ChanRobles Virtual law Library

  This web page contains the full text ofCOMELEC Resolution No. 3632IN THE MATTER OF THE MEMORANDUM OF THE LAW DEPARTMENT RELATIVE TO THE CERTIFICATES OF CANDIDACY FOR THE POSITION OF SENATOR IN CONNECTION WITH THE MAY 14, 2001 ELECTIONS.

This pertains to the Memorandum of the Law Department dated 27 February 2001, relative to the sixty seven (67) Certificates of Candidacy for the position of Senator which were filed before the Law Department.

The Memorandum reads:chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary

"Submitted for due consideration are sixty seven (67) Certificates of Candidacy for Senator which were filed before the Law Department.

"A careful examination of said Certificates of Candidacy reveals that the following candidates were nominated by duly registered political parties with the Commission, to wit:chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary

I. LABAN NG DEMOKRATIKONG PILIPINO (LDP)

1.  Angara, Edgardo J.
2.  Ejercito Estrada, Luisa P.
3.  Enrile, Juan Ponce
4.  Lacson, Panfilo M.
5.  Madrigal, Maria Ana Consuelo A.S.
6.  Puno, Ricardo Jr. V.
7.  Tamano, Ombra A.

1.  Defensor Santiago, Miriam P.

1.  Flavier, Juan M.
2.  Herrera, Ernesto F.
3.  Pagdanganan, Roberto M.
4.  Recto, Ralph G.

1.  Osmeña, Sergio III R.

1.  Pangilinan, Francis N.
2.  Tañada, Wigberto E.

1.  Casil, Juan M.
2.  Chavez, Melchor G.
3.  Lozano, Oliver O.
4.  Nueva, Norma C.

1.  Adaza, Homobono

1.  Monsod, Solita A.

"Mrs. Luisa P. Ejercito Estrada has two (2) nominations: one (1) from the LDP and two (2) from the Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP); these two (2) political parties are not registered as a coalition with this Commission to constitute as one (1) political party pursuant to Section 2, par. (5), Article XI, 1987 Constitution. Consequently, Ms. Ejercito Estrada should be considered as an independent candidate for Senator, pursuant to Section 6, par. (3) of Resolution No. 3253 promulgated on September 28, 2000.

"Running as independent senatorial candidates who are either present or former incumbent public officials, popular TV personalities or broadcasters, are:chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary

1.  ARROYO, Joker P.
2.  CHATO, Liwayway V.
3.  DE CASTRO, Noli L.
4.  DRILON, Franklin M.
5.  HONASAN, Gregorio B.
6.  MAGSAYSAY, Ramon Jr. B.
7.  MERCADO, Orlando S.
8.  MORATO, Manuel L.
9.  NAVARRO, Rod B.
10.  RASUL, Santanina T.
11.  SABIO, Camilo L.
12.  VILLAR, Manuel Jr. B.
14.  YASAY, Perfecto Jr. R.

1.  Abitona, Orlando C., educator
2.  Almirante, Alvin Alvincent G., businessman
3.  Andamo, Nelson B., Chemist engineer
4.  Arribas, Juanito C., realtor
5.  Bacolod, Pio A., contractor
6.  Bajunaid, Moner M., university professor
7.  Biego, Vicente N., businessman/civic leader
8.  Blaza, Melchor, lawyer
9.  Bragancia, Enrique P., artist/designer
10.  Bumatay, Renato B., entertainer/laborer
11.  de Guzman, Clemente A., agriculturist
12.  de Leon, Nicanor G., certified public accountant
13.  Dulalia, Elias B., businessman
14.  Escosa, Cesar K., certified public accountant
15.  Fabella, Vicente F., businessman
16.  Guillergan, Gherry P., businessman
17.  Gil, Eddie Conde, businessman
18.  Lagata, Merlito O., AFP ret.
19.  Macariola, Castor A., real estate/insurance agent
20.  Magtira, Daniel R., singer/composer
21.  Mercado, Orlando S., journalist
22.  Nadal, Jaime P., self-employed
23.  Padla, Eutiquio Z., veteran
24.  Palanca, Edmundo, businessman
25.  Perez, Reynaldo O., employee
26.  Po, Fernando Jr. A., businessman
27.  Quibedo, Emilio Jr. E., electrician
28.  Roberto, Carlos S., painter/writer/publisher
29.  Serrano, Bernardo G., businessman
30.  Tangalin, Bonifacio U., agent
31.  Tavaco, Ernesto A., businessman
32.  Velarde, Ruperto Jr. C., farmer/engineer
33.  Velasquez, Vic R., lawyer

