Sampayan Full

MELANIO D. SAMPAYAN, DIEGO L. TURLA, JR., and LEONARDO G.
TIOZON, Petitioners,
G. R. No. 103903 September 11, 1992 -versusRAUL A. DAZA, HON. CAMILO SABIO, as Secretar !" t#e H!$se !" Re%resentat&'es, MR. JOSE MARIA TUA(O, as O""&cer)&n)C#ar*e, Genera+ Ser'&ces D&'&s&!n !" t#e H!$se !" Re%resentat&'es, MRS. ROSALINDA G. MEDINA, as C#&e" Acc!$ntant !" t#e H!$se !" Re%resentat&'es and t#e HON. COMMISSION ON AUDIT, Respondents.
RESOLUTION ROMERO, J.: On February 1 , 1992, pet!t!oners, res!"ents o# t$e se%on" &on'ress!ona( )!str!%t o# Nort$ern Samar, #!(e" t$e !nstant *et!t!on #or *ro$!b!t!on see+!n' to "!s,ua(!#y respon"ent Rau( )a-a, t$en !n%umbent %on'ressman o# t$e same %on'ress!ona( "!str!%t, #rom %ont!nu!n' to e.er%!se t$e #un%t!ons o# $!s o##!%e, on t$e 'roun" t$at t$e (atter !s a 'reen%ar" $o("er an" a (a/#u( permanent res!"ent o# t$e 0n!te" States s!n%e O%tober 11, 1923. *et!t!oners a((e'e t$at Mr. )a-a $as not, by any a%t or "e%(arat!on, renoun%e" $!s status as permanent res!"ent, t$ereby v!o(at!n' Se%t!on 1 o# 4atas *ambansa 4!(an' 1 5Omn!bus E(e%t!on &o"e6 an" Se%t!on 1 , 7rt!%(e 89 o# t$e 19 2 &onst!tut!on.%ra(a/ On February 2:, 1992, ;e re,u!re" respon"ents to %omment. On Mar%$ 13, 1992, respon"ents, t$rou'$ t$e So(!%!tor Genera(, #!(e" a mot!on #or e.tens!on o# t!me to #!(e t$e!r %omment #or a per!o" o# t$!rty "ays or unt!( 7pr!( 12, 1992. Rea%t!n' to t$e sa!" mot!on, pet!t!oners on Mar%$ 30, 1992, man!#este" t$e!r oppos!t!on to t$e 30-"ay e.tens!on o# t!me stat!n' t$at su%$ e.tens!on /as e.%ess!ve an" praye" t$at respon"ent !nstea" be 'rante" on(y 10 "ays to #!(e t$e!r %omment. On May :, 1992, t$e &ourt note" t$e man!#estat!on an" oppos!t!on.%ra(a/ On 7pr!( 2, 1992, pet!t!oners man!#este" be#ore us t$at on 7pr!( 2, 1992, t$ey #!(e" a pet!t!on be#ore t$e &OME<E& to "!s,ua(!#y respon"ent )a-a #rom runn!n' !n t$e re%ent May 11, 1992 e(e%t!ons on t$e bas!s o# Se%t!on 1 o# t$e Omn!bus E(e%t!on &o"e =S*& 92-0 3> an" t$at t$e !nstant pet!t!on !s %on%erne" /!t$ t$e un(a/#u( assumpt!on o# o##!%e by respon"ent )a-a #rom ?une 30, 19 2 unt!( ?une 30, 1992. ,-.
On 7pr!( 10, 1992, respon"ent &on'ressman )a-a #!(e" $!s %omment "eny!n' t$e #a%t t$at $e !s a permanent res!"ent o# t$e 0n!te" States@ t$at a(t$ou'$ $e /as a%%or"e" a permanent res!"en%y status on O%tober , 19 0 an ev!"en%e" by a (etter or"er o# t$e )!str!%t )!re%tor, 0S 9mm!'rat!on an" Natura(!-at!on Serv!%e, <os 7n'e(es, 0.S.7., ,/. $e $a" (on' /a!ve" $!s status /$en $e returne" to t$e *$!(!pp!nes on 7u'ust 12, 19 :. ,0. On 7pr!( 13, 1992, pub(!% respon"ent &am!(o Sab!o, Se%retary Genera( o# t$e Aouse o# Representat!ves, Mr. ?ose Mar! BuaCo, an O9& o# t$e Genera( Serv!%es )!v!s!on, Mrs. Rosa(!n"a G. Me"!na, as &$!e# 7%%ountant o# t$e Aouse o# Representat!ves an" &omm!ss!on on 7u"!t, #!(e" t$e!r %omment. B$ey %onten" t$at !# !n"ee" &on'ressman )a-a !s a 'reen%ar" $o("er an" a permanent res!"ent o# t$e 0n!te" States o# 7mer!%a, t$en $e s$ou(" be remove" #rom $!s pos!t!on as &on'ressman. Ao/ever, t$ey op!ne" t$at on(y &on'ressman )a-a %an best e.p(a!n $!s true an" %orre%t status as a 'reen%ar" $o("er. 0nt!( $e #!(es $!s %omment to t$e pet!t!on, pet!t!onersD prayer #or temporary restra!n!n' or"er an" /r!t o# pre(!m!nary !nEun%t!on s$ou(" not be 'rante". ,1. E!'$t 5 6 "ays (ater, respon"ent )a-a, rea%t!n' to t$e pet!t!on be#ore t$e &OME<E& 5S*& 920 36 an" $ypot$es!-!n' t$at t$e %ase be#ore t$e &OME<E& /ou(" be%ome moot s$ou(" t$!s &ourt #!n" t$at $!s permanent res!"ent status %ease" /$en $e /as 'rante" a 0S non!mm!'rant v!sa, as+e" t$!s &ourt to "!re%t t$e &OME<E& to "!sm!ss S*& No. 92-0 3. ,2. On May :, 1992, pet!t!oners #!(e" t$e!r rep(y. On May 21, 1992, t$!s &ourt 'ave "ue %ourse to t$e pet!t!on an" re,u!re" t$e part!es to #!(e t$e!r respe%t!ve memoran"a.%ra(a/ B$e %entra( !ssue to be reso(ve" !n t$!s %ase !s /$et$er or not respon"ent )a-a s$ou(" be "!s,ua(!#!e" as a member o# t$e Aouse o# Representat!ves #or v!o(at!on o# Se%t!on 1 o# t$e Omn!bus E(e%t!on &o"e. *et!t!oners !ns!st t$at &on'ressman )a-a s$ou(" be "!s,ua(!#!e" #rom e.er%!s!n' t$e #un%t!ons o# $!s o##!%e be!n' a permanent res!"ent a(!en o# t$e 0n!te" States at t$e t!me /$en $e #!(e" $!s %ert!#!%ate o# %an"!"a%y #or t$e May 11, 19 2 E(e%t!ons. Bo buttress t$e!r %ontent!on, pet!t!oners %!te t$e re%ent %ase o# &aas! v. &ourt o# 7ppea(s. ,3. 9n support o# t$e!r %$ar'e t$at respon"ent )a-a !s a 'reen%ar" $o("er, pet!t!oners presente" to 0s a (etter #rom t$e 0n!te" States )epartment o# ?ust!%e, 9mm!'rat!on an" Natura(!-at!on Serv!%e 59NS6 /$!%$ rea"s: ,4. F!(e )ate: 1<OS913232 No. Nov. 720 :, 9 199 11
Gera'$ty, OD<ou'$(!n an" Fenney 7ttn: )av!" &. Aut%$!nson 3 1 N. Nasbas$a StreetSt. *au(, M!nn. ::102-130 S04?E&B: )a-a, Rau( 7. Gour re,uest /as re%e!ve" !n t$!s o##!%e on HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH@ p(ease note t$e para'rap$=s> %$e%+e" be(o/: ... ... ... 10. 5886 Ot$er remar+s: Serv!%e F!(e 720 91 119 re(at!n' to Rau( )a-a re#(e%ts: subEe%t be%ame a
<a/#u( *ermanent Res!"ent on O%t. 11, 1923. 7s #ar as /e +no/ obEe%t (sic) st!(( $as $!s 'reen%ar". No $e $as not app(!e" #or %!t!-ens$!p. S!nere(y, S'".)!str!%t Form G-333 =Rev. -20- 2>N (sic) )!re%tor
