36 poll protest cases filed so far: Comelec

FILE: COMELEC REMINDS CANDIDATES TO SUBMIT SOCE. Commission on Elections (Comelec) Spokesperson James Jimenez reminds all candidates in the recently concluded mid-term polls to submit their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs), during the press briefing held at the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC) headquarters, Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on Wednesday (May 15, 2019). Under the Omnibus Rules on Campaign Finance, failure to submit SOCEs within six months from proclamation will stop winning candidates from assuming the duties of the post he/she had won. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday reported that it has received over 30 electoral protest cases, more than two weeks after the holding of the May 13 midterm polls.

“As per ECAD (Electoral Contests Adjudication Department), 36 cases as of 3 p.m. today, May 28,” said the poll body in a statement.

Earlier, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said that the cases involving local positions were submitted before the poll body’s main office in Intramuros, Manila.

Among the cases are from the cities of Taguig and San Juan; and provinces of Leyte, Kalinga and Negros.

However, the poll body official did not reveal those involved in the protest cases.

Jimenez explained that protest cases involving city and provincial elective positions are under the jurisdiction of Comelec head office.

As for poll protests of municipal elective positions, he said these should be filed before the Regional Trial Courts (RTCs).

On the other hand, the Comelec official added that protest cases involving senators are presented before the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) while the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET) handles cases involving congressmen.

“We invite anyone with complaints to approach us in official channels so we could act on your complaints at soonest,” Jimenez said.

Under existing rules, Comelec, through one of its two Divisions, shall handle all election protests involving regional, provincial, and city officials.