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EN BANC

[G. R. No. 144197. December 13, 2000]

WILLIAM P. ONG, Petitioner, v. COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS and ISAGANI B. RIZON, Respondents.

D E C I S I O N

PARDO, J.: chanrobles virtual law library

The case before us is a petition for certiorari and prohibition with preliminary injunction, temporary restraining order or status quo ante order[1 assailing the resolution of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc promulgated on August 15, 2000, reversing the decision of the Regional Trial Court, Lanao del Norte,[2 declaring protestee (herein petitioner) as the duly elected mayor of the municipality of Baroy, Lanao del Norte.³ chanrobles virtual law library

The facts are as follows: chanrobles virtual law library

Petitioner William P. Ong and respondent Isagani B. Rizon were candidates for the position of mayor of the municipality of Baroy, Lanao del Norte during the May 11, 1998 local elections. On May 13, 1998, the municipal board of canvassers proclaimed William P. Ong as the winner with a margin of fifty-one (51) votes, as follows: chanrobles virtual law library

WILLIAM P. ONG - 4,472 votes chanrobles virtual law library

ISAGANI B. RIZON - 4,421 votes chanrobles virtual law library

On May 22, 1998, respondent filed with the Regional Trial Court, Lanao del Norte an election protest⁴ contesting petitioners votes in five (5) clustered precincts.⁵ Only the ballot boxes for two (2) precincts, namely: Precincts 8A and 28A/28A1 were opened since respondent waived the revision of the ballots in the other precincts. chanrobles virtual law library

On March 25, 1999, the trial court rendered a decision annulling forty-five (45) votes for petitioner while invalidating two (2) votes for respondent. Petitioners lead was reduced to eight (8) votes over that of respondent, to wit: chanrobles virtual law library

WILLIAM P. ONG - 4,427 votes chanrobles virtual law library

ISAGANI B. RIZON - 4,419 votes[6 chanrobles virtual law library

In time, respondent appealed the trial courts decision to the Comelec.[7 On February 1, 2000, the Comelec, Second Division⁸, promulgated a resolution declaring that the trial court committed serious reversible errors in its appreciation of the contested ballots and invalidated sixty-three (63) votes for petitioner and eight (8) votes for respondent. The final result of its examination of the ballots showed that respondent led by a margin of four (4) votes, as follows: chanrobles virtual law library

WILLIAM P. ONG - 4,409 votes chanrobles virtual law library

ISAGANI B. RIZON - 4,413 votes[9 chanrobles virtual law library

On February 7, 2000, petitioner moved for reconsideration of the above resolution.[10 chanrobles virtual law library

On August 15, 2000, the Comelec en banc¹¹ promulgated a resolution affirming the Second Divisions resolution but reduced by one (1) vote the lead of respondent over petitioner. The final result showed that: chanrobles virtual law library

WILLIAM P. ONG - 4,411 votes chanrobles virtual law library

ISAGANI B. RIZON - 4,414 votes[12 chanrobles virtual law library

Hence, this petition.¹³ chanrobles virtual law library

Petitioner contends that the Comelec en banc resolution, aside from being patently illegal, was issued with grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction. On the whole, the petition disputed the sixty one (61) invalidated ballots of petitioner and seven (7) ballots of respondent. chanrobles virtual law library

A thorough evaluation and visual examination of the contested ballots reveal the following findings: chanrobles virtual law library

In Exhibits A, C, N and OO of Precinct 8A, slot No. 1 for senators contained the name NIKKI and all the other spaces for senators were left blank. The name NIKKI was written in print and the rest were written in script. chanrobles virtual law library

In the same manner, in Exhibit C and II, the name NORMAN was written on slot No. 1 for senators. In Exhibit UU of Precinct 28A/28A1 contained the name SINA was written on the slot No. 1 for senators. In Exhibit B, the vote for Ong was in bold letters while the rests were written in different strokes. chanrobles virtual law library

Comelec invalidated all the above described ballots for being marked and written by two persons. chanrobles virtual law library

We find that Comelec grievously erred ousting itself of jurisdiction for grave abuse of discretion in invalidating the ballots, including the votes for Ong. chanrobles virtual law library

