmittee tas=ed >it8 t8e imp"ementati'n '- t8e AES Mem$ers '- t8e Ad*is'r% C'unci" representin( t8e ICT pr'-essi'na" 'r(ani<ati'ns are 8ere$% e4c"uded -r'm participatin( in an% manner in t8e steerin( c'mmittee ,r'*ide ad*ice and assistance in t8e re*ie> '- t8e s%stems p"annin(9 incepti'n9 de*e"'pment9 testin(9 'perati'na"i<ati'n9 and e*a"uati'n sta(es ,r'*ide ad*ice andK'r assistance in t8e identi-icati'n9 assessment and res'"uti'n 's%stems pr'$"ems 'r inade5uacies as ma% sur-ace 'r resur-ace in t8e c'urse '- t8e $iddin(9 ac5uisiti'n9 testin(9 'perati'na"i<ati'n9 re7use9 st'ra(e 'r disp'siti'n '- t8e AES e5uipment andK'r res'urces as t8e case ma% $e ,r'*ide ad*ice andK'r assistance in t8e ris= mana(ement '- t8e AES especia""% >8en a c'ntin(enc% 'r disaster situati'n arises ,repare and su$mit a >ritten rep'rt9 >8ic8 s8a"" $e su$mitted >it8in si4 m'nt8s -r'm t8e date '- t8e e"ecti'n t' t8e '*ersi(8t c'mmittee9 e*a"uatin( t8e use '- t8e AES N't8in( in t8e r'"e '- t8e C'unci" 'r an% 'utside inter*enti'n 'r in-"uence s8a"" $e c'nstrued as an a$dicati'n 'r diminuti'n '- t8e C'mmissi'nBs aut8'rit% and resp'nsi$i"it% -'r t8e e--ecti*e de*e"'pment9 mana(ement and imp"ementati'n '- t8e AES and t8is Act I T8e Ad*is'r% C'unci" s8a"" $e entit"ed t' a Cust and reas'na$"e am'unt '- per diem a""'>ances andK'r 8'n'raria t' c'*er t8e e4penses '- t8e ser*ices rendered c8ar(ea$"e a(ainst t8e $ud(et '- t8e C'mmissi'n I ISEC !3 T8e Tec8nica" E*a"uati'n C'mmittee 7 T8e C'mmissi'n9 in c'""a$'rati'n >it8 t8e c8airman '- t8e Ad*is'r% C'unci"9 s8a"" esta$"is8 an independent tec8nica" e*a"uati'n c'mmittee9 8erein =n'>n as t8e C'mmittee9 c'mp'sed '- a representati*e eac8 -r'm t8e C'mmissi'n9 t8e C'mmissi'n 'n In-'rmati'n and C'mmunicati'ns Tec8n'"'(% and t8e Department '- Science and Tec8n'"'(% >8' s8a"" act as C8airman '- t8e C'mmittee IT8e C'mmittee s8a"" $e immediate"% c'n*ened >it8in ten (!3) da%s a-ter t8e e--ecti*it% '- t8is Act I ISEC !! /uncti'ns '- t8e Tec8nica" E*a"uati'n C'mmittee 7 T8e C'mmittee s8a"" certi-%9 t8r'u(8 an esta$"is8ed internati'na" certi-icati'n entit% t' $e c8'sen $% t8e C'mmissi'n -r'm t8e rec'mmendati'ns '- t8e Ad*is'r% C'unci"9 n't "ater t8an t8ree m'nt8s $e-'re t8e date '- t8e e"ect'ra" e4ercise9 cate('rica""% statin( t8at t8e AES9 inc"udin( its 8ard>are and s'-t>are c'mp'nents9 is 'peratin( pr'per"%9 secure"%9 and 341

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS accurate"%9 in acc'rdance >it8 t8e pr'*isi'ns '- t8is Act $ased9 am'n( 't8ers9 'n t8e -'""'>in( d'cumented resu"tsG T8e success-u" c'nduct '- a -ie"d testin( pr'cess -'""'>ed $% a m'c= e"ecti'n e*ent in 'ne 'r m're citiesKmunicipa"itiesH T8e success-u" c'mp"eti'n '- audit 'n t8e accurac%9 -uncti'na"it% and securit% c'ntr'"s '- t8e AES s'-t>areH T8e success-u" c'mp"eti'n '- a s'urce c'de re*ie>H A certi-icati'n t8at t8e s'urce c'de is =ept in escr'> >it8 t8e Ban(=' Sentra" n( ,i"ipinasH A certi-icati'n t8at t8e s'urce c'de re*ie>ed is 'ne and t8e same as t8at used $% t8e e5uipmentH and T8e de*e"'pment9 pr'*isi'nin(9 and 'perati'na"i<ati'n '- a c'ntinuit% p"an t' c'*er ris=s t' t8e AES at a"" p'ints in t8e pr'cess suc8 t8at a -ai"ure '- e"ecti'ns9 >8et8er at *'tin(9 c'untin( 'r c'ns'"idati'n9 ma% $e a*'ided /'r purp'ses '- t8e #330 e"ecti'ns9 t8e certi-icati'n s8a"" $e d'ne n't "ater t8an ei(8t >ee=s pri'r t' t8e date '- t8e e"ecti'ns II- t8e C'mmissi'n decides t' pr'ceed >it8 t8e use '- t8e AES >it8'ut t8e C'mmitteeBs certi-icati'n9 it must su$mit its reas'n in >ritin(9 t' t8e O*ersi(8t C'mmittee9 n' "ess t8an t8irt% (&3) da%s pri'r t' t8e e"ect'ra" e4ercise >8ere t8e AES >i"" $e used IT8e C'mmittee ma% a*ai" itse"- '- t8e e4pertise and ser*ices '- res'urce pers'ns >8' are '- =n'>n independence9 c'mpetence and pr'$it%9 are n'n partisan9 and >8' d' n't p'ssess an% '- t8e dis5ua"i-icati'ns app"ica$"e t' a mem$er '- t8e Ad*is'r% C'unci" as pr'*ided 8erein T8e res'urce pers'ns s8a"" a"s' $e su$Cect t' t8e same pr'8i$iti'ns and pena"ties as t8e mem$ers '- t8e Ad*is'r% C'unci" IT8e C'mmittee s8a"" c"'se"% c''rdinate >it8 t8e steerin( c'mmittee '- t8e C'mmissi'n tas=ed >it8 t8e imp"ementati'n '- t8e AES in t8e identi-icati'n and a(reement '- t8e pr'Cect de"i*era$"es and time"ines9 and in t8e -'rmu"ati'n '- t8e acceptance criteria -'r eac8 de"i*era$"e I SEC !3 Secti'n 1 '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC !# ,r'curement '- E5uipment and Materia"s 7 T' ac8ie*e t8e purp'se '- t8is Act9 t8e C'mmissi'n is aut8'ri<ed t' pr'cure9 in acc'rdance >it8 e4istin( "a>s9 $% purc8ase9 "ease9 rent 'r 't8er -'rms '- ac5uisiti'n9 supp"ies9 e5uipment9 materia"s9 s'-t>are9 -aci"ities and 't8er ser*ices9 -r'm "'ca" 'r -'rei(n s'urces -ree -r'm ta4es and imp'rt duties9 su$Cect t' acc'untin( and auditin( ru"es and re(u"ati'ns Wit8 respect t' t8e Ma% !39 #3!3 e"ecti'ns and succeedin( e"ect'ra" e4ercises9 t8e s%stem 342

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS pr'cured must 8a*e dem'nstrated capa$i"it% and $een success-u""% used in a pri'r e"ect'ra" e4ercise 8ere 'r a$r'ad ,articipati'n in t8e #330 pi"'t e4ercise s8a"" n't $e c'nc"usi*e '- t8e s%stemBs -itness IIn determinin( t8e am'unt '- an% $id -r'm a tec8n'"'(%9 s'-t>are 'r e5uipment supp"ier9 t8e c'st t' t8e ('*ernment '- its dep"'%ment and imp"ementati'n s8a"" $e added t' t8e $id price as inte(ra" t8eret' T8e *a"ue '- an% a"ternati*e use t' >8ic8 suc8 tec8n'"'(%9 s'-t>are 'r e5uipment can $e put -'r pu$"ic use s8a"" n't $e deducted -r'm t8e 'ri(ina" -ace *a"ue '- t8e said $id I SEC !! Secti'n 2 '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC !& C'ntinuit% ,"an 7 T8e AES s8a"" $e s' desi(ned t' inc"ude a c'ntinuit% p"an in case '- a s%stems $rea=d'>n 'r an% suc8 e*entua"it% >8ic8 s8a"" resu"t in t8e de"a%9 '$structi'n 'r n'nper-'rmance '- t8e e"ect'ra" pr'cess Acti*ati'n '- suc8 c'ntinuit% and c'ntin(enc% measures s8a"" $e underta=en in t8e presence 'representati*es '- p'"itica" parties and citi<ensB arm '- t8e C'mmissi'n >8' s8a"" $e n'ti-ied $% t8e e"ecti'n '--icer '- suc8 acti*ati'n IA"" p'"itica" parties and part%7"ists s8a"" $e -urnis8ed c'pies '- said c'ntinuit% p"an at t8eir '--icia" addresses as su$mitted t' t8e C'mmissi'n T8e "ist s8a"" $e pu$"is8ed in at "east t>' ne>spapers '- nati'na" '- circu"ati'n and s8a"" $e p'sted at t8e >e$site '- t8e C'mmissi'n at "east -i-teen (!+) da%s pri'r t' t8e e"ect'ra" acti*it% c'ncerned I SEC !# Secti'n !3 '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC !) E4aminati'n and Testin( '- E5uipment 'r De*ice '- t8e AES and Openin( '- t8e S'urce C'de -'r Re*ie> 7 T8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" a""'> t8e p'"itica" parties and candidates 'r t8eir representati*es9 citi<ensB arm 'r t8eir representati*es t' e4amine and test IT8e e5uipment 'r de*ice t' $e used in t8e *'tin( and c'untin( 'n t8e da% '- t8e e"ect'ra" e4ercise9 $e-'re *'tin( starts Test $a""'ts and test -'rms s8a"" $e pr'*ided $% t8e C'mmissi'n IImmediate"% a-ter t8e e4aminati'n and testin( '- t8e e5uipment 'r de*ice9 t8e parties and candidates 'r t8eir representati*es9 citi<ensB arms 'r t8eir representati*es9 ma% su$mit a >ritten c'mment t' t8e e"ecti'n '--icer >8' s8a"" immediate"% transmit it t' t8e C'mmissi'n -'r appr'priate acti'n IT8e e"ecti'n '--icer s8a"" =eep minutes '- t8e testin(9 a c'p% '- >8ic8 s8a"" $e su$mitted t' t8e C'mmissi'n t'(et8er >it8 t8e minutes '- *'tin( I IOnce an AES tec8n'"'(% is se"ected -'r imp"ementati'n9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" pr'mpt"% ma=e t8e s'urce c'de '- t8at tec8n'"'(% a*ai"a$"e and 'pen t' an% interested p'"itica" part% 'r (r'ups >8ic8 ma% c'nduct t8eir '>n re*ie> t8ere'- I SEC !& Secti'n !! '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG 343

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS ISEC !+ O--icia" Ba""'t 7 T8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" prescri$e t8e -'rmat '- t8e e"ectr'nic disp"a% andK'r t8e si<e and -'rm '- t8e '--icia" $a""'t9 >8ic8 s8a"" c'ntain t8e tit"es '- t8e p'siti'n t' $e -i""ed andK'r t8e pr'p'siti'ns t' $e *'ted up'n in an initiati*e9 re-erendum 'r p"e$iscite W8ere practica$"e9 e"ectr'nic disp"a%s must $e c'nstructed t' present t8e names '- a"" candidates -'r t8e same p'siti'n in t8e same pa(e 'r screen9 't8er>ise9 t8e e"ectr'nic disp"a%s must $e c'nstructed t' present t8e entire $a""'t t' t8e *'ter9 in a series '- se5uentia" pa(es9 and t' ensure t8at t8e *'ter sees a"" '- t8e $a""'t 'pti'ns 'n a"" pa(es $e-'re c'mp"etin( 8is 'r 8er *'te and t' a""'> t8e *'ter t' re*ie> and c8an(e a"" $a""'t c8'ices pri'r t' c'mp"etin( and castin( 8is 'r 8er $a""'t Under eac8 p'siti'n t' $e -i""ed9 t8e names '- candidates s8a"" $e arran(ed a"p8a$etica""% $% surname and uni-'rm"% indicated usin( t8e same t%pe si<e T8e maiden 'r married name s8a"" $e "isted in t8e '--icia" $a""'t9 as pre-erred $% t8e -ema"e candidate Under eac8 pr'p'siti'n t' $e *'ted up'n9 t8e c8'ices s8'u"d $e uni-'rm"% indicated usin( t8e same -'nt and si<e IA -i4ed space >8ere t8e c8airman '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs s8a"" a--i4 8isK8er si(nature t' aut8enticate t8e '--icia" $a""'t s8a"" $e pr'*ided I/'r t8is purp'se9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" set t8e dead"ine -'r t8e -i"in( '- certi-icate 'candidac%Kpetiti'n '- re(istrati'nKmani-estati'n t' participate in t8e e"ecti'n An% pers'n >8' -i"es 8is certi-icate '- candidac% >it8in t8is peri'd s8a"" 'n"% $e c'nsidered as a candidate at t8e start '- t8e campai(n peri'd -'r >8ic8 8e -i"ed 8is certi-icate '- candidac%G ,r'*ided9 T8at9 un"a>-u" acts 'r 'missi'ns app"ica$"e t' a candidate s8a"" ta=e e--ect 'n"% up'n t8e start '- t8e a-'resaid campai(n peri'dG ,r'*ided9 -ina""%9 T8at an% pers'n 8'"din( a pu$"ic app'inti*e '--ice 'r p'siti'n9 inc"udin( acti*e mem$ers '- t8e armed -'rces9 and '--icers and emp"'%ees in ('*ernment7'>ned 'r 7c'ntr'""ed c'rp'rati'ns9 s8a"" $e c'nsidered ips' -act' resi(ned -r'm 8isK8er '--ice and must *acate t8e same at t8e start '- t8e da% '- t8e -i"in( '- 8isK8er certi-icate '- candidac% I,'"itica" parties ma% 8'"d p'"itica" c'n*enti'ns t' n'minate t8eir '--icia" candidates >it8in t8irt% (&3) da%s $e-'re t8e start '- t8e peri'd -'r -i"in( a certi-icate 'candidac% IWit8 respect t' a paper7$ased e"ecti'n s%stem9 t8e '--icia" $a""'ts s8a"" $e printed $% t8e Nati'na" ,rintin( O--ice andK'r t8e Ban(=' Sentra" n( ,i"ipinas at t8e price c'mpara$"e >it8 t8at '- pri*ate printers under pr'per securit% measures >8ic8 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" ad'pt T8e C'mmissi'n ma% c'ntract t8e ser*ices '- pri*ate printers up'n certi-icati'n $% t8e Nati'na" ,rintin( O--iceKBan(=' Sentra" n( ,i"ipinas t8at it cann't meet t8e printin( re5uirements Accredited p'"itica" parties and deputi<ed citi<enBs arms '- t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" assi(n >atc8ers in t8e printin(9 st'ra(e and distri$uti'n '- '--icia" $a""'ts IT' pre*ent t8e use '- -a=e $a""'ts9 t8e C'mmissi'n t8r'u(8 t8e C'mmittee s8a"" ensure t8at t8e necessar% sa-e(uards9 suc8 as9 $ut n't "imited t'9 $ar c'des9 8'"'(rams9 c'"'r s8i-tin( in=9 micr'printin(9 are pr'*ided 'n t8e $a""'t

344

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS IT8e '--icia" $a""'ts s8a"" $e printed and distri$uted t' eac8 cit%Kmunicipa"it% at t8e rate '- 'ne $a""'t -'r e*er% re(istered *'ter >it8 a pr'*isi'n '- additi'na" t8ree $a""'ts per precinct I SEC !) Secti'n !& '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC !0 Ba""'t $'4 7 W8ere app"ica$"e9 t8ere s8a"" $e in eac8 precinct 'n e"ecti'n da% a $a""'t $'4 >it8 suc8 sa-et% -eatures t8at t8e C'mmissi'n ma% prescri$e and 'suc8 si<e as t' acc'mm'date t8e '--icia" $a""'ts I SEC !+ Secti'n !) '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC !1 ,r'cedure in *'tin( 7 T8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" prescri$e t8e manner and pr'cedure '- *'tin(9 >8ic8 can $e easi"% underst''d and -'""'>ed $% t8e *'ters9 ta=in( int' c'nsiderati'n9 am'n( 't8er t8in(s9 t8e secrec% '- t8e *'tin( I SEC !. Secti'n !+ '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC !2 C"'sin( '- p'""s 7 T8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" prescri$e t8e time9 manner and pr'cedure '- c"'sin( t8e p'""s and t8e steps -'r t8e c'rrect rep'rtin( '- *'tes cast and t8e pr'per c'nduct '- c'untin( -'r areas c'*ered $% t8e AES I SEC !0 Secti'n !. '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC #3 N'tice '- Desi(nati'n '- C'untin( Centers 7 T8e e"ecti'n '--icer s8a"" p'st pr'minent"% in 8isK8er '--ice9 in t8e $u""etin $'ards at t8e cit%Kmunicipa" 8a"" and in t8ree 't8er c'nspicu'us p"aces in t8e cit%Kmunicipa"it%9 t8e n'tice 'n t8e desi(nated c'untin( center(s) -'r at "east t8ree >ee=s pri'r t' e"ecti'n da% T8e n'tice s8a"" speci-% t8e precincts c'*ered $% eac8 c'untin( center and t8e num$er 're(istered *'ters in eac8 '- said precincts T8e e"ecti'n '--icer s8a"" a"s' -urnis8 a c'p% '- t8e n'tice t' t8e 8ead5uarters 'r '--icia" address '- t8e p'"itica" parties 'r independent candidates >it8in t8e same peri'd T8e e"ecti'n '--icer s8a"" p'st in t8e C'mmissi'n >e$site c'ncerned t8e said n'tice and pu$"is8 t8e n'tices in t8e "'ca" ne>spapers W8ere t8e p'""in( p"ace 'r *'tin( center is a"s' t8e desi(nated c'untin( center9 suc8 in-'rmati'n s8a"" $e c'ntained in t8e n'tice IT8e C'mmissi'n ma% n't desi(nate as c'untin( center an% $ui"din( 'r -aci"it% "'cated >it8in t8e premises '- a camp9 reser*ati'n c'mp'und9 8ead5uarters9 detac8ment9 'r -ie"d '--ice '- t8e mi"itar%9 p'"ice9 pris'n 'r detenti'n $ureau9 'r an% "a> en-'rcement 'r in*esti(ati'n a(enc% I SEC !1 Secti'n !0 '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC #! C'untin( ,r'cedure 7 T8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" prescri$e t8e manner and pr'cedure '- c'untin( t8e *'tes under t8e aut'mated s%stemG ,r'*ided9 T8at apart -r'm t8e e"ectr'nica""% st'red resu"t9 t8irt% (&3) c'pies '- t8e e"ecti'n return are printed I 345

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS SEC !2 Secti'n !1 '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC ## E"ectr'nic Returns 7 Eac8 c'p% '- t8e printed e"ecti'n returns s8a"" $ear appr'priate c'ntr'" mar=s t' determine t8e time and p"ace '- printin( Eac8 c'p% s8a"" $e si(ned and t8um$mar=ed $% a"" t8e mem$ers '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs and t8e >atc8ers present I- an% mem$er '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs present re-uses t' si(n9 t8e c8airman '- t8e $'ard s8a"" n'te t8e same c'p% in eac8 c'p% '- t8e printed e"ecti'n returns T8e mem$er '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs c'ncerned re-usin( t' si(n s8a"" $e c'mpe""ed t' e4p"ain 8is 'r 8er re-usa" t' d' s' /ai"ure t' e4p"ain an unCusti-ia$"e re-usa" t' si(n eac8 c'p% '- t8e printed e"ecti'n return $% an% mem$er '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs s8a"" $e punis8a$"e as pr'*ided in t8is Act T8e c8airman '- t8e $'ard s8a"" t8en pu$"ic"% read and ann'unce t8e t'ta" num$ers '- re(istered *'ters9 t8e t'ta" num$er '- *'ters >8' actua""% *'ted and t8e t'ta" num$ers '- *'tes '$tained $% eac8 candidate $ased 'n t8e e"ecti'n returns IT8erea-ter9 t8e c'pies '- t8e e"ecti'n returns s8a"" $e sea"ed and p"aced in t8e pr'per en*e"'pes -'r distri$uti'n as -'""'>sG IA !) #) &) In t8e e"ecti'n '- president9 *ice7president9 senat'rs and part%7"ist s%stemH T8e -irst c'p% s8a"" $e de"i*ered t' t8e cit% 'r municipa" $'ard '- can*assersH T8e sec'nd c'p%9 t' t8e C'n(ress9 directed t' t8e ,resident '- t8e SenateH T8e t8ird c'p%9 t' t8e C'mmissi'nH

)) T8e -'urt8 c'p%9 t' t8e citi<ensB arm aut8'ri<ed $% t8e C'mmissi'n t' c'nduct an un'--icia" c'unt +) T8e -i-t8 c'p%9 t' t8e d'minant maC'rit% part% as determined $% t8e C'mmissi'n in acc'rdance >it8 "a>H .) T8e si4t8 c'p%9 t' t8e d'minant min'rit% part% as determined $% t8e C'mmissi'n in acc'rdance >it8 "a>H and 0) T8e se*ent8 c'p% s8a"" $e dep'sited inside t8e c'mpartment '- t8e $a""'t $'4 -'r *a"id $a""'ts 1) T8e ei(8t8 c'p%9 t' t8e ,r'*incia" B'ard '- Can*assersH

2) T8e nint8 t' t8e ei(8teent8 c'pies9 t' t8e ten (!3) accredited maC'r nati'na" parties9 e4c"udin( t8e d'minant maC'rit% and min'rit% parties9 in acc'rdance >it8 a *'"untar% a(reement am'n( t8em I- n' suc8 a(reement is reac8ed9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" decide >8ic8 parties s8a"" recei*e t8e c'pies 'n t8e $asis '- t8e criteria pr'*ided in Secti'n #. '- Repu$"ic Act N' 0!..H

346

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS !3) T8e nineteent8 and t>entiet8 c'pies9 t' t8e t>' accredited maC'r "'ca" parties in acc'rdance >it8 a *'"untar% a(reement am'n( t8em I- n' suc8 a(reement is reac8ed9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" decide >8ic8 parties s8a"" recei*e t8e c'pies 'n t8e $asis '- criteria ana"'('us t' t8at pr'*ided in Secti'n #. '- Repu$"ic Act N' 0!..H !!) T8e t>ent%7-irst t' t8e t>ent%7-'urt8 c'pies9 t' nati'na" $r'adcast 'r print media entities as ma% $e e5uita$"% determined $% t8e C'mmissi'n in *ie> 'pr'pa(atin( t8e c'pies t' t8e >idest e4tent p'ssi$"eH !#) T8e t>ent%7-i-t8 and t>ent%7si4t8 c'pies9 t' "'ca" $r'adcast 'r print media entities as ma% $e e5uita$"% determined $% t8e C'mmissi'n in *ie> '- pr'pa(atin( t8e c'pies t' t8e >idest e4tent p'ssi$"eH and !&) T8e t>ent%7se*ent8 t' t8e t8irtiet8 c'pies9 t' t8e maC'r citi<ensB arms9 inc"udin( t8e accredited citi<ensB arm9 and 't8er n'n7partisan (r'ups 'r 'r(ani<ati'n en"isted $% t8e C'mmissi'n pursuant t' Secti'n +#(=) '- Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11! Suc8 citi<ensB arms9 (r'ups and 'r(ani<ati'ns ma% use t8e -'ur certi-ied c'pies 'e"ecti'n returns -'r t8e c'nduct '- citi<ensB 5uic= c'unts at t8e "'ca" 'r nati'na" "e*e"sH IB In t8e e"ecti'n '- "'ca" '--icia"s and mem$ers '- t8e ;'use 'Representati*esG !) #) &) T8e -irst c'p% s8a"" $e de"i*ered t' t8e cit% 'r municipa" $'ard '- can*assersH T8e sec'nd c'p%9 t' t8e C'mmissi'nH T8e t8ird c'p%9 t' t8e pr'*incia" $'ard '- can*assersH

)) T8e -'urt8 c'p%9 t' t8e citi<ensB arm aut8'ri<ed $% t8e C'mmissi'n t' c'nduct an un'--icia" c'unt +) T8e -i-t8 c'p%9 t' t8e d'minant maC'rit% part% as determined $% t8e C'mmissi'n in acc'rdance >it8 "a>H .) T8e si4t8 c'p%9 t' t8e d'minant min'rit% part% as determined $% t8e C'mmissi'n in acc'rdance >it8 "a>H and 0) T8e se*ent8 c'p% s8a"" $e dep'sited inside t8e c'mpartment '- t8e $a""'t $'4 -'r *a"id $a""'tsH 1) T8e ei(8t c'p% t' $e p'sted c'nspicu'us"% 'n a >a"" >it8in t8e premises 't8e p'""in( p"ace 'r c'untin( centerH 2) T8e nint8 t' t8e ei(8teent8 c'pies9 s8a"" $e (i*en t' t8e ten (!3) accredited maC'r nati'na" parties9 e4c"udin( t8e d'minant maC'rit% and min'rit% parties9 in acc'rdance >it8 a *'"untar% a(reement am'n( t8em I- n' suc8 a(reement is 347

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS reac8ed9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" decide >8ic8 parties s8a"" recei*e t8e c'pies 'n t8e $asis '- t8e criteria pr'*ided in Secti'n #. '- Repu$"ic Act N' 0!..H !3) T8e nineteent8 and t>entiet8 c'pies s8a"" $e (i*en t' t8e t>' accredited maC'r "'ca" parties in acc'rdance >it8 a *'"untar% a(reement am'n( t8em I- n' suc8 a(reement is reac8ed9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" decide >8ic8 parties s8a"" recei*e t8e c'pies 'n t8e $asis '- criteria ana"'('us t' t8at pr'*ided in Secti'n #. '- Repu$"ic Act N' 0!..H !!) T8e t>ent%7-irst t' t8e t>ent%7-i-t8 c'pies9 t' nati'na" $r'adcast 'r print media entities as ma% $e e5uita$"% determined $% t8e C'mmissi'n in *ie> 'pr'pa(atin( t8e c'pies t' t8e >idest e4tent p'ssi$"eH !#) T8e t>ent%7si4t8 and t>ent%7se*ent8 c'pies9 t' "'ca" $r'adcast 'r print media entities as ma% $e e5uita$"% determined $% t8e C'mmissi'n in *ie> 'pr'pa(atin( t8e c'pies t' t8e >idest e4tent p'ssi$"eH and !&) T8e t>ent%7ei(8t8 t' t8e t8irtiet8 c'pies t' t8e maC'r citi<ensB arms9 inc"udin( t8e accredited citi<ensB arm9 and 't8er n'n7partisan (r'ups 'r 'r(ani<ati'ns en"isted $% t8e C'mmissi'n pursuant t' secti'n +#(=) '- Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11! Suc8 citi<ensB arms9 (r'ups and 'r(ani<ati'ns ma% use t8e -i*e certi-ied c'pies 'e"ecti'n returns -'r t8e c'nduct '- citi<ensB 5uic= c'unts at t8e "'ca" 'r nati'na" "e*e"s IImmediate"% a-ter t8e ei(8t c'p% is printed9 t8e p'"" c"er= s8a"" ann'unce t8e p'stin( '- said c'p% 'n a >a"" >it8in t8e premises '- t8e p'""in( p"ace 'r c'untin( center9 >8ic8 must $e su--icient"% "i(8ted and accessi$"e t' t8e pu$"ic An% pers'n ma% *ie> 'r capture an ima(e '- t8e e"ecti'n return $% means '- an% data capturin( de*ice suc8 as9 $ut n't "imited t'9 cameras at an% time '- t8e da% -'r -'rt%7ei(8t ()1) 8'urs -'""'>in( its p'stin( A-ter suc8 peri'd9 t8e c8airman '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs s8a"" detac8 t8e e"ecti'n return -r'm t8e >a"" and =eep t8e same in 8is cust'd% t' $e pr'duced as ma% $e re5uested $% an% *'ter -'r ima(e 'r data capturin( 'r -'r an% "a>-u" purp'se as ma% $e 'rdered $% c'mpetent aut8'rit% IWit8in 'ne 8'ur a-ter t8e printin( '- t8e e"ecti'n returns9 t8e c8airman '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs 'r an% '--icia" aut8'ri<ed $% t8e C'mmissi'n s8a""9 in t8e presence '- >atc8ers and representati*es '- t8e accredited citi<enBs arm9 p'"itica" partiesKcandidates9 i- an%9 e"ectr'nica""% transmit t8e precinct resu"ts t' t8e respecti*e "e*e"s '- $'ard '- can*assers9 t' t8e d'minant maC'rit% and min'rit% part%9 t' t8e accredited citi<enBs arm9 and t' t8e :apisanan n( m(a Br'adcasters n( ,i"ipinas (:B,) IT8e e"ecti'n resu"ts at t8e cit%Kmunicipa"it% can*assin( centers s8a"" $e transmitted in t8e same manner $% t8e e"ecti'n '--icer 'r an% '--icia" aut8'ri<ed $% t8e C'mmissi'n t' t8e district 'r pr'*incia" can*assin( centers

348

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS IT8e e"ecti'n returns transmitted e"ectr'nica""% and di(ita""% si(ned s8a"" $e c'nsidered as '--icia" e"ecti'n resu"ts and s8a"" $e used as t8e $asis -'r t8e can*assin( '- *'tes and t8e pr'c"amati'n '- a candidate I IA-ter t8e e"ectr'nic resu"ts 8a*e $een transmitted9 additi'na" c'pies n't t' e4ceed t8irt% (&3) ma% $e printed and (i*en t' re5uestin( parties at t8eir '>n e4pense I SEC #3 Secti'n #! '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC #+ Can*assin( $% ,r'*incia"9 Cit%9 District and Municipa" B'ards 'Can*assers 7 T8e cit% 'r municipa" $'ard '- can*assers s8a"" can*ass t8e *'tes -'r t8e president9 *ice7president9 senat'rs9 and parties9 'r(ani<ati'ns 'r c'a"iti'ns participatin( under t8e part%7"ist s%stem $% c'ns'"idatin( t8e e"ectr'nica""% transmitted resu"ts 'r t8e resu"ts c'ntained in t8e data st'ra(e de*ices used in t8e printin( '- t8e e"ecti'n returns Up'n c'mp"eti'n '- t8e can*ass9 it s8a"" print t8e certi-icate '- can*ass '- *'tes -'r president9 *ice7president9 senat'rs and mem$ers 't8e ;'use '- Representati*es and e"ecti*e pr'*incia" '--icia"s and t8erea-ter9 pr'c"aim t8e e"ected cit% 'r municipa" '--icia"s9 as t8e case ma% $e IT8e cit% $'ard '- can*assers '- cities c'mprisin( 'ne 'r m're "e(is"ati*e districts s8a"" can*ass t8e *'tes -'r president9 *ice7president9 senat'rs9 mem$ers '- t8e ;'use Representati*es and e"ecti*e cit% '--icia"s $% c'ns'"idatin( t8e certi-icates '- can*ass e"ectr'nica""% transmitted 'r t8e resu"ts c'ntained in t8e data st'ra(e de*ices used in t8e printin( '- t8e e"ecti'n returns Up'n c'mp"eti'n '- t8e can*ass9 t8e $'ard s8a"" pr'duce t8e can*ass '- *'tes -'r president9 *ice7president9 and senat'rs and t8erea-ter9 pr'c"aim t8e e"ected mem$ers '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es and cit% '--icia"s IIn t8e Metr' Mani"a area9 eac8 municipa"it% c'mprisin( a "e(is"ati*e district s8a"" 8a*e a district $'ard '- can*assers >8ic8 s8a"" can*ass t8e *'tes -'r president9 *ice7 president9 senat'rs9 mem$ers '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es and e"ecti*e municipa" '--icia"s $% c'ns'"idatin( t8e e"ectr'nica""% transmitted resu"ts 'r t8e resu"ts c'ntained in t8e data st'ra(e de*ices used in t8e printin( '- t8e e"ecti'n returns Up'n c'mp"eti'n '- t8e can*ass9 it s8a"" pr'duce t8e certi-icate '- can*ass '- *'tes -'r president9 *ice7president9 and senat'rs and t8erea-ter9 pr'c"aim t8e e"ected mem$ers '- t8e ;'use Representati*es and municipa" '--icia"s IEac8 c'mp'nent municipa"it% in a "e(is"ati*e district in t8e Metr' Mani"a area s8a"" 8a*e a municipa" $'ard '- can*assers >8ic8 s8a"" can*ass t8e *'tes -'r president9 *ice7president9 senat'rs9 mem$ers '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es and e"ecti*e municipa" '--icia"s $% c'ns'"idatin( t8e resu"ts e"ectr'nica""% transmitted -r'm t8e c'untin( centers 'r t8e resu"ts c'ntained in t8e data st'ra(e de*ices used in t8e printin( '- t8e e"ecti'n returns Up'n c'mp"eti'n '- t8e can*ass9 it s8a"" prepare t8e certi-icate '- can*ass '- *'tes -'r president9 *ice7president9 senat'rs9 mem$ers '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es and t8erea-ter9 pr'c"aim t8e e"ected municipa" '--icia"s IT8e district $'ard '- can*assers '- eac8 "e(is"ati*e district c'mprisin( t>' municipa"ities in t8e Metr' Mani"a area s8a"" can*ass t8e *'tes -'r president9 *ice7 president9 senat'rs and mem$ers '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es $% c'ns'"idatin( 349

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS t8e certi-icates '- can*ass e"ectr'nica""% transmitted -r'm t8e cit%Kmunicipa" c'ns'"idatin( centers 'r t8e resu"ts c'ntained in t8e data st'ra(e de*ices su$mitted $% t8e municipa" $'ard '- can*assers '- t8e c'mp'nent municipa"ities Up'n c'mp"eti'n '- t8e can*ass9 it s8a"" pr'duce a certi-icate '- can*ass '- *'tes -'r president9 *ice7 president and senat'rs and t8erea-ter9 pr'c"aim t8e e"ected mem$ers '- t8e ;'use 'Representati*es in t8e "e(is"ati*e district IT8e districtKpr'*incia" $'ard '- can*assers s8a"" can*ass t8e *'tes -'r president9 *ice7president9 senat'rs9 mem$ers '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es and e"ecti*e pr'*incia" '--icia"s $% c'ns'"idatin( t8e resu"ts e"ectr'nica""% transmitted -r'm t8e cit%Kmunicipa" c'ns'"idatin( centers 'r t8e resu"ts c'ntained in t8e data st'ra(e de*ices su$mitted $% t8e $'ard '- can*assers '- t8e municipa"ities and c'mp'nent cities Up'n c'mp"eti'n '- t8e can*ass9 it s8a"" pr'duce t8e certi-icate '- can*ass *'tes -'r president9 *ice7president and senat'rs and t8erea-ter9 pr'c"aim t8e e"ected mem$ers '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es and t8e pr'*incia" '--icia"s IT8e municipa"9 cit%9 district and pr'*incia" certi-icates '- can*ass '- *'tes s8a"" eac8 $e supp'rted $% a statement '- *'tes IWit8in 'ne 8'ur a-ter t8e can*assin(9 t8e C8airman '- t8e district 'r pr'*incia" B'ard '- Can*assers 'r t8e cit% $'ard '- can*assers '- t8'se cities >8ic8 c'mprise 'ne 'r m're "e(is"ati*e districts s8a"" e"ectr'nica""% transmit t8e certi-icates 'can*ass t' t8e C'mmissi'n sittin( as t8e nati'na" $'ard '- can*assers -'r senat'rs and part%7"ist representati*es and t' t8e C'n(ress as t8e Nati'na" B'ard 'Can*assers -'r t8e president and *ice president9 directed t' t8e ,resident '- t8e Senate IT8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" ad'pt ade5uate and e--ecti*e measures t' preser*e t8e inte(rit% '- t8e certi-icates '- can*ass transmitted e"ectr'nica""% and t8e resu"ts in t8e st'ra(e de*ices at t8e *ari'us "e*e"s '- t8e $'ards '- can*assers IT8e certi-icates '- can*ass transmitted e"ectr'nica""% and di(ita""% si(ned s8a"" $e c'nsidered as '--icia" e"ecti'n resu"ts and s8a"" $e used as t8e $asis -'r t8e pr'c"amati'n '- a >innin( candidate I SEC #! Secti'n ## '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC #. Num$er '- C'pies '- Certi-icates '- Can*ass '- 6'tes and T8eir Distri$uti'n 7 (a) T8e certi-icate '- can*ass '- *'tes -'r president9 *ice7president9 senat'rs9 mem$ers '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es9 parties9 'r(ani<ati'ns 'r c'a"iti'ns participatin( under t8e part%7"ist s%stem and e"ecti*e pr'*incia" '--icia"s s8a"" $e pr'duced $% t8e cit% 'r municipa" $'ard '- can*assers and distri$uted as -'""'>sG I(!) T8e -irst c'p% s8a"" $e de"i*ered t' t8e pr'*incia" $'ard '- can*assers -'r use in t8e can*ass '- e"ecti'n resu"ts -'r president9 *ice7president9 senat'rs9 mem$ers '350

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS t8e ;'use '- Representati*es9 parties9 'r(ani<ati'ns 'r c'a"iti'ns participatin( under t8e part%7"ist s%stem and e"ecti*e pr'*incia" '--icia"sH I(#) I(&) T8e sec'nd c'p% s8a"" $e sent t' t8e C'mmissi'nH T8e t8ird c'p% s8a"" $e =ept $% t8e c8airman '- t8e $'ardH and

I()) T8e -'urt8 c'p% s8a"" $e (i*en t' t8e citi<ensB arm desi(nated $% t8e C'mmissi'n t' c'nduct an un'--icia" c'unt It s8a"" $e t8e dut% '- t8e citi<ensB arm t' -urnis8 independent candidates c'pies '- t8e certi-icate '- can*ass at t8e e4pense 't8e re5uestin( part% I(+) T8e -i-t8 c'p% t' C'n(ress9 directed t' t8e ,resident '- SenateH

I(.) T8e si4t8 c'p% t' $e p'sted 'n a >a"" >it8in t8e premises '- t8e can*assin( centerH I(0) T8e se*ent8 and ei(8t8 c'pies s8a"" $e (i*en t' t8e d'minant maC'rit% and min'rit% partiesH I(1) T8e nint8 t' ei(8teent8 c'pies s8a"" $e (i*en t' t8e ten (!3) accredited maC'r nati'na" parties9 e4c"udin( t8e d'minant maC'rit% and min'rit% parties9 in acc'rdance >it8 a *'"untar% a(reement am'n( t8em I- n' suc8 a(reement is reac8ed9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" decide >8ic8 parties s8a"" recei*e t8e c'pies 'n t8e $asis '- t8e criteria pr'*ided in Secti'n #. '- Repu$"ic Act N' 0!..H I(2) T8e nineteent8 and t>entiet8 c'pies s8a"" $e (i*en t' t8e t>' accredited maC'r "'ca" parties in acc'rdance >it8 a *'"untar% a(reement am'n( t8em I- n' suc8 a(reement is reac8ed9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" decide >8ic8 parties s8a"" recei*e t8e c'pies 'n t8e $asis '- criteria ana"'('us t' t8at pr'*ided in Secti'n #. '- Repu$"ic Act N' 0!..H I(!3) T8e t>ent%7-irst t' t8e t>ent%7-i-t8 c'pies9 t' nati'na" $r'adcast 'r print media entities as ma% $e e5uita$"% determined $% t8e C'mmissi'n in *ie> 'pr'pa(atin( t8e c'pies t' t8e >idest e4tent p'ssi$"eH I(!!) T8e t>ent%7si4t8 and t>ent%7se*ent8 c'pies9 t' "'ca" $r'adcast 'r print media entities as ma% $e e5uita$"% determined $% t8e C'mmissi'n in *ie> 'pr'pa(atin( t8e c'pies t' t8e >idest e4tent p'ssi$"eH and I(!#) T8e t>ent%7ei(8t8 t' t8e t8irtiet8 c'pies9 t' t8e maC'r citi<ensB arms9 inc"udin( t8e accredited citi<ensB arm9 and 't8er n'n7partisan (r'ups 'r 'r(ani<ati'ns en"isted $% t8e C'mmissi'n pursuant t' Secti'n +#(=) '- Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11! Suc8 citi<ensB arms9 (r'ups and 'r(ani<ati'n ma% use t8e t8ree certi-ied c'pies 'e"ecti'n returns -'r t8e c'nduct '- citi<ensB 5uic= c'unts at t8e "'ca" 'r nati'na" "e*e"s I

351

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS IT8e $'ard '- can*assers s8a"" -urnis8 a"" 't8er re(istered parties c'pies '- t8e certi-icate '- can*ass at t8e e4pense '- t8e re5uestin( part% I($) T8e certi-icate '- can*ass '- *'tes -'r president9 *ice7president and senat'rs9 parties9 'r(ani<ati'ns 'r c'a"iti'ns participatin( under t8e part%7"ist s%stem s8a"" $e pr'duced $% t8e cit% $'ards '- can*assers '- cities c'mprisin( 'ne 'r m're "e(is"ati*e districts9 $% pr'*incia" $'ards '- can*assers and $% district $'ards '- can*assers in t8e Metr' Mani"a area9 and 't8er 8i(8"% ur$ani<ed areas and distri$uted as -'""'>sG I(!) T8e -irst c'p% s8a"" $e sent t' C'n(ress9 directed t' t8e ,resident '- t8e Senate -'r use in t8e can*ass '- e"ecti'n resu"ts -'r president and *ice7presidentH I(#) T8e sec'nd c'p% s8a"" $e sent t' t8e C'mmissi'n -'r use in t8e can*ass 't8e e"ecti'n resu"ts -'r senat'rsH I(&) T8e t8ird c'p% s8a"" $e =ept $% t8e c8airman '- t8e $'ardH and

I()) T8e -'urt8 c'p% s8a"" $e (i*en t' t8e citi<ensB arm desi(nated $% t8e C'mmissi'n t' c'nduct an un'--icia" c'unt It s8a"" $e t8e dut% '- t8e citi<ensB arm t' -urnis8 independent candidates c'pies '- t8e certi-icate '- can*ass at t8e e4pense 't8e re5uestin( part% I(+) T8e -i-t8 c'p% t' C'n(ress9 directed t' t8e ,resident '- t8e SenateH

I(.) T8e si4 c'p% t' $e p'sted 'n a >a"" >it8in t8e premises '- t8e can*assin( centerH I(0) T8e se*ent8 and ei(8t c'pies t' t8e d'minant maC'rit% and min'rit% partiesH