;e vote to "!sm!ss t$e !nstant pro$!b!t!on %ase. F!rst, t$!s %ase !s a(rea"y moot an" a%a"em!% #or !t !s ev!"ent #rom t$e man!#estat!on #!(e" by pet!t!oners "ate" 7pr!( 1, 1992 ,5. t$at t$ey see+ to unseat respon"ent #rom $!s pos!t!on as &on'ressman #or t$e "urat!on o# $!s term o# o##!%e %ommen%!n' ?une 30, 19 2 an" en"!n' ?une 30, 1992. Se%on"(y, Eur!s"!%t!on o# t$!s %ase r!'$t#u((y perta!ns to t$e Aouse E(e%tora( Br!buna(. 0n"er Se%t!on 12 o# 7rt!%(e I9 o# t$e 19 2 &onst!tut!on, !t !s t$e Aouse E(e%tora( Br!buna( /$!%$ s$a(( be t$e so(e Eu"'e o# a(( %ontests re(at!n' to t$e e(e%t!on, returns an" ,ua(!#!%at!on o# !ts members. S!n%e pet!t!oners %$a((en'e t$e ,ua(!#!%at!ons o# &on'ressman )a-a, t$e appropr!ate reme"y s$ou(" $ave been to #!(e a pet!t!on to %an%e( respon"ent )a-aDs %ert!#!%ate o# %an"!"a%y be#ore t$e e(e%t!on ,6. or a quo warranto %ase /!t$ t$e Aouse E(e%tora( Br!buna( /!t$!n ten 5106 "ays a#ter )a-aDs pro%(amat!on. ,-7. B$!r", a /r!t o# pro$!b!t!on %an no (on'er be !ssue" a'a!nst respon"ent s!n%e $!s term $as a(rea"y e.p!re". 7 /r!t or pro$!b!t!on !s not !nten"e" to prov!"e #or a%ts a(rea"y %onsummate". ,--. Fourt$, as a de facto pub(!% o##!%er, ,-/. respon"ent %annot be ma"e to re!mburse #un"s "!sburse" "ur!n' $!s term o# o##!%e be%ause $!s a%ts are as va(!" as t$ose o# a de jure o##!%er. Moreover, as a de facto o##!%er, $e !s ent!t(e" to emo(uments #or a%tua( serv!%es ren"ere". ,-0. 7&&OR)9NG<G, t$e &ourt reso(ve" to )9SM9SS t$e !nstant pet!t!on #or be!n' moot an" a%a"em!%.%ra(a/ SO OR)ERE).%ra(a/ G.R. N!. -71321 J$ne 3, -661 REPUBLIC O8 THE PHILIPPINES, pet!t!oner, vs. HON. ROSALIO G. DE LA ROSA, PRESIDING JUDGE O8 THE REGIONAL TRIAL COURT, BRANCH /5, MANILA and JUAN G. 8RI9ALDO, respon"ents. G.R. N!. -724-2 J$ne 3, -661 RAUL R. LEE, pet!t!oner, vs. COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS and JUAN G. 8RI9ALDO, respon"ents. G.R. N!. -72402 J$ne 3, -661 RAUL R. LEE, pet!t!oner, vs. COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS and JUAN G. 8RI9ALDO, respon"ents. The Solicitor General for petitioner in G.R. No. 104 !4. "olando #. $i% counsel for pri&ate respondent. :UIASON, J.: 9n #ri&aldo &. 'o%%ission on (lections , 123 S&R7 23: =19 9>, t$!s &ourt "e%(are" pr!vate
respon"ent, ?uan G. Fr!va("o, an a(!en an" t$ere#ore "!s,ua(!#!e" #rom serv!n' as Governor o# t$e *rov!n%e o# Sorso'on. On%e more, t$e %!t!-ens$!p o# pr!vate respon"ent !s put !n !ssue !n t$ese pet!t!ons "o%+ete" as G.R. No.1031:3 an" G.R. No. 10:21: an" G.R. No. 10:23:. B$e pet!t!ons /ere %onso(!"ate" s!n%e t$ey pr!n%!pa((y !nvo(ve t$e same !ssues an" part!es. 9 G.R. No. 1031:3 B$!s !s a pet!t!on #or certiorari un"er Ru(e 3: o# t$e Rev!se" Ru(es o# &ourt !n re(at!on to R.7. No. :330 an" Se%t!on 2: o# t$e 9nter!m Ru(es, #!(e" by t$e Repub(!% o# t$e *$!(!pp!nes: =1> to annu( t$e )e%!s!on "ate" February 22, 1992 o# t$e Re'!ona( Br!a( &ourt, 4ran%$ 2 , Man!(a, !n S* *ro%. No. 91-: 13:, /$!%$ re-a"m!tte" pr!vate respon"ent as a F!(!p!no %!t!-en un"er t$e Rev!se" Natura(!-at!on <a/ =&.7. No. 13 as amen"e" by &.7. No. 323>@ an" =2> to nu((!#y t$e oat$ o# a((e'!an%e ta+en by pr!vate respon"ent on February 22, 1992. On September 20, 1991, pet!t!oner #!(e" a pet!t!on #or natura(!-at!on %apt!one": J9n t$e Matter o# *et!t!on o# ?uan G. Fr!va("o to be Re-a"m!tte" as a &!t!-en o# t$e *$!(!pp!nes un"er &ommon/ea(t$ 7%t No. 13J =Rollo, pp. 12-23>. 9n an Or"er "ate" O%tober 2, 1991 respon"ent ?u"'e set t$e pet!t!on #or $ear!n' on Mar%$ 11, 1992, an" "!re%te" t$e pub(!%at!on o# t$e sa!" or"er an" pet!t!on !n t$e O##!%!a( Ga-ette an" a ne/spaper o# 'enera( %!r%u(at!on, #or t$ree %onse%ut!ve /ee+s, t$e (ast pub(!%at!on o# /$!%$ s$ou(" be at (east s!. mont$s be#ore t$e sa!" "ate o# $ear!n'. B$e or"er #urt$er re,u!re" t$e post!n' o# a %opy t$ereo# an" t$e pet!t!on !n a %onsp!%uous p(a%e !n t$e O##!%e o# t$e &(er+ o# &ourt o# t$e Re'!ona( Br!a( &ourt, Man!(a =Rollo, pp. 23-21>. On ?anuary 13, 1992, pr!vate respon"ent #!(e" a JMot!on to Set Aear!n' 7$ea" o# S%$e"u(e,J /$ere $e man!#este" $!s !ntent!on to run #or pub(!% o##!%e !n t$e May 1992 e(e%t!ons. Ae a((e'e" t$at t$e "ea"(!ne #or #!(!n' t$e %ert!#!%ate o# %an"!"a%y /as Mar%$ 1:, one "ay be#ore t$e s%$e"u(e" $ear!n'. Ae as+e" t$at t$e $ear!n' set on Mar%$ 11 be %an%e((e" an" be move" to ?anuary 23 =Rollo, pp. 22-2 >. B$e mot!on /as 'rante" !n an Or"er "ate" ?anuary 23, 1992, /$ere!n t$e $ear!n' o# t$e pet!t!on /as move" to February 21, 1992. B$e sa!" or"er /as not pub(!s$e" nor a %opy t$ereo# poste". On February 21, t$e $ear!n' pro%ee"e" /!t$ pr!vate respon"ent as t$e so(e /!tness. Ae subm!tte" t$e #o((o/!n' "o%umentary ev!"en%e: =1> 7##!"av!t o# *ub(!%at!on o# t$e Or"er "ate" O%tober 2, 1991 !ssue" by t$e pub(!s$er o# B$e *$!(!pp!ne Star =E.$. J7J>@ =2> &ert!#!%ate o# *ub(!%at!on o# t$e or"er !ssue" by t$e Nat!ona( *r!nt!n' O##!%e =E.$. J4J>@ =3> Not!%e o# Aear!n' o# *et!t!on =E.$. J4-1J>@ =3> *$oto%opy o# a &!tat!on !ssue" by t$e Nat!ona( *ress &(ub /!t$ pr!vate respon"entKs p!%ture =E.$s. J&J an" J&-2J>@ =:> &ert!#!%ate o# 7ppre%!at!on !ssue" by t$e Rotary &(ub o# )avao =E.$. J)J>@ =1> *$oto%opy o# a *(a,ue o# 7ppre%!at!on !ssue" by t$e Repub(!%an &o((e'e, Lue-on &!ty =E.$. JEJ>@ =2> *$oto%opy o# a *(a,ue o# 7ppre%!at!on !ssue" by t$e )avao-4!%o( 7sso%!at!on =E.$. JFJ>@ = > &ert!#!%at!on !ssue" by t$e Re%or"s Mana'ement an" 7r%$!ves O##!%e t$at t$e re%or" o# b!rt$ o# pr!vate respon"ent /as not on #!(e =E.$. JGJ>@ an" = > &ert!#!%ate o# Natura(!-at!on !ssue" by t$e 0n!te" States )!str!%t &ourt =E.$. JAJ>. S!. "ays (ater, on February 22, respon"ent ?u"'e ren"ere" t$e assa!(e" )e%!s!on, "!spos!n'
