Comelec clarifies rules on suspension of proclamation
Published May 21st, 2007The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will not entertain any petition for suspension of the proclamation of a candidate on the ground that he is disqualified because he is not a Filipino citizen or lacks residency requirement in the place where he was a candidate.
Comelec Chairman Benjamin S. Abalos, Sr. said citizenship and residency requirement are issues which can be invoked even if the candidate was already proclaimed and eventually assumed the position in which he was elected.
Abalos said if it is proven later on that the official concerned is not a Filipino citizen or failed to meet the residency requirement, he can be ousted from the post he is occupying.
“Let us respect the will of the people in the meantime,” Abalos said.
He added, however, that petitions for declaration of failure of elections, illegal proceedings and unlawful composition of the Board of Canvassers (BoC) will be entertained.
“Theses issues have to be addressed expeditiously because they involve the right of the people to elect their public officials,” Abalos said.
Alexander San Pedro on June 13, 2007
I think Abalos has a point on that. It’s a safe and respectful notion.