Comelec files 95 petitions vs possible nuisance bets

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has motuproprio (on its own) filed 95 petitions against possible nuisance candidates before its Law Department.

“As of Thursday, 95 petitions were filed by the Comelec on its own or motupropio,” James Jimenez said in an interview.

He also reported that a total of 78 petitions either to disqualify, deny due course, or cancel the

certificate of candidacy (COC) have been filed by private individuals.

The hearing of the petitions will reportedly start after the case has been raffled to the First or Second Division.

“After the raffle, the Division will issue summons calling the parties to a conference where they will be ordered to submit a position paper and after, to submit a memoranda to the ponente,” he said.

“Overall, at least 30 days for the case to be resolved but still depends on the complexity of the case, If there is a complex issue it may prolong the process,” Jimenez added.

The Comelec may, motuproprio or upon a verified petition of an interested party, refuse to give due course to or cancel a COC if it is shown that the said filing puts the election process in mockery or disrepute or to cause confusion among the voters.

Earlier, the poll body received 68 disqualification petitions against national and local aspirants in the May 2019 mid-term polls.

A total of 152 COCs for senator were filed during the five-day filing period. (PNA)