Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced its readiness to accept the Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) from individuals aspiring to run for public office, provided there is no final conviction in their case. Comelec chairperson George Garcia stated that local or national candidates are permitted to participate in elections until a court ruling definitively states otherwise.
According to Philippines News Agency, Garcia emphasized that a person may run for office as long as they have not been convicted by a final judgment for a crime that involves moral turpitude or is punishable by more than one year in prison. He explained this stance during an interview following the stakeholders forum at the Diamond Hotel in Manila, highlighting that the Philippine Constitution presumes individuals innocent until proven guilty.
Garcia clarified that even a conviction by a municipal or regional trial court does not bar a person from participating in elections, as the appeal process allows them to maintain their candidacy. He underscored that a conviction must be final and executory to disqualify a candidate, a principle applicable across all political positions. This clarification comes in light of the recent arrest of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada related to a plunder case before the Sandiganbayan.
Garcia stated that the Comelec will continue to accept COCs in the absence of a criminal conviction or a restraining order from a higher court. He also mentioned that the names of candidates with pending cases will remain on the list until a final decision is reached.
In addition, the Comelec has allotted two weeks for stakeholders to submit recommendations on the terms of reference (TOR) for the national and local elections scheduled two years from now. Garcia assured that the TOR will incorporate inputs from various sectors, including political parties, before being finalized.
The Comelec is also preparing to initiate the procurement process for election systems for the May 2028 polls, including acquiring approximately 125,000 new voting machines and printing official ballots. Garcia indicated that this process should begin around August or September, with the goal of awarding contracts by January or February.
