By Celeste Tamayo
MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has dismissed the disqualification case filed against senatorial candidates Ben and Erwin Tulfo, along with other members of their family.
Atty. Virgilio Garcia had filed the disqualification case against the Tulfo family members: senatorial candidates Ben and Erwin Tulfo, party-list nominees Jocelyn Pua-Tulfo (ACT-CIS) and Wanda Tulfo-Teo (Turismo), and re-electionist Rep. Ralph Tulfo of Quezon City’s Second District, accusing them of being a political dynasty.
“After a judicious review of the Petition, the Commission (First Division) finds that the Petitioner failed to comply with the required formalities. In view of this, the Commission (First Division) hereby resolves to dismiss the instant Petition,” the Comelec First Division ruled.
In a statement, Rep. Erwin Tulfo welcomed the “just” and “fair” decision.
“Ang pagkakadismis ng kaso dahil sa hindi pagsunod ng petitioner sa mga kinakailangang rekisito ng Comelec ay patunay ng integridad ng ating halalan at ng kahalagahan ng pagsunod sa tamang proseso,” he said.
“Buong tiwala akong naninindigan sa kalayaan at pagiging patas ng COMELEC. Ang desisyong ito ay nagpapatunay sa matibay na paninindigan ng Komisyon sa katarungan at sa pagpapanatili ng kredibilidad ng ating demokratikong institusyon.”
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MANILA — The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to include Chito Bulatao Balintay’s name in the official ballot for Zambales Governor.
“The SC directed the Comelec to accept Balintay’s certificate of candidacy (COC) and include his name in the official ballot for the 2025 elections,” the High Court stated in its ruling, granting Balintay’s petition.
According to the SC, Balintay filed his COC on the last day of filing, 25 minutes before the deadline. However, it was deemed incomplete as it lacked a required fifth copy and documentary stamps.
He was advised to complete the missing documents, but by the time he returned, it was already three minutes past the 5:00 p.m. deadline.
The SC ruled that Comelec committed grave abuse of discretion by rejecting Balintay’s COC.
It further emphasized that “Comelec should reexamine whether its rules serve the interest of justice and fair play.”
“The SC found that Comelec’s strict application of its rules was unjustified, warranting the reversal of its decision.”
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MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Monday (24 Feb 2025) that participating in election debates is not a requirement for national and local candidates in the upcoming May 12 mid-term elections.
In an interview, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia stated, “Requiring candidates to attend debates is not yet included in the current guidelines, as we are still examining its constitutionality.”
Garcia further clarified that the poll body will not organize debates for the May elections. “The Comelec is not responsible for hosting these debates. Any debates you may see will be organized by other groups and organizations, and it is entirely up to them,” he explained.
Despite this, the Comelec emphasized that debate organizers must ensure that every candidate is invited to participate. “Not even one candidate should be excluded. All must be invited to join,” Garcia added.
On Sunday, the Comelec issued guidelines for the conduct of television and radio election debates to ensure fairness and neutrality. The poll body stressed that political debates are vital tools in creating a fully informed electorate.
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MANILA – Candidates and political parties using social media and online platforms for their 2025 election campaigns must register their accounts with the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Under a resolution issued on Sept. 17, the Comelec mandates that official social media accounts, websites, blogs, vlogs, and other digital campaign platforms designed to promote or oppose candidates be registered with its Education and Information Department (EID). The registration period runs from Nov. 8 to Dec. 13, following the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) from Oct. 1 to 8.
Crackdown on Digital Misinformation
The poll body also outlined prohibited digital campaign activities, including:
Use of fake accounts, bots, and coordinated networks to spread disinformation.
Creation and dissemination of deepfakes and manipulated content.
Utilization of fake and unregistered social media accounts.
Spreading false information about the elections or Comelec.
These violations may be considered election offenses under the Omnibus Election Code.