The law is clear: chanrobles virtual law library

Unless it should clearly appear that they have been deliberately put by the voter to serve as identification marks, comma, dots, lines, or hyphens between the first name and surname of a candidate, or in other parts of the ballot, traces of the letter T, J, and other similar ones, the first letters or syllables of names which the voter does not continue, the use of two or more kinds of writing and unintentional or accidental flourishes, strokes or strains, shall not invalidate the ballot.[14 chanrobles virtual law library

The rule is in favor of the validity of the ballot, not otherwise. The term unless imports an exception rather than the general rule. This was enunciated in Tajanlangit vs. Cazenas,¹⁵ where we ruled that: chanrobles virtual law library

x x x. The use of two kinds of writing appearing in this ballot is a good example of the exception provided for in paragraph 18, section 149 of the Revised Election Code, which provides that unless it should clearly appear that it has been deliberately put by the voter to serve as identification mark, the use of two or more kinds of writing shall be considered innocent and shall not invalidate the ballot. (Underlining ours) chanrobles virtual law library

The printed name NIKKI does not show any intention on the part of the voters to identify or distinguish themselves. Therefore, the ballots are not considered marked. The name NIKKI only showed that it was the voters intention to emphasize and stress their adulation for a senator with the name NIKKI, rather than to identify themselves. The votes are stray for the senatorial candidates but will not invalidate the entire ballot. chanrobles virtual law library

In the same manner, the appearance of print and script writings in a single ballot does not necessarily imply that two persons wrote the ballot. The strokes of print and script handwriting would naturally differ but would not automatically mean that two persons prepared the same. A visual examination of the ballots belies the claim that these ballots were prepared by two persons. In the absence of any deliberate intention to put an identification mark, the ballots must not be rejected. We held that: chanrobles virtual law library

Ballot Exhibit N.This ballot was rejected by the Court of Appeals as marked because the names of the candidates from the second space for members of the provincial board down to the 7^th place for councilors were written in capital letters while those of other candidates were written in small letters, the court concluding that the use of two forms of writing can only mean an intent to identify the voter. We disagree with this conclusion. Under Section 149, paragraph 18, of the Revised Election Code, the use of two or more kinds of writing cannot have the effect of invalidating the ballot unless it clearly appears that they had been deliberately put by the voter to serve as identification mark. Here such intent does not appear. The case in point in Hilao v. Bernardo, G. R. No. L-7704, December 14, 1954, wherein it was held that the use of ordinary and printed forms of writing in a ballot is but a mere variation which does not invalidate the ballot. This ballot should, therefore, be counted for Ferrer.¹⁶ chanrobles virtual law library

In Exhibits B, P, Z, JJ and KK of Precinct 8A, Big J was written before the names of senatorial candidates Legarda, Cayetano, Barbers and before the name of William Ong in the space for mayor. chanrobles virtual law library

In Exhibits M, R, T, X, AA and EE of Precinct 8A, letters FPJ were written. chanrobles virtual law library

In Exhibits JJJ and SSS of Precinct 28A/28A1, the letters RJ were written on the first slot for senators. chanrobles virtual law library

In Exhibit TTT of Precinct 28A/28A1, the word SENATORS was written on the first slot for senators. chanrobles virtual law library

In Exhibit WWWW of Precinct 28A/28A1, the name KRIS was written on the senatorial slot. chanrobles virtual law library

The above ballots must be appreciated in favor of Ong. There is no showing that the words/letters/names written therein have been intentionally placed to identify the voters. Notice that these markings are appellations or nicknames of famous showbiz personalities who might have been mistaken as candidates. At most, these may be considered as stray votes for the position where they were written, as provided in Sec. 211 (19), Omnibus Election Code, to wit: chanrobles virtual law library

19. Any vote in favor of a person who has not filed a certificate of candidacy or in favor of a candidate for an office for which he did not present himself shall be considered as a stray vote but it shall not invalidate the whole ballot. chanrobles virtual law library

The primordial principle in the appreciation of the ballots is to respect, not to frustrate the will of the electorate. chanrobles virtual law library

With regard to Exhibits D to L, O, Q, S, Y, U, V, W, BB, CC, DD, GG, HH, II, LL, MM and NN of Precinct 8A and Exhibits A, E to I, L, N, O, EEEE, P, Z, DD, KK, LL, QQ, VV, YY, AAA, BBB, EEE, HHH, III, KKK, LLL, QQQ, WWW, BBBB, DDDD, GGGG, HHHH, KKKK, MMMM, NNNN, RRRR and UUUU of Precinct 28A/28A1 the ballots have no defect and are hereby declared valid. A close examination of the ballots reveals that the ballots are clean and valid in favor of candidate Ong. chanrobles virtual law library