"The records of the Office of the Clerk of the Commission disclosed that candidate for Senator Orlando S. Mercado filed a Petition dated February 16, 2001 docketed as SPA No. 01-010 entitled 'ORLANDO S. MERCADO VERSUS NORBERTO L. MERCADO AND ORLANDO C. ABITONA,' invoking the grounds (a) that would cause confusion among the voters by the similarity of their name and surname with the petitioner; (b) that the respondents have no bona fide intention to run for Senator because they cannot wage a nationwide campaign; and (c) that they do not have a platform of government. The petitioner prays as follows:chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary

‘WHEREFORE, premises considered, petitioner respectfully prays that Norberto L. Mercado and Orlando C. Abitona be declared as nuisance candidates and/or their certificates of candidacy be denied due course.’

"Respondents Norberto L. Mercado and Orlando S. Abitona, in their Answer with Motion to Set Case for Hearing on Oral Arguments dated February 21, 2001 categorically and vehemently denied the aforementioned imputations against them.

"In his Manifestation in Support of the Capability of Senatorial Candidate Eddie C. Gil to Wage a Nationwide Campaign dated February 22, 2001, whose political party 'Partido Isang Bayan Isang Diwa,' was denied registration by the Commission, candidate for Senator Eddie C. Gil, through counsel, manifested as follows:chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary

'1. Our client, Mr. Eddie C. Gil, filed his Certificate of Candidacy for Senator in the coming May 14, 2001 National Elections as the sole candidate of the political party "Partido Isang Bayan Isang Diwa," a copy of the Certificate of Candidacy is enclosed as ANNEX "A".

'2. Mr. Gil and the Partido Isang Bansa Isang Diwa have the ability and financial capacity to wage a nationwide campaign in support of his candidacy as Senator. The Partido Isang Bansa Isang Diwa is an organized political party nationwide.  In support thereof, petitioner respectfully submits the following certifications of Regional Election Directors of Region I, II, III, X, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the National Capital Region (NCR), and Region XII that the Partido Isang Bansa Isang Diwa of which the petitioner is the only candidate for Senator is organized within their respective regions, namely:chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary
 

a.  ANNEX B – Certification of the Acting Regional Election Director of Region I that the 'Partido Isang Bansa, Isang Diwa' exists not only in the province of Pangasinan but also in Region I;
 
b.  ANNEX C – Certification of the Regional Election Director of Region II that the 'Partido Isang Bansa, Isang Diwa' Party exists in Region II;
 
c.  ANNEX D – Certification of the Acting Regional Election Director of Region III, San Fernando, Pampanga that the 'Partido Isang Bansa, Isang Diwa' is a political party that has municipal, provincial coordinators in Region III;
 
d.  ANNEX E – Certification of the Regional Election Director of Region X that the 'Partido Isang Bansa, Isang Diwa' exists as a political party in Region X;
 
e.  ANNEX F – Certification of the Regional Election Director of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) that the 'Isang Bansa, Isang Diwa' Party exists in the Cordillera Administrative Region;
 
f.  ANNEX G – Certification of the Acting Director of the National Capitol Region (NCR) that the 'Isang Bayan, Isang Diwa Party' 'exists within this region, specially in Makati 2nd District, Quezon City 2nd, 3rd, 4th Districts and Taguig, Metro Manila as per findings of our Election Officers in said places.'
 
g.  ANNEX H – Certification of the Regional Election Director of Region XII that 'Partido Isang Bansa, Isang Diwa' is existing only in the province of Maguindanao."
 
