CHAPTER 1

ELECTION LAW GENERAL PRINCIPLES

e. f.

Regulate the manner of conducting elections Suppress whatever evils may be incident to the election of public officers pursuant to the exercise of police power

Meaning of Suffrage the right as well as obligation of qualified citizens to vote in a. election of certain national and local officers of the government, and b. decision of public questions submitted to it

Nature of Suffrage Privilege it is not a natural right, hence, it can be given or withheld by the lawmaking power subject to constitutional limitations upon the fulfillment or non-fulfillment of certain minimum conditions deemed essential for the welfare of society

Prohibited Substantive requirements for Exercise of Suffrage a. Literacy d. Sex b. Property e. Taxpaying ability c. Education d. Taxpaying ability

CHAPTER 2

COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS

Scope of Suffrage Election a. means by which people choose b. through the use of ballot c. their officials for definite and fixed periods and to whom they entrust d. for the time being as their representatives e. the exercise of powers of government o The term may refer to the conduct of polls including the list of voters, the holding of electoral campaign, and the casting and counting of votes

Purpose of Commission An independent administrative tribunal, co-equal with the other departments in respect to the powers vested in it Composition Chairman and 6 Commissioners Qualifications of Members 1. Natural-born citizens of the Philippines 2. At least 35 years of age at the time of appointment 3. Holders of a College degree 4. Must not have been candidates for any elective position immediately preceding elections 5. Members of the Philippine Bar who have been engaged in the practice of law for at least 10 years Appointment and Terms of Office of Members They are appointed by the President with the consent of the Commission on Appointments for 7 years with reappointment Staggered term (7, 5, 3) for 2 years interval Appointments or designation in temporary or acting capacity is not allowed

Object of Suffrage and Election Laws Main object: continuity of government and the preservation and perpetuation of its benefits 2-fold object: Enable the people 1. To choose their representatives to discharge sovereign functions 2. To determine their will upon such questions submitted to them

Power of Congress to Regulate Suffrage and Elections Congress has unlimited power, subject only to constitutional restrictions, to enact laws relative to right of suffrage including the power to: a. Define the qualifications of voters b. Regulate elections c. Prescribe the form of official ballot d. Provide for the manner in which candidates shall be chosen and the names that shall be printed upon the ballot

Disabilities of Members 1. Cannot hold other office or employment 2. Cannot engage in the practice of any profession or in the active management or control of any business 3. Cannot be financially interested in any government contract P a g e |1

Election Law

Constitutional Powers and Functions of the Commission a. Executive or Administrative to enforce and administer election laws b. Quasi-legislative to promulgate rules on all questions affecting elections and its rules of procedure c. Quasi-judicial to exercise original and appellate jurisdiction over certain election contests d. Investigate investigatory and prosecution power over election offenses The COMELEC shall exercise the following powers and functions: 1. Enforce and administer laws relative to conduct of elections, etc. Decide election contests This refers to the adversary proceedings by which matters involving the title or claim to an elective office, made before or after proclamation of the winner, is settled o For barangay officials, it is restricted to proceedings after the proclamation of the winner o Purpose: to ascertain the candidate lawfully elected to office ELECTION CONTESTS Regional, Provincial and City Officials COMELEC Municipal and Barangay Officials RTC and MTC SK Officials DILG Congress SET or HRET President and Vice President PRET (SC en banc) o 3. o Decide all questions affecting elections The Commission has no jurisdiction over questions involving the a. right to vote which includes qualifications and disqualifications of voters b. right of a person to be registered as voter c. right to cast his vote 2.

7. 8. o

Recommend measures Recommend removal or disciplinary action The President may or may not follow the recommendation of the COMELEC on deputization Submit report

9.

Power to punish for contempt In the exercise of its administrative functions, COMELEC has no power to hold a person for contempt, hence, only in the exercise of its quasi-judicial power can it cite persons in contempt

Hearing and Deciding Election Cases 2-tiered organizational and functional structure of COMELEC: 1. Division of COMELEC a. Disqualification b. Election Protest c. Quo Warranto d. Pre-proclamation Controversy e. Annulment of Proclamation 2. COMELEC en banc a. Motion for Reconsideration b. Failure of Elections c. Postponement of Elections d. Election Offense e. Annulment of Book of Voters

4.

Deputize law enforcement agencies o This must be done with the concurrence of the President o The removal or suspension of such deputies may be recommended by the COMELEC to the President rather than directly imposed by the COMELEC Register political parties, etc. and accredit its citizens arms File petitions, investigate and prosecute

Pardon, etc. of Violators of Election Laws Not allowed if without the favorable recommendation of COMELEC and granted by the

5. 6.

Rendition of Decision and Judicial Review Decisions, etc. of the COMELEC en banc, may be brought to SC by means of the special civil action of certiorari under Rule 65 A motion for reconsideration when not pro forma, suspends the running of the period to elevate the matter to SC P a g e |2

Election Law

Votes Required for Rendition of Decision 2 members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of a Division A case being heard by it shall be decided with the unanimous concurrence of all 3 Commissioners

b. c. d. e.

