Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1. 1 chairman
2. 6 commissioners
Qualifications:
• Natural born citizens
• At least 35 years old
• Holders of a college degree
• Must not have been candidates for any
elective position in the immediately preceding
elections
• Majority of the members, including the
chairman, should be members of the Bar who
have been engaged in the practice of law for
at least 10 years.
• Promulgation of rules and regulations (Art. IX- The power of the COMELEC to decide all
C, Sec. 6; BP 881, Sec. 52b) questions affecting elections pertains to the
• Fixing of election period (which shall following:
commence 90 days before the election and 1. determination of the number and location of
end 30 days thereafter, unless otherwise fixed polling places
by the COMELEC in special cases; Art. IX-C, 2. appointment of election officials and inspectors
Sec. 6, 1987 Constitution) 3. registration of voters
• Fixing of other reasonable periods for certain
pre-election requirements (BP 881, Sec. 52m) However, the COMELEC has NO jurisdiction
• Declaration of failure or postponement of over questions involving the right to vote (i.e.
elections, as well as call for special elections disqualifications of voters, right of a person to be
(Sec. 4, RA 7166) registered, etc.), as these rest within the exclusive
• Prescribe forms, as well as use or adoption of original jurisdiction of the MTC, appealable to the
latest technological and electronic devices (BP RTC.
881, Sec. 52 g, i)
• Annulment or cancellation of illegal registry 4. DEPUTIZE, WITH THE CONCURRENCE OF
lists of voters and ordering the preparation of THE PRESIDENT, LAW ENFORCEMENT
a new one; AGENCIES AND INSTRUMENTALITIES OF THE
• Cancellation of the canvass of election returns GOVERNMENT FOR THE EXCLUSIVE PURPOSE
and annulment of a proclamation based on OF ENSURING FREE, ORDERLY, HONEST,
incomplete results. PEACEFUL AND CREDIBLE ELECTIONS
(Art. IX-C, Sec. 2(4), 1987 Constitution)
Note, however, that the COMELEC does not
have the power to annul an election which • CMT cadets 18 yrs. of age and above may be
may not have been free, orderly, and honest authorized to act as the COMELEC's deputies
as such power is merely preventive and not for the purpose of enforcing its orders (Sec.
curative. 52a, BP 881)
• The COMELEC may deputize any member or
2. QUASI-JUDICIAL POWERS
members of the AFP, NBI, PNP or any similar
agency or instrumentality of the government
The COMELEC has exclusive original
(except civilian home defense forces) during
jurisdiction over all contests relating to the
the period of the campaign and ending 30
election, returns and qualifications of all elective,
days thereafter, when in any area of the
regional, provincial and city officials.
country there are persons committing acts of
terrorism to influence people to vote for or
The COMELEC has exclusive appellate
against any candidate or political party. (Sec.
jurisdiction over all contests involving municipal
52b, BP 881)
officials decided by the RTC, or involving elective
barangay officials decided by the MTC. In these
5. REGISTER POLITICAL PARTIES, ETC.
cases, the decisions therein shall be final,
(Art. IX-C, Sec. 2 (5), 1987 Constitution)
executory and unappealable. (Art. IX-C, Sec. 2 (2),
1987 Constitution)
6. ACCREDIT CITIZENS' ARMS
(Art. IX-C, Sec. 2 (5), 1987 Constitution)
Pursuant to its quasi-judicial powers, the
COMELEC has the power:
7. INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION OF
• To issue subpoena;
CASES OF VIOLATION OF ELECTION LAWS
• To take testimony;
(Art. IX-C, Sec. 2 (5), 1987 Constitution)
• Of contempt
Note, however, that the COMELEC's power to The COMELEC has the power of a public
punish for contempt may be exercised ONLY prosecutor with the exclusive authority to conduct
in the exercise of its quasi-judicial functions. the preliminary investigation and the prosecution of
The COMELEC has no power to hold a person election offenses punishable under the election law.
in contempt in the exercise of its
administrative functions (e.g. reporter The power may be exercised upon complaint
criticizes a contract with COMELEC for or motu propio.
supplies, or a person fails to follow the
procedure for the distribution of ballot boxes The Ombudsman has NO jurisdiction to
prosecute election offenses. He may do so only if
• To issue warrants of arrest; he is deputized by the COMELEC.