Task Force to Monitor Digital Campaigns
Comelec has formed “Task Force KKK sa Halalan” to oversee compliance, review registrations, and investigate violations. The task force will monitor both registered and unregistered online accounts used in election campaigns.
Key Election Dates
Election Period: Jan. 12 – June 11, 2025
Campaign Period:
Senators, Party-List Groups: Feb. 11 – May 10, 2025
Local Officials & House Representatives: March 28 – May 10, 2025
Campaign Blackout: April 17-18, 2025 (Maundy Thursday & Good Friday)
The new regulations aim to curb misinformation and ensure transparency in digital campaigning.
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MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) clarified on Monday (17 Feb 2025) that there is no violation of the law when candidates or their supporters criticize rival candidates during election campaigns.
In an interview, Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia explained, “The Omnibus Election Code itself permits negative campaigning.”
Section 79 of the Code defines “election campaign” or “partisan political activity” as actions aimed at promoting or defeating a specific candidate. This includes speeches, announcements, interviews, and commentaries made either in support or opposition to any candidate.
However, Garcia also emphasized that negative campaigning must not cross the line into other illegal activities, such as libel or cyberlibel, which could lead to separate legal actions.
In a related development, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group filed complaints against former President Rodrigo Duterte for inciting sedition and making unlawful statements.
Duterte allegedly suggested that killing senators would facilitate the election of his preferred candidates during a PDP-Laban rally in San Juan City on February 13.
Meanwhile, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna reminded city government employees to remain apolitical during the election season.
She urged regular employees, particularly those in permanent positions, to refrain from participating in political campaigns and to be cautious about expressing political support on social media, warning that doing so could jeopardize their jobs.
“I am fully aware that local government employees have personal political preferences, but they must always remember that campaigning is prohibited for city staff,” Lacuna said in a statement.
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MANILA – Ahead of the campaign period for the May 12 elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) called on voters to refrain from selling their votes and supporting candidates who engage in such practices.
At the launch of the “Kontra Bigay” (anti-bribery) task force on Friday, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia emphasized that voters have the power to put an end to vote buying and selling.
“All efforts will be in vain if people continue selling votes and supporting those who buy them. Do not accept money and do not vote for these candidates,” Garcia said. “Vote buyers can’t succeed if you reject the money. Have the courage to say no to vote buying.”
Garcia urged voters to treat any vote buying offer as an insult. “Don’t let anyone exploit our poverty. It is disgraceful that people take advantage of our hunger and hardship,” he added.
Vote buying is defined under the Omnibus Election Code as offering money or anything of value to influence someone’s vote, while vote selling is soliciting or accepting money or goods in exchange for voting.
The 90-day campaign period for senatorial candidates and party-list representatives will begin on February 11.
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MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is in ongoing discussions with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to establish clear guidelines for the “Oplan Katok” (Operation Knock) ahead of the May 12 midterm elections.
The goal is to ensure the initiative is executed without causing harassment or intimidation, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said during a media briefing on Wednesday (05 Feb 2025).
“Laudiangco emphasized that both agencies are working to find common ground, ensuring that PNP mandates are followed while safeguarding against potential abuses that could negatively impact the public’s trust in the election process.
“We want to ensure proper safeguards are in place to avoid misuse and prevent any chilling effect on citizens,” he added.
PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil defended “Oplan Katok” as part of regular operations, stressing that its intent was to ensure responsible firearm ownership and prevent illegal firearms from circulating, not to engage in political intimidation.
100-Day Countdown for Elections
The PNP also launched a 100-day countdown to increase awareness of the threats posed by “3Gs” (guns, goons, and gold) and fake news, which Marbil emphasized could influence the upcoming elections.
“While preparations have been ongoing since the filing of Certificates of Candidacy, the 100-day countdown focuses on combating these risks and creating awareness,” Marbil stated. He further directed the PNP to enhance operations against loose firearms and increase patrols in election hotspots to maintain peace and order.
“Our goal is to make the 2025 elections the safest possible,” Marbil said. “It’s a shared responsibility to ensure a fair election.”