Not otherwise disqualified by law At least 18 years of age on the day of the election Have resided in the Philippines for at least 1 year Have resided for at least 6 months, in the place wherein he/she proposes to vote, immediately preceding the election

Powers and Functions of the COMELEC under Omnibus Election Code 1. Exercise direct and immediate supervision and control over national and local officials or employees required by law to perform duties relative to the conduct of election 2. It may authorize CMT cadets, 18 years of age and above, to act as its deputies for the purpose of enforcing its orders 3. Require payment of legal fees and collect the same in payment of any business done in the Commission, at rates that it may prove and fix in its rules and regulations 4. Summons the parties to a controversy pending before it, issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum 5. Issue warrant to arrest the witness and bring him before the Commission in case of failure to attend 6. When necessary, avail of the assistance of any national or local law enforcement to execute its final decisions, orders, instructions or rulings 7. Punish contempts any violation of any final and executory decision, order or ruling of the Commission shall constitute contempt 8. Enforce and execute its decisions, etc. 9. Prescribe the forms to be used in the election plebiscite or referendum 10. Procure any supplies, etc. needed for the holding of the election by public bidding 11. Prescribe the use or adoption of the latest technological and electronic devises 12. Carry out a continuing and systematic campaign through any forms of media to educate the public and fully inform the electorate about all matters concerning the election 13. Enlist non-partisan groups or organizations 14. Conduct hearings on controversies pending before it 15. Fix other reasonable periods for certain pre-election requirements

Election Registration Board A body constituted to act on all applications for registration Composition of the Election Registration Board a. Chairman Election Officer b. Members i. Public school official most senior in rank ii. Local civil registrar, or in his absence, City or Municipal treasurer

Illiterate or Disable Applicants Election officer or any member of an accredited citizens arm shall assist any illiterate person when registering

Change of Residence or Address The application for transfer of registration shall be subject to the a. Requirements of notice and hearing, and b. Approval of the Election Registration Board

Notice and Hearing of Applicants Duties of the Election Officer upon receipt of applications for registration: a. Set a hearing b. Notice of which shall be posted in the bulletin board and his office for at least 1 week before hearing c. Furnish copies to the applicants, heads or representatives of political parties and other accredited groups d. Receive such as evidence on the date of hearing

CHAPTER 3

REQUIREMENTS BEFORE ELECTION REGISTRATION (RA 8189) Challenges to Right to Register [ERB] Form of Challenge: a. In writing b. Stating the grounds Election Law P a g e |3

Registration of Voters Who may Register? [Constitutional Mandate] a. A citizen of the Philippines

c. d. e.

Under oath Attached to the application With proof of notice of hearing

c. d. e. f.

Deactivation and Reactivation Cancellation of registration Inclusion and Exclusion Annulment of Book of Voters

Approval and Disapproval of Application This is done by majority vote of the Board Duties of Election Officer upon approval or disapproval of application: a. If approved assign a voters identification number and issue identification card b. If disapproved furnish the application with the certificate of disapproval and stating the grounds therefor Annulment of Book of Voters How made? a. Verified petition b. After notice and hearing On what grounds? a. Not prepared in accordance with the provisions of this Act b. Prepared through 1. Fraud 4. Impersonation 2. Bribery 5. Intimidation 3. Forgery 6. Force c. Contains data that are statistically improbable

Deactivation of Registration [Disqualifications] 1. Sentenced by at least 1 year imprisonment 2. Adjudged by final judgment of any crime involving disloyalty to the government 3. Insane or incompetent 4. Failed to vote for 2 consecutive regular elections this does not include SK elections 5. Any person whose registration is excluded by the court 6. Lost Philippine citizenship

Reactivation of Registration 1. Automatic reacquisition of the right to vote upon expiration of 5 years after service of sentence 2. Those adjudged with crime involving disloyalty to the government are automatically restored to his full civil and political rights upon expiration of 5 years after service of sentence 3. Upon declaration of a proper authority that such person is no longer insane or incompetent

Inclusion, Exclusion and Correction of Name of Voters Jurisdiction is with the MTC subject to appeal in RTC Grounds for Inclusion: a. Any person whose application for registration has been disapproved b. Any person whose name has been stricken out Grounds for Exclusion: a. Any person who is not qualified to register b. Any voter who is not real

B. PRECINCTS AND POLLING PLACES Election Precincts basic unit of territory established by COMELEC for the purpose of voting No new precinct be established at the start of the election 1 barangay = 1 precinct = no more than 200 voters and shall comprise contiguous and compact territories When allowed to have less than 200 voters: a. Creation of a spin-off or daughter precinct once the 200-limit has been reached b. Island or group of islands comprise 1 original precinct P a g e |4

Cancellation of Registration The only ground is DEATH

Permanent List of Voters per Precinct Permanent but may be changed on the following instances: a. New voters b. Transfer of registration

Election Law

Polling Places and their Designation Polling Place the building or place where the BEI conducts its proceedings and where the voters cast their votes Voting center the building or place where the polling place is located Size is sufficient to accommodate 40 voters at one time No designation of polling places shall be changed except upon a. Written petition of majority voters of the precinct b. Agreement of all political parties c. Resolution by COMELEC upon prior notice and hearing

Certificate of Candidacy (COC) a. statement of a person seeking to run for public office b. certifying that he announces his candidacy for the office mentioned c. he is eligible for the office d. the name of the political party to which he belongs, if any e. his post-office address for all election purposes being as well stated