as #o((o/s: ;AEREFORE, t$e pet!t!on !s GR7NBE). *et!t!oner ?07N G. FR9I7<)O, !s rea"m!tte" as a %!t!-en o# t$e Repub(!% o# t$e *$!(!pp!nes by natura(!-at!on, t$ereby vest!n' upon $!m, a(( t$e r!'$ts an" pr!v!(e'es o# a natura( born F!(!p!no %!t!-en =Rollo, p. 33>. On t$e same "ay, pr!vate respon"ent /as a((o/e" to ta+e $!s oat$ o# a((e'!an%e be#ore respon"ent ?u"'e =Rollo, p. 33>. On Mar%$ 11, a JMot!on #or <eave o# &ourt to 9ntervene an" to 7"m!t Mot!on #or Re%ons!"erat!onJ /as #!(e" by Lu!ter!o A. Aermo. Ae a((e'e" t$at t$e pro%ee"!n's /ere ta!nte" /!t$ Eur!s"!%t!ona( "e#e%ts, an" praye" #or a ne/ tr!a( to %on#orm /!t$ t$e re,u!rements o# t$e Natura(!-at!on <a/. 7#ter re%e!v!n' a %opy o# t$e )e%!s!on on Mar%$ 1 , 1992, t$e So(!%!tor Genera( !nterpose" a t!me(y appea( "!re%t(y /!t$ t$e Supreme &ourt. G.R. No. 10:21: B$!s !s a pet!t!on #or certiorari, %anda%us /!t$ !nEun%t!on un"er Ru(e 1: o# t$e Rev!se" Ru(es o# &ourt !n re(at!on to Se%t!on :=2> o# 7rt!%(e I999 o# t$e &onst!tut!on /!t$ prayer #or temporary restra!n!n' or"er #!(e" by Rau( R. <ee a'a!nst t$e &omm!ss!on on E(e%t!ons =&OME<E&> an" pr!vate respon"ent, to annu( t$e en )anc Reso(ut!on o# t$e &OME<E&, /$!%$ "!sm!sse" $!s pet!t!on "o%+ete" as S*& &ase No. 92-223. B$e sa!" pet!t!on sou'$t to annu( t$e pro%(amat!on o# pr!vate respon"ent as Governor-e(e%t o# t$e *rov!n%e o# Sorso'on. *et!t!oner /as t$e o##!%!a( %an"!"ate o# t$e <aban n' )emo+rat!+on' *!(!p!no =<)*> #or t$e pos!t!on o# 'overnor o# t$e *rov!n%e o# Sorso'on !n t$e May 1992 e(e%t!ons. *r!vate respon"ent /as t$e o##!%!a( %an"!"ate o# t$e <a+as-Nat!ona( 0n!on o# &$r!st!an )emo%rats =<a+as-N0&)> #or t$e same pos!t!on. *r!vate respon"ent /as pro%(a!me" /!nner on May 22, 1992. On ?une 1, pet!t!oner #!(e" a pet!t!on /!t$ t$e &OME<E& to annu( t$e pro%(amat!on o# pr!vate respon"ent as Governor-e(e%t o# t$e *rov!n%e o# Sorso'on on t$e 'roun"s: =1> t$at t$e pro%ee"!n's an" %ompos!t!on o# t$e *rov!n%!a( 4oar" o# &anvassers /ere not !n a%%or"an%e /!t$ (a/@ =2> t$at pr!vate respon"ent !s an a(!en, /$ose 'rant o# *$!(!pp!ne %!t!-ens$!p !s be!n' ,uest!one" by t$e State !n G.R. No. 1031:3@ an" =3> t$at pr!vate respon"ent !s not a "u(y re'!stere" voter. *et!t!oner #urt$er praye" t$at t$e votes %ase !n #avor o# pr!vate respon"ent be %ons!"ere" as stray votes, an" t$at $e, on t$e bas!s o# t$e rema!n!n' va(!" votes %ast, be pro%(a!me" /!nner. On ?une 10, t$e &OME<E& !ssue" t$e ,uest!one" en )anc reso(ut!on /$!%$ "!sm!sse" t$e pet!t!on #or $av!n' been #!(e" out o# t!me, %!t!n' Se%t!on 19 o# R.7. No. 2111. Sa!" se%t!on prov!"es t$at t$e per!o" to appea( a ru(!n' o# t$e boar" o# %anvassers on ,uest!ons a##e%t!n' !ts %ompos!t!on or pro%ee"!n's /as t$ree "ays. 9n t$!s pet!t!on, pet!t!oner ar'ues t$at t$e &OME<E& a%te" /!t$ 'rave abuse o# "!s%ret!on /$en !t !'nore" t$e #un"amenta( !ssue o# pr!vate respon"entKs "!s,ua(!#!%at!on !n t$e 'u!se o# te%$n!%a(!ty. *et!t!oner %(a!ms t$at t$e !n%(us!on o# pr!vate respon"entKs name !n t$e (!st o# re'!stere" voters !n Sta. Ma'"a(ena, Sorso'on /as !nva(!" be%ause at t$e t!me $e re'!stere" as a voter !n 19 2, $e /as as 7mer!%an %!t!-en.
*et!t!oner #urt$er %(a!ms t$at t$e 'rant o# F!(!p!no %!t!-ens$!p to pr!vate respon"ent !s not yet %on%(us!ve be%ause t$e %ase !s st!(( on appea( be#ore us. *et!t!oner prays #or: =1> t$e annu(ment o# pr!vate respon"entKs pro%(amat!on as Governor o# t$e *rov!n%e o# Sorso'on@ =2> t$e "e(et!on o# pr!vate respon"entKs name #rom t$e (!st o# %an"!"ates #or t$e pos!t!on o# 'overnor@ =3> t$e pro%(amat!on o# t$e 'overnor-e(e%t base" on t$e rema!n!n' votes, a#ter t$e e.%(us!on o# t$e votes #or pr!vate respon"ent@ =3> t$e !ssuan%e o# a temporary restra!n!n' or"er to enEo!n pr!vate respon"ent #rom ta+!n' $!s oat$ an" assum!n' o##!%e@ an" =:> t$e !ssuan%e o# a /r!t o# %anda%us to %ompe( t$e &OME<E& to reso(ve t$e pen"!n' "!s,ua(!#!%at!on %ase "o%+ete" as S*7 &ase No. 92-011, a'a!nst pr!vate respon"ent. G.R. No. 10:23: B$!s !s a pet!t!on #or %anda%us un"er Ru(e 1: o# t$e Rev!se" Ru(es o# &ourt !n re(at!on to Se%t!on :=2> o# 7rt!%(e I999 o# t$e &onst!tut!on, /!t$ prayer #or temporary restra!n!n' or"er. B$e part!es $ere!n are !"ent!%a( /!t$ t$e part!es !n G.R. No. 10:21:. 9n substan%e, pet!t!oner prays #or t$e &OME<E&Ks !mme"!ate reso(ut!on o# S*7 &ase No. 92011, /$!%$ !s a pet!t!on #or t$e %an%e((at!on o# pr!vate respon"entKs %ert!#!%ate o# %an"!"a%y #!(e" on Mar%$ 23, 1992 by Lu!ter!o A. Aermo, t$e !ntervenor !n G.R. No. 1031:3 = Rollo, p. 1 >. B$e pet!t!on #or %an%e((at!on a((e'e": =1> t$at pr!vate respon"ent !s an 7mer!%an %!t!-en, an" t$ere#ore !ne(!'!b(e to run as %an"!"ate #or t$e pos!t!on o# 'overnor o# t$e *rov!n%e o# Sorso'on@ =2> t$at t$e tr!a( %ourtKs "e%!s!on re-a"m!tt!n' pr!vate respon"ent as a F!(!p!no %!t!-en /as #rau'$t /!t$ (e'a( !n#!rm!t!es ren"er!n' !t nu(( an" vo!"@ =3> t$at assum!n' t$e "e%!s!on to be va(!", pr!vate respon"entKs oat$ o# a((e'!an%e, /$!%$ /as ta+en on t$e same "ay t$e ,uest!one" "e%!s!on /as promu('ate", v!o(ate" Repub(!% 7%t No. :30, /$!%$ prov!"es #or a t/o-year /a!t!n' per!o" be#ore t$e oat$ o# a((e'!an%e %an be ta+en by t$e app(!%ant@ an" =3> t$at t$e $ear!n' o# t$e pet!t!on on February 22, 1992, /as $e(" (ess t$an #our mont$s #rom t$e "ate o# t$e (ast pub(!%at!on o# t$e or"er an" pet!t!on. B$e pet!t!on praye" #or t$e %an%e((at!on o# pr!vate respon"entKs %ert!#!