Local Absentee Voting Reminders
Meanwhile, Laudiangco reminded qualified voters to apply for local absentee voting (LAV) by March 7. LAV is available to PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel, Comelec staff, and media members, allowing them to vote in advance on April 28-30.
For uniformed services, applications should be submitted by March 10. The LAV system enables eligible individuals to vote ahead of Election Day to accommodate their official duties.
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MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has on Monday (03 Feb 2025) authorized warrantless arrests for individuals involved in vote-buying, vote-selling, and the abuse of state resources (ASR) during elections.
According to Comelec Resolution 11104, issued on January 28, law enforcement officers can arrest anyone caught in the act of committing these offenses, including vote-buying, vote-selling, or ASR. The arrested individual must be promptly delivered to the nearest police station or jail for processing.
Items used in these illegal activities—such as money, sample ballots, or other campaign materials—will be seized by the apprehending officers. A proper inventory of the confiscated items must be conducted, documented, and photographed in the presence of the arrested person and witnesses.
Vote-buying is defined as offering or giving money or anything of value to influence someone’s vote. Vote-selling occurs when a person receives payment to vote a certain way. ASR involves the misuse of government resources for electoral gain.
The new resolution aims to strengthen enforcement of election laws and ensure fair elections by holding offenders accountable.
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MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is weighing the option to move up the filing period for certificates of candidacy (COC) for the 2028 national elections.
Comelec Chairperson George Garcia discussed the proposal in an interview on Monday (20 Jan 2025), suggesting that the filing, traditionally set for October of the year preceding the election, could be moved to July 2027.
“We’re thinking that it might be more beneficial to conduct the filing of COCs earlier for the 2028 elections. Instead of October, we’re considering July 2027,” Garcia explained.
The proposed earlier timeline, he added, would provide the Comelec ample time to address any legal challenges related to candidates.
“Candidates aren’t officially recognized until the campaign period begins. If we start the filing in July, we’d have enough time to resolve any legal cases, and those affected could appeal to the Supreme Court,” Garcia said.
With the current filing period scheduled from October 1 to 8, 2027, Comelec would aim to resolve cases before the end of November. The proposed July timeline would allow decisions to be made by September, giving candidates until December to pursue any appeals.
Garcia clarified that the decision on the election schedule is within the power of the Comelec’s seven-member panel. “The scheduling of election activities is under the jurisdiction of Comelec. It’s within our authority to move the COC filing earlier,” he stated.
However, the proposed change would require adjustments in other areas of the election process, particularly voter registration. “If we push the COC filing to July, voter registration must be completed beforehand, and several other logistical issues need to be considered,” Garcia added.
Historically, the COC filing period has been held in October of the year before the elections, with the 2025 election filings taking place from October 1 to 8, 2024.
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By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senatorial aspirant Kiko Pangilinan is calling on the Commission on Elections to assign Subair Guinthum Mustapha the No. 67 or the last number of senatorial candidate on the ballot to spare candidates from incurring additional expenses.
The Supreme Court earlier granted the Temporary Restraining Order filed by Mustapha, which requires Commission on Election (Comelec) to include his name on the official ballot.
“Bakit hindi na lang ilagay si Mustapha sa huling numero bilang huling kandidatong Senador sa balota para hindi na kailangan baguhin ang opisyal na numbering at mga numero ng ibang kandidato na inanunsyo na noong nakaraang taon pa?” Pangilinan suggested.
The former senator noted that many candidates have their posters and campaign materials with the assigned numbers printed and distributed across various parts of the country.
“Sana bigyan ng konsiderasyon ang mungkahi na ito,” said Pangilinan.
He made his statement as he will be moved from No. 50 to 51 if the Comelec decides to insert Mustapha’s name alphabetically.
However, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said that the the alphabetical arrangement of names in the ballots is “the most equitable and most objective order/sequence of candidates by which no particular person will be intentionally given premium and preference.”