I(1) T8e nint8 and tent8 c'pies t' t>' accredited maC'r nati'na" parties representin( t8e maC'rit% and t8e min'rit%9 e4c"udin( t8e d'minant maC'rit% and min'rit% parties9 t' $e determined $% t8e C'mmissi'n 'n t8e $asis '- t8e criteria pr'*ided in Secti'n #. '- Repu$"ic Act N' 0!..H I(2) T8e e"e*ent8 t' t8irteent8 c'pies t' nati'na" $r'adcast media entities as ma% $e e5uita$"% determined $% t8e C'mmissi'n in *ie> '- pr'pa(atin( t8e c'pies t' t8e >idest e4tent p'ssi$"eH and I(!3) T8e -'urteent8 c'p% t' an't8er citi<ensB arm 'r in t8e a$sence t8ere'-9 t' a n'n7partisan (r'up 'r 'r(ani<ati'n en"isted $% t8e C'mmissi'n pursuant t' Secti'n +#(=) '- Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11! Suc8 citi<ensB arm 'r n'n7partisan (r'up 'r 'r(ani<ati'n ma% use t8e c'p% '- e"ecti'n return -'r t8e c'nduct '- citi<ensB 5uic= c'unts at t8e "'ca" 'r nati'na" "e*e"s IT8e $'ard '- can*assers s8a"" -urnis8 a"" 't8er re(istered parties c'pies '- t8e certi-icate '- can*ass at t8e e4pense '- t8e re5uestin( part%

352

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS I(c) T8e certi-icates '- can*ass printed $% t8e pr'*incia"9 district9 cit% 'r municipa" $'ards '- can*assers s8a"" $e si(ned and t8um$ mar=ed $% t8e c8airman and mem$ers '- t8e $'ard and t8e principa" >atc8ers9 i- a*ai"a$"e T8erea-ter9 it s8a"" $e sea"ed and p"aced inside an en*e"'pe >8ic8 s8a"" "i=e>ise $e pr'per"% sea"ed IIn a"" instances9 >8ere t8e B'ard '- Can*assers 8as t8e dut% t' -urnis8 re(istered p'"itica" parties >it8 c'pies '- t8e certi-icate '- can*ass9 t8e pertinent e"ecti'n returns s8a"" $e attac8ed t8eret'9 >8ere appr'priate I IImmediate"% a-ter t8e si4t8 c'p% and its supp'rtin( statement '- *'tes are printed9 t8e c8airman '- t8e $'ard '- can*assers s8a"" ann'unce t8e p'stin( '- said prints 'n a >a"" >it8in t8e premises '- t8e can*assin( center9 >8ic8 must $e su--icient"% "i(8ted and accessi$"e t' t8e pu$"ic An% pers'n ma% *ie> 'r capture an ima(e '- t8e Certi-icate '- Can*ass 'r t8e supp'rtin( statement '- *'tes $% means '- an% data capturin( de*ice suc8 as9 $ut n't "imited t'9 cameras at an% time '- t8e da% -'r -'rt%7 ei(8t ()1) 8'urs -'""'>in( t8e p'stin( A-ter suc8 peri'd9 t8e c8airman '- t8e $'ard '- can*assers s8a"" detac8 t8e e"ecti'n return -r'm t8e >a"" and =eep t8e same in 8is cust'd% t' $e pr'duced as ma% $e re5uested $% an% *'ter -'r ima(e 'r data capturin( 'r -'r an% "a>-u" purp'se as ma% $e 'rdered $% c'mpetent aut8'rit% I SEC ## Secti'n #& '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC #0 Nati'na" B'ard '- Can*assers -'r Senat'rs and ,art%7List Representati*es 7 T8e c8airman and mem$ers '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns sittin( en $anc9 s8a"" c'mp'se t8e nati'na" $'ard '- can*assers -'r senat'rs and part%7"ist representati*es It s8a"" can*ass t8e resu"ts $% c'ns'"idatin( t8e certi-icates '- can*ass e"ectr'nica""% transmitted T8erea-ter9 t8e nati'na" $'ard s8a"" pr'c"aim t8e >innin( candidates -'r senat'rs and part%7"ist representati*es I SEC #& Secti'n #) '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC #1 C'n(ress as t8e Nati'na" B'ard '- Can*assers -'r ,resident and 6ice7 ,resident 7 T8e Senate and t8e ;'use '- Representati*es in C'int pu$"ic sessi'n s8a"" c'mp'se t8e nati'na" $'ard '- can*assers -'r president and *ice7president T8e certi-icate '- can*ass -'r president and *ice7president du"% certi-ied $% t8e $'ard 'can*assers '- eac8 pr'*ince 'r cit%9 s8a"" $e e"ectr'nica""% transmitted t' t8e C'n(ress9 directed t' t8e president '- t8e Senate Up'n receipt '- t8e certi-icates 'can*ass9 t8e ,resident '- t8e Senate s8a""9 n't "ater t8an t8irt% (&3) da%s a-ter t8e da% '- t8e e"ecti'n9 'pen a"" t8e certi-icates in t8e presence '- t8e Senate and t8e ;'use 'Representati*es in C'int pu$"ic sessi'n and t8e C'n(ress up'n determinati'n '- t8e aut8enticit% and t8e due e4ecuti'n t8ere'- in t8e manner pr'*ided $% "a>9 can*ass a"" t8e resu"ts -'r president and *ice7president and t8erea-ter9 pr'c"aim t8e >innin( candidates I SEC #) A ne> Secti'n #2 is 8ere$% pr'*ided t' reads as -'""'>sG ISEC #2 Rand'm Manua" Audit 7 W8ere t8e AES is used9 t8ere s8a"" $e a rand'm manua" audit in 'ne precinct per c'n(ressi'na" district rand'm"% c8'sen $% t8e 353

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS C'mmissi'n in eac8 pr'*ince and cit% An% di--erence $et>een t8e aut'mated and manua" c'unt >i"" resu"t in t8e determinati'n '- r''t cause and initiate a manua" c'unt -'r t8'se precincts a--ected $% t8e c'mputer 'r pr'cedura" err'r I SEC #+ A ne> Secti'n &3 is 8ere$% pr'*ided t' read as -'""'>sG ISec &3 Aut8enticati'n '- E"ectr'nica""% Transmitted E"ecti'n Resu"ts 7 T8e manner '- determinin( t8e aut8enticit% and due e4ecuti'n '- t8e certi-icates s8a"" c'n-'rm >it8 t8e pr'*isi'ns '- Repu$"ic Act N' 0!.. as ma% $e supp"emented 'r m'di-ied $% t8e pr'*isi'ns '- t8is Act9 >8ere app"ica$"e9 $% appr'priate aut8enticati'n and certi-icati'n pr'cedures -'r e"ectr'nic data9 e"ectr'nic d'cuments and e"ectr'nic si(natures as pr'*ided in Repu$"ic Act N' 102# as >e"" as t8e ru"es pr'mu"(ated $% t8e Supreme C'urt pursuant t8eret' I SEC #. Secti'n #+ '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC &! Sta=e8'"der educati'n and trainin( 7 T8e C'mmissi'n s8a""9 n't "ater t8an si4 m'nt8s $e-'re t8e actua" aut'mated e"ecti'n e4ercise9 underta=e a >idespread sta=e8'"der educati'n and trainin( pr'(ram9 t8r'u(8 ne>spapers '- (enera" circu"ati'n9 radi'9 te"e*isi'n and 't8er media -'rms9 as >e"" as t8r'u(8 seminars9 s%mp'sia9 -'ra and 't8er n'ntraditi'na" means9 t' educate t8e pu$"ic and -u""% in-'rm t8e e"ect'rate a$'ut t8e AES and incu"cate *a"ues 'n 8'nest9 peace-u"9 'rder"% and in-'rmed e"ecti'ns

ISuc8 pr'(ram s8a"" ensure t8e acceptance and readiness '- t8e -'""'>in( sta=e8'"ders t' understand and appreciate t8e $ene-its '- t8e AESG @enera" pu$"icK*'tersH C'mmissi'nBs sta--H Department '- Educati'n9 Department '- /inance (municipa"9 cit% and pr'*incia" treasurers) and a"" 't8er ('*ernment a(encies >8' >i"" p"a% a r'"e in t8e e"ect'ra" e4erciseH L'ca" ('*ernment '--icia"s (pr'*incia"9 municipa"9 $aran(a% "e*e"s)H Incum$ent e"ected '--icia"s in t8e "e(is"ati*e and e4ecuti*e departmentsH ,'"itica" parties and candidatesH Mem$ers '- t8e mi"itar% and p'"ice IT8e (enera" pu$"ic 'r *'ters trainin( >i"" -'cus 'n $ui"din( t8e capa$i"it% t' use t8e aut'mated s%stem t' cast t8eir *'te9 as >e"" as (enera" appreciati'n '- t8e AES A"" 't8er sta=e8'"ders menti'ned a$'*e >i"" recei*e additi'na" in-'rmati'n in 'rder t' 354

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS $ui"d a deeper understandin( '- t8e *'tin(9 c'untin(9 can*assin( pr'cedures9 s' t8at t8e% ma% act as ad*'cates '- t8e AES IT8e C'mmissi'n t'(et8er >it8 and in supp'rt '- accredited citi<ensB arms s8a"" carr% 'ut a c'ntinuin( and s%stematic campai(n t8r'u(8 ne>spapers '- (enera" circu"ati'n9 radi' and 't8er media -'rms9 as >e"" as t8r'u(8 seminars9 s%mp'sia9 -'ra and 't8er n'ntraditi'na" means t' educate t8e pu$"ic and -u""% in-'rm t8e e"ect'rate a$'ut t8e AES and incu"cate *a"ues 'n 8'nest9 peace-u" and 'rder"% e"ecti'ns I SEC #0 Secti'n #0 '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC && J'int C'n(ressi'na" O*ersi(8t C'mmittee 7 An O*ersi(8t C'mmittee is 8ere$% created c'mp'sed '- se*en mem$ers eac8 -r'm t8e Senate and t8e ;'use 'Representati*es9 -'ur '- >8'm s8a"" c'me -r'm t8e maC'rit% and t8ree -r'm t8e min'rit%9 t' m'nit'r and e*a"uate t8e imp"ementati'n '- t8is Act A >ritten rep'rt t' t8e Senate and t8e ;'use '- Representati*es s8a"" $e su$mitted $% t8e Ad*is'r% C'unci" >it8in si4 m'nt8s -r'm t8e date '- e"ecti'n T8e '*ersi(8t c'mmittee s8a"" c'nduct a mandat'r% re*ie> '- t8is Act e*er% t>e"*e (!#) m'nt8s -r'm t8e date 't8e "ast re(u"ar nati'na" 'r "'ca" e"ecti'ns I IT8e '*ersi(8t c'mmittee s8a"" c'nduct a c'mpre8ensi*e assessment and e*a"uati'n '- t8e per-'rmance '- t8e di--erent AES tec8n'"'(ies imp"emented and s8a"" ma=e appr'priate rec'mmendati'ns t' C'n(ress9 in sessi'n assem$"ed9 speci-ica""% inc"udin( t8e -'""'>in(G I! An assessment and c'mparis'n '- eac8 '- t8e AES tec8n'"'(ies uti"i<ed9 inc"udin( t8eir stren(t8s9 >ea=ness9 app"ica$i"it% 'r inapp"ica$i"it% in speci-ic areas and situati'nsH I# An e*a"uati'n '- t8eir accurac% t8r'u(8 a c'mparis'n '- a rand'm samp"e 't8e AES e"ecti'n resu"ts >it8 a manua" ta$u"ati'n9 and t8e c'nduct '- simi"ar testsH I& As t' t8e sc'pe '- AES imp"ementati'n in t8e su$se5uent e"ecti'ns9 pr'*ide -'r rec'mmendati'ns as t' >8et8er an% '- t8e -'""'>in( s8'u"d $e ad'ptedG Ia /urt8er test app"icati'n '- t8e AES 'r a particu"ar AES tec8n'"'(% used in t8e #330 e"ecti'ns9 >8et8er in t8e same 'r 't8ers areasH I$ An increase 'r en"ar(ement '- areas -'r imp"ementati'n '- t8e AES 'r an AES tec8n'"'(% and n't a -u"" imp"ementati'nH 'r Ic I) A -u"" imp"ementati'n '- t8e AES As t' t8e =ind '- AES tec8n'"'(%9 pr'*ide -'r pr'p'sa"s as t' >8et8erG

Ia) A particu"ar AES tec8n'"'(% s8'u"d n' "'n(er $e uti"i<ed -'r $ein( '$s'"ete9 inapp"ica$"e9 inaccurate 'r >it8 a de-ect >8ic8 cann't $e remediedH 355

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS I$) An en8ancement 'r impr'*ement is needed t' an AES tec8n'"'(% >8ic8 >as used in t8e #330 e"ecti'ns t' ma=e it m're -uncti'na"9 appr'priate and accurateH Ic) A particu"ar AES tec8n'"'(% is a"read% appr'priate and s8'u"d $e uti"i<ed -u""% -'r su$se5uent e"ecti'nsH 'r Id) T8e testin( 'r ad'pti'n '- ne> tec8n'"'(ies >8ic8 ma% 8a*e emer(ed a-ter t8e #330 e"ecti'ns is needed I SEC #1 Secti'n #2 '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC &+ ,r'8i$ited Acts and ,ena"ties 7 T8e -'""'>in( s8a"" $e pena"i<ed as pr'*ided in t8is Act9 >8et8er 'r n't said acts a--ect t8e e"ect'ra" pr'cess 'r resu"tsG I(a) Uti"i<in( >it8'ut aut8'ri<ati'n9 tamperin( >it89 dama(in(9 destr'%in( 'r stea"in(G I(!) O--icia" $a""'ts9 e"ecti'n returns9 and certi-icates '- can*ass '- *'tes used in t8e s%stemH and I(#) E"ectr'nic de*ices 'r t8eir c'mp'nents9 perip8era"s 'r supp"ies used in t8e AES suc8 as c'untin( mac8ine9 mem'r% pac=Kdis=ette9 mem'r% pac= recei*er and c'mputer setH I($) Inter-erin( >it89 impedin(9 a$sc'ndin( -'r purp'se '- (ain9 pre*entin( t8e insta""ati'n 'r use '- c'mputer c'untin( de*ices and t8e pr'cessin(9 st'ra(e9 (enerati'n and transmissi'n '- e"ecti'n resu"ts9 data 'r in-'rmati'nH I(c) @ainin( 'r causin( access t' usin(9 a"terin(9 destr'%in( 'r disc"'sin( an% c'mputer data9 pr'(ram9 s%stem s'-t>are9 net>'r=9 'r an% c'mputer7re"ated de*ices9 -aci"ities9 8ard>are 'r e5uipment9 >8et8er c"assi-ied 'r dec"assi-iedH I(d) Re-usa" '- t8e citi<ensB arm t' present -'r perusa" its c'p% '- e"ecti'n return t' t8e $'ard '- can*assersH I(e) ,resentati'n $% t8e citi<ensB arm '- tampered 'r spuri'us e"ecti'n returnsH

I(-) Re-usa" 'r -ai"ure t' pr'*ide t8e d'minant maC'rit% and d'minant min'rit% parties 'r t8e citi<ensB arm t8eir c'p% '- e"ecti'n returnsH and I(() T8e -ai"ure t' p'st t8e *'tersB "ist >it8in t8e speci-ied time9 durati'n and in t8e desi(nated "'cati'n s8a"" c'nstitute an e"ecti'n '--ense 'n t8e part R'-S t8e e"ecti'n '--icer c'ncerned I IAn% pers'n c'n*icted -'r *i'"ati'n '- t8is Act9 e4cept t8'se c'n*icted '- t8e crime '- e"ect'ra" sa$'ta(e9 s8a"" $e pena"i<ed >it8 impris'nment '- ei(8t %ears and 'ne da% t' t>e"*e (!#) %ears >it8'ut p'ssi$i"it% '- par'"e9 and perpetua" dis5ua"i-icati'n 356

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS t' 8'"d pu$"ic '--ice and depri*ati'n '- t8e ri(8t '- su--ra(e M're'*er9 t8e '--ender s8a"" $e perpetua""% dis5ua"i-ied t' 8'"d an% n'n7e"ecti*e pu$"ic '--ice I SEC #2 Secti'n &3 '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC &. App"ica$i"it% 7 T8e pr'*isi'ns '- Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11!9 as amended9 't8er>ise =n'>n as t8e BOmni$us E"ecti'n C'de '- t8e ,8i"ippinesB9 and 't8er e"ecti'n "a>s n't inc'nsistent >it8 t8is Act s8a"" app"% I SEC &3 Secti'n &! '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC &0 Ru"es and Re(u"ati'ns 7 T8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" pr'mu"(ate ru"es and re(u"ati'ns -'r t8e imp"ementati'n and en-'rcement '- t8is Act IN't>it8standin( t8e -'re('in( can*assin( pr'cedure9 t8e C'mmissi'n is aut8'ri<ed t' prescri$e 't8er manner 'r pr'cedure -'r t8e can*assin( and c'ns'"idati'n '- *'tes as tec8n'"'(% e*'"*es9 su$Cect t' t8e pr'*isi'ns '- Secti'n 0 8ere'- 'n t8e minimum capa$i"ities '- t8e AES and 't8er pertinent "a>s I SEC &! Secti'n #+ '- Repu$"ic Act N' 0!.. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISec #+ Manner '- C'untin( 6'tes 7 In additi'n t' t8e re5uirement in t8e -'urt8 para(rap8 '- Secti'n !# '- t8e Repu$"ic Act N' ..). and Secti'n #!3 '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de9 in readin( t8e '--icia" $a""'ts durin( t8e c'untin(9 t8e c8airman9 t8e p'"" c"er= and t8e t8ird mem$er s8a"" assume suc8 p'siti'ns as t' pr'*ide t8e >atc8ers and t8e mem$ers '- t8e pu$"ic as ma% $e c'n*enient"% acc'mm'dated in t8e p'""in( p"ace9 an unimpeded *ie> '- t8e $a""'t $ein( read% $% t8e c8airman9 '- t8e e"ecti'n return and t8e ta""% $'ard $ein( simu"tane'us"% acc'mp"is8ed $% t8e p'"" c"er= and t8e t8ird mem$er respecti*e"%9 >it8'ut t'uc8in( an% '- t8ese e"ecti'n d'cuments T8e ta$"e s8a"" $e c"eared '- a"" unnecessar% >ritin( parap8erna"ia An% *i'"ati'n '- t8is re5uirement s8a"" c'nstitute an e"ecti'n '--ense punis8a$"e under Secti'ns #.& and #.) t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de IT8e c8airman s8a"" -irst read t8e *'tes -'r nati'na" p'siti'ns IAn% *i'"ati'n '- t8is Secti'n9 'r its pertinent p'rti'n9 s8a"" c'nstitute an e"ecti'n '--ense and s8a"" $e pena"i<ed in acc'rdance >it8 Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11! SEC &# Secti'n #!# '- Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11! as amended9 is 8ere$% t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC #!# E"ecti'n Returns 7 T8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs s8a"" prepare t8e e"ecti'n returns simu"tane'us"% >it8 t8e c'untin( '- *'tes in t8e p'""in( p"aces as prescri$ed in Secti'n #!3 8ere'- T8e rec'rdin( '- *'te s8a"" $e made as prescri$ed in said secti'n T8e entr% '- *'tes in >'rds and -i(ures -'r eac8 candidate s8a"" $e c"'sed >it8 t8e si(nature and t8e c"ear imprint '- t8e t8um$mar= '- t8e ri(8t 8and 'a"" t8e mem$ers9 "i=e>ise t' $e a--i4ed in -u"" *ie> '- t8e pu$"ic9 immediate"% a-ter 357

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS t8e "ast *'te rec'rded 'r immediate"% a-ter t8e name '- t8e candidate >8' did n't recei*e an% *'te I IT8e returns s8a"" a"s' s8'> t8e date '- t8e e"ecti'n9 t8e p'""in( p"ace9 t8e $aran(a% and t8e cit% 'r municipa"it% in >8ic8 it >as 8e"d9 t8e t'ta" num$er '- $a""'ts -'und in t8e c'mpartment -'r *a"id $a""'ts9 t8e t'ta" num$er '- *a"id $a""'ts >it8dra>n -r'm t8e c'mpartment -'r sp'i"ed $a""'ts $ecause t8e% >ere err'ne'us"% p"aced t8erein9 t8e t'ta" num$er '- e4cess $a""'ts9 t8e t'ta" num$er '- mar=ed 'r *'id $a""'ts9 and t8e t'ta" num$ers '- *'tes '$tained $% eac8 candidate9 >ritin( 'ut t8e said num$er in >'rds and -i(ures and9 at t8e end t8ere'-9 t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs s8a"" certi-% t8at t8e c'ntents are c'rrect T8e returns s8a"" $e acc'mp"is8ed in a sin("e s8eet '- paper9 $ut i- t8is is n't p'ssi$"e9 additi'na" s8eets ma% $e used >8ic8 s8a"" $e prepared in t8e same manner as t8e -irst s8eet and "i=e>ise certi-ied $% t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs I IT8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" ta=e steps s' t8at t8e entries 'n t8e -irst c'p% '- t8e e"ecti'n returns are c"ear"% repr'duced 'n t8e sec'nd9 t8ird9 -'urt89 -i-t89 and si4t8 c'pies t8ere'-9 and -'r t8e purp'se t8is C'mmissi'n s8a"" use a specia" =ind '- paper I IImmediate"% up'n t8e acc'mp"is8ment '- t8e e"ecti'n return -'r nati'na" p'siti'ns9 t8e p'"" c"er= s8a"" ann'unce t8e p'stin( '- t8e sec'nd c'p% '- t8e e"ecti'n return 'n a >a"" >it8 su--icient "i(8tin( >it8in t8e premises '- t8e p'""in( p"ace 'r c'untin( center ;e s8a"" t8en pr'ceed t' d' t8e same in t8e presence '- t8e 't8er mem$ers 't8e B'ard9 t8e >atc8ers and t8'se present in t8e p'""in( p"ace 'r c'untin( center Wit8'ut de"a% and9 >8en -easi$"e9 8e s8a"" secure an ima(e '- t8e e"ecti'n return usin( a secured data capturin( de*ice and immediate"% t8erea-ter9 >8i"e in t8e premises '- t8e p'""in( p"ace 'r c'untin( center9 direct"% print t8irt% (&3) c'pies 't8e e"ecti'n return Once t8e prints 8a*e $een pr'duced9 t8e p'"" c"er= s8a"" ca"" t8e 't8er mem$ers '- t8e $'ard t' aut8enticate eac8 print c'p% $% c"'se"% c'mparin( t8e same >it8 t8e e"ecti'n return p'sted 'n t8e >a"" in t8e presence '- t8e >atc8ers and >it8in *ie> '- t8e pu$"ic I- t8e B'ard -inds eac8 print a -ait8-u" repr'ducti'n '- t8e e"ecti'n return9 a"" mem$ers t8ere'- s8a"" ann'tate and si(n a certi-icati'n t' t8at e--ect 'n t8e $'tt'm -r'nt '- t8e print IEac8 certi-ied printed c'p% s8a"" $e p"aced in an en*e"'pe and distri$uted as 8erein pr'*ided Desi(nated recipients '- t8e certi-ied print c'pies ma% recei*e t8eir c'pies at t8e p'""in( p"ace 'r c'untin( center IImmediate"% up'n t8e acc'mp"is8ment '- t8e e"ecti'n returns -'r "'ca" p'siti'ns9 t8e sec'nd c'p% '- t8e same s8a"" $e p'sted 'n a >a"" >it8 su--icient "i(8tin( >it8in t8e premises '- t8e p'""in( p"ace IT8e 't8er c'pies '- e"ecti'n returns -'r $'t8 nati'na" and "'ca" p'siti'n s8a"" $e sea"ed in t8e presence '- t8e >atc8ers and t8e pu$"ic9 and p"aced in t8e pr'per en*e"'pe9 >8ic8 s8a"" "i=e>ise $e sea"ed and distri$uted as 8erein pr'*ided I IAn% e"ecti'n return >it8 a separate"% printed seria" num$er 'r >8ic8 $ears a di--erent seria" num$er -r'm t8at assi(ned t' t8e particu"ar p'""in( p"ace c'ncerned s8a"" n't $e can*assed T8is is t' $e determined $% t8e $'ard '- can*assers pri'r t' its can*assin( 'n t8e $asis '- t8e certi-icati'n '- t8e pr'*incia"9 cit% 'r municipa" 358

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS treasurer as t' t8e seria" num$er '- t8e e"ecti'n return assi(ned t' t8e said *'tin( precinct9 un"ess t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" 'rder in >ritin( -'r its can*assin(9 statin( t8e reas'n -'r t8e *ariance in seria" num$ers I II- t8e si(natures andK'r t8um$mar=s '- t8e mem$ers '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs 'r s'me '- t8em as re5uired in t8is pr'*isi'n are missin( in t8e e"ecti'n returns9 t8e $'ard '- can*assers ma% summ'n t8e mem$ers '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs c'ncerned t' c'mp"ete t8e returns IT8e citi<enBs arm is mandated t' present -'r perusa" its c'p% '- t8e e"ecti'n return t' t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n can*assers up'n t8e re5uest '- an% interested candidate IAn% *i'"ati'n '- t8is e"ecti'n 'r its pertinent p'rti'n9 s8a"" c'nstitute an e"ecti'n '--ense and s8a"" $e pena"i<ed in acc'rdance >it8 Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11! IIn additi'n9 t8e -'""'>in( s8a"" "i=e>ise $e (ui"t% '- an e"ecti'n '--enseG I(a) An% ,ers'n >8' rem'*es t8e e"ecti'n return p'sted 'n t8e >a""9 >8et8er >it8in 'r a-ter t8e prescri$ed -'rt%7ei(8t ()1) 8'urs '- p'stin(9 'r de-aces t8e same in an% mannerH I($) An% pers'n >8' simu"ates an actua" e"ecti'n return9 'r a print 'r di(ita" c'p% t8ere'-H I(c) An% pers'n >8' simu"ates t8e certi-icati'n in a print '- an e"ecti'n returnH

I(d) T8e c8airman 'r an% mem$er '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs >8'9 durin( t8e prescri$e peri'd '- p'stin(9 rem'*es t8e e"ecti'n return -r'm t8e >a"" 'n >8ic8 it 8ad $een p'sted 't8er t8an -'r t8e purp'se '- immediate"% trans-errin( it t' a m're suita$"e p"aceH I(e) T8e c8airman 'r an% mem$er '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs >8' si(ns 'r aut8enticates a print '- t8e e"ecti'n return 'utside '- t8e p'""in( p"aceH and I(-) T8e c8airman 'r an% mem$er '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs >8' si(ns 'r aut8enticates a print >8ic8 $ears an ima(e di--erent -r'm t8e e"ecti'n return pr'duced a-ter c'untin( and p'sted 'n t8e >a"" I SEC && Secti'n #0 '- Repu$"ic Act N' 0!..9 as amended $% Repu$"ic Act N' 13)+ and Repu$"ic Act N' 1!0&9 is 8ere$% -urt8er amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC #0 Num$er '- C'pies '- E"ecti'n Returns and T8eir Distri$uti'n 7 T8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs s8a"" prepare in 8and>ritin( t8e e"ecti'n returns in t8eir respecti*e p'""in( p"aces9 in t8e num$er '- c'pies 8erein pr'*ided and in t8e -'rm t' $e prescri$ed and pr'*ided $% t8e C'mmissi'n IT8e c'pies '- e"ecti'n returns s8a"" $e distri$uted $% t8e c8airman '- t8e $'ard 'e"ecti'n inspect'rs as -'""'>sG 359

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS I(a) In t8e e"ecti'n '- president9 *ice7president9 senat'rs and mem$ers '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es inc"udin( t8e part%7"ist representati*esG I(!) T8e -irst c'p% s8a"" $e de"i*ered t' t8e cit% 'r municipa" $'ard '- can*assersH

I(#) T8e sec'nd c'p% t' $e p'sted 'n a >a"" >it8in t8e premises '- t8e p'""in( p"aceH I(&) I()) T8e t8ird c'p%9 t' t8e C'n(ress9 directed t' t8e ,resident '- t8e SenateH T8e -'urt8 c'p%9 t' t8e C'mmissi'nH

I(+) T8e -i-t8 c'p%9 t' t8e d'minant maC'rit% part% as determined $% t8e C'mmissi'n in acc'rdance >it8 "a>H I(.) T8e si4t8 c'p%9 t' t8e d'minant min'rit% part% as determined $% t8e C'mmissi'n in acc'rdance >it8 "a>H I(0) T8e se*ent8 c'p%9 t' a citi<ensB arm aut8'ri<ed $% t8e C'mmissi'n t' c'nduct an un'--icia" c'untG ,r'*ided9 8'>e*er9 T8at t8e accreditati'n '- t8e citi<ensB arm s8a"" $e su$Cect t' t8e pr'*isi'ns '- Secti'n +#(=) '- Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11!H and I(1) T8e ei(8t c'p% s8a"" $e dep'sited inside t8e c'mpartment '- t8e $a""'t $'4 -'r *a"id $a""'tsH and I($) I(!) In t8e e"ecti'n '- "'ca" '--icia"sG T8e -irst c'p% s8a"" $e de"i*ered t' t8e cit% 'r municipa" $'ard '- can*assersH

I(#) T8e sec'nd c'p% t' $e p'sted 'n a >a"" >it8in t8e premises '- t8e p'""in( p"aceH I(&) I()) T8e t8ird c'p%9 t' t8e C'mmissi'nH T8e -'urt8 c'p%9 t' t8e pr'*incia" $'ard '- can*assersH

I(+) T8e -i-t8 c'p%9 t' t8e d'minant maC'rit% part% as determined $% t8e C'mmissi'n in acc'rdance >it8 "a>H I(.) T8e si4t8 c'p%9 t' t8e d'minant min'rit% part% as determined $% t8e C'mmissi'n in acc'rdance >it8 "a>H I(0) T8e se*ent8 c'p%9 t' a citi<ensB arm aut8'ri<ed $% t8e C'mmissi'n t' c'nduct an un'--icia" c'untG ,r'*ided9 8'>e*er9 T8at t8e accreditati'n '- t8e citi<ensB arm s8a"" $e su$Cect t' t8e pr'*isi'ns '- Secti'n +#(=) '- Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11!H and 360

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS I(1) T8e ei(8t8 c'p% s8a"" $e dep'sited inside t8e c'mpartment '- t8e $a""'t $'4 -'r *a"id *'tes IT8e c'p% '- t8e e"ecti'n return p'sted 'n t8e >a"" s8a"" $e 'pen -'r pu$"ic *ie>in( at an% time '- t8e da% -'r -'rt%7ei(8t ()1) 8'urs -'""'>in( its p'stin( An% pers'n ma% *ie> 'r capture an ima(e '- t8e e"ecti'n return $% means '- an% data capturin( de*ice suc8 as9 $ut n't "imited t'9 cameras at an% time '- t8e da% -'r -'rt%7ei(8t ()1) 8'urs -'""'>in( its p'stin( A-ter t8e prescri$ed peri'd -'r p'stin(9 t8e c8airman 't8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs s8a"" c'""ect t8e p'sted e"ecti'n returns and =eep t8e same in 8is cust'd% t' $e pr'duced -'r ima(e 'r data capturin( as ma% $e re5uested $% an% *'ter 'r -'r an% "a>-u" purp'se as ma% $e 'rdered $% c'mpetent aut8'rit% IE4cept -'r t8'se c'pies t8at are re5uired t' $e de"i*ered9 c'pies '- e"ecti'n returns ma% $e c"aimed at t8e p'""in( p"ace An% unc"aimed c'p% s8a"" $e $r'u(8t $% t8e c8airman '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs t' t8e can*assin( center >8ere t8e recipients 'r t8eir representati*es ma% c"aim t8em C'pies sti"" unc"aimed at t8e can*assin( center s8a"" $e deemed p"aced in t8e cust'd% '- t8e c8airman '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs9 >8' s8a"" pr'duce t8em >8en re5uested $% t8e recipient 'r >8en 'rdered $% a c'mpetent aut8'rit% IT8e t8irt% (&3) certi-ied print c'pies '- t8e e"ecti'n return -'r nati'na" p'siti'ns s8a"" $e distri$uted as -'""'>sG I(a) T8e -irst -'urteen (!)) c'pies s8a"" $e (i*en t' t8e -'urteen (!)) accredited maC'r nati'na" parties in acc'rdance >it8 a *'"untar% a(reement am'n( t8em I- n' suc8 a(reement is reac8ed9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" decide >8ic8 parties s8a"" recei*e t8e c'pies 'n t8e $asis '- t8e criteria pr'*ided in Secti'n #. 8ere'-H I($) T8e ne4t t8ree c'pies s8a"" $e (i*en t' t8e t8ree accredited maC'r "'ca" parties in acc'rdance >it8 a *'"untar% a(reement am'n( t8em I- n' suc8 a(reement is reac8ed9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" decide >8ic8 parties s8a"" recei*e t8e c'pies 'n t8e $asis '- criteria ana"'('us t' t8at pr'*ided in Secti'n #. 8ere'-H I(c) T8e ne4t -i*e c'pies s8a"" $e (i*en t' nati'na" $r'adcast 'r print media entities as ma% $e e5uita$"% determined $% t8e C'mmissi'n in *ie> '- pr'pa(atin( t8e c'pies t' t8e >idest e4tent p'ssi$"eH I(d) T8e ne4t t>' c'pies s8a"" $e (i*en t' "'ca" $r'adcast 'r print media entities as ma% $e e5uita$"% determined $% t8e C'mmissi'n in *ie> '- pr'pa(atin( t8e c'pies t' t8e >idest e4tent p'ssi$"eH I(e) T8e ne4t -'ur c'pies t' t8e maC'r citi<ensB arms9 inc"udin( t8e accredited citi<ensB arm9 and 't8er n'n7partisan (r'ups 'r 'r(ani<ati'ns en"isted $% t8e C'mmissi'n pursuant t' Secti'n +#(=) '- Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11!H I(-) T8e ne4t c'p% t' $e p"aced inside t8e c'mpartment '- t8e $a""'t $'4 -'r *a"id $a""'tsH and 361

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS I(() T8e "ast c'p% t' t8e pr'*incia" $'ard '- can*assers I

IT8e certi-ied print c'pies ma% $e c"aimed at t8e p'""in( p"ace An% unc"aimed c'p% s8a"" $e $r'u(8t $% t8e c8airman '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs t' t8e can*assin( center >8ere t8e recipients 'r t8eir representati*es ma% c"aim t8em C'pies sti"" unc"aimed at t8e can*assin( center s8a"" $e p"aced in t8e cust'd% '- t8e c8airman 't8e $'ard e"ecti'n inspect'rs9 >8' s8a"" pr'duce t8em >8en re5uested $% t8e recipient 'r >8en 'rdered $% a c'mpetent aut8'rit% IAn% pr'*isi'n '- "a> t' t8e c'ntrar% n't>it8standin(9 an% '- t8e recipients '- t8e print 'r di(ita" c'pies '- t8e e"ecti'n return ma% c'nduct an un'--icia" c'ns'"idati'n '- *'tes and ma% ann'unce t8e resu"t t' t8e pu$"ic IT8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" p'st its di(ita" -i"es in its >e$site -'r t8e pu$"ic t' *ie> 'r d'>n"'ad at an% time '- t8e da% T8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" maintain t8e -i"es at "east t8ree %ears -r'm t8e date '- p'stin( IAn% *i'"ati'n '- t8is secti'n9 'r its pertinent p'rti'n9 s8a"" c'nstitute an e"ecti'n '--ense and s8a"" $e pena"i<ed in acc'rdance >it8 Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11! I SEC &) Sec #. '- Repu$"ic Act N' 0!.. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC #. O--icia" Watc8ers 7 E*er% re(istered p'"itica" part% 'r c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" parties9 and e*er% candidate s8a"" eac8 $e entit"ed t' 'ne >atc8er in e*er% p'""in( p"ace and can*assin( centerG ,r'*ided9 T8at9 candidates -'r t8e San((unian( ,an"a"a>i(an9 San((unian( ,an"uns'd9 'r San((unian( Ba%an $e"'n(in( t' t8e same s"ate 'r tic=et s8a"" c'""ecti*e"% $e entit"ed t' 'n"% 'ne >atc8er IT8e d'minant maC'rit% part% and d'minant min'rit% part%9 >8ic8 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" determine in acc'rdance >it8 "a>9 s8a"" eac8 $e entit"ed t' 'ne '--icia" >atc8er >8' s8a"" $e paid a -i4ed per diem '- /'ur 8undred pes's (,)33 33) IT8ere s8a"" a"s' $e rec'(ni<ed si4 principa" >atc8ers9 representin( t8e si4 accredited maC'r p'"itica" parties e4c"udin( t8e d'minant maC'rit% and min'rit% parties9 >8' s8a"" $e desi(nated $% t8e C'mmissi'n up'n n'minati'n '- t8e said parties T8ese p'"itica" parties s8a"" $e determined $% t8e C'mmissi'n up'n n'tice and 8earin( 'n t8e $asis '- t8e -'""'>in( circumstancesG I(a) T8e esta$"is8ed rec'rd '- t8e said parties9 c'a"iti'n '- (r'ups t8at n'> c'mp'sed t8em9 ta=in( int' acc'unt9 am'n( 't8er t8in(s9 t8eir s8'>in( in past e"ecti'nsH I($) T8e num$er '- incum$ent e"ecti*e '--icia"s $e"'n(in( t' t8em ninet% (23) da%s $e-'re t8e date '- e"ecti'nH I(c) T8eir identi-ia$"e p'"itica" 'r(ani<ati'ns and stren(t8s as e*idenced $% t8eir 'r(ani<edKc8aptersH 362

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS I(d) T8e a$i"it% t' -i"" a c'mp"ete s"ate '- candidates -r'm t8e municipa" "e*e" t' t8e p'siti'n '- ,residentH and I(e) Ot8er ana"'('us circumstances t8at ma% determine t8eir re"ati*e 'r(ani<ati'ns and stren(t8s I SEC &+ Secti'n #3. '- Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11! is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC #3. C'untin( t' $e ,u$"ic and Wit8'ut Interrupti'n 7 As s''n as t8e *'tin( is -inis8ed9 t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs s8a"" pu$"ic"% c'unt in t8e p'""in( p"ace t8e *'tes cast and ascertain t8e resu"ts T8e B'ard ma% rearran(e t8e p8%sica" set up 't8e p'""in( p"ace -'r t8e c'untin( 'r per-'rm an% 't8er acti*it% >it8 respect t' t8e transiti'n -r'm *'tin( Rt'S c'untin( ;'>e*er9 it ma% d' s' 'n"% in t8e presence 't8e >atc8ers and >it8in c"'se *ie> '- t8e pu$"ic At a"" times9 t8e $a""'t $'4es and a"" e"ecti'n d'cuments and parap8erna"ia s8a"" $e >it8in c"'se *ie> '- t8e >atc8ers and t8e pu$"ic IT8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs s8a"" n't adC'urn 'r p'stp'ne 'r de"a% t8e c'unt unti" it 8as $een -u""% c'mp"eted9 un"ess 't8er>ise 'rdered $% t8e C'mmissi'n IT8e C'mmissi'n9 in t8e interest '- -ree9 'rder"%9 and 8'nest e"ecti'n9 ma% aut8'ri<e t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs t' c'unt t8e *'tes and t' acc'mp"is8 t8e e"ecti'n returns and 't8er -'rms prescri$ed under t8is C'de in an% 't8er p"ace >it8in a pu$"ic $ui"din( in t8e same municipa"it% 'r cit% 'n acc'unt '- imminent dan(er '>idespread *i'"ence 'r simi"ar causes '- c'mpara$"e ma(nitudeG ,r'*ided9 T8at t8e trans-er s8a"" $een rec'mmended in >ritin( $% t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs $% unanim'us *'te and end'rsed in >ritin( $% t8e maC'rit% '- >atc8ers presentG ,r'*ided9 -urt8er9 T8at t8e said pu$"ic $ui"din( s8a"" n't $e "'cated >it8in t8e perimeter '- 'r inside a mi"itar% 'r p'"ice camp9 reser*ati'n9 8ead5uarters9 detac8ment 'r -ie"d '--ice n'r >it8in t8e premises '- a pris'n 'r detenti'n $ureau 'r an% "a> en-'rcement 'r in*esti(ati'n a(enc% IAn% *i'"ati'n '- t8is secti'n9 'r its pertinent p'rti'n9 s8a"" c'nstitute an e"ecti'n '--ense and s8a"" $e pena"i<ed in acc'rdance >it8 Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11! I SEC &. Secti'n !1 '- Repu$"ic Act N' ..). is 8ere$% repea"ed SEC &0 Secti'n &3 '- Repu$"ic Act N' 0!.. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC &3 C'n(ress as t8e Nati'na" B'ard '- Can*assers -'r t8e E"ecti'n '- ,resident and 6ice ,residentG T8e C'mmissi'n en $anc as t8e Nati'na" B'ard '- Can*assers -'r t8e e"ecti'n '- senat'rsG Determinati'n '- Aut8enticit% and Due E4ecuti'n 'Certi-icates '- Can*ass 7 C'n(ress and t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc s8a"" determine t8e aut8enticit% and due e4ecuti'n '- t8e certi-icate '- can*ass -'r president and *ice7 president and senat'rs9 respecti*e"%9 as acc'mp"is8ed and transmitted t' it $% t8e "'ca" $'ards '- can*assers9 'n a s8'>in( t8atG 363

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (!) eac8 certi-icate '- can*ass >as e4ecuted9 si(ned and t8um$mar=ed $% t8e c8airman and mem$ers '- t8e $'ard '- can*assers and transmitted 'r caused t' $e transmitted t' C'n(ress $% t8emH (#) eac8 certi-icate '- can*ass c'ntains t8e names '- a"" '- t8e candidates -'r president and *ice7president 'r senat'r9 as t8e case ma% $e9 and t8eir c'rresp'ndin( *'tes in >'rds and t8eir c'rresp'ndin( *'tes in >'rds and in -i(uresH (&) t8ere Re4istsS n' discrepanc% in 't8er aut8entic c'pies '- t8e certi-icates 'can*ass 'r an% '- its supp'rtin( d'cuments suc8 as statement '- *'tes $% cit%Kmunicipa"it%K$% precinct 'r discrepanc% in t8e *'tes '- an% candidate in >'rds and -i(ures in t8e certi-icateH and ()) t8ere e4ists n' discrepanc% in t8e *'tes '- an% candidate in >'rds and -i(ures in t8e certi-icate '- can*ass a(ainst t8e a((re(ate num$er '- *'tes appearin( in t8e e"ecti'n returns '- precincts c'*ered $% t8e certi-icate '- can*assG ,r'*ided9 T8at certi-ied print c'pies '- e"ecti'n returns 'r certi-icates '- can*ass ma% $e used -'r t8e purp'se '- *eri-%in( t8e e4istence '- t8e discrepanc% IW8en t8e certi-icate '- can*ass9 du"% certi-ied $% t8e $'ard '- can*ass '- eac8 pr'*ince9 cit% R'rS district9 appears t' $e inc'mp"ete9 t8e Senate ,resident 'r t8e C8airman '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 as t8e case ma% $e9 s8a"" re5uire t8e $'ard 'can*assers c'ncerned t' transmit $% pers'na" de"i*er%9 t8e e"ecti'n returns -r'm p'""in( p"aces t8at >ere n't inc"uded in t8e certi-icate '- can*ass and supp'rtin( statements Said e"ecti'n returns s8a"" $e su$mitted $% pers'na" de"i*er% >it8in t>' (#) da%s -r'm receipt '- n'tice IW8en it appears t8at an% certi-icate '- can*ass 'r supp'rtin( statement '- *'tes $% cit%Kmunicipa"it% 'r $% precinct $ears erasures 'r a"terati'ns >8ic8 ma% cast d'u$t as t' t8e *eracit% '- t8e num$er '- *'tes stated 8erein and ma% a--ect t8e resu"t '- t8e e"ecti'n9 up'n re5uest '- t8e presidentia"9 *ice7presidentia" 'r senat'ria" candidate c'ncerned 'r 8is part%9 C'n(ress 'r t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc9 as t8e case ma% $e9 s8a""9 -'r t8e s'"e purp'se '- *eri-%in( t8e actua" num$er '- *'tes cast -'r ,resident and 6ice7,resident 'r senat'r9 c'unt t8e *'tes as t8e% appear in t8e c'pies '- t8e e"ecti'n returns su$mitted t' it IIn case '- an% discrepanc%9 inc'mp"eteness9 erasure 'r a"terati'n as menti'ned a$'*e9 t8e pr'cedure 'n pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ersies s8a"" $e ad'pted and app"ied as pr'*ided in Secti'ns !09 !19 !2 and #3 IAn% pers'n >8' presents in e*idence a simu"ated c'p% '- an e"ecti'n return9 certi-icate '- can*ass 'r statement '- *'tes9 'r a printed c'p% '- an e"ecti'n return9 certi-icate '- can*ass 'r statement '- *'tes $earin( a simu"ated certi-icati'n 'r a simu"ated ima(e9 s8a"" $e (ui"t% '- an e"ecti'n '--ense and s8a"" $e pena"i<ed in acc'rdance >it8 Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11! I SEC &1 Secti'n !+ '- Repu$"ic Act N' 0!.. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG 364