Arrangements and Contents of Polling Places 1 voting booth = 20 voters = list of the names of all the candidates or issues to be voted for, be posted 1 polling place = 10 voting booths

Filing of certificate of candidacy 1 COC = 1 office If more than 1 = ineligible for all Unless he cancels 1 COC before the lapse of filing of COC

Ballot Boxes 1 ballot box = 1 polling place Who shall have the custody of such materials? o Provincial, City or Municipal Treasurer

Stray Vote Vote cast in favor of a person who is not a candidate Does not invalidate the entire ballot

Official Ballot Printed in black ink on white security paper with distinctive watermarks Official ballots and election returns be printed upon orders of COMELEC Requisition and Distribution of official ballots = rate of 1 1/5 ballots = every registered voter Requisition and Distribution of election returns = rate of 1 set = 1 polling place Signature of Chairman at the Back of Every Ballot is essential and failure to authenticate would constitute an election offense

Time, place and manner of filing Under RA 7166, any person running for the office of the president, vicepresident, senator, member of the house of representatives or any elective provincial, city or municipal office shall be: a. Filed in 5 legible copies b. With the offices of the Commission c. Not later than the day before the date legally fixed for the beginning of his campaign period. d. Filed personally by the candidate or his duly authorized representative (not accepted if by mail, telegram or facsimile) ELECTIVE OFFICE President, Vice-President, Senators Members of the House of Representatives (provincial) Members of the House of Representatives (districts in NCR) Members of the House of Representatives (districts outside NCR) Provincial offices City and municipal offices PLACE OF FILING COC Main office of the commission in Manila Provincial election supervisor of the province concerned Regional election director City election registrar Provincial election supervisor City or municipal election registrar P a g e |5

C. Certificates of Candidacy Candidate a. any person aspiring for or seeking an elective public office b. who has filed a certificate of candidacy c. by himself or through an accredited political party, aggroupment, or coalition of parties

Election Law

Withdrawal of COC a. Made prior to election b. Submit to the office concerned a written declaration under oath c. The filing will not affect whatever civil, criminal or administrative liabilities, which a candidate may have incurred

In case of a valid substitution after the ballots have been printed, the votes for the substituted candidates shall be considered stray votes unless the substitute candidate has the same family name

Automatic resignation Ipso facto resigned: a. Appointive officials b. Members of the AFP

Petition to deny due course Filed by any person exclusively on the ground that any material representation contained in a COC is false c. Employees of GOCC Nuisance Candidate 1. Filed to put the election process in mockery or disrepute 2. Cause confusion among voters by the similarity of names 3. Has no bona fide intention to run for office

Qualifications of a Candidate 1. Philippine citizen 2. Age 3. Philippine resident

4. Registered Voter 5. Able to read and write 6. Not disqualified by law

Disqualifications of a Candidate 1. Lack qualifications 2. Possess disqualifications 3. Violated the Term Rule 4. Committed an election offense 5. Nuisance candidate 6. Sentenced by final judgment with an accessory penalty 7. Willfully commits material misrepresentation 8. No valid, timely and properly filed COC

Similarity/difference of proceeding with quo warranto DISQUALIFICATION QUO WARRANTO Deals with qualifications of a candidate Deals with qualifications of a candidate When to file: When to file: a. Before election Within 10 days after the proclamation of the results of the election b. After election Qualifications for elective office are misrepresented Ineligibility or disloyalty to the Republic of the Philippines.

Petition for quo warranto is not batted by failure to file a petition to disqualify. He has another chance to raise disqualification of the candidate by filing a petition for quo warranto within the time prescribed by law.

Substitution Grounds: a. Death should happen after the last day of filing of COC b. Disqualification c. Withdrawal Both the substituted and the substitute must be qualified to run for office Who may substitute? a. Nominee of the same political party b. If none, then, no one may substitute c. Spouse for barangay officials

Election 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Offense Vote buying Terrorism Unlawful expenditures Unlawful campaign Coercion of subordinates Threats Prohibition against release of public funds

Election Law

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Rules governing cases of disqualifications before the election Complaint before election Inquired into by the COMELEC Complaint not resolved before Refer the complaint to COMELECs law election department Complaint filed after election but COMELECs law department makes a before proclamation prima facie finding of guilt and the complaint is filed with the trial court

Effect of disqualification case After final judgment Before final judgment

Shall not be voted Continuation of trial and hearing is mandatory Suspension of proclamation is merely directory

Equal access to media time, and space Media members who are candidates are a. Deemed resigned, or b. Take a leave of absence Print: page in broadsheet; in tabloid 3x a week TV Radio Local official 60 mins 90 mins National official 120 mins 180 mins Written Forms a. Printed materials 8.5 x 14 d. Poster areas 12 x 16 b. Letters e. Rally streamers 3 x 8 c. Posters 2 x 3

Chapter 4 Election Campaign and Expenditures Prohibited acts a. Engage in an election campaign except during the campaign period b. Foreigner aiding any candidate or political party c. Remove or tamper with the distribution of lawful election propaganda d. Accept or give free of charge, food or drinks or things of value during 5 hours before and after a public meeting on the day preceding the election and on the election day

6 Modes a. b. c.

of Campaign Forming organizations Holding rallies Making speeches

d. Distributing campaign materials e. Soliciting votes f. Publishing advertisements

