Comelec to losing bets: Support poll protests with sworn affidavits

By Ferdinand Patinio, Philippine News Agency

POLL PROTESTS. Commission on Elections Chairperson George Garcia (center) fields questions from the media during an interview in Manila on Thursday (May 22, 2025). Garcia said election protests that are not backed by sworn affidavits will be dismissed. (PNA photo by Ferdinand Patinio)

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday reminded losing candidates in the May 12 elections who file election protests to back their accusations with sworn affidavits.

In an interview, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said allegations not supported by evidence are bound to be dismissed.

“Those who will file protests should include all accusations or allegations. We used to call that the shotgun approach.

The accusation should be supported by an affidavit otherwise it is a general allegation which is a ground to dismiss,” he said.

Losing candidates have 10 days from proclamation to file their electoral protests with the Comelec.

Garcia reminded the candidates that protest cases under the poll body’s jurisdiction are those that involve the governor, vice governor, Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, city mayor, city vice mayor, and Sangguniang Panlungsod members.

“Election cases for municipal officials shall be filed before the Regional Trial Court of the municipality where local official is located,” he said.

“For the House of Representatives, the case should be filed before the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal while for cases against senators is under the jurisdiction of the Senate Electoral Tribunal,” Garcia added.

As of Thursday, the Comelec has received only one election protest –that of San Fernando City, Pampanga mayoral candidate Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab asking the poll body for a manual recount of votes.

Pineda-Cayabyab, who lost to incumbent mayor Vilma Caluag, claims that the results of the elections in the city do not reflect the votes of the people.