• Of certiorari, prohibition and mandamus
8. FILING OF PETITIONS IN COURT FOR
Note: But only in exercise of its appellate INCLUSION OR EXCLUSION OF VOTERS
jurisdiction; Relampagos v. Cumba (Art. IX-C, Sec. 2 (6), 1987 Constitution)
Precincts And Polling Places The COMELEC shall post inside each voting
booth and elsewhere in the polling place on the day
before the election, referendum, or plebiscite and
PRECINCTS
during the voting period a list containing the names
of all candidates or the issues or questions to be
PRECINCT, DEFINED
voted for. (Sec. 158; BP 881)
Unit of territory for the purpose of voting
(Sec. 149, BP 881)
There shall be a guard rail between the voting
booths and the table for the Board of Election
ESTABLISHMENT OF PRECINCTS
Inspectors. (Sec. 159; BP 881)
The COMELEC shall establish all election
precincts. Each barangay shall have at least 1 such
INSPECTION OF POLLING PLACES
precinct. (Sec. 149, BP 881)
Before the day of the election, referendum or
plebiscite, the Chairman of the COMELEC shall,
The COMELEC may introduce adjustments,
through its authorized representatives, see to it
changes or new divisions or abolish precincts if
that all polling places are inspected and such
necessary. But no changes shall be introduced
omissions and defects as may be found are
within 45 days before a regular election and 30
corrected. (Sec. 163, BP 881)
days before a special election or referendum or
plebiscite. (Sec. 149, BP 881)
Official Ballots, Election Returns
Where it is not practicable to divide a precinct & Ballot Boxes
by territory, the COMELEC may adjust or split the
precinct by assigning the registered voters FORM AND CONTENTS OF BALLOTS
alphabetically and equitably among the adjusted or
split precinct. The polling places of the said The ballots shall:
precincts must be in the same building. (Sec. 8, • be uniform in size;
R.A. 7166) • be printed in black ink on white security paper
with distinctive, clear and legible watermarks
PUBLICATION OF MAPS OF PRECINCTS that will readily distinguish it from ordinary
At least 5 days before the first registration paper;
day and until after the election, referendum, or • be in the shape of a strip with stub and a
plebiscite, the COMELEC shall post in the city or detachable coupon containing the serial
municipal hall and in 3 other conspicuous places number of the ballot and a space for the
and on the door of each polling place, a map of the thumbmark of the voter on the detachable
city or municipality showing its division into coupon;
precincts. Such maps shall be kept posted until • bear at the top middle portion the coat-of-
after the election, referendum or plebiscite. (Sec. arms of the Republic, the words, “Official
151, BP 881) Ballot”, the name of the city or municipality
and the province, the date of the election and
POLLING PLACES the following notice in English, “Fill out this
ballot secretly inside the voting booth. Do not
POLLING PLACE, DEFINED put any distinctive mark on any part of this
Building or place where the Board of Election ballot”;
Inspectors conducts its proceedings and where the • contain the names of all the offices to be
voters cast their votes (Sec. 152, BP 881) voted for, allowing opposite the name of each
office, sufficient space or spaces with
DESIGNATION OF POLLING PLACES horizontal lines where the voter may write the
The COMELEC may introduce changes in the name or names of the individual candidates
location of polling places when necessary after voted for by him;
notice to the registered political parties and • have nothing printed or written at the back
candidates affected if any, and hearing. No location except the signature of the chairman of the
shall be changed within 45 days before a regular Board of Election Inspectors
election and 30 days before a special election,
referendum or plebiscite except when it is Notwithstanding the preceding provisions,
destroyed or it cannot be used. (Sec. 153, BP 881) COMELEC may prescribe a different form of official
ballot on the same watermarked security paper to
ARRANGEMENTS AND CONTENTS OF POLLING PLACES facilitate the voting by illiterate voters only and to
Each polling place shall have at least 10 use or adopt the latest technological and electronic
voting booths of such size, specifications and devices in connection therewith. (Sec. 23, R.A.
materials as the COMELEC may provide to enable 7166)
the voters to fill out their ballots secretly. (Sec.
158, BP 881) The polling place shall be so arranged EMERGENCY BALLOTS
that the booths, the table, the ballot boxes and the
whole polling place, except what is being written GENERAL RULE
within the booths, shall be in plain view of the No ballots other than the official ballots shall
board of election inspectors, the watchers and be used or counted.
