THE CPU REPUBLIC OMNIBUS ELECTION CODES

(Amended in 2013)

OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE

 ARTICLE I- GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Title.

This act shall be known and cited as the “CPU Republic Omnibus Election Code”

Section 2. Applicability.

This code shall govern all election of the CPUR officials and, to the extent, appropriate all referenda and plebiscites.

Section 3. Election and Campaign Periods.

The election period shall commence three (3) weeks before the day of the election, unless otherwise fixed on special
cases by the Commission of Elections (COMELEC).

Section 4. Election Expenses.

Funds needed to defray the expenses for the holding of regular and special elections; referenda and plebiscites shall be
taken from CPUR fees as paid by the student each semester or the school years.

Section 5. Failure to Assume Office.

The office of any CPUR official who fails or refuses to take his oath of office on or before the noon of the FIRST day of
April shall be considered vacant by the Supreme court upon proper petition of the COMELEC or any interested parties,
unless the said failure is for causes beyond his control.

Section 6. Obligation to Vote.

It shall be the obligation of every student enrolled in a particular year to cast his vote during the election, plebiscites or
referenda.

Section 7. Postponement of Election.

When for any serious case such as force majeure or other analogous causes of such nature that the holding of orderly
and honest elections is impossible, the election shall be postponed, which should be reasonably close to the date of the
election is not held.

Section 8. Failure of Election.

If, on account of force majeure and other analogous causes the election in any polling places has not been held on the
date fixed, or the election that had been suspended on hour prior in casting of votes secondary to lack of preparations,
watchers, etc., the COMELEC has the sole authority to decide upon date reasonably close to the election held.

Section 9. Conflicts of Laws.

In case of conflict between this Code and any other laws, decrees, resolutions, and other statutes, the former shall
prevail.

Section 10. Election Code to be Available in Polling Places.

At least one printed copy of this Code shall be provided and made available in every polling places, in order that it may
readily consulted by any person in need thereof.

Section 11. Election Offenses.

Any violation of the provisions of this Code shall be penalized by disqualification depending on the degree of mistake
committed as determined by the COMELEC.

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 ARTILCLE II- ELECTION OF CPUR OFFICIALS

Section 12. Regular Election of CPUR Officials.

The regular election of CPUR officials shall be held every FIRST (1st) Friday of March and on the same day every year
thereafter, unless otherwise fixed by the COMELEC. All elected CPUR officials must assume the office on or before the
noon of the FIRST day of April to give time for preparations.

Section 13. Correction of Errors Already Transmitted.

No correction of errors allegedly committed in the certificate of canvass and supporting statement already transmitted
shall be allowed.

ARTICLE III- THE POWER OF THE COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS

Section 14. The COMELEC.

The Commission on Elections, which shall be referred to, as the COMELEC shall, in addition to the power and function to
it by the CPUR Constitution, shall have the following powers and functions:

a. Direct an immediate supervision and control over the officials required by the law perform duties relative to
the conduct of the elections at Central Philippine University Republic and on any matters pertaining to the enforcement
of the provisions of this Code created under the student Republic.

The COMELEC may relieve any appointed officer from the performance of his duties relating to the elections
who violates this Code or who, directly or indirectly, fails to comply with its instruction, orders, decisions or rulings
consistent with the provisions of this Code, and shall appoint his substitute. Upon the recommendation of the COMELEC,
the CPUR President shall suspend or remove any or all of such appointed officials from office, who may, after due
process of law, are found guilty of such violation or failure.

b. Promulgate rules and regulations implementing the provision of this code.

Rules and regulations promulgated by the COMELEC to be implemented under the provisions of this code shall
take effect on the day after its publication or after its open posting in all bulletin boards for public viewing. In cases of
conflict between the powers granted to the COMELEC by this Code and those granted by rules and regulations, specials
orders or directives of any other officer or agency of the CPUR relative to the elections, those granted by this Code shall
prevail.

c. To enforce and execute its decisions, directives, orders and instructions on any matter affecting the conduct
of the elections.
For this purpose, the COMELEC’s decisions, directives, orders and instructions shall be

considered paramount above those remaining from any other authority or officer of the CPUR, except those of the
Supreme Court of the Republic.

d. To carry out a continuous campaign for the education of the citizens of this Republic and to fully inform the
electorates of elections laws, procedures, decisions, and any other matter relevant to the work and duties of
the COMELEC and the necessity for a clean, free, honest election.

