Comelec Dismisses Petition Against Bagong Henerasyon Party-list
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has dismissed the petition seeking to disqualify Bagong Henerasyon (BH) Party-list, clearing the path for its official proclamation as a winner in the 2025 mid-term elections. The exact four word keyphrase “petition against Bagong Henerasyon” is central to this update.
Comelec’s First Division resolved on May 22 to reject the petition filed by Russel Stanley Geronimo, citing procedural errors. BH secured one seat in the House of Representatives and was among the 54 winning party-lists in the recent elections. However, its proclamation on May 19 was temporarily halted due to the pending case.
Reasons for Petition Dismissal
The commission found that Geronimo failed to personally serve a copy of his petition to BH nominees, an essential requirement under Section 5 (5), Rule 5 of Comelec Resolution No. 9366. Instead, Geronimo only sent the petition via email. Comelec emphasized that “the term ‘shall’ is a word of command” in this context, meaning personal service is mandatory unless proven impossible through a sworn affidavit.
Geronimo’s petition accused BH and its nominees—Bernadette Herrera, Robert Gerard Lopez Nazal Jr., and Maria Editha Tan Alcantara—of violating election laws by involving public officers in partisan activities and using public funds for campaigns. Despite these claims, the lack of proper service led to dismissal.
Additionally, the petitioner did not include a copy of the Certificate of Nomination-Certificate of Appreciation of Nomination (CON-CAN). This document is crucial for verifying details such as the party’s name and the nominees’ information.
Party-list Responds to Decision
In reaction, BH Party-list praised the decision as proof of the resilience of democratic institutions. They stated, “To our supporters: this is your victory. To the silent, the striving, the unseen: you were never forgotten.” The group reiterated its commitment to prioritize service over recognition, acknowledging the responsibility now entrusted to them.
Implications for the 2025 Mid-term Elections
This dismissal not only solidifies BH’s place in the House but also highlights the importance of following procedural rules in election-related cases. Observers note that strict adherence to legal protocols ensures fairness and integrity in the electoral process.
The resolution allows Comelec to proceed with proclaiming BH as an official winner, enabling the party-list to take its seat and begin fulfilling its legislative duties.
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