Findings of the Comelec in Exhibits FF of Precinct 8A and Exhibits D, GG, HH, IIII, J, XXX, K, U, FFF, M, W, AA, AAAA, CC, MM, RR, NNN, EE, TT, FF JJ, SSSS, NN, SS, ZZ, PPPP, CCC, DDD, PPP, UUU, CCCC, XXXX, YYYY, QQQQ and VVVV of Precinct 28A/28A1 are correct and the ballots are invalidated for being marked. chanrobles virtual law library

There are in the above ballots distinct initials and words such as DLR, DOLLIN, DOLLINS, GINA, EVA, SOSANG TORIS, SABANG BULAC, CORY, GREECE, GRACES, LOS, LUZ, BONG, ELIN, ROSE, ALONG RARO, BONOO, ALONG PONBI, ROVEN GATA, NORMAN, RIC, VIA, AMEN, NANIG, SABAS, MIMIG and LOLOY TORRES written on spaces for different positions. These writings can only be construed as an intention to mark and identify the ballots since these words were repeatedly written and in other instances, two or three of these words were written on a single ballot.¹⁷ These words are impertinent, irrelevant, unnecessary and clearly show the voters purpose to identify the ballots or voters. As held in Gadon vs. Gadon¹⁸, the unexplained presence of prominent letters and words written with remarkably good hand marked the ballots and must be considered invalid. chanrobles virtual law library

Comelec also correctly ruled that Exhibits Q, GGG, OO, PP and WW of Precinct 28A, 28A1 are valid votes for Ong. LIM, APEC and DAYO are names of candidates which were written on spaces where they should not be written as they were not candidates for said position. For instance, APEC is a party list candidate but was written on the space intended for senatorial candidates. As such, the same shall be considered as stray vote but shall not invalidate the whole ballot. chanrobles virtual law library

Section 211 (19) of the Omnibus Election Code provides that: chanrobles virtual law library

19. Any vote in favor of a person who has not filed a certificate of candidacy or in favor of a candidate for an office for which he did not present himself shall be considered as a stray vote but it shall not invalidate the whole ballot. (Underlining supplied) chanrobles virtual law library

Thus, the finding of the Comelec that these ballots are valid for Ong is affirmed. chanrobles virtual law library

In the same manner, Exhibits R, S, T, V and X of Precinct 28A, 28A1 were correctly held to be valid votes for Ong under the Neighborhood Rule since the space for mayor remained unaccomplished or not filled up. chanrobles virtual law library

However, the Court is constrained to reverse the Comelec finding that Exhibits Y and XX of Precinct 28A, 28A1 were valid for Ong. Considering that there was no candidate for senator with the name PACETE or PACITE, such writings served to identify the ballots. The ballots are, therefore, invalid for Ong. chanrobles virtual law library

In Exhibit BB of Precinct 28A, 28A1, the term None that I know written on the space for party list does not render the ballot marked. The term simply implies that the voter did not know any candidate or did not wish to vote for any candidate to the position. Thus, the Comelec correctly ruled that the ballot is valid for Ong. chanrobles virtual law library

Exhibits MMM and OOOO of Precinct 28A, 28A1 wherein the words ANG TINGOG NG BARANGAY and PARE KO, respectively, were written, are valid. The phrases were mere appellations of affection and friendship that do not invalidate the whole ballot. chanrobles virtual law library

Exhibit OOO of Precinct 28A, 28A1 where the names of the candidates for councilors were repeated in the first four lines for Senators do not render the ballot marked. The Comelec was correct in upholding the validity of the ballot since it was obviously shown by the penmanship that the voter was unlettered and that there was no intention to identify the ballot. chanrobles virtual law library

Under the rule of IDEM SONANS, Exhibits RRR, TTTT and VVV of Precinct 28A, 28A1 may not be invalidated. LORNA and RECADO sound similar to the names of senatorial candidates such as Loren Legarda and Ricardo Gloria.[19 chanrobles virtual law library

