COMELEC RULES OF PROCEDURE - CHAN ROBLES VIRTUAL LAW LIBRARY

Pursuant to Section 6 of Article IX-A and Section 3 of Article IX-C of the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines and the powers vested in it by existing laws, the Commission on Elections hereby promulgates the following rules governing pleadings, practice and procedure before it or any of its offices:

Sec. 2. Applicability. - These rules, except Part VI, shall apply to all actions and proceedings brought before the Commission. Part VI shall apply to election contests and quo warranto cases cognizable by courts of general jurisdiction.

Sec. 3. Construction. - These rules shall be liberally construed in order to promote the effective and efficient implementation of the objectives of ensuring the holding of free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible elections and to achieve just, expeditious and inexpensive determination and disposition of every action and proceeding brought before the Commission.

Sec. 4. Suspension of the Rules. - In the interest of justice and in order to obtain speedy disposition of all matters pending before the Commission, these rules or any portion thereof may be suspended by the Commission.

Sec. 5. Meaning of Words. - Whenever used in these Rules, the following words or terms shall mean:

PART II POWERS OF THE COMMISSION AND TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS Rule 2 - Powers of the Commission
Section 1. Express Powers. - In the performance of its administrative, quasi-judicial and judicial functions, the Commission shall exercise all such powers and functions as are expressly vested upon it by the Constitution and by law.

Sec. 2. Implied Powers. - The Commission shall likewise exercise such powers as are implied in or are necessary to the effective exercise of its express powers.

Sec. 3. Inherent Powers. - When performing its constitutional or statutory functions, the Commission shall have inherent power to:

Sec. 4. Means to Effect Jurisdiction. - All auxiliary writs, processes and other means necessary to carry into effect its powers or jurisdiction may be employed by the Commission; and if the procedure to be followed in the exercise of such power or jurisdiction is not specifically provided for by law or these rules, any suitable process or proceeding may be adopted.

Sec. 5. Powers and Duties of the Chairman. - The powers and duties of the Chairman of the Commission when discharging his functions in actions or proceedings before the Commission are as follows:

Sec. 6. Powers and Duties of the Presiding Commissioner. - The powers and duties of the Presiding Commissioner of a Division when discharging its functions in cases pending before the Division shall be as follows:

Rule 3 - How the Commission Transacts Business
Section 1. How Business is Transacted. - In the exercise of its Constitutional or statutory powers, functions, and duties, the Commission may sit en banc or in to Divisions.

Sec. 2. The Commission En Banc. - The Commission shall sit en banc in cases hereinafter specifically provided, or in pre-proclamation cases upon a vote of a majority of the members of the Commission, or in all other cases where a division is not authorized to act, or where, upon a unanimous vote of all the Members of a Division, an interlocutory matter or issue relative to an action or proceeding before it is decided to be referred to the Commission en banc.

Sec. 3. The Commission Sitting in Divisions. - The Commission shall sit in two (2) Divisions to hear and decide protests or petitions in ordinary actions, special actions, special cases, provisional remedies, contempt, and special proceedings except in accreditation of citizen's arms of the Commission.

Sec. 4. Composition of a Division. - Each Division shall be composed of three Commissioners, one of whom shall be the Presiding Commissioner. The Commission en banc shall determine who shall compose a Division.

Sec. 5. Quorum; Votes Required. - (a) When sitting en banc, four (4) Members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of transacting business. The concurrence of a majority of the Members of the Commission shall be necessary for the pronouncement of a decision, resolution, order or ruling.

(b) When sitting in Division, two (2) Members of a Division shall constitute a quorum to transact business. The concurrence of at least two (2) Members of a Division shall be necessary to reach a decision, resolution, order or ruling. If this required number is not obtained, the case shall be automatically elevated to the Commission en banc for decision or resolution.

(c) Any motion to reconsider a decision, resolution, order or ruling of a Division shall be resolved by the Commission en banc except motions on interlocutory orders of the division which shall be resolved by the division which issued the order.

Sec. 6. Change in Composition; Substitution. - The composition of a Division may be changed by the Chairman of the Commission whenever necessary, Provided that no change shall be made more than once every three (3) months; Provided Moreover, that notice thereof in writing shall be furnished the parties in cases pending before the Division concerned.

Whenever there is a vacancy in a Division because a member inhibits himself, is absent, or is disqualified from sitting in a case, or when a division has only two (2) regular members, the Chairman may appoint a substitute Commissioner, or the Chairman himself may sit as substitute or third member, and in that event he shall preside.

Sec. 7. Sessions. - The Commission or the Divisions shall hold sessions on such days and time as it may specify at the session hall of the Commission, or at such other places in the Philippines as it may designate.

Sec. 8. Assignment of Cases. - The assignment of cases of the two (2) Divisions herein constituted shall be done strictly through raffle to be conducted regularly by the Chairman of the Commission in the presence of at least a majority of the Commissioner; Provided, That the assignment of cases shall be made as evenly as possible.

Sec. 9. Consolidation of Cases. - When an action or proceeding involves a question of law and fact which is similar to or common with that of another action or proceeding, the same may be consolidated with the action or proceeding bearing the lower docket number.

Rule 4 - Disqualification and Inhibition
Section 1. Disqualification or Inhibition of Members. - (a) No Member shall sit in any case in which he or his spouse or child is related to any party within the sixth civil degree or consanguinity or affinity, or to the counsel of any of the parties within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, or in which he has publicly expressed prejudgment as may be shown by convincing proof, or in which the subject thereof is a decision promulgated by him while previously serving as presiding judge of an inferior court, without the written consent of all the parties, signed by them and entered in the records of the case; Provided, that no Member shall be the "ponente" of an en banc decision/resolution on a motion to reconsider a decision/resolution written by him in a Division.

(b) If it be claimed that a Member is disqualified from sitting as above provided, the party raising the issue may, in writing, file his objection with the Commission, stating the grounds therefor. The member concerned shall either continue to participate in the hearing or withdraw therefrom, in accordance with his determination of the question of his disqualification. His decision thereon shall forthwith be made in writing and filed with the Commission for proper notation and with the records of the case. No appeal or stay shall be allowed from, or by reason of, his decision in favor of his own competency until after final judgment in the case.