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS ISEC !+ ,re7pr'c"amati'n Cases in E"ecti'ns -'r ,resident9 6ice7,resident9 Senat'r9 and Mem$er '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es 7 /'r purp'ses '- t8e e"ecti'ns -'r president9 *ice7president9 senat'r9 and mem$er '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es9 n' pre7pr'c"amati'n cases s8a"" $e a""'>ed 'n matters re"atin( t' t8e preparati'n9 transmissi'n9 receipt9 cust'd% and appreciati'n '- e"ecti'n returns 'r t8e certi-icates '- can*ass9 as t8e case ma% $e9 e4cept as pr'*ided -'r in Secti'n &3 8ere'- ;'>e*er9 t8is d'es n't prec"ude t8e aut8'rit% '- t8e appr'priate can*assin( $'d% m'tu pr'pi' 'r up'n >ritten c'mp"aint '- an interested pers'n t' c'rrect mani-est err'rs in t8e certi-icate '- can*ass 'r e"ecti'n returns $e-'re it I?uesti'ns a--ectin( t8e c'mp'siti'n 'r pr'ceedin(s '- t8e $'ard '- can*assers ma% $e initiated in t8e $'ard 'r direct"% >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n in acc'rdance >it8 Secti'n !2 8ere'IAn% '$Cecti'n 'n t8e e"ecti'n returns $e-'re t8e cit% 'r municipa" $'ard 'can*assers9 'r 'n t8e municipa" certi-icates '- can*ass $e-'re t8e pr'*incia" $'ard 'can*assers 'r district $'ard '- can*assers in Metr' Mani"a Area9 s8a"" $e speci-ica""% n'ticed in t8e minutes '- t8eir respecti*e pr'ceedin(s I SEC &2 Secti'n #1 '- Repu$"ic Act N' 0!.. is 8ere$% amended as -'""'>sG ISEC #1 Can*assin( $% ,r'*incia"9 Cit%9 District and Municipa" B'ard 'Can*assers 7 Ia) T8e cit% 'r municipa" '- $'ard '- can*assers s8a"" can*ass t8e e"ecti'n returns '- ,resident9 6ice ,resident9 Senat'r and Mem$ers '- t8e ;'use 'Representati*es and -'r e"ecti*e pr'*incia" and cit% 'r municipa" '--icia"sG ,r'*ided9 T8at t8e returns -'r nati'na" p'siti'ns s8a"" $e can*assed -irst Up'n c'mp"eti'n 't8e can*ass9 it s8a"" prepare t8e certi-icate '- can*ass -'r president9 *ice7president9 senat'rs and mem$ers t8e ;'use '- Representati*es and e"ecti*e pr'*incia" '--icia"s9 ann'unce t8e resu"ts '- t8e e"ecti'n -'r nati'na" p'siti'ns in t8e cit% 'r municipa"it%9 and t8erea-ter9 pr'c"aim t8e e"ected cit% 'r municipa" '--icia"s9 as t8e case ma% $e I$) T8e cit% $'ard '- can*assers '- cities c'mprisin( 'ne 'r m're "e(is"ati*e districts s8a"" can*ass t8e e"ecti'n returns -'r president9 *ice7president9 senat'rs9 mem$ers '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es and e"ecti*e cit% '--icia"sG ,r'*ided9 T8at t8e returns -'r nati'na" p'siti'ns s8a"" $e can*assed -irst Up'n c'mp"eti'n '- t8e can*ass9 t8e $'ard s8a"" prepare t8e certi-icate '- can*ass '- president9 *ice7president9 and senat'rs9 ann'unce t8e resu"ts '- t8e e"ecti'n -'r nati'na" p'siti'ns in t8e cit%9 and t8erea-ter9 pr'c"aim t8e e"ected mem$ers '- t8e ;'use '- t8e Representati*es and cit% '--icia"s Ic) I(!) In t8e Metr' Mani"a Area suc8 municipa"it% c'mprisin( a "e(is"ati*e district s8a"" 8a*e district $'ard '- can*assers >8ic8 s8a"" can*ass t8e e"ecti'n returns -'r ,resident9 6ice7,resident9 Senat'rs9 Mem$ers -'r t8e ;'use '- Representati*es and e"ecti*e municipa" '--icia"sG ,r'*ided9 T8at t8e returns -'r nati'na" p'siti'ns s8a"" $e 365

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS can*assed -irst Up'n c'mp"eti'n '- t8e can*ass9 it s8a"" prepare t8e certi-icate 'can*ass -'r president9 *ice7president and senat'rs9 ann'unce t8e resu"ts '- t8e e"ecti'n -'r nati'na" p'siti'ns in t8e municipa"it%9 and t8erea-ter9 pr'c"aim t8e e"ected mem$er '- t8e ;'use '- t8e Representati*es and municipa" '--icia"s I(#) Eac8 c'mp'nent municipa"it% in a "e(is"ati*e district in t8e Metr' Mani"a Area s8a"" 8a*e a municipa" $'ard '- can*assers >8ic8 s8a"" can*ass t8e e"ecti'n returns -'r president9 *ice7president9 senat'rs9 mem$er '- t8e ;'use 'Representati*es and e"ecti*e municipa" '--icia"sG ,r'*ided9 T8at t8e returns -'r nati'na" p'siti'ns s8a"" $e can*assed -irst Up'n c'mp"eti'n '- t8e can*ass9 eac8 s8a"" prepare t8e certi-icate '- can*ass -'r president9 *ice7president9 senat'rs9 and mem$ers '- t8e ;'use '- t8e Representati*es9 ann'unce t8e resu"ts '- t8e e"ecti'n -'r nati'na" p'siti'ns in t8e municipa"it%9 and t8erea-ter9 pr'c"aim t8e e"ected municipa" '--icia"s I(&) T8e district $'ard '- can*assers '- eac8 "e(is"ati*e district c'mprisin( t>' municipa"ities in t8e Metr' Mani"a Areas s8a"" can*ass t8e certi-icate '- can*ass -'r ,resident9 6ice7,resident9 Senat'rs and Mem$ers '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es su$mitted $% t8e municipa" $'ard '- can*assers '- t8e c'mp'nent municipa"ities Up'n c'mp"eti'n '- t8e can*ass9 it s8a"" prepare a certi-icate '- can*ass -'r president9 *ice7president and senat'rs9 ann'unce t8e resu"ts '- t8e e"ecti'n -'r nati'na" p'siti'ns in t8e district9 and t8erea-ter9 pr'c"aim t8e e"ected mem$er '- t8e ;'use '- t8e Representati*es in t8e "e(is"ati*e district9 I(d) T8e pr'*incia" $'ard '- can*assers s8a"" can*ass t8e certi-icate '- can*ass -'r president9 *ice7president9 senat'rs9 and mem$ers '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es and e"ecti*e pr'*incia" '--icia"s as >e"" as p"e$iscite resu"ts9 i- an% p"e$iscite is c'nducted simu"tane'us"% >it8 t8e same e"ecti'n9 as su$mitted $% t8e $'ard '- can*assers 'municipa"ities and c'mp'nent citiesG ,r'*ided9 T8at t8e returns -'r nati'na" p'siti'ns s8a"" $e can*assed -irst Up'n c'mp"eti'n '- t8e can*ass9 it s8a"" prepare t8e certi-icate '- can*ass -'r president9 *ice7president9 and senat'rs9 ann'unce t8e resu"ts '- t8e e"ecti'n -'r nati'na" p'siti'ns in t8e pr'*ince9 and t8erea-ter9 pr'c"aim t8e e"ected mem$er '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es and pr'*incia" '--icia"s as >e"" as t8e p"e$iscite resu"ts9 i- an% IIn c'nductin( t8e can*ass '- e"ecti'n returns 'r certi-icates '- can*ass9 as t8e case ma% $e9 t8e $'ard '- can*assers in a municipa"it%9 cit%9 district 'r pr'*ince s8a"" pr'Cect eac8 e"ecti'n return 'r certi-icate '- can*ass 'n a >a"" -r'm >8ic8 its c'ntents s8a"" $e read in 'rder t8at t8'se present in t8e can*assin( center ma% -'""'> t8e pr'(ress '- t8e can*assin( pr'cess -r'm $e(innin( t' end T8e C'mmissi'n ma% uti"i<e t8e appr'priate pr'Cecti'n e5uipment -'r t8is purp'se IImmediate"% a-ter t8e certi-icate '- can*ass -'r nati'na" p'siti'ns is acc'mp"is8ed9 t8e c8airman '- t8e B'ard '- Can*assers s8a"" ann'unce t8e p'stin( '- t8e sec'nd c'p% t8ere'- and its supp'rtin( statement '- *'tes 'n a >a"" >it8 su--icient "i(8tin( >it8in t8e premises '- t8e can*assin( center ;e s8a"" t8en pr'ceed t' d' t8e same in t8e presence '- t8e 't8er mem$ers '- t8e $'ard9 t8e >atc8ers and t8'se present in t8e can*assin( center Wit8'ut de"a% and >8en -easi$"e9 8e s8a"" capture ima(es '- t8e certi-icate '- can*ass and supp'rtin( statements '- *'tes usin( a secured data 366

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS capturin( de*ice and t8erea-ter9 >8i"e in t8e premises '- t8e can*assin( center9 immediate"% print t8e data s' captured in t8irt% (&3) c'pies T8e $'ard '- can*assers s8a"" t8en aut8enticate eac8 printed c'p%9 in t8e presence '- >atc8ers and >it8in pu$"ic *ie>9 $% c"'se"% c'mparin( t8e same >it8 t8e certi-icate '- can*ass 'r statement '- *'tes9 as t8e case ma% $e9 p'sted 'n '- t8e >a"" I- t8e $'ard -inds eac8 printed c'p% a -ait8-u" repr'ducti'n '- t8e certi-icate '- can*ass 'r statement '*'tes9 a"" mem$ers t8ere'- s8a"" ann'tate and si(n a certi-icati'n t' t8at e--ect 'n t8e $'tt'm -r'nt '- t8e printed c'p% IEac8 certi-ied printed c'p% s8a"" $e p"aced in an en*e"'pe and distri$uted as 8erein pr'*ided Desi(nated recipients '- t8e certi-ied printed c'pies ma% recei*e t8eir c'pies at t8e can*assin( center IT8e c8airman '- t8e $'ard s8a"" transmit t8e di(ita" -i"es '- t8e certi-icate '- can*ass and its supp'rtin( statement '- *'tes usin( a secured transmissi'n de*ice >it8 aut8enticati'n -eatures t' t8e secured ta$u"ati'n s%stem '- t8e C'mmissi'n and t' t8e s%stems '- t8e 't8er desi(nated recipients as 8erein pr'*ided IAn% pr'*isi'n '- "a> t' t8e c'ntrar% n't>it8standin(9 an% '- t8e recipients '- t8e print 'r di(ita" c'pies '- t8e certi-icate '- can*ass and t8e supp'rtin( statements '*'tes ma% c'nduct an un'--icia" c'ns'"idati'n '- *'tes and ma% ann'unce t8e resu"t t8ere'- t' t8e pu$"ic IAn% *i'"ati'n '- t8is secti'n9 'r its pertinent p'rti'n9 s8a"" c'nstitute an e"ecti'n '--ense and s8a"" $e pena"i<ed in acc'rdance >it8 Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11! IIn additi'n9 t8e -'""'>in( s8a"" "i=e>ise $e (ui"t% '- an e"ecti'n '--enseG I(a) An% pers'n >8' rem'*es t8e certi-icate '- can*ass p'sted 'n t8e >a""9 >8et8er >it8in 'r a-ter t8e prescri$ed -'rt%7ei(8t ()1) 8'urs '- p'stin(9 'r de-aces t8e same in an% mannerH I($) An% pers'n >8' simu"ates an actua" certi-icates '- can*ass 'r statement '*'tes9 'r a print 'r di(ita" c'p% t8ere'-H I(c) An% pers'n >8' simu"ates t8e certi-icati'n '- a certi-icate '- can*ass 'r statement '- *'tesH I(d) T8e c8airman 'r an% mem$er '- t8e $'ard '- can*assers >8'9 durin( t8e prescri$ed peri'd '- p'stin(9 rem'*es t8e certi-icate '- can*ass 'r its supp'rtin( statement '- *'tes -r'm t8e >a"" 'n >8ic8 t8e% 8a*e $een p'sted 't8er t8an -'r t8e purp'se '- immediate"% trans-errin( t8em t' a m're suita$"e p"aceH I(e) T8e c8airman 'r an% mem$er '- t8e $'ard '- can*assers >8' si(ns 'r aut8enticates a print '- t8e certi-icate '- can*ass 'r its supp'rtin( statement '- *'tes 'utside '- t8e p'""in( p"aceG and

367

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS I(-) T8e c8airman 'r an% mem$er '- t8e $'ard '- can*assers >8' si(ns 'r aut8enticates a print >8ic8 $ears an ima(e di--erent -r'm t8e certi-icate '- can*ass 'r statement '- *'tes pr'duced a-ter c'untin( and p'sted 'n t8e >a"" I SEC )3 Secti'n #2 '- Repu$"ic Act N' 0!.. is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISEC #2 Num$er '- C'pies '- Certi-icates '- Can*ass and t8eir Distri$uti'n 7 a) T8e certi-icate '- can*ass -'r president9 *ice7president9 senat'rs and mem$ers '- t8e ;'use '- Representati*es and e"ecti*e pr'*incia" '--icia"s s8a"" $e prepared in se*en c'pies $% t8e cit% 'r municipa" $'ard '- can*assers and distri$uted as -'""'>sG I(!) T8e -irst c'p% s8a"" $e de"i*ered t' t8e pr'*incia" $'ard '- can*assers -'r use in t8e can*ass e"ecti'n resu"ts -'r president9 *ice7president9 senat'rs and mem$ers 't8e ;'use '- Representati*es and e"ecti*e pr'*incia" '--icia"sG I(#) T8e sec'nd c'p% s8a"" $e sent t' t8e C'mmissi'nH

I(&) T8e t8ird c'p% s8a"" $e p'sted 'n a >a"" >it8in t8e premises '- t8e can*assin( centerH I()) T8e -'urt8 c'p% s8a"" $e =ept $% t8e C8airman '- t8e B'ardH and

I(+) T8e -i-t8 c'p% s8a"" $e (i*en t8e citi<ensB arm desi(nated $% t8e C'mmissi'n t' c'nduct a media7$ased un'--icia" c'unt9 and t8e si4t8 and se*ent8 c'pies s8a"" $e (i*en t' t8e representati*es '- t>' '- t8e si4 maC'r p'"itica" parties in acc'rdance >it8 t8e *'"untar% a(reement '- t8e parties I- n' suc8 a(reement is reac8ed9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" decide >8ic8 parties s8a"" recei*e t8e c'pies '- t8e certi-icate 't8e can*ass 'n t8e $asis '- t8e criteria pr'*ided in Secti'n #. 8ere'- T8e parties recei*in( t8e certi-icates s8a"" 8a*e t8e '$"i(ati'n t' -urnis8 t8e 't8er parties >it8 aut8entic c'pies t8ere'- >it8 t8e "east p'ssi$"e de"a% I$) T8e certi-icate '- can*ass -'r president9 *ice7president9 senat'rs s8a"" $e prepared in se*en (0) c'pies $% t8e cit% $'ards '- can*assers '- cities c'mprisin( 'ne 'r m're "e(is"ati*e districts9 $% pr'*incia" $'ards '- can*assers and $% district $'ards '- can*assers in t8e Metr' Mani"a Area9 and distri$uted as -'""'>sG I(!) T8e -irst c'p% s8a"" $e sent t' t8e C'n(ress9 directed t' t8e ,resident '- t8e Senate -'r use in t8e can*ass '- e"ecti'n resu"ts -'r president and *ice7presidentH I(#) T8e sec'nd c'p% s8a"" $e sent t' t8e C'mmissi'n -'r use in t8e can*ass 't8e e"ecti'n resu"ts -'r Senat'rsH I(&) T8e t8ird c'p% s8a"" $e p'sted 'n a >a"" >it8in t8e premises '- t8e can*assin( centerH I()) T8e -'urt8 c'p% s8a"" $e =ept $% t8e C8airman '- t8e B'ardH and 368

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS I(+) T8e -i-t8 c'p% s8a"" $e (i*en t' t8e citi<ensB arm desi(nated $% t8e C'mmissi'n t' c'nduct a media7$ased un'--icia" c'unt9 and t8e si4t8 and se*ent8 c'pies s8a"" $e (i*en t' t8e representati*es '- t>' '- t8e si4 maC'r p'"itica" parties in acc'rdance >it8 t8e *'"untar% a(reement '- t8e parties I- n' suc8 a(reement is reac8ed9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" decide >8ic8 parties s8a"" recei*e t8e c'pies '- t8e certi-icate '- can*ass 'n t8e $asis '- t8e criteria pr'*ided in Secti'n #. 8ere'- T8e parties recei*in( t8e certi-icates s8a"" 8a*e t8e '$"i(ati'n t' -urnis8 t8e 't8er parties >it8 aut8entic c'pies t8ere'- >it8 t8e "east p'ssi$"e de"a% IT8e c'p% '- t8e certi-icate '- can*ass p'sted 'n t8e >a"" s8a"" $e 'pen -'r pu$"ic *ie>in( at an% time '- t8e da% -'r -'rt%7ei(8t ()1) 8'urs -'""'>in( its p'stin( An% pers'n ma% *ie> 'r capture an ima(e '- t8e certi-icate '- can*ass A-ter t8e prescri$ed peri'd -'r p'stin(9 t8e c8airman '- t8e $'ard '- can*assers s8a"" c'""ect t8e p'sted certi-icate '- can*ass and =eep t8e same in 8is cust'd% t' $e pr'duced -'r ima(e 'r data capturin( as ma% $e re5uested $% an% *'ter 'r -'r an% "a>-u" purp'se as ma% $e 'rdered c'mpetent aut8'rit% IE4cept -'r t8'se c'pies t8at are re5uired t' $e de"i*ered9 c'pies '- certi-icates 'can*ass ma% $e c"aimed at t8e can*assin( center An% unc"aimed c'p% s8a"" $e deemed p"aced in t8e cust'd% '- t8e c8airman '- t8e $'ard '- can*assers9 >8' s8a"" pr'duce t8em >8en re5uested $% t8e recipient 'r >8en 'rdered $% a c'mpetent aut8'rit% IT8e t8irt% (&3) certi-ied print c'pies '- t8e certi-icate can*ass -'r nati'na" p'siti'ns s8a"" $e distri$uted as -'""'>sG I(a) T8e -irst -'urteen (!)) c'pies s8a"" $e (i*en t' t8e -'urteen (!)) accredited maC'r nati'na" parties in acc'rdance >it8 a *'"untar% a(reement am'n( t8em I- n' suc8 a(reement is reac8ed9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" decide >8ic8 parties s8a"" recei*e t8e c'pies 'n t8e $asis '- t8e criteria pr'*ided in Secti'n #. 8ere'-H I($) T8e ne4t t8ree c'pies s8a"" $e (i*en t' t8e t8ree accredited maC'r "'ca" parties in acc'rdance >it8 a *'"untar% a(reement am'n( t8em I- n' suc8 a(reement is reac8ed9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" decide >8ic8 parties s8a"" recei*e t8e c'pies in t8e $asis '- criteria ana"'('us t' t8at pr'*ided in Secti'n #. 8ere'-H I(c) T8e ne4t -i*e c'pies s8a"" $e (i*en t' nati'na" $r'adcast 'r print media entities as ma% $e e5uita$"% determined $% t8e C'mmissi'n in *ie> '- pr'pa(atin( t8e c'pies t' t8e >idest e4tent p'ssi$"eH I(d) T8e ne4t t>' c'pies s8a"" $e (i*en t' "'ca" $r'adcast 'r print media entit"es as ma% $e e5uita$"% determined $% t8e C'mmissi'n in *ie> '- pr'pa(atin( t8e c'pies t' t8e >idest e4tent p'ssi$"eH I(e) T8e ne4t -'ur c'pies t' t8e maC'r citi<ensB arms9 inc"udin( t8e accredited citi<ensB arm9 and 't8er n'n7partisan (r'ups 'r 'r(ani<ati'ns en"isted $% t8e C'mmissi'n pursuant t' Secti'n +#(=) '- Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11!H and 369

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (-) T8e "ast t>' c'pies t' $e =ept in -i"e $% t8e c8airman '- t8e $'ard 'can*assers t' $e su$se5uent"% distri$uted as t8e nati'na" $'ard '- can*assers ma% direct IT8e certi-ied print c'pies ma% $e c"aimed at t8e can*assin( center An% unc"aimed c'p% s8a"" $e deemed p"ace in t8e cust'd% '- t8e c8airman '- t8e $'ard '- can*assers9 >8' s8a"" pr'duce t8em >8en re5uested $% t8e recipient 'r >8en 'rdered $% a c'mpetent aut8'rit% IT8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" p'st its di(ita" -i"es in its >e$site -'r t8e pu$"ic t' *ie> 'r d'>n"'ad at an% time '- t8e da% T8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" maintain t8e -i"es -'r at "east t8ree %ears -r'm t8e date '- p'stin( IAn% *i'"ati'n '- t8is secti'n9 'r its pertinent p'rti'n9 s8a"" c'nstitute an e"ecti'n '--ense and s8a"" $e pena"i<ed in acc'rdance >it8 Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11! I SEC )! T8e -irst para(rap8 '- Sec +# '- Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11! is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISec +# ,'>ers and /uncti'ns '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns 7 In additi'n t' t8e p'>ers and -uncti'ns c'n-erred up'n it $% t8e C'nstituti'n9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" 8a*e e4c"usi*e c8ar(e '- t8e en-'rcement and administrati'n '- a"" "a>s re"ati*e t' t8e c'nduct '- e"ecti'ns -'r t8e purp'se '- ensurin( -ree9 'rder"% and 8'nest e"ecti'ns9 e4cept as 't8er>ise pr'*ided 8erein and s8a""GI

SEC )# Secti'n #0 ($) '- Repu$"ic Act N' ..). is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>sG ISec #0 E"ecti'n O--ensesH E"ect'ra" Sa$'ta(e 7 In additi'na" t' t8e pr'8i$ited acts and e"ecti'n '--enses enumerated in Secti'n #.! and #.# '- Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11!9 as amended9 t8e -'""'>in( s8a"" $e (ui"t% '- an e"ecti'n '--ense 'r a specia" e"ecti'n '--ense t' $e =n'>n as e"ect'ra" sa$'ta(eG I(a) 444

I($) An% pers'n 'r mem$er '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs 'r $'ard 'can*assers >8' tampers9 increases 'r decreases t8e *'tes recei*ed $% a candidate in an% e"ecti'n 'r an% mem$er '- t8e $'ard >8' re-uses9 a-ter pr'per *eri-icati'n and 8earin(9 t' credit t8e c'rrect *'tes 'r deduct suc8 tampered *'tesG ,r'*ided9 8'>e*er9 T8at >8en t8e tamperin(9 increase 'r decrease '- *'tes 'r t8e re-usa" t' credit t8e c'rrect *'tes andK'r t' deduct tampered *'tes t' deduct tampered *'tes are perpetrated 'n a "ar(e sca"e 'r in su$stantia" num$ers9 t8e same s8a"" $e c'nsidered9 n't as an 'rdinar% e"ecti'n '--ense under Secti'ns #.! andK'r #.# '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de9 $ut a specia" e"ecti'n '--ense t' $e =n'>n as e"ect'ra" sa$'ta(e and t8e pena"t% t' $e imp'sed s8a"" $e "i-e impris'nment 370

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS IT8e act 'r '--ense c'mmitted s8a"" -a"" under t8e cate('r% '- e"ect'ra" sa$'ta(e in an% '- t8e -'""'>in( instancesH I(!) W8en t8e tamperin(9 increase andK'r decrease '- *'tes perpetrated 'r t8e re-usa" t' credit t8e c'rrect *'tes 'r t' deduct tampered *'tes9 isKare c'mmitted in t8e e"ecti'n '- a nati'na" e"ecti*e '--ice >8ic8 is *'ted up'n nati'n>ide and t8e tamperin(9 increase andK'r decrease *'tes9 re-usa" t' credit t8e c'rrect *'tes 'r t' deduct tampered *'tes9 s8a"" ad*erse"% a--ect t8e resu"ts '- t8e e"ecti'n t' t8e said nati'na" '--ice t' t8e e4tent t8at "'sin( candidateKs isKare made t' appear t8e >innerKsH I(#) Re(ard"ess '- t8e e"ecti*e '--ice in*'"*ed9 >8en t8e tamperin(9 increase andK'r decrease '- *'tes c'mmitted 'r t8e re-usa" t' credit t8e c'rrect *'tes 'r t' deduct tampered *'tes perpetrated9 is acc'mp"is8ed in a sin("e e"ecti'n d'cument 'r in t8e transp'siti'n '- t8e -i(uresKresu"ts -r'm 'ne e"ecti'n d'cument t' an't8er and in*'"*ed in t8e said tamperin( increase andK'r decrease 'r re-usa" t' credit c'rrect *'tes 'r deduct tampered *'tes e4ceed -i*e t8'usand (+9333) *'tes9 and t8at t8e same ad*erse"% a--ects t8e true resu"ts '- t8e e"ecti'nH I(&) An% and a"" 't8er -'rms 'r tamperin( increaseKs andK'r decreaseKs '- *'tes perpetuated 'r in cases '- re-usa" t' credit t8e c'rrect *'tes 'r deduct t8e tampered *'tes9 >8ere t8e t'ta" *'tes in*'"*ed e4ceed ten t8'usand (!39333) *'tesH I,r'*ided -ina""%9 T8at an% and a"" eit8er pers'ns 'r indi*idua"s determined t' $e c'nspirac% 'r in c'nni*ance >it8 t8e mem$ers '- t8e BEIs 'r BOCs in*'"*ed9 s8a"" $e meted t8e same pena"t% '- "i-e impris'nment I SEC )& Secti'n #.+ '- Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11! is 8ere$% amended t' read as -'""'>G ISEC #.+ ,r'secuti'n 7 T8e C'mmissi'n s8a""9 t8r'u(8 its du"% aut8'ri<ed "e(a" '--icers9 8a*e t8e p'>er9 c'ncurrent >it8 t8e 't8er pr'secutin( arms '- t8e ('*ernment9 t' c'nduct pre"iminar% in*esti(ati'n '- a"" e"ecti'n '--enses punis8a$"e under t8is C'de9 and pr'secute t8e same I SEC )) Appr'priati'ns 7 T' carr% 'ut t8e pr'*isi'ns '- t8is Act9 t8e am'unt necessar% -'r t8e aut'mated s%stem s8a"" $e c8ar(ed a(ainst t8e T>' $i""i'n si4 8undred mi""i'n pes's (,#9.3393339333 33) m'derni<ati'n -und in t8e current %earBs appr'priati'ns '- t8e C'mmissi'n /urt8er9 t8e am'unt necessar% t' carr% 'ut t8e manua" s%stem9 at a ma4imum '- T8ree $i""i'n pes's (,&933393339333) s8a"" $e c8ar(ed a(ainst t8e current %earBs appr'priati'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n T8erea-ter9 suc8 sums as ma% $e necessar% -'r t8e c'ntinu'us imp"ementati'n '- t8is Act s8a"" $e inc"uded in t8e annua" @enera" Appr'priati'ns Act I- t8e said -unds s8a"" n't $e -u""% uti"i<ed9 t8e same s8a"" c'ntinue t' $e appr'priated -'r t8e e"ect'ra" m'derni<ati'n as set -'rt8 in t8is Act and s8a"" n't re*ert t' t8e @enera" /und 371

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS SEC )+ Separa$i"it% C"ause 7 I-9 -'r an% reas'n9 an% secti'n 'r pr'*isi'n '- t8is Act 'r an% part t8ere'-9 'r t8e app"icati'n '- suc8 secti'n9 pr'*isi'n 'r p'rti'n is dec"ared in*a"id 'r unc'nstituti'na"9 t8e remainder t8ere'- s8a"" n't $e a--ected $% suc8 dec"arati'n SEC ). Repea"in( C"ause 7 A"" "a>s9 presidentia" decrees9 e4ecuti*e 'rders9 ru"es and re(u"ati'ns 'r part t8ere'- inc'nsistent >it8 t8e pr'*isi'ns '- t8is Act are 8ere$% repea"ed 'r m'di-ied acc'rdin("% SEC )0 E--ecti*it% 7 T8is Act S8a"" ta=e e--ect -i-teen (!+) da%s a-ter its pu$"icati'n in a ne>spaper '- (enera" circu"ati'n

APPENDI5 C /.A. .))2 AN ACT TO ENHANCE THE HOLDING OF F/EE> O/DE/LF> HONEST> PEACEFUL AND C/EDIBLE ELECTIONS TH/OUGH FAI/ ELECTION P/ACTICES

Secti'n ! S8'rt Tit"e 7 T8is Act s8a"" $e =n'>n as t8e I/air E"ecti'ns ActI Sec # Dec"arati'n '- ,rincip"es 7 T8e State s8a""9 durin( t8e e"ecti'n peri'd9 super*ise 'r re(u"ate t8e enC'%ment 'r uti"i<ati'n '- a"" -ranc8ises 'r permits -'r t8e 'perati'n '- media '- c'mmunicati'n 'r in-'rmati'n t' (uarantee 'r ensure e5ua" 'pp'rtunit% -'r pu$"ic ser*ice9 inc"udin( access t' media time and space9 and t8e e5uita$"e ri(8t t' rep"%9 -'r pu$"ic in-'rmati'n campai(ns and -'ra am'n( candidates and assure -ree9 'rder"%9 8'nest peace-u" and credi$"e e"ecti'ns

372

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS T8e State s8a"" ensure t8at $'na -ide candidates -'r an% pu$"ic '--ice s8a"" $e -ree -r'm an% -'rm '- 8arassment and discriminati'n Sec & La>-u" E"ecti'n ,r'pa(anda 7 E"ecti'n pr'pa(anda >8et8er 'n te"e*isi'n9 ca$"e te"e*isi'n9 radi'9 ne>spapers 'r an% 't8er medium is 8ere$% a""'>ed -'r a"" re(istered p'"itica" parties9 nati'na"9 re(i'na"9 sect'ra" parties 'r 'r(ani<ati'ns participatin( under t8e part%7"ist e"ecti'ns and -'r a"" $'na -ide candidates see=in( nati'na" and "'ca" e"ecti*e p'siti'ns su$Cect t' t8e "imitati'n 'n aut8'ri<ed e4penses '- candidates and p'"itica" parties9 '$ser*ance '- trut8 in ad*ertisin( and t' t8e super*isi'n and re(u"ati'n $% t8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns (COMELEC) /'r t8e purp'se '- t8is Act9 "a>-u" e"ecti'n pr'pa(anda s8a"" inc"udeG &! ,amp8"ets9 "ea-"ets9 cards9 deca"s9 stic=ers 'r 't8er >ritten 'r printed materia"s t8e si<e '- >8ic8 d'es n't e4ceed ei(8t and 'ne78a"- inc8es in >idt8 and -'urteen inc8es in "en(t8H &# ;and>ritten 'r printed "etters ur(in( *'ters t' *'te -'r 'r a(ainst an% particu"ar p'"itica" part% 'r candidate -'r pu$"ic '--iceH

&& C"'t89 paper 'r card$'ard p'sters >8et8er -ramed9 'r p'sted9 >it8 an area n't e4ceedin( t>' (#) -eet $% t8ree (&) -eet9 e4cept t8at9 at t8e site and 'n t8e 'ccasi'n 'a pu$"ic meetin( 'r ra""%9 'r in ann'uncin( t8e 8'"din( '- said meetin( 'r ra""%9 streamers n't e4ceedin( t8ree (&) -eet $% ei(8t (1) -eet in si<e9 s8a"" $e a""'>edG ,r'*ided9 T8at said streamers ma% $e disp"a%ed -i*e (+) da%s $e-'re t8e date '- t8e meetin( 'r ra""% and s8a"" $e rem'*ed >it8in t>ent%7-'ur (#)) 8'urs a-ter said meetin( 'r ra""%H &) ,aid ad*ertisements in print 'r $r'adcast mediaG ,r'*ided9 T8at t8e ad*ertisements s8a"" -'""'> t8e re5uirements set -'rt8 in Secti'n ) '- t8is ActH and &+ A"" 't8er -'rms '- e"ecti'n pr'pa(anda n't pr'8i$ited $% t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de 'r t8is Act Sec ) Re5uirements -'r ,u$"is8ed 'r ,rinted and Br'adcast E"ecti'n ,r'pa(anda 7 373

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS )! An% ne>spaper9 ne>s"etter9 ne>s>ee="%9 (a<ette 'r ma(a<ine ad*ertisin(9 p'sters9 pamp8"ets9 c'mic $''=s9 circu"ars9 8and$i""s9 $umper stic=ers9 streamers9 simp"e "ist '- candidates 'r an% pu$"is8ed 'r printed p'"itica" matter and an% $r'adcast 'e"ecti'n pr'pa(anda $% te"e*isi'n 'r radi' -'r 'r a(ainst a candidate 'r (r'up 'candidates t' an% pu$"ic '--ice s8a"" $ear and $e identi-ied $% t8e reas'na$"% "e(i$"e 'r audi$"e >'rds Ip'"itica" ad*ertisement paid -'r9I -'""'>ed $% t8e true and c'rrect name and address '- t8e candidate 'r part% -'r >8'se $ene-it t8e e"ecti'n pr'pa(anda >as printed 'r aired )# I- t8e $r'adcast is (i*en -ree '- c8ar(e $% t8e radi' 'r te"e*isi'n stati'n9 it s8a"" $e identi-ied $% t8e >'rds Iairtime -'r t8is $r'adcast >as pr'*ided -ree '- c8ar(e $%I -'""'>ed $% t8e true and c'rrect name and address '- t8e $r'adcast entit% )& ,rint9 $r'adcast 'r 'utd''r ad*ertisements d'nated t' t8e candidate 'r p'"itica" part% s8a"" n't $e printed9 pu$"is8ed9 $r'adcast 'r e48i$ited >it8'ut t8e >ritten acceptance $% t8e said candidate 'r p'"itica" part% Suc8 >ritten acceptance s8a"" $e attac8ed t' t8e ad*ertisin( c'ntract and s8a"" $e su$mitted t' t8e COMELEC as pr'*ided in Su$secti'n . & 8ere'Sec + E"ecti'n Sur*e%s 7 +! E"ecti'n sur*e%s re-er t' t8e measurement '- 'pini'ns and percepti'ns '- t8e *'ters as re(ards a candidateBs p'pu"arit%9 5ua"i-icati'ns9 p"at-'rms 'r a matter '- pu$"ic discussi'n in re"ati'n t' t8e e"ecti'n9 inc"udin( *'tersB pre-erence -'r candidates 'r pu$"ic"% discussed issues durin( t8e campai(n peri'd (8erea-ter re-erred t' as ISur*e%I) +# Durin( t8e e"ecti'n peri'd9 an% pers'n9 natura" as >e"" as Curidica"9 candidate 'r 'r(ani<ati'n >8' pu$"is8es a sur*e% must "i=e>ise pu$"is8 t8e -'""'>in( in-'rmati'nG T8e name '- t8e pers'n9 candidate9 part% 'r 'r(ani<ati'n >8' c'mmissi'ned 'r paid -'r t8e sur*e%H T8e name '- t8e pers'n9 p'""in( -irm 'r sur*e% 'r(ani<ati'n >8' c'nducted t8e sur*e%H

374

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS T8e peri'd durin( >8ic8 t8e sur*e% >as c'nducted9 t8e met8'd'"'(% used9 inc"udin( t8e num$er '- indi*idua" resp'ndents and t8e areas -r'm >8ic8 t8e% >ere se"ected9 and t8e speci-ic 5uesti'ns as=edH T8e mar(in '- err'r '- t8e sur*e%H

/'r eac8 5uesti'n -'r >8ic8 t8e mar(in '- err'r is (reater t8an t8at rep'rted under para(rap8 (d)9 t8e mar(in '- err'r -'r t8at 5uesti'nH and A mai"in( address and te"ep8'ne num$er9 indicatin( it as an address 'r te"ep8'ne num$er at >8ic8 t8e sp'ns'r can $e c'ntacted t' '$tain a >ritten rep'rt re(ardin( t8e sur*e% in acc'rdance >it8 Su$secti'n + & +& T8e sur*e% t'(et8er >it8 ra> data (at8ered t' supp'rt its c'nc"usi'ns s8a"" $e a*ai"a$"e -'r inspecti'n9 c'p%in( and *eri-icati'n $% t8e COMELEC 'r $% a re(istered p'"itica" part% 'r a $'na -ide candidate9 'r $% an% COMELEC7accredited citi<enBs arm A reas'na$"e -ee su--icient t' c'*er t8e c'sts '- inspecti'n9 c'p%in( and *eri-icati'n ma% $e c8ar(ed +) Sur*e%s a--ectin( nati'na" candidates s8a"" n't $e pu$"is8ed -i-teen (!+) da%s $e-'re an e"ecti'n and sur*e%s a--ectin( "'ca" candidates s8a"" n't $e pu$"is8ed se*en (0) da%s $e-'re an e"ecti'n (T8is pr'*isi'n 8as $een ru"ed unc'nstituti'na" $% t8e Supreme C'urt in SOCIAL WEAT;ER STATIONS9 INCOR,ORATED and :AMA;ALAN ,UBLIS;IN@ COR,ORATION *s COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS9 @R N' !)0+0!9 + Ma% #33!) ++ E4it p'""s ma% 'n"% $e ta=en su$Cect t' t8e -'""'>in( re5uirementsG ,'""sters s8a"" n't c'nduct t8eir sur*e%s >it8in -i-t% (+3) meters -r'm t8e p'"in( p"ace9 >8et8er said sur*e% is ta=en in a 8'me9 d>e""in( p"ace and 't8er p"acesH ,'""sters s8a"" >ear distincti*e c"'t8in(H ,'""sters s8a"" in-'rm t8e *'ters t8at t8e% ma% re-use t' ans>erH and T8e resu"t '- t8e e4it p'""s ma% $e ann'unced a-ter t8e c"'sin( '- t8e p'""s 'n e"ecti'n da%9 and must dear"% identi-% t8e t'ta" num$er '- resp'ndents9 and t8e p"aces >8ere t8e% >ere ta=en Said ann'uncement s8a"" state t8at t8e same is un'--icia" and d'es n't represent a trend 375

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Sec . E5ua" Access t' Media Time and Space 7 A"" re(istered parties and $'na -ide candidates s8a"" 8a*e e5ua" access t' media time and space T8e -'""'>in( (uide"ines ma% $e amp"i-ied 'n $% t8e COMELECG .! ,rint ad*ertisements s8a"" n't e4ceed 'ne7-'urt8 (!K)) pa(e in $r'ads8eet and 'ne7 8a"- (!K#) pa(e in ta$"'ids t8rice a >ee= per ne>spaper9 ma(a<ine 'r 't8er pu$"icati'ns9 durin( t8e campai(n peri'd .# Eac8 $'na -ide candidate 'r re(istered p'"itica" part% -'r a nati'na""% e"ecti*e '--ice s8a"" $e entit"ed t' n't m're t8an 'ne 8undred t>ent% (!#3) minutes '- te"e*isi'n ad*ertisement and 'ne 8undred ei(8t% (!13) minutes '- radi' ad*ertisement >8et8er $% purc8ase 'r d'nati'n Eac8 $'na -ide candidate 'r re(istered p'"itica" part% -'r a "'ca""% e"ecti*e '--ice s8a"" $e entit"ed t' n't m're t8an si4t% (.3) minutes '- te"e*isi'n ad*ertisement and ninet% (23) minutes '- radi' ad*ertisement >8et8er $% purc8ase 'r d'nati'n /'r t8is purp'se9 t8e COMELEC s8a"" re5uire an% $r'adcast stati'n 'r entit% t' su$mit t' t8e COMELEC a c'p% '- its $r'adcast "'(s and certi-icates '- per-'rmance -'r t8e re*ie> and *eri-icati'n '- t8e -re5uenc%9 date9 time and durati'n 'ad*ertisements $r'adcast -'r an% candidate 'r p'"itica" part% .& A"" mass media entities s8a"" -urnis8 t8e COMELEC >it8 a c'p% '- a"" c'ntracts -'r ad*ertisin(9 pr'm'tin( 'r 'pp'sin( an% p'"itica" part% 'r t8e candidac% '- an% pers'n -'r pu$"ic '--ice >it8in -i*e (+) da%s a-ter its si(nin( In e*er% case9 it s8a"" $e si(ned $% t8e d'n'r9 t8e candidate c'ncerned 'r $% t8e du"% aut8'ri<ed representati*e '- t8e p'"itica" part% .) N' -ranc8ise 'r permit t' 'perate a radi' 'r te"e*isi'n stati'n s8a"" $e (ranted 'r issued9 suspended 'r cance""ed durin( t8e e"ecti'n peri'd In a"" instances9 t8e COMELEC s8a"" super*ise t8e use and emp"'%ment '- press9 radi' and te"e*isi'n -aci"ities ins'-ar as t8e p"acement '- p'"itica" ad*ertisements is c'ncerned t' ensure t8at candidates are (i*en e5ua" 'pp'rtunities under e5ua" circumstances t' ma=e =n'>n t8eir 5ua"i-icati'ns and t8eir stand 'n pu$"ic issues >it8in t8e "imits set -'rt8 in t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de and Repu$"ic Act N' 0".. 'n e"ecti'n spendin( T8e COMELEC s8a"" ensure t8at radi' 'r te"e*isi'n 'r ca$"e te"e*isi'n $r'adcastin( entities s8a"" n't a""'> t8e sc8edu"in( '- an% pr'(ram 'r permit an% sp'ns'r t' mani-est"% -a*'r 'r 'pp'se an% candidate 'r p'"itica" part% $% undu"% 'r repeated"% re-errin( t' 'r inc"udin( said candidate andK'r p'"itica" part% in suc8 pr'(ram 376

