Administrative Law (#10)

Flores, Michaela Therese A. March 8, 2018

Admin Law: Judge Dolores Español

Election
● Embodiment of the popular will, the expression of the sovereign power
of the people.
Components:
● Choice or selection of candidates to public office by popular vote
● Conduct of the polls
● Listing of votes
● Holding of Electoral campaign
● Act of casting and receiving the ballots from the voters
● Counting the ballots
● Making the election returns
● Proclaiming the winning candidates
Regular election – refers to an election participated in by those who possess the
right of suffrage and not disqualified by law and who are registered voters.
Special election – is when there is failure of election on the scheduled date of
regular election in a particular place or which is conducted to fill up certain
vacancies, as provided by law.
Political Parties
An organized group of persons pursuing the same ideology, political ideas or
platforms of government including its branches and divisions.
Types of Political Parties
1) ​Registered Parties:
1. Dominant Majority Party – usually the administration party; entitled to a
copy of election return
2. Dominant Minority Party​ – entitled to a copy of election return
3. Majority Political Party
 4. Top 3 Political Parties – entitled to appoint principal watcher and a copy
of the certificate of canvass
5. Bottom 3 political parties​ – entitled to appoint principal watcher
2) ​Non-registered parties
Criteria to Determine the Type of Political Party
1. Established Record of the said parties, showing in past elections
2. Number of Incumbent Elective Officials
3. Identifiable political organizations and strengths
4. Ability to fill a complete slate of candidates
5. Other analogous circumstances
Grounds for Challenging the Voter
1. Illegal voters ( Not Registered / Using the name of another / disqualified
)
2. Based on certain illegal acts (Vote buying)
Acquisition of Juridical Personality
It is acquired upon registration with the COMELEC.
Forfeiture of Status as a Registered Political Party
The status shall be deemed forfeited if the political party, singly or in coalition
with others, fails to obtain ​at least 10% of the votes cast in the constituency in
which it nominated and supported a candidate/s in the election next following its
registration. There shall be notice and hearing.
Candidates
Rules on Filing of Certificates of Candidacy
1. No person shall be elected into public office unless he files his
certificate of candidacy within the prescribed period
2. No person shall be eligible for more than one office. If he/she files for
more than one position, he shall not be eligible for all unless he cancels
all and retains one
3. The certificate of candidacy shall be filed by the candidate personally or
by his duly authorized representative.
 4. Upon filing, an individual becomes a candidate, he is already covered
by rules, restrictions and processes involving candidates.
Grounds for Disqualification
1. Election offenses under Sec 68 of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC)
2. Not possessing qualifications and possessing disqualifications under the
Local Government Code
2.1 Sentenced by final judgment for an offense involving moral turpitude or for
an offense punishable by one year or more of imprisonment within two years after
serving sentence
2.2 Removed from office as a result of an administrative case
2.3 Convicted by final judgment for violating the oath of allegiance to the
Republic
2.4 Dual citizenship ( more specifically, dual allegiance)
2.5 Fugitives from justice in criminal or non-political cases here or abroad
2.6 Permanent residents in a foreign country or those who have acquired the right
to reside abroad and continue to avail of the same right
2.7 Insane or feeble-minded
1. Nuisance candidate
2. Violation of sec 73 of OEC with regard to certificate of candidacy
3. Violation of sec 78 which is material misrepresentation of reqts under
sec. 74.
* ​Disqualifications (from continuing as a candidate or from holding the office if
already elected):
Any candidate, who in an action or protest in which he is a party is declared by
final decision of a competent court guilty of, or is found by the Commission of
having:
1. Given money or other material consideration to influence, induce or
corrupt the voters or public officials performing electoral functions.
2. Committed acts of terrorism to enhance his candidacy
 3. Spent in his election campaign an amount in excess of that allowed by
the Omnibus Election Code )
4. Solicited, received or made any contribution prohibited under this Code
5. Violated any of the following sections: Section 80, 83, 85,86,261
1. Permanent resident of or an immigrant to a foreign country shall not be
qualified to run for any elective office UNLESS he/she has waived
his/her status as a permanent resident/immigrant of a foreign country in
accordance with the residence requirement provided for under election
laws.
Effect of a Disqualification case (under RA 6646)
1. Any candidate who has been declared by final judgment to be
disqualified shall NOT be voted for. The votes cast in his favor shall not
be counted.
2. If the candidate is not disqualified by final judgment before the election
and receives the highest number of votes in the election, the court or
COMELEC will continue with the trial and hearing of the action,
inquiry or protest. Upon motion of the complainant or intervenor, the
court or COMELEC may order the suspension of the proclamation of
the candidate whenever the evidence of his guilt is strong.