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MANILA — Idineklara kamakailan ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) na nuisance candidate si Jemma “Rose” Villanueva Hernandez na naghahangad na tumakbo bilang gobernador ng Laguna sa darating na lokal at pambansang halalan.
Ang desisyon na inilabas ng 2nd Division ng Comelec noong Disyembre 11 ay nagsasaad na si Hernandez ay “lacked a bona fide intention to run for governor, and thus, her candidacy cannot be taken seriously.”
Nakasaad pa sa desisyon na,
“Wherefore, premises considered, the Petition is GRANTED. Respondent Jemma ‘Rose’ Villanueva Hernandez is hereby declared a nuisance candidate.”
Dagdag pa rito, kinansela at hindi na binigyan ng bisa ang kanyang certificate of candidacy (COC) para sa pagka-gobernador.
“Accordingly, the certificate of candidacy (COC) filed by the respondent for the position of governor was denied due course and cancelled,” ayon sa desisyon.
Nilagdaan ito ni Presiding Commissioner Marlon Casquejo at Commissioners Rey Bulay at Nelson Celis.
Naghain ng COC si “Rose” Hernandez noong Oktubre 6, gamit ang pangalang “HERNANDEZ, ROSE” sa opisyal na balota, sa halip na ang kilala niyang mga pangalan na Jemma o Kuya Jemma.
Nagpetisyon laban sa kanyang kandidatura si Cong. Ruth Hernandez ng 2nd District ng Laguna, na tumatakbo rin bilang gobernador. Ayon kay Ruth Hernandez, layunin ng kandidatura ng respondent na lituhin ang mga botante at gawing katawa-tawa ang proseso ng eleksiyon.
Sa desisyon, sinabi ng Comelec na ang pagpapalit ng pangalan ni Hernandez ay hindi personal o propesyonal na dahilan, kundi isang “calculated decision made for the sole purpose of confusing voters.”
Idinagdag pa ng Comelec
na, “The name ‘Rose’ bears a striking resemblance to petitioner’s first name, ‘Ruth,’ and when coupled with the shared surname ‘Hernandez,’ it creates an almost indistinguishable identity from petitioner.”
Dagdag pa ng poll body, “This trick seems to be aimed at misleading the electorate, particularly those who may not be familiar with the full backgrounds of candidates, and capturing votes intended for petitioner.”
Dalawang saksi mula sa Barangay Tuntungin Putho, Los Baños, Laguna ang nagpahayag sa kanilang mga affidavit na kilala nila ang respondent bilang “Jemma” at hindi “Rose.” Kinumpirma rin nilang ginagamit niya ang pangalang “Jemma” sa kanyang Facebook account at wala siyang matatag na pinagkakakitaan upang magpatakbo ng seryosong kampanya.
Ayon pa sa Comelec, “Running for a governor is an ambitious undertaking that needs significant financial backing, and without a secure financial foundation, it is highly unlikely that respondent is capable of executing a campaign of the necessary scope and scale to be competitive.”
“In conclusion, respondent’s inability to fund credible campaign calls into question the authenticity of her candidacy…Instead, it appears that respondent’s campaign may serve other purposes, such as disrupting the election or diverting votes from other candidates. As such, her candidacy should be disqualified under Section 69 of the Omnibus Election Code, as it serves no legitimate purpose.”
Matatandaang nauna nang kinansela ng Comelec ang mga kandidatura ng dalawang indibidwal na gumamit ng apelyidong Hernandez upang tumakbo sana para sa pagka-kongresista sa 2nd District ng Laguna. Napag-alamang layunin lamang nilang guluhin ang eleksiyon at bawasan ang boto para kay Gov. Ramil Hernandez, na tumatakbo rin sa parehong posisyon.
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MANILA — Staying true to its commitment of freeing the coming 2025 national and local elections from mockery and disrepute, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) last week declared as nuisance the congressional candidacy of a local quack doctor from Cabuyao, Laguna.
