MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has affirmed the dismissal of the disqualification case filed against the Bagong Henerasyon (BH) party-list group.
In an eight-page resolution issued Friday, the Comelec en banc denied the motion for reconsideration filed by Atty. Russell Geronimo, which challenged the earlier decision of the poll body’s First Division.
“The assailed order was neither issued without basis nor contrary to law,” the resolution stated. “The motion merely reiterates arguments that have already been thoroughly reviewed and addressed, without presenting new or compelling evidence that would justify a reversal of the earlier ruling.”
The Comelec First Division had earlier dismissed the petition due to the petitioner’s failure to meet mandatory procedural requirements. These include the failure to furnish a copy of the petition to the respondent, and the absence of crucial documents such as the Certificate of Nomination and Certificate of Acceptance of Nomination.
The en banc upheld the division’s position, emphasizing the importance of strictly following procedural rules.
“To grant reconsideration under these circumstances would undermine the integrity of the Commission’s procedural framework and potentially encourage negligent or tactical non-compliance,” it added.
Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said the BH party-list group may be proclaimed once the decision becomes final and executory.
He added that the petitioner still has the option to elevate the case to the Supreme Court. However, unless a temporary restraining order is issued, the Comelec’s decision will become final within five days.
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