Nuisance Candidates
A. The term refers to candidates who have no bona fide intention to run for the
office for which the certificate of candidacy has been filed and would thus prevent
a faithful determination of the true will of the people.

B. Power of COMELEC
1. May refuse to give due course to or cancel a certificate of candidacy of a
nuisance candidate. This can be done motu proprio or upon verified
petition of an interested party.
2.There should be a showing that:
1. Certificate of candidacy has been filed to put the election process in
mockery/disrepute or
 2. To cause confusion among the voters by the similarity of the names of
the registered candidates
3. Other circumstances which clearly demonstrate that the candidate has
no bona fide intention to run for the office…
Petition to deny due course to or to cancel a Certificate of Candidacy
A. Exclusive ground: A material representation in the certificate of candidacy is
false.
B. The petition should be filed not later than 25 days from the filing of the
certificate of candidacy.
C. It should be decided not later than 15 days before the election, after due notice
and hearing.

Election Campaign/Partisan Political Activity

1) It refers to an act designed to promote the election or defeat of a particular
candidate/s to a public office
2) It includes:
A. Forming organizations, associations, clubs, committees or other groups of
persons for the purpose of soliciting votes and/or undertaking any campaign for or
against a candidate.
B. Holding political caucuses, conferences, meetings, rallies, parades or
other similar assemblies for the purpose of soliciting votes and/or undertaking any
campaign or propaganda for or against a candidate.
C. Making speeches, announcements or commentaries or holding interviews
for or against the election of any candidate for public office.
D. Publishing or distributing campaign literature or materials designed to
support or oppose the election of any candidate.
E. Directly or indirectly soliciting votes, pledges or support for or against a
candidate.
3) When the acts enumerated above are NOT considered an election
campaign/partisan political activity.
If the acts are performed for the purpose of enhancing the chances of aspirants for
nomination for candidacy to a public office by a political party, aggroupment, or
coalition of parties.

RA 9006 – FAIR ELECTION ACT

Important Features:
1) Repeal of Sec. 67 of the OEC – Now, any ELECTIVE official, whether national
or local, running for any office other than the one which he is holding in a
permanent capacity shall not be considered ipso facto resigned from his office
upon the filing of his certificate of candidacy.
2) Lifting of the Political Ad Ban – Written and Printed Materials (8.5” W x
14L”)
Letters
Posters (2’ x 3’) in common-private poster areas ( not more than 10 public places
per political party or independent candidate, 12’ 16’), private places and public
places
Rally streamers (3’ x 8’) NOT MORE THAN 2
Paid Advertisements at Discounted Rates
Print : 1/4th page in broadsheet and ½ page in tabloid 3x a week
Television: 120 minutes for candidate for nationally elective office and 60 for local
Radio: 180 minutes for candidate for nationally elective office and 90 for local
COMELEC free space (3 national newspaper for nationally elective officials and 1
national newspaper for local) and airtime
(3 national television networks for nationally elective officials and 1 station for
local ) : equal allocation for all candidates for 3 calendar days
Authorized Expenses ( multiplied with the total number of registered voters )
● P 10 for president / vice president
● P 3 for other candidates for every voter currently registered in the
constituency
● P 5 for independent candidates and political parties
Voters
Qualifications
● Age: 18 years old and over.
● Residence
1. He /she should have resided in the Philippines for one year and
2. Resided in the city/municipality wherein he proposes to vote for at least
6 months immediately preceding the election.
Residence Requirement
If the transfer of residence is due to any of the following reasons, the person
concerned will be deemed NOT to have lost his original residence:
A. Transfer solely because of occupation, profession, employment in private or
public service
B. Educational activities
C. Work in military or naval reservations
D. Service in the army, navy or air force, national police force
E. Confinement/detention in government institutions in accordance with law.