The poll body’s Second Division made the decision after it determined that the supposed candidate identified as Dante Aguilar Hernandez, merely filed his candidacy to cause confusion among voters by coming up with a nickname “Romeo”, which sounds similar with the name of petitioner and incumbent Gov. Ramil L. Hernandez.
The resolution read: On 26 November 2024, the Commission (Second Division) promulgated a Resolution granting the instant petition and declaring respondent Dante “Romeo” Aguilar Hernandez as a nuisance candidate.
It continued: “In relation thereto, the Commission (Second Division) hereby CLARIFIES that the Certificate of Candidacy filed by Respondent Dante “Romeo” Aguilar Hernandez for the position of Member, House of Representatives for the 2nd District of the Province of Laguna in the May 2025 National and Local Elections is DENIED DUE COURSE is CANCELLED.
The resolution was signed by Comelec 2nd Division Presiding Commissioner Marlon S. Casquejo, and Commissioners Rey Bulay and Nelson Celis.
It was gathered that the respondent on October 8 this year filed his certificate of candidacy for the position of member, House of Representatives, for the Second (2nd) District of the province of Laguna in the 2025 national and local elections.
Gov. Hernandez, who is running for the same position in next year’s elections, however, was prompted to file a petition before the Comelec to declare the respondent as nuisance.
This, after he learned that Dante Hernandez has no bona fide intention to run for the office, but merely filed his candidacy just to confuse the voters and thus prevent a faithful determination of the true will of the electorate.
He contended that based on the sworn statements of witnesses, “it was clear that the respondent is attempting to run for office under a different name, “Romeo Hernandez,” which is unfamiliar to his community.”
“This deliberate name change appears to be a strategic move to deceive voters and is likely an attempt to confuse the electorate, thus qualifying respondent as a nuisance candidate under Section 69 (of the Omnibus Election Code).”
The poll body received the sworn affidavits of three witnesses – Christopher Lozada Barrientos, Edmon Misa Arcita, and Hjan KZ Macapacial Baniaga, who were all residents of Brgy. Bigaa, Cabuyao City, Laguna.
The witnesses attested that they all personally knew respondent Dante, since they were all natives of the same barangay and that they never knew nor heard Dante calling himself Romeo, “until he filed his candidacy for congressman” last October 8.”
Barrientos, who is one of the witnesses stated that the respondent is widely recognized in their barangay as “Dante,” and he has never heard anyone refer to him as “Romeo”, and has been known solely by the name Dante since childhood.”
In fact, he previously served as a barangay tanod (community watchman) in Brgy. Bigaa, and he is currently known in the community as a “manghihilot” (traditional healer).
All the witnesses also recalled that respondent even ran and lost in the 2018 barangay elections for the position of Barangay Kagawad (councilor) in Brgy. Bigaa using his real name, “Dante Aguilar Hernandez”.
After careful deliberations, the Comelec’s 2nd Division granted the petition of Gov. Hernandez declaring the respondent as nuisance candidate.
In its ruling, the Comelec said Sec. 69 of the Omnibus Election Code [“OEC”] on nuisance candidates states that the Commission may, motu proprio or upon a verified petition of an interested party, refuse to give due course to or cancel a certificate of candidacy.
Among the considerations for declaring a candidate as nuisance are if it is shown that said certificate has been filed to put the election process in mockery or disrepute; or to cause confusion among the voters by the similarity of the names of the registered candidates.
Also, by other circumstances or acts which clearly demonstrate that the candidate has no bona fide intention to run for the office for which the certificate of candidacy has been filed and thus prevent a faithful determination of the true will of the electorate.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has extended the deadline for submitting petitions against nuisance candidates who filed their Certificates of Candidacy (COC) during the first eight days of October.
This extension follows a notice released by Comelec on October 11, 2024, in line with Memorandum Circular No. 66 from the Office of the President, which suspended government work and classes for two days.