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS respectin(9 8'>e*er9 in a"" instances t8e ri(8t '- said $r'adcast entities t' air acc'unts '- si(ni-icant ne>s 'r ne>s >'rt8% e*ents and *ie>s 'n matters '- pu$"ic interest .+ A"" mem$ers '- media9 te"e*isi'n9 radi' 'r print9 s8a"" scrupu"'us"% rep'rt and interpret t8e ne>s9 ta=in( care n't t' suppress essentia" -acts n'r t' dist'rt t8e trut8 $% 'missi'n 'r impr'per emp8asis T8e% s8a"" rec'(ni<e t8e dut% t' air t8e 't8er side and t8e dut% t' c'rrect su$stanti*e err'rs pr'mpt"%

.. An% mass media c'"umnist9 c'mmentat'r9 ann'uncer9 rep'rter9 'n7air c'rresp'ndent 'r pers'na"it% >8' is a candidate -'r an% e"ecti*e pu$"ic '--ice 'r is a campai(n *'"unteer -'r 'r emp"'%ed 'r retained in an% capacit% $% an% candidate 'r p'"itica" part% s8a"" $e deemed resi(ned9 i- s' re5uired $% t8eir emp"'%er9 'r s8a"" ta=e a "ea*e '- a$sence -r'm 8isK8er >'r= as suc8 durin( t8e campai(n peri'dG ,r'*ided9 T8at an% media practiti'ner >8' is an '--icia" '- a p'"itica" part% 'r a mem$er '- t8e campai(n sta-- '- a candidate 'r p'"itica" part% s8a"" n't use 8isK8er time 'r space t' -a*'r an% candidate 'r p'"itica" part% .0 N' m'*ie9 cinemat'(rap8 'r d'cumentar% p'rtra%in( t8e "i-e 'r $i'(rap8% '- a candidate s8a"" $e pu$"ic"% e48i$ited in a t8eater9 te"e*isi'n stati'n 'r an% pu$"ic -'rum durin( t8e campai(n peri'd .1 N' m'*ie9 cinemat'(rap8 'r d'cumentar% p'rtra%ed $% an act'r 'r media pers'na"it% >8' is 8imse"- a candidate s8a"" "i=e>ise $e pu$"ic"% e48i$ited in a t8eater 'r an% pu$"ic -'rum durin( t8e campai(n peri'd Sec 0 A--irmati*e Acti'n $% t8e COMELEC 7 0! ,ursuant t' Secti'ns 23 and 2# '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de (Batas ,am$ansa B"( 11!)9 t8e COMELEC s8a"" pr'cure t8e print space up'n pa%ment '- Cust c'mpensati'n -r'm at "east t8ree (&) nati'na" ne>spapers '- (enera" circu"ati'n >8erein candidates -'r nati'na" '--ice can ann'unce t8eir candidacies Suc8 space s8a"" $e a""'cated -ree '- c8ar(e e5ua""% and impartia""% am'n( a"" t8e candidates -'r nati'na" '--ice 'n t8ree (&) di--erent ca"endar da%sG t8e -irst da% >it8in t8e -irst >ee= 377

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS '- t8e campai(n peri'dH t8e sec'nd da% >it8in t8e -i-t8 >ee= '- t8e campai(n peri'dH and t8e t8ird da% >it8in t8e tent8 >ee= '- t8e campai(n peri'd 0# T8e COMELEC s8a"" a"s' pr'cure -ree airtime -r'm at "east t8ree (&) nati'na" te"e*isi'n net>'r=s and t8ree (&) nati'na" radi' net>'r=s9 >8ic8 s8a"" a"s' $e a""'cated -ree '- c8ar(e e5ua""% and impartia""% am'n( a"" candidates -'r nati'na" '--ice Suc8 -ree time s8a"" $e a""'cated 'n t8ree (&) di--erent ca"endar da%sG t8e -irst da% >it8in t8e -irst >ee= '- t8e campai(n peri'dH t8e sec'nd da% >it8in t8e -i-t8 >ee= '- t8e campai(n peri'dH and t8e t8ird da% >it8in t8e tent8 >ee= '- t8e campai(n peri'd 0& T8e COMELEC ma% re5uire nati'na" te"e*isi'n and radi' net>'r=s t' sp'ns'r at "east t8ree (&) nati'na" de$ates am'n( presidentia" candidates and at "east 'ne (!) nati'na" de$ate am'n( *ice presidentia" candidates T8e de$ates am'n( presidentia" candidates s8a"" $e sc8edu"ed 'n t8ree (&) di--erent ca"endar da%sG t8e -irst de$ate s8a"" $e sc8edu"ed >it8in t8e -irst and sec'nd >ee= '- t8e campai(n peri'dH t8e sec'nd de$ate >it8in t8e -i-t8 and si4 >ee= '- t8e campai(n peri'dH and t8e t8ird de$ate s8a"" $e sc8edu"ed >it8in t8e tent8 and e"e*ent8 >ee= '- t8e campai(n peri'd T8e sp'ns'rin( te"e*isi'n 'r radi' net>'r= ma% se"" airtime -'r c'mmercia"s and ad*ertisements t' interested ad*ertisers and sp'ns'rs T8e COMELEC s8a"" pr'mu"(ate ru"es and re(u"ati'ns -'r t8e 8'"din( '- suc8 de$ates Sec 1 COMELEC Space and Time 7 T8e COMELEC s8a"" pr'cure space in at "east 'ne (!) ne>spaper '- (enera" circu"ati'n and air time in at "east 'ne (!) maC'r $r'adcastin( stati'n 'r entit% in e*er% pr'*ince 'r cit%G ,r'*ided9 8'>e*er9 T8at in t8e a$sence '- said ne>spaper9 pu$"icati'n s8a"" $e d'ne in an% 't8er ma(a<ine 'r peri'dica" in said pr'*ince 'r cit%9 >8ic8 s8a"" $e =n'>n as ICOMELEC SpaceIG ,r'*ided9 -urt8er9 T8at in t8e a$sence '- said $r'adcastin( stati'n 'r entit%9 $r'adcastin( s8a"" $e d'ne in an% radi' 'r te"e*isi'n stati'n in said pr'*ince 'r cit%9 >8ic8 s8a"" $e =n'>n as ICOMELEC TimeI Said time s8a"" $e a""'cated t' t8e COMELEC -ree '- c8ar(e9 >8i"e said space s8a"" $e a""'cated t' t8e COMELEC up'n pa%ment '- Cust c'mpensati'n T8e COMELEC time and space s8a"" $e uti"i<ed e4c"usi*e"% $% t8e COMELEC -'r pu$"ic in-'rmati'n disseminati'n 'n e"ecti'n7 re"ated c'ncerns Sec 2 ,'stin( '- Campai(n Materia"s 7 T8e COMELEC ma% aut8'ri<e p'"itica" parties and part%7"ist (r'ups t' erect c'mm'n p'ster areas -'r t8eir candidates in n't m're t8an ten (!3) pu$"ic p"aces suc8 as p"a<as9 mar=ets9 $aran(a% centers and t8e "i=e9 >8erein candidates can p'st disp"a% 'r e48i$it e"ecti'n pr'pa(andaG ,r'*ided9 T8at t8e si<e '- t8e p'ster areas s8a"" n't e4ceed t>e"*e (!#) $% si4teen (!.) -eet 'r its e5ui*a"ent

378

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Independent candidates >it8 n' p'"itica" parties ma% "i=e>ise $e aut8'ri<ed t' erect c'mm'n p'ster areas in n't m're t8an ten (!3) pu$"ic p"aces9 t8e si<e '- >8ic8 s8a"" n't e4ceed -'ur ()) $% si4 (.) -eet 'r its e5ui*a"ent Candidates ma% p'st an% "a>-u" pr'pa(anda materia" in pri*ate p"aces >it8 t8e c'nsent '- t8e '>ner t8ere'-9 and in pu$"ic p"aces 'r pr'pert% >8ic8 s8a"" $e a""'cated e5uita$"% and impartia""% am'n( t8e candidates Sec !3 Ri(8t t' Rep"% 7 A"" re(istered parties and $'na -ide candidates s8a"" 8a*e t8e ri(8t t' rep"% t' c8ar(es pu$"is8ed a(ainst t8em T8e rep"% s8a"" $e (i*en pu$"icit% $% t8e ne>spaper9 te"e*isi'n andK'r radi' stati'n >8ic8 -irst printed 'r aired t8e c8ar(es >it8 t8e same pr'minence 'r in t8e same pa(e 'r secti'n 'r in t8e same time s"'t as t8e -irst statement Sec !! Rates -'r ,'"itica" ,r'pa(anda 7 Durin( t8e e"ecti'n peri'd9 media 'ut"ets s8a"" c8ar(e re(istered p'"itica" parties and $'na -ide candidates a disc'unted rate 't8irt% percent (&3Q) -'r te"e*isi'n9 t>ent% percent (#3Q) -'r radi' and ten percent (!3Q) -'r print '*er t8e a*era(e rates c8ar(ed durin( t8e -irst t8ree 5uarters '- t8e ca"endar %ear precedin( t8e e"ecti'ns Secti'n !# Su$stituti'n '- Candidates 7 In case '- *a"id su$stituti'ns a-ter t8e '--icia" $a""'ts 8a*e $een printed9 t8e *'tes cast -'r t8e su$stituted candidates s8a"" $e c'nsidered as stra% *'tes $ut s8a"" n't in*a"idate t8e >8'"e $a""'t /'r t8is purp'se9 t8e '--icia" $a""'ts s8a"" pr'*ide spaces >8ere t8e *'ters ma% >rite t8e name '- t8e su$stitute candidates i- t8e% are *'tin( -'r t8e "atterG ,r'*ided9 8'>e*er9 T8at i- t8e su$stitute candidate '- t8e same -ami"% name9 t8is pr'*isi'n s8a"" n't app"%

Secti'n !& Aut8'rit% '- t8e COMELEC t' ,r'mu"(ate Ru"esH E"ecti'n O--enses 7 T8e COMELEC s8a"" pr'mu"(ate and -urnis8 a"" p'"itica" parties and candidates and t8e mass media entities t8e ru"es and re(u"ati'ns -'r t8e imp"ementati'n '- t8is Act9 c'nsistent >it8 t8e criteria esta$"is8ed in Artic"e IO7C9 Secti'n ) '- t8e C'nstituti'n and Secti'n 1. '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de (Batas ,am$ansa B"d( 11!) Ru"es and re(u"ati'ns pr'mu"(ated $% t8e COMELEC under and $% aut8'rit% '- t8is Secti'n s8a"" ta=e e--ect 'n t8e se*ent8 da% a-ter t8eir pu$"icati'n in at "east t>' (#) dai"% ne>spapers '- (enera" circu"ati'n ,ri'r t' e--ecti*it% '- said ru"es and re(u"ati'ns9 n' p'"itica" ad*ertisement 'r pr'pa(anda -'r 'r a(ainst an% candidate 'r p'"itica" part% s8a"" $e pu$"is8ed 'r $r'adcast t8r'u(8 mass media 6i'"ati'n '- t8is Act and t8e ru"es and re(u"ati'ns '- t8e COMELEC issued t' imp"ement t8is Act s8a"" $e an e"ecti'n '--ense punis8a$"e under t8e -irst and sec'nd para(rap8s '- Secti'n #.) '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de (Batas ,am$ansa B"d( 11!) Secti'n !) Repea"in( C"ause 7 Secti'n .0 and 1+ '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de (Batas ,am$ansa B"d( 11!) and Secti'ns !3 and !! '- Repu$"ic Act N' ..). are 379

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS 8ere$% repea"ed As a c'nse5uence9 t8e -irst pr'*is' in t8e t8ird para(rap8 '- Secti'n !! '- Repu$"ic Act N' 1)&. is rendered ine--ecti*e A"" "a>s9 presidentia" decrees9 e4ecuti*e 'rders9 ru"es and re(u"ati'ns9 'r an% part t8ere'- inc'nsistent >it8 t8e pr'*isi'ns '- t8is Act are 8ere$% repea"ed 'r m'di-ied 'r amended acc'rdin("% Secti'n !+ Separa$i"it% C"ause 7 I- an% pr'*isi'n 'r part 8ere'- is 8e"d in*a"id 'r unc'nstituti'na"9 t8e remainder '- t8is Act n't 't8er>ise a--ected s8a"" remain in -u"" -'rce and e--ect Secti'n !. E--ecti*it% 7 T8is Act s8a"" ta=e e--ect immediate"% up'n its appr'*a" Appr'*ed9 !# /e$ruar% #33!

380

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

APPENDI5 D COMELEC /ULES OF P/OCEDU/E P1r"1ant t Secti n 2 % Article I5#A an& Secti n ( % Article I5#C % t,e C n"tit1ti n % t,e /e61+lic % t,e P,ili66ine" an& t,e 6 =er" !e"te& in it +0 e7i"tin- la="> t,e C **i""i n n Electi n" ,ere+0 6r *1l-ate" t,e % ll =inr1le" - !ernin- 6lea&in-"> 6ractice an& 6r ce&1re +e% re it r an0 % it" %%ice"?

,ART I INTRODUCTORJ ,RO6ISIONS Ru"e ! 7 Tit"e and C'nstructi'n Secti'n ! Tit"e '- t8e Ru"es 7 T8ese ru"es s8a"" $e =n'>n and cited as t8e C'me"ec Ru"es '- ,r'cedure Secti'n # App"ica$i"it% 7 T8ese ru"es9 e4cept ,art 6I9 s8a"" app"% t' a"" acti'ns and pr'ceedin(s $r'u(8t $e-'re t8e C'mmissi'n ,art 6I s8a"" app"% t' e"ecti'n c'ntests and 5u' >arrant' cases c'(ni<a$"e $% c'urts '- (enera" Curisdicti'n Secti'n & C'nstructi'n 7 T8ese ru"es s8a"" $e "i$era""% c'nstrued in 'rder t' pr'm'te t8e e--ecti*e and e--icient imp"ementati'n '- t8e '$Cecti*es '- ensurin( t8e 8'"din( '-ree9 'rder"%9 8'nest9 peace-u" and credi$"e e"ecti'ns and t' ac8ie*e Cust9 e4pediti'us and ine4pensi*e determinati'n and disp'siti'n '- e*er% acti'n and pr'ceedin( $r'u(8t $e-'re t8e C'mmissi'n Secti'n ) Suspensi'n '- t8e Ru"es 7 In t8e interest '- Custice and in 'rder t' '$tain speed% disp'siti'n '- a"" matters pendin( $e-'re t8e C'mmissi'n9 t8ese ru"es 'r an% p'rti'n t8ere'- ma% $e suspended $% t8e C'mmissi'n Secti'n + Meanin( '- W'rds 7 W8ene*er used in t8ese Ru"es9 t8e -'""'>in( >'rds 'r terms s8a"" meanG (a) C'mmissi'n 7 t8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns

381

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

($) Di*isi'n 7 a Di*isi'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns (c) C8airman 7 t8e C8airman '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns (d) C'mmissi'ner 7 a C'mmissi'ner '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns (e) Mem$er 7 t8e C8airman 'r a C'mmissi'ner (-) Ordinar% Acti'ns 7 s8a"" re-er t' E"ecti'n ,r'tests9 ?u' >arrant'9 and Appea"s -r'm decisi'ns '- c'urts in e"ecti'n pr'test cases (() Specia" Acti'ns 7 s8a"" re-er t' ,etiti'ns t' den% c'urse t' certi-icate '- candidac%9 t' dec"are a candidate as a nuisance candidate9 t' dis5ua"i-% a candidate 'r t' p'stp'ne 'r suspend an e"ecti'n (8) Specia" Cases 7 s8a"" re-er t' ,re7pr'c"amati'n cases (i) Specia" Re"ie-s 7 s8a"" re-er t' Certi'rari9 ,r'8i$iti'n9 Mandamus and C'ntempt (C) ,r'*isi'na" Remedies 7 s8a"" re-er t' inCuncti'n andK'r restrainin( 'rder (=) Specia" ,r'ceedin(s 7 s8a"" re-er t' annu"ment '- permanent "ist '- *'ters9 re(istrati'n '- p'"itica" parties and accreditati'n '- citi<ensB arms '- t8e C'mmissi'n ,ART II ,OWERS O/ T;E COMMISSION AND TRANSACTION O/ BUSINESS Ru"e # 7 ,'>ers '- t8e C'mmissi'n Secti'n ! E4press ,'>ers 7 In t8e per-'rmance '- its administrati*e9 5uasi7Cudicia" and Cudicia" -uncti'ns9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" e4ercise a"" suc8 p'>ers and -uncti'ns as are e4press"% *ested up'n it $% t8e C'nstituti'n and $% "a> Secti'n # Imp"ied ,'>ers 7 T8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" "i=e>ise e4ercise suc8 p'>ers as are imp"ied in 'r are necessar% t' t8e e--ecti*e e4ercise '- its e4press p'>ers

Secti'n & In8erent ,'>ers 7 W8en per-'rmin( its c'nstituti'na" 'r statut'r% -uncti'ns9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" 8a*e in8erent p'>er t'G (a) ,reser*e and en-'rce 'rder in its immediate presenceH

382

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS ($) En-'rce 'rder in pr'ceedin(s $e-'re it 'r $e-'re an% '- its '--ices 'r '--icia"s emp'>ered t' c'nduct in*esti(ati'n under its aut8'rit% (c) C'mpe" '$edience t' its Cud(ments9 'rders and pr'cessesH (d) C'ntr'" its ministeria" '--icers and a"" 't8er pers'ns in an% manner c'nnected >it8 a case $e-'re it9 and in e*er% manner appertainin( t8eret'H (e) C'mpe" t8e attendance '- pers'ns t' testi-% in a case pendin( $e-'re itH (-) Administer 'r cause t' $e administered 'at8s in a case pendin( $e-'re it9 and in a"" 't8er cases >8ere it ma% $e necessar% in t8e e4ercise '- its p'>ersH (() Amend and c'ntr'" its pr'cesses and 'rders s' as t' ma=e t8em c'n-'rma$"e t' "a> and CusticeH (8) Aut8'ri<e a c'p% '- a "'st 'r destr'%ed p"eadin( 'r 't8er paper t' $e -i"ed and used instead '- t8e 'ri(ina"9 and t' rest're9 and supp"% de-iciencies in its rec'rds and pr'ceedin(s Secti'n ) Means t' E--ect Jurisdicti'n 7 A"" au4i"iar% >rits9 pr'cesses and 't8er means necessar% t' carr% int' e--ect its p'>ers 'r Curisdicti'n ma% $e emp"'%ed $% t8e C'mmissi'nH and i- t8e pr'cedure t' $e -'""'>ed in t8e e4ercise '- suc8 p'>er 'r Curisdicti'n is n't speci-ica""% pr'*ided -'r $% "a> 'r t8ese ru"es9 an% suita$"e pr'cess 'r pr'ceedin( ma% $e ad'pted Secti'n + ,'>ers and Duties '- t8e C8airman 7 T8e p'>ers and duties '- t8e C8airman '- t8e C'mmissi'n >8en disc8ar(in( 8is -uncti'ns in acti'ns 'r pr'ceedin(s $e-'re t8e C'mmissi'n are as -'""'>sG (a) T' issue ca""s -'r t8e sessi'ns '- t8e C'mmissi'nH ($) T' preside '*er t8e sessi'ns '- t8e C'mmissi'nH and t' act as ,residin( C'mmissi'ner '- a Di*isi'n >8en e4press"% aut8'ri<ed in t8ese Ru"esH

(c) T' desi(nate an% '- t8e C'mmissi'ners t' preside '*er sessi'ns '- t8e C'mmissi'ns en $anc in t8e e*ent '- 8is a$sence9 dis5ua"i-icati'n 'r in8i$iti'nH (d) T' preser*e 'rder and dec'rum durin( t8e sessi'nH (e) T' decide a"" 5uesti'ns '- 'rder9 su$Cect t' appea" t' t8e C'mmissi'n en $ancH (-) T' en-'rce 'rders9 res'"uti'ns9 and decisi'ns '- t8e C'mmissi'n and t8e Di*isi'nsH

383

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (() T' si(n inter"'cut'r% res'"uti'n9 'rders 'r ru"in(s and temp'rar% restrainin( 'rders '- t8e C'mmissi'n in cases n't %et assi(ned t' t8e Di*isi'nsH (8) T' ta=e suc8 't8er measures as 8e ma% deem pr'per up'n c'nsu"tati'n >it8 t8e 't8er mem$ers '- t8e C'mmissi'nH and (i) T' e4ercise suc8 't8er p'>ers as are *ested up'n 8im $% "a> 'r $% speci-ic pr'*isi'ns '- t8ese Ru"es Secti'n . ,'>ers and Duties '- t8e ,residin( C'mmissi'ner 7 T8e p'>ers and duties '- t8e ,residin( C'mmissi'ner '- a Di*isi'n >8en disc8ar(in( its -uncti'ns in cases pendin( $e-'re t8e Di*isi'n s8a"" $e as -'""'>sG (a) T' issue ca""s -'r t8e sessi'ns '- t8e Di*isi'nH ($) T' preside '*er t8e sessi'ns '- t8e Di*isi'nH (c) T' preser*e 'rder and dec'rum durin( t8e sessi'ns '- t8e Di*isi'nH (d) T' si(n inter"'cut'r% res'"uti'ns9 'rders 'r ru"in(s and temp'rar% restrainin( 'rders in cases a"read% assi(ned t' t8e Di*isi'nH (e) T' decide a"" 5uesti'ns '- 'rder9 su$Cect t' appea" t' t8e -u"" Di*isi'nH and (d) T' ta=e suc8 't8er measures as 8e ma% deem pr'per up'n c'nsu"tati'n >it8 t8e 't8er mem$ers '- t8e Di*isi'n Ru"e & 7 ;'> t8e C'mmissi'n Transacts Business

Secti'n ! ;'> Business is Transacted 7 In t8e e4ercise '- its C'nstituti'na" 'r statut'r% p'>ers9 -uncti'ns9 and duties9 t8e C'mmissi'n ma% sit en $anc 'r in t' Di*isi'ns Secti'n # T8e C'mmissi'n En Banc 7 T8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" sit en $anc in cases 8ereina-ter speci-ica""% pr'*ided9 'r in pre7pr'c"amati'n cases up'n a *'te '- a maC'rit% '- t8e mem$ers '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 'r in a"" 't8er cases >8ere a di*isi'n is n't aut8'ri<ed t' act9 'r >8ere9 up'n a unanim'us *'te '- a"" t8e Mem$ers '- a Di*isi'n9 an inter"'cut'r% matter 'r issue re"ati*e t' an acti'n 'r pr'ceedin( $e-'re it is decided t' $e re-erred t' t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc Secti'n & T8e C'mmissi'n Sittin( in Di*isi'ns 7 T8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" sit in t>' (#) Di*isi'ns t' 8ear and decide pr'tests 'r petiti'ns in 'rdinar% acti'ns9 specia" acti'ns9 specia" cases9 pr'*isi'na" remedies9 c'ntempt9 and specia" pr'ceedin(s e4cept in accreditati'n '- citi<enBs arms '- t8e C'mmissi'n

384

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti'n ) C'mp'siti'n '- a Di*isi'n 7 Eac8 Di*isi'n s8a"" $e c'mp'sed '- t8ree C'mmissi'ners9 'ne '- >8'm s8a"" $e t8e ,residin( C'mmissi'ner T8e C'mmissi'n en $anc s8a"" determine >8' s8a"" c'mp'se a Di*isi'n Secti'n + ?u'rumH 6'tes Re5uired 7 (a) W8en sittin( en $anc9 -'ur ()) Mem$ers 't8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" c'nstitute a 5u'rum -'r t8e purp'se '- transactin( $usiness T8e c'ncurrence '- a maC'rit% '- t8e Mem$ers '- t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" $e necessar% -'r t8e pr'n'uncement '- a decisi'n9 res'"uti'n9 'rder 'r ru"in( ($) W8en sittin( in Di*isi'n9 t>' (#) Mem$ers '- a Di*isi'n s8a"" c'nstitute a 5u'rum t' transact $usiness T8e c'ncurrence '- at "east t>' (#) Mem$ers '- a Di*isi'n s8a"" $e necessar% t' reac8 a decisi'n9 res'"uti'n9 'rder 'r ru"in( I- t8is re5uired num$er is n't '$tained9 t8e case s8a"" $e aut'matica""% e"e*ated t' t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc -'r decisi'n 'r res'"uti'n (c) An% m'ti'n t' rec'nsider a decisi'n9 res'"uti'n9 'rder 'r ru"in( '- a Di*isi'n s8a"" $e res'"*ed $% t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc e4cept m'ti'ns 'n inter"'cut'r% 'rders '- t8e di*isi'n >8ic8 s8a"" $e res'"*ed $% t8e di*isi'n >8ic8 issued t8e 'rder Secti'n . C8an(e in C'mp'siti'nH Su$stituti'n 7 T8e c'mp'siti'n '- a Di*isi'n ma% $e c8an(ed $% t8e C8airman '- t8e C'mmissi'n >8ene*er necessar%9 ,r'*ided t8at n' c8an(e s8a"" $e made m're t8an 'nce e*er% t8ree (&) m'nt8sH ,r'*ided M're'*er9 t8at n'tice t8ere'- in >ritin( s8a"" $e -urnis8ed t8e parties in cases pendin( $e-'re t8e Di*isi'n c'ncerned

W8ene*er t8ere is a *acanc% in a Di*isi'n $ecause a mem$er in8i$its 8imse"-9 is a$sent9 'r is dis5ua"i-ied -r'm sittin( in a case9 'r >8en a di*isi'n 8as 'n"% t>' (#) re(u"ar mem$ers9 t8e C8airman ma% app'int a su$stitute C'mmissi'ner9 'r t8e C8airman 8imse"- ma% sit as su$stitute 'r t8ird mem$er9 and in t8at e*ent 8e s8a"" preside Secti'n 0 Sessi'ns 7 T8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e Di*isi'ns s8a"" 8'"d sessi'ns 'n suc8 da%s and time as it ma% speci-% at t8e sessi'n 8a"" '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 'r at suc8 't8er p"aces in t8e ,8i"ippines as it ma% desi(nate Secti'n 1 Assi(nment '- Cases 7 T8e assi(nment '- cases '- t8e t>' (#) Di*isi'ns 8erein c'nstituted s8a"" $e d'ne strict"% t8r'u(8 ra--"e t' $e c'nducted re(u"ar"% $% t8e C8airman '- t8e C'mmissi'n in t8e presence '- at "east a maC'rit% '- t8e C'mmissi'nerH ,r'*ided9 T8at t8e assi(nment '- cases s8a"" $e made as e*en"% as p'ssi$"e Secti'n 2 C'ns'"idati'n '- Cases 7 W8en an acti'n 'r pr'ceedin( in*'"*es a 5uesti'n '- "a> and -act >8ic8 is simi"ar t' 'r c'mm'n >it8 t8at '- an't8er acti'n 'r pr'ceedin(9 t8e same ma% $e c'ns'"idated >it8 t8e acti'n 'r pr'ceedin( $earin( t8e "'>er d'c=et num$er 385

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Ru"e ) 7 Dis5ua"i-icati'n and In8i$iti'n Secti'n ! Dis5ua"i-icati'n 'r In8i$iti'n '- Mem$ers 7 (a) N' Mem$er s8a"" sit in an% case in >8ic8 8e 'r 8is sp'use 'r c8i"d is re"ated t' an% part% >it8in t8e si4t8 ci*i" de(ree 'r c'nsan(uinit% 'r a--init%9 'r t' t8e c'unse" '- an% '- t8e parties >it8in t8e -'urt8 ci*i" de(ree '- c'nsan(uinit% 'r a--init%9 'r in >8ic8 8e 8as pu$"ic"% e4pressed preCud(ment as ma% $e s8'>n $% c'n*incin( pr''-9 'r in >8ic8 t8e su$Cect t8ere'- is a decisi'n pr'mu"(ated $% 8im >8i"e pre*i'us"% ser*in( as presidin( Cud(e '- an in-eri'r c'urt9 >it8'ut t8e >ritten c'nsent '- a"" t8e parties9 si(ned $% t8em and entered in t8e rec'rds '- t8e caseH ,r'*ided9 t8at n' Mem$er s8a"" $e t8e Ip'nenteI 'an en $anc decisi'nKres'"uti'n 'n a m'ti'n t' rec'nsider a decisi'nKres'"uti'n >ritten $% 8im in a Di*isi'n ($) I- it $e c"aimed t8at a Mem$er is dis5ua"i-ied -r'm sittin( as a$'*e pr'*ided9 t8e part% raisin( t8e issue ma%9 in >ritin(9 -i"e 8is '$Cecti'n >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n9 statin( t8e (r'unds t8ere-'r T8e mem$er c'ncerned s8a"" eit8er c'ntinue t' participate in t8e 8earin( 'r >it8dra> t8ere-r'm9 in acc'rdance >it8 8is determinati'n '- t8e 5uesti'n '- 8is dis5ua"i-icati'n ;is decisi'n t8ere'n s8a"" -'rt8>it8 $e made in >ritin( and -i"ed >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n -'r pr'per n'tati'n and >it8 t8e rec'rds '- t8e case N' appea" 'r sta% s8a"" $e a""'>ed -r'm9 'r $% reas'n '-9 8is decisi'n in -a*'r '- 8is '>n c'mpetenc% unti" a-ter -ina" Cud(ment in t8e case (c) A Mem$er ma%9 in t8e e4ercise '- 8is s'und discreti'n9 in8i$it 8imse"- -r'm sittin( in a case -'r Cust 'r *a"id reas'ns 't8er t8an t8'se menti'ned a$'*e Secti'n # Dis5ua"i-icati'n Resu"tin( in Lac= '- ?u'rum 7 I- t8e dis5ua"i-icati'n 'r in8i$iti'n '- a Mem$er s8'u"d resu"t in a "ac= '- 5u'rum in t8e C'mmissi'n sittin( en $anc9 t8e ,residin( Justice '- t8e C'urt '- Appea"s9 up'n re5uest '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 s8a"" desi(nate a Justice '- said C'urt t' sit in said case -'r t8e purp'se '- 8earin( and renderin( a decisi'n t8ere'n ,ART III INITIATION O/ ACTIONS OR ,ROCEEDIN@S BE/ORE T;E COMMISSION Ru"e + 7 ,arties t' Acti'ns 'r ,r'ceedin(s Secti'n ! App"ica$i"it% 7 t8e Ru"es under ,art III s8a"" app"% t' a"" acti'ns and pr'ceedin(s 8ereina-ter pr'*ided -'r Secti'n # W8' ma% $e ,arties 7 On"% natura" 'r Curidica" pers'ns 'r entities du"% aut8'ri<ed $% "a>9 suc8 as a *'ter9 a candidate9 'r re(istered p'"itica" parties9 'r(ani<ati'n 'r c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" parties9 inc"udin( parties 'r 'r(ani<ati'ns under t8e part%7"ist s%stem9 and an% suc8 pers'n permitted $% t8ese Ru"es t' $rin( an acti'n 'r pr'ceedin( ma% $e parties in an% acti'n 'r pr'ceedin( $e-'re t8e C'mmissi'n Secti'n & ,arties in Interest 7 A"" acti'ns -i"ed >it8 t8e C'mmissi'ner must $e pr'secuted and de-ended in t8e name '- t8e rea" part% in interest 386

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti'n ) Desi(nati'n '- ,arties 7 A pers'n 5ua"i-ied t' $e a part% under Sec # 't8is Ru"e see=in( re"ie- s8a"" $e re-erred t' as ,etiti'ner 'r ,r'testant An% pers'n >8' c"aims interest ad*erse t' t8e petiti'ner 'r pr'testant 'r a(ainst >8'm a c"aim 'r interest is directed $% t8e petiti'ner 'r pr'testant9 s8a"" $e re-erred t' as t8e Resp'ndent 'r ,r'testee Secti'n + C"ass Suit 7 W8en t8e su$Cect matter '- t8e c'ntr'*ers% is 'ne '- c'mm'n 'r (enera" interest t' man% pers'ns9 and t8e parties are s' numer'us t8at it is impractica$"e t' $rin( t8em a"" $e-'re t8e C'mmissi'n9 'ne 'r m're ma% sue 'r de-end -'r t8e $ene-it '- a"" But in suc8 case9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" ma=e sure t8at t8e parties actua""% $e-'re it are su--icient"% numer'us and representati*e s' t8at a"" interests c'ncerned are -u""% pr'tected An% part% in interest s8a"" 8a*e a ri(8t t' inter*ene t' pr'tect 8is indi*idua" interest Secti'n . C'mpu"s'r% J'inder '- Indispensa$"e ,arties 7 ,arties in interest >it8'ut >8'm n' -ina" determinati'n '- an acti'n can $e 8ad s8a"" $e C'ined eit8er as petiti'ner 'r pr'testant 'r resp'ndent 'r pr'testee Ru"e . 7 C'mmencement '- Acti'n 'r ,r'ceedin(s Secti'n ! C'mmencement '- Acti'n 'r ,r'ceedin(s $% ,arties 7 An% natura" 'r Curidica" pers'n aut8'ri<ed $% t8ese ru"es t' initiate an% acti'n 'r pr'ceedin( s8a"" -i"e >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n a pr'test 'r petiti'n a""e(in( t8erein 8is pers'na" circumstances as >e"" as t8'se '- t8e pr'testee 'r resp'ndent9 t8e Curisdicti'na" -acts9 and a c'ncise statement '- t8e u"timate -acts c'nstitutin( 8is cause 'r causes '- acti'n and speci-%in( t8e re"ie- s'u(8t ;e ma% add a (enera" pra%er -'r suc8 -urt8er 'r 't8er re"ie- as ma% $e deemed Cust 'r e5uita$"e Secti'n # C'mmencement '- Acti'n $% t8e C'mmissi'n 7 In cases >8ere t8e C'mmissi'n is aut8'ri<ed t' initiate m'tu pr'pri' an acti'n 'r pr'ceedin(9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" issue an 'rder -'r 8earin( recitin( t8erein t8e purp'se -'r >8ic8 t8e 8earin( is $ein( ca""ed -'r and a c'ncise statement '- -acts (i*in( rise t8eret' C'pies '- suc8 'rder s8a"" $e ser*ed up'n pers'ns 'r re(istered p'"itica" parties9 'r(ani<ati'ns 'r c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" parties =n'>n t' 8a*e an interest in t8e matter 'r >8' ma% $e a--ected t8ere$%9 and pu$"is8ed in a ne>spaper '- (enera" circu"ati'n in t8e ,8i"ippines at "east ten (!3) da%s $e-'re t8e sc8edu"ed date '- 8earin( Ru"e 0 7 ,"eadin(s Secti'n ! /i"in( '- ,"eadin(s 7 E*er% p"eadin(9 m'ti'n and 't8er papers must $e -i"ed in ten (!3) "e(i$"e c'pies ;'>e*er9 >8en t8ere is m're t8an 'ne resp'ndent 'r pr'testee9 t8e petiti'ner 'r pr'testant must -i"e additi'na" num$er '- c'pies '- t8e petiti'n 'r pr'test as t8ere are additi'na" resp'ndents 'r pr'testees Secti'n # ;'> /i"ed 7 T8e d'cuments re-erred t' in t8e immediate"% precedin( secti'n must $e -i"ed direct"% >it8 t8e pr'per C"er= '- C'urt '- t8e C'mmissi'n pers'na""%9 'r9 un"ess 't8er>ise pr'*ided in t8ese Ru"es9 $% re(istered mai" In t8e 387

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS "atter case9 t8e date '- mai"in( is t8e date '- -i"in( and t8e re5uirement as t' t8e num$er '- c'pies must $e c'mp"ied >it8

Secti'n & /'rm '- ,"eadin(s9 etc 7 (a) A"" p"eadin(s a""'>ed $% t8ese Ru"es s8a"" $e printed9 mime'(rap8ed 'r t%pe>ritten 'n "e(a" si<e $'nd paper and s8a"" $e in En("is8 'r /i"ipin' ($) ,r'tests 'r petiti'ns in 'rdinar% acti'ns9 specia" acti'ns9 specia" cases9 specia" re"ie-s9 pr'*isi'na" remedies9 and specia" pr'ceedin(s9 as >e"" as c'unter7pr'tests9 c'unter7petiti'ns9 inter*enti'ns9 m'ti'ns -'r rec'nsiderati'n9 and appea"s -r'm ru"in(s '- $'ard '- can*assers s8a"" $e *eri-ied A"" ans>ers s8a"" $e *eri-ied (c) A p"eadin( s8a"" $e *eri-ied 'n"% $% an a--ida*it statin( t8at t8e pers'n *eri-%in( t8e same 8as read t8e p"eadin( and t8at t8e a""e(ati'ns t8erein are true '- 8is '>n =n'>"ed(e 6eri-icati'ns $ased 'n Iin-'rmati'n 'r $e"ie-I 'r up'n I=n'>"ed(eI9 Iin-'rmati'nI 'r I$e"ie-I s8a"" $e deemed insu--icient (d) Eac8 p"eadin( s8a"" c'ntain a captain settin( -'rt8 t8e name '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 t8e tit"e '- t8e case9 t8e d'c=et num$er and t8e desi(nati'n '- t8e p"eadin( W8en an acti'n 'r pr'ceedin( 8as $een assi(ned t' a Di*isi'n9 t8e capti'n s8a"" set -'rt8 t8e name '- t8e Di*isi'n Secti'n ) D'c=et and Assi(nment '- Num$ers 7 Up'n t8e /i"in( '- a pr'test 'r petiti'n9 t8e C"er= '- C'urt '- t8e C'mmissi'n c'ncerned s8a"" d'c=et t8e same and assi(n t' it a d'c=et num$er T8e num$erin( must $e c'nsecuti*e acc'rdin( t' t8e date it is -i"ed9 must $ear t8e %ear9 and pre-i4ed as -'""'>sG (a) E,C 7 -'r Ordinar% Acti'ns ($) EAC 7 -'r Appea"ed Cases (c) S,A 7 -'r Specia" Acti'ns (d) S,C 7 -'r Specia" Cases (e) S,R 7 -'r Specia" Re"ie-s (-) S,, 7 -'r Specia" ,r'ceedin(s (() EO 7 -'r E"ecti'n O--enses

Secti'n + N'n7acceptance '- ,"eadin( 7 N' p"eadin( s8a"" $e accepted $% t8e C'mmissi'n un"ess it c'n-'rms t' t8e -'rma" re5uirement pr'*ided 8erein 388

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Ru"e 1 7 Inter*enti'n Secti'n ! W8en ,r'per and W8' ma% $e ,ermitted t' Inter*ene 7 An% pers'n a""'>ed t' initiate an acti'n 'r pr'ceedin( ma%9 $e-'re 'r durin( t8e tria" '- an acti'n 'r pr'ceedin(9 $e permitted $% t8e C'mmissi'n9 in its discreti'n9 t' inter*ene in suc8 acti'n 'r pr'ceedin(9 i- 8e 8as "e(a" interest in t8e matter in "iti(ati'n9 'r in t8e success '- eit8er '- t8e parties9 'r an interest a(ainst $'t89 'r >8en 8e is s' situated as t' $e ad*erse"% a--ected $% suc8 acti'n 'r pr'ceedin( Secti'n # M'ti'n -'r Inter*enti'n 7 A pers'n desirin( t' inter*ene s8a"" -i"e a m'ti'n -'r "ea*e '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e Di*isi'n >it8 n'tice up'n a"" t8e parties t' t8e acti'n Secti'n & Discreti'n '- C'mmissi'n 7 In a""'>in( 'r disa""'>in( a m'ti'n -'r inter*enti'n9 t8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e Di*isi'n9 in t8e e4ercise '- its discreti'n9 s8a"" c'nsider >8et8er 'r n't t8e inter*enti'n >i"" undu"% de"a% 'r preCudice and adCudicati'n '- t8e ri(8ts '- t8e 'ri(ina" parties and >8et8er 'r n't t8e inter*en'rBs ri(8ts ma% $e -u""% pr'tected in a separate acti'n 'r pr'ceedin( Secti'n ) ,r'testK,etiti'n 'r Ans>er in Inter*enti'n 7 T8e inter*enti'n s8a"" $e made $% pr'test 'r petiti'n -i"ed and ser*ed in due -'rm9 and ma% $e ans>ered as i- it >ere an 'ri(ina" pr'test 'r petiti'nH $ut >8ere inter*en'r unites >it8 t8e pr'testee 'r resp'ndent in resistin( t8e c"aims '- pr'testant 'r petiti'ner9 t8e inter*enti'n ma% $e made in t8e -'rm '- an ans>er t' t8e pr'test 'r petiti'n Ru"e 2 7 Amended and Supp"ementa" ,"eadin(s Secti'n ! W8en Amendments A""'>ed as a Matter '- Ri(8t 7 A part% ma% amend 8is p"eadin(s 'nce as a matter '- c'urse at an% time $e-'re a resp'nsi*e p"eadin( is ser*ed9 'r9 i- t8e p"eadin( is 'ne t' >8ic8 n' resp'nsi*e p"eadin( is permitted and t8e acti'n 8as n't $een p"aced up'n t8e tria" ca"endar9 8e ma% s' amend it at an% time >it8in -i*e da%s a-ter it is ser*ed Secti'n # Amendments On"% $% Lea*e 7 A-ter t8e case is set -'r 8earin(9 su$stantia" amendments ma% $e made 'n"% up'n "ea*e '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e Di*isi'n9 as t8e case ma% $e Suc8 "ea*e ma% $e re-used i- it appears t' t8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e Di*isi'n t8at t8e m'ti'n >as made >it8 intent t' de"a% t8e acti'n 'r t8at t8e cause 'acti'n 'r de-ense is su$stantia""% a"tered Orders '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e Di*isi'n up'n t8e matters pr'*ided in t8is secti'n s8a"" $e made up'n m'ti'n du"% -i"ed9 and a-ter t8e ad*erse t8e part% 8as $een n'ti-ied and a--'rded an 'pp'rtunit% t' $e 8eard Secti'n & Matters Su$Cect '- Supp"ementa" ,"eadin(s 7 Up'n m'ti'n '- a part% t8e C'mmissi'n 'r a Di*isi'n9 as t8e case ma% $e9 ma%9 up'n n'tice and up'n suc8 terms as are Cust9 permit 8im t' ser*e a supp"ementa" p"eadin( settin( -'rt8 transacti'ns9 'ccurrences 'r e*ents >8ic8 8a*e 8appened since t8e date '- t8e p"eadin( s'u(8t t' $e supp"emented I- t8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e Di*isi'n deems it ad*isa$"e t8at t8e ad*erse part% s8'u"d p"ead t8eret'9 it s8a"" s' 'rder9 speci-%in( t8e time t8ere-'r 389