RA 8189 – VOTER’S REGISTRATION ACT OF 1996

Q: Can there still be general registration of voters?
A: No more, because 8189 (7) provides for such only for the May ’98 elections
Q: What kind of registration system do we have?
A: Continuing, Computerized and Permanent
Disqualifications
A. If sentenced by final judgment to ​suffer imprisonment for not less than 1 year
and such disability was not removed by plenary pardon or has not been granted
amnesty. However, any person disqualified to vote shall automatically reacquire
the right to vote upon expiration of 5 years after service of sentence.
B. Any person who has been adjudged by final judgment by competent court or
tribunal of having committed any crime involving ​disloyalty to the duly constituted
government such as rebellion or any crime against national security:
1. UNLESS restored to his full civil and political rights in accordance with law.
2. However, he shall regain his right to vote automatically upon expiration of 5
years after service of sentence.
C​. Insane or incompetent​ persons as declared by competent authority.
Jurisdiction in Inclusion/Exclusion cases
A. The municipal and metropolitan trial courts shall have original and exclusive
jurisdiction over all matters of inclusion and exclusion of voters from the list in
their respective municipalities or cities. Petition filed at any time except 105 days
before regular election or 75 days before special election
B. Decisions may be appealed to the RTC within 5 days from receipt of notice of
decision.
C. RTC will decide the appeal within 10 days. Decision is final and executory.
D. Note: Relate this to Article IX of the Constitution which provides that the
COMELEC has no jurisdiction over questions involving the right to vote.
E. Exclusion is through sworn petition and not later than 100 days before regular
election; 65 days before special election

Grounds when the List of Voters will be altered:

● Deactivation/ Reactivation
 ● Exclusion/ Inclusion
● Cancellation of Registration in case of Death
● New voters
● Annulment of Book of Voters
● Transfer of Residence
How is challenge to right to register effected?
Who – any voter, candidate, political party representative
How – in writing, stating grnds, under oath, proof of notice of hearing
Deactivation means removing the registration records of persons from the precinct
book of voters and place the same, properly marked and dated in indelible ink, in
the inactive file after entering the cause of deactivation.
How is reactivation of registration effected ?
Sworn application for reactivation
Affidavit
Not later than 120 days before regular election and 90 days before special election
Annulment of Book of Voters is through verified petition; notice and hearing; not
prepared in accordance with law or prepared through fraud, bribery, forgery,
impersonation, intimidation, force, any similar irregularity or which contains data
that are statistically improbable
Cannot be done within 90 days before election
Postponement of Election
Causes
● Violence
● Terrorism
● Loss or destruction of election paraphernalia/records
● Force majeure
● Other analogous causes
Effect
It is impossible to hold a free, orderly and honest election in any political
subdivision
COMELEC can postpone the election (when decided by a majority vote of the
COMELEC sitting en banc, RA 7166):
A. ​Motu proprio
B. Upon a verified petition by any interested party, after due notice and hearing
Date of new election
The date of the postponed election should be reasonably close to the date of the
election not held, suspended, or which resulted in a failure to elect. It should not
be later than 30 days after the cessation of the cause for such postponement or
suspension of the election or failure to elect.
Failure of Election
Causes
● Force majeure
● Violence
● Terrorism
● Fraud
● Other analogous causes
Under RA 7166, the causes for the declaration of the failure of election may occur
before or after the casting of votes or on the day of the election.
Effects of above causes
A. Election in any polling place was not held on the date fixed;
B. Election was suspended before the hour fixed by law for the closing of the
voting
C. Elections results in a failure to elect (after the voting and during the preparation
and transmission of the election returns or in the custody or canvass
thereof)
AND t​ he failure or suspension of the election would affect the result of the election
Remedy
COMELEC can call for the holding or continuation of the election not held,
suspended, or which resulted in a failure to elect. The election should be held not
later than 30 days after the cessation of the cause of the postponement or
suspension of the election or failure to elect. This is decided by the COMELEC, by
a majority vote of its members, sitting en banc.
RA 7941 – Party-List System Act
● Seeks to promote proportional representation
● Any party already registered need not register anew. File manifestation
not later than 90 days before election.
Grounds for refusing or canceling registration of Party-Lists groups
1. Religious sect or denomination, organization
2. Advocates violence
3. Foreign party or organization
4. Receives foreign support
5. Violates election law
6. Untruthful statements in its petition
7. Ceased to exist for at least one year
8. Failed to participate in the last two preceding elections or fails to obtain
at least 2% of the votes cast under the party-list system in the 2
preceding elections for the constituency in which it has registered
Nomination of party​-list reps should not include any candidate for any elective
office or a person who has lost his bid for an elective office in the immediately
preceding election
Incumbent sectoral representatives in the House of Representatives who are
nominated in the party-list system shall not be considered resigned
Party List Reps constitute 20% of the total number of the members of the House of
Reps including those under the party-list
How do we determine the number of party list seats in the House of Reps?
(# of District Reps / 0.80) x 0.20 = # of party list reps
● There are presently 208 legislative districts, according to the Veterans
Federation Case
 ● The 5 major political parties are now entitled to participate in the party
list system
● Parties receiving at least 2% of the total votes cast for the party-list
system shall be entitled to one seat each
● No party shall be entitled to more than 3 seats
● Currently, there are 260 seats. So 20 % of 260 is 52 seats. But this is
only a ceiling.
● A list with 5 names should be submitted to COMELEC as to who will
represent the party in the Congress. Ranking in the list submitted
determines who shall represent party or organization.
Rules for Appreciation of Ballots
● Liberal Construction in favor of the validity of the ballot
● Look at the ticket slate, consider locality or literacy rate
● Rule 211 of the OEC
● Incumbency / Surname
● Cannot ascertain – STRAY VOTE
Pre-Proclamation Controversies
Definition
1. A pre-proclamation controversy refers to any question pertaining to or
affecting the proceedings of the board of canvassers which may be
raised by any candidate or by any registered political party or coalition
of political parties before the board or directly with the COMELEC.
1. It would also refer to any matter raised under Sections 233, 234, 235,
and 236 of the Omnibus Election Code in relation to the preparation,
transmission, receipt, custody, and appreciation of the election returns.
(Board of canvassers have original jurisdiction while COMELEC have
appellate jurisdiction)
1. When election returns are delayed, lost or destroyed
(Sec.233)
2. Material defects in the election returns (Sec. 234)
3. When election returns appear to be tampered with or
falsified. (Sec. 235)
4. Discrepancies in election returns (Sec. 236)