In these cases, the city or municipal treasure The act of accomplishing and filing of a sworn
shall provide other ballots which shall be as similar application for registration by a qualified voter
to the official ones as circumstances will permit and before the election officer of the city or municipality
which shall be uniform within each polling place. wherein he resides and including the same in the
(Sec. 182, BP 881) book of registered voters upon approval by the
Election Registration Board. (Sec. 3a, R.A. 8189)
PRINTING OF OFFICIAL BALLOTS AND
ELECTION RETURNS NECESSITY OF REGISTRATION
The official ballots and election returns shall "The act of registration is an indispensable
be printed by the Government Printing Office precondition to the right of suffrage. For
and/or the Central Bank printing facilities registration is part and parcel of the right to vote
exclusively, under the exclusive supervision and and an indispensable element in the election
control of the COMELEC which shall determine and process. Thus … registration cannot and should not
provide the necessary security measures in the be denigrated to the lowly stature of a mere
printing, storage and distribution thereof. (Sec. statutory requirement. Proceeding from the
184, BP 881) significance of registration as a necessary requisite
to the right to vote, the State undoubtedly, in the
The registered political parties or coalitions of exercise of its inherent police power, may then
parties (or their components should there be any enact laws to safeguard and regulate the act of
dissolution or division of said coalition) whose voter’s registration for the ultimate purpose of
candidates obtained at least 10% of the total votes conducting honest, orderly and peaceful election,
cast in the next preceding senatorial election are to the incidental yet generally important end, that
each entitled to have a watcher and/or even pre-election activities could be performed by
representative in the procurement and the duly constituted authorities in a realistic and
watermarking of papers to be used in the printing orderly manner – one which is not indifferent and
of election returns and official ballots, and in the so far removed from the pressing order of the day
printing, numbering, storage and distribution and the prevalent circumstances of the times."
thereof. (Sec. 8, R.A. 6646) (Akbayan, et al v. COMELEC, G.R. No.147066,
March 26, 2001)
REQUISITION AND DISTRIBUTION
QUALIFICATIONS AND DISQUALIFICATIONS
The official ballots and election returns shall See previous discussion under Suffrage.
be distributed to each city and municipality at the
rate of one and one-fifth ballots for every voter ELECTION REGISTRATION BOARD
registered in each polling place, and for election (Sec. 15, R.A. 8189)
returns, at the rate of one set for every polling
place. (Sec. 186, BP 881) In each city and municipality, there shall be as
many Election Registration Boards as there are
The ruling party and the dominant opposition election officers therein. In thickly populated cities
party shall submit the names of their watchers or municipalities, the COMELEC may appoint
who, together with the representatives of the additional election officers for such duration as may
COMELEC and the provincial, city, and municipal be necessary.
treasurers shall verify the contents of the boxes
containing the shipment of official ballots, election COMPOSITION
returns and sample official ballots. (Sec. 189, BP 1. Chairman: Election Officer. In case disqualified,
881) the COMELEC shall designate an acting Election
Officer.
PUBLICATION 2. Members
a. Public school official most senior in rank;
The COMELEC shall publish at least 10 days and
before an election, in a newspaper of general b. Local civil registrar, or in his absence, the
circulation, certified data on the number of ballots city or municipal treasurer. If neither are
and returns and the names and addresses of the available, any other appointive civil service
printers and the number printed by each. official from the same locality as designated
by the COMELEC.
BALLOT BOXES
DISQUALIFICATIONS
On the day of the voting, there shall be a No member of the Board shall be related to
ballot box one side of which shall be transparent each other or to any incumbent city or municipal
elective official within the 4th civil degree of
Note however the discrepancy with Sec. 62 Under the party-list system, the COMELEC
which states that resolution of the petition for may refuse or cancel registration either motu
registration or accreditation shall be 15 days propio or upon verified complaint of any interested
from the date of submission for decision.) party, after due notice and hearing. (Sec. 6, R.A.