Prohibited contributions (indirectly or directly by the following) 1. Public or private financial institutions o But not if they are legally in the business of lending money and the loan is made ordinary course of business 2. Natural and juridical persons operating a public utility or in possession of or exploiting any natural resources of the nation 3. Natural and juridical persons who hold contract or subcontracts to supply the government or any of its divisions with goods and services or to perform construction or other works 4. Those granted franchises, incentives, exemptions, allocations or similar privileges, concessions by the government or any divisions 5. Those who within 1 year prior to the date of the election have been granted loans in excess of P25,000 by the government 6. Educational institutions which have received grants of public funds amounting to no less than P100,000 7. Officials or employees of the CSC or members of the AFP 8. Foreigners and foreign corporations

Lawful Election Propaganda a. Paid political advertisement b. Free space and airtime c. Use of gadgets and billboard

d. Private poster areas e. Election surveys and exit polls

Limitations upon expenses Candidates P10 pesos (President and Vice President) P30 (for other candidates) for every voter currently registered in the constituency where he filed his COC. Those without political parties may be allowed to spend P5 for every such voter. P5 for every voter registered in the constituency where it has official candidates

Political parties

Election Law

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Defenses when Candidate Exceeds the Allowable Expenditures: 1. Funds for counsel 3. Sample ballots 2. Copying of list of voters 4. Volunteers

4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

C. Political Parties Registration of political parties It shall be first duly registered with the COMELEC A registered party who fails to obtain 10% of the votes in the constituency, its registration shall, after notice and hearing be deemed to have been forfeited

Receiving support from a foreign government Violates or fails to comply with the laws, rules or regulations relating to elections Declares untruthful statements in its petition Ceased to exist for at least 1 year Fails to participate in the last 2 preceding elections or fails to obtain at least 2% of the votes under the party-list system in the 2 preceding elections

Nomination and selection of official candidates President, Vice-President and Senators 165 days before the day of election Members of the House of 75 days before the day of the election Representatives and local elective officials

Qualifications of party-list nominees 1. Natural born citizen 2. Registered voter 3. Resident of the Philippines of not less than 1 year immediately 4. Able to read and write 5. Bona fide member of the party 6. At least 25 years of age Note: Youth sector: must be at least 25-30 on the day of election.

Disputes as to party nominations 1. Conduct of partys internal affairs are not within the jurisdiction of the Courts 2. However, in can be brought to COMELEC Division

Manner of voting each voter shall be entitled to 2 votes (1 for house representative and the second, for the party)

Number of party-list representatives 20% of the total number of the house of representatives The party-list system a. not more than 250 members b. elected from legislative districts and on the basis of a uniform and progressive ratio c. and those elected through a party-list system of registered national, regional and sectoral parties or organizations

Removal and/or cancellation of registration How made? a. Motu proprio b. upon verified complaint Grounds: 1. It is a religious sect 2. Advocates violence 3. Foreign party or organization

How to determine the allocation of seats a. rank the parties from highest to lowest on the number of votes garnered during elections b. those with at least 2% are entitled to one seat c. Those with more than 2% shall be entitled to additional seats in proportion to their total number of vote d. In no case shall seats exceed 3

Term of office 3 years for not more than 3 consecutive terms

Election Law

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CHAPTER 5 THE ELECTION Kinds of Election 1. General one provided for by law for the election to offices after the expiration of the full term of former officers 2. Regular an election, national or local, held at regular intervals on such dates provided by law 3. Special one provided for by law under special circumstances a. An election not regularly held to fill vacancy in office before expiration of the full term b. An election at which some issue or proposition is submitted to the vote of the qualified electors c. An election held when there is failure of election

Notice of the Election In some form, either actual or constructive, of the time, place and purpose of the election a. Requirement of notice becomes stricter in cases of special election b. Sufficiency of notice is determined on o whether the voters generally have knowledge of the time, place and purpose of the elections so as to give the voters full opportunity to attend the polls and express their will

Date of Election under the Law Simultaneous regular elections for national and local officials = once every 3 years Regular election for barangay officials = once every 5 years o The last barangay election was held on October 25, 2010 Sanggunian Panlungsod and Bayan Members shall be elected by district

Construction of Election Laws When they are mandatory: a. Laws for the conduct of elections, including the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto b. Election laws declare that a certain irregularity in an election procedure is fatal to the validity of the ballot or of the returns c. When the purpose and spirit of the law would be plainly defeated by a substantial departure from the prescribed procedure When they may be directory: a. If sought to enforce them after the election b. When mandatory character is not provided c. When departure to the purpose and spirit is due to an honest mistake or misinterpretation

Postponement of Election Grounds: for any serious case of such a nature that the holding of a free, orderly and honest election should be impossible a. Violence b. Terrorism c. Force majeure d. Loss or destruction of election paraphernalia or records e. Other analogous causes How postponement is made: a. By the COMELEC en banc b. Upon a verified petition by any interested party or motu propio c. After due notice and hearing

Authority for Holding Election a. Authority to so hold it must be found conferred by the people b. Either directly through the Constitution, or indirectly through the enactments of their legal representatives

Time of Holding Election a. It must be fixed by authoritative power b. There must be substantial observance with the time fixed and slight variations will not invalidate the election

Failure of Election A petition to declare a failure of elections is a special action Grounds: failure or suspension would affect the result of election a. Violence b. Terrorism c. Force majeure d. Fraud e. Other analogous causes