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Ru"e !3 7 ,eri'ds -'r ,"eadin( Secti'n ! Tit"e t' Ans>er 7 Un"ess 't8er>ise pr'*ided in t8ese Ru"es9 (a) In 'rdinar% acti'ns9 specia" re"ie-s9 and specia" pr'ceedin(s9 t8e ans>er must $e -i"ed >it8in -i*e (+) da%s -r'm ser*ice '- summ'ns and a c'p% '- t8e petiti'nH and ($) In specia" acti'ns and specia" cases9 t8e ans>er must $e -i"ed >it8in t8ree (&) da%s -r'm ser*ice '- summ'n and a c'p% '- t8e petiti'n Secti'n # Ans>er t' Amended ,r'test 'r ,etiti'n 7 I- t8e pr'test 'r petiti'n is amended9 t8e time -i4ed -'r t8e -i"in( and ser*ice '- t8e ans>er s8a""9 un"ess 't8er>ise 'rdered9 run -r'm receipt '- t8e n'tice '- t8e 'rder admittin( t8e amended pr'test 'r petiti'n 'r -r'm ser*ice '- suc8 amended pr'test 'r petiti'n An ans>er -i"ed $e-'re t8e amendment s8a"" stand as an ans>er t' t8e amended pr'test 'r petiti'n9 un"ess a ne> 'ne is -i"ed >it8in -i*e (+) da%s -r'm n'tice 'r ser*ice as 8erein pr'*ided Secti'n & Ans>er t' C'unter7,r'test 'r C'unterc"aim 7 A c'unter7pr'test9 'r a c'unterc"aim >8en appr'priate9 must $e -i"ed >it8in -i*e (+) da%s -r'm t8e date 'ser*ice t8ere'- up'n t8e pr'testant 'r petiti'ner Secti'n ) ,eri'd '- Inter*ene and Time t' Ans>er Inter*enti'n 7 W8ene*er inter*enti'n is a""'>ed t8e same must $e -i"ed >it8in -i*e (+) da%s -r'm receipt '- t8e 'rder permittin( t8e inter*enti'n9 un"ess a di--erent peri'd is -i4ed $% t8e C'mmissi'n 'r Di*isi'n Secti'n + Rep"% 7 Un"ess 't8er>ise pr'*ided in t8ese Ru"es9 a rep"% ma% $e -i"ed >it8in -i*e (+) da%s -r'm receipt '- t8e ans>er

Secti'n . E4tensi'n '- Time t' ,"ead 7 Un"ess 't8er>ise pr'*ided in t8ese Ru"es9 t8e time t' p"ead ma% $e e4tended $% t8e C'mmissi'n up'n m'ti'n and 'n suc8 terms as it ma% deem Cust Ru"e !! 7 M'ti'ns Secti'n ! M'ti'ns De-ined 7 E*er% app"icati'ns -'r an 'rder n't inc"uded in a decisi'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'r a Di*isi'n ma% $e ca""ed a m'ti'n Secti'n # M'ti'ns Must $e in Writin( 7 A"" m'ti'ns s8a"" $e in >ritin(9 e4cept m'ti'ns -'r c'ntinuance made in t8e presence '- t8e ad*erse part%9 'r t8'se made in t8e c'urse '- a 8earin( 'r tria" Secti'n & C'ntents '- M'ti'ns 7 A m'ti'n s8a"" state t8e 'rder s'u(8t t' $e '$tained and t8e (r'unds up'n >8ic8 it is $ased

390

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti'n ) N'tice 7 N'tice '- a m'ti'n s8a"" $e ser*ed $% t8e m'*ant t' a"" parties c'ncerned9 at "east t8ree (&) da%s $e-'re t8e 8earin( t8ere'-9 t'(et8er >it8 a c'p% 't8e m'ti'n /'r (''d cause s8'>n9 t8e m'ti'n ma% $e 8eard 'n s8'rter n'tice9 especia""% 'n matters >8ic8 t8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e Di*isi'n ma% disp'se '- 'n its '>n m'ti'n T8e n'tice s8a"" $e directed t' t8e parties c'ncerned and s8a"" state t8e time and p"ace '- t8e 8earin( '- t8e m'ti'n Secti'n + ,r''- '- Ser*ice 7 N' m'ti'n s8a"" $e acted up'n $% t8e C'mmissi'n >it8'ut pr''- '- ser*ice '- n'tice t8ere'-9 e4cept >8en t8e C'mmissi'n 'r a Di*isi'n is satis-ied t8at t8e ri(8ts '- t8e ad*erse part% 'r parties are n't a--ected Secti'n . N' 'ra" Ar(uments -'r M'ti'ns 7 N' 'ra" ar(ument s8a"" $e 8eard in supp'rt '- m'ti'ns un"ess9 -'r specia" reas'ns9 t8e C'mmissi'n 'r a Di*isi'n directs 't8er>ise Secti'n 0 M'ti'n Da% 7 T8e -irst 8'urs '- t8e sessi'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc 'r '- t8e di*isi'n s8a"" $e de*'ted t' 8earin(s '- m'ti'ns Secti'n 1 Omni$us M'ti'n 7 A m'ti'n assai"in( a p"eadin( 'r a pr'ceedin( s8a"" inc"ude a"" '$Cecti'ns t8en a*ai"a$"e9 and a"" '$Cecti'ns n't s' inc"uded s8a"" $e deemed >ai*ed

Ru"e !# 7 Ser*ice and /i"in( '- ,"eadin(s and Ot8er ,apers Secti'n ! /i"in( >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n 7 T8e /i"in( '- p"eadin(s9 appearances9 m'ti'ns9 n'tices9 and 't8er papers >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n as re5uired $% t8ese ru"es s8a"" $e made $% -i"in( t8em pers'na""% 'r t8r'u(8 a du"% aut8'ri<ed representati*e >it8 t8e appr'priate C"er= '- C'urt '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 'r $% re(istered mai" e4cept in a specia" acti'n t' dec"are a candidate as a nuisance candidate I- -i"ed pers'na""% 'r $% a du"% aut8'ri<ed representati*e9 t8e C"er= '- C'urt s8a"" stamp 'n t8e p"eadin( t8e date and 8'ur '- -i"in( It -i"ed $% re(istered mai"9 t8e date '- t8e mai"in( 'm'ti'ns9 p"eadin(s9 'r 't8er papers 'r pa%ments 'r dep'sits9 as s8'>n $% t8e p'st '--ice stamp 'n t8e en*e"'pe 'r t8e re(istr% receipt9 s8a"" $e c'nsidered as t8e date 't8eir -i"in(9 pa%ment 'r dep'sit >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n T8e en*e"'pe s8a"" $e attac8ed t' t8e rec'rds '- t8e case Secti'n # ,apers t' $e /i"ed and Ser*ed 7 Orders re5uired t' $e ser*ed9 p"eadin(s su$se5uent t' a petiti'n 'r pr'test9 >ritten m'ti'ns 't8er t8an t8'se >8ic8 ma% $e 8eard e47parte9 and >ritten n'tices9 appearances9 demand 'r '--er '- Cud(ment 'r simi"ar papers s8a"" $e -i"ed >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n and ser*ed up'n t8e parties a--ected t8ere$% I- an% '- t8e parties 8as appeared $% an att'rne% 'r att'rne%s9 ser*ice s8a"" $e made up'n 8is att'rne% 'r up'n an% '- 8is att'rne%s9 un"ess ser*ice up'n t8e part% 8imse"- is 'rdered $% t8e C'mmissi'n 'r Di*isi'n W8ere 'ne 391

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS att'rne% appears -'r se*era" parties9 8e s8a"" $e entit"ed t' 'n"% 'ne c'p% '- an% paper ser*ed up'n 8im $% t8e 'pp'site side Secti'n & M'de9 C'mp"eti'n and ,r''- '- Ser*ice 7 Ser*ice '- p"eadin(s9 m'ti'ns9 n'tices9 'rders 'r Cud(ment and 't8er papers9 t8e c'mp"eteness t8ere'-9 and pr''- 'suc8 ser*ice s8a"" $e made in t8e manner prescri$ed $% t8e Ru"es '- C'urt '- t8e ,8i"ippines Ru"e !& 7 ,r'8i$ited ,"eadin(s Secti'n ! W8at ,"eadin(s are n't A""'>ed 7 T8e -'""'>in( p"eadin(s are n't a""'>edG (a) m'ti'n t' dismissH ($) m'ti'n -'r a $i"" '- particu"arsH (c) m'ti'n -'r e4tensi'n '- time t' -i"e mem'randum 'r $rie-H

(d) m'ti'n -'r rec'nsiderati'n '- an en $anc ru"in(9 res'"uti'n9 'rder 'r decisi'n e4cept in e"ecti'n '--ense casesH (e) m'ti'n -'r re7'penin( 'r re78earin( '- a caseH (-) rep"% in specia" acti'ns and in specia" casesH and (() supp"ementa" p"eadin(s in specia" acti'ns and in specia" cases ,ART I6 DIS,OSITION O/ ACTIONS OR ,ROCEEDIN@S Ru"e !) 7 Summ'ns Secti'n ! C"er= t' Issue Summ'ns 7 Un"ess 't8er>ise pr'*ided 8erein9 t8e C"er= 'C'urt '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e di*isi'n c'ncerned s8a"" issue t8e c'rresp'ndin( summ'ns t' t8e pr'testee 'r resp'ndent >it8in t8ree (&) da%s -'""'>in( t8e -i"in( '- a pr'test 'r petiti'n in 'rdinar% acti'ns e4cept appea"s -r'm decisi'ns '- c'urts in e"ecti'n pr'test cases9 in specia" acti'ns9 specia" cases9 specia" re"ie-s9 and in specia" pr'ceedin(s Secti'n # C'ntents 7 Summ'ns s8a"" $e directed t' t8e pr'testee 'r resp'ndent9 si(ned $% t8e C"er= '- C'urt '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e di*isi'n c'ncerned under t8e sea" '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 and s8a"" c'ntain (a) t8e name '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'r its Di*isi'n and t8e names '- t8e partiesH ($) a directi'n t8at t8e pr'testee 'r resp'ndent s8a"" ans>er >it8in t8e time -i4ed $% t8ese Ru"es 392

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS A c'p% '- t8e pr'test 'r petiti'n s8a"" $e attac8ed t' t8e 'ri(ina" and t' eac8 c'p% 't8e summ'ns Secti'n & Issuance '- Ot8er Summ'ns 7 I- a summ'ns is returned >it8'ut $ein( ser*ed 'n an% '- t8e pr'testees 'r resp'ndents9 'r i- it 8as $een "'st9 t8e C"er= 'C'urt c'ncerned9 'n demand '- t8e pr'testant 'r petiti'ner9 ma% issue an't8er summ'ns as t8e case ma% re5uire9 in t8e same -'rm as t8e 'ri(ina" Secti'n ) B% W8'm Summ'ns Ma% $e Ser*ed 7 T8e summ'ns ma% $e ser*ed $% pers'na" ser*ice 'r $% mai" ,ers'na" ser*ice ma% $e made $% a $ai"i-- '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e di*isi'n 'r up'n re5uest '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'r a Di*isi'n9 $% t8e s8eri-- '- an% c'urt in t8e p"ace >8ere t8e parties t' $e ser*ed resideH 'r -'r specia" reas'ns9 $% an% pers'n especia""% aut8'ri<ed $% t8e C'mmissi'n 'r a Di*isi'n

Secti'n + Return 7 W8en t8e ser*ice 8as $een c'mp"eted $% pers'na" ser*ice9 t8e ser*er s8a"" (i*e n'tice t8ere'-9 $% re(istered mai"9 t' t8e pr'testant 'r petiti'ner 'r 8is c'unse" and s8a"" return t8e summ'ns t' t8e C"er= '- C'urt c'ncerned >8' issued it9 acc'mpanied >it8 t8e pr''- '- ser*ice Secti'n . ,r''- '- Ser*ice 7 ,r''- '- ser*ice '- summ'ns s8a"" $e made in t8e manner pr'*ided -'r in t8e Ru"es '- C'urt in t8e ,8i"ippines Ru"e !+ 7 ,re7Tria" Secti'n ! ,urp'se '- ,re7Tria" 7 At t8e discreti'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e Di*isi'n9 t8e parties and t8eir att'rne%s ma% $e re5uired t' appear $e-'re it -'r a pre7 tria" c'n-erence t' c'nsiderG (a) T8e simp"i-icati'n '- issuesH ($) T8e p'ssi$i"it% '- '$tainin( admissi'n '- -acts and '- d'cuments t' a*'id unnecessar% pr''-H (c) T8e "imitati'n '- t8e num$er '- >itnessesH and (d) Suc8 't8er matters as ma% $e aid in t8e pr'mpt disp'siti'n '- t8e acti'n 'r pr'ceedin( T8is ru"e s8a"" n't app"% t' e"ecti'n pr'test cases -i"ed $e-'re t8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns In suc8 cases9 t8e parties s8a"" su$mit9 t' -'rm part '- t8e rec'rd '- t8e case9 a p'siti'n paper >8ic8 summari<es t8eir "e(a" p'siti'ns Ru"e !. 7 Su$p'ena

393

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti'n ! Su$p'ena Ad Testi-icandum 'r Su$p'ena Duces Tecum 7 Su$p'ena ad testi-icandum 'r su$p'ena duces tecum ma% $e issued $% t8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e Di*isi'n m'tu pr'pi'9 'r up'n re5uest '- t8e parties in an% case Secti'n # B% W8'm Issued 7 T8e su$p'ena s8a"" $e 8eard $% t8e C8airman '- t8e C'mmissi'n in cases 8eard en $anc9 'r $% t8e ,residin( C'mmissi'ner '- t8e Di*isi'n c'ncerned

Secti'n & /'rm and C'ntents 7 A su$p'ena s8a"" $e si(ned $% t8e C"er= '- C'urt c'ncerned It s8a"" state t8e name '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e Di*isi'n issuin( it and t8e tit"e '- t8e acti'nH it s8a"" $e directed t' t8e pers'n >8'se attendance is re5uired9 and in t8e case '- a su$p'ena duces tecum9 it s8a"" a"s' c'ntain a reas'na$"e descripti'n '- t8e $''=s9 d'cuments 'r t8in(s demanded >8ic8 ma% appear prima -acie re"e*ant Secti'n ) Aut8'rit% '- O--icia"s '- t8e C'mmissi'n t' Issue Su$p'ena 7 O--icia"s 't8e C'mmissi'n aut8'ri<ed under t8ese Ru"es t' 8ear cases and recei*e e*idence 'r c'nduct pre"iminar% in*esti(ati'n s8a"" 8a*e t8e aut8'rit% t' issue su$p'ena in c'nnecti'n >it8 suc8 cases Ru"e !0 7 ;earin(s Secti'n ! N'tice '- ;earin( 7 A-ter t8e issues 8a*e $een C'ined9 t8e case s8a"" $e set -'r 8earin( and t8e parties9 t8ru c'unse"9 s8a"" $e ser*ed9 pers'na""% 'r $% re(istered mai"9 (i*in( su--icient time -'r t8e n'tice t8ere'- t' $e recei*ed $% t8e parties n't "ess t8an t8ree (&) da%s $e-'re t8e date set W8ene*er necessar%9 te"e(rap8ic n'tices s8a"" $e sent simu"tane'us"% >it8 t8e -'rma" n'tice '- 8earin( Secti'n # Order '- ;earin( 7 Un"ess t8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e Di*isi'n9 as t8e case ma% $e9 -'r specia" reas'ns9 directs 't8er>ise9 t8e 'rder '- 8earin( s8a"" $e as -'""'>sG (a) T8e petiti'ner 'r pr'testant s8a"" present e*idence 'n 8is partH ($) T8e pr'testant7in7inter*enti'n9 i- an%9 s8a"" present e*idence 'n 8is partH (c) T8e resp'ndent 'r pr'testee s8a"" t8en '--er e*idence in supp'rt '- 8is de-ense 'r c'unter7pr'test9 i- an%H (d) T8e parties ma% t8en respecti*e"% '--er re$uttin( e*idence 'n"%9 un"ess t8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e Di*isi'n9 as t8e case ma% $e9 -'r (''d reas'ns9 in t8e -urt8erance '- Custice9 permits t8em t' '--er e*idence up'n t8eir 'ri(ina" caseH (e) W8en t8e e*idence is c'nc"uded9 un"ess t8e parties a(ree t' su$mit t8e case >it8'ut ar(uments9 t8e parties 'r t8eir c'unse" ma% $e a""'>ed t' ar(ue9 su$Cect t' suc8 "imitati'n '- time as t8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e Di*isi'n ma% prescri$eH 394

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

(-) In "ieu '- 'ra" ar(uments9 t8e parties ma% $e a""'>ed t' su$mit t8eir respecti*e mem'randa >it8in a peri'd '- t8ree (&) da%s Secti'n & Ora" Testim'n% Dispensed >it8 W8ere ,r'ceedin(s are Summar% 7 W8en t8e pr'ceedin(s are aut8'ri<ed t' $e summar%9 in "ieu '- 'ra" testim'nies9 t8e parties ma%9 a-ter due n'tice9 $e re5uired t' su$mit t8eir p'siti'n paper t'(et8er >it8 a--ida*its9 c'unter7a--ida*its and 't8er d'cumentar% e*idenceH and >8en t8ere is a need -'r c"ari-icati'n '- certain matters9 at t8e discreti'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e Di*isi'n9 t8e parties ma% $e a""'>ed t' cr'ss7e4amine t8e a--iants T8is pr'*isi'n s8a"" "i=e>ise app"% t' cases >8ere t8e 8earin( and recepti'n 'e*idence are de"e(ated $% t8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e Di*isi'n t' an% '- its '--icia"sH and >8en t8ere is a need -'r c"ari-icati'n '- certain matters9 t8e 8earin( '--icer ma% sc8edu"e a 8earin( t' pr'p'und c"ari-icat'r% 5uesti'ns9 '$ser*in( -'r t8at purp'se Secti'n . '- Ru"e &) '- t8ese Ru"es Secti'n ) ,eri'd t' Terminate ;earin( W8en De"e(ated 7 T8e 8earin( and recepti'n '- e*idence9 >8en de"e(ated $% t8e C'mmissi'n 'r a Di*isi'n t' an% '- its '--icia"s9 s8a"" $e c'mp"eted >it8in t8ree (&) da%s T8e '--icia" c'ncerned s8a"" su$mit 8is -indin(s9 rep'rt and rec'mmendati'n t' t8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e Di*isi'n >it8in t8ree (&) da%s -r'm suc8 c'mp"eti'n Secti'n + A(reement 'n /acts 7 T8e parties t' an% acti'n ma% a(ree in >ritin( 'n t8e -acts in*'"*ed in t8e case Ru"e !1 7 Decisi'ns Secti'n ! ,r'cedure in Ma=in( Decisi'ns 7 T8e c'nc"usi'ns '- t8e C'mmissi'n in an% case su$mitted t' it -'r decisi'n en $anc 'r in Di*isi'n s8a"" $e reac8ed in c'nsu"tati'n $e-'re t8e case is assi(ned $% ra--"e t' a Mem$er -'r t8e >ritin( '- t8e 'pini'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e Di*isi'n and a certi-icati'n t' t8is e--ect si(ned $% t8e C8airman 'r t8e ,residin( C'mmissi'ner9 as t8e case ma% $e9 s8a"" $e inc'rp'rated in t8e decisi'n An% Mem$er >8' t''= n' part9 'r dissented9 'r a$stained -r'm a decisi'n 'r res'"uti'n must state t8e reas'n t8ere-'r E*er% decisi'n s8a"" e4press t8erein c"ear"% and distinct"% t8e -acts and t8e "a> 'n >8ic8 it is $ased

Secti'n # Minute Res'"uti'n 7 N' minute res'"uti'n res'"*in( a case s8a"" $e rendered i- e*idence 8as $een adduced and recei*ed Secti'n & W8en E4tended Opini'n Reser*ed 7 W8en in a (i*en res'"uti'n 'r decisi'n t8e >ritin( '- an e4tended 'pini'n is reser*ed9 t8e e4tended 'pini'n s8a"" $e re"eased >it8in -i-teen (!+) da%s a-ter t8e pr'mu"(ati'n '- t8e res'"uti'n 395

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti'n ) ,eri'd t' Appea" 'r /i"e M'ti'n -'r Rec'nsiderati'n W8en E4tended Opini'n is Reser*ed 7 I- an e4tended 'pini'n is reser*ed in a decisi'n 'r res'"uti'n9 t8e peri'd t' -i"e a petiti'n -'r certi'rari >it8 t8e Supreme C'urt 'r t' -i"e a m'ti'n -'r rec'nsiderati'n s8a"" $e(in t' run 'n"% -r'm t8e date t8e a((rie*ed part% recei*ed a c'p% '- t8e e4tended 'pini'n Secti'n + ,r'mu"(ati'n 7 T8e pr'mu"(ati'n '- a decisi'n 'r res'"uti'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'r a Di*isi'n s8a"" $e made 'n a date pre*i'us"% -i4ed9 '- >8ic8 n'tice s8a"" $e ser*ed in ad*ance up'n t8e parties 'r t8eir att'rne%s pers'na""% 'r $% re(istered mai" 'r $% te"e(ram Secti'n . ,r'cedure i- Opini'n is E5ua""% Di*ided 7 W8en t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc is e5ua""% di*ided in 'pini'n9 'r t8e necessar% maC'rit% cann't $e 8ad9 t8e case s8a"" $e re8eard9 and i- 'n re8earin( n' decisi'n is reac8ed9 t8e acti'n 'r pr'ceedin( s8a"" $e dismissed i- 'ri(ina""% c'mmenced in t8e C'mmissi'nH in appea"ed cases9 t8e Cud(ment 'r 'rder appea"ed -r'm s8a"" stand a--irmedH and in a"" incidenta" matters9 t8e petiti'n 'r m'ti'n s8a"" $e denied Secti'n 0 ,eri'd t' Decide $% t8e C'mmissi'n En Banc 7 An% case 'r matter su$mitted t' 'r 8eard $% t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc s8a"" $e decided >it8in t8irt% (&3) da%s -r'm t8e date it is seemed su$mitted -'r decisi'n 'r res'"uti'n9 e4cept a m'ti'n -'r rec'nsiderati'n '- a decisi'n 'r res'"uti'n '- a Di*isi'n in Specia" Acti'ns and Specia" Cases >8ic8 s8a"" $e decided >it8in -i-teen (!+) da%s -r'm t8e date t8e case 'r matter is deemed su$mitted -'r decisi'n9 un"ess 't8er>ise pr'*ided $% "a> Secti'n 1 ,eri'd t' Decide $% a Di*isi'n 7 An% case 'r matter 8eard $% a Di*isi'n s8a"" $e decided >it8in ten (!3) da%s -r'm t8e date it is deemed su$mitted -'r decisi'n 'r res'"uti'n9 e4cept in Specia" Acti'ns and Specia" Cases >8ic8 s8a"" $e decided 'r res'"*ed >it8in -i*e (+) da%s -r'm t8e date t8e% are deemed su$mitted -'r decisi'n 'r res'"uti'n9 un"ess 't8er>ise pr'*ided $% "a>

Secti'n 2 W8en Deemed Su$mitted -'r Decisi'n 7 (a) A case 'r matter is deemed su$mitted -'r decisi'n 'r res'"uti'n up'n t8e -i"in( '- t8e "ast p"eadin(9 $rie- 'r mem'randum as re5uired in t8ese Ru"es 'r $% t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc 'r $% a Di*isi'n ($) ;'>e*er9 i- t8e 8earin( and recepti'n '- e*idence are de"e(ated t' an% '- its '--icia"s9 t8e case 'r matter s8a"" $e deemed su$mitted -'r decisi'n as '- t8e date 't8e receipt '- t8e -indin(s9 rep'rt and rec'mmendati'n '- t8e '--icia" s' de"e(ated Secti'n !3 Dut% t' Certi-% t' t8e ,resident 7 In e"ecti'n pr'tests and 5u' >arrant' cases9 i- t8e decisi'n s8a"" $e t8at n'ne '- t8e parties 8as $een "e(a""% e"ected9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" certi-% suc8 decisi'n t' t8e ,resident '- t8e ,8i"ippines Secti'n !! Dut% t' N'ti-% Ot8er A(encies '- t8e @'*ernment 7 (a) As s''n as a decisi'n in an e"ecti'n pr'test >it8in t8e 'ri(ina" Curisdicti'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'r 396

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS in a 5u' >arrant' case $ec'mes -ina" and e4ecut'r%9 n'tices t8ere'- s8a"" $e sent t' t8e ,resident9 t8e Secretar% '- L'ca" @'*ernment9 t8e C8airman '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'n Audit9 and t8e Secretar% '- t8e San((unian( ,amp''= in t8e case '- re(i'na" '--icia"s9 t8e Secretar% '- t8e San((unian( ,an"a"a>i(an in t8e case '- pr'*incia" '--icia"s9 and t8e Secretar% '- t8e San((unian( ,an("un(s'd in t8e case '- cit% '--icia"s ($) As s''n as a decisi'n 'r res'"uti'n in an appea"ed e"ecti'n case $ec'mes -ina" and e4ecut'r%9 n'tices t8ere'- s8a"" $e sent t' t8e ,resident9 t8e Secretar% '- L'ca" @'*ernment9 t8e C8airman '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'n Audit9 and t8e Secretar% '- t8e San((unian( Ba%an in t8e case '- municipa" '--icia"s and t8e Secretar% '- t8e San((unian( Baran(a% in t8e case '- $aran(a% '--icia"s Secti'n !# Disseminati'n '- Decisi'n in a ,etiti'n t' Den% Due C'urse t' 'r Cance" a Certi-icate '- Candidac% 'r t' Dec"are a Candidate as a Nuisance Candidate 7 T8e C'mmissi'n s8a""9 >it8in t>ent%7-'ur (#)) 8'urs -r'm t8e pr'mu"(ati'n '- a decisi'n in petiti'ns t' den% due c'urse t' 'r cance" a certi-icate '- candidac%9 dec"are a candidate a nuisance candidate 'r dis5ua"i-% a candidate9 disseminate its decisi'n9 'r t8e decisi'n '- t8e Supreme C'urt i- t8e C'mmissi'nBs decisi'n is $r'u(8t $% t8e a((rie*ed part% t' said C'urt9 t' t8e e"ecti'n re(istrars c'ncerned9 $'ards '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs9 and t8e (enera" pu$"ic in t8e p'"itica" su$di*isi'n c'ncerned t8r'u(8 t8e -astest means a*ai"a$"e

Secti'n !& /ina"it% '- Decisi'ns 'r Res'"uti'ns 7 (a) In 'rdinar% acti'ns9 specia" pr'ceedin(s9 pr'*isi'na" remedies and specia" re"ie-s a decisi'n 'r res'"uti'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc s8a"" $ec'me -ina" and e4ecut'r% a-ter t8irt% (&3) da%s -r'm its pr'mu"(ati'n ($) In Specia" Acti'ns and Specia" Cases a decisi'n 'r res'"uti'ns '- t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc s8a"" $ec'me -ina" and e4ecut'r% a-ter -i*e (+) da%s -r'm its pr'mu"(ati'n un"ess restrained $% t8e Supreme C'urt (c) Un"ess a m'ti'n -'r rec'nsiderati'n is seas'na$"% -i"ed9 a decisi'n 'r res'"uti'n 'a Di*isi'n s8a"" $ec'me -ina" and e4ecut'r% a-ter t8e "apse '- -i*e (+) da%s in Specia" acti'ns and Specia" cases and a-ter -i-teen (!+) da%s in a"" 't8er acti'ns 'r pr'ceedin(s9 -'""'>in( its pr'mu"(ati'n Ru"e !2 7 M'ti'ns -'r Rec'nsiderati'n Secti'n ! @r'unds '- M'ti'n -'r Rec'nsiderati'n 7 A m'ti'n -'r rec'nsiderati'n ma% $e -i"ed 'n t8e (r'unds t8at t8e e*idence is insu--icient t' Custi-% t8e decisi'n9 'rder 'r ru"in(H 'r t8at t8e said decisi'n9 'rder 'r ru"in( is c'ntrar% t' "a> Secti'n # ,eri'd -'r /i"in( M'ti'ns -'r Rec'nsiderati'n 7 A m'ti'n t' rec'nsider a decisi'n9 res'"uti'n9 'rder9 'r ru"in( '- a Di*isi'n s8a"" $e -i"ed >it8in -i*e (+) da%s 397

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS -r'm t8e pr'mu"(ati'n t8ere'- Suc8 m'ti'n9 i- n't pr'-'rma9 suspends t8e e4ecuti'n 'r imp"ementati'n '- t8e decisi'n9 res'"uti'n9 'rder 'r ru"in( Secti'n & /'rm and C'ntents '- M'ti'n -'r Rec'nsiderati'n 7 T8e m'ti'n s8a"" $e *eri-ied and s8a"" p'int 'ut speci-ica""% t8e -indin(s 'r c'nc"usi'ns '- t8e decisi'n9 res'"uti'n9 'rder 'r ru"in( >8ic8 are n't supp'rted $% t8e e*idence 'r >8ic8 are c'ntrar% t' "a>9 ma=in( e4press re-erence t' t8e testim'nia" 'r d'cumentar% e*idence 'r t8e pr'*isi'ns '- "a> a""e(ed t' $e c'ntrar% t' suc8 -indin(s 'r c'nc"usi'ns Secti'n ) E--ect '- M'ti'n -'r Rec'nsiderati'n 'n ,eri'd t' Appea" 7 A m'ti'n t' rec'nsider a decisi'n9 res'"uti'n9 'rder 'r ru"in( >8en n't pr'7-'rma9 suspends t8e runnin( '- t8e peri'd t' e"e*ate t8e matter t' t8e Supreme C'urt Secti'n + ;'> M'ti'n -'r Rec'nsiderati'n Disp'sed O- 7 Up'n t8e -i"in( '- a m'ti'n t' rec'nsider a decisi'n9 res'"uti'n9 'rder 'r ru"in( '- a Di*isi'n9 t8e C"er= 'C'urt c'ncerned s8a""9 >it8in t>ent%7-'ur (#)) 8'urs -r'm t8e -i"in( t8ere'-9 n'ti-% t8e ,residin( C'mmissi'ner T8e "atter s8a"" >it8in t>' (#) da%s t8erea-ter certi-% t8e case t' t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc Secti'n . Dut% '- C"er= '- C'urt '- C'mmissi'n t' Ca"endar M'ti'n -'r Res'"uti'n 7 T8e C"er= '- C'urt c'ncerned s8a"" ca"endar t8e m'ti'n -'r rec'nsiderati'n -'r t8e res'"uti'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc >it8in ten (!3) da%s -r'm t8e certi-icati'n t8ere',ART 6 ,ARTICULAR ACTIONS OR ,ROCEEDIN@S A ORDINARJ ACTIONS Ru"e #3 7 E"ecti'n ,r'tests Secti'n ! /i"in( '- E"ecti'n ,r'test 7 A *eri-ied petiti'n c'ntestin( t8e e"ecti'n 'an% re(i'na"9 pr'*incia" 'r cit% '--icia" s8a"" $e -i"ed $% an% candidate >8' du"% -i"ed a certi-icate '- candidac% and 8as $een *'ted -'r t8e same '--ice9 >it8in ten (!3) da%s a-ter t8e pr'c"amati'n '- t8e resu"ts '- t8e e"ecti'n Eac8 c'ntest s8a"" re-er e4c"usi*e"% t' 'ne '--ice9 $ut c'ntests -'r '--ices '- t8e San((unian( ,amp''=9 San((unian( ,an"a"a>i(an 'r San((unian( ,an("un(s'd ma% $e c'ns'"idated in a sin("e case Secti'n # C'ntents '- Ans>er 7 T8e ans>er must speci-% t8e nature '- t8e de-ense and ma% set -'rt8 specia" and a--irmati*e de-enses Secti'n & C'unter7,r'test 'r C'unterc"aim 7 T8e pr'testee ma% inc'rp'rate in 8is ans>er a c'unter7pr'test 'r a c'unterc"aim

398

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti'n ) @enera" Denia" 7 I- n' ans>er is -i"ed t' t8e pr'test 'r c'unter7pr'test9 a (enera" denia" s8a"" $e deemed t' 8a*e $een entered Secti'n + ,r'testantBs Rep"% 7 T8e pr'testant ma% -i"e a rep"% Secti'n . Re*isi'n '- Ba""'ts 7 W8en t8e a""e(ati'ns in a pr'test 'r c'unter7pr'test s' >arrant9 'r >8ene*er in t8e 'pini'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'r Di*isi'n t8e interest 'Custice s' demands9 it s8a"" immediate"% 'rder t8e $a""'t $'4es c'ntainin( $a""'ts and t8eir =e%s9 "ist '- *'ters >it8 *'tin( rec'rds9 $''= '- *'ters9 and 't8er d'cuments used in t8e e"ecti'n t' $e $r'u(8t $e-'re t8e C'mmissi'n9 and s8a"" 'rder t8e re*isi'n '- t8e $a""'ts

Secti'n 0 C'mp'siti'n and C'mpensati'n '- Re*isi'n C'mmittee 7 /'r t8e a$'*e purp'se9 t8e C'mmissi'n ma% c'nstitute a c'mmittee 'n t8e re*isi'n '- $a""'ts >8ic8 s8a"" $e c'mp'sed '- t8e -'""'>in( >it8 t8e c'rresp'ndin( c'mpensati'n per $a""'t $'4 c'ntestedG ! A C8airman9 >8' s8a"" $e a "a>%er '- t8e C'mmissi'n 7 ,!+3 33 # One Re*is'rKA"ternate -'r t8e ,r'testant 7 ,!33 33 & One Re*is'rKA"ternate -'r t8e ,r'testee 7 ,!33 33 Ot8er Supp'rt Sta--G ) C"er= 7 ,+3 33 + T%pist 7 ,+3 33 . Ba""'t B'4 Cust'dian 7 ,+3 33 Secti'n 1 Re*isi'n E4penses 7 T8e c'mpensati'n '- t8e mem$ers and sta-- s8a"" $e deducted -r'm t8e cas8 dep'sit '- t8e pr'testant 'r t8e pr'testee as t8e case ma% $e9 and 't8er incidenta" e4penses suc8 as supp"ies and transp'rtati'n in t8e supp"ies and transp'rtati'n in t8e (at8erin( '- t8e pr'tested $a""'t $'4es Secti'n 2 6enue '- t8e Re*isi'n 7 T8e re*isi'n '- $a""'ts s8a"" $e made in t8e O--ice '- t8e C"er= '- C'urt c'ncerned 'r at suc8 p"aces as t8e C'mmissi'n 'r Di*isi'n s8a"" desi(nate and s8a"" $e c'mp"eted >it8in t8ree (&) m'nt8s -r'm t8e date '- t8e 'rderH un"ess 't8er>ise directed $% t8e C'mmissi'n Secti'n !3 Cust'd% '- E"ecti'n Rec'rds and ,arap8erna"ia 7 T8e $a""'t $'4es c'ntainin( $a""'ts and t8eir =e%s9 t8e "ist '- *'ters >it8 t8e *'tin( rec'rds9 $''= '*'ters9 and 't8er d'cuments used in t8e e"ecti'n9 s8a"" $e =ept and 8e"d secure in a p"ace t' $e desi(nated $% t8e C'mmissi'n9 in t8e care and cust'd% '- t8e $a""'t $'4 399

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS cust'dian '- t8e E"ect'ra" C'ntests AdCudicati'n Department and under t8e aut8'rit% '- t8e C8airman Secti'n !! Rep'rt '- C'mmittee 'n Re*isi'n 7 T8e c'mmittee 'n re*isi'n '- $a""'ts s8a"" ma=e a statement '- t8e c'nditi'n in >8ic8 t8e $a""'t $'4es and t8eir c'ntents >ere -'und up'n t8e 'penin( '- t8e same9 and s8a"" c"assi-% t8e $a""'ts s' e4amined and set -'rt8 c"ear"% an% '$Cecti'n t8at ma% 8a*e $een '--ered t' eac8 $a""'t in t8e rep'rt t' $e su$mitted $% t8em Disputed $a""'ts s8a"" $e num$ered c'nsecuti*e"% -'r purp'ses '- identi-icati'n in t8e presence and under t8e directi'n '- t8e c'mmittee c8airman A-ter e4aminati'n9 t8e $a""'ts and 't8er e"ecti'n d'cuments s8a"" $e returned t' t8eir respecti*e $'4es under "'c= $ut disputed $a""'ts s8a"" $e p"aced in a separate en*e"'pe du"% sea"ed and si(ned $% t8e mem$ers '- t8e c'mmittee and t8en returned t' t8e $'4 /'r purp'ses '- ma=in( said rep'rt9 >8ic8 s8a"" $e su$mitted in t>e"*e (!#) "e(i$"e c'pies9 'n"% t8e prescri$ed -'rm prepared $% t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" $e used Secti'n !# ,r'8i$ited Access 7 Durin( t8e re*isi'n '- $a""'ts9 n' pers'n 't8er t8an t8e Mem$ers '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 mem$ers '- t8e c'mmittee 'n re*isi'n '- $a""'ts9 t8e C"er= '- C'urt c'ncerned 'r t8e "atterBs aut8'ri<ed representati*es and t8e parties9 t8eir att'rne% 'r t8eir du"% aut8'ri<ed representati*es s8a"" 8a*e access t' t8e p"ace >8ere said re*isi'n is ta=in( p"ace Secti'n !& B''= '- 6'ters as E*idence 7 In e"ecti'n c'ntests9 t8e $''= '- *'ters s8a"" $e c'nc"usi*e in re(ard t' t8e 5uesti'n as t' >8' 8as t8e ri(8t t' *'te in said e"ecti'n Ru"e #! 7 ?u' >arrant' Secti'n ! ,etiti'n -'r ?u' Warrant' 7 An% *'ter c'ntestin( t8e e"ecti'n '- an% re(i'na"9 pr'*incia" 'r cit% '--icia" 'n t8e (r'und '- ine"i(i$i"it% 'r '- dis"'%a"t% t' t8e Repu$"ic '- t8e ,8i"ippines ma% -i"e a petiti'n -'r 5u' >arrant' >it8 t8e E"ect'ra" C'ntests AdCudicati'n Department Secti'n # ,eri'd Wit8in W8ic8 t' /i"e 7 A petiti'n -'r 5u' >arrant' ma% $e -i"ed >it8in ten (!3) da%s -r'm t8e date t8e resp'ndent is pr'c"aimed Ru"e ## 7 Appea"s -r'm Decisi'ns '- C'urts in E"ecti'n ,r'test Cases Secti'n ! Capti'n and Tit"e '- Appea"ed Cases 7 In a"" e"ecti'n c'ntests in*'"*in( t8e e"ecti'ns9 returns9 and 5ua"i-icati'ns '- municipa" 'r $aran(a% '--icia"s9 t8e part% interp'sin( t8e appea" s8a"" $e ca""ed t8e IAppe""antI and t8e ad*erse part% t8e IAppe""eeI9 $ut t8e tit"e '- t8e case s8a"" remain as it >as in t8e c'urt '- 'ri(in

Secti'n # Att'rne%s 7 T8e att'rne%s '- t8e parties in t8e c'urts s8a"" $e c'nsidered as t8eir respecti*e att'rne%s in t8e C'mmissi'n9 un"ess 't8er>ise mani-ested 400

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti'n & N'tice '- Appea" 7 Wit8in -i*e (+) da%s a-ter pr'mu"(ati'n '- t8e decisi'n '- t8e c'urt9 t8e a((rie*ed part% ma% -i"e >it8 said c'urt a n'tice '- appea"9 and ser*e a c'p% t8ere'- up'n t8e att'rne% '- rec'rd '- t8e ad*erse part% Secti'n ) Immediate Transmitta" '- Rec'rds '- t8e Case 7 T8e C"er= '- t8e c'urt c'ncerned s8a""9 >it8in -i-teen (!+) da%s -r'm t8e -i"in( '- t8e n'tice '- appea"9 transmit t' t8e E"ect'ra" C'ntests AdCudicati'n Department t8e c'mp"ete rec'rds 't8e case9 t'(et8er >it8 a"" t8e e*idence9 inc"udin( t8e 'ri(ina" and t8ree (&) c'pies 't8e transcript '- sten'(rap8ic n'tes '- t8e pr'ceedin(s Secti'n + /i"in( '- Brie-s 7 T8e C"er= '- C'urt c'ncerned9 up'n receipt '- t8e c'mp"ete rec'rds '- t8e case9 s8a"" n'ti-% t8e appe""ant 'r 8is c'unse" t' -i"e >it8 t8e E"ect'ra" C'ntests AdCudicati'n Department >it8in t8irt% (&3) da%s -r'm receipt 'suc8 n'tice9 ten (!3) "e(i$"e c'pies '- 8is $rie- >it8 pr''- '- ser*ice t8ere'- up'n t8e appe""ee Wit8in t8irt% (&3) da%s -r'm receipt '- t8e $rie- '- t8e appe""ant9 t8e appe""ee s8a"" -i"e ten (!3) "e(i$"e c'pies '- 8is $rie- >it8 pr''- '- ser*ice t8ere'- up'n t8e appe""ant Secti'n . C'ntents '- Brie- 7 T8e $rie- s8a"" 8a*e t8e same c'ntents as t8'se pr'*ided under Secti'ns !. and !09 Ru"e ). '- t8e Ru"es '- C'urt A c'p% '- t8e decisi'n appea"ed -r'm s8a"" $e attac8ed as an appendi4 t' t8e appe""antBs $rieSecti'n 0 Rep"% Brie- 7 T8e appe""ant ma% -i"e a rep"% $rie- >it8in t>ent% (#3) da%s -r'm receipt '- appe""eeBs $rieSecti'n 1 W8en Case Ma% Be Set -'r Ora" Ar(ument 7 Up'n t8e -i"in( '- appe""antBs rep"% $rie-9 'r a-ter t8e e4pirati'n '- t8e time -'r its -i"in(9 t8e case s8a"" $e deemed su$mitted -'r decisi'n9 un"ess >it8in -i-teen (!+) da%s t8ere-r'm9 an% part% as=s9 and -'r specia" reas'n9 is t8erea-ter (ranted permissi'n -'r 'ra" ar(ument9 'r un"ess t8e C'mmissi'n m'tu pr'pri' re5uires it Ora" ar(uments s8a"" $e c'n-ined t' suc8 p'ints as t8e C'mmissi'n ma% speci-% in an 'rder settin( t8e date t8ere-'r T8e C'mmissi'n ma% admit mem'randa in "ieu '- 'ra" ar(ument

Secti'n 2 @r'unds -'r Dismissa" '- Appea" 7 T8e appea" ma% $e dismissed up'n m'ti'n '- eit8er part% 'r at t8e instance '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'n an% '- t8e -'""'>in( (r'undsG (a) /ai"ure '- t8e appe""ant t' pa% t8e c'rrect appea" -eeH ($) /ai"ure '- t8e appe""ant t' -i"e c'pies '- 8is $rie- >it8in t8e time pr'*ided $% t8ese ru"esH (c) Want '- speci-ic assi(nment '- err'rs in t8e appe""antBs $rie-H and 401

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (d) /ai"ure t' -i"e n'tice '- appea" >it8in t8e prescri$ed peri'd Secti'n !3 Wit8dra>a" '- Appea" 7 An appea" ma% $e >it8dra>n as a matter '- ri(8t at an% time $e-'re t8e -i"in( '- appe""eeBs $rie- A-ter t8e -i"in( '- t8e appe""eeBs $rie-9 t8e >it8dra>a" ma% $e a""'>ed at t8e discreti'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n B S,ECIAL ACTIONS Ru"e #& 7 ,etiti'n t' Den% Due C'urse t' 'r Cance" Certi-icates '- Candidac% Secti'n ! @r'unds -'r Denia" '- Certi-icate '- Candidac% 7 A petiti'n t' den% due c'urse t' 'r cance" a certi-icate '- candidac% -'r an% e"ecti*e '--ice ma% $e -i"ed >it8 t8e La> Department '- t8e C'mmissi'n $% an% citi<en '- *'tin( a(e 'r a du"% re(istered p'"itica" part%9 'r(ani<ati'n9 'r c'a"iti'n 'r p'"itica" parties 'n t8e e4c"usi*e (r'und t8at an% materia" representati'n c'ntained t8erein as re5uired $% "a> is -a"se Secti'n # ,eri'd t' /i"e ,etiti'n 7 T8e petiti'n must $e -i"ed >it8in -i*e (+) da%s -'""'>in( t8e "ast da% -'r t8e -i"in( '- certi-icate '- candidac% Secti'n & Summar% ,r'ceedin( 7 T8e petiti'n s8a"" $e 8eard summari"% a-ter due n'tice Secti'n ) De"e(ati'n '- Recepti'n '- E*idence 7 T8e C'mmissi'n ma% desi(nate an% '- its '--icia"s >8' are mem$ers '- t8e ,8i"ippine Bar t' 8ear t8e case and t' recei*e e*idence Ru"e #) 7 ,r'ceedin(s A(ainst Nuisance Candidates

