Rules on Election Protests

48. GAYO VS VERCELES

Facts: Verceles is running for mayor and was subsequently proclaimed as the winner in that election. Her proclamation was
however questioned for the reason that she is a greencard holder and has not complied with the residence requirement.

Issue: Whether or not Verceles violated the residency requirement.

Held: No. Supreme Court held that when Verceles abandoned her “greencard holder” status when she surrendered her alien
registration receipt card before the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the American Embassy in Manila prior to her
filing for certificate of candidacy. Thus, when Verceles filed her certificate of candidacy, she was no longer disqualified to run
as an elective official because of such waiver of permanent resident status in a foreign country.