%ate o# %an"!"a%y an" t$e "e(et!on o# $!s name #rom t$e (!st o# re'!stere" voters !n Sta. Ma'"a(ena, Sorso'on. 9n $!s ans/er to t$e pet!t!on #or %an%e((at!on, pr!vate respon"ent "en!e" t$e a((e'at!ons t$ere!n an" averre": =1> t$at Lu!ter!o A. Aermo, not be!n' a %an"!"ate #or t$e same o##!%e #or /$!%$ pr!vate respon"ent /as asp!r!n', $a" no stan"!n' to #!(e t$e pet!t!on@ =2> t$at t$e "e%!s!on rea"m!tt!n' $!m to *$!(!pp!ne %!t!-ens$!p /as presume" to be va(!"@ an" =3> t$at no %ase $a" been #!(e" to e.%(u"e $!s name as a re'!stere" voter. Rau( R. <ee !ntervene" !n t$e pet!t!on #or %an%e((at!on o# pr!vate respon"entKs %ert!#!%ate o# %an"!"a%y =Rollo, p. 32.>. On May 13, 1992, sa!" !ntervenor ur'e" t$e &OME<E& to "e%!"e t$e pet!t!on #or %an%e((at!on, %!t!n' Se%t!on 2 o# t$e Omn!bus E(e%t!on &o"e, /$!%$ prov!"es t$at a(( pet!t!ons on matters !nvo(v!n' t$e %an%e((at!on o# a %ert!#!%ate o# %an"!"a%y must be "e%!"e" Jnot (ater t$an #!#teen "ays be#ore e(e%t!on,J an" t$e %ase o# *lonto &. 'o%%ission on (lection, 22 S&R7 2 =191 >, /$!%$ ru(e" t$at a(( pre-pro%(amat!on %ontrovers!es s$ou(" be summar!(y "e%!"e" =Rollo, p. :0>. B$e &OME<E& %on%e"es t$at pr!vate respon"ent $as not yet rea%,u!re" $!s F!(!p!no
%!t!-ens$!p be%ause t$e "e%!s!on 'rant!n' $!m t$e same !s not yet #!na( an" e.e%utory = Rollo, p. 13>. Ao/ever, !t subm!ts t$at t$e !ssue o# "!s,ua(!#!%at!on o# a %an"!"ate !s not amon' t$e 'roun"s a((o/e" !n a pre-pro%(amat!on %ontroversy, (!+e S*& &ase No. 92-223. Moreover, t$e sa!" pet!t!on /as #!(e" out o# t!me. B$e &OME<E& %onten"s t$at t$e preparat!on #or t$e e(e%t!ons o%%up!e" mu%$ o# !ts t!me, t$us !ts #a!(ure to !mme"!ate(y reso(ve S*7 &ase No. 92-011. 9t ar'ues t$at un"er Se%t!on : o# Ru(e 2: o# t$e &OME<E& Ru(es o# *ro%e"ure, !t !s e.%use" #rom "e%!"!n' a "!s,ua(!#!%at!on %ase /!t$!n t$e per!o" prov!"e" by (a/ #or reasons beyon" !ts %ontro(. 9t a(so assume" t$at t$e same a%t!on /as subse,uent(y aban"one" by pet!t!oner /$en $e #!(e" be#ore !t a pet!t!on #or quo warranto "o%+ete" as E*& No. 92-3:. B$e quo warranto pro%ee"!n's sou'$t pr!vate respon"entKs "!s,ua(!#!%at!on be%ause o# $!s 7mer!%an %!t!-ens$!p. 99 G.R. No. 1031:3 ;e s$a(( #!rst reso(ve t$e !ssue %on%ern!n' pr!vate respon"entKs %!t!-ens$!p. 9n $!s %omment to t$e StateKs appea( o# t$e "e%!s!on 'rant!n' $!m *$!(!pp!ne %!t!-ens$!p !n G.R. No. 1031:3, pr!vate respon"ent a((e'es t$at t$e pre%ar!ous po(!t!%a( atmosp$ere !n t$e %ountry "ur!n' Mart!a( <a/ %ompe((e" $!m to see+ po(!t!%a( asy(um !n t$e 0n!te" States, an" eventua((y to renoun%e $!s *$!(!pp!ne %!t!-ens$!p. Ae %(a!ms t$at $!s pet!t!on #or natura(!-at!on /as $!s on(y ava!(ab(e reme"y #or $!s rea%,u!s!t!on o# *$!(!pp!ne %!t!-ens$!p. Ae tr!e" to rea%,u!re $!s *$!(!pp!ne %!t!-ens$!p t$rou'$ repatr!at!on an" "!re%t a%t o# &on'ress. Ao/ever, $e /as (ater !n#orme" t$at repatr!at!on pro%ee"!n's /ere (!m!te" to army "eserters or F!(!p!no /omen /$o $a" (ost t$e!r %!t!-ens$!p by reason o# t$e!r marr!a'e to #ore!'ners =Rollo, pp. 39-:0>. A!s re,uest to &on'ress #or sponsors$!p o# a b!(( a((o/!n' $!m to rea%,u!re $!s *$!(!pp!ne %!t!-ens$!p #a!(e" to mater!a(!-e, not/!t$stan"!n' t$e en"orsement o# severa( members o# t$e Aouse o# Representat!ves !n $!s #avor = Rollo, p. :1>. Ae attr!bute" t$!s to t$e maneuvers o# $!s po(!t!%a( r!va(s. Ae a(so %(a!ms t$at t$e re-s%$e"u(!n' o# t$e $ear!n' o# t$e pet!t!on to an ear(!er "ate, /!t$out pub(!%at!on, /as ma"e /!t$out obEe%t!on #rom t$e O##!%e o# t$e So(!%!tor Genera(. Ae ma+es ment!on t$at on t$e "ate o# t$e $ear!n', t$e %ourt /as Eam-pa%+e". 9t !s pr!vate respon"entKs posture t$at t$ere /as substant!a( %omp(!an%e /!t$ t$e (a/ an" t$at t$e pub(!% /as /e((-!n#orme" o# $!s pet!t!on #or natura(!-at!on "ue to t$e pub(!%!ty '!ven by t$e me"!a. 7nent t$e !ssue o# t$e man"atory t/o-year /a!t!n' per!o" pr!or to t$e ta+!n' o# t$e oat$ o# a((e'!an%e, pr!vate respon"ent t$eor!-es t$at t$e rationale o# t$e (a/ !mpos!n' t$e /a!t!n' per!o" !s to 'rant t$e pub(!% an opportun!ty to !nvest!'ate t$e ba%+'roun" o# t$e app(!%ant an" to oppose t$e 'rant o# *$!(!pp!ne %!t!-ens$!p !# t$ere !s bas!s to "o so. 9n $!s %ase, pr!vate respon"ent a((e'es t$at su%$ re,u!rement may be "!spense" /!t$, %(a!m!n' t$at $!s (!#e, bot$ pr!vate an" pub(!%, /as /e((-+no/n. *r!vate respon"ent %!tes $!s a%$!evement as a #ree"om #!'$ter an" a #ormer Governor o# t$e *rov!n%e o# Sorso'on #or s!. terms. B$e appea( o# t$e So(!%!tor Genera( !n be$a(# o# t$e Repub(!% o# t$e *$!(!pp!nes !s mer!tor!ous. B$e natura(!-at!on pro%ee"!n's !n S* *ro%. No. 91-: 13: /as #u(( o# pro%e"ura( #(a/s, ren"er!n' t$e "e%!s!on an anoma(y. *r!vate respon"ent, $av!n' opte" to rea%,u!re *$!(!pp!ne %!t!-ens$!p t$ru natura(!-at!on un"er
t$e Rev!se" Natura(!-at!on <a/, !s "uty boun" to #o((o/ t$e pro%e"ure pres%r!be" by t$e sa!" (a/. 9t !s not #or an app(!%ant to "e%!"e #or $!mse(# an" to se(e%t t$e re,u!rements /$!%$ $e be(!eves, even s!n%ere(y, are app(!%ab(e to $!s %ase an" "!s%ar" t$ose /$!%$ be be(!eves are !n%onven!ent or mere(y o# nu!san%e va(ue. B$e (a/ "oes not "!st!n'u!s$ bet/een an app(!%ant /$o /as #ormer(y a F!(!p!no %!t!-en an" one /$o /as never su%$ a %!t!-en. 9t "oes not prov!"e a spe%!a( pro%e"ure #or t$e rea%,u!s!t!on o# *$!(!pp!ne %!t!-ens$!p by #ormer F!(!p!no %!t!-ens a+!n to t$e repatr!at!on o# a /oman /$o $a" (ost $er *$!(!pp!ne %!t!-ens$!p by reason o# $er marr!a'e to an a(!en. B$e tr!a( %ourt never a%,u!re" Eur!s"!%t!on to $ear t$e pet!t!on #or natura(!-at!on o# pr!vate respon"ent. B$e pro%ee"!n's %on"u%te", t$e "e%!s!on ren"ere" an" t$e oat$ o# a((e'!an%e ta+en t$ere!n, are nu(( an" vo!" #or #a!