(c) A Member may, in the exercise of his sound discretion, inhibit himself from sitting in a case for just or valid reasons other than those mentioned above.

Sec. 2. Disqualification Resulting in Lack of Quorum. - If the disqualification or inhibition of a Member should result in a lack of quorum in the Commission sitting en banc, the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeals, upon request of the Commission, shall designate a Justice of said Court to sit in said case for the purpose of hearing and rendering a decision thereon.

PART III INITIATION OF ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE COMMISSION Rule 5. - Parties to Actions or Proceedings
Section 1. Applicability. - the Rules under Part III shall apply to all actions and proceedings hereinafter provided for.

Sec. 2. Who may be Parties. - Only natural or juridical persons or entities duly authorized by law, such as a voter, a candidate, or registered political parties, organization or coalition of political parties, including parties or organizations under the party-list system, and any such person permitted by these Rules to bring an action or proceeding may be parties in any action or proceeding before the Commission.

Sec. 3. Parties in Interest. - All actions filed with the Commissioner must be prosecuted and defended in the name of the real party in interest.

Sec. 4. Designation of Parties. - A person qualified to be a party under Sec. 2 of this Rule seeking relief shall be referred to as Petitioner or Protestant. Any person who claims interest adverse to the petitioner or protestant or against whom a claim or interest is directed by the petitioner or protestant, shall be referred to as the Respondent or Protestee.

Sec. 5. Class Suit. - When the subject matter of the controversy is one of common or general interest to many persons, and the parties are so numerous that it is impracticable to bring them all before the Commission, one or more may sue or defend for the benefit of all. But in such case, the Commission shall make sure that the parties actually before it are sufficiently numerous and representative so that all interests concerned are fully protected. Any party in interest shall have a right to intervene to protect his individual interest.

Sec. 6. Compulsory Joinder of Indispensable Parties. - Parties in interest without whom no final determination of an action can be had shall be joined either as petitioner or protestant or respondent or protestee.

Rule 6 - Commencement of Action or Proceedings
Sec. 1. Commencement of Action or Proceedings by Parties. - Any natural or juridical person authorized by these rules to initiate any action or proceeding shall file with the Commission a protest or petition alleging therein his personal circumstances as well as those of the protestee or respondent, the jurisdictional facts, and a concise statement of the ultimate facts constituting his cause or causes of action and specifying the relief sought. He may add a general prayer for such further or other relief as may be deemed just or equitable.

Sec. 2. Commencement of Action by the Commission. - In cases where the Commission is authorized to initiate motu proprio an action or proceeding, the Commission shall issue an order for hearing reciting therein the purpose for which the hearing is being called for and a concise statement of facts giving rise thereto. Copies of such order shall be served upon persons or registered political parties, organizations or coalition of political parties known to have an interest in the matter or who may be affected thereby, and published in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines at least ten (10) days before the scheduled date of hearing.

Rule 7 - Pleadings
Section 1. Filing of Pleadings. - Every pleading, motion and other papers must be filed in ten (10) legible copies. However, when there is more than one respondent or protestee, the petitioner or protestant must file additional number of copies of the petition or protest as there are additional respondents or protestees.

Sec. 2. How Filed. - The documents referred to in the immediately preceding section must be filed directly with the proper Clerk of Court of the Commission personally, or, unless otherwise provided in these Rules, by registered mail. In the latter case, the date of mailing is the date of filing and the requirement as to the number of copies must be complied with.

Sec. 3. Form of Pleadings, etc. - (a) All pleadings allowed by these Rules shall be printed, mimeographed or typewritten on legal size bond paper and shall be in English or Filipino.

(b) Protests or petitions in ordinary actions, special actions, special cases, special reliefs, provisional remedies, and special proceedings, as well as counter-protests, counter-petitions, interventions, motions for reconsideration, and appeals from rulings of board of canvassers shall be verified. All answers shall be verified.

(c) A pleading shall be verified only by an affidavit stating that the person verifying the same has read the pleading and that the allegations therein are true of his own knowledge. Verifications based on "information or belief" or upon "knowledge", "information" or "belief" shall be deemed insufficient.

(d) Each pleading shall contain a captain setting forth the name of the Commission, the title of the case, the docket number and the designation of the pleading. When an action or proceeding has been assigned to a Division, the caption shall set forth the name of the Division.

Sec. 4. Docket and Assignment of Numbers. - Upon the Filing of a protest or petition, the Clerk of Court of the Commission concerned shall docket the same and assign to it a docket number. The numbering must be consecutive according to the date it is filed, must bear the year, and prefixed as follows:

Sec. 5. Non-acceptance of Pleading. - No pleading shall be accepted by the Commission unless it conforms to the formal requirement provided herein.
Rule 8 - Intervention
Section 1. When Proper and Who may be Permitted to Intervene. - Any person allowed to initiate an action or proceeding may, before or during the trial of an action or proceeding, be permitted by the Commission, in its discretion, to intervene in such action or proceeding, if he has legal interest in the matter in litigation, or in the success of either of the parties, or an interest against both, or when he is so situated as to be adversely affected by such action or proceeding.

Sec. 2. Motion for Intervention. - A person desiring to intervene shall file a motion for leave of the Commission or the Division with notice upon all the parties to the action.

Sec. 3. Discretion of Commission. - In allowing or disallowing a motion for intervention, the Commission or the Division, in the exercise of its discretion, shall consider whether or not the intervention will unduly delay or prejudice and adjudication of the rights of the original parties and whether or not the intervenor's rights may be fully protected in a separate action or proceeding.

Sec. 4. Protest/Petition or Answer in Intervention. - The intervention shall be made by protest or petition filed and served in due form, and may be answered as if it were an original protest or petition; but where intervenor unites with the protestee or respondent in resisting the claims of protestant or petitioner, the intervention may be made in the form of an answer to the protest or petition.