Sections 15. Organizations of the Commission on Elections.

a. The COMELEC shall adopt its own rules of procedures. Three members of the COMELEC shall constitute a
quorum. The concurrence of three members shall be necessary for the pronouncement or issuance of a
decision, order or ruling.
b. The COMELEC may appoint members as they may consider necessary for the efficient performance of their
functions and duties.
c. The members under the directions and supervision of the COMELEC Chairman shall perform their assigned
duties and shall perform such other duties as may be required of him.

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 d. The COMELEC and its members shall be subject to the rules and regulations of the COMELEC regarding the
discharge of their functions.

Sections 16. Official Mail and Telegrams Regarding the Elections.

a. Any papers required by the COMELEC must be properly submitted and addressed to the Office of the
Commission on Elections, Central Philippine University, Iloilo City.
b. Petition papers or any paper relative to the conduct of the elections must be presented to the COMELEC by
the person or representative of the party he belong to.

ARTICLE IV- POLITICAL PARTIES

Section 16. Political Parties or simply Student Party, when referred to this Code, mean an organized group of student of
this University, having the same objectives, and pursuing the same ideals in this Republic and who has been duly
accredited by the COMELEC as a bona fide political student or party.

Section 17. Every student party that is organized and has fielded candidates for elective officers should duly register with
the COMELEC for them to acquire juridical personality.

Section 18. Any misconduct or violation of this Code relative to the election by any recognized member of the student
party will be the responsibility of the party concerned. The COMELEC upon reasonable grounds may suspend the party
for the next election that will take place, which is not allowing them to run for any position or may disqualify the said
member. The disciplinary action imposed will depend upon the degree of mistake or violation committed as determined
by COMELEC.

ARTICLE V- ELEIGIBILITY OF THE CANDIDATES AND CERTIFICATE OF CANDIDACY

Section 19. Qualification for the President and Vice-President of the CPUR.

No person may be elected President or Vice-President of the CPUR unless he is at least eighteen (18) years of age on the
day of the election, a citizen of the Republic, and a qualified voter for at least two (2) semesters immediately preceding
the election of good moral standing, and having no marks of failing grade (5.0), with at least nine (9) units earned per
semester for the last two (2) semesters preceding the elections.

The semester on which the election is held qualifies as part of a candidate’s period or residency. The COMELEC shall
provide a mechanism for the verification of a candidate’s class standing during the semester on which the election is
held.

An incomplete, dropped and left mark during the above stated residency does not constitute a failing grade. The
candidate however must have passing grades in at least fifty percent (50%) of his or her enrolled subjects in a given
semester.

Section 20. Qualification for Senators.

No person may be elected Senator of the CPUR unless he is a qualified voter for at least two (2) semesters immediately
preceding the election, of good moral standing, and having no failing grade (5.0), for the last two (2) semesters with
respect to collegiate level, and the last two grading periods with respect to high school level, preceding the elections.

The semester on which the election is held qualifies as part of a candidate’s period or residency. The COMELEC shall
provide a mechanism for the verification of a candidate’s class standing during the semester on which the election is
held.

An incomplete, dropped and left mark during the above stated residency does not constitute a failing grade. The
candidate however must have passing grades in at least fifty percent (50%) of his or her enrolled subjects in a given
semester.

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Section 21. Qualification for Board Members and Representatives.

No person may be elected Board Member and Representative of the CPUR unless he is a qualified voter for at least two
(2) semester immediately preceding the election, of good moral standing, and having no failing grade (5.0), for the last
two (2) semesters with respect to collegiate level, and the last two grading periods with respect to high school level,
preceding the elections.

The semester on which the election is held qualifies as part of a candidate’s period or residency. The COMELEC shall
provide a mechanism for the verification of a candidate’s class standing during the semester on which the election is
held.