Election Law

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How failure of election is made: a. By the COMELEC en banc b. Upon a verified petition of any interested party c. After due notice and hearing Concurrence of Conditions: 1. No voting has taken place in any precinct or, even if there was a voting, the election nevertheless results in failure to elect 2. Votes not cast would affect the result of the election 3. The cause of such failure is among the grounds provided

o o

For Overseas Absentee Voters, they can vote for President, VicePresident, Senators and Party-list Representatives Requirements: 1. Philippine citizen abroad 2. Not otherwise disqualified by law 3. at least 18 years of age on the day of the election

Fixing Date for Special Elections Requirements in fixing the date for special elections: a. It should not be later than 30 days from the cessation of the cause b. It should be reasonably close to the date of the election not held, suspended or which resulted in the failure to elect

Spoiled Ballots All spoiled ballots (accidentally spoiled or defaced in such a way that it cannot lawfully be used) shall be folded and surrendered to the Chairman who shall note in the corresponding space that it is spoiled The voter shall then be entitled to another ballot, however, no voters shall change his ballot more than twice

Place of Holding Election Enactments fixing the place are properly to be regarded as mandatory Any substantial variation must invalidate the election o Except when necessity arises, such as emergencies, and the removal to some other appropriate place is promoted by proper motives

Ballot implies Secrecy A legal voter will not be compelled to disclose for whom he voted, but, unless he has himself made the contents of his ballots public at the time of voting it, third persons will not be permitted to testify as to its purport This privilege is waivable

Holding of Election by Proper Officers Board of Election Inspectors the body which conducts the election in the polling place of the precinct usually composed of 3 public school teachers appointed by COMELEC

A.

CASTING OF VOTES

Challenge of Illegal Voters Grounds for challenging the registration or identity of a voter: a. Not being registered b. Using anothers name c. Not suffering from existing disqualification No voter shall be required to present his voters affidavit on election day unless his identity is challenged While a legal voter cannot be compelled to state how he voted, and illegal voter may be compelled to disclose how he voted except where it might incriminate him.

Methods of Voting a. Voter must vote in person personally deposit his ballot b. Voter must vote once only if the voter has voted but in the wrong precinct, he has no right to vote again c. Voter need not vote the whole ticket d. Absentee voting applies to the elections of President, Vice-President, and Senators only and shall be allowed to members of the AFP and PNP and other government officers and employees who are registered voters

Challenge based on certain Illegal Acts Grounds for challenging a voter: a. Such voter has received or expects to receive, has paid, offered or promised to pay, has contributed, offered or promise to contribute money or anything of value as a consideration for his vote b. Such voter has made or received a promise to influence the giving or withholding of any such voter P a g e | 10

Election Law

c.

Such voter has made a bet or is interested directly or indirectly in a bet which depends upon the result of the election Admission of the challenged voter shall not be conclusive upon any court

What Constitutes an Election Plurality of votes lawfully cast

C. B. Board of Election Inspectors Composition: a. Chairman b. 2 members all of whom must be public school teachers Provincial BoC COUNTING OF VOTES Board of Canvassers

CANVASS AND PROCLAMATION Vice-Chairman Provincial Fiscal Member Provincial School Superintendent

City BoC Powers of the Board a. Conduct the voting and counting of votes in their respective polling places b. Acts as deputies of COMELEC c. Perform such other functions prescribed by the Code or by COMELEC

Municipal BoC

Chairman Provincial Election Supervisor or Lawyer in the regional office of COMELEC City Election Registrar or Lawyer of COMELEC Election Registrar or a Member of COMELEC

City Fiscal

City School Superintendent Most Senior School Supervisor or in his absence, Principal of the school district or elementary school

Municipal Treasurer

Counting to be Public and without Interruption unless ordered by COMELEC Control and Supervision of COMELEC over the Board COMELEC has the power to investigate and act on the proprietary or legality of the canvass of election returns made by the board of canvassers This includes the power to revise, reverse and set aside the action of the boards o It is within COMELECs power to annul a canvass or proclamation based on a. Incomplete returns or incorrect or tampered returns b. Made in an unauthorized meeting of the BoC either because it i. Lacked a quorum ii. Did not meet at all

Determination of Marked Ballots Marks which shall be considered sufficient to invalidate the ballot are those which the voter himself deliberately placed on his ballot for the purpose of identifying it thereafter

Duties of Board of Election Inspectors in Counting the Votes BEI should not concern themselves with the eligibility of the candidates Counting of votes should be liberal in order that the will of the electorate may be effectuated

Announcement of Results of Elections and Issuance of Certificate of Votes Upon completion of the election returns Chairman of BEI shall orally and publicly announce the total number of votes received by each and every one of the candidates, stating their corresponding office After announcement, BEI shall issue a certificate, signed by all the members of the BEI, stating the number of the votes received by a candidate upon request of the duly accredited watchers

Recount of Votes Cast Ground: o Where a discrepancy exists between the votes written in word or in figures

Proclamation by BoC The winning candidate must have the highest number of votes cast When proclamation null and void: a. Based on a faulty or erroneous tabulation P a g e | 11

Election Law

b. c. d. e.