'3. The Partido Isang Bansa, Isang Diwa has a national organization composed of Regional, Provincial, City and Municipal Chairmen. Their names, addresses, and telephone numbers are shown in ANNEXES I, I-1 TO I-6. It also has municipal organizers who has informed in writing the various Municipal and City Election Officers of their organization, copies are hereto enclosed as ANNEXES I-7 to I-53. It is also active in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) as shown by the Certification of the Regional Executive Secretary of the ARMM hereto enclosed as ANNEX I-54.

'4. The Partido Isang Bansa, Isang Diwa also has candidates who filed their certificates of candidacy for the position of Governor, Vice-Governor, Mayor, Vice-Mayor, City and Municipal Councilors, copies of the certificates of candidacies are enclosed as ANNEXES J, J-1 to J–14. As soon as the other candidates have filed their certificates of candidacies on February 28, 2001, the petitioner will submit the same to the Honorable Commission.

'5. That our client Mr. Eddie C. Gil is ready to present to the Honorable Commission evidence to show that he is capable of waging a nationwide campaign for the position of Senator in the coming May 14, 2001 elections. In fact, he is now busy campaigning in the various cities and provinces of the country.'

"It is informed that because of the denial by the Commission (First Division) of the registration of the Partido Isang Bansa, Isang Diwa Party, Petitioner Eddie C. Gil filed a Motion for Reconsideration dated February 14, 2001 with the Commission En Banc, praying for the grounds stated therein to reconsider and set aside its Resolution of February 9, 2001 and that petitioner be registered and accredited as a political party with national constituency.

"A review of the records of the Law Department disclosed that sixteen (16) candidates for Senator in the May 14, 2001 elections previously filed their certificates of candidacy for the position of either President, Vice-President or Senator during the May 11, 1998 elections. Nevertheless, their certificates of candidacy were denied due course by the Commission. These candidates are:chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary

1.  Arribas, Juanito C. - for Vice-President
2.  Blaza, Melchor - for Senator
3.  Brego, Vicente N. -  - do -
4.  Chavez, Melchor G. -  - do -
5.  Dulalia, Elias B. -  - do -
6.  Escosa, Cesar K. - for President
7.  Fabella, Vicente F. -  - do -
8.  Gil, Eddie C. -  - do -
9.  Lagata, Merlito O. -  - do -
10.  Macariola, Castor A. - for Senator
11.  Mercado, Roberto L. -  - do -
12.  Nueva, Norma C. - - do -
13.  Palanca, Edmundo R. - for President
14.  Po, Ferdinand Jr. A. -  - do -
15.  Roberto, Carlos S. - for Senator
16.  Tangalin, Bonifacio U. - for President

"It appears that Melchor G. Chavez and Norma C. Nueva filed their certificates for candidacy for Senator as among the official candidates of the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) that issued its Certificates of Nomination to said candidates.

"COMMENT AND RECOMMENDATION:chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary

"Pursuant to Section 3, Article VI, of the Constitution, it provides "no person shall be a Senator unless he is a natural born citizen of the Philippines, and on the day of the election, is at least thirty-five years of age, able to read and write, a registered voter and a resident of the Philippines for not less than two years immediately preceding the day of the election."

"There is no dispute that the sixty seven (67) senatorial candidates meet the above constitutionally mandated qualifications.  Nevertheless, Section 69 of the Omnibus Election Code defining what are nuisance candidates, provides:chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary

‘Sec. 69. Nuisance candidates. – The Commission may, motu propio or upon a verified petition of the interested party, refuse to give due course to or cancel a certificate of candidacy if it is shown that said certificate has been filed 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 by other circumstances or acts which clearly demonstrate that the candidate has been filed and thus prevent a faithful determination of the true will of the electorate.’(Underscoring ours)

"Upon an incisive examination of the records in its entirety of the sixty seven (67) persons who filed their certificates of candidacy for Senator, the Law Department recommends as follows:cralaw:red

(A) To give due course to the certificates of candidacy to the official candidates of the hereunder political parties, namely:chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary

 
I. LABAN NG DEMOKRATIKONG PILIPINO (LDP)
 
1.  Angara, Edgardo J.
2.  Enrile, Juan Ponce
3.  Lacson, Panfilo M.
4.  Madrigal, Ma. Ana Consuela A.S.
5.  Puno, Ricardo Jr. V.
6.  Tamano, Ombra A.
 