An incomplete, dropped and left mark during the above stated residency does not constitute a failing grade. The
candidate however must have passing grades in at least fifty percent (50%) of his or her enrolled subjects in a given
semester.

Post-graduate studies may be exempted from above nine (9) units earned per semester. In case of the Graduate School,
six (6) units would be sufficient to qualify for an elective post in the CPUR.

Section 22. Qualifications for Governor and Vice-Governor.

No person may be elected Governor and Vice-Governor of the CPUR unless he is a qualified voter for at least two (2)
semester immediately preceding the election, of good moral standing, and having no failing grade (5.0), for the last two
(2) semesters with respect to collegiate level, and the last two grading periods with respect to high school level,
preceding the elections.

The semester on which the election is held qualifies as part of a candidate’s period or residency. The COMELEC shall
provide a mechanism for the verification of a candidate’s class standing during the semester on which the election is
held.

An incomplete, dropped and left mark during the above stated residency does not constitute a failing grade. The
candidate however must have passing grades in at least fifty percent (50%) of his or her enrolled subjects in a given
semester.

Post-graduate studies may be exempted from above nine (9) units earned per semester. In case of the Graduate School,
six (6) units would be sufficient to qualify for an elective post in the CPUR.

Section 23. Disqualification.

This could be construed in a manner that any candidate running for an elective post in the CPUR should have:

a. Failing grades within the required residency.

b. Being a Faculty or Staff member at the time of filing the candidacy for an elective period.
c. Other prohibition especially applicable to candidates concerned only, by operation of law or policy.

Section 24. Guest Candidacy.

A political party may nominate or support candidates not belonging to it.

Section 25. Certificate of Candidacy.

No person shall be eligible for any public office unless he files a sworn certificate of candidacy within the period fixed by
COMELEC.

A person who has filed a certificate of candidacy may, prior to the election, withdraw the same by submitting to
the office of the COMELEC a written declaration under oath.

No person shall be eligible for more than one office to be filled in the same election, and if he files his certificate
of candidacy for more than one office, he shall not be eligible for any of them. However, before the expiration of the
period for the filing of certificate of candidacy, the person who has filed more than one certificate of candidacy may

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declare under oath the office for which he desires to be eligible or cancel the certificate of candidacy for the other office
or offices.

The filing or withdrawal of a certificate of candidacy shall not affect whatever civil or criminal liabilities, the
candidate may have incurred.

Section 26. Contests of Certificate of Candidacy.

The certificate of candidacy shall state that the person filing it is announcing his candidacy for the office stated therein
and that he is eligible for the said office. The contests of the certificate of candidacy shall be the following.

a. Full name and academic course;

b. Date of birth and contact number;
c. Desired position and political party;
d. Certification of good moral character attested by at least two (2) faculty members of the University; and
e. A copy of subject with grades enrolled in all terms preceding the election secured from the Office of the
Registrar or the Office of the Dean to which the candidate belongs. Such copy of grades must bear the
signature of authorized University personnel.

Section 27. Filing and distribution of Certificate of Candidacy.

The certificate of candidacy shall be filed on any day from the commencement of the filing of the certificate of candidacy
on the schedule set by the COMELEC; provided, that in case of postponement or failure of election no additional
certificate of candidacy shall be accepted except in cases of substitution of candidates.

Section 28. Filing for Substitution.

In case of any substitution, certificates of candidacy must be submitted to the COMELEC by 5 o’clock in the afternoon
exactly two days before the campaign period starts otherwise set by the COMELEC, provided that the candidate for
whom the substitution is being made has formally withdrawn his candidacy and that the substitute candidate is qualified
to run under the law.

Section 29. Filing of Certificate of Candidacy.

The certificate of candidacy of any person running for the office of the President, Vice-President, Senator, representative
or any elective provincial official shall be filed in two (2) legible copies with the office of the COMELEC specified
hereunder both later than the day before the date legally fixed for the beginning of the campaign period.