(ure to %omp(y /!t$ t$e pub(!%at!on an" post!n' re,u!rements un"er t$e Rev!se" Natura(!-at!on <a/. 0n"er Se%t!on 9 o# t$e sa!" (a/, bot$ t$e pet!t!on #or natura(!-at!on an" t$e or"er sett!n' !t #or $ear!n' must be pub(!s$e" on%e a /ee+ #or t$ree %onse%ut!ve /ee+s !n t$e O##!%!a( Ga-ette an" a ne/spaper o# 'enera( %!r%u(at!on respon"ent %!tes $!s a%$!evements as a #ree"om #!'$ter an" a #ormer Governor o# t$e *rov!n%e o# Sorso'on #or s!. terms. B$e appea( o# t$e So(!%!tor Genera( !n be$a(# o# t$e Repub(!% o# t$e *$!(!pp!nes !s mer!tor!ous. B$e natura(!-at!on pro%ee"!n's !n S* *ro%. No. 91-: 13: /as #u(( o# pro%e"ura( #(a/s, ren"er!n' t$e "e%!s!on an anoma(y. *r!vate respon"ent, $av!n' opte" to rea%,u!re *$!(!pp!ne %!t!-ens$!p t$ru natura(!-at!on un"er t$e Rev!se" Natura(!-at!on <a/, !s "uty boun" to #o((o/ t$e pro%e"ure pres%r!be" by t$e sa!" (a/. 9t !s not #or an app(!%ant to "e%!"e #or $!mse(# an" to se(e%t t$e re,u!rements /$!%$ $e be(!eves, even s!n%ere(y, are app(!%ab(e to $!s %ase an" "!s%ar" t$ose /$!%$ $e be(!eves are !n%onven!ent or mere(y o# nu!san%e va(ue. B$e (a/ "oes not "!st!n'u!s$ bet/een an app(!%ant /$o /as #ormer(y a F!(!p!no %!t!-en an" one /$o /as never su%$ a %!t!-en. 9t "oes not prov!"e a spe%!a( pro%e"ure #or t$e rea%,u!s!t!on o# *$!(!pp!ne %!t!-ens$!p by #ormer F!(!p!no %!t!-ens a+!n to t$e repatr!at!on o# a /oman /$o $a" (ost $er *$!(!pp!ne %!t!-ens$!p by reason o# $er marr!a'e to an a(!en. B$e tr!a( %ourt never a%,u!re" Eur!s"!%t!on to $ear t$e pet!t!on #or natura(!-at!on o# pr!vate respon"ent. B$e pro%ee"!n's %on"u%te", t$e "e%!s!on ren"ere" an" t$e oat$ o# a((e'!an%e ta+en t$ere!n, are nu(( an" vo!" #or #a!(ure to %omp(y /!t$ t$e pub(!%at!on an" post!n' re,u!rements un"er t$e Rev!se" Natura(!-at!on <a/. 0n"er Se%t!on 9 o# t$e sa!" (a/, bot$ t$e pet!t!on #or natura(!-at!on an" t$e or"er sett!n' !t #or $ear!n' must be pub(!s$e" on%e a /ee+ #or t$ree %onse%ut!ve /ee+s !n t$e O##!%!a( Ga-ette an" a ne/spaper o# 'enera( %!r%u(at!on. &omp(!an%e t$ere/!t$ !s Eur!s"!%t!ona( =*o G! 4o v. Repub(!%, 20: S&R7 300 519926>. Moreover, t$e pub(!%at!on an" post!n' o# t$e pet!t!on an" t$e or"er must be !n !ts #u(( test #or t$e %ourt to a%,u!re Eur!s"!%t!on =Sy v. Repub(!%, :: S&R7 223 519236>. B$e pet!t!on #or natura(!-at!on (a%+s severa( a((e'at!ons re,u!re" by Se%t!ons 2 an" 1 o# t$e Rev!se" Natura(!-at!on <a/, part!%u(ar(y: =1> t$at t$e pet!t!oner !s o# 'oo" mora( %$ara%ter@ =2> t$at $e res!"e" %ont!nuous(y !n t$e *$!(!pp!nes #or at (east ten years@ =3> t$at $e !s ab(e to spea+ an" /r!te En'(!s$ an" any one o# t$e pr!n%!pa( "!a(e%ts@ =3> t$at $e /!(( res!"e %ont!nuous(y !n t$e *$!(!pp!nes #rom t$e "ate o# t$e #!(!n' o# t$e pet!t!on unt!( $!s a"m!ss!on to *$!(!pp!ne %!t!-ens$!p@ an" =:> t$at $e $as #!(e" a "e%(arat!on o# !ntent!on or !# $e !s e.%use" #rom sa!" #!(!n', t$e Eust!#!%at!on t$ere#or.
B$e absen%e o# su%$ a((e'at!ons !s #ata( to t$e pet!t!on =*o G! 4! v. Repub(!%, 20: S&R7 300 519926>. <!+e/!se, t$e pet!t!on !s not supporte" by t$e a##!"av!t o# at (east t/o %re"!b(e persons /$o vou%$e" #or t$e 'oo" mora( %$ara%ter o# pr!vate respon"ent as re,u!re" by Se%t!on 2 o# t$e Rev!se" Natura(!-at!on <a/. *r!vate respon"ent a(so #a!(e" to atta%$ a %opy o# $!s %ert!#!%ate o# arr!va( to t$e pet!t!on as re,u!re" by Se%t!on 2 o# t$e sa!" (a/. B$e pro%ee"!n's o# t$e tr!a( %ourt /as marre" by t$e #o((o/!n' !rre'u(ar!t!es: =1> t$e $ear!n' o# t$e pet!t!on /as set a$ea" o# t$e s%$e"u(e" "ate o# $ear!n', /!t$out a pub(!%at!on o# t$e or"er a"van%!n' t$e "ate o# $ear!n', an" t$e pet!t!on !tse(#@ =2> t$e pet!t!on /as $ear" /!t$!n s!. mont$s #rom t$e (ast pub(!%at!on o# t$e pet!t!on@ =3> pet!t!oner /as a((o/e" to ta+e $!s oat$ o# a((e'!an%e be#ore t$e #!na(!ty o# t$e Eu"'ment@ an" =3> pet!t!oner too+ $!s oat$ o# a((e'!an%e /!t$out observ!n' t$e t/o-year /a!t!n' per!o". 7 "e%!s!on !n a pet!t!on #or natura(!-at!on be%omes #!na( on(y a#ter 30 "ays #rom !ts promu('at!on an", !nso#ar as t$e So(!%!tor Genera( !s %on%erne", t$at per!o" !s %ounte" #rom t$e "ate o# $!s re%e!pt o# t$e %opy o# t$e "e%!s!on =Repub(!% v. &ourt o# F!rst 9nstan%e o# 7(bay, 10 S&R7 19: 519236>. Se%t!on 1 o# R.7. No. :30 prov!"es t$at no "e%!s!on 'rant!n' %!t!-ens$!p !n natura(!-at!on pro%ee"!n's s$a(( be e.e%utory unt!( a#ter t/o years #rom !ts promu('at!on !n or"er to be ab(e to observe !#: =1> t$e app(!%ant $as (e#t t$e %ountry@ =2> t$e app(!%ant $as "e"!%ate" $!mse(# %ont!nuous(y to a (a/#u( %a((!n' or pro#ess!on@ =3> t$e app(!%ant $as not been %onv!%te" o# any o##ense or v!o(at!on o# 'overnment promu('ate" ru(es@ an" =3> t$e app(!%ant $as %omm!tte" any a%t preEu"!%!a( to t$e !nterest o# t$e %ountry or %ontrary to 'overnment announ%e" po(!%!es. Even "!s%ount!n' t$e prov!s!ons o# R.7. No. :30, t$e %ourts %annot !mp(ement any "e%!s!on 'rant!n' t$e pet!t!on #or natura(!-at!on be#ore !ts #!na(!ty. G.R. No. 10:21: 9n v!e/ o# t$e #!n"!n' !n G.R. No. 1031:3 t$at pr!vate respon"ent !s not yet a F!(!p!no %!t!-en, /e $ave to 'rant t$e pet!t!on !n G.R. No. 10:21: a#ter treat!n' !t as a pet!t!on #or certiorari !nstea" o# a pet!t!on #or %anda%us. Sa!" pet!t!on assa!(s t$e en )anc reso(ut!on o# t$e &OME<E&, "!sm!ss!n' S*& &ase No. 92-223, /$!%$ !n turn !s a pet!t!on to annu( pr!vate respon"entKs pro%(amat!on on t$ree 'roun"s: 1> t$at t$e pro%ee"!n's an" %ompos!t!on o# t$e *rov!n%!a( 4oar" o# &anvassers /ere not !n a%%or"an%e /!t$ (a/@ 2> t$at pr!vate respon"ent !s an a(!en, /$ose 'rant o# F!