C. Those that can be filed with COMELEC directly are the ff:
 ● Issue involves the illegal composition or proceedings of the board of
canvassers, as when a majority or all of the members do not hold legal
appointments or are in fact usurpers
● Issue involves the correction of manifest errors in the tabulation or
tallying
of the results during the canvassing
Recount
There can be a recount under the grounds of 234-236. The returns involved will
affect the results and the integrity of the ballot box has been preserved

Issues that may be raised in a pre-proclamation controversy

1. Illegal composition or proceedings of the board of canvassers
2. The canvassed election returns are incomplete, contain material defects,
appear to be tampered with or falsified, or contain discrepancies in the
same returns or in authentic copies thereof.
3. The election returns were prepared under duress, threats, coercion, or
intimidation, or they are obviously manufactured, or not authentic.
4. When substitute or fraudulent returns in controverted polling places
were canvassed, the results of which materially affected the standing of
the aggrieved candidate/s.
Procedure
A. Contested composition or proceedings of the board (under RA 7166)
It may be initiated in the board or directly with COMELEC.
B. Contested election returns (under RA 7166)
Matters relating to the preparation, transmission, receipt, custody and appreciation
of the election returns, and certificate of canvass, should be brought in the first
instance before the board of canvassers only.

Summary nature of pre-proclamation controversy

1. Pre-proclamation controversies shall be heard summarily by the
COMELEC.
 2. Its decision shall be executory after the lapse of 5 days from receipt by
the losing party of the decision, unless restrained by the SC.
Effect of filing petition to annul or suspend proclamation
It suspends the running of the period within which to file an election protest or quo
warranto proceedings.
When not allowed
Pre-proclamation cases on matters relating to the preparation, transmission, receipt,
custody and appreciation of the election returns or the certificates of canvass NOT
allowed in elections for: (under RA 7166)
● President
● Vice-President
● Senator
● Member of the House of Representatives
BUT: The appropriate canvassing body ​motu propio or upon written complaint of
an interested person can correct manifest errors in the certificate of canvass or
election returns before it.
BUT: Questions affecting the composition or proceedings of the board of
canvassers may be initiated in the board or directly with COMELEC.
When pre-proclamation cases are deemed TERMINATED (RA 7166)
1. All pre-proclamation cases pending before the COMELEC shall be
deemed terminated at the beginning of the term of the office involved
and the rulings of the boards of canvassers concerned deemed affirmed.
B. This is without prejudice to the filing of a regular election protest by the
aggrieved party.
C. HOWEVER: Proceedings MAY CONTINUE if:
1. The COMELEC determines that the petition is meritorious and issues an
order for the proceedings to continue or
2. The Supreme Court issues an order for the proceedings to continue in a
petition for certiorari.
Election Contest
Original Jurisdiction
COMELEC has ORIGINAL jurisdiction over contests relating to the elections,
returns, qualifications of all elective:
● Regional
● Provincial
● City officials

Appellate Jurisdiction
COMELEC has APPELLATE jurisdiction over all contests involving:
A. Elective MUNICIPAL officials decided by trial courts of GENERAL
jurisdiction
B. Elective BARANGAY officials decided by trial courts of LIMITED
jurisdiction
Who can file a petition contesting the election
Any candidate who has duly filed a certificate of candidacy and has been voted for
the same office

Purpose of an election contest

The defeated candidate seeks to oust the proclaimed winner and claims the seat.
Final COMELEC Decisions
Provision that decisions, final orders, rulings of the Commission on election
contests involving municipal and barangay offices are final, executory and not
appealable:
A. This only applies to questions of FACT. ( Flores v. COMELEC, 184 SCRA
484)
B. It does NOT preclude a special civil action of certiorari. (Galido v. COMELEC,
Jan. 18,1991)
Distinctions between Pre-Proclamation Controversy and Election Contest