ARTICLE VI- CAMPAIGN AND ELECTION PROPAGANDA

Section 30. Definitions- As used in this code:

a. The term “candidate” refers to any aspiring and seeking for an elective office, who has filed a certificate of
candidacy by himself or through an accredited political party, aggroupment, or coalition of parties;
b. The term “election campaign” or “partisan political activity” refers to an act designed to promote the
election or defeat a particular candidates to a public office which shall include:

1. Forming organizations, associations, clubs, committees or other group of person for the purpose of soliciting
votes and/or undertaking any campaign for or against a candidate;
2. Holding political caucuses, conferences, meeting, rallies, parades, or other similar assemblies, for the
purpose of soliciting votes and/or undertaking any campaign or propaganda for or against a candidate;
3. Making speeches, announcement or commentaries, holding interviews for or against the election of any
candidate; or
4. Directly or indirectly soliciting vote pledges or support for or against a candidate.

The foregoing enumerated acts if performed for the purpose of enhancing the chances of aspirants for
nomination for candidacy for an elective office by a political party, aggroupment, or coalition of parties shall not
be considered as election campaign or election activity.
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 Public expressions or opinion discussions of probable issues in the forthcoming elections or attributes or
criticisms for any probable candidates shall not be constructed as part of any election campaign or partisan
activity contemplated in this article.

Section 31. Election Campaign or Partisan Political Activity outside Campaign Period.

It shall be unlawful to any person, whether or not a voter or candidate or for any party, or association of persons, to
engage in an election campaign or partisan political activity except during campaign period; Provided, that political
parties may hold political conventions or meeting to nominate their official candidates within thirty (30) days before the
commencement of the campaign period.

Section 32. Lawful Election Propaganda.

Lawful election propaganda shall include:

a. Pamphlets, leaflets, cards or any other written or printed materials.

b. Handwritten or printed letters urging to vote for any particular candidate.
c. Streamers, cloth paper or cardboard posters, whether framed or posted, with an area not exceeding five (5)
feet by five (5) feet shall be allowed.
d. Citizens running for the different posts in the said election are allowed to have as many streamers as long as
it is within the budget limit as provided in this code. In the case party streamers, the cost should be equally
allocated among the candidates of a party and be deducted from their individual budget limit.
e. No loudspeakers and vehicles shall be used in the campaigns.
f. No campaign materials shall bear the name of any commercial product, company, or establishment.
g. Campaign materials shall not be made to sticks on walls of building and on trees. Only strings shall be used
in hanging streamers.
h. All campaign materials are subject to approval of the Information Center.
i. Room to room campaign is allowed as long as it is approved by the faculty in charge of the class
j. No member of the Faculty and Staff of the University shall campaign for any political party or candidate.

Section 33. Removal, Deconstruction or Defacement of Lawful Propaganda Prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for any person during the campaign period to remove, destroy, obliterate, or in any manner deface
or tamper with or prevent the distribution of unlawful election propaganda.

Section 34. Limited Forms of Election Propaganda.

Except granted or authorized by the COMELEC, it shall be unlawful for any other form of election propaganda not found
in the enumeration contemplated in this Code to be lawful.

Section 35. Rallies, Meeting, and other Political Activities.

Any political party surrounding official candidates or any candidate individually or jointly with other aspirant may hold
peaceful political rallies, meeting, and other similar activities during the campaign period. All applications for permits to
hold meeting, rallies and other similar political activities shall be immediately posted in conspicuous places within the
University upon approval of competent authority.

Section 36. Public Forum.

The COMELEC shall encourage non-political, non-partisan, private, or civic organizations in the University to initiate and
hold in every college a public for a in which all registered candidates for the same office may simultaneously and
personally participate, to present, explain, and/or debate on their campaign platform and programs and other like
issues. The COMELEC shall promulgate the rules and regulations for the holding of such for a to assure its non-partisan
character and equality of access thereto by all candidates.

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Section 37. COMELEC Poster Areas.

The COMELEC shall designate poster areas in strategic public places, subject to the approval of the Information Center,
wherein candidates can post, display, or exhibit election propaganda to announce or further their candidacy subject to
the approval of the Information Center.

Whenever feasible common billboards may be installed by the COMELEC and/or non-partisans private or civic
organizations which the COMELEC may authorize whenever available, after due notice and hearing, in strategic places
where it may be readily seen or read.