“Please take notice that the Commission (en banc) approved the extension of the deadline for the filing of Petitions Against Nuisance Candidates from Monday, 14 October 2024 to Wednesday, 16 October 2024, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., in view of Comelec Memorandum dated 11 October 2024, in relation to Memorandum Circular No. 66 of the Office of the President on work suspension in the Cities of Manila and Pasay on 14 and 15 October 2024,” Comelec stated.
Originally set for October 14, the deadline has now been moved to Wednesday, October 16, 2024.
Comelec will accept petitions between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the revised date.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Following a Supreme Court ruling that unpopularity and non-membership in a political party are insufficient grounds to declare an individual as a nuisance candidate, Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman George Garcia on Thursday advised financially-strapped candidates for the 2025 midterm polls to be creative enough in using social media for their campaign.
Garcia gave the advice as the poll body committed that no one vying for an elective position in the upcoming polls will be disqualified due to financial status.
“Maaaring nu’ng mga sinaunang pangangampanya, talagang kakailanganing puntahan mo ang bawat isla ng ating bansa, ang bawat munisipyo, at ang bawat siyudad. Sa kasalukuyan, dahil sa makabagong teknolohiya puwede na ang pangangampanya ay sa pamamagitan ng social media,” Garcia stated in a Super Radyo dzBB interview.
Earlier, the Supreme Court (SC) ruled that being unpopular or not a member of a political party are insufficient grounds to declare an individual as a nuisance candidate.
“Hindi mo naman kailangan ng gano’n kadaming pera upang makapangamapanya sa pamamagitan ng social media, halimbawa. Basta ikaw ay magaling lamang at artistic, and at the same time medyo magaling kang gumawa ng mga ipo-post sa social media, pupuwede ka nang mangampanya,” Garcia quipped.
However, based on Comelec Rules of Procedure Part V, Rule 24, any candidate is identified to have no bona fide intention to run for public office if they put the election process in “mockery or disrepute or to cause confusion among the voters by the similarity of the names of the registered candidates or who by other acts or circumstances.”
The Comelec said it will resolve cases involving nuisance candidates for the 2025 midterm elections by the end of November this year.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Pares vendor and social media personality Deo Balbuena, popularly known as Diwata, has filed a Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) as the fourth nominee of the Vendors Party-list.
Diwata stated that the Vendors Party-list aims to represent vendors nationwide in the House of Representatives, serving as their voice.
The party-list also intends to improve the lives of Filipino vendors through the creation of cooperatives and providing street vendors with designated selling areas.
Diwata, who voluntarily joined the Vendors Party-list after meeting its representatives, will serve as the fourth nominee.
He became well-known for his viral videos and his popular “pares overload,” which gained fame due to the unlimited rice, soup, and soft drinks offered to customers.
Diwata’s content has also been featured by numerous vloggers.
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MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has officially delisted and canceled the registration of 42 party-list organizations ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.
In Resolution No. 11071, promulgated on Tuesday, the Comelec en banc revealed that these groups were disqualified for either failing to participate in the last two elections, securing less than 2 percent of the votes cast for the party-list system, or not obtaining a seat during the second round of allocation in previous elections.
Of the 42 delisted organizations, 31 were disqualified due to insufficient votes or the inability to secure a seat in the last two election cycles. Some notable groups include Anakpawis, Angkla, 1-Care (1st Consumers Alliance for Rural Energy), Act-OFW (Acts Overseas Filipino Workers Coalition), and many others.
Meanwhile, 11 groups were removed from the roster for not participating in the last two elections, including Abyan Ilonggo, Amana, KGB (Katipunan ng mga Guardians Brotherhood), and PDDS (Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan).
Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia stated that 160 party-list groups are set to participate in the upcoming elections. This includes 117 existing party-list groups, 42 newly accredited groups, and one group currently under a temporary restraining order (TRO).
“So far, 160 party-list organizations are expected to participate in the 2025 midterm elections,” Garcia confirmed during an interview.