7941)
WHO MAY NOT BE REGISTERED
NOMINATION AND SELECTION OF OFFICIAL
The following may not be registered as CANDIDATES
political parties: (Sec. 6, R.A. 7166)
• religious denominations and sects (Art. IX-C,
Sec. 2 (5), 1987 Constitution; Sec. 61, BP No political convention or meeting for the
881) nomination or election of the official candidates of
• those which seek to achieve their goals any political party or organization or political
through violence or unlawful means (Art. IX- groups or coalition thereof shall be held earlier
C, Sec. 2 (5), 1987 Constitution, Sec. 61, BP than the following periods:
881) • Pres., VP, Senators: 165 days before the
• those which refuse to uphold and adhere to date of the election
the Constitution (Art. IX-C, Sec. 2 (5), 1987 • Members of the House of Representatives
Constitution) 75 days before the day of
• those supported by foreign governments (Art. • Elective Provincial, City or Municipal
IX-C, Sec. 2 (5), 1987 Constitution) Officers the election
Provincial Offices - Provincial election supervisor The filing of the withdrawal shall not affect
whatever civil, criminal, or administrative liabilities
City / Municipal Offices - City or municipal which a candidate may have incurred. (Sec. 73, BP
election registrar 881)
7. Those who are insane or feeble-minded. However, before the expiration of the period
for the filing of certificates of candidacy, the person
SPECIAL DISQUALIFICATIONS UNDER THE LONE who was filed more than one certificate of
CANDIDATE LAW candidacy may declare under oath the office for
(Sec. 4, R.A. 8295) which he desires to be eligible and cancel the
The following persons are disqualified from certificate of candidacy for the other office or
running in a special election called to fill the offices.
vacancy in an elective office, provided that
evidence of their guilt is strong: The filing or withdrawal of a certificate of
1. Any elective official who has resigned from his candidacy shall not affect whatever civil, criminal
office by accepting an appointive office or for or administrative liabilities which a candidate may
whatever reason which he previously occupied have incurred.
but has caused to become vacant due to his
resignation; CERTIFIED LIST OF CANDIDATES
2. Any person who, directly or indirectly, coerces,
bribes, threatens, harasses, intimidates, or The COMELEC shall cause to be printed a
actually causes, inflicts or produces any certified list of candidates for each office to be
violence, injury, punishment, torture, damage, voted for in each province, city or municipality
loss or disadvantage to any person or persons immediately followed by the nickname or stage
aspiring to become a candidate or that of the name of the candidate and his political affiliation, if
immediate member of his family, his honor or any. The list shall be posted inside each voting
property that is meant to eliminate all other booth.
potential candidate.
Whenever practicable, the Board of Election
Inspectors shall cause said list of candidates to be
written on the blackboard or manila paper for
posting inside the polling place. The names of all
candidates followed by his nickname or stage name
shall also be printed in the election returns and
tally sheets. (Sec. 4, R.A. 6646)
Normal and customary religious dues or This requirement to file the statement covers
contributions, such as religious stipends, tithes or even those who withdrew as candidates after
collections on Sundays or other designated having filed their certificates, because Sec. 14 of
collection days, as well as periodic payments for R.A. 7166 does not make any distinction. (Pilar v.
legitimate scholarships established and school COMELEC, 245 SCRA 759)
contributions habitually made before the prohibited
period, are excluded from the prohibition. Duty of election registrar to advise candidates of
their duty
DUTIES OF CANDIDATES AND POLITICAL
PARTIES It is the duty of the city or municipal election
registrar to advise in writing, either by personal
ACCOUNTING OF CONTRIBUTIONS AND delivery or by registered mail, within 5 days from
EXPENDITURES the election date, all candidates to comply with the
(Sec. 105, B.P. 881) obligation to file their statements. (Sec. 14, R.A.
Every person receiving contributions or 7166)
incurring expenditures by authority of the
candidate or treasurer of the party shall, on Form and contents of statement
demand by the candidate or treasurer of the party,
render to the candidate or treasurer concerned a The statement shall be in writing, subscribed
detailed account thereof with proper vouchers or and sworn to by the candidate or by the treasurer
official receipts. Such accounting must be given of the party, shall be complete as of the date next
within 5 days after receiving such contribution or preceding the date of filing, and shall set forth in
incurring such expenditure. detail the following:
1. the amount of contribution, date of receipt, and
KEEPING OF DETAILED RECORDS OF CONTRIBUTIONS the full name and exact address of the person
AND EXPENDITURES from whom the contribution was received;
2. the amount of every expenditure, the date
Keeping of records thereof, the full name and exact address of the
Every candidate and treasurer of the party person to whom payment was made, and the
shall keep detailed, full, and accurate records of all purpose of the expenditure;
contributions received and expenditures incurred 3. any unpaid obligation, its nature and amount,
by him and by those acting under his authority, and to whom said obligation is owing; and
setting forth therein all information required to be 4. such other particulars which the COMELEC may
reported. (Sec. 106b, B.P. 881) require.
