Laban v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 161265.

February 24,
2004
Digested

by

Mr.

Jared

Facts: Prior to the MAy 2004 elections, the LAban ng Demokratikong Pilipino
(LDP) has been divided because of a struggle of authority between Party Chair
Edgardo Angara and Part Secretary General Agapito Aquino, both having endorsed
two
differentsets
of
candidates
under
the
same
party,
LDP.
The matter was brought to the COMELEC. The Commission in its resolution, has
recognized the factions creating two sub-parties: LDP Angara Wing and LDP Aquino
Wing.

Issue: Whether or not the COMELEC committed a grave abuse of discretion

in recognizing the two sets of nominations and endosements by the same party.

Held: The

COMELEC erred in its resolution. Only those Certificates of

Candidacy (COC) signed by the LDP Party Chairman Angara or his duly authorized
representative/s shall be recognized.