As of noon on Tuesday, nine party-list groups have already filed their Certificates of Nomination and Acceptance (CON-CAN) at Tent City, Manila Hotel.
Among those who have filed are Kabayan PL, Ang Bomber ng Pilipinas, Ako OFW, Manila Teacher’s PL, and Bayan Muna.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is fully prepared for the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC), with over 100,000 individuals expected to submit their candidacies, according to Comelec spokesperson Atty. John Rex Laudiangco on Saturday, September 28, 2024.
During an interview on DWIZ’s Isyu ng Bayan, Laudiangco explained that there are 18,270 available positions in the 2025 midterm elections, and more than 100,000 candidates, including party-lists, are anticipated to file their COCs.
The Comelec is also ready to take legal action against so-called “nuisance candidates.”
“We expect two types of nuisance candidates. The first are those who will file but have no real intention of pursuing their candidacy,” Laudiangco explained.
“The second type involves individuals who aim to cause confusion by filing COCs with names that sound or look very similar to legitimate candidates,” he added.
Laudiangco also mentioned that the commission has made logistical preparations to accommodate the expected volume of COC filings across the country.
“Our smaller offices have already secured larger venues to handle the various COCs that will be submitted nationwide,” he said.
Voter registration ends on September 30, while the COC filing period is scheduled from October 1 to 8.
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By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reiterated that voter registration will close on September 30, with no extensions to be granted.
“There will be no extensions for new registrations, reactivations, or changes such as overseas workers returning or registering for the first time abroad. Whether you’re changing your name, making corrections, or transferring your registration, the final deadline is September 30, 2024,” said Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco.
Laudiangco emphasized that the lack of extension is due to the Certificate of Candidacy (COC) filing period for political candidates, which runs from October 1 to 8.
In a related update, Comelec announced that more than three million new voters have registered for the 2025 midterm elections. Including reactivations, voter registration applications total over six million, surpassing Comelec’s initial expectations, according to Laudiangco.
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MANILA – Former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo will be barred from seeking reelection in the 2025 midterm elections unless she secures a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the Court of Appeals (CA) to halt the Ombudsman’s dismissal order.
Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Erwin Garcia stated that the Ombudsman’s decision is immediately executory.
“Even though it’s not final, it’s effective unless stayed by the CA. If she is perpetually disqualified from public office, Comelec will implement this. She can file a certificate of candidacy, but it will be administratively canceled,” Garcia explained during Wednesday’s Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.
On August 12, the Ombudsman dismissed Guo for grave misconduct and imposed a lifetime ban from holding public office. This decision stemmed from charges filed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) regarding her alleged involvement with Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
Garcia emphasized that Comelec’s separate material misrepresentation complaint against Guo concerns her election credentials.
“The Ombudsman’s case involves her misconduct as a town official, whereas our issue is whether she provided false information in her candidacy. These are distinct matters,” he noted.
Comelec representatives served a subpoena to Guo in Bamban town on Tuesday related to her alleged misrepresentation in the May 2022 elections. Guo has 10 days to file her counter-affidavit, after which the case will proceed to a resolution if she does not respond.
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By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia revealed on Thursday (08 Aug 2024) that a “foreign entity” is attempting to interfere in the Philippine elections.
This discovery comes after identifying the firms behind an ongoing “demolition job” against Comelec.
In a press conference, Garcia pointed to a US-based company that allegedly opened a US bank account in his name, accusing him of holding offshore accounts to stash bribe money.
“Who is behind opening the account or making deposits to make it appear as mine? It wasn’t erased [from Marcoleta’s presentation]… Jaleo Consulting LLC sent it. When I saw that, I was shocked because this is direct intervention in the Philippine election by a foreign entity, which is strictly prohibited,” Garcia stated.
Comelec previously banned Smartmatic from participating in all future procurements after it was implicated in a US bribery case involving former Comelec Chairman Andy Bautista.
In a statement, Smartmatic denied any involvement in the “demolition job” against the country’s poll body.
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