Comelec disqualifies 52 bets in Davao Sur, Maguindanao

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) upheld the other day its earlier decision to disqualify 52 local candidates in Maguindanao and Davao del Sur after finding that they are not registered in the areas where they seek to be elected.

In a resolution, the Comelec affirmed Minute Resolution No. 09-0946 “which resolved to disqualify” the candidates for failing to meet residency requirements.

While it recognizes that laws prescribing qualifications and disqualifications should be liberally construed in favor of eligibility, the Comelec, however, said this does not apply in this case considering the certification issued by Estelita Orbase, acting provincial election supervisor of Maguindanao, who attested that the candidates are not registered voters in Shariff Aguak town.

The Comelec said it finds “no cogent reason” to overturn its earlier ruling, adding that not a single proof has been presented that the candidates are indeed registered voters and residents of the municipalities where they filed their certificates of candidacy.