Secti'n ! @r'unds 7 An% candidate -'r an% e"ecti*e '--ice >8' -i"ed 8is certi-icate '- candidac% t' put t8e e"ecti'n pr'cess in m'c=er% 'r disrepute 'r t' cause c'n-usi'n am'n( t8e *'ters $% t8e simi"arit% '- t8e names '- t8e re(istered candidates 'r >8' $% 't8er acts 'r circumstances is c"ear"% dem'nstrated t' 8a*e n' $'na -ide intenti'n t' run -'r t8e '--ice -'r >8ic8 t8e certi-icate '- candidac% 8as $een -i"ed9 t8us pre*entin( a -ait8-u" determinati'n '- t8e true >i"" '- t8e e"ect'rate9 ma% $e dec"ared a nuisance candidate and 8is certi-icate '- candidac% ma% $e denied due c'urse 'r ma% $e cance""ed Secti'n # W8' Ma% /i"e ,etiti'n t' Dec"are a Candidate as Nuisance Candidate 7 An% re(istered candidate -'r t8e same e"ecti*e '--ice ma% -i"e >it8 t8e La> Department '- t8e C'mmissi'n a petiti'n t' dec"are a candidate as a nuisance candidate T8e C'mmissi'n ma%9 at an% time $e-'re t8e e"ecti'n9 m'tu pr'pri' re-use t' (i*e due c'urse t' 'r cance" a Certi-icate '- Candidac% '- an% candidate 'n an% '- t8e (r'unds enumerated under Secti'n ! '- t8is Ru"e 'r >8en t8e su$stitute Certi-icate '402

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Candidac% is n't a pr'per case '- su$stituti'n under Secti'n 00 '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de Secti'n & ,eri'd t' /i"e t8e ,etiti'n 7 T8e petiti'n s8a"" $e -i"ed pers'na""% 'r t8r'u(8 an aut8'ri<ed representati*e9 >it8in -i*e (+) da%s -r'm t8e "ast da% -'r t8e -i"in( '- certi-icates '- candidac% Secti'n ) Summar% ,r'ceedin( 7 T8e petiti'n s8a"" $e 8eard summari"% a-ter due n'tice Secti'n + De"e(ati'n '- Recepti'n '- E*idence 7 T8e 8earin( and recepti'n 'e*idence ma% $e de"e(ated in "i=e manner as pr'*ided in Sec ) '- t8e precedin( Ru"e Ru"e #+ 7 Dis5ua"i-icati'n '- Candidates Secti'n ! @r'unds -'r Dis5ua"i-icati'n 7 An% candidate >8' d'es n't p'ssess a"" t8e 5ua"i-icati'ns '- a candidate as pr'*ided -'r $% t8e C'nstituti'n 'r $% e4istin( "a> 'r >8' c'mmits an% act dec"ared $% "a> t' $e (r'unds -'r dis5ua"i-icati'n ma% $e dis5ua"i-ied -r'm c'ntinuin( as a candidate Secti'n # W8' Ma% /i"e ,etiti'n -'r Dis5ua"i-icati'n 7 An% citi<en '- *'tin( a(e9 'r du"% re(istered p'"itica" part%9 'r(ani<ati'n 'r c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" parties ma% -i"e >it8 t8e La> Department '- t8e C'mmissi'n a petiti'n t' dis5ua"i-% a candidate 'n (r'unds pr'*ided $% "a>

Secti'n & ,eri'd t' /i"e ,etiti'n 7 T8e petiti'n s8a"" $e -i"ed an% da% a-ter t8e "ast da% -'r -i"in( '- certi-icates '- candidac% $ut n't "ater t8an t8e date '- pr'c"amati'n Secti'n ) Summar% ,r'ceedin( 7 T8e petiti'n s8a"" $e 8eard summari"% a-ter due n'tice Secti'n + E--ect '- ,etiti'n i- Unres'"*ed Be-'re C'mp"eti'n '- Can*ass 7 I- t8e petiti'n9 -'r reas'ns $e%'nd t8e c'ntr'" '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 cann't $e decided $e-'re t8e c'mp"eti'n '- t8e can*ass9 t8e *'tes cast -'r t8e resp'ndent ma% $e inc"uded in t8e c'untin( and in t8e can*assin(H 8'>e*er9 i- t8e e*idence '- (ui"t is str'n(9 8is pr'c"amati'n s8a"" $e suspended n't>it8standin( t8e -act t8at 8e recei*ed t8e >innin( num$er '- *'tes in suc8 e"ecti'n Ru"e #. 7 ,'stp'nement 'r Suspensi'n '- E"ecti'ns Secti'n ! ,'stp'nement '- E"ecti'n 7 W8en -'r an% seri'us cause suc8 as *i'"ence9 terr'rism9 "'ss 'r destructi'n '- e"ecti'n parap8erna"ia 'r rec'rds9 -'rce maCeure9 and 't8er ana"'('us causes '- suc8 nature t8at t8e 8'"din( '- a -ree9 'rder"%9 8'nest9 peace-u" and credi$"e e"ecti'n s8'u"d $ec'me imp'ssi$"e in an% p'"itica" su$di*isi'n9 t8e C'mmissi'n9 m'tu pr'pri'9 'r up'n a *eri-ied petiti'n $% an% interested part%9 403

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS and a-ter due n'tice and 8earin( >8ere$% a"" interested parties are a--'rded e5ua" 'pp'rtunit% t' $e 8eard9 ma% p'stp'ne t8e e"ecti'n t8erein t' a date >8ic8 s8'u"d $e reas'na$"% c"'se t' t8e date '- t8e e"ecti'n n't 8e"d9 suspended9 'r >8ic8 resu"ted in a -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n9 $ut n't "ater t8an t8irt% (&3) da%s a-ter t8e cessati'n '- t8e cause '- suc8 p'stp'nement 'r suspensi'n '- t8e e"ecti'n 'r -ai"ure t' e"ect Secti'n # /ai"ure '- E"ecti'n 7 I-9 'n acc'unt '- -'rce maCeure9 *i'"ence9 terr'rism9 -raud 'r 't8er ana"'('us causes t8e e"ecti'n in an% precinct 8as n't $een 8e"d 'n t8e date -i4ed9 'r 8ad $een suspended $e-'re t8e 8'ur -i4ed $% "a> -'r t8e c"'sin( '- t8e *'tin(9 'r a-ter t8e *'tin( and durin( t8e preparati'n and t8e transmissi'n '- t8e e"ecti'n returns 'r in t8e cust'd% 'can*ass t8ere'-9 suc8 e"ecti'n resu"ts in a -ai"ure t' e"ect9 and in an% '- suc8 cases t8e -ai"ure 'r suspensi'n '- e"ecti'n >'u"d a--ect t8e resu"t '- t8e e"ecti'n9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a""9 'n t8e $asis '- a *eri-ied petiti'n $% an% interested part% and a-ter due n'tice and 8earin(9 ca"" -'r t8e 8'"din( 'r c'ntinuati'n '- t8e e"ecti'n n't 8e"d9 suspended 'r >8ic8 resu"ted in a -ai"ure t' e"ect 'n a date reas'na$"% c"'se t' t8e date '- t8e e"ecti'n n't 8e"d9 suspended 'r >8ic8 resu"ted in a -ai"ure t' e"ect $ut n't "ater t8an t8irt% (&3) da%s a-ter t8e cessati'n '- t8e cause '- suc8 p'stp'nement 'r suspensi'n 't8e e"ecti'n 'r -ai"ure t' e"ect

Secti'n & M'tu ,r'pri' ,'stp'nement 7 W8en t8e C'mmissi'n acts m'tu pr'pri'9 n'tices '- 8earin( must $e sent t' a"" interested parties $% t8e -astest means a*ai"a$"e

Secti'n ) W8en Based Up'n a 6eri-ied ,etiti'n 7 Un"ess a s8'rter peri'd is deemed necessar% $% circumstances9 >it8in t>ent%7-'ur (#)) 8'urs -r'm t8e -i"in( '- t8e petiti'n9 t8e C"er= '- C'urt c'ncerned s8a"" -'rt8>it8 ser*e n'tices t' a"" interested parties9 indicatin( t8erein t8e date '- 8earin(9 t8r'u(8 t8e -astest means a*ai"a$"e

Secti'n + Time t' /i"e Opp'siti'n 7 Un"ess a s8'rter peri'd is deemed necessar% $% t8e circumstances9 >it8in t>' (#) da%s -r'm receipt '- t8e n'tice '- 8earin(9 an% interested part% ma% -i"e an 'pp'siti'n >it8 t8e La> Department '- t8e C'mmissi'n

Secti'n . Summar% ,r'ceedin( 7 T8e 8earin( '- t8e case s8a"" $e summar% in nature 404

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

Secti'n 0 De"e(ati'n '- Recepti'n '- E*idence 7 T8e C'mmissi'n ma% desi(nate an% '- its '--icia"s >8' are mem$ers '- t8e ,8i"ippine Bar t' 8ear t8e case and t' recei*e e*idence

Secti'n 1 Determinati'n '- Cessati'n '- Cause 7 T8e determinati'n '- t8e cessati'n '- t8e cause '- t8e p'stp'nement 'r suspensi'n '- e"ecti'n 'r -ai"ure '- e"ecti'n -a""s >it8in t8e e4c"usi*e prer'(ati*e '- t8e C'mmissi'n

C IN S,ECIAL CASES Ru"e #0 7 ,re7,r'c"amati'n C'ntr'*ersies

Secti'n ! Jurisdicti'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n in ,re7,r'c"amati'n C'ntr'*ersies 7 T8e C'mmissi'n 8as e4c"usi*e Curisdicti'n in pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ersies arisin( -r'm nati'na"9 re(i'na" 'r "'ca" e"ecti'n A pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% ma% $e raised $% an% candidate 'r $% an% re(istered p'"itica" part%9 'r(ani<ati'n9 'r c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" parties $e-'re t8e $'ard 'can*assers 'r direct"% >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n Secti'n # ,re7,r'c"amati'n C'ntr'*ersiesG ;'> C'mmenced 7 ?uesti'ns a--ectin( t8e c'mp'siti'n 'r pr'ceedin(s '- t8e B'ard '- Can*assers 'r c'rrecti'n '- mani-est err'rs ma% $e initiated in t8e B'ard 'r direct"% >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n ;'>e*er9 matters raised under Secti'ns #&&9 #&)9 #&+9 and #&. '- t8e Omni$us E"ecti'n C'de in re"ati'n t' t8e preparati'n9 transmissi'n9 receipt9 cust'd% and appreciati'n '- t8e e"ecti'n returns9 and t8e Certi-icate '- Can*ass s8a"" $e $r'u(8t in t8e -irst instance $e-'re t8e $'ard '- can*assers c'ncerned 'n"% Secti'n & Summar% ;earin( and Disp'siti'n '- ,re7,r'c"amati'n C'ntr'*ersies 7 A"" pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ersies s8a"" $e 8eard summari"% a-ter due n'tice pr'*ided t8at pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ersies 'n e"ecti'n returns 'r certi-icates 'can*ass s8a""9 'n t8e $asis '- t8e rec'rds and e*idence e"e*ated t' it $% t8e $'ard 'can*assers9 $e disp'sed '- summari"% $% t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc >it8in se*en (0) da%s -r'm receipt t8ere'-9 pr'*ided -urt8er9 t8at said decisi'n s8a"" $e e4ecut'r% a-ter t8e "apse '- se*en (0) da%s -r'm receipt t8ere'- $% t8e $'ards '- can*assers c'ncerned e4cept petiti'ns -i"ed Under Sec + 8ere'- >8ic8 s8a"" $e immediate"% e4ecut'r% up'n receipt $% t8e $'ards '- can*assers c'ncerned

405

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti'n ) Issues t8at Ma% Be Raised in t8e ,re7,r'c"amati'n C'ntr'*ersies 7 T8e -'""'>in( are t8e pr'per issues t8at ma% $e raised in a pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers%G (a) I""e(a" c'mp'siti'n 'r pr'ceedin(s '- t8e $'ard '- can*assersH ($) T8e can*assed e"ecti'n returns9 'r t8e certi-icate '- can*ass in appr'priate cases9 are inc'mp"ete9 c'ntain materia" de-ects9 appear t' $e tampered >it8 'r -a"si-ied9 'r c'ntain discrepancies in t8e same returns 'r in 't8er aut8entic c'pies t8ere'-H

(c) T8e e"ecti'n returns 'r certi-icate '- can*ass >ere prepared under duress9 t8reats9 c'erci'n9 'r intimidati'n9 'r t8e% are '$*i'us"% manu-actured 'r n't aut8enticH and (d) W8en su$stitute 'r -raudu"ent returns 'r certi-icates '- can*ass in c'ntr'*erted p'""in( p"aces >ere can*assed9 t8e resu"ts '- >8ic8 materia""% a--ected t8e standin( '- t8e a((rie*ed candidate 'r candidates (e) C'rrecti'n '- mani-est err'rs Secti'n + ,re7pr'c"amati'n C'ntr'*ersies W8ic8 Ma% Be /i"ed Direct"% Wit8 t8e C'mmissi'n 7 (a) T8e -'""'>in( pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ersies ma% $e -i"ed direct"% >it8 t8e C'mmissi'nG !) W8en t8e issue in*'"*es t8e i""e(a" c'mp'siti'n 'r pr'ceedin(s '- t8e $'ard 'can*assers as >8en a maC'rit% 'r a"" '- t8e mem$ers d' n't 8'"d "e(a" app'intments 'r are in -act usurpersH 'r >8en t8e can*assin( 8as $een a mere cerem'n% t8at >as pre7determined and manipu"ated t' resu"t in n't8in( $ut a s8am can*assin( as >8ere t8ere >as c'n*er(ence '- circumstances '- precipitate can*assin(9 terr'rism9 "ac= 'su--icient n'tice t' t8e mem$ers '- t8e $'ard '- can*assers and disre(ard '- mani-est irre(u"arities 'n t8e -ace '- t8e 5uesti'ned returns 'r certi-icates '- can*ass in appr'priate casesH #) W8en t8e issue in*'"*es t8e c'rrecti'n '- mani-est err'rs in t8e ta$u"ati'n 'r ta""%in( '- t8e resu"ts durin( t8e can*assin( as >8ere (!) a c'p% '- t8e e"ecti'n returns 'r certi-icate '- can*ass >as ta$u"ated m're t8an 'nce9 (#) t>' 'r m're c'pies '- t8e e"ecti'n returns '- 'ne precinct9 'r t>' 'r m're c'pies '- certi-icate '- can*ass >ere ta$u"ated separate"%9 (&) t8ere 8as $een a mista=e in t8e c'p%in( '- t8e -i(ures int' t8e statement '- *'tes 'r int' t8e certi-icate '- can*ass9 'r ()) s'7ca""ed returns -r'm n'n7e4istent precincts >ere inc"uded in t8e can*ass9 and suc8 err'rs c'u"d n't 8a*e $een disc'*ered durin( t8e can*assin( despite t8e e4ercise '- due di"i(ence and pr'c"amati'n '- t8e >innin( candidates 8ad a"read% $een made ($) I- t8e petiti'n in*'"*es t8e i""e(a" c'mp'siti'n 'r pr'ceedin(s '- t8e $'ard under su$para(rap8 (!) '- para(rap8 (a) a$'*e9 it must $e -i"ed immediate"% >8en t8e $'ard $e(ins t' act as suc89 'r at t8e time '- t8e app'intment '- t8e mem$er >8'se capacit% 406

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS t' sit as suc8 is '$Cected t' i- it c'mes a-ter t8e can*assin( '- t8e $'ard9 'r immediate"% at t8e p'int >8ere t8e pr'ceedin(s are 'r $e(in t' $e i""e(a" I- t8e petiti'n is -'r c'rrecti'n9 it must $e -i"ed n't "ater t8an -i*e (+) da%s -'""'>in( t8e date '- pr'c"amati'n and m'st imp"ead a"" candidates >8' ma% $e ad*erse"% a--ected t8ere$% (c) Up'n t8e d'c=etin( '- suc8 petiti'n9 t8e C"er= '- C'urt c'ncerned s8a"" -'rt8>it8 issue summ'ns9 >it8 a c'p% '- t8e petiti'n9 t' t8e resp'ndents (d) T8e C"er= '- C'urt c'ncerned s8a"" immediate"% set t8e petiti'n -'r 8earin( (e) T8e petiti'n s8a"" $e 8eard and decided $% t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc (-) W8en t8e petiti'n in*'"*es t8e c'mp'siti'n 'r pr'ceedin(s '- t8e $'ard9 t8e $'ard '- can*assers s8a"" n't c'mmence9 pr'ceed 'r resume t8e can*ass un"ess 't8er>ise 'rdered $% t8e C'mmissi'n Secti'n . Ri(8ts '- ,'"itica" ,arties and Candidates Be-'re t8e B'ard '- Can*assers in ,re7,r'c"amati'n Cases 7 (a) An% re(istered p'"itica" part%9 'r(ani<ati'n9 'r c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" parties9 t8r'u(8 t8eir representati*es9 and an% candidate9 8as t8e ri(8t t' $e present and t' c'unse" durin( t8e can*ass '- e"ecti'n returns9 'r certi-icates '- can*ass in appr'priate cases On"% 'ne c'unse" ma% ar(ue -'r eac8 re(istered p'"itica" part%9 'r(ani<ati'n9 'r c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" parties9 'r candidate C'unse" s8a"" 8a*e t8e ri(8t t' e4amine t8e e"ecti'n returns 'r certi-icates '- can*ass $ein( can*assed >it8'ut t'uc8in( t8em9 ma=e t8eir '$ser*ati'ns t8ere'n9 and -i"e t8eir c8a""en(es and '$Cecti'ns t8eret' N' di"at'r% acti'n s8a"" $e a""'>ed $% t8e $'ard '- can*assers >8ic8 ma% imp'se time "imits -'r 'ra" ar(ument ($) An% re(istered p'"itica" part%9 'r(ani<ati'n9 'r c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" parties9 t8r'u(8 t8eir representati*es and an% candidate is entit"ed t' '$tain a c'p% '- t8e Statement '- 6'tes per precinct and a c'p% '- t8e certi-icate '- can*ass du"% si(ned $% a"" t8e mem$ers '- t8e $'ard '- can*assers

Secti'n 0 C'rrecti'n '- Err'rs in Ta$u"ati'n 'r Ta""%in( '- Resu"ts $% t8e B'ard 'Can*assers 7 (a) W8ere it is c"ear"% s8'>n $e-'re pr'c"amati'n t8at mani-est err'rs >ere c'mmitted in t8e ta$u"ati'n 'r ta""%in( '- e"ecti'n returns9 'r certi-icates 'can*ass9 durin( t8e can*assin( as >8ere (!) a c'p% '- t8e e"ecti'n returns '- 'ne precinct 'r t>' 'r m're c'pies '- a certi-icate '- can*ass >ere ta$u"ated m're t8an 'nce9 (#) t>' c'pies '- t8e e"ecti'n returns 'r certi-icate '- can*ass >ere ta$u"ated separate"%9 (&) t8ere >as a mista=e in t8e addin( 'r c'p%in( '- t8e -i(ures int' t8e 407

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS certi-icate '- can*ass 'r int' t8e statement '- *'tes $% precinct9 'r ()) s'7ca""ed e"ecti'n returns -r'm n'n7e4istent precincts >ere inc"uded in t8e can*ass9 t8e $'ard ma% m'tu pr'pri'9 'r up'n *eri-ied petiti'n $% an% candidate9 p'"itica" part%9 'r(ani<ati'n 'r c'a"iti'n 'r p'"itica" parties9 a-ter due n'tice and 8earin(9 c'rrect t8e err'rs c'mmitted ($) T8e 'rder -'r c'rrecti'n must $e made in >ritin( and must $e pr'mu"(ated (c) An% candidate9 p'"itica" part%9 'r(ani<ati'n 'r c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" parties a((rie*ed $% said 'rder ma% appea" t8ere-r'm t' t8e C'mmissi'n >it8in t>ent%7-'ur (#)) 8'urs -r'm t8e pr'mu"(ati'n (d) Once an appea" is made9 t8e $'ard '- can*assers s8a"" n't pr'c"aim t8e >innin( candidates9 un"ess t8eir *'tes are n't a--ected $% t8e appea" (e) T8e appea" must imp"ead as resp'ndents t8e B'ard '- Can*assers c'ncerned and a"" parties >8' ma% $e ad*erse"% a--ected t8ere$% (-) Up'n receipt '- t8e appea"9 t8e C"er= '- C'urt c'ncerned s8a"" -'rt8>it8 issue summ'ns9 t'(et8er >it8 a c'p% '- t8e appea"9 t' t8e resp'ndents (() T8e C"er= '- C'urt c'ncerned s8a"" immediate"% set t8e appea" -'r 8earin( (8) T8e appea" s8a"" $e 8eard and decided $% t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc Secti'n 1 ,r'cedure Be-'re t8e B'ard '- Can*assers W8en C'mp'siti'n 'r ,r'ceedin(s '- B'ard are C'ntested 7 (a) W8en t8e c'mp'siti'n 'r pr'ceedin( '- t8e $'ard '- can*assers9 are c'ntested t8e $'ard '- can*assers s8a""9 >it8in t>ent%7-'ur (#)) 8'urs9 ma=e a ru"in( t8ere'n >it8 n'tice t' t8e c'ntestant >8'9 i- ad*erse"% a--ected9 ma% appea" t8e matter t' t8e C'mmissi'n >it8in t8ree (&) da%s a-ter t8e ru"in( >it8 pr'per n'tice t' t8e $'ard '- can*assers T8e C'mmissi'n en $anc s8a"" summari"% decide t8e case >it8in -i*e (+) da%s -r'm t8e -i"in( t8ere'-

($) Up'n receipt '- suc8 appea"9 t8e C"er= '- C'urt c'ncerned s8a"" immediate"% set t8e case -'r 8earin(9 >it8 due n'tice t' t8e parties9 $% t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc (c) Durin( t8e pendenc% '- t8e appea"9 t8e $'ard '- can*assers s8a"" immediate"% suspend t8e can*ass unti" t8e C'mmissi'n 'rders t8e c'ntinuati'n 'r resumpti'n t8ere'Secti'n 2 ,r'cedure Be-'re B'ard '- Can*assers W8en Inc"usi'n 'r E4c"usi'n 'E"ecti'n Returns are C'ntested 7 (a) An% candidate9 re(istered p'"itica" part%9 'r(ani<ati'n 'r c'a"iti'n 'r p'"itica" parties c'ntestin( t8e inc"usi'n 'r e4c"usi'n in t8e can*ass '- an% e"ecti'n returns 'n an% '- t8e (r'unds pr'*ided in Secti'n & 't8is Ru"e 'r $% "a>9 s8a"" present 'r su$mit t8eir 'ra" '$Cecti'n t' t8e C8airman '- t8e 408

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS B'ard '- Can*assers9 statin( t8e (r'unds t8ere-'r9 at t8e time t8e c'ntested returns is 'pened 'r presented -'r inc"usi'n 'r e4c"usi'n ($) T8e '$Cecti'ns must $e -ait8-u""% rec'rded9 n'ted and entered in t8e minutes 't8e can*assin( indicatin( t8erein t8e date and 8'ur t8e '$Cecti'n >as made (c) T8e $'ard s8a"" aut'matica""% de-er t8e can*ass '- t8e c'ntested returns9 a-ter rec'rdin( separate"% t8e resu"ts t8erein9 and s8a"" pr'ceed t' can*ass t8e 't8er returns >8ic8 are n't c'ntested (d) Simu"tane'us"% >it8 t8e 'ra" '$Cecti'n9 t8e '$Cectin( part% s8a"" a"s' enter 8is '$Cecti'n in t8e -'rm -'r >ritten '$Cecti'ns t' $e prescri$ed $% t8e C'mmissi'n Wit8in t>ent%7-'ur (#)) 8'urs -r'm and a-ter t8e presentati'n '- suc8 an '$Cecti'n9 t8e '$Cectin( part% s8a"" su$mit t8e e*idence in supp'rt '- t8e '$Cecti'ns9 >8ic8 s8a"" $e attac8ed t' t8e -'rm -'r >ritten '$Cecti'ns Wit8 t8e same peri'd '- t>ent%7-'ur 8'urs a-ter presentati'n '- t8e '$Cecti'n9 an% part% ma% -i"e a >ritten and *eri-ied 'pp'siti'n t' t8e '$Cecti'n in t8e -'rm a"s' t' $e prescri$ed $% t8e C'mmissi'n9 attac8in( t8eret' supp'rtin( e*idence9 i- an% T8e B'ard s8a"" n't entertain an% '$Cecti'n 'r 'pp'siti'n un"ess reduced t' >ritin( in t8e prescri$ed -'rms T8e e*idence attac8ed t' t8e '$Cecti'n 'r 'pp'siti'n9 su$mitted $% t8e parties9 s8a"" $e immediate"% and -'rma""% admitted int' t8e rec'rds '- t8e B'ard $% t8e C8airman '- t8e $'ard '- can*assers a--i4in( 8is si(nature at t8e $ac= '- eac8 and e*er% pa(e t8ere'-

(e) Up'n receipt '- t8e e*idence9 t8e B'ard s8a"" ta=e up t8e c'ntested returns9 c'nsider t8e >ritten '$Cecti'ns t8eret' and 'pp'siti'n9 i- an%9 and summari"% and immediate"% ru"e t8ere'n T8e B'ard s8a"" enter its ru"in( 'n t8e prescri$ed -'rm and aut8enticate t8e same $% t8e si(nature '- its mem$ers (-) An% part% ad*erse"% a--ected $% t8e ru"in( '- t8e B'ard s8a"" immediate"% in-'rm t8e B'ard i- 8e intends t' appea" said ru"in( T8e B'ard s8a"" enter said in-'rmati'n in t8e Minutes '- Can*ass9 set aside t8e returns and pr'ceed t' c'nsider t8e 't8er returns (() A-ter a"" t8e unc'ntested returns 8a*e $een can*assed and t8e c'ntested returns ru"ed up'n $% it9 t8e B'ard s8a"" suspend t8e can*ass Wit8in -'rt%7ei(8t ()1) 8'urs t8ere-r'm9 an% part% ad*erse"% a--ected $% t8e ru"in( ma% -i"e >it8 t8e B'ard a >ritten and *eri-ied N'tice t' Appea"H and >it8in an ine4tendi$"e peri'd '- -i*e (+) da%s t8erea-ter9 an appea" ma% $e ta=en t' t8e C'mmissi'n Immediate"% up'n receipt '- t8e N'tice '- Appea"9 t8e B'ard s8a"" ma=e an appr'priate rep'rt t' t8e C'mmissi'n9 e"e*atin( t8ere>it8 t8e c'mp"ete rec'rds and e*idence su$mitted in t8e can*ass9 -urnis8in( t8e parties >it8 t8e c'pies '- t8e rep'rt 409

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (8) On t8e $asis '- t8e rec'rds and e*idence e"e*ated t' it $% t8e B'ard9 t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc s8a"" decide summari"% t8e appea" >it8in se*en (0) da%s -r'm t8e receipt '- said rec'rds and e*idence An% appea" $r'u(8t $e-'re t8e C'mmissi'n 'n t8e ru"in( '- t8e B'ard9 >it8'ut t8e acc'mp"is8ed -'rms and t8e e*idence appended t8eret'9 s8a"" $e summari"% dismissed T8e decisi'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc s8a"" $e e4ecut'r% a-ter t8e "apse '- se*en (0) da%s -r'm receipt t8ere'- $% t8e $'ards '- can*assers c'ncerned (i) T8e $'ard '- can*assers s8a"" n't pr'c"aim an% candidate as >inner un"ess aut8'ri<ed $% t8e C'mmissi'n in >ritin( a-ter t8e "ater s8a"" 8a*e ru"ed 'n t8e '$Cecti'ns $r'u(8t t' it 'n appea" $% t8e a((rie*ed part% An% pr'c"amati'n in *i'"ati'n 8ere'- s8a"" $e *'id a$ initi'9 un"ess t8e c'ntested returns >i"" n't ad*erse"% a--ect t8e unc'ntested resu"ts '- t8e e"ecti'ns

(C) I- in t8e c'urse '- t8e can*ass t8e $'ardsB c'p% '- t8e e"ecti'n returns is missin(9 t8e $'ard s8a""9 $% messen(er 'r 't8er>ise '$tain suc8 missin( returns -r'm t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs c'ncerned9 'r i- said returns 8a*e $een "'st 'r destr'%ed9 t8e $'ard '- can*assers9 up'n pri'r aut8'rit% '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 ma% use an% '- t8e aut8entic c'pies '- said e"ecti'n returns 'r a certi-ied true c'p% '- said e"ecti'n returns issued $% t8e C'mmissi'n (=) I- it c"ear"% appears t8at s'me re5uisites in -'rm 'r data 8ad $een 'mitted in t8e e"ecti'n returns9 t8e B'ard '- Can*assers s8a"" ca"" -'r a"" t8e mem$ers '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs c'ncerned $% t8e m'st e4pediti'us means9 -'r said $'ard t' e--ect t8e c'rrecti'nG pr'*ided t8at in case t8e 'missi'n in t8e e"ecti'n return is t8at '- t8e name '- an% candidate andK'r 8is c'rresp'ndin( *'tes9 t8e $'ard '- can*assers s8a"" re5uire t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs c'ncerned t' c'mp"ete t8e necessar% data in t8e e"ecti'n returns and a--i4 t8erein t8eir initia"sG ,r'*ided9 -urt8er9 t8at i- t8e *'tes 'mitted in t8e returns cann't $e ascertained $% 't8er means e4cept $% rec'untin( t8e *'tes9 t8e $'ard '- can*assers s8a"" immediate"% ma=e a rep'rt t8ere'n t' t8e C'mmissi'n and t8e "atter9 a-ter satis-%in( itse"- t8at t8e identit% and inte(rit% '- t8e $a""'t $'4 8a*e n't $een *i'"ated9 s8a"" 'rder t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs t' 'pen t8e $a""'t $'49 and9 a"s' a-ter satis-%in( itse"- t8at t8e inte(rit% '- t8e $a""'ts t8erein 8as $een du"% preser*ed9 'rder t8e $r'ad '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs t' c'unt t8e *'tes -'r t8e candidates >8'se *'tes 8a*e $een 'mitted >it8 n'tice t8ere'- t' a"" candidates -'r t8e p'siti'n in*'"*ed and t8erea-ter c'mp"ete t8e returns (") W8en t8e $'ard '- can*assers determines t8at t8e e"ecti'n returns su$mitted t' it appear t' $e tampered >it89 a"tered 'r -a"si-ied a-ter t8e% 8a*e "e-t t8e 8ands '- t8e $'ard '- inspect'rs9 'r 't8er>ise n't aut8entic 'r >ere prepared $% t8e $'ard 'e"ecti'n inspect'rs under duress9 -'rce9 'r intimidati'n9 'r prepared $% pers'ns 't8er t8an t8e mem$ers '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs9 t8e $'ard '- can*assers s8a"" 410

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS use t8e 't8er c'pies '- said e"ecti'n returns9 and i- necessar%9 t8e c'p% inside t8e $a""'t $'4 >8ic89 up'n pri'r aut8'rit% '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 ma% $e retrie*e I- t8e 't8er c'pies '- t8e returns are "i=e>ise tampered >it89 a"tered9 -a"si-ied9 n't aut8entic9 prepared under duress9 -'rce9 intimidati'n9 'r prepared $% pers'ns 't8er t8an t8e mem$ers '- t8e $'ard '- e"ecti'n inspect'rs9 t8e $'ard '- can*assers s8a"" immediate"% $rin( t8e matter t' t8e attenti'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n T8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" t8en9 a-ter (i*in( n'tice t' a"" candidates c'ncerned and a-ter satis-%in( itse"t8at n't8in( in t8e $a""'t $'4 indicates t8at its identit% and inte(rit% 8a*e $een *i'"ated9 'rder t8e 'penin( '- t8e $a""'t $'4 and9 "i=e>ise a-ter satis-%in( itse"- t8at t8e inte(rit% '- t8e $a""'ts t8erein 8as $een du"% preser*ed9 s8a"" 'rder t8e $'ard 'inspect'rs c'ncerned t' rec'unt t8e *'tes '- t8e candidates a--ected and >8en pr'per9 t' prepare a ne> return >8ic8 s8a"" t8en $e used $% t8e $'ard '- can*assers as $asis '- t8e can*ass (m) In case it appears t' t8e $'ard '- can*assers t8at t8ere e4ists discrepancies in t8e 't8er aut8entic c'pies '- t8e e"ecti'n returns -r'm a precinct 'r discrepancies in t8e *'tes '- an% candidate in >'rds and -i(ures in t8e same returns9 and in eit8er case t8e di--erence a--ects t8e resu"ts '- t8e e"ecti'n9 t8e C'mmissi'n9 up'n m'ti'n '- t8e $'ard '- can*assers 'r an% candidate a--ected and a-ter due n'tice t' a"" candidates c'ncerned9 s8a"" pr'ceed summari"% t' determine >8et8er t8e inte(rit% '- t8e $a""'t $'4 8ad $een preser*ed9 and 'nce satis-ied t8ere'- s8a"" 'rder t8e 'penin( '- t8e $a""'t $'4 t' rec'unt t8e *'tes cast in t8e precinct s'"e"% -'r t8e purp'se 'determinin( t8e true resu"t '- t8e c'unt '- *'tes '- t8e candidates c'ncerned (n) W8en t8e e*idence su$mitted t' t8e $'ard '- can*assers indicate a -ai"ure 'e"ecti'ns in a precinct 'r precincts and t8e num$er '- re(istered *'ters t8erein >'u"d a--ect t8e -ina" resu"t '- t8e e"ecti'n9 t8e $'ard '- can*assers s8a"" $rin( t8e matter t' t8e attenti'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n Unti" t8is issue is res'"*ed t8e $'ard '- can*assers s8a"" suspend t8e pr'c"amati'n '- an% candidate Secti'n !3 Appea"s -r'm Ru"in(s '- B'ard '- Can*assers 7 (a) A part% a((rie*ed $% a ru"in( '- t8e B'ard '- Can*assers s8a""9 >it8in -'rt%7ei(8t 8'urs -r'm receipt '- a c'p% '- t8e ru"in( '- t8e B'ard '- Can*assers9 -i"e >it8 t8e B'ard a >ritten and *eri-ied N'tice '- Appea"H and >it8in an ine4tendi$"e peri'd '- -i*e (+) da%s9 8e s8a"" -i"e 8is appea" t' t8e C'mmissi'n Up'n receipt '- t8e appea"9 t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc s8a"" immediate"% determine >8et8er t8e issues re"ated t8erein are (r'unds pr'per -'r pre7pr'c"amati'n c'ntr'*ers% I- t8e issues raised are n't am'n( t8e (r'unds enumerated under Sec & '- t8is Ru"e9 t8e same s8a"" $e dismissed9 't8er>ise it s8a"" $e ra--"ed t' an% '- t8e t>' (#) di*isi'ns '- t8e C'mmissi'n >8ic8 s8a"" disp'se '- it summari"% >it8in t8ree (&) da%s -r'm t8e peri'd '- re-erra" $% t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc

411

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS ($) T8e appea" -i"ed >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" $e d'c=eted $% t8e C"er= '- C'urt c'ncerned (c) T8e ans>erK'pp'siti'n s8a"" $e *eri-ied (d) T8e Di*isi'n t' >8ic8 t8e case is assi(ned s8a"" immediate"% set t8e case -'r 8earin( (e) At t8e 8earin(9 n' ne> e*idence s8a"" $e recei*ed9 un"ess -'r (''d reas'ns s8'>n9 it is c"ear"% and c'n*incin("% esta$"is8ed t8at t8e appe""ant >as depri*ed '- due pr'cess $% t8e $'ard '- can*assers (-) I- t8e appe""ant is a""'>ed t' present ne> e*idence9 'ra" testim'nies ma% $e dispensed >it89 and in "ieu t8ere'-9 t8e parties ma% $e re5uired t' su$mit t8eir p'siti'n papers9 t'(et8er >it8 a--ida*its9 c'unter7a--ida*its9 and 't8er d'cumentar% e*idence9 a-ter >8ic8 t8e case s8a"" $e deemed su$mitted -'r decisi'n Secti'n !! ,eri'd Wit8in W8ic8 B'ards '- Can*assers Must C'mp"ete Can*ass 7 Su$Cect t' reas'na$"e e4cepti'ns9 $'ard '- can*assers must c'mp"ete t8eir can*ass >it8in t8irt%7si4 (&.) 8'urs in cities n't c'mprisin( at "east 'ne "e(is"ati*e district9 and in municipa"itiesH >it8in -'rt%7ei(8t ()1) 8'urs in cities c'mprisin( 'ne 'r m're "e(is"ati*e district and >it8in se*ent%7t>' (0#) 8'urs in t8e pr'*inces 'ection -2. 'ubmission of the Minutes of the P#oceedin*s of the ,oa#d. & 6ithin -J days f#om the te#mination of can"ass+ the sec#eta#y of the boa#d of can"asse#s shall submit to the La! 9epa#tment of the Commission on Elections in Manila by #e*iste#ed mail a ce#tified copy of the minutes of the p#oceedin*s of the boa#d+ to*ethe# !ith its !#itten #ulin*s on ob8ections to the composition o# p#oceedin*s of the boa#d of can"asse#s+ to the inclusion o# e/clusion of election #etu#ns o# to co##ection of tabulation+ and any e"idence offe#ed by the pa#ties+ and shall notify by tele*#am the said depa#tment of the date and the manne# of t#ansmittal of the minutes. D S,ECIAL RELIE/S Ru"e #1 7 Certi'rari9 ,r'8i$iti'n and Mandamus

Sec ! W8en A*ai"a$"e 7 In aid '- its appe""ate Curisdicti'n in e"ecti'n cases $e-'re c'urts '- (enera" Curisdicti'n re"atin( t' t8e e"ecti'ns9 returns and 5ua"i-icati'ns 'e"ecti*e Municipa" '--icia"s9 and $e-'re c'urts '- "imited Curisdicti'n in cases re"atin( t' t8e e"ecti'ns9 returns and 5ua"i-icati'ns '- e"ecti*e $aran(a% '--icia"s9 t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc ma% 8ear and decide petiti'ns -'r certi'rari9 pr'8i$iti'n 'r mandamus 412

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti'n # ,etiti'n -'r Certi'rari 'r ,r'8i$iti'n 7 W8en an% c'urt 'r Cud(e 8earin( e"ecti'n cases 8as acted >it8'ut 'r in e4cess '- its 'r 8is Curisdicti'n 'r >it8 (ra*e a$use '- discreti'n and t8ere is n' appea"9 n'r an% p"ain9 speed%9 and ade5uate remed% in t8e 'rdinar% c'urse '- "a>9 a pers'n a((rie*ed t8ere$% ma% -i"e a petiti'n -'r certi'rari 'r pr'8i$iti'n >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n a""e(in( t8e -acts >it8 certaint% and pra%in( t8at Cud(ment $e rendered annu""in( 'r m'di-%in( t8e pr'ceedin(s9 as t8e "a> re5uires9 '- suc8 c'urt 'r Cud(e9 'r c'mmandin( it 'r 8im t' desist -r'm -urt8er pr'ceedin( >it8 t8e acti'n 'r matter speci-ied t8erein9 as t8e case ma% $e T8e petiti'n s8a"" $e acc'mpanied $% a certi-ied true c'p% '- t8e Cud(ment 'r 'rder su$Cect t8ere'-9 t'(et8er >it8 a"" p"eadin(s and d'cuments re"e*ant and pertinent t8eret' Secti'n & ,etiti'n -'r Mandamus 7 W8en a c'urt 'r Cud(e in an e"ecti'n case un"a>-u""% ne("ects t8e per-'rmance '- an act >8ic8 t8e "a> speci-ica""% enC'ins as a dut% resu"tin( -r'm 8is '--ice in re"ati'n t' suc8 case and t8ere is n' 't8er p"ain9 speed% and ade5uate remed% in t8e 'rdinar% c'urse '- "a>9 t8e pers'n a((rie*ed t8ere$% ma% -i"e a petiti'n >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n a""e(in( t8e -acts >it8 certaint% and pra%in( t8at Cud(ment $e rendered c'mmandin( t8e resp'ndent immediate"% 'r at s'me 't8er speci-ied time t' d' t8e act re5uired t' $e d'ne t' pr'tect t8e ri(8ts '- t8e petiti'ner and t' pa% t8e dama(es sustained $% t8e petiti'ner $% reas'n '- t8e acts c'mp"ained 'Secti'n ) Dut% '- C"er= '- C'urt '- t8e C'mmissi'n 7 Up'n t8e -i"in( '- t8e petiti'n9 t8e C"er= '- C'urt c'ncerned s8a"" ca"endar t8e case -'r en $anc e47parte 8earin( '- t8e C'mmissi'n t' determine i- it is su--icient in -'rm and su$stance

Secti'n + Order t' Ans>er 7 I- t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc s8a"" determine t8at t8e petiti'n is su--icient in -'rm and su$stance9 it s8a"" issue an 'rder re5uirin( t8e resp'ndent t' ans>er t8e petiti'n >it8in ten (!3) da%s -r'm receipt '- a c'p% t8ere'Suc8 'rder s8a"" $e ser*ed 'n t8e resp'ndent in suc8 manner as t8e C'mmissi'n ma% direct9 t'(et8er >it8 a c'p% '- t8e petiti'n 'ection C. P#oceedin*s Afte# Ans!e#. & Once an ans!e# is filed+ o# the time fo# its filin* has e/pi#ed+ the Commission may o#de# the p#oceedin*s complained of to be fo#th!ith ce#tified fo# #e"ie! and shall hea# the case+ and if afte# such hea#in* the Commission finds that the alle*ations a#e t#ue+ it shall #ende# 8ud*ment fo# such #elief p#ayed as the petitione# is entitled to+ !ith o# !ithout costs+ as 8ustice #e7ui#es. Ru"e #2 7 C'ntempt Secti'n ! Direct C'ntempt ,unis8ed Summari"% 7 A pers'n (ui"t% '- mis$e8a*i'r in t8e presence '- 'r s' near t8e C'mmissi'n 'r an% '- its Di*isi'ns as t' '$struct 'r 413