1) Dividing line: Proclamation of a candidate
2) Jurisdiction
A. Pre-proclamation controversy
1.The jurisdiction of COMELEC is administrative/quasi-judicial
2.It is governed by the requirements of administrative due process
B. Election contest
1.The jurisdiction of COMELEC is judicial
2.It is governed by the requirements of judicial process
3) In some cases, even if the case (involving municipal officials) began with
the COMELEC before proclamation but a proclamation is made before the
controversy is resolved, it ceases to be a pre-proclamation controversy and
becomes an election contest cognizable by the RTC.
4) However, in some cases, the SC has recognized the jurisdiction of
COMELEC over municipal cases even after proclamation. Relate to the provision
in RA 7166 allowing pre-proclamation controversy proceedings to continue even
after a proclamation has been made.

Election Offenses ( Selected Offenses)

Vote buying and vote-selling
A. Covered acts
1.Give, offer or promise money or anything of value
2. Making or offer to make any expenditure, directly or indirectly, or cause an
expenditure to be made to any person, association, corporation, entity or
community
3.Soliciting or receiving, directly or indirectly, any expenditure or promise of any
office or employment, public or private
B. Purpose of acts
1. To induce anyone or the public in general to vote for or against any candidate or
withhold his vote in the election or
2. To vote for or against any aspirant for the nomination or choice of a candidate in
a convention or similar selection
C. Under RA 6646 (Prosecution of vote-buying/selling)
1. Presentation of a complaint supported by affidavits of complaining witnesses
attesting to the offer or promise by or the voters acceptance of money or other
consideration from the relatives, leaders or sympathizers of a candidate is sufficient
basis for an investigation by the COMELEC,directly or through its duly authorized
legal officers.
2. Disputable presumption of conspiracy:
Proof that at least one voter in different precincts representing at least 20% of the
total precincts in any municipality, city or province has been offered, promised or
given money, valuable consideration or other expenditure by a candidate relatives,
leaders and/or sympathizsrs for the purpose of promoting the election of such
candidate.
3. Disputable presumption of involvement
Proof affects at least 20% of the precincts of the municipality, city or province to
which the public office aspired for by the favored candidate relates. This will
constitute a disputable presumption of the involvement of such candidate and of his
principal campaign managers in each of the municipalities concerned in the
conspiracy
Coercion of a subordinate
A. Who can be held liable
1. public officer
2. officer of a public/private corporation/association
3. heads/superior/administrator of any religious org.
4. employer/landowner
B. Prohibited acts
1. Coercing, intimidating or compelling or influencing, in any manner, any
subordinates, members, parishioners or employees or house helpers,
tenants, overseers, farm helpers, tillers or lease holders to aid, campaign
or vote for or against a candidate or aspirant for the nomination or
selection of candidates.
2. Dismissing or threatening to dismiss, punishing or threatening to punish
by reducing salary, wage or compensation or by demotion, transfer,
suspension etc.
Appointment of new employees, creation of new position, promotion or giving
salary increases:
A. Who can be held liable: Any head/official/appointing officer of a government
office, agency or instrumentality, whether national or local, including GOCCs.
B. Prohibited acts
1.Appointing or hiring a new employee (provisional, temporary or casual)
2.Creating or filling any new position
3.Promoting/giving an increase in salary, remuneration or privilege to any
government official or employee.
C. Period when acts are prohibited
1. 45 days before a regular election
2. 30 days before a special election
D. Exceptions
1. Upon prior authority of COMELEC if it is satisfied that the position to
be filled is essential to the proper functioning of the office/agency
concerned AND that the position is not filled in a manner that may
influence the election
 2. In case of urgent need, a new employee may be appointed. Notice of
appointment should be given to COMELEC within 3 days from
appointment.