The space in such common poster areas or billboards shall be allocated free of charge, and if feasible, equitably
and impartially among the candidates of every province.

ARTICLE VII- VOTERS

Section 38. Permanent List of Voters.

For purpose of the next following election, the COMELEC, through the election registrars, shall assign the proper
precincts and polling places to the registered voter in the list.

Section 39. Renewal of the Permanent List of Voters.

The list of voters prepared in accordance with the preceding sections shall be renewed annually for the purpose of the
immediately preceding election.

Section 40. All bona fide students enrolled in the University shall be referred to as voters.

Section 41. Disqualifications.

The following shall be disqualified from voting:

a. Student having probationary status in the University unless the same has been waived by the Dean in the
province in which he belongs; and
b. Exchange scholars from the Universities, and visiting students: unless otherwise allowed by the COMELEC to
exercise their right of suffrage upon written authorization.

Section 42. Voter’s Identification.

Any valid identification card including the identification card issued by the University to the students shall serve as the
voter’s identification card. The original Registration Form of a student bearing his signature may also be used in the
absence of any valid identification card. Failure to present any identification document on the part of the voter forfeits
his right to vote.

ARTICLE VIII- PRECINTS AND POLLING PLACES

Section 43. Precincts and their Establishment.

The COMELEC shall establish all election precincts which, if possible, shall be those which were used in the preceding
regular election. However, the COMELEC may introduce such adjustments, changes or new divisions or abolish them if
necessary.

Section 44. Arrangement of Election Precincts.

The COMELEC shall determine the arrangement of precincts as well as the number of voters therein.

Section 45. Polling Places.

A polling place is the building or place where the Board of Election Inspectors conducts its proceedings and where the
voters shall cast their votes.
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Section 46. Designation of Polling Places.

The location of polling places designated in the preceding regular election shall continue with such changes as the
COMELEC may find necessary, after notice to registered political parties and candidates in the political unit affected if
any, and hearing.

Section 47. Signs of Polling Places.

On the day of the voting as well as on any day that the Board of Election Inspectors might meet, every polling place shall
have in front a sign showing the number of the precinct, which it belongs.

Section 48. Requirements for Polling Places.

Each polling place shall have a maximum number of two hundred fifty (250) voters.

Section 49. Ballot Boxes.

There shall be a ballot box in each polling place on the day of the voting, which shall be set in a manner visible to the
voting public. The COMELEC shall provide safety devices in such a way that they cannot be opened except by means of
distinct keys.

In case of destruction or disappearance of any ballot box on Election Day, the Board of Election Inspectors shall
immediately report it to the COMELEC who shall immediately provide a new ballot box.

Section 50. Tally Boards.

At the beginning of the counting, a tally board shall be placed within the plain view of the Board of Election Inspectors,
watchers and the public, where names of all registered candidates or the issues or questions to be voted upon shall be
recorded thereon as well as the votes received by each of them as announced by the Chairman of the Board of Election
Inspectors upon reading the ballots.

Section 51. Inspection of Places.

Before the day of the election, referendum or plebiscite, the Chairman of the COMELEC through its authorized
representatives, shall see to it that all polling places are inspected and such omission and defects as may be found, be
corrected. The COMELEC shall keep the report of these inspections.

ARTICLE IX – WATCHERS

Section 52. Official Watchers of Candidates.

Every registered political party and every independent candidate shall be entitled to one (1) watcher for every polling
place.

No person shall be appointed as watcher unless he or she is a bona fide student of Central Philippine University
and a qualified voter, of good reputation and shall not have been subjected to any disciplinary action of the University.

Each candidate and political party shall designate in every province a representative authorized to appoint
watchers. The COMELEC shall furnish every polling place in the provinces a list of such representatives.

Section 53. Rights and Duties of Watchers.

Upon entering a polling place, the watchers shall present himself to the Chairman of the Board of Election Inspectors
and the COMELEC Representative his appointment and his name shall be recorded with a notation under his signature
that he or she is not disqualified. The appointment of the watchers shall bear the personal signature of the candidate or
of duly authorized representative of the political party who appointed him. The watchers shall have the right to stay in
the place reserved for them inside the polling place. They shall have the right to witness the proceedings of the Board of
Election Inspectors and to file a protest against any irregularity or violation of the law which they believe may have been
committed by the Board of Election inspectors or by any its members or by any person.