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS interrupt t8e pr'ceedin(s $e-'re it 'r t8em9 inc"udin( disrespect t'>ard t8e C'mmissi'n 'r Di*isi'n9 '--ensi*e pers'na"ities t'>ard 't8ers 'r re-usa" t' $e s>'rn 'r t' ans>er as a >itness9 'r t' su$scri$e t' an a--ida*it 'r dep'siti'n >8en "a>-u""% re5uired t' d' s'9 ma% $e summari"% adCud(ed in direct c'ntempt $% t8e C'mmissi'n 'r an% '- its Di*isi'n and punis8ed $% a -ine n't e4ceedin( t>' 8undred (,#33 33) pes's 'r impris'nment n't e4ceedin( ten (!3) da%s9 'r $'t89 at t8e discreti'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'r Di*isi'n Secti'n # Indirect C'ntempt 7 A-ter c8ar(e in >ritin( 8as $een -i"ed >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n 'r Di*isi'n9 as t8e case ma% $e9 and an 'pp'rtunit% (i*en t' t8e resp'ndent t' $e 8eard $% 8imse"- 'r c'unse"9 a pers'n (ui"t% '- t8e -'""'>in( acts ma% $e punis8ed -'r indirect c'ntemptG (a) Mis$e8a*i'r '- t8e resp'nsi$"e '--icer '- t8e C'mmissi'n in t8e per-'rmance '8is '--icia" duties 'r in 8is '--icia" transacti'nsH ($) Dis'$edience '- 'r resistance t' a "a>-u" >rit9 pr'cess9 'rder9 Cud(ment 'r c'mmand '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'r an% '- its Di*isi'ns9 'r inCuncti'n 'r restrainin( 'rder (ranted $% itH

(c) An% a$use '- 'r an% un"a>-u" inter-erence >it8 t8e pr'cess 'r pr'ceedin(s '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'r an% '- its Di*isi'ns n't c'nstitutin( direct c'ntempt under Secti'n ! '- t8is Ru"esH (d) An% impr'per c'nduct tendin(9 direct"% 'r indirect"%9 t' impede9 '$struct9 'r de(rade t8e administrati'n '- Custice $% t8e C'mmissi'n 'r an% '- its Di*isi'nsH (e) Assumin( t' $e an att'rne% and actin( as suc8 >it8'ut aut8'rit%H and (-) /ai"ure t' '$e% a su$p'ena du"% ser*ed Secti'n & ,ena"t% -'r Indirect C'ntempt 7 I- adCud(ed (ui"t9 t8e accused ma% $e punis8ed $% a -ine n't e4ceedin( 'ne t8'usand (,!9333 33) pes's 'r impris'nment -'r n't m're t8an si4 (.) m'nt8s9 'r $'t89 at t8e discreti'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'r Di*isi'n 'ection @. 6a##ant of A##est on a 6itness 6ho 1ails to Attend. & Any p#o"ision of these 2ules to the cont#a#y not!ithstandin*+ in case of failu#e of a !itness to attend despite the issuance of a "alid subpoena+ the Commission o# any of its 9i"isions+ upon p#oof of se#"ice of the subpoena to said !itness+ may issue a !a##ant of a##est a*ainst said !itness and di#ect that he be b#ou*ht befo#e the Commission o# any of its 9i"isions !he#e his attendance is #e7ui#ed. E ,RO6ISIONAL REMEDIES 414

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Ru"e &3 7 InCuncti'n Secti'n ! ,re"iminar% InCuncti'n 7 T8e C'mmissi'n 'r an% '- its Di*isi'ns ma% (rant pre"iminar% inCuncti'n in an% 'rdinar% acti'n9 specia" acti'n9 specia" case9 'r specia" re"ie- pendin( $e-'re it Secti'n # @r'unds -'r Issuance '- ,re"iminar% InCuncti'n 7 A pre"iminar% inCuncti'n ma% $e (ranted at an% time a-ter t8e c'mmencement '- an acti'n 'r pr'ceedin( and $e-'re Cud(ment >8en it is esta$"is8ed t8atG (a) T8e petiti'ner 'r pr'testant is entit"ed t' t8e re"ie- demanded and t8e >8'"e 'r part '- suc8 re"ie- c'nsists in restrainin( t8e c'mmissi'n 'r c'ntinuance '- t8e acts c'mp"ained '-9 'r in t8e per-'rmance '- an act 'r acts9 eit8er -'r a "imited peri'd 'r perpetua""%H asia dc

($) T8e c'mmissi'n 'r c'ntinuance '- s'me act c'mp"ained '- durin( t8e pendenc% '- t8e acti'n 'r t8e n'n7per-'rmance t8ere'- >'u"d >'r= inCustice t' t8e petiti'ner 'r pr'testantH (c) T8e resp'ndent 'r pr'testee is d'in(9 t8reatens9 'r is a$'ut t' d'9 'r is pr'curin( t' $e d'ne9 s'me act in *i'"ati'n '- petiti'nerBsKpr'testantBs ri(8ts respectin( t8e su$Cect '- t8e acti'n9 and tendin( t' render t8e Cud(ment ine--ectua" Secti'n & @rant '- InCuncti'n Discreti'nar% 7 T8e (rant '- t8e pre"iminar% inCuncti'n is entire"% "e-t t' t8e s'und discreti'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'r its Di*isi'ns Secti'n ) B'nd -'r ,re"iminar% InCuncti'n 7 N' >rit '- pre"iminar% inCuncti'n s8a"" $e issued un"ess t8e app"icant s8a"" -i"e a $'nd9 in an am'unt t' $e -i4ed $% t8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e Di*isi'n c'ncerned9 t' t8e e--ect t8at t8e petiti'nerKpr'testant >i"" pa% t' suc8 part% a"" dama(es >8ic8 t8e "atter ma% sustain $% reas'n '- t8e inCuncti'n i- t8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e Di*isi'n c'ncerned s8a"" -ina""% decide t8at t8e petiti'nerKpr'testant >as n't entit"ed t8eret' 'ection J. P#elimina#y ;n8unction =ot 3#anted 6ithout =oticeI ;ssuance of 2est#ainin* O#de#. & =o p#elimina#y in8unction shall be *#anted !ithout notice to the ad"e#se pa#ty. ;f it shall appea# f#om the facts sho!n by affida"its o# the "e#ified petition that *#eat o# i##epa#able in8u#y !ould #esult to the applicant befo#e the matte# can be hea#d on notice+ the Commission o# any 9i"ision to !hich the application fo# p#elimina#y in8unction !as made+ may issue a #est#ainin* o#de# to be effecti"e only fo# a pe#iod of t!enty >20? days f#om date of its issuance. 6ithin the said t!enty&day pe#iod+ the Commission o# the 9i"ision as the case may be+ must cause an o#de# to be se#"ed on the #espondent #e7ui#in* him to sho! cause+ at a specified time and place+ !hy the in8unction should not be *#anted+ and dete#mine !ithin the same pe#iod !hethe# o# not the p#elimina#y in8unction shall 415

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS be *#anted and shall acco#din*ly issue the co##espondin* o#de#. ;n the e"ent that the application fo# p#elimina#y in8unction is denied+ the #est#ainin* o#de# is deemed automatically "acated. / S,ECIAL ,ROCEEDIN@S Ru"e &! 7 Annu"ment '- ,ermanent List '- 6'ters

Secti'n ! @r'unds 7 An% $''= '- *'ters n't prepared in acc'rdance >it8 t8e pr'*isi'ns '- "a>9 'r t8e preparati'n '- >8ic8 8as $een e--ected >it8 -raud9 $ri$er%9 -'r(er%9 impers'nati'n9 intimidati'n9 -'rce9 'r an% 't8er simi"ar irre(u"arit%9 'r >8ic8 "ist is statistica""% impr'$a$"e9 ma% $e annu""ed $% t8e C'mmissi'n Secti'n # ,etiti'n t' Annu" 7 An% *'ter9 e"ecti'n re(istrar9 'r du"% re(istered p'"itica" part%9 'r(ani<ati'n 'r c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" parties ma% -i"e >it8 t8e La> Department '- t8e C'mmissi'n a petiti'n t' annu" a permanent "ist '- *'ters Secti'n & N'tice '- ;earin( 7 Wit8in t8ree da%s -r'm t8e -i"in( '- t8e petiti'n9 t8e C"er= '- C'urt c'ncerned s8a"" ma=e a rep'rt '- t8e petiti'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n >8ic8 s8a"" determine eit8er t' (i*e it due c'urse 'r t' den% t8e same I- t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" decide t' (i*e it due c'urse9 an Order t' t8at e--ect9 -i4in( t8e date '- 8earin(9 s8a"" $e pu$"is8ed in a ne>spaper '- (enera" circu"ati'n in t8e pr'*ince 'r cit% c'ncerned 'nce a >ee= -'r t>' c'nsecuti*e >ee=s9 t8e "ast '- >8ic8 s8a"" n't $e "ess t8an ten da%s pri'r t' t8e date '- 8earin( C'pies '- t8e 'rder s8a"" "i=e>ise $e -urnis8ed t' a"" re(istered p'"itica" parties9 'r(ani<ati'n 'r c'a"iti'n 'r p'"itica" parties in t8e pr'*ince 'r cit% c'ncerned E4penses -'r t8e pu$"icati'n and n'tices s8a"" $e $'rne $% t8e petiti'ner9 >8ic8 as pre"iminar% estimated9 s8a"" $e dep'sited >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n I- t8e petiti'ner is an E"ecti'n Re(istrar t8e e4penses -'r pu$"icati'n s8a"" $e $'rne $% t8e C'mmissi'n Secti'n ) Time t' /i"e Opp'siti'n 7 On 'r $e-'re t8e date set -'r t8e 8earin(9 an% interested part% ma% -i"e a *eri-ied 'pp'siti'n t' t8e petiti'n Secti'n + Summar% ,r'ceedin(s 7 T8e petiti'n ma% $e 8eard summari"% Secti'n . De"e(ati'n '- ;earin( and Recepti'n '- E*idence 7 T8e 8earin( and recepti'n '- e*idence ma% $e de"e(ated $% t8e C'mmissi'n t' an% '- its '--icia"s >8' are mem$ers '- t8e ,8i"ippine Bar Secti'n 0 ,r'8i$iti'n '- E4ecuti'n '- Decisi'n 7 An% pr'*isi'n '- t8ese Ru"es t' t8e c'ntrar% n't>it8standin(9 a decisi'n t' annu" a $''= '- *'ters s8a"" n't $e e4ecuted >it8in si4t% (.3) da%s $e-'re an e"ecti'n Ru"e &# 7 Re(istrati'n '- ,'"itica" ,arties 'r Or(ani<ati'n 416

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

Secti'n ! ,etiti'n -'r Re(istrati'n 7 An% p'"itica" part%9 'r(ani<ati'n 'r c'a"iti'n 'p'"itica" parties see=in( re(istrati'n pursuant t' Secti'n # (+)9 Su$di*isi'n C 'Artic"e IO '- t8e C'nstituti'n s8a"" -i"e >it8 t8e La> Department '- t8e C'mmissi'n a petiti'n du"% *eri-ied $% its ,resident and Secretar% 7@enera"9 'r an% '--icia" du"% aut8'ri<ed t' d' s' under its C'nstituti'n and B%7"a>sH Secti'n # C'ntents '- ,etiti'n 7 T8e petiti'n -'r re(istrati'n s8a"" state t8e -'""'>in(G (!) /u"" name '- t8e p'"itica" part%9 'r(ani<ati'n 'r c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" partiesH (#) T8e principa" 8ead5uarters and p'st '--ice address -'r e"ecti'n purp'ses9 inc"udin( its $ranc8es and di*isi'ns9 i- an%H (&) T8e date and p"ace '- its 'r(ani<ati'nH ()) T8e date and manner '- e"ecti'n 'r se"ecti'n '- its '--icersH (+) T8e names and addresses '- its 'r(ani<ers and '--icers9 E4ecuti*e C'mmittee mem$ers9 Direct'rate9 'r ,art% C'n*enti'n de"e(ates9 i- an%H >C? he e/tent of its constituencyI (0) Its pr'(ram '- ('*ernmentH (1) T8at it is n't a re"i(i'us sect 'r den'minati'nH (2) T8at it s8a"" n't pursue its ('a"s t8r'u(8 *i'"ence 'r 't8er un"a>-u" meansH (!3) T8at it s8a"" up8'"d and ad8ere t' t8e C'nstituti'n and s8a"" '$e% a"" "a>s and "e(a" 'rders pr'mu"(ated $% du"% c'nstituted aut8'ritiesH (!!) T8at it is n't supp'rted $%9 n'r d'es it accept -inancia" c'ntri$uti'n -r'm an% -'rei(n ('*ernment 'r t8eir a(enciesH and (!#) Ot8er in-'rmati'n t8at ma% $e materia" and re"e*ant t' t8e petiti'n Secti'n & Ot8er Re5uirements 7 T8e petiti'ner s8a"" attac8 t' t8e petiti'n -'r re(istrati'n ten (!3) c'pies '- its c'nstituti'n and $%7"a>s9 part% p"at-'rm9 'r(ani<ati'na" papers9 dec"arati'ns '- p'"itica" creed 'r c'de '- p'"itica" et8ics and suc8 't8er d'cuments '- simi"ar 'r e5ui*a"ent c8aracter

Secti'n ) 6eri-icati'n 7 Be-'re ta=in( acti'n 'n t8e petiti'n9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" -irst *eri-%9 t8r'u(8 its -i"ed '--ices9 t8e status and capacit% '- t8e petiti'ner and t8e 417

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS *eracit% '- t8e a""e(ati'ns in t8e petiti'n and its enc"'sures N't "ater t8an -i-teen (!+) da%s -r'm n'tice '- t8e C'mmissi'nBs instructi'n9 t8e -ie"d '--ice c'ncerned s8a"" su$mit its >ritten rep'rt9 in ten (!3) c'pies9 t'(et8er >it8 supp'rtin( d'cuments 'r rec'rds9 i- an% Secti'n + N'tice '- ;earin( 7 Up'n receipt '- t8e rep'rts -r'm its -ie"d '--ices9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" immediate"% set t8e petiti'n -'r 8earin( and s8a"" send n'tices t' t8e petiti'ner and 't8er parties c'ncerned Secti'n . ,u$"icati'n '- ,etiti'n and n'tice '- ;earin( 7 On t8e da% -'""'>in( t8e receipt '- t8e n'tice '- 8earin(9 t8e petiti'ner s8a"" cause t8e pu$"icati'n '- t8e petiti'n9 t'(et8er >it8 t8e n'tice '- 8earin(9 in t8ree (&) dai"% ne>spaper '- (enera" circu"ati'n9 n'ti-%in( in >ritin( t8e C'mmissi'n '- suc8 acti'n Secti'n 0 Certi-icate '- Re(istrati'n 7 A certi-icate '- re(istrati'n s8a"" $e issued $% t8e C'mmissi'n up'n appr'*a" '- t8e petiti'n9 >8ic8 s8a"" $e disp"a%ed in t8e main '--ice and in a"" c8apters '- t8e petiti'ner Secti'n 1 Cance""ati'n '- Re(istrati'n 7 Up'n *eri-ied c'mp"aint '- an% interested part%9 'r m'tu pr'pri' $% t8e C'mmissi'n9 t8e re(istrati'n '- an% p'"itica" part%9 c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" parties 'r 'r(ani<ati'n under t8e part%7"ist s%stem ma% $e cance""ed a-ter due n'tice and 8earin( 'n t8e -'""'>in( (r'undsG a) Acceptance $% t8e p'"itica" part%9 c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" parties9 'r 'r(ani<ati'ns 'r an% '- its candidates9 '- -inancia" c'ntri$uti'ns -r'm -'rei(n ('*ernments andK'r t8eir a(encies -'r acti*ities re"ated t' e"ecti'nsH $) 6i'"ati'n '- "a>s9 ru"es 'r re(u"ati'ns re"atin( t' e"ecti'ns9 p"e$iscites9 re-erenda9 'r initiati*eH c) Untrut8-u" statements in its petiti'n -'r re(istrati'nH d) T8e said p'"itica" part%9 c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" parties 'r 'r(ani<ati'n 8as $ec'me a re"i(i'us sect 'r den'minati'n9 is pursuin( its ('a"s t8ru *i'"ence 'r 't8er un"a>-u" means9 is re-usin( t' ad8ere t' 'r up8'"d t8e C'nstituti'n '- t8e ,8i"ippines9 'r is recei*in( supp'rt -r'm an% -'rei(n ('*ernment9 and

e) /ai"ure t' c'mp"% >it8 app"ica$"e "a>s9 ru"es 'r re(u"ati'ns '- t8e C'mmissi'n -) /ai"ure t' -ie"d '--icia" candidates in t8e "ast t>' pr'ceedin( e"ecti'ns 'r -ai"ure 't8eir candidates t' '$tain at "east -i*e (+) per centum '- t8e *'tes cast in t8e "ast t>' precedin( e"ecti'ns Ru"e && 7 Accreditati'n '- Citi<ensB Arms '- t8e C'mmissi'n 418

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti'n ! W8' Ma% Be Accredited as Citi<ensB Arms '- t8e C'mmissi'n 7 An% $'na -ide n'n partisan (r'up9 ass'ciati'n 'r 'r(ani<ati'n -r'm t8e ci*ic9 %'ut89 pr'-essi'na"9 educati'na"9 $usiness 'r "a$'r sect'rs >it8 indenti-ia$"e "eaders8ip9 mem$ers8ip and structure9 and >it8 dem'nstrated capacit% t' pr'm'te t8e pu$"ic interest and assist t8e C'mmissi'n in t8e per-'rmance '- its -uncti'ns and acti*ities as mandated $% t8e C'nstituti'n and $% "a>9 ma% $e accredited as citi<ensB arms 't8e C'mmissi'n Secti'n # ,etiti'n t' $e Accredited 7 T8e (r'up9 ass'ciati'n 'r 'r(ani<ati'n menti'ned in Secti'n ! 8ere'- ma% -i"e a petiti'n -'r accreditati'n du"% *eri-ied $% its ,resident9 C8airman '- t8e B'ard '- Direct'rs9 'r an% '- its du"% aut8'ri<ed '--icer Secti'n & C'ntents '- t8e ,etiti'n 7 T8e petiti'n s8a"" state t8e -'""'>in(G (a) T8e c'nstituenc% t' >8ic8 petiti'ner see=s accreditati'nH ($) T8at it is n't supp'rtin( an% candidate9 p'"itica" part%9 'r(ani<ati'n 'r c'a"iti'n 'p'"itica" parties9 in t8e c'nstituenc% >8ere it see=s accreditati'nH (c) Nature '- its mem$ers8ip (>8et8er ci*ic9 %'ut8 etc )H names '- its '--icers 'r 'r(ani<ers9 "'cati'n '- principa" '--ice 'r p"ace '- $usiness and an assurance '- its capa$i"it% t' underta=e a c''rdinated 'perati'n and acti*it% t' assist t8e C'mmissi'nH (d) T8at it s8a"" su$mit itse"- t' t8e direct and immediate c'ntr'" and super*isi'n and c'mp"% >it8 t8e 'rders '- t8e C'mmissi'n in t8e per-'rmance '- its speci-ic -uncti'ns and acti*ities pr'*ided $% "a>9 and suc8 't8er -uncti'ns and acti*ities pr'*ided $% "a>9 and suc8 't8er -uncti'ns and acti*ities >8ic8 t8e C'mmissi'n ma% assi(nH

(e) T8at it s8a"" strict"% remain n'n7partisan and impartia" durin( t8e re(istrati'n and e"ecti'n peri'dsH (-) T8at it is n't supp'rted $% 'r under t8e in-"uence '- an% -'rei(n ('*ernment 'r an% '- its a(encies 'r instrumenta"itiesH 'r '- an% -'rei(ner9 >8et8er natura" 'r Curidica" pers'nH (() T8at it s8a"" n't s'"icit 'r recei*e9 direct"% 'r indirect"%9 an% c'ntri$uti'n 'r aid '>8ate*er -'rm 'r nature -r'm an% -'rei(n ('*ernment9 'r an% '- its a(encies 'r instrumenta"ities9 'r -r'm an% -'rei(ner9 a natura" 'r Curidica" pers'nH (8) T8at it d'es n't see= t' ac8ie*e its '$Cecti*es9 ('a"s 'r pr'(rams t8r'u(8 *i'"ence 'r 't8er un"a>-u" means9 n'r aim t' pr'pa(ate an% ide'"'(% 'pp'sed t' t8e princip"es '- a repu$"ican and dem'cratic ('*ernmentH and

419

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (i) T8at it underta=es t' p'"ice its ran=s and pre*ent in-i"trati'n $% pers'ns 'r (r'ups '- pers'ns >8' ma%9 direct"% 'r indirect"%9 destr'% its c8aracter '- n'n7partisans8ip and impartia""% Secti'n ) N'tice '- ;earin( 7 Up'n t8e -i"in( '- t8e petiti'n9 t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc s8a"" immediate"% set it -'r 8earin( T8e C'mmissi'n ma%9 i- it deems necessar%9 'rder t8e pu$"icati'n '- t8e petiti'n in a ne>spaper '- (enera" circu"ati'n at t8e e4pense '- t8e petiti'ner Secti'n + Opp'siti'n 7 An% pers'n9 (r'up9 ass'ciati'n 'r 'r(ani<ati'n9 p'"itica" part% 'r c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" parties p'ssessin( re"e*ant in-'rmati'n 'r e*idence a(ainst t8e petiti'ner ma% 'pp'se its accreditati'n $% -i"in( a *eri-ied 'pp'siti'n N't>it8standin( t8e a$sence '- an% 'pp'siti'n9 t8e C'mmissi'n ma% m'tu pr'pri' re5uire t8e petiti'ner t' present e*idence t' supp'rt its petiti'n Secti'n . Decisi'n 7 T8e decisi'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n (rantin( t8e petiti'n ma% pr'*ide c'nditi'ns t' $e strict"% c'mp"ied >it8 $% t8e petiti'ner

Secti'n 0 Certi-icate '- Accreditati'n 7 I- t8e decisi'n is -'r t8e accreditati'n '- t8e petiti'ner9 t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" issue a certi-icate '- accreditati'n c'ntainin( t8e -'""'>in(G (a) T8e name '- t8e (r'up 'r 'r(ani<ati'nH ($) T8e c'nstituenc% t' >8ic8 it is accreditedH and (c) T8e p'"itica" e4ercise -'r >8ic8 it is accredited Secti'n 1 Su$missi'n '- Names and Addresses '- L'ca" Representati*es 7 A-ter its accreditati'n9 t8e petiti'ner s8a"" su$mit t' t8e E"ecti'n Re(istrars in t8e c'nstituenc% >8ere it is accredited9 t8e names and addresses '- its "'ca" representati*es >8' s8a"" act as n'n7partisan >atc8ers and su$stitute >atc8ers t8erein durin( t8e entire e"ect'ra" e4ercise Secti'n 2 App'intment '- Watc8ers $% E"ecti'n Re(istrars 7 Un"ess t8e impartia"it% 'r n'n7partisans8ip '- t8e mem$ers c'ncerned is 5uesti'ned in >ritin(9 t8e E"ecti'n Re(istrar s8a"" e4tend t8e c'rresp'ndin( app'intments t' suc8 mem$ers as p'"" >atc8ers statin( t8erein t8e precincts t' >8ic8 t8e% are assi(ned T8e mem$ers s' app'inted s8a"" 8a*e t8e same duties9 -uncti'ns9 and ri(8ts as >atc8ers '- re(istered p'"itica" parties9 'r(ani<ati'n 'r c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" parties Secti'n !3 Re*'cati'n '- Accreditati'n 7 T8e accreditati'n '- an% (r'up9 ass'ciati'n 'r 'r(ani<ati'n as Citi<ensB Arm% ma% $e re*'=ed $% t8e C'mmissi'n a-ter n'tice and 8earin(9 >8ene*er it s8'>s 'r acts >it8 partia"it% in an% p'"itica" 420

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS issue 'r t' an% p'"itica" part%9 'r(ani<ati'n 'r c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" parties9 'r 8as per-'rmed acts in e4cess '- its duties and -uncti'ns as pr'*ided $% "a>9 'r 8as -ai"ed t' c'mp"% >it8 t8e c'nditi'ns imp'sed up'n it in t8e decisi'n (rantin( accreditati'n 'ection --. E/pi#ation of Acc#editation. & he acc#editation shall automatically lapse at the end of the election pe#iod of the political e/e#cise fo# !hich the petitione# !as acc#edited as citi.ensK a#m. @ ELECTION O//ENSES Ru"e &) 7 ,r'secuti'n '- E"ecti'n O--enses

Secti'n ! Aut8'rit% '- t8e C'mmissi'n t' ,r'secute E"ecti'n O--enses 7 T8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" 8a*e t8e e4c"usi*e p'>er t' c'nduct pre"iminar% in*esti(ati'n 'a"" e"ecti'n '--enses punis8a$"e under t8e e"ecti'n "a>s and t' pr'secute t8e same9 e4cept as ma% 't8er>ise $e pr'*ided $% "a> Secti'n # C'ntinuin( De"e(ati'n '- Aut8'rit% t' Ot8er ,r'secuti'n Arms '- t8e @'*ernment 7 T8e C8ie- State ,r'secut'r9 a"" ,r'*incia" and Cit% /isca"s9 andK'r t8eir respecti*e assistants are 8ere$% (i*en c'ntinuin( aut8'rit%9 as deputies '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 t' c'nduct pre"iminar% in*esti(ati'n '- c'mp"aints in*'"*in( e"ecti'n '--enses under t8e e"ecti'n "a>s >8ic8 ma% $e -i"ed direct"% >it8 t8em9 'r >8ic8 ma% $e ind'rsed t' t8em $% t8e C'mmissi'n 'r its du"% aut8'ri<ed representati*es and t' pr'secute t8e same Suc8 aut8'rit% ma% $e re*'=ed 'r >it8dra>n an% time $% t8e C'mmissi'n >8ene*er in its Cud(ment suc8 re*'cati'n 'r >it8dra>a" is necessar% t' pr'tect t8e inte(rit% '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 pr'm'te t8e c'mm'n (''d9 'r >8en it $e"ie*es t8at success-u" pr'secuti'n '- t8e case can $e d'ne $% t8e C'mmissi'n Secti'n & Initiati'n '- C'mp"aint 7 Initiati'n '- c'mp"aint -'r e"ecti'n '--enses ma% $e d'ne m'tu pr'pri' $% t8e C'mmissi'n9 'r up'n >ritten c'mp"aint $% an% citi<en '- t8e ,8i"ippines9 candidate9 re(istered p'"itica" part%9 c'a"iti'n '- p'"itica" parties 'r 'r(ani<ati'ns under t8e part%"ist s%stem 'r an% accredited citi<ens arms '- t8e C'mmissi'n Secti'n ) /'rm '- C'mp"aint and W8ere t' /i"e 7 (a) W8en n't initiated m'tu pr'pri' $% t8e C'mmissi'n9 t8e c'mp"aint must $e *eri-ied and supp'rted $% a--ida*its andK'r an% 't8er e*idence M'tu pr'pri' c'mp"aints ma% $e si(ned $% t8e C8airman '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 'r t8e Direct'r '- t8e La> Department up'n directi'n '- t8e C8airman9 and need n't $e *eri-iedH ($) T8e c'mp"aint s8a"" $e -i"ed >it8 t8e La> Department '- t8e C'mmissi'nH 'r >it8 t8e '--ices '- t8e E"ecti'n Re(istrars9 ,r'*incia" E"ecti'n Super*is'rs 'r Re(i'na" E"ecti'n Direct'rs9 'r t8e State ,r'secut'r9 ,r'*incia" /isca" 'r Cit% /isca" 421

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS I- -i"ed >it8 an% '- t8e "atter t8ree (&) '--icia"s9 in*esti(ati'n t8ere'- ma% $e de"e(ated t' an% '- t8eir assistants (c) I- -i"ed >it8 t8e Re(i'na" E"ecti'n Direct'rs 'r ,r'*incia" E"ecti'n Super*is'rs9 said '--icia"s s8a"" immediate"% -urnis8 t8e Direct'r '- t8e La> Department a c'p% 't8e c'mp"aint and t8e supp'rtin( d'cuments9 and in-'rm t8e "atter '- t8e acti'n ta=en t8ere'n !a**p8i!

Secti'n + Re-erra" -'r ,re"iminar% In*esti(ati'n 7 i- t8e c'mp"aint is initiated m'tu pr'pri' $% t8e C'mmissi'n9 'r is -i"ed >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n $% an% a((rie*ed part%9 it s8a"" $e re-erred t' t8e La> Department -'r in*esti(ati'n Up'n directi'n '- t8e C8airman '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 t8e pre"iminar% in*esti(ati'n ma% $e de"e(ated t' an% "a>%er '- said Department9 'r t' an% '- t8e Re(i'na" E"ecti'n Direct'rs 'r ,r'*incia" E"ecti'n Super*is'rs9 'r an% "a>%er '- t8e C'mmissi'n Secti'n . C'nduct '- ,re"iminar% In*esti(ati'n 7 (a) I- 'n t8e $asis '- t8e c'mp"aint9 a--ida*its and t8e supp'rtin( e*idence9 t8e in*esti(atin( '--icer -inds n' (r'und t' c'ntinue >it8 t8e in5uir%9 8e s8a"" rec'mmend t8e dismissa" '- t8e c'mp"aint and s8a"" -'""'> t8e pr'cedure prescri$ed in Secti'n 1(c) '- t8is Ru"e Ot8er>ise9 8e s8a"" issue a su$p'ena t' t8e resp'ndent9 attac8in( t8eret' a c'p% '- t8e c'mp"aint9 a--ida*its and 't8er supp'rtin( d'cuments (i*in( said resp'ndent ten (!3) da%s -r'm receipt >it8in >8ic8 t' su$mit c'unter7a--ida*its and 't8er supp'rtin( d'cuments T8e resp'ndent s8a"" 8a*e t8e ri(8t t' e4amine a"" 't8er e*idence su$mitted $% t8e c'mp"ainant ($) Suc8 c'unter7a--ida*its and 't8er supp'rtin( e*idence su$mitted $% t8e resp'ndent s8a"" $e -urnis8ed $% 8im t' t8e c'mp"ainant (c) I- t8e resp'ndent cann't $e su$p'enaed9 'r i- su$p'enaed9 d'e n't su$mit c'unter7a--ida*its >it8in t8e ten da% peri'd9 t8e in*esti(atin( '--icer s8a"" $ase 8is res'"uti'n 'n t8e e*idence presented $% t8e c'mp"ainant (d) I- t8e in*esti(atin( '--icer $e"ie*es t8at t8ere are matters t' $e c"ari-ied9 8e ma% set a 8earin( t' pr'p'und c"ari-icat'r% 5uesti'ns t' t8e parties 'r t8eir >itnesses9 durin( >8ic8 t8e parties s8a"" $e a--'rded an 'pp'rtunit% t' $e present $ut >it8'ut t8e ri(8t t' e4amine 'r cr'ss7e4amine I- t8e parties s' desire9 t8e% ma% su$mit 5uesti'ns t' t8e in*esti(atin( '--icer >8ic8 t8e "atter ma% pr'p'und t' t8e parties 'r >itnesses c'ncerned (e) T8erea-ter9 t8e in*esti(ati'n s8a"" $e deemed c'nc"uded9 and t8e in*esti(atin( '--icer s8a"" res'"*e t8e case >it8in ten (!3) da%s t8ere-r'm Up'n t8e e*idence t8us adduced9 t8e in*esti(atin( '--icer s8a"" determine >8et8er 'r n't t8ere is su--icient (r'und t' 8'"d t8e resp'ndent -'r tria" 422

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

Secti'n 0 ,resumpti'n '- E4istence '- ,r'$a$"e Cause 7 A c'mp"aint initiated m'tu pr'pi' $% t8e C'mmissi'n is presumed t' $e $ased 'n su--icient pr'$a$"e cause and t8e in*esti(atin( '--icer must -'rt8>it8 issue t8e su$p'ena menti'ned in t8e immediate"% precedin( secti'n Secti'n 1 Dut% '- In*esti(atin( O--icer 7 T8e pre"iminar% in*esti(ati'n must $e terminated >it8in t>ent% (#3) da%s a-ter receipt '- t8e c'unter7a--ida*its and 't8er e*idence '- t8e resp'ndents9 and res'"uti'n t8ere'- s8a"" $e made >it8in -i*e (+) da%s t8erea-ter (a) I- t8e in*esti(atin( '--icer -inds n' cause t' 8'"d t8e resp'ndent -'r tria"9 8e s8a"" rec'mmend dismissa" '- t8e c'mp"aint ($) I- t8e in*esti(atin( '--icer -inds cause t' 8'"d t8e resp'ndent -'r tria"9 8e s8a"" prepare t8e res'"uti'n9 and t8e c'rresp'ndin( in-'rmati'n >8erein 8e s8a"" certi-% under 'at8 t8at 8e 8as e4amined t8e c'mp"ainant and 8is >itnesses9 t8at t8ere is reas'na$"e (r'und t' $e"ie*e t8at a crime 8as $een c'mmitted and t8at t8e accused >as in-'rmed '- t8e c'mp"aint and '- t8e e*idence su$mitted a(ainst 8im and t8at 8e >as (i*en an 'pp'rtunit% t' su$mit c'ntr'*ertin( e*idence (c) In eit8er case9 t8e in*esti(atin( '--icer s8a""9 >it8in -i*e (+) da%s -r'm t8e renditi'n '- 8is rec'mmendati'n9 -'r>ard t8e rec'rds '- t8e case t'G !) T8e Direct'r '- t8e La> Department '- t8e C'mmissi'n in cases in*esti(ated $% an% '- t8e C'mmissi'n "a>%ers 'r -i"ed pers'nne"9 and #) T8e State ,r'secut'r9 ,r'*incia" /isca" 'r Cit% /isca"9 as t8e case ma% $e9 pursuant t' t8e c'ntinuin( aut8'rit% pr'*ided -'r in Secti'n # '- t8is Ru"e Secti'n 2 Dut% '- t8e La> Department9 State ,r'secut'r9 ,r'*incia" 'r Cit% /isca" Up'n Receipt '- Rec'rds 7 (a) Wit8in ten (!3) da%s -r'm receipt '- t8e rec'rds stated in para(rap8 (c) '- t8e immediate"% precedin( secti'n9 t8e State ,r'secut'r9 ,r'*incia" 'r Cit% /isca" s8a"" ta=e appr'priate acti'n t8ere'n9 immediate"% in-'rmin( t8e parties '- said acti'n ($) In cases in*esti(ated $% t8e "a>%ers 'r t8e -ie"d pers'nne" '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 t8e Direct'r '- t8e La> Department s8a"" re*ie> and e*a"uate t8e rec'mmendati'n 'said "e(a" '--icer9 prepare a rep'rt and ma=e a rec'mmendati'n t' t8e C'mmissi'n a--irmin(9 m'di-%in( 'r re*ersin( t8e same s8a"" $e inc"uded in t8e a(enda '- t8e succeedin( meetin( en $anc '- t8e C'mmissi'n I- t8e C'mmissi'n appr'*es t8e -i"in( '- an in-'rmati'n in c'urt a(ainst t8e resp'ndentKs9 t8e Direct'r '- t8e La> Department s8a"" prepare and si(n t8e in-'rmati'n -'r immediate -i"in( >it8 t8e appr'priate c'urt 423

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (c) In a"" 't8er cases9 i- t8e rec'mmendati'n t' dismiss 'r t8e res'"uti'n t' -i"e t8e case in c'urt is appr'*ed $% State ,r'secut'r9 ,r'*incia" 'r Cit% /isca"9 t8e% s8a"" "i=e>ise appr'*e t8e In-'rmati'n prepared and immediate"% cause its -i"in( >it8 t8e pr'per c'urt (d) I- t8e rec'mmendati'n t' dismiss is re*ersed 'n t8e (r'und t8at a pr'$a$"e cause e4ists9 t8e State ,r'secut'r9 'r t8e ,r'*incia" 'r Cit% /isca"9 ma%9 $% 8imse"- prepare and -i"e t8e c'rresp'ndin( in-'rmati'n a(ainst t8e resp'ndent 'r direct an% '- 8is assistants t' d' s' >it8'ut c'nductin( an't8er pre"iminar% in*esti(ati'n Secti'n !3 Appea"s -r'm t8e Acti'n '- t8e State ,r'secuti'n9 ,r'*incia" 'r Cit% /isca" 7 Appea"s -r'm t8e res'"uti'n '- t8e State ,r'secut'r9 'r ,r'*incia" 'r Cit% /isca" 'n t8e rec'mmendati'n 'r res'"uti'n '- in*esti(atin( '--icers ma% $e made 'n"% t' t8e C'mmissi'n >it8in ten (!3) da%s -r'm receipt '- t8e res'"uti'n '- said '--icia"s9 pr'*ided9 8'>e*er t8at t8is s8a"" n't di*est t8e C'mmissi'n '- its p'>er t' m'tu pr'pri' re*ie>9 re*ise9 m'di-% 'r re*erse t8e res'"uti'n '- t8e c8ie- state pr'secut'r andK'r pr'*incia"Kcit% pr'secut'rs T8e decisi'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'n said appea"s s8a"" $e immediate"% e4ecut'r% and -ina" Secti'n !! Dut% '- State ,r'secut'r9 ,r'*incia" 'r Cit% /isca" t' Render Rep'rts 7 T8e State ,r'secut'r9 ,r'*incia" 'r Cit% /isca" s8a""9 >it8in -i*e (+) da%s -r'm t8e renditi'n '- t8eir res'"uti'n 'n rec'mmendati'n 'r res'"uti'n '- in*esti(atin( '--icers9 ma=e a >ritten rep'rt t8ere'- t' t8e C'mmissi'n T8e% s8a"" "i=e>ise su$mit a m'nt8"% rep'rt 'n t8e status '- cases -i"ed >it8 andK'r pr'secuted $% t8em 'r an% 't8eir assistants pursuant t' t8e aut8'rit% (ranted t8em under Secti'n # '- t8is Ru"e 'ection -2. P#i"ate P#osecuto#. & he appea#ance of a p#i"ate p#osecuto# shall be allo!ed in cases !he#e p#i"ate #i*hts in"ol"in* #eco"e#y of ci"il liability a#e in"ol"ed.