The erasures in Exhibits YYY and JJJJ of Precinct 28A, 28A1 would not invalidate the ballot absent any showing that another person wrote the name of Ong after the erasure was made. In fact, the rules on appreciation of ballots provide that: chanrobles virtual law library

When in a space in the ballot there appears a name of candidate that is erased and another clearly written, the vote is valid for the latter.²⁰ chanrobles virtual law library

Incorrect spelling of a candidates name does not invalidate the ballot. The Comelec was not correct when it ruled that Exhibit ZZZ of Precinct 28A, 28A1 was invalid considering that the voter "appeared to be literate." Even the most literate person is bound to commit a mistake in spelling. chanrobles virtual law library

Exhibit FFFF of Precinct 28A, 28A1 where X-MEN was written on the space for party-list representative would not invalidate the whole ballot. The word X-MEN invalidates the vote for the party list representative but the ballot itself is valid. Hence, the vote for Ong on the ballot must be credited in his favor. chanrobles virtual law library

The Comelec found no defect in Exhibits 1 to 11, 13 to 19, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 29 and 31 to 37 of Precinct 8A and Exhibits 1, 2, 4 to 11, 13 to 26, 28 to 31 and 33 to 40 of Precinct 28A, 28A1. A careful examination of the ballots confirms the finding that they have no defects. Therefore, the finding is hereby affirmed and the ballots are declared valid for Rizon. chanrobles virtual law library

Contrary to the finding that Exhibits 12, 24 and 28 of Precinct 8A were marked with the appearance of the letters D", "L", "R, a physical examination of the same belies the finding. The same do not contain the letters "D", "L", "R" and are without defect and should be adjudicated in favor of Rizon. chanrobles virtual law library

The same is true with Exhibit 20 of Precinct 8A. There is no sticker VFP pasted on the ballot. The same should be credited in favor of candidate Rizon. chanrobles virtual law library

Exhibit 30 of Precinct 8A, where the name LITO in big bold letters occupies all the spaces for councilor should be invalidated inasmuch as there is evident intent to mark the ballot. chanrobles virtual law library

Exhibit 3 of Precinct 28A, 28A1 where TIRBOG is written on the space for governor is not a marked ballot. Absent any showing that the word/name TIRBOG meant to identify the ballot or the voter, the ballot remains valid. The same can be said for Exhibits 27 and 32 of Precinct 28A, 28A1 where numbers were written after the names of some candidates and the word CRIS appears on the first slot for senators, respectively. The voter obviously did not have the intention to mark the ballot. These ballots should be counted in favor of candidate Rizon. chanrobles virtual law library

Exhibit 12 of Precinct 28A, 28A1 with initial DLR on it is invalid. The initial DLR serves no other purpose than to mark the ballot as it is unnecessary, impertinent and irrelevant. This is different from Exhibits "12", "24" and "28" of P-8A. chanrobles virtual law library

Hereunder is a summary of the findings. chanrobles virtual law library

Prec. 8A SUMMARY OF F I N D I N G S ONG chanrobles virtual law library

1. Exhibits A, C, N and OO (4 ballots) 4 chanrobles virtual law library

Writings partly in script and in print do not invalidate the ballot. Printed name NIKKI was used to emphasize the voters adulation for a senator with that name. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

2. Exhibits B, P, Z, JJ and KK chanrobles virtual law library

(5 ballots) 5 chanrobles virtual law library

Big J appearing before the names of senatorial candidates Legarda, Cayetano and Barbers and before the name of Ong does not invalidate the ballot. It was not used to identify the voter. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

3. Exhibits D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K chanrobles virtual law library

and L (9 ballots) 9* chanrobles virtual law library

Comelec finding that the ballots have no defect and thus valid for Ong is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

4. Exhibits M, R, T, X, AA and EE (6 ballots) Ballots which contain the three chanrobles virtual law library

letters 6 chanrobles virtual law library

F.P.J. are not marked ballots. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

5. Exhibits O and Q (2 ballots)Comelec chanrobles virtual law library

finding that the ballots have no defect and thus (2)* chanrobles virtual law library

valid for Ong is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

6. Exhibits S and Y (2 ballots)Comelec (2)* chanrobles virtual law library

finding that the ballots have no Defect and thus valid for Ong is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

7. Exhibits U, V, W, BB, CC and (6)* chanrobles virtual law library

DD (6 ballots)Comelec finding that the ballots have no defect and thus valid for Ong is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