There is nothing in the law that provides that A violation of these 2 duties shall constitute an
a ballot which has not been authenticated shall be election offense.
deemed spurious. The law merely makes the
Chairman of the Board of Election Inspectors Spoiled Ballots
accountable for such an omission. (Libanan v. If a voter should accidentally spoil or deface a
HRET, G.R. No. 129783, December 22, 1997) Thus, ballot in such a way that it cannot lawfully be used,
it was held in Punzalan v. COMELEC (289 SCRA he shall surrender it folded to the chairman who
702) that the ballot is valid even if it is not signed shall note in the corresponding space in the voting
at the back by the BEI Chairman. record that said ballot is spoiled. The voter shall
then be entitled to another ballot which the
PREPARING THE BALLOT AND VOTING chairman shall give him after announcing the serial
number of the second ballot and recording the
1. THE VOTER, UPON RECEIVING HIS FOLDED BALLOT, serial number in the corresponding spaces in the
SHALL FORTHWITH PROCEED TO ONE OF THE EMPTY voting record.
VOTING BOOTHS AND SHALL THERE FILL HIS BALLOT
BY WRITING IN THE PROPER SPACE FOR EACH OFFICE No voter shall change his ballot more than
THE NAME OF THE INDIVIDUAL CANDIDATE FOR WHOM once. (Sec. 14, R.A. 8436)
HE DESIRES TO VOTE.
The spoiled ballot shall, without being
No voter shall be allowed: unfolded and without removing the detachable
• to enter a booth occupied by another, nor coupon, be distinctly marked with the word
enter the same accompanied by somebody, "spoiled" and signed by the board of election
except as provided for in the succeeding inspectors on the endorsement fold thereof and
section hereof; immediately placed in the compartment for spoiled
• to stay therein for a longer time than ballots.
necessary
• to speak with anyone other than as herein 2. AFTER THE VOTER HAS FILLED HIS BALLOT HE
provided while inside the polling place. SHALL FOLD IT IN THE SAME MANNER AS WHEN HE
RECEIVED IT AND RETURN IT TO THE CHAIRMAN.
It shall be unlawful:
• to prepare the ballot outside the voting booth; 3. IN THE PRESENCE OF ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE
• to exhibit its contents to any person BOARD OF ELECTION INSPECTORS, HE SHALL AFFIX
• to erase any printing from the ballot HIS THUMBMARK ON THE CORRESPONDING SPACE IN
• to intentionally tear or deface the same or put THE COUPON, AND DELIVER THE FOLDED BALLOT TO
thereon any distinguishing mark; THE CHAIRMAN.
• to use carbon paper, paraffin paper, or other
means for making a copy of the contents of 4. THE CHAIRMAN, IN THE PRESENCE AND VIEW OF
the ballot; THE VOTER AND ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF
• to make use of any other means to identify ELECTION INSPECTORS, WITHOUT UNFOLDING THE
the vote of the voter. BALLOT OR SEEING ITS CONTENTS, SHALL VERIFY ITS
NUMBER FROM THE VOTING RECORD WHERE IT WAS
Preparation of Ballots for Illiterates and Disabled PREVIOUSLY ENTERED.
Persons
(Sec. 196, B.P. 881) Any ballot whose number does not coincide
No voter shall be allowed to vote as an with the number of the ballot delivered to the
illiterate or as a physically disabled unless it is so voter, as entered in the voting record, shall be
indicated in his registration record. considered as spoiled and shall be so marked and
signed by the members of the board of election
A voter who is illiterate or physically unable to inspectors.
prepare the ballot by himself may be assisted in
the preparation of his ballot by the following: 5. THE VOTER SHALL AFFIX HIS THUMBMARK BY THE
a. a relative by affinity or consanguinity within the SIDE OF HIS SIGNATURE IN THE SPACE INTENDED FOR
fourth civil degree, or THAT PURPOSE IN THE VOTING RECORD AND THE
b. if (a) is not available, then any person of his CHAIRMAN SHALL APPLY SILVER NITRATE AND
Any voter or watcher may challenge any The original of this record shall be attached to
person offering to vote for not being registered, for the original copy of the minutes of the voting as
using the name of another or suffering from provided in the succeeding section. (Sec. 202, B.P.