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Section 54. Other Watchers.

The COMELEC shall be entitled to appoint a watcher in every polling place. Other cause-oriented, civic and other similar
organizations, teachers, faculty and staff with prior authority of the COMELEC shall be entitled collectively to appoint
one watcher in every polling place.

ARTICLE X – OFFICIAL BALLOTS AND ELECTION RETURNS

Section 55. Official Ballots.

Ballots for the election shall be provided by the COMELEC. It shall bear the insignia of Central Philippine University
Republic on the upper portion and the words “Official Ballot.”

The ballot shall also contain sufficient space with horizontal lines, where the voter may write the name or names
of the individual candidate voted by him. Nothing shall be written on the reverse side of the ballot.

Section 56. Printing of Official Ballots and Elections Returns.

The official ballots and elections returns shall be printed by the University Printing Office or other printing shops under
the supervision and control of the COMELEC, which shall determine and provide the necessary measures in printing,
storage and distribution.

A perforated line to stub shall join each ballot numbered consecutively. Each pad of ballots shall bear on tis
covers the inclusive serial numbers of the ballots contained therein.

There shall be only one (1) election return to be prepared. Each set of the election returns shall be printed in
such manner that will ensure that the entries on the original of the returns are clearly produced and shall bear the
number of the precinct in which the returns are to be used.

Section 57. Distribution of Official Ballots and Election Returns.

The official ballots and election returns shall be distributed by the COMELEC to each province of every polling place.

No official ballots or election returns shall be delivered to the Board of Election Inspectors earlier than the first
hour of election day, provided however that the COMELEC may, after a written notice to the registered political parties
and to the candidates and for justifiable reasons, authorize the delivery of the said official ballots and election returns to
the Board of Election Inspectors of any particular polling place at an earlier date.

Section 58. Representatives of the Registered Political Parties in the Verification and Distribution of Official Ballots
and Election Returns.

The registered political party must submit names of their respective watcher who, together with the representatives of
the COMELEC shall verify the contents of the boxes containing the official ballots and election returns.

ARTICLE XI – CASTING OF VOTES

Section 59. Voting Hours.

On the day of the election, the casting of votes shall start promptly at eight o’clock (8:00) in the morning and shall end
at five (5:00) in the afternoon except when there are still voters within thirty (30) meters in the polling place who have
not yet cast their votes in which case, the voting shall continue but only to allow said voters to cast their votes without
interruption. The poll clerk, without delay, shall prepare a list containing the name of said voters consecutively
numbered, and the voters so listed shall be called to vote by the poll clerk announcing each name repeatedly two (2)
times in the order in which they are listed. Any voter in the list who is not present when his name is called out shall not
be permitted to vote at any later time.

Section 60. During the voting, only the following shall be allowed inside the polling place:

a.) Members of Board of Election Inspectors;

b.) Watchers who shall stay only in the place reserved for them;
c.) Representatives of the COMELEC

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 d.) Voters casting their votes; and
e.) Others who may be specifically authorized by the COMELEC.

Section 61. Disposition of Unused Ballots at the Close of the Voting Hours.

The Chairman of the Board of Election Inspectors shall prepare a list showing the number of unused ballots. The list shall
be signed by all the member of the Board of Election Inspectors, after which, all the unused ballots shall be torn halfway
in the presence of the members of the Board of Election Inspectors and the watchers.

Section 62. Prohibition of Premature Announcement of Voting.

No member of the Board of Election Inspectors shall, before the termination of voting, make any announcement as to
whether a certain registered voter has already voted or not, how many have already voted, how many failed to vote, or
any other fact tending to show the status of the polls, nor shall make any statement at any time with regard to number
of voters who actually voted, except as witness before a court of competent jurisdiction.

ARTICLE XII – COUNTING OF VOTES

Section 63. Counting of Votes.

As soon as the voting is finished, the Board of Election Inspectors shall publicly count in the polling place the votes cast
and ascertain the results. The Board of Election Inspectors shall not adjourn or postpone or delay the counting until it
has been fully completed unless otherwise ordered by the COMELEC.