8. Exhibit FF(1 ballot)Comelec finding that the (-1)* chanrobles virtual law library

ballot was defective and thus invalid for Ong is affirmed. INVALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

9. Exhibit GG, HH, II, LL, MM chanrobles virtual law library

And NN (6)* chanrobles virtual law library

(6 ballots) chanrobles virtual law library

Comelec finding that the ballots have no defect and thus valid for Ong is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

Prec.28A28A-1 SUMMARY OF F I N D I N G S ONG chanrobles virtual law library

1. Exhibit A (1 ballot)Comelec finding that the (1)* chanrobles virtual law library

ballot has no defect and thus valid for Ong is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

2. Exhibit B(1 ballot)The ballot is not a marked 1 chanrobles virtual law library

ballot and not written by two persons. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

3. Exhibits C and II(2 ballots)Comelec finding (-2)* chanrobles virtual law library

that the ballots were marked ballots and written by two persons is affirmed. INVALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

4. Exhibits D, GG, HH and IIII (-4) chanrobles virtual law library

(4 ballots)Words DOLLIN and DOLLINS written on the first senatorial slot are irrelevant, unnecessary and impertinent words meant to identify the voters. Comelec finding that the same were invalid for Ong is affirmed. INVALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

5. Exhibits E, F, G, H and I chanrobles virtual law library

(5 ballots) (5)* chanrobles virtual law library

Comelec finding that the ballots have no defect and thus valid for Ong is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

6. Exhibits J and XXX(2 ballots)The word (-2)* chanrobles virtual law library

GINA written on the senatorial slot is unnecessary, irrelevant and impertinent. chanrobles virtual law library

Comelec finding is affirmed. INVALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

7. Exhibits K, U and FF(3 ballots)The words chanrobles virtual law library

EVA. SOSANG TORIS and SABANG BULAC served to identify the voter. Comelec finding that the ballots were marked is affirmed. INVALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

8. Exhibits L, N, O and EEEE (4)* chanrobles virtual law library

(4 ballots)Comelec finding that the ballots have no defects and thus valid for Ong is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

9. Exhibits M and W(2 ballots)Comelec finding (-2)* chanrobles virtual law library

that the ballots have defects and thus invalid for Ong is affirmed. INVALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

10. Exhibit P(1 ballot)Comelec finding that the ballot (1)* chanrobles virtual law library

has no defect is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG. chanrobles virtual law library

11. Exhibits Q and GGG(2 ballots)Comelec chanrobles virtual law library

findingthat the word LIM written on the senatorial (2)* chanrobles virtual law library

slot should be treated merely as a stray vote is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

12. Exhibits R, S, T, V and X (5)* chanrobles virtual law library

(5 ballots)Applying the Neighborhood Rule, Comelec finding that the ballots were without defects is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

13. Exhibits Y and XX(2 ballots)The words -2 chanrobles virtual law library

PACITE and PACETE written on the first senatorial slot are markings that invalidated the ballot. Comelec finding is reversed. INVALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

14 Exhibit Z( 1 ballot)Comelec finding that the ballot (1)* chanrobles virtual law library

has no defect is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

15. Exhibits AA and AAAA(2 ballots)Comelec (-2)* chanrobles virtual law library

finding that the ballots were defective is affirmed. INVALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

16. Exhibit BB(1 ballot)Comelec finding that the (1)* chanrobles virtual law library

words None that I know on the space for party list did not mark the ballot is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

17. Exhibits CC, MM, RR and NNN (-4)* chanrobles virtual law library

(4 ballots)The words LOS and LUZ written on different slots marked the ballots. Comelec finding that the ballots were marked is affirmed. INVALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

18. Exhibit DD(1 ballot)Comelec finding that the ballot (1)* chanrobles virtual law library

has no defect is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

19. Exhibits EE and TT(2 ballots) (-2)* chanrobles virtual law library

The name BONG written on the no. 1 space for senators served to identify the voters. Comelec finding that the ballots were marked is affirmed. INVALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

20. Exhibit FF(1 ballot)The words ELIN and two chanrobles virtual law library

names of vice-presidential candidates written on the (-2)* chanrobles virtual law library

senatorial slots marked the ballots. Comelec finding that the ballots were marked is affirmed. INVALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