(!p!no %!t!-ens$!p !s be!n' ,uest!one" by t$e State !n G.R. No. 1031:3@ an" 3> t$at pr!vate respon"ent !s not a "u(y re'!stere" voter. B$e &OME<E& "!sm!sse" t$e pet!t!on on t$e 'roun"s t$at !t /as #!(e" outs!"e t$e t$ree-"ay per!o" #or ,uest!on!n' t$e pro%ee"!n's an" %ompos!t!on o# t$e *rov!n%!a( 4oar" o# &anvassers un"er Se%t!on 19 o# R.7. No. 2111. B$e &OME<E& #a!(e" to reso(ve t$e more ser!ous !ssue M t$e "!s,ua(!#!%at!on o# pr!vate respon"ent to be pro%(a!me" Governor on 'roun"s o# (a%+ o# F!(!p!no %!t!-ens$!p. 9n t$!s aspe%t, t$e pet!t!on !s one #or quo warranto. 9n #ri&aldo &. 'o%%ission on (lections , 123 S&R7 23: =19 9>, /e $e(" t$at a pet!t!on #or quo warranto, ,uest!on!n' t$e respon"entKs t!t(e an" see+!n' to prevent $!m #rom $o("!n' o##!%e as Governor #or a(!ena'e, !s not %overe" by t$e ten-"ay per!o" #or appea( pres%r!be" !n Se%t!on 2:3 o# t$e Omn!bus E(e%t!on &o"e. Furt$ermore, /e e.p(a!ne" t$at J,ua(!#!%at!ons #or pub(!% o##!%e are %ont!nu!n' re,u!rements an" must be possesse" not on(y at t$e t!me o# appo!ntment or e(e%t!on or assumpt!on o# o##!%e but "ur!n' t$e o##!%erKs ent!re tenure@ on%e any o# t$e re,u!re" ,ua(!#!%at!on !s (ost, $!s t!t(e may
be seasonab(y %$a((en'e".J *et!t!onerKs ar'ument, t$at to unseat $!m /!(( #rustrate t$e /!(( o# t$e e(e%torate, !s untenab(e. 4ot$ t$e <o%a( Government &o"e an" t$e &onst!tut!on re,u!re t$at on(y F!(!p!no %!t!-ens %an run an" be e(e%te" to pub(!% o##!%e. ;e %an on(y surm!se t$at t$e e(e%torate, at t$e t!me t$ey vote" #or pr!vate respon"ent, /as o# t$e m!sta+en be(!e# t$at $e $a" (e'a((y rea%,u!re" F!(!p!no %!t!-ens$!p. *et!t!oner !n G.R. No. 10:21:, prays t$at t$e votes %ast !n #avor o# pr!vate respon"ent be %ons!"ere" stray an" t$at $e, be!n' t$e %an"!"ate obta!n!n' t$e se%on" $!'$est number o# votes, be "e%(are" /!nner. 9n $a)o+ Jr. &. ',-($(', 121 S&R7 1 =19 9>, /e ru(e" t$at /$ere t$e %an"!"ate /$o obta!ne" t$e $!'$est number o# votes !s (ater "e%(are" to be "!s,ua(!#!e" to $o(" t$e o##!%e to /$!%$ $e /as e(e%te", t$e %an"!"ate /$o 'arnere" t$e se%on" $!'$est number o# votes !s not ent!t(e" to be "e%(are" /!nner =See a(so Geron!mo v. Ramos, 131 S&R7 33: 519 :6@ Bopa%!o v. *are"es, 23 *$!(. 23 519126>. G.R. No. 10:23: 9n v!e/ o# t$e "!s%uss!ons o# G.R. No. 1031:3 an" G.R. No. 10:21:, /e #!n" t$e pet!t!on !n G.R. No. 10:23: moot an" a%a"em!%. ;AEREFORE, t$e pet!t!ons !n G.R. No. 1031:3 an" G.R. No. 10:21: are bot$ GR7NBE) /$!(e t$e pet!t!on !n G.R. No. 10:23: !s )9SM9SSE). *r!vate respon"ent !s "e%(are" NOB a %!t!-en o# t$e *$!(!pp!nes an" t$ere#ore )9SL07<9F9E) #rom %ont!nu!n' to serve as GOIERNOR o# t$e *rov!n%e o# Sorso'on. Ae !s or"ere" to I7&7BE $!s o##!%e an" to S0RREN)ER t$e same to t$e I!%e-Governor o# t$e *rov!n%e o# Sorso'on on%e t$!s "e%!s!on be%omes #!na( an" e.e%utory. No pronoun%ement as to %osts. SO OR)ERE). G.R. N!s. -33-10)14 N!'e;<er /7, /773 ABDUSA=UR M. TAN and BASARON BURAHAN, *et!t!oners, vs. COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS, THE PRO9INCIAL BOARD O8 CAN9ASSERS O8 SULU, THE MUNICIPAL BOARDS O8 CAN9ASSERS O8 MAIMBUNG, LUU=, TONG=IL, PANAMAO, ALL PRO9INCE O8 SULU, BENJAMIN LOONG and NUR)ANA SAHIDULLA, Respon"ents. .-------------------------------------------------. G.R. N!. -3356- N!'e;<er /7, /773 BENJAMIN T. LOONG, *et!t!oner, vs. COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS >8&rst D&'&s&!n? and YUSOP H. JI=IRI, Respon"ents. )E&9S9ON 9ELASCO, JR., J.: ;e $ave #oun" !t ne%essary to re'u(ate (!berty@ so /e #!n" !t ne%essary to re'u(ate %ompet!t!on. 1 M#ormer 0.S. Supreme &ourt ?ust!%e <ou!s )emb!t- 4ran"e!s E(e%t!on %ases, !n"ee", J!nvo(ve not on(y t$e a"Eu"!%at!on o# t$e pr!vate !nterests o# r!va( %an"!"ates, but a(so t$e paramount nee" o# "!spe((!n' t$e un%erta!nty /$!%$ be%(ou"s t$e rea(
%$o!%e o# t$e e(e%torate . . ..J 2 B$e pub(!% nature o# e(e%t!on %ases !s ens%on%e" !n t$e peop(eKs su##ra'eM/$!%$ en%ompasses pub(!% %$o!%es an" !nterests. 9n t$e!r %apa%!ty as $av!n' sovere!'n aut$or!ty, t$e F!(!p!no peop(e are a%%or"e" t$e %onst!tut!ona( r!'$t o# su##ra'e to se(e%t t$e representat!ves to pub(!% o##!%e. Bo ensure t$at F!(!p!nos #u((y an" #ree(y enEoy t$!s r!'$t an" t$at t$e!r %$o!%es are re%o'n!-e", t$e r!'$t o# su##ra'e must be sa#e'uar"e". &ourts s$ou(" t$us be v!'!(ant !n prote%t!n' t$!s %onst!tut!ona( r!'$t so t$at t$e peop(eKs vo!%e /ou(" not be st!#(e". T#e Case 4e#ore us are t/o pet!t!ons un"er Ru(e 1: o# t$e Ru(es o# &ourt. B$e #!rst !s t$e *et!t!on #or &ert!orar! an" *ro$!b!t!on /!t$ *rayer #or t$e 9ssuan%e o# a ;r!t o# *re(!m!nary 9nEun%t!on an"Nor a Bemporary Restra!n!n' Or"er3 un"er G.R. Nos. 111133-32 /$!%$ see+s to set as!"e t$e O%tober 1 , 2003 ?o!nt Reso(ut!on 3 o# t$e &OME<E& en ban% /$!%$ reEe%te" t$e prayer #or "e%(arat!on o# #a!(ure o# e(e%t!ons by pet!t!oners Ban an" 4ura$an !n S*7 Nos. 03-331, 03332, 03-339, an" 03-330, an" by Gusop ?!+!r! !n S*7 No. 03-333 /$!%$ !s not un"er %ons!"erat!on !n t$!s pet!t!on. B$e ot$er !s a *et!t!on #or &ert!orar! /!t$ *rayer #or a Bemporary Restra!n!n' Or"er an"Nor ;r!t o# *re(!m!nary 9nEun%t!on : un"er G.R. No. 111 91 /$!%$ see+s to annu( an" set as!"e t$e )e%ember 13, 2003 1 an" February 2, 200:2 Or"ers o# t$e &OME<E& F!rst )!v!s!on, /$!%$ "en!e" pet!t!oner <oon'Ks mot!on to "!sm!ss !n E*& &ase No. 2003-11. B$rou'$ t$e Supreme &ourt en ban% September 12, 2001 Reso(ut!on, t$ese %ases /ere %onso(!"ate" be%ause t$ey arose substant!a((y out o# t$e same #a%ts set #ort$ be(o/: T#e 8acts *et!t!oners 7b"usa+ur M. Ban an" 4asaron 4ura$an /ere t$e 'ubernator!a( an" v!