Statement of votes which contain erroneous entities Incomplete canvass Canvass that should have been suspended with respect to the contested election retains Canvass that included unsigned election returns or outrightly excluded election returns

Failure to Assume Office Failure or refusal to take his oath of office within 6 months from proclamation = considered vacant unless such is for cause beyond his control

Effect of a proclamation which is null and void: o Proclaimed candidate may assume office on the strength of the proclamation of Boc but he is only a presumptive winner who assumes office subject to the final outcome of the election protest o When partially or totally annulling a proclamation or suspending the effects of a proclamation, to be valid, it must be made with notice and hearing Suspension of proclamation pending determination of a petition for disqualification against a winning candidate is provisional in nature and can be lifted when the evidence so warrants o This can be issued ex parte

Nature of Boards Duties Ministerial: when canvassing the votes Quasi-judicial: when it satisfies that the returns are genuine or authentic o They have the power to suspend the canvass they deemed to be improbable and clearly incredible CHAPTER 6 Automated May 10,2010 Elections The first nationwide fully Automated Election System Automated Electronic System: a. The voter using a special pen, fully shade the blank oval beside the name of the candidate of his choice, listed in the ballot b. The ballots are precinct specific c. Ballots with erasures and extra markings are not accepted by the counting machines d. After the PCOS operator presses the close voting option, the PCOS automatically generates a tally of votes and then electronically transmits the counted votes to the municipal/city/district/provincial canvassing centers up to the national level e. The BEIs have identification cards and passwords that the canvassing computer validate when the ERs are received by the BOC f. The ERs are tallied by the BOC at the municipality, provincial and national levels Human intervention which has been blamed for cheating is reduced to the minimum Padding and shading of votes = dagdag-bawas

Principles governing Canvass Proceedings Incomplete canvass = illegal o Cannot be the basis of a subsequent proclamation o This is true only where the election returns missing or not counted will affect the results of the election

Canvass a. b. c. d. e.

of Votes for President and Vice President Shall be transmitted to the Congress directed to the President of the Senate who shall, not later than 30 days after the day of election, open all the certificates in the presence of the Senate and HoR in joint public session Congress, upon determination of the authenticity and due execution, canvass the votes

Board of Election Inspectors At least 1 BEI shall be an information technology capable person, who is trained by the DOST to use the AES

Election Resulting in a Tie The BoC shall, after recording this fact in its minutes, by resolution, upon 5 days notice to all the tied candidates, hold a special public meeting at which the BoC shall proceed to the drawing of lots of the candidates who may be favored by luck

Official Ballot 1. The COMELEC shall prescribe the size and form of the official ballot 2. Under each position, the names of the candidates shall be arranged alphabetically by surname and uniformly printed using the same type size 3. There shall be a fixed space where the Chairman of the BEI shall affix his/her signature to authenticate the official ballot P a g e | 12

Election Law

4.

The official ballot shall be printed and distributed to each city/municipality at the rate of 1 ballot for every registered voter with a provision of additional 4 ballots per precinct

It shall canvass the results and shall proclaim the winning candidates for Senators and Party-List Representatives

Filing of Certificate of Candidacy Any person who files his COC within the specified period shall only be considered as a candidate at the start of the campaign period for which he filed his COC

Congress as National BOC Senate and HR in joint public session shall compose the National BOC for President and Vice-President

Election Returns Each copy shall be signed and thumbmarked by all the members of the BEI and the watchers present If there is a BEI member who refuses to sign, the Chairman shall note it in each copy of the printed election returns and such member shall be compelled to explain his/her refusal to do so Failure to explain an unjustifiable refusal to sign each copy of the printed election returns shall be punishable Chairman shall then publicly read and announce the total numbers of a. registered voters, b. voters who actually voted c. votes obtained by each candidate Within 1 hour after printing of the ER, the Chairman shall, in the presence of watchers and representatives, electronically transmit the precinct results to the respective levels of BOC

Random Manual Audit There shall be a RMA in 1 precinct per congressional district randomly chosen by the COMELEC in each province and city Any difference between the automated and manual count will result in the determination of root cause and initiate a manual count for those precincts affected Effects of Discrepancy between AES and RMA: a. In the event the results of the AES exceeds the allowable margin of variance, there will be an initiation of a manual count for those precincts b. In no way shall the results of the RMA delay the proclamation of the winning candidates based on the results reached by the AES CHAPTER 7 CONTESTED ELECTIONS Pre-Proclamation Controversy 1. Any question or matter pertaining to or affecting the a. Proceedings of the BoC o Who may raise the issue? i. Any candidate ii. Any registered political party iii. Any registered coalition of political parties o Where to raise the issue? i. before the board, or ii. directly with COMELEC Division Except for petitions for correction of manifest error in the Statement of Votes, or in the tabulation or tallying of the results COMELEC en banc b. Preparation, transmission, receipt, custody and appreciation of the election returns and election and certificate of canvass (Secs. 233, 234, 235 and 236) o Jurisdiction is only with the BOC How raised? a. Motu propio b. Written petition P a g e | 13

Canvassing by Provincial, City, District and Municipal BOC Upon completion of the canvass, it shall print the certificate of canvass of votes for president, vice-president, senators, and members of HR and elective provincial officials and thereafter, proclaim the elected city or municipal officials Each certificate of canvass shall be supported by a statement of votes Within 1 hour after the canvassing, the Chairman shall electronically transmit the certificate of canvass to the COMELEC or Congress sitting as the National BOC The Certificate of Canvass transmitted electronically and digitally signed shall be considered as official election results and shall be used as basis for the proclamation of a winning candidate