Section 64. Manner of Counting.

The COMELEC shall have the sole authority to determine, promulgate and prescribed the manner and procedures of
counting of ballots.

ARITCLE XIII – CANVASS AND PROCLAMATION

Section 65. Canvassing of Votes.

Canvassing of votes shall be done by the COMELEC or the Canvassing Committee, if there is any, in a designated
canvassing area where the public could freely monitor.

Section 66. Canvassing Committee.

The COMELEC may constitute a canvassing committee as maybe necessary to enable the board to complete the canvass
within the period prescribed under this code; provided, that each committee shall be composed of not more than five
(5) member of the board. The committee shall be under the direct supervision and control of the board.

Section 67. Substitution of Chairman and Member of the Board of Canvassers.

In case of unavailability, absence or any cause of, the COMELEC Chairman shall appoint a substitute of its choice upon
approval by the majority votes of the COMELEC Commissioners.

Section 68. Supervision and Control over Board of Canvassers.

The COMELEC shall have direct supervision and control over any member of the Canvassing Committee may, at any time
to be relieved for cause and substitute upon the discretion of the COMELEC.

Section 69. Proceeding of the Board.

The COMELEC or the Canvassing Committee shall have the full authority to keep order within the canvassing area in its
premises and enforce the obedience to its lawful orders. If any person refuses to obey any lawful order of the COMELEC
or the Canvassing Committee, it shall so conduct him in such disorderly manner as to disturb or interrupt its
proceedings, the Board may order any peace officer to take such person in the custody until the adjournment of the
meeting.

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Section 70. Right to be Present during the Canvass.

Any registered political party, coalition of parties, and any candidate has the right to be present during the canvassing of
the election returns. They shall have the right to examine the returns being canvassed without touching them, make
their observations thereon, and file their challenge in accordance with the rules and regulations of the COMELEC. There
shall be no dilatory action to be allowed by the COMELEC.

Section 71. Canvassing by the Canvassing Committee or COMELEC.

The Canvassing Committee or COMELEC shall meet not later than 6:30 in the evening of Election Day at the place
designated by the COMELEC to receive the election returns and to immediately canvass those that any have already
been received. It shall meet continuously until the canvass is completed and may adjourn but only for the purpose of
awaiting the other election returns from other counting area within the jurisdiction. Each time they adjourn, they shall
make a total of all voted canvassed so far for each candidate for each office, furnishing a certified copy thereof, and
making available the data contained therein to the mass media and other interested parties. As soon as the other
election returns are delivered, they shall immediately resume canvassing until all returns have been canvassed.

Section 72. Discrepancies of Election Returns.

In case it appears that there exists discrepancies in the votes of any candidate in words and in figures in any election
returns, and in either case the difference affect the result of election, the COMELEC upon motion of the board of
canvassers or any candidate affected and after due notice to all candidates concerned, shall proceed summarily to
determine whether the integrity of the ballot box has been preserved, and once satisfied thereof shall order the opening
of the ballot box to recount of the votes cast in the polling place solely for the purpose of determining of the true result
of the count of voters of the candidates concerned.

Section 73. Watchers.

Each candidate, political party or coalition of political parties shall be entitled to appoint a watcher during canvassing.
The watcher shall have the right to be present at, and take note of the proceedings of the election officials, to read the
election returns without touching then, to file a protest against any irregularity in the election returns submitted, and to
obtain from the COMELEC a resolution thereon.

Section 74. Election Resulting in Tie.

a. President and Vice-President

In case two or more candidate in the Presidential and Vice-Presidential race receives the same number of
highest votes, the newly elected Parliament shall select the winner from among the candidates who received
the same number of highest votes.
b. Senator and Representative
In case two or more candidates vying for the last slot of winning candidates for Parliament Members, who are
elected at-large, received the same number of votes, all of them shall sit as Members thereof.
c. Governor and Vice-Governor
In case two or more candidates in the Gubernatorial race receives the same number of highest votes, legal
arguments may be entertained by the Commission on Election until a winner is proclaimed.
d. Board Member
In case two or more candidates vying for the last slot of winning candidates for Provincial Board Members
received the same number of votes, all of them shall sit as Members thereof.

