Comelec Clarifies Disqualification Petitions After Proclamation
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) recently addressed concerns regarding disqualification petitions filed against candidates after their official proclamation. This issue gained attention after a new petition was submitted against Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto. According to sources familiar with the matter, disqualification petitions are generally only allowed before a candidate’s proclamation, emphasizing the importance of filing such challenges within the proper timeframe.
During a meeting held in Makati City, Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia shared that the commission was informed about someone paying the filing fee for a disqualification petition against Mayor Vico Sotto on May 20. “Kanina na report sa amin na parang may nagbabayad ng filing fee sa isang disqualification case na nai-file kanina involving the same personality,” Garcia said. However, he added, “Hindi ko po alam kung anong nature, but I was informed by the clerk of the commission that it was a petition to disqualify that candidate.”
Limits on Filing Disqualification Petitions
Despite this new filing, the Comelec chairman clarified the rules surrounding such petitions. Typically, disqualification cases must be filed before the official proclamation of candidates. Garcia explained, “Ang tanong, p’wede pa po ba ‘yun? Hindi ko po sasagutin yung merits. Kalimitan po kasi ang petition to disqualify ay p’wede lang mai-file before the proclamation of the candidates.”
After proclamation, the options for contesting election results change. Instead of disqualification petitions, only election protests or quo warranto petitions can be filed. Garcia added, “Except election protests o kaya quo warranto… o kaya naman gusto mong file-an ng kasong kriminal, election offense, pero ang disqualification po merong timeline hanggang period lang before proclamation.”
Mayor Sotto’s Response and Election Results
Meanwhile, representatives from Mayor Sotto’s camp stated they have not yet received a copy of the disqualification petition and only learned about it through news reports on the same day it was filed. Sotto was officially proclaimed on May 13 after winning a decisive midterm election victory. He secured 351,392 votes, significantly ahead of his closest rival, Sarah Discaya, who received 29,591 votes.
This clarification from Comelec underscores the legal boundaries for filing election-related petitions and highlights the importance of adhering to prescribed timelines. It also reaffirms the integrity of the proclamation process and the mechanisms available for addressing election grievances after candidates have been declared winners.
For more news and updates on election petitions, visit Filipinokami.com.