%e'ubernator!a( %an"!"ates, respe%t!ve(y, o# Su(u *rov!n%e !n t$e May 10, 2003 nat!ona( an" (o%a( e(e%t!ons. On May 12, 2003, pet!t!oners, to'et$er /!t$ ot$er (o%a( %an"!"ates #or %on'ressman, mayor, an" v!%e-mayor, #!(e" /!t$ t$e &OME<E& #our =3> *et!t!ons #or )e%(arat!on o# Fa!(ure o# E(e%t!ons !n t$e to/ns o# Ma!mbun', <uu+, Bon'+!(, an" *anamao, a(( o# Su(u *rov!n%e, "o%+ete" as S*7 Nos. 03-331, 03-332,9 03-339,10 an" 03-330,11 respe%t!ve(y. For t$e mun!%!pa(!ty o# <uu+, Su(u, anot$er *et!t!on #or )e%(arat!on o# Fa!(ure o# E(e%t!ons /as #!(e" by anot$er 'ubernator!a( %an"!"ate, Gusop ?!+!r!, an" !t /as "o%+ete" as S*7 No. 03-333.12 *et!t!oners Ban an" 4ura$an a((e'e" systemat!% #rau", terror!sm, !((e'a( s%$emes, an" ma%$!nat!ons a((e'e"(y perpetrate" by pr!vate respon"ents an" t$e!r supporters resu(t!n' !n mass!ve "!sen#ran%$!sement o# voters. *et!t!oners subm!tte" var!ous a##!"av!ts an" p$oto'rap$s to substant!ate t$e!r a((e'at!ons:13 9n S*7 No. 03-331 =Ma!mbun', Su(u>, pet!t!oners subm!tte" t$e a##!"av!ts o# po(( /at%$ers Ram!( *. S!n'son, Ota( 9bba, Sa$a+ *. 9bra$!m, Ran"y ?. ?urr!, Aayu"!n! S. ?amur!, an" mun!%!pa( %oun%!(or %an"!"ate ?um"an! ?um(a!(.13 9n S*7 No. 03-332 =<uu+, Su(u>, pet!t!oners subm!tte" t$e a##!"av!ts o# po(( /at%$ers N!Eam )au", 7rs!"an 7b"ura$man, 4ensa(! Fam(!an, Gamar 4asa(a, NaE!r 7$ama", 7pa( 7. Emam!(, Say 7b"uras!, Fa!-a( Ausban!, S!+a( <astam, Mu+tar 7!(a"Ea, RuEer 7b"u(+a"!(, ?urm!n Sura!", 4a++ar ?am!(, Mus!" Ma"on', Nas!b Nur!n, ?u(-9s(am 4en$ar, 4as!r! Aamsa$, an" re'!stere" voters Sa$aya Mu+san, ?urato( 7s!bon, Nu(u""!n Ma(!$u(, Bantun' Baran!, ?u( 7mbr! 7bb!(, an" Aara$un 7ro(a.1:
9n S*7 No. 03-339 =Bon'+!(, Su(u>, pet!t!oners subm!tte" t$e a##!"av!ts o# po(( /at%$ers Ba(!b 0sama, <!n'b!r" Sabta(, Gusop M!r!$, Fas!m 7+o(, 7mma" Ma"on, )ayt!n' 9mam!(, Nonoy B. F!""an', N!(son 4a+!(, 4oy Sabta(, Rea'an 4ensa(!, 7('u!ser 7b"u((a, Gam!n' Ba(!b, Mun!r 0++an', 7b"ura$!m Sa!r!(, 7(%a#on Ba(!b, Rose#!er Ba(!b, ?u(bas!( Sabta(, )ar/!n <a(!+, Mer!n!sa B. 7b"uras!", <!m B!n'+a$an, an" MuE!na G. Ba(!b, 11 over-a(( %oor"!nators o# Bon'+!( mayora(ty %an"!"ate O(um S!ra!(. 7##!ant po(( /at%$er Mer!n!sa B. 7b"uras!" atteste" to ta+!n' seven =2> p$oto'rap$s 12 a((e'e"(y s$o/!n' e(e%tora( !rre'u(ar!t!es. 9n S*7 No. 03-330 =*anamao, Su(u>, pet!t!oners subm!tte" t$e a##!"av!ts o# po(( /at%$ers 7m!na ). 0n"u', )!n/a-a 0n"u', S!tt! 7!-a 0n"u', 7m!na 0n"u', 9n"a$ Baas 0n"u', Fa"-rama 7u+asa, Moreno 7"Ean!, Nur$a!"a S. 0n"u', NurEa!na S. 7buba+ar, an" 7(t!m!r 7. ?u($an!.1 7##!ant po(( /at%$er 7(t!m!r 7. ?u($an! atteste" to ta+!n' #!ve =:> p$oto'rap$s 19 a((e'e"(y s$o/!n' e(e%tora( !rre'u(ar!t!es. *et!t!oners subm!tte" a""!t!ona( a##!"av!ts an" p$oto'rap$s, part!%u(ar(y t$e a##!"av!ts o# Ma!mbun', Su(u po(( /at%$ers 7m!n+a"ra 7buba+ar, 7b"u((a 7buba+ar, M$ar Sappar!, Nas!r!n 7(-NaE!b, Marv!n SaraE!, Nau#a( 7buba+ar, R$!no Gumba$a(!, 4as!+ 7bton, 7b-ara A. Mu"a$!, 7yatu((a ?a+ar!a, 0tta( 9ba, S!n-s!n 4u+(asan, Mar"!son 9. 4a+!(!, 7b"urasm!n 7b"ura$man, 4!nnar *!ton', Ma$r!# Sum(a$an!, 7(b!nar S. 7saa", !n%(u"!n' t$at o# p$otoEourna(!st 7(#re" ?a%!nto-&orra(20 /$o atteste" ta+!n' n!ne =9> p$oto'rap$s21 s$o/!n' e(e%t!on !rre'u(ar!t!es. <!+e/!se, a report /as subm!tte" by *$!(!pp!ne 7rmy 1<t. 7rt$ur I. Ge(ot!n, &omman"!n' O##!%er o# 7(p$a &ompany, :13r" 9n#antry =Matapat> 4N 11), Ban"u$ *aton', Ma!mbun', Su(u, /$!%$ a((e'e"(y s$o/e" mass!ve #a!(ure o# voters to %ast t$e!r ba((ots. 22 Mean/$!(e, t$e &OME<E& Se%on" )!v!s!on, a%t!n' on t$e *et!t!ons #or )e%(arat!on o# Fa!(ure o# E(e%t!ons, !ssue" !ts May 12, 2003 Or"er suspen"!n' t$e pro%(amat!on o# t$e /!nn!n' 'ubernator!a( %an"!"ate o# Su(u, 23 but (!#te" t$e suspens!on t$ree =3> "ays (ater. 9n t$e May 20, 2003 (!#t!n' Or"er, t$e &OME<E& Se%on" )!v!s!on "!re%te" t$e Su(u *4O& to %omp(ete t$e %anvass o# votes an" Jto br!n' a(( %anvass "o%uments to Man!(a, an" to pro%(a!m t$e /!nn!n' %an"!"ates #or Governor !n Man!(a.J 23 Even be#ore t$e #!(!n' o# t$e #our =3> a#oresa!" pet!t!ons, 7b"usa+ur M. Ban $a" #!(e" #our =3> ot$er pet!t!ons, one be#ore t$e Mun!%!pa( 4oar" o# &anvassers o# *aran', Su(u #or t$e e.%(us!on o# e(e%t!on returns #rom severa( pre%!n%ts "o%+ete" as S*7 No. 03-13 , an" t$e ot$er t$ree be#ore t$e *rov!n%!a( 4oar" o# &anvassers o# Su(u to e.%(u"e %ert!#!%ates o# %anvass #rom <uu+, *anamao, an" *aran' "o%+ete" as S*7 Nos. 03-113, 03-113 an" 0311:, respe%t!ve(y. 7(( t$ese pet!t!ons /ere "!sm!sse" by t$e 4oar"s %on%erne", prompt!n' pet!t!oner Ban to #!(e an appea( /!t$ t$e &OME<E& F!rst )!v!s!on /$!%$ !ssue" an Or"er 2: on May 23, 2003 "!re%t!n' t$e %on%erne" boar"s o# %anvassers to suspen" t$e!r pro%ee"!n's an" to re#ra!n #rom pro%(a!m!n' any /!nn!n' %an"!"ate. Ao/ever, on t$e same "ay t$at t$e &OME<E& F!rst )!v!s!on !ssue" t$e sa!" Or"er, pr!vate respon"ent 4enEam!n <oon' /as pro%(a!me" t$e /!nn!n' 'overnor o# Su(u an" $e assume" o##!%e. B$!s prompte" pet!t!oner Ban to #!(e a *et!t!on #or 7nnu(ment o# t$e *ro%(amat!on /!t$ t$e &OME<E& F!rst )!v!s!on, "o%+ete" as S*7 No. 03-20:. On ?une 21, 2003, t$e &OME<E& F!rst )!v!s!on !ssue" an Or"er 21 /$!%$ 'rante" t$e pet!t!on