,ART 6I ,RO6ISIONS @O6ERNIN@ ELECTION CONTESTS AND ?UO WARRANTO CASES BE/ORE TRIAL COURT Ru"e &+ 7 E"ecti'n C'ntests Be-'re C'urts '- @enera" Jurisdicti'n Secti'n ! Ori(ina" Jurisdicti'n '- Re(i'na" Tria" C'urts 7 Re(i'na" tria" c'urts s8a"" 8a*e e4c"usi*e 'ri(ina" Curisdicti'n '*er c'ntests re"atin( t' t8e e"ecti'ns9 returns and 5ua"i-icati'ns in*'"*in( e"ecti*e municipa" '--icia"s 424

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti'n # /i"in( '- E"ecti'n C'ntests 7 A petiti'n c'ntestin( t8e e"ecti'n '- an% municipa" '--icia" s8a"" $e -i"ed >it8 t8e pr'per Re(i'na" Tria" C'urt 'r mai"ed at t8e p'st '--ice as re(istered matter addressed t' said C'urt9 t'(et8er >it8 si4 (.) "e(i$"e c'pies t8ere'-9 $% an% candidate -'r t8e same '--ice >8' 8as du"% -i"ed a certi-icate '- candidac% and >8' >as *'ted in t8e e"ecti'n Eac8 c'ntest s8a"" re-er e4c"usi*e"% t' 'ne '--ice9 $ut c'ntests -'r '--ices '- t8e San((unian( Ba%an ma% $e c'ns'"idated in 'ne case Secti'n & ,eri'd t' /i"e ,etiti'n 7 T8e petiti'n s8a"" $e -i"ed >it8in ten (!3) da%s -'""'>in( t8e date '- pr'c"amati'n '- t8e resu"ts '- t8e e"ecti'n Secti'n ) Desi(nati'n '- ,arties 7 T8e part% $rin(in( t8e acti'n s8a"" $e desi(nated as t8e ,r'testant9 and t8e part% a(ainst >8'm t8e acti'n is $r'u(8t s8a"" $e desi(nated as t8e ,r'testee Secti'n + Dut% '- C"er= '- C'urt t' Issue N'tice and Ser*e C'p% '- ,etiti'n 7 It s8a"" $e t8e dut% '- t8e C"er= '- C'urt '- t8e tria" c'urt t' ser*e n'tice and a c'p% 't8e petiti'n $% means '- summ'ns up'n eac8 resp'ndent >it8in -i*e (+) da%s a-ter t8e -i"in( t8ere'Secti'n . ,etiti'n t' $e 6eri-ied 7 A"" petiti'ns s8a"" $e *eri-ied $% t8e parties -i"in( t8em 'r t8eir att'rne%s An% su$se5uent p"eadin( $ased 'n -acts >8ic8 'u(8t t' $e pr'*ed s8a"" "i=e>ise $e *eri-ied Secti'n 0 Ans>er9 Rep"%9 C'unter7,r'test and ,r'test in Inter*enti'n 7 (a) Wit8in -i*e (+) da%s a-ter receipt '- n'tice '- t8e -i"in( '- t8e petiti'n and a c'p% '- t8e petiti'n9 t8e resp'ndent s8a"" -i"e 8is ans>er t8eret' speci-%in( t8e nature '- 8is de-ense9 and ser*e a c'p% t8ere'- up'n t8e pr'testant T8e ans>er s8a"" dea" 'n"% >it8 t8e e"ecti'n in t8e precincts >8ic8 are c'*ered $% t8e a""e(ati'ns '- t8e pr'test

($) S8'u"d t8e pr'testee desire t' impu(n t8e *'tes recei*ed $% t8e pr'testant in 't8er precincts9 8e s8a"" -i"e a c'unter7pr'test >it8in t8e same peri'd -i4ed -'r t8e -i"in( 't8e ans>er9 ser*in( a c'p% t8ere'- up'n t8e pr'testant $% re(istered mai" 'r $% pers'na" de"i*er% In suc8 a case9 t8e c'unter7pr'test s8a"" $e *eri-ied (c) T8e pr'testant s8a"" ans>er t8e c'unter7pr'test >it8in -i*e (+) da%s a-ter n'tice (d) Wit8in -i*e (+) da%s -r'm t8e -i"in( '- t8e pr'test9 an% 't8er candidate -'r t8e same '--ice ma% inter*ene in t8e case as 't8er c'ntestants and as= -'r a--irmati*e re"ie- in 8is -a*'r $% a *eri-ied petiti'n in inter*enti'n9 >8ic8 s8a"" $e su$stantiated >it8in t8e same pr'ceedin( T8e pr'testant 'r pr'testee s8a"" ans>er t8e pr'test7in7 inter*enti'n >it8in -i*e (+) da%s a-ter n'tice 425

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (e) I- n' ans>er s8a"" $e -i"ed t' t8e pr'test9 c'unter7pr'test 'r pr'test7in7inter*enti'n >it8in t8e time "imits respecti*e"% -i4ed9 a (enera" denia" s8a"" $e deemed t' 8a*e $een entered Secti'n 1 Su$stantia" and /'rma" Amendments '- ,"eadin(s 7 A-ter t8e case is set -'r 8earin(9 n' amendment t' an% p"eadin( a--ectin( t8e merits '- t8e c'ntr'*ers% s8a"" $e a""'>ed e4cept $% "ea*e '- C'urt and 'n"% up'n suc8 (r'unds as >i"" ser*e pu$"ic interest But suc8 "ea*e ma% $e re-used i- it appears t' t8e c'urt t8at t8e m'ti'n t' amend >as made >it8 intent t' de"a% t8e acti'n An% amendment in matters '- -r'm ma% $e permitted at an% sta(e '- t8e pr'ceedin(s Secti'n 2 /i"in( /ee 7 N' pr'test9 c'unter7pr'test9 'r pr'test7in7inter*enti'n s8a"" $e (i*en due c'urse >it8'ut t8e pa%ment '- a -i"in( -ee in t8e am'unt '- t8ree 8undred pes's (,&33 33) -'r eac8 interest Eac8 interest s8a"" -urt8er pa% t8e "e(a" researc8 -ee as re5uired $% "a> I- a c"aim -'r dama(es and att'rne%Bs -ees are set -'rt8 in a pr'test9 c'unter7pr'test 'r pr'test7in7inter*enti'n9 an additi'na" -i"in( -ee s8a"" $e paid in acc'rdance >it8 t8e sc8edu"e pr'*ided -'r in t8e Ru"es '- C'urt in t8e ,8i"ippines

Secti'n !3 Cas8 Dep'sit 7 (a) In an% pr'test9 c'unter7pr'test 'r pr'test7in7 inter*enti'n n't re5uirin( $a""'t re*isi'n9 t8e pr'testant9 t8e c'unter7pr'testant9 'r inter*en'r9 as t8e case ma% $e9 s8a"" up'n t8e pa%ment '- t8e -i"in( -ee9 ma=e a cas8 dep'sit in t8e am'unt '- -i*e 8undred pes's (,+33 33) >8ic8 s8a"" $e app"ied t' t8e pa%ment '- a"" e4penses incidenta" t' suc8 pr'test9 c'unter7pr'test 'r pr'test7in7 inter*enti'n W8en circumstances s' >arrant9 additi'na" cas8 dep'sits ma% $e re5uired An% unused $a"ance t8ere'- s8a"" $e returned t' t8e part% ma=in( t8e dep'sit ($) In case re*isi'n '- $a""'ts is re5uired9 t8ere s8a"" $e dep'sited9 >it8in ten da%s a-ter $ein( re5uired $% t8e C'urt9 t8e sum '- t8ree 8undred pes's (,&33 33) -'r e*er% $a""'t $'4 -'r t8e c'nsumpti'n '- re*is'rs at t8e rate '- ,!33 33 eac8 (c) /ai"ure t' ma=e t8e cas8 dep'sits 8erein pr'*ided >it8in t8e prescri$ed time "imit s8a"" resu"t in t8e aut'matic dismissa" '- t8e pr'test9 c'unter7pr'test 'r pr'test7in7 inter*enti'n9 as t8e case ma% $e (d) In case t8e part% >8' 8as paid t8e e4penses and c'sts >ins9 t8e c'urt s8a"" assess9 "e*% and c'""ect t8e same as c'sts -r'm t8e "'sin( part% Secti'n !! ,resentati'n and Recepti'n '- E*idence 7 T8e presentati'n and recepti'n '- e*idence in e"ecti'n c'ntests s8a"" $e made in acc'rdance >it8 Secti'n # '- Ru"e 426

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS !0 '- t8ese Ru"es9 $ut t8e same s8a"" $e c'mp"eted >it8in t8irt% (&3) da%s -r'm t8e date '- t8e c'mmencement t8ere'Secti'n !# Cust'd% '- Ba""'t B'4es9 E"ecti'n D'cuments and ,arap8erna"ia 7 W8ere a""e(ati'ns in a pr'tests9 'r c'unter7pr'test 'r pr'test7in7inter*enti'n s' >arrant9 'r >8ene*er in t8e 'pini'n '- t8e C'urt t8e interest '- Custice s' demands9 it s8a"" immediate"% 'rder t8e $a""'t $'4es c'ntainin( $a""'ts and t8eir =e%s9 "ist '*'ters >it8 *'tin( rec'rds9 $''=s '- *'ters9 and 't8er d'cuments used in t8e e"ecti'n t' $e $r'u(8t $e-'re it Said e"ecti'n d'cuments and parap8erna"ia s8a"" $e =ept and 8e"d secure in a p"ace t' $e desi(nated $% t8e C'urt in t8e care and cust'd% '- t8e C"er= '- C'urt

Secti'n !& Re*isi'n '- Ba""'ts 7 /'r t8e purp'se '- re*isi'n '- $a""'ts9 t8e c'urt s8a"" app'int a c'mmittee c'mp'sed '- a c8airman and t>' mem$ers9 'ne mem$er and 8is su$stitute t' $e pr'p'sed $% t8e pr'testant9 and t8e 't8er mem$er and 8is su$stitute $% t8e pr'testee T8e re*isi'n '- t8e $a""'ts $% t8e C'mmittee 'n re*isi'n s8a"" $e made in t8e '--ice '- t8e C"er= '- C'urt 'r at suc8 't8er p"ace as ma% $e desi(nated $% it9 $ut in e*er% case under t8e C'urtBs strict super*isi'n T8e re*isi'n '- t8e $a""'ts s8a"" $e c'mp"eted >it8in t>ent% (#3) da%s -r'm t8e date '- t8e 'rder9 un"ess 't8er>ise directed $% t8e C'urt9 su$Cect t' t8e time "imits prescri$ed under Sec !! and Sec !0 '- t8is Ru"e Secti'n !) B''= '- 6'ters as E*idence 7 T8e $''= '- *'ters s8a"" $e c'nc"usi*e e*idence in re(ard t' t8e 5uesti'n as t' >8' 8as t8e ri(8t t' *'te in said e"ecti'n Secti'n !+ Rep'rt '- t8e C'mmittee 'n Re*isi'n 7 T8e c'mmittee 'n re*isi'n s8a"" ma=e a statement '- t8e c'nditi'n in >8ic8 t8e $a""'t $'4es and t8eir c'ntents >ere -'und up'n t8e 'penin( '- t8e same9 c"assi-% t8e $a""'ts s' e4amined9 and set -'rt8 c"ear"% an% '$Cecti'n t8at ma% 8a*e $een '--ered t' eac8 $a""'t in t8e rep'rt t' $e su$mitted $% it Disputed $a""'ts s8a"" $e num$ered c'nsecuti*e"% -'r purp'ses 'identi-icati'n in t8e presence and under t8e directi'n '- t8e '--icia" desi(nated $% t8e C'urt A-ter e4aminati'n9 t8e $a""'ts and 't8er e"ecti'n d'cuments s8a"" $e returned t' t8eir respecti*e $'4es9 $ut disputed $a""'ts s8a"" $e p"aced in a separate en*e"'pe du"% sea"ed and si(ned $% t8e mem$ers '- t8e c'mmittee9 a-ter >8ic8 said en*e"'pe s8a"" t8en $e returned t' t8e $'4 T8erea-ter9 t8e $'4es s8a"" $e "'c=ed /'r purp'ses '- ma=in( t8e rep'rt >8ic8 s8a"" $e su$mitted in t>e"*e (!#) "e(i$"e c'pies9 t8e -'rm prescri$ed $% t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" $e -'""'>ed Secti'n !. ,r'8i$ited Access 7 Durin( t8e re*isi'n '- $a""'ts n' pers'n 't8er t8an t8e Jud(e9 t8e C"er= '- C'urt9 mem$ers '- t8e c'mmittee 'n re*isi'n '- $a""'ts9 t8e 427

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS parties9 t8eir du"% aut8'ri<ed representati*es s8a"" 8a*e access t' t8e p"ace >8ere said re*isi'n is ta=in( p"ace Secti'n !0 Decisi'n 'n t8e C'ntest 7 T8e C'urt s8a"" decide t8e e"ecti'n c'ntest >it8in t8irt% (&3) da%s -r'm t8e date it is su$mitted -'r decisi'n9 $ut in e*er% case >it8in si4 (.) m'nt8s a-ter its -i"in( and s8a"" dec"are >8' am'n( t8e parties 8as $een e"ected9 'r in a pr'per case9 t8e n'ne '- t8em 8as $een "e(a""% e"ected T8e part% >8' in t8e Cud(ment 8as $een dec"ared e"ected s8a"" 8a*e t8e ri(8t t' assume t8e '--ice as s''n as t8e Cud(ment $ec'mes -ina" In case t8e C'urt -inds t8at t8e pr'testant9 pr'testee 'r inter*en'r s8a"" 8a*e an e5ua" 'r 8i(8est num$er '- *'tes9 it s8a"" 'rder t8e dra>in( '- "'ts $% t8'se >8' 8a*e tied and s8a"" pr'c"aim as e"ected t8e part% >8' ma% $e -a*'red $% "uc=9 and t8e part% s' pr'c"aimed s8a"" 8a*e t8e ri(8t t' assume '--ice in t8e same manner as i- 8e 8ad $een e"ected $% p"ura"it% *'te Secti'n !1 Dama(es and Att'rne%Bs /ees in E"ecti'n C'ntests 7 In a"" e"ecti'n c'ntests9 t8e c'urt ma% adCudicate dama(es and att'rne%Bs -ee as it ma% deem Cust and as esta$"is8ed $% t8e e*idence i- t8e a((rie*ed part% 8as inc"uded suc8 c"aims in 8is p"eadin(s Secti'n !2 ,r'mu"(ati'n and /ina"it% '- Decisi'n 7 T8e decisi'n '- t8e C'urt s8a"" $e pr'mu"(ated 'n a date set $% it '- >8ic8 due n'tice must $e (i*en t8e parties It s8a"" $ec'me -ina" -i*e (+) da%s a-ter its pr'mu"(ati'n N' m'ti'n -'r rec'nsiderati'n s8a"" $e entertained Secti'n #3 N'tice '- /ina" Decisi'n 7 As s''n as decisi'n dec"arin( t8e e"ecti'n 't8e >inner $ec'mes -ina"9 n'tice t8ere'- s8a"" $e sent t' t8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns9 t8e Department '- L'ca" @'*ernment and t8e C'mmissi'n 'n Audit I- t8e decisi'n $e t8at n'ne '- t8e parties 8as $een "e(a""% e"ected9 t8e C"er= '- C'urt s8a"" certi-% suc8 decisi'n t' t8e ,resident '- t8e ,8i"ippines and t' t8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns Secti'n #! Appea" 7 /r'm an% decisi'n rendered $% t8e c'urt t8e a((rie*ed part% ma% appea" t' t8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns >it8in -i*e (+) da%s a-ter t8e pr'mu"(ati'n '- t8e decisi'n Secti'n ## ,re-erentia" Disp'siti'n '- C'ntests 7 T8e c'urts s8a"" (i*e pre-erence t' e"ecti'n c'ntests '*er a"" 't8er cases9 e4cept t8'se '- 8a$eas c'rpus Ru"e &. 7 ?u' Warrant' Case Be-'re C'urts '- @enera" Jurisdicti'n

428

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti'n ! /i"in( '- ,etiti'n 7 A *'ter c'ntestin( t8e e"ecti'n '- an% municipa" '--icia" 'n t8e (r'und '- ine"i(i$i"it% 'r dis"'%a"t% t' t8e Repu$"ic '- t8e ,8i"ippines ma% -i"e a petiti'n -'r 5u' >arrant' >it8 t8e appr'priate Re(i'na" Tria" C'urt Secti'n # Desi(nati'n '- ,arties 7 T8e part% -i"in( t8e petiti'n s8a"" $e re-erred t' as t8e ,etiti'ner and t8e part% a(ainst >8'm it is -i"ed s8a"" $e =n'>n as t8e Resp'ndent Secti'n & ,eri'd Wit8in W8ic8 t' /i"e t8e ,etiti'n 7 T8e petiti'n s8a"" $e -i"ed >it8in ten (!3) da%s a-ter t8e pr'c"amati'n '- t8e resu"ts '- t8e e"ecti'n Secti'n ) ,etiti'n t' $e 6eri-ied 7 T8e petiti'n s8a"" $e *eri-ied $% t8e part% -i"in( it 'r $% 8is att'rne% An% su$se5uent p"eadin( $ased 'n -acts >8ic8 'u(8t t' $e pr'*ed s8a"" "i=e>ise $e *eri-ied Secti'n + /i"in( /ee 7 N' petiti'n -'r 5u' >arrant' s8a"" $e (i*en due c'urse >it8'ut t8e pa%ment '- a -i"in( -ee in t8e am'unt '- T8ree ;undred ,es's (,&33 33) and t8e "e(a" researc8 -ee as re5uired $% "a> Secti'n . Summ'ns 7 It s8a"" $e t8e dut% '- t8e C"er= '- C'urt t' ser*e n'tice and a c'p% '- t8e petiti'n $% means '- summ'ns up'n eac8 resp'ndent >it8in -i*e (+) da%s a-ter t8e -i"in( '- t8e petiti'n Secti'n 0 Ans>er 7 Wit8in -i*e (+) da%s -r'm receipt '- t8e n'tice and a c'p% '- t8e petiti'n9 t8e resp'ndent s8a"" -i"e 8is *eri-ied ans>er t' t8e petiti'n Secti'n 1 Su$stantia" and /'rma" Amendments '- ,"eadin(s 7 T8e pr'*isi'n 'Secti'n 1 '- Ru"e &+ '- t8ese Ru"es s8a"" app"% in respect t' amendments 'p"eadin(s Secti'n 2 Immediate ;earin(H ,resentati'n and Recepti'n '- E*idence 7 Up'n t8e C'inder '- issues9 t8e C"er= '- C'urt s8a"" immediate"% set t8e case -'r 8earin( T8e presentati'n and recepti'n '- e*idence s8a"" $e made in t8e manner prescri$ed in Secti'n # Ru"e !0 '- t8ese Ru"es

Secti'n !3 Terminati'n '- ;earin( 7 T8e 8earin( s8a"" $e c'mp"eted >it8in t8irt% (&3) da%s -r'm t8e date '- t8e -i"in( '- t8e petiti'n Secti'n !! Decisi'n 7 T8e c'urt s8a"" decide t8e case >it8in t8irt% (&3) da%s -r'm t8e date it is su$mitted -'r decisi'n9 $ut in e*er% case >it8in si4 (.) m'nt8s a-ter its -i"in(

429

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti'n !# ,r'mu"(ati'n and /ina"it% '- t8e Decisi'n 7 T8e decisi'n '- t8e c'urt s8a"" $e pr'mu"(ated 'n a date set $% it '- >8ic8 due n'tice must $e (i*en t8e parties It s8a"" $ec'me -ina" -i*e (+) da%s a-ter its pr'mu"(ati'n N' m'ti'n -'r rec'nsiderati'n s8a"" $e entertained Secti'n !& N'tice '- /ina" Decisi'n 7 As s''n as a decisi'n $ec'mes -ina"9 n'tice t8ere'- s8a"" $e sent t' t8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns9 and t8e Department '- L'ca" @'*ernment I- t8e decisi'n is ad*erse t' t8e resp'ndent9 n'tice s8a"" "i=e>ise $e sent t' t8e C'mmissi'n 'n Audit Secti'n !) Appea" 7 /r'm an% decisi'n rendered $% t8e c'urt9 t8e a((rie*ed part% ma% appea" t' t8e C'mmissi'n 'n E"ecti'ns9 >it8'ut -i*e (+) da%s a-ter t8e pr'mu"(ati'n '- t8e decisi'n Secti'n !+ ,re-erentia" Disp'siti'n '- ?u' Warrant' Cases 7 T8e c'urts s8a"" (i*e pre-erence t' 5u' >arrant' '*er a"" 't8er cases9 e4cept t8'se '- 8a$eas c'rpus ,ART 6II ELE6ATION O/ DECISIONS TO T;E SU,REME COURT Ru"e &0 7 Re*ie> '- Decisi'ns '- t8e C'mmissi'n Secti'n ! ,etiti'n -'r Certi'rariH and Time t' /i"e 7 Un"ess 't8er>ise pr'*ided $% "a>9 'r $% an% speci-ic pr'*isi'ns in t8ese Ru"es9 an% decisi'n9 'rder 'r ru"in( '- t8e C'mmissi'n ma% $e $r'u(8t t' t8e Supreme C'urt 'n certi'rari $% t8e a((rie*ed part% >it8in t8irt% (&3) da%s -r'm its pr'mu"(ati'n

Secti'n # N'n7re*ie>a$"e Decisi'ns 7 Decisi'ns in appea"s -r'm c'urts '- (enera" 'r "imited Curisdicti'n in e"ecti'n cases re"atin( t' t8e e"ecti'ns9 returns9 and 5ua"i-icati'ns '- municipa" and $aran(a% '--icia"s are n't appea"a$"e Secti'n & Decisi'ns /ina" A-ter /i*e Da%s 7 Decisi'ns in pre7pr'c"amati'n cases and petiti'ns t' den% due c'urse t' 'r cance" certi-icates '- candidac%9 t' dec"are a candidate as nuisance candidate 'r t' dis5ua"i-% a candidate9 and t' p'stp'ne 'r suspend e"ecti'ns s8a"" $ec'me -ina" and e4ecut'r% a-ter t8e "apse '- -i*e (+) da%s -r'm t8eir pr'mu"(ati'n9 un"ess restrained $% t8e Supreme C'urt PA2 4;;; @ENERAL ,RO6ISIONS Ru"e &1 7 C"er= '- C'urt and Deput% C"er= '- C'urt '- t8e C'mmissi'n

430

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti'n ! C"er= '- C'urt 7 (a) In Specia" Acti'ns9 Specia" Cases and Specia" ,r'ceedin(s9 t8e Direct'r '- t8e La> Department 'r 8is du"% aut8'ri<ed representati*e s8a"" ser*e as t8e C"er= '- C'urt '- t8e C'mmissi'n ($) In 'rdinar% Acti'ns9 and in Specia" Re"ie-s9 t8e Direct'r '- t8e E"ect'ra" C'ntests AdCudicati'n Department s8a"" ser*e as t8e C"er= '- C'urt '- t8e C'mmissi'n Secti'n # Duties '- t8e C"er=s '- C'urt 7 T8e C"er=s '- C'urt '- t8e C'mmissi'n s8a""9 su$Cect t' t8e super*isi'n '- t8e C8airman '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 mana(e -'r t8e C'mmissi'n t8e pr'per 8earin( and disp'siti'n '- a"" cases >it8in t8eir respecti*e area '- resp'nsi$i"it% as stated in Secti'n ! 8ere'- Eac8 s8a""G (a) Recei*e a"" p"eadin(s and 't8er d'cuments pr'per"% presented9 end'rsin( 'n eac8 suc8 d'cument t8e date >8en it >as -i"ed9 and -urnis8in( eac8 Mem$er a c'p% t8ere'-H ($) :eep a Cudicia" d'c=et >8erein s8a"" $e entered in c8r'n'"'(ica" 'rder t8e cases and t8e pr'ceedin(s 8ad t8ere'nH (c) ,repare t8e ca"endar '- casesH

(d) Attend sessi'ns '- t8e C'mmissi'n and enter in a minute $''= a"" pr'ceedin(s t8ereinH (e) Issue under 8is si(nature and t8e '--ice sea"9 n'tices9 'rders and decisi'ns >8ic8 are t' $e (i*en due c'urse9 -urnis8in( eac8 Mem$er c'pies t8ere'-H (-) E4ecute 'rders9 res'"uti'ns9 decisi'ns and pr'cesses issued $% t8e C'mmissi'nH (() :eep a Cud(ment $''= c'ntainin( a c'p% '- Cud(ments rendered $% t8e C'mmissi'n in t8e 'rder '- t8eir dates9 and a $''= '- entries '- Cud(ments c'ntainin( at "en(t8 in c8r'n'"'(ica" 'rder entries '- a"" -ina" Cud(ments 'r 'rders '- t8e C'mmissi'nH (8) :eep an acc'unt '- t8e -unds recei*ed and dis$ursed re"ati*e t' t8e cases >8en s' directedH (i) :eep and secure a"" rec'rds9 papers9 -i"es9 e48i$its9 t8e '--ice sea" and 't8er pu$"ic pr'pert% c'mmitted t' 8is c8ar(eH (C) ,er-'rm suc8 't8er duties as are prescri$ed $% "a> -'r c"er=s '- superi'r c'urtsH and (=) :eep suc8 $''=s and per-'rm suc8 duties as t8e C'mmissi'n ma% direct

431

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti'n & Deput% C"er=s '- C'urt 7 (a) T8e Assistant Direct'r '- t8e La> Department s8a"" ser*e as Deput% C"er= '- C'urt in a"" cases >8ere t8e Direct'r 'said Department acts as t8e C"er= '- C'urt '- t8e C'mmissi'n ($) T8e Assistant Direct'r '- t8e E"ect'ra" C'ntests AdCudicati'n Department s8a"" ser*e as t8e Deput% C"er= '- C'urt in a"" cases >8ere t8e Direct'r '- said Department acts as t8e C"er= '- C'urt '- t8e C'mmissi'n Secti'n ) Duties '- Deput% C"er=s '- C'urt 7 T8e Deput% C"er=s '- C'urt s8a"" assist t8eir respecti*e C"er=s '- C'urt and s8a"" per-'rm suc8 't8er duties and -uncti'ns as ma% $e assi(ned t' t8em $% t8eir respecti*e C"er=s '- C'urt Secti'n + Di*isi'n C"er=s '- C'urts 7 Eac8 Di*isi'n s8a"" 8a*e a Di*isi'n C"er= 'C'urt >8' must $e a ran=in( "a>%er -r'm eit8er t8e La> Department 'r t8e E"ect'ra" C'ntests AdCudicati'n Department and desi(nated $% t8e C'mmissi'n up'n t8e C'int rec'mmendati'n '- t8e Direct'rs '- said departments

Secti'n . Duties '- t8e Di*isi'n C"er=s '- C'urt 7 A Di*isi'n C"er= '- C'urt s8a""G (a) Attend t8e 8earin(s '- sessi'ns '- 8is Di*isi'nH ($) C''rdinate in t8e preparati'n '- t8e ca"endar '- casesH (c) Ca"" t8e cases in t8e ca"endar durin( sessi'ns 'r 8earin(sH (d) Super*ise t8e sten'(rap8ersH (e) Administer 'at8s t' >itnessesH (-) Mar= e48i$its '- t8e parties9 indicatin( t8erein t8e date and a--i4in( t8eret' 8is si(natureH (() Be resp'nsi$"e t' t8e C"er= '- C'urt '- t8e C'mmissi'n -'r t8e sa-et% and securit% '- t8e rec'rds '- cases and 't8er d'cuments entrusted t' 8im durin( sessi'ns 'r 8earin(sH and (8) ,er-'rm suc8 duties as ma% $e assi(ned $% t8e ,residin( C'mmissi'ner 'r $% t8e C"er= '- C'urt c'ncerned Secti'n 0 Sten'(rap8ers 7 E*er% sessi'n 'r 8earin( '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 >8et8er en $anc 'r in Di*isi'n9 s8a"" $e attended $% at "east t>' (#) c'mpetent sten'(rap8ers Secti'n 1 Duties '- Sten'(rap8ers 7 It s8a"" $e t8e dut% '- t8e sten'(rap8ers t'G (a) Rec'rd -ait8-u""% in sten'(rap8ic n'tes t8e pr'ceedin(s durin( t8e sessi'n 'r 8earin( '- t8e C'mmissi'n en $anc 'r '- t8e Di*isi'nH 432

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS ($) At t8e c"'se '- e*er% 8earin( 'r sessi'n9 t' de"i*er immediate"% t8e sten'(rap8ic n'tes 8e 8as ta=en t' t8e C"er= '- C'urt 'r Di*isi'n C"er= '- C'urt >8' s8a"" initia" a"" t8e pa(es t8ere'- and >8' s8a"" stamp t8e date '- receipt t8ere'n9 and >8en suc8 n'tes are transcri$ed9 t8e transcript s8a"" "i=e>ise $e de"i*ered t' t8e C"er= '- C'urt >8' s8a"" initia" eac8 pa(e t8ere'- It s8a"" $e t8e dut% '- t8e C"er= '- C'urt t' demand t8at t8e sten'(rap8er c'mp"% >it8 said tas=H (c) Transcri$e t8e n'tes9 up'n demand '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e Di*isi'n9 'r $% an% '- t8e parties9 su$Cect t' t8e pa%ment '- t8e prescri$ed -eesH and (d) ,er-'rm suc8 't8er duties as t8e C'mmissi'n ma% prescri$e Secti'n 2 Securit% 7 At an% sessi'n 'r 8earin( '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'r an% '- its Di*isi'ns9 t8e E4ecuti*e Direct'r t8ru t8e Assistant Direct'r -'r Administrati'n9 s8a"" pr'*ide ade5uate securit% -'r and in t8e sessi'n 8a"" and its premises Secti'n !3 Supp'rt Sta-- 7 T8e C'mmissi'n 'r an% '- t8e Di*isi'ns ma% re5uire 't8er emp"'%ees '- t8e C'mmissi'n t' assist t8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e Di*isi'ns durin( its sessi'n 'r 8earin( 'r in t8e per-'rmance '- its duties T8e% s8a"" $e under t8e super*isi'n '- t8e C"er= '- C'urt c'ncerned Ru"e &2 7 Sea" '- t8e C'mmissi'n Secti'n ! Cust'dian '- t8e Sea" 7 T8e Secretar% '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 t8e Direct'r 't8e La> Department and t8e Direct'r '- t8e E"ect'ra" C'ntests AdCudicati'n Department s8a"" eac8 =eep a sea" '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'ection 2. Lse of the 'eal. & he seal of the Commission shall be affi/ed to all decisions+ o#de#s+ #ulin*s o# #esolutions of the Commission o# any of its 9i"isions+ ce#tified copies of official #eco#ds+ and such othe# documents !hich the Commission may #e7ui#e to be sealed. Ru"e )3 7 /ees and C8ar(es Secti'n ! /i"in( /ees -'r E"ecti'n C'ntests and ?u' Warrant' 7 (a) T8e -i"in( -ees -'r e"ecti'n c'ntests and 5u' >arrant' cases and petiti'ns -'r certi'rari9 pr'8i$iti'n 'r mandamus -i"ed >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n are 8ere$% prescri$ed as -'""'>sG (!) E"ecti'n pr'tests and 5u' >arrant' cases ,+33 33 -'r eac8 interestH (#) C'unter7pr'test 'r pr'test7in7inter*enti'n ,+33 33 Eac8 interest menti'ned a$'*e s8a"" pa% an additi'na" am'unt '- ,!3 33 as "e(a" researc8 -ee in acc'rdance >it8 t8e pr'*isi'ns '- Sec )9 Repu$"ic Act N' &1039 as amended $% ,residentia" Decree N' #33 and ,residentia" Decree N' !1+.

433

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS ($) Cas8 dep'sits 7 In an% pr'test 'r c'unter7pr'test 'r pr'test7in7inter*enti'n n't re5uirin( $a""'t re*isi'n9 t8e -'""'>in( cas8 dep'sits s8a"" $e paid $% t8e interested part%H (!) /'r eac8 e"ecti'n c'ntest ,!9333 33H

(#) /'r eac8 c'unter7pr'test 'r pr'test7in7inter*enti'n ,!9333 33 (c) In an% pr'test9 c'unter7pr'test 'r pr'test7in7inter*enti'n re5uirin( $a""'t re*isi'n t8e -'""'>in( cas8 dep'sits s8a"" $e paid $% t8e interested part%G (!) /'r eac8 e"ecti'n c'ntest ,+9333 33H

(#) /'r eac8 c'unter7pr'test 'r pr'test7in7inter*enti'n ,+9333 33 T8e cas8 dep'sits prescri$ed a$'*e s8a"" $e app"ied t' t8e pa%ment '- a"" e4penses incidenta" t' suc8 pr'test9 c'unter7pr'test 'r pr'test7in7inter*enti'n W8en circumstances s' demand9 additi'na" cas8 dep'sits ma% $e re5uired An% unused $a"ance t8ere'- s8a"" $e returned t' t8e pr'testant9 c'unter7pr'testant 'r pr'testant7 inter*en'r9 as t8e case ma% $e (d) In case '- re*isi'n '- $a""'ts9 t8ere s8a"" $e dep'sited t8e sum '- ,&+3 33 -'r e*er% $a""'t $'4 -'r t8e c'mpensati'n '- t8e re*is'rs at t8e rate '- ,!33 33 eac8 and as reser*e -'r e4penses (e) I- a c"aim -'r dama(es and att'rne%Bs -ees are set -'rt8 in a pr'test9 c'unter7pr'test 'r pr'test7in7inter*enti'n9 an additi'na" -i"in( -ee s8a"" $e paid at t8e rate '- ,&33 33 -'r t8e -irst 'ne 8undred -i-t% t8'usand pes's and ,) 33 -'r e*er% 'ne t8'usand pes's '*er t8e -irst ,!+3 333 33 Secti'n # /i"in( /ees in Specia" Acti'ns and Specia" ,r'ceedin(s 7 (a) T8e petiti'ner in an% Specia" Acti'n 'r Specia" ,r'ceedin( s8a"" pa% a -i"in( -ee ',+33 33 ($) In e*er% suc8 a case9 a "e(a" researc8 -ee '- ,!3 33 pursuant t' Sec ) '- Repu$"ic Act N' &1039 as amended9 s8a"" $e paid

(c) In petiti'n -'r re(istrati'n '- p'"itica" parties9 'r(ani<ati'ns 'r c'a"iti'n 'p'"itica" parties9 t8ere s8a"" $e paid an additi'na" sum '- ,!9333 33 -'r t8e certi-icate '- re(istrati'n Secti'n & Appea" /ees 7 T8e appe""ant in e"ecti'n cases s8a"" pa% an appea" -ee as -'""'>sG (a) E"ecti'n cases appea"ed -r'm Re(i'na" Tria" C'urts ,!9333 33 434

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS ($) E"ecti'n cases appea"ed -r'm c'urts '- "imited Curisdicti'n ,+33 33

In e*er% case9 a "e(a" researc8 -ee '- ,#3 33 s8a"" $e paid $% t8e appe""ant in acc'rdance >it8 Sec )9 Repu$"ic Act N' &1039 as amended Secti'n ) W8ere and W8en t' ,a% 7 T8e -ees prescri$ed in Secti'ns !9 # and & 8ere'- s8a"" $e paid t'9 and dep'sited >it89 t8e Cas8 Di*isi'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n >it8in a peri'd t' -i"e t8e n'tice '- appea" Secti'n + /i"in( /ees in Specia" Cases 7 (a) In specia" Cases t8e petiti'ner s8a"" pa% a -i"in( -ee '- ,+33 33 ($) In suc8 cases t8ere s8a"" $e imp'sed an am'unt '- ,!3 33 as "e(a" researc8 -ee in acc'rdance >it8 Sec )9 Repu$"ic Act N' &1039 as amended (c) Cas8 Dep'sit 7 I- in a Specia" Case a rec'unt '- t8e $a""'ts is re5uired9 t8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e Di*isi'n t' >8ic8 t8e case is assi(ned9 s8a"" 'rder t8e interested part% t' ma=e a cas8 dep'sit '- ,#9333 33 >it8 t8e Cas8 Di*isi'n9 Administrati*e Ser*ices Department '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 >it8in a peri'd t' $e -i4ed in t8e 'rder T8is am'unt s8a"" $e app"ied t' a"" e4penses incidenta" t' t8e c'ntr'*ers% W8en circumstances s' demand9 additi'na" cas8 dep'sits ma% $e re5uired W8ene*er app"ica$"e9 t8e re*is'rBs -ees -i4ed 'n Secti'n ! (c) a$'*e s8a"" $e dep'sited >it8 t8e Cas8 Di*isi'n9 Administrati*e Ser*ices Department '- t8e C'mmissi'n $% t8e part% c'ncerned Secti'n . Le(a" and Administrati*e /ees9 Ser*ice C8ar(es and C'sts 7 T8e "e(a" -ees9 ser*ice c8ar(es and c'sts prescri$ed 8erein are 8ere$% aut8'ri<ed t' $e c8ar(ed andK'r c'""ected $% t8e C'mmissi'ner -'r t8e ser*ice9 acti'n 'r pr'ceedin( 8ereina-ter menti'ned

Secti'n 0 Le(a" /ees 7 T8e -'""'>in( "e(a" -ees s8a"" $e c8ar(ed and c'""ectedG (a) /'r -urnis8in( certi-ied transcripts '- rec'rds '- c'pies 'n an% rec'rd9 decisi'n9 ru"in( 'r entr% '- >8ic8 an% pers'n is entit"ed t' demand and recei*e a c'p%9 per pa(e ,+ 33H ($) /'r e*er% certi-icate n't 'n pr'cess9 -irst ten (!3) pa(es pa(e ,! 33H ,+3 33 succeedin(9 per ,!3 33H

(c) /'r e*er% searc8 '- an% rec'rd (per pa(e) and readin( t8e same

(d) /'r e*er% searc8 '- an% rec'rd (per pa(e) pertainin( t' e"ecti'n cases and readin( t8e same ,#3 33 435

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS (e) /'r c'p%in( (p8't' 'r 4er'4) '- an% "ist9 d'cument 'r rec'rd usin( mac8ines 're5uestin( parties9 per pa(e ,3 +3 (-) /'r -i"in( '- a m'ti'n -'r rec'nsiderati'n 'n a decisi'n9 'rder 'r res'"uti'n ,&33 33 (() /'r c'p%in( (4er'4) '- an% "ist9 d'cument 'r rec'rds9 usin( t8e mac8ines and materia"s '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 per pa(e ,! +3 (8) /'r e*er% issuance '- a dup"icate *'terBs identi-icati'n card ,!3 33

T8e -ees and c8ar(es prescri$ed 8erein s8a"" $e reduced $% -i-t% percent (+3Q) i- t8e purp'se '- t8e re5uest is -'r academic researc8 >'r= T8e departmentK'--ice >8ic8 is t8e "e(a" cust'dian '- t8e d'cumentKrec'rd re5uested s8a"" $e resp'nsi$"e -'r t8e c'p%in( (4er'4in() t8ere'- and s8a"" certi-% t8at it is a c'% '- t8e '--icia" rec'rds '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 and s8a"" a--i4 t8eret' t8e sea" '- t8e C'mmissi'n N' certi-ied c'p% '- an% '--icia" rec'rd '- t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" $e issued >it8'ut t8e pa%ment '- t8e c'rresp'ndin( -ees Secti'n 1 W8ere /ees are t' $e ,aid 7 T8e -ees 8erein $e-'re pr'*ided s8a"" $e paid $% t8e part% c'ncerned t' t8e Cas8 Di*isi'n9 Administrati*e Ser*ice Department 't8e C'mmissi'n9 at t8e time '- re5uest 'r demand I- t8e -ees are n't paid9 t8e C'mmissi'n ma% re-use t' ta=e acti'n t8ere'n unti" t8e% are paid Secti'n 2 /ees -'r Bai"i--s9 S8eri--s9 and Ot8er ,ers'ns Ser*in( ,r'cess 7 (a) /'r e4ecutin( an% pr'cess '- t8e C'mmissi'n9 -'r eac8 =i"'meter '- tra*e" in t8e ser*ice '- pr'cess9 rec='ned -r'm t8e p"ace '- ser*ice t' t8e p"ace t' >8ic8 t8e pr'cess is returna$"e9 ,! 339 $ut i- t8e pr'cess is e4ecuted $% a municipa" deput% s8eri-residin( in t8e municipa"it% >8ere t8e part% ser*ed is residin( suc8 '--icer s8a"" recei*e t8e -ees -'r t8e ser*ice '- pr'cess >it8'ut =i"'metra(e9 pr'*ided t8at t8e part% re5uirin( t8e pr'cess s8a"" dep'sit >it8 t8e C'mmissi'n at t8e time '- re5uest t8e estimated c'st '- e4penses -'r =i"'metra(e and per diems t' $e incurred $% t8e S8eri-- $ut m're t8an ,!9333 33 ($) /'r ser*in( summ'ns and a c'p% '- petiti'n -urnis8ed $% t8e petiti'ner -'r eac8 resp'ndent9 ,#3 33 $ut >8en t8e resp'ndents reside at t8e same p"ace9 t8e -ee s8a"" $e ,!3 33 -'r eac8 resp'ndentH and (c) /'r ser*in( su$p'enas9 -'r eac8 >itness ser*ed9 ,+ 33 $esides tra*e" -ees Secti'n !3 /ees -'r Sten'(rap8ers 7 Sten'(rap8ers s8a"" (i*e certi-ied transcript 'n'tes ta=en $% t8em t' e*er% pers'n re5uestin( t8e same up'n pa%ment '- (a) ,# 33

436

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS -'r eac8 pa(e '- n't "ess t8an t>' 8undred and -i-t% >'rds $e-'re t8e case is $r'u(8t t' t8e Supreme C'urt 'n certi'rari9 and ($) ,! 33 -'r t8e same pa(e9 t8erea-ter Secti'n !! WitnessB /ees 7 Witnesses in an% acti'n in t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" $e entit"ed t' ,#3 33 per da% and ,! 33 -'r eac8 =i"'meter '- tra*e" in ('in( t' t8e p"ace '- 8earin( and c'min( -r'm t8eir 8'mes >it8in t8e ,8i"ippines $% t8e nearest r'ute '- usua" tra*e"9 'r in "ieu '- said mi"ea(e9 actua" tra*e" e4penses $% t8e c8eapest means '- transp'rtati'n A >itness s8a"" n't $e a""'>ed c'mpensati'n -'r 8is attendance in m're t8an 'ne case 'r m're t8an 'ne side '- t8e same case at t8e same time9 $ut ma% e"ect in >8ic8 '- se*era" cases 'r 'n >8ic8 side '- a case9 i- >itness is summ'ned $% $'t8 sides9 t' c"aim 8is attendance A pers'n >8' is c'mpe""ed t' attend t8e 8earin( 'n 't8er $usiness '- t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" n't $e paid as >itness

Secti'n !# C'sts 7 C'sts s8a"" $e a""'>ed t' t8e pre*ai"in( part% as a matter 'c'urse9 $ut t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" 8a*e t8e p'>er9 -'r specia" reas'ns9 t' adCud(e t8e eit8er part% s8a"" pa% t8e c'sts '- an acti'n9 'r t8at t8e same $e di*ided9 as ma%$e e5uita$"e N' c'sts s8a"" $e a""'>ed a(ainst t8e Repu$"ic '- t8e ,8i"ippines un"ess 't8er>ise pr'*ided $% "a> Secti'n !& C'sts in Acti'n 'r ,r'cessin( 7 In an acti'n 'r pr'ceedin( $e-'re t8e C'mmissi'n9 t8e pre*ai"in( part% ma% rec'*er t8e -'""'>in( c'stG (a) /'r 8is '>n attendance9 and t8at '- 8is att'rne%9 d'>n t' and inc"udin( -ina" Cud(ment9 'ne 8undred pes' (,!33 33)H ($) A"" "a>-u" -ees c8ar(ed a(ainst 8im $% t8e C'mmissi'n9 in enterin( and d'c=etin( t8e acti'n and rec'rdin( t8e pr'ceedin(s and Cud(ment t8erein and -'r t8e issuin( '- a"" pr'cessesH (c) I- testim'n% is recei*ed in t8e C'mmissi'n9 n't ta=en in an't8er c'urt and transmitted t8eret'9 t8e pre*ai"in( part% s8a"" $e a""'>ed t8e same c'sts -'r >itness -ees9 dep'siti'ns9 and pr'cess and ser*ice t8ere'- as 8e >'u"d 8a*e $een a""'>ed -'r suc8 items 8ad t8e testim'n% $een intr'duced in t8e "'>er c'urtsH and (d) T8e "a>-u" -ees '- a c'mmissi'ner in an% acti'n ma% a"s' $e ta4ed a(ainst t8e de-eated part%9 'r app'rti'ned as Custice re5uires Secti'n !) W8en Acti'n 'r Appea" Dismissed 7 I- an acti'n 'r an appea" is dismissed -'r >ant '- Curisdicti'n 'r 't8er>ise9 t8e C'mmissi'n ne*ert8e"ess s8a"" 8a*e t8e p'>er t' render Cud(ment -'r c'sts9 as Custice ma% re5uire

437

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS Secti'n !+ C'sts W8en Acti'n 'r Appea" /ri*'"'us 7 W8en an acti'n 'r an appea" is -'und t' $e -ri*'"'us9 d'u$"e 'r tre$"e c'sts ma% $e imp'sed 'n t8e petiti'ner 'r appe""ant9 >8ic8 s8a"" $e paid $% 8is att'rne%9 i- s' 'rdered $% t8e C'mmissi'n Secti'n !. Att'rne%Bs /ees as C'sts 7 N' Att'rne%Bs -ees s8a"" $e ta4ed as c'sts a(ainst t8e ad*erse part%9 e4cept as pr'*ided $% t8e Ci*i" C'de But t8is secti'n s8a"" 8a*e n' re"ati'n t' t8e -ees t' $e c8ar(ed $% an att'rne% as a(ainst 8is c"ient

Secti'n !0 C'sts W8en Witness /ai"s t' Appear 7 I- a >itness -ai"s t' appear at t8e time and p"ace speci-ied in t8e su$p'ena issued $% t8e C'mmissi'n9 t8e c'sts '- t8e >arrant '- arrest '- t8e >itness s8a"" $e paid $% t8e >itness i- t8e C'mmissi'n s8a"" determine t8at 8is -ai"ure t' ans>er t8e su$p'ena >as >i""-u" 'r >it8'ut Cust e4cuse Secti'n !1 N'n7pa%ment '- ,rescri$ed /ees 7 I- t8e -ees a$'*e prescri$ed are n't paid9 t8e C'mmissi'n ma% re-use t' ta=e acti'n t8ere'n unti" t8e% are paid and ma% dismiss t8e acti'n 'r t8e pr'ceedin( Secti'n !2 @'*ernment E4empt 7 T8e Repu$"ic '- t8e ,8i"ippines is e4empt -r'm pa%in( t8e "e(a" -ees pr'*ided in t8is res'"uti'n Secti'n #3 C'""ecti'n and Remittances '- Le(a" Researc8 /ee 7 T8e am'unt c'""ected as "e(a" researc8 -ee s8a"" $e receipted -'r as ILe(a" Researc8 /undI and s8a"" $e immediate"% remitted t' t8e Uni*ersit% '- t8e ,8i"ippines PA2 ;) CONCLUDIN@ ,RO6ISIONS Ru"e )! 7 Supp"ementar% Ru"es Secti'n ! T8e Ru"es '- C'urt 7 In t8e a$sence '- an% app"ica$"e pr'*isi'ns in t8ese Ru"es9 t8e pertinent pr'*isi'ns '- t8e Ru"es '- C'urt in t8e ,8i"ippines s8a"" $e app"ica$"e $% ana"'(% 'r in supp"et'r% c8aracter and e--ect Ru"e )# 7 Repea"in( C"ause and E--ecti*it% 'ection -. 2epealin* Clause. & All #esolutions+ #ules+ #e*ulations o# ci#cula#s of the Commission o# pa#ts the#eof !hich a#e inconsistent !ith any p#o"ision of these 2ules a#e he#eby deemed #epealed o# modified acco#din*ly. Secti'n # Transit'r% ,r'*isi'n 7 T8ese ru"es s8a"" ('*ern a"" cases $r'u(8t a-ter t8e% ta=e e--ect and a"s' -urt8er pr'ceedin(s in cases t8an pendin(9 e4cept t' t8e e4tent t8at in t8e 'pini'n '- t8e C'mmissi'n 'r t8e c'urt in appr'priate cases9 an app"icati'n >'u"d n't $e -easi$"e 'r >'u"d >'r= inCustice9 in >8ic8 e*ent t8e -'rmer pr'cedure s8a"" app"% 438

NOTES ON OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE AND RELATED LAWS

Secti'n & Separa$i"it% C"ause 7 I- an% part '- t8ese Ru"es is dec"ared unc'nstituti'na"9 t8e remainin( part n't a--ected t8ere$% s8a"" remain *a"id and e--ecti*e 'ection @. Effecti"ity. & hese 2ules shall be published in the Official 3a.ette o# in t!o >2? daily ne!spape#s of *ene#al ci#culation and shall ta:e effect on the se"enth day follo!in* its publication.

439