Rule 9 - Amended and Supplemental Pleadings
Section 1. When Amendments Allowed as a Matter of Right. - A party may amend his pleadings once as a matter of course at any time before a responsive pleading is served, or, if the pleading is one to which no responsive pleading is permitted and the action has not been placed upon the trial calendar, he may so amend it at any time within five days after it is served.

Sec. 2. Amendments Only by Leave. - After the case is set for hearing, substantial amendments may be made only upon leave of the Commission or the Division, as the case may be. Such leave may be refused if it appears to the Commission or the Division that the motion was made with intent to delay the action or that the cause of action or defense is substantially altered. Orders of the Commission or the Division upon the matters provided in this section shall be made upon motion duly filed, and after the adverse the party has been notified and afforded an opportunity to be heard.

Sec. 3. Matters Subject of Supplemental Pleadings. - Upon motion of a party the Commission or a Division, as the case may be, may, upon notice and upon such terms as are just, permit him to serve a supplemental pleading setting forth transactions, occurrences or events which have happened since the date of the pleading sought to be supplemented. If the Commission or the Division deems it advisable that the adverse party should plead thereto, it shall so order, specifying the time therefor.

Rule 10 - Periods for Pleading
Section 1. Title to Answer. - Unless otherwise provided in these Rules, (a) In ordinary actions, special reliefs, and special proceedings, the answer must be filed within five (5) days from service of summons and a copy of the petition; and

(b) In special actions and special cases, the answer must be filed within three (3) days from service of summon and a copy of the petition.

Sec. 2. Answer to Amended Protest or Petition. - If the protest or petition is amended, the time fixed for the filing and service of the answer shall, unless otherwise ordered, run from receipt of the notice of the order admitting the amended protest or petition or from service of such amended protest or petition. An answer filed before the amendment shall stand as an answer to the amended protest or petition, unless a new one is filed within five (5) days from notice or service as herein provided.

Sec. 3. Answer to Counter-Protest or Counterclaim. - A counter-protest, or a counterclaim when appropriate, must be filed within five (5) days from the date of service thereof upon the protestant or petitioner.

Sec. 4. Period of Intervene and Time to Answer Intervention. - Whenever intervention is allowed the same must be filed within five (5) days from receipt of the order permitting the intervention, unless a different period is fixed by the Commission or Division.

Sec. 5. Reply. - Unless otherwise provided in these Rules, a reply may be filed within five (5) days from receipt of the answer.

Sec. 6. Extension of Time to Plead. - Unless otherwise provided in these Rules, the time to plead may be extended by the Commission upon motion and on such terms as it may deem just.

Sec. 2. Motions Must be in Writing. - All motions shall be in writing, except motions for continuance made in the presence of the adverse party, or those made in the course of a hearing or trial.

Sec. 3. Contents of Motions. - A motion shall state the order sought to be obtained and the grounds upon which it is based.

Sec. 4. Notice. - Notice of a motion shall be served by the movant to all parties concerned, at least three (3) days before the hearing thereof, together with a copy of the motion. For good cause shown, the motion may be heard on shorter notice, especially on matters which the Commission or the Division may dispose of on its own motion.

The notice shall be directed to the parties concerned and shall state the time and place of the hearing of the motion.

Sec. 5. Proof of Service. - No motion shall be acted upon by the Commission without proof of service of notice thereof, except when the Commission or a Division is satisfied that the rights of the adverse party or parties are not affected.

Sec. 6. No oral Arguments for Motions. - No oral argument shall be heard in support of motions unless, for special reasons, the Commission or a Division directs otherwise.

Sec. 7. Motion Day. - The first hours of the session of the Commission en banc or of the division shall be devoted to hearings of motions.

Sec. 8. Omnibus Motion. - A motion assailing a pleading or a proceeding shall include all objections then available, and all objections not so included shall be deemed waived.

Rule 12 - Service and Filing of Pleadings and Other Papers
Section 1. Filing with the Commission. - The Filing of pleadings, appearances, motions, notices, and other papers with the Commission as required by these rules shall be made by filing them personally or through a duly authorized representative with the appropriate Clerk of Court of the Commission, or by registered mail except in a special action to declare a candidate as a nuisance candidate. If filed personally or by a duly authorized representative, the Clerk of Court shall stamp on the pleading the date and hour of filing. It filed by registered mail, the date of the mailing of motions, pleadings, or other papers or payments or deposits, as shown by the post office stamp on the envelope or the registry receipt, shall be considered as the date of their filing, payment or deposit with the Commission. The envelope shall be attached to the records of the case.

Sec. 2. Papers to be Filed and Served. - Orders required to be served, pleadings subsequent to a petition or protest, written motions other than those which may be heard ex-parte, and written notices, appearances, demand or offer of judgment or similar papers shall be filed with the Commission and served upon the parties affected thereby. If any of the parties has appeared by an attorney or attorneys, service shall be made upon his attorney or upon any of his attorneys, unless service upon the party himself is ordered by the Commission or Division. Where one attorney appears for several parties, he shall be entitled to only one copy of any paper served upon him by the opposite side.

Sec. 3. Mode, Completion and Proof of Service. - Service of pleadings, motions, notices, orders or judgment and other papers, the completeness thereof, and proof of such service shall be made in the manner prescribed by the Rules of Court of the Philippines.

PART IV DISPOSITION OF ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS Rule 14 - Summons
Section 1. Clerk to Issue Summons. - Unless otherwise provided herein, the Clerk of Court of the Commission or the division concerned shall issue the corresponding summons to the protestee or respondent within three (3) days following the filing of a protest or petition in ordinary actions except appeals from decisions of courts in election protest cases, in special actions, special cases, special reliefs, and in special proceedings.

Sec. 2. Contents. - Summons shall be directed to the protestee or respondent, signed by the Clerk of Court of the Commission or the division concerned under the seal of the Commission, and shall contain (a) the name of the Commission or its Division and the names of the parties; (b) a direction that the protestee or respondent shall answer within the time fixed by these Rules.

A copy of the protest or petition shall be attached to the original and to each copy of the summons.

Sec. 3. Issuance of Other Summons. - If a summons is returned without being served on any of the protestees or respondents, or if it has been lost, the Clerk of Court concerned, on demand of the protestant or petitioner, may issue another summons as the case may require, in the same form as the original.