existing disqualification. In such case, the board of 881)
election inspectors shall satisfy itself as to whether
or not the ground for the challenge is true by MINUTES OF VOTING AND COUNTING OF VOTES
requiring proof of registration or the identity of the The board of election inspectors shall prepare
voter. and sign a statement in four copies setting forth
the following:
No voter shall be required to present his • time the voting commenced and ended;
voter's affidavit on election day unless his identity • serial numbers of the official ballots and
is challenged. His failure or inability to produce his election returns, special envelopes and seals
voter's affidavit upon being challenged, shall not received;
preclude him from voting if his identity be shown • number of official ballots used and the number
from the photograph, fingerprints, or specimen left unused;
signatures in his approved application in the book • number of voters who cast their votes;
of voters or if he is identified under oath by a • number of voters challenged during the
member of the board of election inspectors and voting;
such identification shall be reflected in the minutes • names of the watchers present;
of the board. • time the counting of votes commenced and
ended;
CHALLENGE BASED ON CERTAIN ILLEGAL ACTS • number of official ballots found inside the
(Sec. 200, B.P. 881) compartment for valid ballots;
Any voter or watcher may challenge any voter • number of valid ballots retrieved from the
offering to vote on any of the following grounds: compartment for spoiled ballots, if any;
• that the challenged person has received or • number of ballots found folded together, if
expects to receive, has paid, offered or any;
promised to pay, has contributed, offered or • number of spoiled ballots withdrawn from the
promised to contribute money or anything of compartment for valid ballots;
value as consideration for his vote or for the • number of excess ballots;
vote of another; • number of marked ballots;
• that he has made or received a promise to • number of ballots read and counted;
influence the giving or withholding of any such • time the election returns were signed and
vote; or sealed in their respective special envelopes;
• that he has made a bet or is interested • number and nature of protests made by
directly or indirectly in a bet which depends watchers;
upon the result of the election. • such other matters that the Commission may
require.
DUTY OF BOARD TO ISSUE CERTIFICATE It shall be unlawful for any officer or member
It is the duty of the board of election of the AFP, including the national police, or any
inspectors to issue a certificate of the number of peace officer or any armed or unarmed persons
the votes received by a candidate upon request of belonging to an extra-legal police agency, special
the duly-accredited watchers. (Sec. 16, R.A. 6646) forces, reaction forces, strike forces, home defense
Refusal to do so constitutes an election offense. forces, barangay self defense units, etc. to enter
(Sec. 27, R.A. 6646) the room where the canvassing of the election
returns are held, and within a radius of 50 meters
ADMISSIBILITY IN EVIDENCE from such room. ( sec 232, BP881)
The certificate of votes is admissible in
evidence to prove tampering, alteration, Grand Alliance for Democracy v. COMELEC (
falsification or any anomaly committed in the 150 SCRA 665)
election returns concerned, when duly Where it has been determined by the
authenticated by testimonial or documentary COMELEC that actual voting and election by the
evidence presented to the Board of Canvassers by registered voters had taken place, the election
at least 2 members of the Board of Election returns can not be disregarded and excluded – with
Inspectors who issued the certificate. This is the corresponding disenfranchisement of voters –
notwithstanding the provisions of Secs. 235 and but must be accorded prima facie status as bona
236 of BP 881. fide reports of the result of the voting for
canvassing and proclamation purposes. The
The Certificate of Votes is evidence likewise of summary nature of the proceedings require that
the votes obtained by the candidates. (Balindong v. written objections ( to the returns) be filed only
COMELEC, 27 SCRA 567) However, it was held in during this stage, because it is only at this time
the case of Garay v. COMELEC (261 SCRA 222) that the inclusion or exclusion of any return is in
that a Certificate of Votes can never be a valid issue; mere allegations of duress, coercion, fraud,
basis for canvass, and does not constitute sufficient can not invalidate the election returns which are
evidence of the true and genuine results of the otherwise clean on their face.
elections; only election returns are.