ARTICLE XIV – PRE-PROCLAMATION CONTROVERSIES

Section 75. Definition.

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A pre-proclamation controversy refers to any question pertaining to or affecting the proceedings of the COMELEC, which
maybe risen by any candidate or by any registered political party or coalition of political parties before the board or
directly with the COMELEC.

Section 76. COMELEC’s Exclusive Jurisdiction of All Pre-Proclaimed Controversies.

The COMELEC shall have exclusive jurisdiction of all pre-proclamation controversies. It may motu propio or upon written
petition, and after due notice and hearing, order the partial or total suspension of the proclamation of any candidate-
elect or annul partially or totally any proclamation, if one has been made, as the evidence shall warrant in accordance
with the succeeding sections.

Section 77. Contested Composition of Proceeding of the Board, Period to Appeal; Decision by the Commission.

Parties adversely affected by a ruling of the board canvassers on questions affecting the compositions or proceeding of
the board may appeal the matter to the COMELEC within five (5) days from the filing thereof.

Section 78. Partial Proclamation.

Notwithstanding the pendency of any proclamation controversy, the COMELEC may summarily order the proclamation
or other winning candidates whose election shall not be affected by the outcome of the controversy.

ARTICLE XV – ELECTION CONTEST

Section 79. Jurisdiction of the Commission.

The COMELEC shall be the sole judge of all contests relating to the elections, election returns, and qualifications of all
officials of the CPU Republic.

Section 80. Procedure in Election Contests.

The COMELEC shall prescribe rules to govern the procedure and other matters relating to the election contest not later
than thirty (30) days before such elections. Such rules shall provide a simple and inexpensive procedure for the
expeditious disposition of election contest and shall be posted in every College/Departments of the University.

Section 81. Rules Governing Protest.

a.) Protest shall be filed within eight (8) days after the election day;
b.) Notice of the protest contesting the election of a candidate for Local and National slates/ offices shall be serves
upon the candidate by means of a summon at the political party stated in his certificate of candidacy except
when the protestee; without waiting for the summons, has made the COMELEC understand that he has been
notified on the protest or on has filed his answer thereto;
c.) The protestee shall answer the protest within two (2) days after the receipt of the summons; and
d.) The protestant shall answer the counter-protest within two (2) days after the notice.

Section 82. Decision in the Commission.

The COMELEC shall decide all election cases i.e. cases of protest brought before it within three (3) days from the date of
their submission for decision. The decision of the COMELEC shall be final and no appeal should be given.

ARTICLE XVI – TRANSITORY PROVISION

Section 83. Pending Actions.

Pending actions and causes of action arising before the effectivity of this Code shall be governed by the laws then in
force.

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Section 84. Designation of Certain Pre-Election Acts Immediately After the Approval of this Code.

If it should no longer be reasonably possible to observe the periods and dates herein prescribed for certain election acts
in the election immediately following the approval of this Code, the COMELEC shall fix other period in order to ensure
that voters shall not be deprived on their right of suffrage.

ARTICLE XVII – FINAL PROVISIONS

Section 85. Separability Clause.

If for any reason any section of this Code, or any portion thereof, or the application of such section, provision or portion
to any person, group or circumstances is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of this Code or the
application of such section, provision or portion thereof to other persons, grounds or circumstances shall not be affected
by such declaration.

Section 86. Repealing Clause.

All other election laws, rules and regulations inconsistent with the provision of this Code are hereby repealed.

Section 87. Effectivity.

This Code shall take effect upon its approval.

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PROPONENTS

LEMUEL JAN ANSOYON

CPUR COMELEC CHAIRMAN 2014

DION GREG REYES

CPUR COMELEC COMMISSIONER 2014

MARYA CRISTEL CRUZ

CPUR COMELEC COMMISSIONER 2014

HANNAH ABAGAIL LEGASPI

CPUR COMELEC COMMISSIONER 2014

DAZEN DAWN LARIZA

CPUR COMELEC COMMISSIONER 2014

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