Sec. 4. By Whom Summons May be Served. - The summons may be served by personal service or by mail. Personal service may be made by a bailiff of the Commission or the division or upon request of the Commission or a Division, by the sheriff of any court in the place where the parties to be served reside; or for special reasons, by any person especially authorized by the Commission or a Division.

Sec. 5. Return. - When the service has been completed by personal service, the server shall give notice thereof, by registered mail, to the protestant or petitioner or his counsel and shall return the summons to the Clerk of Court concerned who issued it, accompanied with the proof of service.

Sec. 6. Proof of Service. - Proof of service of summons shall be made in the manner provided for in the Rules of Court in the Philippines.

Rule 15 - Pre-Trial
Section 1. Purpose of Pre-Trial. - At the discretion of the Commission or the Division, the parties and their attorneys may be required to appear before it for a pre-trial conference to consider:

This rule shall not apply to election protest cases filed before the Commission on Elections. In such cases, the parties shall submit, to form part of the record of the case, a position paper which summarizes their legal positions.
Rule 16 - Subpoena
Section 1. Subpoena Ad Testificandum or Subpoena Duces Tecum. - Subpoena ad testificandum or subpoena duces tecum may be issued by the Commission or the Division motu propio, or upon request of the parties in any case.

Sec. 2. By Whom Issued. - The subpoena shall be heard by the Chairman of the Commission in cases heard en banc, or by the Presiding Commissioner of the Division concerned.

Sec. 3. Form and Contents. - A subpoena shall be signed by the Clerk of Court concerned. It shall state the name of the Commission or the Division issuing it and the title of the action; it shall be directed to the person whose attendance is required, and in the case of a subpoena duces tecum, it shall also contain a reasonable description of the books, documents or things demanded which may appear prima facie relevant.

Sec. 4. Authority of Officials of the Commission to Issue Subpoena. - Officials of the Commission authorized under these Rules to hear cases and receive evidence or conduct preliminary investigation shall have the authority to issue subpoena in connection with such cases.

Rule 17 - Hearings
Section 1. Notice of Hearing. - After the issues have been joined, the case shall be set for hearing and the parties, thru counsel, shall be served, personally or by registered mail, giving sufficient time for the notice thereof to be received by the parties not less than three (3) days before the date set. Whenever necessary, telegraphic notices shall be sent simultaneously with the formal notice of hearing.

Sec. 2. Order of Hearing. - Unless the Commission or the Division, as the case may be, for special reasons, directs otherwise, the order of hearing shall be as follows:

Sec. 3. Oral Testimony Dispensed with Where Proceedings are Summary. - When the proceedings are authorized to be summary, in lieu of oral testimonies, the parties may, after due notice, be required to submit their position paper together with affidavits, counter-affidavits and other documentary evidence; and when there is a need for clarification of certain matters, at the discretion of the Commission or the Division, the parties may be allowed to cross-examine the affiants.

This provision shall likewise apply to cases where the hearing and reception of evidence are delegated by the Commission or the Division to any of its officials; and when there is a need for clarification of certain matters, the hearing officer may schedule a hearing to propound clarificatory questions, observing for that purpose Section 6 of Rule 34 of these Rules.

Sec. 4. Period to Terminate Hearing When Delegated. - The hearing and reception of evidence, when delegated by the Commission or a Division to any of its officials, shall be completed within three (3) days. The official concerned shall submit his findings, report and recommendation to the Commission or the Division within three (3) days from such completion.

Sec. 5. Agreement on Facts. - The parties to any action may agree in writing on the facts involved in the case.

Rule 18 - Decisions
Section 1. Procedure in Making Decisions. - The conclusions of the Commission in any case submitted to it for decision en banc or in Division shall be reached in consultation before the case is assigned by raffle to a Member for the writing of the opinion of the Commission or the Division and a certification to this effect signed by the Chairman or the Presiding Commissioner, as the case may be, shall be incorporated in the decision. Any Member who took no part, or dissented, or abstained from a decision or resolution must state the reason therefor.

Every decision shall express therein clearly and distinctly the facts and the law on which it is based.

Sec. 2. Minute Resolution. - No minute resolution resolving a case shall be rendered if evidence has been adduced and received.

Sec. 3. When Extended Opinion Reserved. - When in a given resolution or decision the writing of an extended opinion is reserved, the extended opinion shall be released within fifteen (15) days after the promulgation of the resolution.

Sec. 4. Period to Appeal or File Motion for Reconsideration When Extended Opinion is Reserved. - If an extended opinion is reserved in a decision or resolution, the period to file a petition for certiorari with the Supreme Court or to file a motion for reconsideration shall begin to run only from the date the aggrieved party received a copy of the extended opinion.

Sec. 5. Promulgation. - The promulgation of a decision or resolution of the Commission or a Division shall be made on a date previously fixed, of which notice shall be served in advance upon the parties or their attorneys personally or by registered mail or by telegram.

Sec. 6. Procedure if Opinion is Equally Divided. - When the Commission en banc is equally divided in opinion, or the necessary majority cannot be had, the case shall be reheard, and if on rehearing no decision is reached, the action or proceeding shall be dismissed if originally commenced in the Commission; in appealed cases, the judgment or order appealed from shall stand affirmed; and in all incidental matters, the petition or motion shall be denied.

Sec. 7. Period to Decide by the Commission En Banc. - Any case or matter submitted to or heard by the Commission en banc shall be decided within thirty (30) days from the date it is seemed submitted for decision or resolution, except a motion for reconsideration of a decision or resolution of a Division in Special Actions and Special Cases which shall be decided within fifteen (15) days from the date the case or matter is deemed submitted for decision, unless otherwise provided by law.

Sec. 8. Period to Decide by a Division. - Any case or matter heard by a Division shall be decided within ten (10) days from the date it is deemed submitted for decision or resolution, except in Special Actions and Special Cases which shall be decided or resolved within five (5) days from the date they are deemed submitted for decision or resolution, unless otherwise provided by law

Sec. 9. When Deemed Submitted for Decision. - (a) A case or matter is deemed submitted for decision or resolution upon the filing of the last pleading, brief or memorandum as required in these Rules or by the Commission en banc or by a Division.