Mastura v. COMELEC (285 SCRA 493)
Failure to present any certificate of votes shall The COMELEC may order the annulment of the
certificate of canvass which it found to be
City – cities which President President Elected City Statement of Votes by precinct,
don’t comprise at Vice-President Vice-President Officials signed and thumb-marked by the
least legislative Senators Senators chairman and members of the
district Congressmen Congressmen Board, and the principal watchers if
Elective Elective available
Provincial Provincial
Officials Officials
Elective City
Officials
The certificates of canvass for President and Once the Board of Canvassers has completed
Vice-President shall be transmitted to Congress, its duty, the board cannot meet again and re-
directed to the Senate President. Upon receipt of canvass the votes or reverse their prior decision
the certificates of canvass, the Senate President and announce different results.
shall not later than 30 days after the day of the
election OPEN all the certificates in the presence of WHEN PROCLAMATION VOID
the Senate and the House of Representatives in
joint public session. A proclamation is void when it is based on
incomplete returns (Castromayor v. COMELEC, 250
Congress upon the determination of the SCRA 298) or when there is yet no complete
authenticity and due execution thereof, shall canvass (Jamil v. COMELEC, G.R. No. 123648, Dec.
canvass the votes. 15, 1997).
The person having the highest number of A void proclamation is no proclamation at all,
votes shall be proclaimed elected. In case 2 or and the proclaimed candidate’s assumption into
more persons shall have an equal and highest office cannot deprive the COMELEC of its power to
number of votes, one of them shall be chosen by annul the proclamation.
vote of MAJORITY of all the members of BOTH the
Senate and the House of Representatives, voting Utto v. Comelec (Gr 150111 Jan 31, 2002)
separately. An incomplete canvass of votes is illegal and
cannot be made the basis of a proclamation. A
To be discussed in the last part of this reviewer. canvass cannot be reflective of the true vote of the
electorate unless all returns are considered and
Makalintal v. Comelec none is omitted.
The Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003
insofar as it grants sweeping authority to the The fact that a candidate illegally proclaimed
Comelec to proclaim all winning candidates, is has assumed office is not a bar to the exercise by
unconstitutional as it is repugnant to sec 4 art VII the Comelec of the authority to annul any canvass
of the Constitution, which vests in Congress the and proclamation illegally made.
authority to proclaim the winning Presidential and
Vice Presidential candidates. Where a proclamation is null and void, the
proclaimed candidate’s assumption of office cannot
Ruy Elias Lopez v. Senate of the Philippines deprive the Comelec of the power to declare such a
Congress may validly delegate the preliminary proclamation a nullity.
determination of the authenticity and due
execution of the certificates of canvass to a Joint PARTIAL PROCLAMATION
Congressional Committee constituted under the (SEC. 21, R.A. 7166)
Rules adopted by the Joint Session of Congress.
Notwithstanding the pendency of any pre-
Pimentel Jr. v. Joint Committee of Congress to proclamation controversy, the COMELEC may
Canvass the Votes Cast for President and Vice summarily order the proclamation of other winning
President candidates whose election will not be affected by
Even after Congress had adjourned its regular the outcome of the controversy.
session, it may continue to perform the
constitutional duty of canvassing the presidential ELECTION RESULTING IN A TIE (SEC. 240,
and vice-presidential election results without need B.P. 881)
of any call for a special session by the President.
A tie occurs when:
Proclamation a. 2 or more candidates receive an equal and
highest number of votes; or
b. 2 or more candidates are to be elected for the
DUTIES OF BOARD OF CANVASSERS same position and 2 or more candidates
received the same number of votes for the
After the canvass of election returns, in the LAST PLACE in the number to be elected.
absence of a perfected appeal to the COMELEC, the
To be “manifest”, the errors must appear on 2. Canvassed election returns are either:
the face of the Certificates of Canvass or election a. Incomplete
returns sought to be corrected, and objections b. contain material defects
thereto must have been made before the Board of c. appear to be tampered with or falsified
Canvassers and specifically noted in the minutes of d. contain discrepancies in the same returns or
their respective proceedings (Chavez v. Comelec in other authentic copies
211 SCRA 315)
Patoray v. Comelec (249 SCRA 440)
A “manifest error” is one that is visible to the It is an error for the Comelec to exclude from
eye or obvious to the understanding; that which is the canvass election returns where the defect in
open, palpable, incontrovertible, needing no the return refers only to some incomplete data.
evidence to make it more clear. ( O’Hara v. Where the Certificate of Votes shows
Comelec GR no. 148941-42 Mar 12, 2002) tampering, alteration and falsification, or any other
anomaly in the preparation of the election return,
Bince v. Comelec the Comelec should order a recount of the votes
A petition for correction of errors in the cast in the precinct, after determining that the
Certificate of Canvass may be filed at any time ballot box has not been tampered with. The failure
before proclamation. of the Comelec to do so, after excluding the return,
will result in the disenfranchisement of the voters
Torres v. Comelec in the particular precinct.