21. Exhibits KK and LL(2 ballots)Comelec (2)* chanrobles virtual law library

finding that the ballots have no defect is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

22. Exhibits JJ and SSSS(2 ballots)The name chanrobles virtual law library

ROSE on the first line intended for senators (-2)* chanrobles virtual law library

marked the ballots. Comelec finding is affirmed. INVALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

24. Exhibit NN(1 ballot)The names of non-candidates (-1)* chanrobles virtual law library

written on the ballot marked the ballot. Comelec chanrobles virtual law library

finding is affirmed. INVALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

25. Exhibits OO and PP(2 ballots)The word APEC chanrobles virtual law library

is a stray vote but does not invalidate the vote for (2)* chanrobles virtual law library

Ong. Comelec finding is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

26. Exhibit QQ(1 ballot)Comelec finding that the (1)* chanrobles virtual law library

ballot has no defect is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

27. Exhibit SS chanrobles virtual law library

(1 ballot) (-1)* chanrobles virtual law library

Comelec finding that the ballot is defective because of the name NORMAN which was written twice on the same slot is affirmed. INVALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

28. Exhibit UU 1 chanrobles virtual law library

(1 ballot)The ballot is not marked and not written by two persons. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

29. Exhibit VV(1 ballot)Comelec finding that the (1)* chanrobles virtual law library

ballot has no defect is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

30. Exhibit WW(1 ballot)Comelec finding that (1)* chanrobles virtual law library

the name DAYO is a stray vote is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

31. Exhibit YY(1 ballot)Comelec finding that the (1)* chanrobles virtual law library

ballot has no defect is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

32.                                Exhibits ZZ and PPPP(2 ballots)Comelec (-2)* chanrobles virtual law library

33.                                finding that the name RIC written after the name William Ong and after the name of candidate Ruben Gayta marked the ballot is affirmed. INVALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

33. Exhibits AAA AND BBB(2 ballots)Comelec (2)* chanrobles virtual law library

finding that the ballots have no defect is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

34. Exhibits CCC, DDD and PPP(3 ballots) (-3)* chanrobles virtual law library

The word or name VIA is irrelevant, unnecessary and impertinent. Comelec finding that the ballots were marked is affirmed. INVALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

35. Exhibits EEE, HHH and III chanrobles virtual law library

(3 ballots) (3)* chanrobles virtual law library

Comelec finding that the ballots have no defect is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

36. Exhibits JJJ and SSS chanrobles virtual law library

(2 ballots)The letters RJ on the first slot for (2)* chanrobles virtual law library

senators did not render the ballots as marked ballots. Comelec finding is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

37. Exhibits KKK and LLL(2 ballots)Comelec (2)* chanrobles virtual law library

finding that the ballots are not defective is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

38. Exhibit MMM(1 ballot)The statement (1)* chanrobles virtual law library

ANG TINGOG NG BARANGAY written below the name of Ong is merely an appellation of affection. Comelec findings is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

39. Exhibit OOO(1 ballot)The repetition of the (1)* chanrobles virtual law library

name of a candidate for councilor in the first four lines for senators does not invalidate the ballot. Comelec findings is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

40. Exhibit QQQ(1 ballot)Comelec finding that the chanrobles virtual law library

ballot has no defect is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG (1)* chanrobles virtual law library

41. Exhibits RRR and TTTT(2 ballots)Under the rule of IDEM SONANS, the name LORNA written on the senatorial slot does not invalidate the ballots. Comelec finding is affirmed. VALID FOR chanrobles virtual law library

ONG (2)* chanrobles virtual law library

42. Exhibit TTT(1 ballot) chanrobles virtual law library

The word SENATORS written on the first slot of senator does not mark the ballot. VALID FOR chanrobles virtual law library

ONG (1) chanrobles virtual law library

43. Exhibit UUU(1 ballot)The words or names NOEL, ALONG RARO, ENCARNACION JUP, NARDO HOYOHOY AND LANE LARGO are impertinent, unnecessary and irrelevant. Comelec finding is affirmed. INVALID chanrobles virtual law library

FOR ONG (-1)* chanrobles virtual law library

44. Exhibit VVV(1 ballot)Comelec finding that RECADO under the rule IDEM SONANS does not invalidate the vote is affirmed. VALID FOR chanrobles virtual law library