(b) However, if the hearing and reception of evidence are delegated to any of its officials, the case or matter shall be deemed submitted for decision as of the date of the receipt of the findings, report and recommendation of the official so delegated.

Sec. 10. Duty to Certify to the President. - In election protests and quo warranto cases, if the decision shall be that none of the parties has been legally elected, the Commission shall certify such decision to the President of the Philippines.

Sec. 11. Duty to Notify Other Agencies of the Government. - (a) As soon as a decision in an election protest within the original jurisdiction of the Commission or in a quo warranto case becomes final and executory, notices thereof shall be sent to the President, the Secretary of Local Government, the Chairman of the Commission on Audit, and the Secretary of the Sangguniang Pampook in the case of regional officials, the Secretary of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in the case of provincial officials, and the Secretary of the Sangguniang Panglungsod in the case of city officials.

(b) As soon as a decision or resolution in an appealed election case becomes final and executory, notices thereof shall be sent to the President, the Secretary of Local Government, the Chairman of the Commission on Audit, and the Secretary of the Sangguniang Bayan in the case of municipal officials and the Secretary of the Sangguniang Barangay in the case of barangay officials.

Sec. 12. Dissemination of Decision in a Petition to Deny Due Course to or Cancel a Certificate of Candidacy or to Declare a Candidate as a Nuisance Candidate. - The Commission shall, within twenty-four (24) hours from the promulgation of a decision in petitions to deny due course to or cancel a certificate of candidacy, declare a candidate a nuisance candidate or disqualify a candidate, disseminate its decision, or the decision of the Supreme Court if the Commission's decision is brought by the aggrieved party to said Court, to the election registrars concerned, boards of election inspectors, and the general public in the political subdivision concerned through the fastest means available.

Sec. 13. Finality of Decisions or Resolutions. - (a) In ordinary actions, special proceedings, provisional remedies and special reliefs a decision or resolution of the Commission en banc shall become final and executory after thirty (30) days from its promulgation.

(b) In Special Actions and Special Cases a decision or resolutions of the Commission en banc shall become final and executory after five (5) days from its promulgation unless restrained by the Supreme Court.

(c) Unless a motion for reconsideration is seasonably filed, a decision or resolution of a Division shall become final and executory after the lapse of five (5) days in Special actions and Special cases and after fifteen (15) days in all other actions or proceedings, following its promulgation.

Rule 19 - Motions for Reconsideration
Section 1. Grounds of Motion for Reconsideration. - A motion for reconsideration may be filed on the grounds that the evidence is insufficient to justify the decision, order or ruling; or that the said decision, order or ruling is contrary to law.

Sec. 2. Period for Filing Motions for Reconsideration. - A motion to reconsider a decision, resolution, order, or ruling of a Division shall be filed within five (5) days from the promulgation thereof. Such motion, if not proforma, suspends the execution or implementation of the decision, resolution, order or ruling.

Sec. 3. Form and Contents of Motion for Reconsideration. - The motion shall be verified and shall point out specifically the findings or conclusions of the decision, resolution, order or ruling which are not supported by the evidence or which are contrary to law, making express reference to the testimonial or documentary evidence or the provisions of law alleged to be contrary to such findings or conclusions.

Sec. 4. Effect of Motion for Reconsideration on Period to Appeal. - A motion to reconsider a decision, resolution, order or ruling when not pro-forma, suspends the running of the period to elevate the matter to the Supreme Court.

Sec. 5. How Motion for Reconsideration Disposed Of. - Upon the filing of a motion to reconsider a decision, resolution, order or ruling of a Division, the Clerk of Court concerned shall, within twenty-four (24) hours from the filing thereof, notify the Presiding Commissioner. The latter shall within two (2) days thereafter certify the case to the Commission en banc.

Sec. 6. Duty of Clerk of Court of Commission to Calendar Motion for Resolution. - The Clerk of Court concerned shall calendar the motion for reconsideration for the resolution of the Commission en banc within ten (10) days from the certification thereof.

PART V PARTICULAR ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS A. ORDINARY ACTIONS Rule 20 - Election Protests
Section 1. Filing of Election Protest. - A verified petition contesting the election of any regional, provincial or city official shall be filed by any candidate who duly filed a certificate of candidacy and has been voted for the same office, within ten (10) days after the proclamation of the results of the election.

Each contest shall refer exclusively to one office, but contests for offices of the Sangguniang Pampook, Sangguniang Panlalawigan or Sangguniang Panglungsod may be consolidated in a single case.

Sec. 2. Contents of Answer. - The answer must specify the nature of the defense and may set forth special and affirmative defenses.

Sec. 3. Counter-Protest or Counterclaim. - The protestee may incorporate in his answer a counter-protest or a counterclaim.

Sec. 4. General Denial. - If no answer is filed to the protest or counter-protest, a general denial shall be deemed to have been entered.

Sec. 6. Revision of Ballots. - When the allegations in a protest or counter-protest so warrant, or whenever in the opinion of the Commission or Division the interest of justice so demands, it shall immediately order the ballot boxes containing ballots and their keys, list of voters with voting records, book of voters, and other documents used in the election to be brought before the Commission, and shall order the revision of the ballots.

Sec. 7. Composition and Compensation of Revision Committee. - For the above purpose, the Commission may constitute a committee on the revision of ballots which shall be composed of the following with the corresponding compensation per ballot box contested:

Sec. 8. Revision Expenses. - The compensation of the members and staff shall be deducted from the cash deposit of the protestant or the protestee as the case may be, and other incidental expenses such as supplies and transportation in the supplies and transportation in the gathering of the protested ballot boxes.

Sec. 9. Venue of the Revision. - The revision of ballots shall be made in the Office of the Clerk of Court concerned or at such places as the Commission or Division shall designate and shall be completed within three (3) months from the date of the order; unless otherwise directed by the Commission.