Although the provision applies to a pre- Neither can the Certificate of Votes be used
proclamation controversy, there is nothing to for the canvass because it was signed only by the
prevent its application to cases in which the validity Chairman.
of the proclamation is in question.
Since the Statement of Votes is the basis of 3. The election returns were:
the Certificate of Canvass and of the proclamation, a. prepared under duress, threats, coercion,
any error in the Statement affects the validity of intimidation or
the proclamation. b. obviously manufactured or not authentic
PROCEDURE When
At the time the questioned return is presented
The procedure for filing a pre-proclamation for inclusion in the canvass.
controversy depends on the issue being raised:
Who
1. QUESTIONS INVOLVING THE COMPOSITION OR Any candidate, political party or coalition of
PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD OF CANVASSERS, OR political parties
CORRECTION OF MANIFEST ERRORS
Procedure
Where 1. The contesting party makes an oral objection to
The controversy may be initiated either in the the chairman of the Board of Canvassers at the
Board of Canvassers or directly with the COMELEC. time the questioned return is presented for
(Sec. 17, R.A. 7166) inclusion in the canvass. Such objection is
recorded in the minutes of canvass.
When Simultaneous with the oral objection, the
It depends: objecting party enters his objection in the form
a. If petition involves the illegal composition or for written objections prescribed by the
proceedings of the board, it must be filed COMELEC.
immediately when the board begins to act as 2. Upon receipt of such objection, the Board
such (Laodeno v. COMELEC, 276 SCRA 705), or automatically defers the canvass of the
at the time of the appointment of the member contested returns and proceeds to canvass the
whose capacity to sit as such is objected to if it returns which are not contested by any party.
comes after the canvassing of the board, or 3. Within 24 hours from and after the presentation
immediately at the point where the proceedings of such objection, the objecting party submits
are or begin to be illegal. Otherwise, by the evidence in support of the objection, which
participating in the proceedings, the petitioner shall be attached to the form for written
is deemed to have acquiesced in the objections.
composition of the Board of Canvassers. Within the same 24-hour period, any party may
b. If the petition is for correction, it must be filed file a written and verified opposition to the
not later than 5 days following the date of objection in the prescribed COMELEC form,
proclamation, and must implead all candidates attaching supporting evidence, if any. The
who may be adversely affected thereby. (Sec. Board shall not entertain any objection or
5(b), Rule 27, COMELEC Rules of Procedure) opposition unless reduced to writing in the
prescribed forms.
Procedure 4. The Board chairman immediately and formally
admits the evidence attached to the objection
If filed with the Board first: or opposition by affixing his signature at the
1. Petitioner submits his / her objection to the back of each and every page thereof.
chairman of the board of canvassers. 5. Upon receipt of the evidence, the Board
2. The Board makes its ruling. considers the objection and the opposition, and
3. Within 3 days from the ruling, the parties summarily rules on the objection. The Board
adversely affected may appeal the matter to the then enters its ruling on the prescribed form
• Tampering, increasing, decreasing votes, or Mappala v. Judge Nunez (240 SCRA 200)
refusal to correct tampered votes after proper It is not necessary that the deadly weapon be
verification and hearing by any member of the seized from the accused while he was in the
board of election inspectors (Sec. 27b, R.A. precinct or within a radius of 100 meters
6646) therefrom; enough that the accused carried the
• Refusal to issue to duly accredited watchers deadly weapon within the prohibited radius during
the certificate of votes cast and the any of the days and hours specified in the law.
Election offenses are generally mala prohibita. If the discovery of the offense be made in an
Proof of criminal intent is not necessary. Good election contest proceeding, the period of
faith, ignorance, or lack of malice is not a defense; prescription shall commence on the date on which
the commission of the prohibited act is sufficient. the judgment in such proceedings becomes final
(People v. Bayona, 61 Phil. 181; People v. Fuentes, and executory. (Sec. 267, B.P. 881)
181 Phil. 186)
UP Law Center
Review Committee
I Peter Dizon . Jam Jacob . Randy Remonte
I
Bodee Tandog [head] . Len Abellar
Subject Committee [Election Law] Jan Lee . Miles Malaya