ONG (1)* chanrobles virtual law library

45. Exhibit WWW(1 ballot)Comelec finding that the ballot has no defect is affirmed. VALID FOR chanrobles virtual law library

ONG (1)* chanrobles virtual law library

46. Exhibit YYY(1 ballot)There is no clear evidence that another person wrote the name of Ong. Erasures do not invalidate the ballot. VALID chanrobles virtual law library

FOR ONG 1 chanrobles virtual law library

47. Exhibit ZZZ(1 ballot)The name VECINTE was merely a wrong spelling which does not chanrobles virtual law library

invalidate the ballot. VALID FOR ONG 1 chanrobles virtual law library

48. Exhibit BBBB(1 ballot) chanrobles virtual law library

Comelec finding that the ballot has no defect is chanrobles virtual law library

affirmed. VALID FOR ONG (1)* chanrobles virtual law library

49. Exhibits CCCC, XXXX and YYYY (-3)* chanrobles virtual law library

(3 ballots)The writing AMEN on the first slot for senators is impertinent, irrelevant and unnecessary. Comelec finding is affirmed. INVALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

50. Exhibit DDDD(1 ballot)Comelec finding that the ballot has no defect is affirmed. VALID chanrobles virtual law library

FOR ONG (1)* chanrobles virtual law library

51. Exhibit FFFF(1 ballot)X-MEN written on 1 chanrobles virtual law library

the space for party list representative does not invalidate the ballot. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

52.                                Exhibits GGGG and HHHH(2 ballots)Comelec finding that the ballots have no chanrobles virtual law library

defect is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG (2)* chanrobles virtual law library

53. Exhibit JJJJ chanrobles virtual law library

(1 ballot) chanrobles virtual law library

Comelec finding that erasures must not be taken as identification is affirmed. VALID FOR chanrobles virtual law library

ONG (1)* chanrobles virtual law library

54. Exhibit KKKK(1 ballot)Comelec finding that the ballot has no defect is affirmed. chanrobles virtual law library

VALID FOR ONG (1)* chanrobles virtual law library

55. Exhibit LLLL chanrobles virtual law library

(1 ballot) chanrobles virtual law library

Comelec finding that the ballot was written by two persons is affirmed. INVALID FOR chanrobles virtual law library

ONG (-1)* chanrobles virtual law library

56. Exhibits MMMM and NNNN (2)* chanrobles virtual law library

(2 ballots)Comelec finding that the ballots have no defect is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

57. Exhibit OOOO(1 ballot)Comelec finding that the words PARE KO are words of appellation is chanrobles virtual law library

affirmed. VALID FOR ONG (1)* chanrobles virtual law library

58. Exhibit QQQQ(1 ballot)Comelec finding that the words or names NANIG, SABAS and MIMIG which are non-candidates marked the chanrobles virtual law library

ballot is affirmed. INVALID FOR ONG (-1)* chanrobles virtual law library

59. Exhibits RRRR and UUUU(2 ballots)Comelec finding that the ballots have no chanrobles virtual law library

defect is affirmed. VALID FOR ONG (2)* chanrobles virtual law library

60. Exhibit VVVV chanrobles virtual law library

(1 ballot) (-1)* chanrobles virtual law library

Comelec finding that the names ALONG and LOLOY TORRES" who were non-candidates marked the ballot is affirmed. INVALID FOR ONG chanrobles virtual law library

61. Exhibit WWWW(1 ballot)The name KRISin the senatorial does not mark the ballot. VALID chanrobles virtual law library

FOR ONG 1 chanrobles virtual law library

Number of votes to be credited to ONG = 22 chanrobles virtual law library

Number of votes to be deducted from ONG = 2 chanrobles virtual law library

Prec.8A SUMMARY OF F I N D I N G S RIZON chanrobles virtual law library

1. Exhibits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 chanrobles virtual law library

(11 ballots) (11)* chanrobles virtual law library

Comelec finding that the ballots have no defect and thus valid for Rizon is affirmed. VALID FOR RIZON chanrobles virtual law library

2. Exhibits 12, 24 and 28(3 ballots)The 3 chanrobles virtual law library

ballots do not contain the letters DLR. VALID FOR RIZON chanrobles virtual law library

3. Exhibits 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 (7)* chanrobles virtual law library

(7 ballots)Comelec finding that the ballots have no defect and thus valid for Rizon is affirmed. VALID FOR RIZON chanrobles virtual law library