Sec. 10. Custody of Election Records and Paraphernalia. - The ballot boxes containing ballots and their keys, the list of voters with the voting records, book of voters, and other documents used in the election, shall be kept and held secure in a place to be designated by the Commission, in the care and custody of the ballot box custodian of the Electoral Contests Adjudication Department and under the authority of the Chairman.

Sec. 11. Report of Committee on Revision. - The committee on revision of ballots shall make a statement of the condition in which the ballot boxes and their contents were found upon the opening of the same, and shall classify the ballots so examined and set forth clearly any objection that may have been offered to each ballot in the report to be submitted by them. Disputed ballots shall be numbered consecutively for purposes of identification in the presence and under the direction of the committee chairman. After examination, the ballots and other election documents shall be returned to their respective boxes under lock but disputed ballots shall be placed in a separate envelope duly sealed and signed by the members of the committee and then returned to the box. For purposes of making said report, which shall be submitted in twelve (12) legible copies, only the prescribed form prepared by the Commission shall be used.

Sec. 12. Prohibited Access. - During the revision of ballots, no person other than the Members of the Commission, members of the committee on revision of ballots, the Clerk of Court concerned or the latter's authorized representatives and the parties, their attorney or their duly authorized representatives shall have access to the place where said revision is taking place.

Sec. 13. Book of Voters as Evidence. - In election contests, the book of voters shall be conclusive in regard to the question as to who has the right to vote in said election.

Rule 21 - Quo warranto
Sec. 1. Petition for Quo Warranto. - Any voter contesting the election of any regional, provincial or city official on the ground of ineligibility or of disloyalty to the Republic of the Philippines may file a petition for quo warranto with the Electoral Contests Adjudication Department.

Sec. 2. Period Within Which to File. - A petition for quo warranto may be filed within ten (10) days from the date the respondent is proclaimed.

Rule 22 - Appeals from Decisions of Courts in Election Protest Cases
Section 1. Caption and Title of Appealed Cases. - In all election contests involving the elections, returns, and qualifications of municipal or barangay officials, the party interposing the appeal shall be called the "Appellant" and the adverse party the "Appellee", but the title of the case shall remain as it was in the court of origin.

Sec. 2. Attorneys. - The attorneys of the parties in the courts shall be considered as their respective attorneys in the Commission, unless otherwise manifested.

Sec. 3. Notice of Appeal. - Within five (5) days after promulgation of the decision of the court, the aggrieved party may file with said court a notice of appeal, and serve a copy thereof upon the attorney of record of the adverse party.

Sec. 4. Immediate Transmittal of Records of the Case. - The Clerk of the court concerned shall, within fifteen (15) days from the filing of the notice of appeal, transmit to the Electoral Contests Adjudication Department the complete records of the case, together with all the evidence, including the original and three (3) copies of the transcript of stenographic notes of the proceedings.

Sec. 5. Filing of Briefs. - The Clerk of Court concerned, upon receipt of the complete records of the case, shall notify the appellant or his counsel to file with the Electoral Contests Adjudication Department within thirty (30) days from receipt of such notice, ten (10) legible copies of his brief with proof of service thereof upon the appellee.

Within thirty (30) days from receipt of the brief of the appellant, the appellee shall file ten (10) legible copies of his brief with proof of service thereof upon the appellant.

Sec. 6. Contents of Brief. - The brief shall have the same contents as those provided under Sections 16 and 17, Rule 46 of the Rules of Court. A copy of the decision appealed from shall be attached as an appendix to the appellant's brief.

Sec. 7. Reply Brief. - The appellant may file a reply brief within twenty (20) days from receipt of appellee's brief.

Sec. 8. When Case May Be Set for Oral Argument. - Upon the filing of appellant's reply brief, or after the expiration of the time for its filing, the case shall be deemed submitted for decision, unless within fifteen (15) days therefrom, any party asks, and for special reason, is thereafter granted permission for oral argument, or unless the Commission motu proprio requires it. Oral arguments shall be confined to such points as the Commission may specify in an order setting the date therefor. The Commission may admit memoranda in lieu of oral argument.

Sec. 9. Grounds for Dismissal of Appeal. - The appeal may be dismissed upon motion of either party or at the instance of the Commission on any of the following grounds:

Sec. 10. Withdrawal of Appeal. - An appeal may be withdrawn as a matter of right at any time before the filing of appellee's brief. After the filing of the appellee's brief, the withdrawal may be allowed at the discretion of the Commission.
B. SPECIAL ACTIONS Rule 23 - Petition to Deny Due Course to or Cancel Certificates of Candidacy
Section 1. Grounds for Denial of Certificate of Candidacy. - A petition to deny due course to or cancel a certificate of candidacy for any elective office may be filed with the Law Department of the Commission by any citizen of voting age or a duly registered political party, organization, or coalition or political parties on the exclusive ground that any material representation contained therein as required by law is false.

Sec. 2. Period to File Petition. - The petition must be filed within five (5) days following the last day for the filing of certificate of candidacy.

Sec. 3. Summary Proceeding. - The petition shall be heard summarily after due notice.

Sec. 4. Delegation of Reception of Evidence. - The Commission may designate any of its officials who are members of the Philippine Bar to hear the case and to receive evidence.

Rule 24 - Proceedings Against Nuisance Candidates
Section 1. Grounds. - Any candidate for any elective office who filed his certificate of candidacy to put the election process in mockery or disrepute or to cause confusion among the voters by the similarity of the names of the registered candidates or who by other acts or circumstances is clearly demonstrated to have no bona fide intention to run for the office for which the certificate of candidacy has been filed, thus preventing a faithful determination of the true will of the electorate, may be declared a nuisance candidate and his certificate of candidacy may be denied due course or may be cancelled.

Sec. 2. Who May File Petition to Declare a Candidate as Nuisance Candidate. - Any registered candidate for the same elective office may file with the Law Department of the Commission a petition to declare a candidate as a nuisance candidate.

The Commission may, at any time before the election, motu proprio refuse to give due course to or cancel a Certificate of Candidacy of any candidate on any of the grounds enumerated under Section 1 of this Rule or when the substitute Certificate of Candidacy is not a proper case of substitution under Section 77 of the Omnibus Election Code.