COMELEC as National BOC Chairman and members of the COMELEC sitting en banc shall compose the National BOC for Senators and Party-list Representatives

Election Law

How made? a. Submit oral objections to the Chairman of the BOC b. The BOC shall automatically defer the contested canvass c. Simultaneous with oral objection is the submission of written objections d. Submit evidence

f. Manifest Error the only ground for national elective officials g. Statistical improbability The issues provided for (grounds) are restrictive and exclusive

Where Election Returns Obviously Manufactured This fact must be obvious on the face of the returns Exclusive Jurisdiction of COMELEC GR: All Pre-Proclamation Controversies involving Local Elective Officials o Exception: pre-proclamation cases involving National Elective Officials (President, Vice-President, Senator, and Member of House) on matters relation to (b) [one enumerated above] Exception to the Exception: correction of manifest errors in the certificate of canvass or election returns Upon due notice and hearing it may order the a. partial or total suspension of the proclamation of any candidate-elect, or b. annul partially or totally any proclamation Doctrine of Statistical Improbability applied only where there is a. unique uniformity of tally of all the votes cast in favor of all the candidates belonging to one party b. systematic blanking of all the opposing parties appear in the election returns

Summary Hearing of Pre-Proclamation Controversies Heard summarily, and after due notice and hearing, promulgate its decision and it shall be executory after the lapse of 5 days from receipt by the losing party of the decision, unless restrained by SC Presentation of evidence by the parties before the COMELEC is not indispensable in order to satisfy the demands of due process o What is only required is that COMELEC shall dispose of pre-proclamation controversies on the basis of the records and evidence elevated to it by the BoC

Where Election Returns found to be Spurious or Falsified Outright exclusion of election returns on the ground that they were fraudulently prepared by some members or non-members of BEI disenfranchises the voters If the integrity and identity of the ballot box has not been violated, COMELEC shall order the BEI to recount the votes and prepare a new canvass which the BoC will use Where the integrity of the ballots has been violated, COMELEC need not recount the ballots but should seal the ballot box and order its safekeeping

Issues that may be Raised (Grounds for Pre-Proclamation Controversy): a. Illegal composition or proceeding of the BoC b. Incomplete (loss or destroyed returns), defective (material, if it affects the outcome or integrity), or tampered or falsified canvassed election returns, or contain discrepancies in the same or in other authentic copies of the returns c. Election returns were prepared under duress, threats, coercion, or intimidation d. Election returns were obviously manufactured (genuine or authentic in character but are reflective of fraudulent acts done before or carried out by the BEI) or not authentic e. Substitute or fraudulent returns were canvassed, the results of which materially affected the standing of the aggrieved candidate/s

Questions properly cognizable in an Election Protest a. Questions involving the appreciation of votes and the conduct of balloting b. Reopening of the ballot boxes c. Sham voting or minimal voting which was made to appear as normal through the falsification of election returns The powers of COMELEC are essentially executive and administrative in nature, and the question of whether or not there had been terrorism, vote buying and other irregularities in the elections should be ventilated in a regular election protest

Effect of Filing Petition to Annul or Suspend the Proclamation It will suspend the running of the period within which to file an election protest or a quo warranto proceedings Order of COMELEC suspending proclamation is merely provisional in nature and can be lifted when evidence so warrantsakin to a temporary restraining order P a g e | 14

Election Law

Remedy after winning candidate has been proclaimed (1) Electoral protest before the proper forum(2) When proclaimed candidate may still be unseateda. When his opponent is adjudged the true winner of the election by a final judgment of a court in the election contest b. When the prevailing party is declared illegible or disqualified by final judgment of a court in a quo warranto case c. When the incumbent is removed from office for cause d. When the proclamation is null and void for in such case the proclamation is no proclamation at all- cannot deprive the COMELEC of the power to make such declaration of nullity

quo warranto was not the proper remedy; what was filed was not really a petition for quo warranto or an election protest but a petition to annul a proclamation as where a party alleges the existence of manifest errors in the preparation of election returns; o filing of a quo warranto petition or an election protest was expressly made without prejudice to the pre-proclamation controversy or was made ad cautelam; o proclamation was null and void actual or compensatory damages may be granted in all election contests or in quo warranto proceedings in accordance with the law o o

Effect when term of contested office begins All pre-proclamation cases pending before the Commission shall be deemed terminated at the beginning of the term of office involved and the rulings of the BOC, without prejudice to the filing of a regular election protest; Running of the period to file an election protest shall be deemed suspended by the pendency of such cases before the Commission or the petition for certiorari in the SC ELECTION PROTEST PURPOSE: ascertain whether the candidate proclaimed elected by the BOC is the true and lawful choice of the electorate Contest between the defeated and winning candidates on the ground of frauds or irregularities in the casting and counting of the ballots, or in the preparation of the returns Raises the questions of who actually obtained the plurality of the legal votes, and therefore, entitled to hold the office Can only be filed by a candidate who has duly filed a certificate of candidacy and has been voted for in the preceding elections PETITION FOR QUO WARRANTO GROUNDS: a. Disloyalty to the Republic b. Ineligibility Special civil action under the Omnibus Election Code