4. Exhibit 20(1 ballot)There is no marking on the 1 chanrobles virtual law library

ballot. VALID FOR RIZON chanrobles virtual law library

5. Exhibits 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 and chanrobles virtual law library

37 (14 ballots)Comelec findings that the (14)* chanrobles virtual law library

ballots have no defect and thus valid is affirmed. VALID FOR RIZON chanrobles virtual law library

6. Exhibit 30(1 ballot)The name LITO written chanrobles virtual law library

in big bold letters occupying all the spaces for -1 chanrobles virtual law library

councilor marked the ballot. INVALID FOR RIZON chanrobles virtual law library

Prec.28A28A-1 SUMMARY OF F I N D I N G S RIZON chanrobles virtual law library

1. Exhibits 1 and 2(2 ballots)Comelec finding (2)* chanrobles virtual law library

that the ballots have no defect and thus valid is affirmed. VALID FOR RIZON chanrobles virtual law library

2. Exhibit 3(1 ballot)The ballot has no marking. -1 chanrobles virtual law library

VALID FOR RIZON chanrobles virtual law library

3. Exhibits "4" to "11"(8 ballots)Comelec finding that the ballots have no defect and thus valid is chanrobles virtual law library

affirmed. VALID FOR RIZON (11)* chanrobles virtual law library

4. Exhibit 12(1 ballot) The ballot contains initials DLR. Comelec finding that the ballot has no chanrobles virtual law library

defect is reversed. INVALID FOR RIZON -1 chanrobles virtual law library

5. Exhibit "12" to "26"(15 ballots)Comelec finding that the ballots have no Defect is affirmed. chanrobles virtual law library

VALID FOR RIZON (14)* chanrobles virtual law library

6. Exhibit 27 chanrobles virtual law library

(1 ballot) 1 chanrobles virtual law library

There are no markings found in the ballot. VALID FOR RIZON chanrobles virtual law library

7. Exhibits 28 to 31(4 ballots)Comelec finding (4)* chanrobles virtual law library

that the ballots have no defect and thus valid for Rizon is affirmed. VALID FOR RIZON chanrobles virtual law library

8. Exhibit 32(1 ballot)There are no markings in 1 chanrobles virtual law library

the ballot. No name Cris appearing in the ballot. VALID FOR RIZON chanrobles virtual law library

9. Exhibits 33 to 40(8 ballots)Comelec finding (8)* chanrobles virtual law library

that the ballots have no defect and thus valid for Rizon is affirmed. VALID FOR RIZON chanrobles virtual law library

Number of votes to be credited to RIZON = 7 chanrobles virtual law library

Number of votes to be deducted from RIZON = 2 chanrobles virtual law library

From a total of 4,411 votes of Ong per Comelec findings, a total of another twenty (20) shall be added23 as per above findings which gives him a total of 4,431 votes. chanrobles virtual law library

From a total of 4,414 votes of Rizon per Comelec findings, a total of five (5) votes shall be added24 as per above findings which gives him a total of 4,419. chanrobles virtual law library

Consequently, candidate William P. Ong won by a margin of twelve (12) votes. chanrobles virtual law library

WHEREFORE, the Court hereby REVERSES and SETS ASIDE the Resolution dated August 15, 2000 of the Commission on Elections en banc declaring respondent Isagani B. Rizon as the winner in the May 11, 1998 elections. chanrobles virtual law library

In lieu thereof, Court hereby PROCLAIMS petitioner William P. Ong as the duly elected mayor of the municipality of Baroy, Lanao del Norte in the May 11, 1998 elections, with a margin of twelve (12) votes. chanrobles virtual law library

The status quo order issued on August 29, 2000, is made permanent. chanrobles virtual law library

No costs. chanrobles virtual law library

SO ORDERED. chanrobles virtual law library

Davide, Jr., C.J., Bellosillo, Melo, Puno, Vitug, Kapunan, Mendoza, Panganiban, Quisumbing, Buena, Gonzaga-Reyes, Ynares-Santiago, and De Leon, Jr., JJ., concur.

[1 Under Rule 64 of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure, as amended.

[2 In Election Case No. 07-431.

[3 Petition, Annex J, Rollo, pp. 165-208.

[4 Docketed as Election Case No. 07-431.