Sec. 3. Period to File the Petition. - The petition shall be filed personally or through an authorized representative, within five (5) days from the last day for the filing of certificates of candidacy.

Sec. 4. Summary Proceeding. - The petition shall be heard summarily after due notice.

Sec. 5. Delegation of Reception of Evidence. - The hearing and reception of evidence may be delegated in like manner as provided in Sec. 4 of the preceding Rule.

Rule 25 - Disqualification of Candidates
Section 1. Grounds for Disqualification. - Any candidate who does not possess all the qualifications of a candidate as provided for by the Constitution or by existing law or who commits any act declared by law to be grounds for disqualification may be disqualified from continuing as a candidate.

Sec. 2. Who May File Petition for Disqualification. - Any citizen of voting age, or duly registered political party, organization or coalition of political parties may file with the Law Department of the Commission a petition to disqualify a candidate on grounds provided by law.

Sec. 3. Period to File Petition. - The petition shall be filed any day after the last day for filing of certificates of candidacy but not later than the date of proclamation.

Sec. 4. Summary Proceeding. - The petition shall be heard summarily after due notice.

Sec. 5. Effect of Petition if Unresolved Before Completion of Canvass. - If the petition, for reasons beyond the control of the Commission, cannot be decided before the completion of the canvass, the votes cast for the respondent may be included in the counting and in the canvassing; however, if the evidence of guilt is strong, his proclamation shall be suspended notwithstanding the fact that he received the winning number of votes in such election.

Rule 26 - Postponement or Suspension of Elections
Section 1. Postponement of Election. - When for any serious cause such as violence, terrorism, loss or destruction of election paraphernalia or records, force majeure, and other analogous causes of such nature that the holding of a free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible election should become impossible in any political subdivision, the Commission, motu proprio, or upon a verified petition by any interested party, and after due notice and hearing whereby all interested parties are afforded equal opportunity to be heard, may postpone the election therein to a date which should be reasonably close to the date of the election not held, suspended, or which resulted in a failure of election, but not later than thirty (30) days after the cessation of the cause of such postponement or suspension of the election or failure to elect.

Sec. 2. Failure of Election. - If, on account of force majeure, violence, terrorism, fraud or other analogous causes the election in any precinct has not been held on the date fixed, or had been suspended before the hour fixed by law for the closing of the voting, or after the voting and during the preparation and the transmission of the election returns or in the custody of canvass thereof, such election results in a failure to elect, and in any of such cases the failure or suspension of election would affect the result of the election, the Commission shall, on the basis of a verified petition by any interested party and after due notice and hearing, call for the holding or continuation of the election not held, suspended or which resulted in a failure to elect on a date reasonably close to the date of the election not held, suspended or which resulted in a failure to elect but not later than thirty (30) days after the cessation of the cause of such postponement or suspension of the election or failure to elect.

Sec. 3. Motu Proprio Postponement. - When the Commission acts motu proprio, notices of hearing must be sent to all interested parties by the fastest means available.

Sec. 4. When Based Upon a Verified Petition. - Unless a shorter period is deemed necessary by circumstances, within twenty-four (24) hours from the filing of the petition, the Clerk of Court concerned shall forthwith serve notices to all interested parties, indicating therein the date of hearing, through the fastest means available.

Sec. 5. Time to File Opposition. - Unless a shorter period is deemed necessary by the circumstances, within two (2) days from receipt of the notice of hearing, any interested party may file an opposition with the Law Department of the Commission.

Sec. 6. Summary Proceeding. - The hearing of the case shall be summary in nature.

Sec. 7. Delegation of Reception of Evidence. - The Commission may designate any of its officials who are members of the Philippine Bar to hear the case and to receive evidence.

Sec. 8. Determination of Cessation of Cause. - The determination of the cessation of the cause of the postponement or suspension of election or failure of election falls within the exclusive prerogative of the Commission.

C. IN SPECIAL CASES Rule 27 - Pre-Proclamation Controversies
Section 1. Jurisdiction of the Commission in Pre-Proclamation Controversies. - The Commission has exclusive jurisdiction in pre-proclamation controversies arising from national, regional or local election.

A pre-proclamation controversy may be raised by any candidate or by any registered political party, organization, or coalition of political parties before the board of canvassers or directly with the Commission.

Sec. 2. Pre-Proclamation Controversies: How Commenced. - Questions affecting the composition or proceedings of the Board of Canvassers or correction of manifest errors may be initiated in the Board or directly with the Commission. However, matters 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, and the Certificate of Canvass shall be brought in the first instance before the board of canvassers concerned only.

Sec. 3. Summary Hearing and Disposition of Pre-Proclamation Controversies. - All pre-proclamation controversies shall be heard summarily after due notice provided that pre-proclamation controversies on election returns or certificates of canvass shall, on the basis of the records and evidence elevated to it by the board of canvassers, be disposed of summarily by the Commission en banc within seven (7) days from receipt thereof, provided further, that said decision shall be executory after the lapse of seven (7) days from receipt thereof by the boards of canvassers concerned except petitions filed Under Sec. 5 hereof which shall be immediately executory upon receipt by the boards of canvassers concerned.

Sec. 4. Issues that May Be Raised in the Pre-Proclamation Controversies. - The following are the proper issues that may be raised in a pre-proclamation controversy:

Sec. 5. Pre-proclamation Controversies Which May Be Filed Directly With the Commission. - (a) The following pre-proclamation controversies may be filed directly with the Commission:

(b) If the petition involves the illegal composition or proceedings of the board under subparagraph (1) of paragraph (a) above, it must be filed immediately when the board begins to act as such, or at the time of the appointment of the member whose capacity to sit as such is objected to if it comes after the canvassing of the board, or immediately at the point where the proceedings are or begin to be illegal.

If the petition is for correction, it must be filed not later than five (5) days following the date of proclamation and most implead all candidates who may be adversely affected thereby.

(c) Upon the docketing of such petition, the Clerk of Court concerned shall forthwith issue summons, with a copy of the petition, to the respondents.

(d) The Clerk of Court concerned shall immediately set the petition for hearing.