II. PEOPLE’S REFORM PARTY (PRP)
 
1.  Defensor Santiago, Miriam P.
 
III. LAKAS-NUCD-UMDP
 
1.  Flavier, Juan M.
2.  Herrera, Ernesto F.
3.  Pagdanganan, Roberto M.
4.  Recto, Ralph G.
 
IV. PARTIDO DEMOKRATIKO PILIPINO-LAKAS NG BAYAN (PDP-LABAN)
 
1.  Osmeña, Sergio III R.
 
V. LIBERAL PARTY
 
1.  Pangilinan, Francis N.
2.  Tañada, Wigberto E.
 
VI. KILUSANG BAGONG LIPUNAN (KBL)
 
1.  Casil, Juan M.
2.  Chavez, Melchor G.
3.  Lozano, Oliver O.
4.  Nueva, Norma C.
 
VII. NACIONALISTA PARTY
 
1.  Adaza, Homobono
 
VIII. AKSYON DEMOKRATIKO (AKSYON)
 
1.  Monsod, Solita C.
 

because they have the corresponding platforms of government and have the bona fide intention to run for Senator as they can wage a nationwide campaign for being supported by their respective political parties;chanroblesvirtualawlibrary

(B) To give due course to the certificates of candidacy of the following independent candidates, namely:chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary

 
1.  Luisa Ejercito P. Estrada
2.  Arroyo, Joker P.
3.  Chato, Liwayway V.
4.  De Castro, Noli L.
5.  Drilon, Franklin M.
6.  Honasan, Gregorio B.
7.  Magsaysay, Ramon Jr. B.
8.  Mercado, Orlando S.
9.  Morato, Manuel
10.  Navarro, Rod
11.  Rasul, Santanina T.
12.  Sabio, Camilio L.
13.  Villar, Manuel Jr. B.
14.  Yasay, Perfecto
 

because they have the bona fide intention to run for Senator and they can wage a nationwide campaign;

(C) To hold in abeyance giving due course to the certificates of candidacy of Norberto L. Mercado and Orlando C. Abitona until after the petition of Orlando S. Mercado shall be finally decided by this Commission; and the Clerk of Court shall immediately calendar the case for hearing; and that of Eddie C. Gil until after the Commission En Banc decides the pending Motion for Reconsideration of Isang Bansa, Isang Diwa Party.

(D) Not to give due course to the certificates of candidacy to the following independent candidates:chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary

 

1.  Almirante, Alvin G. - businessman
2.  Andamo, Nelson B. - chemist engineer
3.  Arribas, Juanito C. - realtor
4.  Bacolod, Pio A. - contractor
5.  Bajunaid, Moner M. - university professor
6.  Biego, Vicente N. - businessman/civil leader
7.  Blaza, Melchor - lawyer
8.  Bragancia, Enrique P. - artist/designer
9.  Bumatay, Renato B. - entertainer/laborer
10.  de Guzman, Clemente A. - agriculturist
11.  de Leon, Nicanor G. - certified public accountant
12.  Dulalia, Elias B. - businessman
13.  Escosa, Cesar K. - certified public accountant
14.  Fabella, Vicente F. - businessman
15.  Guillergan, Gherry P. - businessman
16.  Lagata, Merlito O. - AFP ret.
17.  Macariola, Castor A. - real estate/insurance agent
18.  Magtira, Daniel R. - singer/composer
19.  Nadal, Jamie P. - self-employed
20.  Padla, Eutiquio Z. - veteran
21.  Palanca, Edmundo R. - businessman
22.  Perez, Reynaldo O. - employee
23.  Po, Fernando Jr. A. - businessman
24.  Quibedo, Emilio Jr. E. - electrician
25.  Roberto, Carlos S. - painter/writer/publisher
26.  Serrano, Bernardo G. - businessman
27.  Tangalin, Bonifacio U. - agent
28.  Tavaco, Ernesto A. - businessman
29.  Velarde, Ruperto Jr. D. - farmer/engineer
30.  Velasquez, Vic R. - lawyer
 

because they cannot wage a nationwide campaign, thus preventing a faithful determination of the true will of electorates."