Prohibition against release, disbursement or expenditure of public funds

A. Who can be held liable: Any public official or employee including barangay
officials and those of GOCCs/subsidiaries
B. Prohibited acts:
The release, disbursement or expenditure of public funds for any and other kinds
of public works
C. Period when acts are prohibited:
1. 45 days before a regular election
2. 30 days before a special election
D. Exception
1. maintenance of existing/completed public works project.
2. work undertaken by contract through public bidding, or by negotiated
contract awarded before the 45 day period before election
3. payment for the usual cooperation for working drawings, specfications
and other procedures preparatory to actual construction including the
purchase of material and equipment and incidental expenses for wages.
4. Emergency work necessitated by the occurrence of a public calamity but
such work shall be limited to the restoration of the damaged facility.
5. Ongoing public work projects commenced before the campaign period
or similar projects under foreign agreements.
Suspension of elective, provincial, city, municipal or barangay officer
A. General rule: public official CANNOT suspend any of the officers enumerated
above during the election period.
B. Exceptions
1. With prior approval of COMELEC
 2. Suspension is for the purpose of applying the Anti-Graft and Corrupt
Practices Act
In relation to registration of voters/voting
● Unjustifiable refusal to register and vote
● Voting more than once in the same election/voting when not a registered
voter
● Voting in substitution for another with or without the latters’ knowledge
and/or consent etc.
Other election offenses under RA 6646
1. Causing the printing of official ballots and election returns by printing
establishments not on contract with COMELEC and printing
establishments which undertakes unauthorized printing
2. Tampering, increasing or decreasing the votes received by a candidate
or refusing after proper verification and hearing to credit the correct
votes or deduct the tampered votes (committed by a member of the
board of election inspectors)
3. Refusing to issue the certificate of voters to the duly accredited watchers
(committed by a member of the BEI)
4. Person who violated provisions against prohibited forms of election
propaganda
5. Failure to give notice of meetings to other members of the board,
candidate or political party (committed by the Chairman of the board of
canvassers)
6. A person who has been declared a nuisance candidate or is otherwise
disqualified who continues to misrepresent himself as a candidate (Ex.
by continuing to campaign) and any public officer or private individual
who knowingly induces or abets such misrepresentation by commission
or omission.
7. If the chairman of the BEI fails to affix his signature at the back of the
official ballot, in the presence of the voter, before delivering the ballot
to the voter. (under RA 7166)

Prescription of Election Offenses

 1. Election offenses shall prescribe after 5 years from the date of their
commission
2. If the discovery of the offense is made in an election contest proceeding,
the period of prescription shall commence on the date on which the
judgment in such proceedings becomes final and executory

Jurisdiction of courts
1. RTC has exclusive original jurisdiction to try and decide any criminal
action or proceedings for violation of the Code.
2. MTC/MCTC have jurisdiction over offenses relating to failure to
register or vote.