(f) When the petition involves the composition or proceedings of the board, the board of canvassers shall not commence, proceed or resume the canvass unless otherwise ordered by the Commission.

Sec. 6. Rights of Political Parties and Candidates Before the Board of Canvassers in Pre-Proclamation Cases. - (a) Any registered political party, organization, or coalition of political parties, through their representatives, and any candidate, has the right to be present and to counsel during the canvass of election returns, or certificates of canvass in appropriate cases.

Only one counsel may argue for each registered political party, organization, or coalition of political parties, or candidate. Counsel shall have the right to examine the election returns or certificates of canvass being canvassed without touching them, make their observations thereon, and file their challenges and objections thereto.

No dilatory action shall be allowed by the board of canvassers which may impose time limits for oral argument.

(b) Any registered political party, organization, or coalition of political parties, through their representatives and any candidate is entitled to obtain a copy of the Statement of Votes per precinct and a copy of the certificate of canvass duly signed by all the members of the board of canvassers.

Sec. 7. Correction of Errors in Tabulation or Tallying of Results by the Board of Canvassers. - (a) Where it is clearly shown before proclamation that manifest errors were committed in the tabulation or tallying of election returns, or certificates of canvass, during the canvassing as where (1) a copy of the election returns of one precinct or two or more copies of a certificate of canvass were tabulated more than once, (2) two copies of the election returns or certificate of canvass were tabulated separately, (3) there was a mistake in the adding or copying of the figures into the certificate of canvass or into the statement of votes by precinct, or (4) so-called election returns from non-existent precincts were included in the canvass, the board may motu proprio, or upon verified petition by any candidate, political party, organization or coalition or political parties, after due notice and hearing, correct the errors committed.

(b) The order for correction must be made in writing and must be promulgated.

(c) Any candidate, political party, organization or coalition of political parties aggrieved by said order may appeal therefrom to the Commission within twenty-four (24) hours from the promulgation.

(d) Once an appeal is made, the board of canvassers shall not proclaim the winning candidates, unless their votes are not affected by the appeal.

(e) The appeal must implead as respondents the Board of Canvassers concerned and all parties who may be adversely affected thereby.

(f) Upon receipt of the appeal, the Clerk of Court concerned shall forthwith issue summons, together with a copy of the appeal, to the respondents.

(g) The Clerk of Court concerned shall immediately set the appeal for hearing.

Sec. 8. Procedure Before the Board of Canvassers When Composition or Proceedings of Board are Contested. - (a) When the composition or proceeding of the board of canvassers, are contested the board of canvassers shall, within twenty-four (24) hours, make a ruling thereon with notice to the contestant who, if adversely affected, may appeal the matter to the Commission within three (3) days after the ruling with proper notice to the board of canvassers. The Commission en banc shall summarily decide the case within five (5) days from the filing thereof.

(b) Upon receipt of such appeal, the Clerk of Court concerned shall immediately set the case for hearing, with due notice to the parties, by the Commission en banc.

(c) During the pendency of the appeal, the board of canvassers shall immediately suspend the canvass until the Commission orders the continuation or resumption thereof.

Sec. 9. Procedure Before Board of Canvassers When Inclusion or Exclusion of Election Returns are Contested. - (a) Any candidate, registered political party, organization or coalition or political parties contesting the inclusion or exclusion in the canvass of any election returns on any of the grounds provided in Section 3 of this Rule or by law, shall present or submit their oral objection to the Chairman of the Board of Canvassers, stating the grounds therefor, at the time the contested returns is opened or presented for inclusion or exclusion.

(b) The objections must be faithfully recorded, noted and entered in the minutes of the canvassing indicating therein the date and hour the objection was made.

(c) The board shall automatically defer the canvass of the contested returns, after recording separately the results therein, and shall proceed to canvass the other returns which are not contested.

(d) Simultaneously with the oral objection, the objecting party shall also enter his objection in the form for written objections to be prescribed by the Commission. Within twenty-four (24) hours from and after the presentation of such an objection, the objecting party shall submit the evidence in support of the objections, which shall be attached to the form for written objections. With the same period of twenty-four hours after presentation of the objection, any party may file a written and verified opposition to the objection in the form also to be prescribed by the Commission, attaching thereto supporting evidence, if any. The Board shall not entertain any objection or opposition unless reduced to writing in the prescribed forms.

The evidence attached to the objection or opposition, submitted by the parties, shall be immediately and formally admitted into the records of the Board by the Chairman of the board of canvassers affixing his signature at the back of each and every page thereof.

(e) Upon receipt of the evidence, the Board shall take up the contested returns, consider the written objections thereto and opposition, if any, and summarily and immediately rule thereon. The Board shall enter its ruling on the prescribed form and authenticate the same by the signature of its members.

(f) Any party adversely affected by the ruling of the Board shall immediately inform the Board if he intends to appeal said ruling. The Board shall enter said information in the Minutes of Canvass, set aside the returns and proceed to consider the other returns.

(g) After all the uncontested returns have been canvassed and the contested returns ruled upon by it, the Board shall suspend the canvass. Within forty-eight (48) hours therefrom, any party adversely affected by the ruling may file with the Board a written and verified Notice to Appeal; and within an inextendible period of five (5) days thereafter, an appeal may be taken to the Commission.

Immediately upon receipt of the Notice of Appeal, the Board shall make an appropriate report to the Commission, elevating therewith the complete records and evidence submitted in the canvass, furnishing the parties with the copies of the report.

(h) On the basis of the records and evidence elevated to it by the Board, the Commission en banc shall decide summarily the appeal within seven (7) days from the receipt of said records and evidence. Any appeal brought before the Commission on the ruling of the Board, without the accomplished forms and the evidence appended thereto, shall be summarily dismissed.

The decision of the Commission en banc shall be executory after the lapse of seven (7) days from receipt thereof by the boards of canvassers concerned.

(i) The board of canvassers shall not proclaim any candidate as winner unless authorized by the Commission in writing after the later shall have ruled on the objections brought to it on appeal by the aggrieved party. Any proclamation in violation hereof shall be void ab initio, unless the contested returns will not adversely affect the uncontested results of the elections.