Sec. 69 of the Omnibus Election Code as amended by Section 5 of R.A. No. 6646 gave COMELEC the power to motu proprio cancel or deny due course to a certificate of candidacy of registered candidates:chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary

"Sec. 69. Nuisance candidates. – The Commission may, motu propio or upon verified petition of an interested party, refuse to give due course to or cancel a certificate of candidacy if it is shown that said certificate has been filed 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 by other circumstances or acts which clearly demonstrate that the candidate has no bona fide intention to run for the office for which the certificate of candidacy has been filed and thus prevent a faithful determination of the true will of the electorate."

During the deliberation of the sufficiency of the certificates of candidacy and the above memorandum of the Law Department, the Commission, considering the dignity that must be accorded the office of Senator, the minimum qualifications established by the Constitution and electoral laws, the magnitude of the responsibilities of this office, as well as the need to wage a nationwide election campaign, observed that there are indications in the various certificates of candidacy received by the Commission that said certificates were filed to put the election process in mockery or disrepute or to cause confusion among the voters by the similarity of names of the registered candidates or by other circumstances or acts which clearly demonstrate that the candidate had no bona fide intention to run for the office for which the certificate of candidacy has been filed and thus prevent a faithful determination of the true will of the electorate.

The recommendation of the Law Department with respect to the certificates of candidacy of Norberto L. Mercado, Orlando S. Abitona and Eddie C. Gil merits consideration.

In view of the foregoing, the Commission resolved, as it hereby resolves, to approve the recommendation of the Law Department with modification and to cancel or otherwise deny due course to the certificates of candidacy of the following:chanroblesvirtuallawlibrary

1.  Almirante, Alvin G. - businessman
2.  Andamo, Nelson B. - chemist engineer
3.  Arribas, Juanito C. - realtor
4.  Bacolod, Pio A. - contractor
5.  Bajunaid, Moner M. - university professor
6.  Biego, Vicente N. - businessman/civic leader
7.  Blaza, Melchor - lawyer
8.  Bragancia, Enrique P. - artist/designer
9.  Bumatay, Renato B. - entertainer/laborer
10.  de Guzman, Clemente A. - agriculturist
11.  de Leon, Nicanor G. - certified public accountant
12.  Dulalia, Elias B. - businessman
13.  Escosa, Cesar K. - certified public accountant
14.  Fabella, Vicente F. - businessman
15.  Guillergan, Gherry P. - businessman
16.  Lagata, Merlito O. - AFP ret.
17.  Macariola, Castor A. - real estate/insurance agent
18.  Magtira, Daniel r. - singer/composer
19.  Nadal, Jaime P. - self-employed
20.  Padla, Eutiquio Z. - veteran
21.  Palanca, Edmundo R. - businessman
22.  Perez, Reynaldo O. - employee
23.  Po, Fernando Jr. A. - businessman
24.  Quibedo, Emilio Jr. E. - electrician
25.  Roberto, Carlos S. - painter/writer/publisher
26.  Serrano, Bernardo G. - businessman
27.  Tangalin, Bonifacio U. - agent
28.  Tavaco, Ernesto A. - businessman
29.  Velarde, Ruperto Jr. D. - farmer/engineer
30.  Velasquez, Vic R. - lawyer
31.  Mercado, Norberto L. - journalist
32.  Abitona, Orlando C. - former public school teacher
33.  Gil, Eddie C. - businessman

Those who are adversely affected by this Resolution are hereby given a period of five (5) days from the date of publication hereof to file a verified opposition in ten (10) copies with the Clerk of the Commission, if they so desire.

Let the Education and Information Department cause the immediate publication of this Resolution in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

SO ORDERED.

(Sgd.) ALFREDO L. BENIPAYO, Chairman

(Sgd.) LUZVIMINDA G. TANCANGCO, Commissioner

(Sgd.) RUFINO S.B. JAVIER, Commissioner

(Sgd.) RALPH C. LANTION, Commissioner

(Sgd.) MEHOL K. SADAIN, Commissioner

(Sgd.) RESURRECCION Z. BORRA, Commissioner

(Sgd.) FLORENTINO A. TUASON, Jr., Commissioner

Promulgated: 01 March 2001.