Comelec upholds disqualification of ex-lawmaker eyeing Caloocan post

By Ferdinand Patinio, Philippine News Agency

In a 30-page decision released over the weekend, the en banc affirmed its Second Division’s earlier ruling barring Erice from participating in next year’s polls. (Arianne Lacanilao/PCI Photo)

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc has upheld a decision disqualifying former congressman Edgar Erice from running for Caloocan City’s 2nd District post in the May 2025 elections due to his continued criticisms of the automated election system (AES).

In a 30-page decision released over the weekend, the en banc affirmed its Second Division’s earlier ruling barring Erice from participating in next year’s polls.

“The integrity of elections is the cornerstone of democracy and any act that undermines this foundation cannot be tolerated. Respondent’s disqualification is not merely justified but necessary to protect the sanctity of our electoral process. This Commission must act decisively to ensure that the people’s trust in their democratic institutions remains intact,” the ruling stated.

The Commission emphasized that Erice’s actions to discredit the AES were central to the decision.

“Respondent’s conduct reveals not only an unworthiness to seek public office but also a blatant disregard for the sanctity of the electoral process. Attempts to undermine the Commission’s reputation and the integrity of elections for Respondent’s personal gain cannot be permitted,” it said.

The petition, filed by one Raymond Salipot, accused Erice of “deliberately spreading false and alarming reports, and circulating misleading messages to disrupt the electoral process and cause confusion among the voters,” as prohibited by the Omnibus Election Code.

Comelec highlighted the need to act decisively against Erice to safeguard public trust and prevent further attacks on the Commission’s credibility.

“In the face of such patent and continuing attacks on its integrity and the general conduct of the elections, the Commission is duty-bound to act decisively to put an end to the baseless and malicious accusations hurled against it and to dispel the public alarm, doubts, and confusion intentionally sowed by the Respondent,” the en banc decision stated.