Institution Of Election Contest consists of either an election protest or a quo warranto one objective: dislodge the winning candidate from office (1) By a defeated candidate (2) Against a proclaimed candidate (3) There is a presumption of the validity of proclamation Election Contest Imbued With Public Interest an election protest is not purely personal and exclusive to the protestant or to the protestee because it is imbued with paramount public interest

Annulment of an election [Grounds] a. Fraud b. Irregularities c. Violations of Election Laws

Raises in the issue the disloyalty or ineligibility of the winning candidate; Proceeding to unseat the respondent from office but not necessarily to install the petitioner in his place Any voter may initiate the action

Annulment of proclamation relief sought is the correction of mathematical errors which are not contributable to incorrect entries in any election returns, statement of votes and cert of canvass, it is a petition for annulment/ declaration of nullity of proclamation, not a petition to correct manifest errors EFFECTS OF DEMURER TO EVIDENCE equivalent to a Motion to Dismiss

EFFECT OF FILING AN ELECTION PROTEST OR A PETITION FOR QUO WARRANTO (1) GR: the filing of an election protest or a petition for quo warranto precludes the subsequent filing of a pre-proclamation controversy, or amounts to the abandonment of one earlier filed; (2) Exceptions: o the BOC was improperly constituted;

Irregularities affecting election If election is in fact held, irregularities not proceeding from wrongful intent, in the manner of calling, holding or certifying the election, do not affect the result.

Election Law

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Exceptions: A. Irregularities of such nature and incapable of correction, or illegal or unauthorized votes of such number, as to materially alter or affect the results B. Non-observance of mandatory provisions C. Evidence must be convincing, otherwise the election returns and canvassing proceedings will be upheld. o Reliance should not be place on mere affidavits when they are selfserving. D. To vacate an election on the ground of intimidation or violence, despite the fact that the elections were not arrested, it must clearly appear that there was such display of force as ought to have intimidated men of ordinary firmness o It must also be shown that the number of voters prevented from voting was sufficient to change the result E. To justify the exclusion of election returns, the alleged threats, intimidation or violence that attended its preparation must have affected the regularity or genuineness of such returns F. The question of existence of election irregularities must be ventilated in regular election protests, not in the COMELEC.

3.

Philippines o A candidate disqualified by final judgment before an election cannot be voted for and votes cast for him shall not be counted o No automatic proclamation as winner of the candidate who received the 2nd highest number of votes o A permanent vacancy in the contested office is created which should be filled by succession

ELECTION OFFENSES Jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute election offenses Under the Constitution and the OEC, COMELEC has the exclusive jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute election offenses committed by any person It is the nature of the offense and not the personality of the offender that matters

Evidence on the election Ballots Best evidence of the voters action.

Criminal and electoral aspects of an election offenses 1. Criminal aspect o Ascertainment of guilt or innocence of the accused o Entails a full-blown hearing and proof beyond reasonable doubt 2. Electoral aspect o Determination of whether the offender should be disqualified from office o Administrative proceeding which is summary and requires only a clear preponderance of evidence. o Petition for disqualification

Rules on the use of ballots vs. election returns as evidence in the proclamation of a winning candidate Ballots cannot be used to overturn the election returns unless it is first shown that the ballots have been preserved with care which precludes the opportunity of tampering and all suspicion of change, abstraction or substitution.

Effect of ineligibility or death of a candidate receiving majority of votes 1. English rule o If known, votes cast shall not be counted o The eligible candidate having the next highest number of votes will be deemed elected 2. US rule o The ineligible candidate receiving the highest number of votes will not be proclaimed winner, the votes cast for him are so far effectual as to prevent the election of other candidates

Prohibited acts and election offenses under the OEC 1. vote-buying and vote-selling 2. conspiracy to bribe voters 3. wagering upon results of elections 4. coercion of subordinates to vote for or against any candidate 5. threats, intimidation, terrorism, use of fraudulent device or other forms of coercion 6. coercion of election officials and employees 7. appointment of new employees, creation of new positions, promotion, or giving salary increases within the election period o 45 days before a regular election and 30 days before a special election P a g e | 16

Election Law

Allowable if: a) with prior authority from the COMELEC and b) position to be filled is essential to the proper functioning of the office concerned, and c) position is not filled in a manner that may influence the election Exception: In case of urgent need, so long as there is notice to the COMELEC within 3 days from date of appointment.

8.

transfer of officers and employees in the civil service within the election period o 2 elements must concur to be an offense: a) fact of transfer or detail is within the election period fixed by COMELEC b) act was effected without prior approval of COMELEC intervening of public officers and employees in the civil service in any partisan political activity

9.

10. use of undue influence promises 11. unlawful electioneering o Any person who solicits votes or undertakes any propaganda for or against any candidate or any political party: a.) on the day of registration before the BEI b.) on the day of election within the polling place and within the radius of 30 m thereof 12. prohibition against dismissal of employees, laborers, or tenants 13. appointment or use of special policemen, special agents, confidential agents or the like 14. illegal release of prisoners before and after election o Committed by: a) the Director of the Bureau of Corrections b) Any provincial warden c) Keeper of the jail d) Any person/s required by law to keep prisoners in their custody 15. Use of public finds, money deposited in trust, etc.

Election Law

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