an" annu((e" t$e pro%(amat!on o# respon"ent <oon' as 'overnor o# Su(u *rov!n%e. 9n t$e meant!me, on ?u(y 19, 2003, respon"ent Gusop A. ?!+!r! #!(e" be#ore t$e &OME<E& a *et!t!on o# *rotest *d 'autela%,22 "o%+ete" as E*& No. 2003-11 pray!n', inter alia, #or t$e re%ount or rev!s!on o# t$e ba((ots %ast an" t$e e.am!nat!on o# e(e%t!on returns !n #our =3> mun!%!pa(!t!es o# Su(u, name(y, <uu+, Bon'+!(, Ma!mbun', an" *aran'. B$e &OME<E& en )anc, t$rou'$ !ts O%tober 1 , 2003 ?o!nt Reso(ut!on, "!sm!sse" a(( #!ve =:> pet!t!ons #!(e" on May 12, 2003 to "e%(are a #a!(ure o# e(e%t!ons. B$!s prompte" respon"ent ?!+!r! to !mme"!ate(y %onvert $!s pet!t!on ad cautela% !nto a re'u(ar e(e%t!on protest /$!%$ /as 'rante" by t$e &OME<E& F!rst )!v!s!on !n an Or"er 2 "ate" O%tober 2 , 2003. R$+&n* !" t#e C!;;&ss&!n !n E+ect&!ns En Banc &n SPA N!s. 71)001, 71)003, 71)004, 71)006, and 71)017 On O%tober 1 , 2003, t$e &OME<E& en )anc, t$rou'$ a ?o!nt Reso(ut!on, 29 "!sm!sse" t$e #!ve =:> *et!t!ons to )e%(are Fa!(ure o# E(e%t!ons !n t$e to/ns o# Ma!mbun', <uu+, Bon'+!(, an" *anamao, #or (a%+ o# mer!t. B$e &OME<E& en ban% ru(e" t$at t$ere /as no #a!(ure o# e(e%t!on !n t$e subEe%t mun!%!pa(!t!es o# Su(u. 9t reasone" t$at !t %ou(" on(y e.er%!se t$e e.traor"!nary reme"y o# "e%(ar!n' a #a!(ure o# e(e%t!on !n t$e t$ree !nstan%es ment!one" !n 'arlos &. *n.eles,30 !n re(at!on to Se%t!on 1 o# t$e Omn!bus E(e%t!on &o"e 31 an" Se%t!on 3 o# R7 2111, /$!%$ !n '!st are: =1> t$e e(e%t!on !s not $e(", =2> t$e e(e%t!on !s suspen"e", or =3> t$e e(e%t!on resu(ts !n a #a!(ure to e(e%t. 9n "!sm!ss!n' t$e pet!t!ons, t$e &OME<E& $e(" t$at none o# t$e 'roun"s re(!e" upon by pet!t!oners #a(( un"er any o# t$e t$ree !nstan%es Eust!#y!n' a "e%(arat!on o# #a!(ure o# e(e%t!on. F!rst, t$e &OME<E& #oun" t$at base" upon t$e ev!"en%e presente" by t$e part!es, a va(!" e(e%t!on /as $e(" as s%$e"u(e". Se%on", t$ere /as no suspens!on o# t$e e(e%t!on as vot!n' %ont!nue" norma((y. B$!r", pr!vate respon"ent <oon' /as e(e%te" by a p(ura(!ty o# votes as pro%(a!me" by t$e *rov!n%!a( 4oar" o# &anvassers =*4&>. ;$!(e t$e aut$ent!%!ty an" !nte'r!ty o# t$e e(e%t!on returns #rom t$e mun!%!pa(!t!es o# <uu+ an" *anamao /ere ,uest!one" by pet!t!oner Ban, t$ose o# Ma!mbun' an" Bon'+!( /ere (e#t un"!sturbe" t$rou'$out t$e preparat!on, transm!ss!on, %usto"y, an" %anvass o# t$e returns. *et!t!oners a((e'e" t$at #rau" an" terror!sm too+ p(a%e !n <uu+ an" *anamao be%ause voters /ere #or%e" to a##!. t$e!r s!'natures an" t$umbpr!nts@ an" t$e ba((ots !n <uu+ an" *anamao /ere #!((e" out by respon"entsK po(( /at%$ers an" supporters. &!t!n' Grand *lliance for /e%ocrac0 &. ',-($(',32 t$e &OME<E& en )anc ru(e" t$at t$e 'roun"s ra!se" by pet!t!oners /ere best vent!(ate" !n an e(e%t!on protest. B$e &OME<E& "!" not '!ve %re"en%e to pet!t!onersK ev!"en%e !n support o# t$e!r a((e'at!ons o# #rau" an" terror!sm s!n%e t$e!r ev!"en%e %ons!ste" ma!n(y o# a##!"av!ts e.e%ute" by t$e!r o/n po(( /at%$ers. B$e &omm!ss!on %ons!"ere" t$e a##!"av!ts se(#-serv!n' an" !nsu##!%!ent to annu( t$e resu(ts o# t$e e(e%t!on. 4es!"es, !t po!nte" out t$at pet!t!oners presente" on(y a s!n'(e a##!"av!t o# an a((e'e" "!sen#ran%$!se" voter. B$us, on O%tober 1 , 2003, t$e &OME<E&, t$rou'$ a ?o!nt Reso(ut!on, "!sm!sse" t$e pet!t!ons #or (a%+ o# mer!t. *et!t!onersK %ounse( re%e!ve" a %opy o# t$e ?o!nt Reso(ut!on on O%tober 21, 2003. Ao/ever, t$e ?o!nt Reso(ut!on /as not %on%urre" !n by &OME<E& &omm!ss!oner Me$o( F. Sa"a!n /$o s!'ne" !t /!t$ a note: J)9SSENB9NG. )9SSENB9NG O*9N9ON BO FO<<O;.J Subse,uent(y, &omm!ss!oner Sa"a!n subm!tte" $!s )!ssent!n' Op!n!on 33 on November 23,
2003 or 31 "ays a#ter t$e Eo!nt reso(ut!on /as !ssue". B$e &omm!ss!oner op!ne" t$at t$ere /as #a!(ure o# e(e%t!ons as t$e voters /ere a((e'e"(y not su##!%!ent(y !n#orme" about t$e %$an'e an" trans#er o# po((!n' p(a%es =%(uster!n' o# pre%!n%ts> approve" 33 by t$e &OME<E& en )anc on May 9, 2003 or on t$e eve o# t$e May 10, 2003 e(e%t!ons. &omm!ss!oner Sa"a!n %!te" 1assan &. ',-($('3: an" 2asher &. ',-($('31 /$!%$ $e(" t$at !nsu##!%!ent not!%e o# t$e %$an'e o# "ate an" venue "epr!ve" voters o# t$e opportun!ty to part!%!pate !n t$e e(e%t!ons. B$!s bas!s o# &omm!ss!oner Sa"a!nKs )!ssent!n' Op!n!on, $o/ever, /as not ra!se" by t$e pet!t!oners !n t$e!r May 12, 2003 pet!t!ons =#or "e%(arat!on o# #a!(ure o# e(e%t!ons> be#ore t$e &OME<E&. B$e Sa"a!n )!ssent!n' Op!n!on /as re(ease" on November 23, 2003, an" a %opy o# t$e op!n!on /as serve" on pet!t!onersK %ounse( on November 23, 2003. *et!t!oners #!(e" t$e !nstant pet!t!on !n G.R. Nos. 111133-32 on )e%ember 13, 2003, 19 "ays a#ter t$ey re%e!ve" a %opy o# t$e Sa"a!n )!ssent!n' Op!n!on, an" :3 "ays a#ter t$ey re%e!ve" a %opy o# t$e O%tober 1 , 2003 ?o!nt Reso(ut!on. Den&a+ < t#e COMELEC 8&rst D&'&s&!n !" Pet&t&!ner L!!n*@s ;!t&!n t! d&s;&ss &n EPC N!. /771)33 7#ter t$e "!sm!ssa( o# t$e pet!t!ons to "e%(are #a!(ure o# e(e%t!ons on O%tober 1 , 2003 an" t$e %onvers!on o# respon"ent ?!+!r!Ks protest ad cautela% to a re'u(ar e(e%t!on protest on O%tober 2 , 2003, pet!t!oner 4enEam!n B. <oon' #!(e" on November , 2003 $!s 7ns/er /!t$ Mot!on to )!sm!ss an"Nor /!t$ &ounter *rotest.32 *et!t!oner <oon' an%$ore" $!s mot!on to "!sm!ss on t$e 'roun" t$at t$e &OME<E& $a" no Eur!s"!%t!on to ta+e %o'n!-an%e o# an e(e%t!on protest #!(e" out o# t!me. On )e%ember 13, 2003, t$e &OME<E& F!rst )!v!s!on !ssue" t$e #!rst assa!(e" Or"er 3 "eny!n' pet!t!oner <oon'Ks mot!on to "!sm!ss, ru(!n' t$at t$e protest /as not #!(e" out o# t!me as t$ere /ere st!(( pen"!n' pre-pro%(amat!on %ases be#ore !t, t$e resu(t o# /$!%$ %ou(" a##e%t <oon'Ks mot!on. 9t #urt$er $e(" t$at !t "!" not matter t$at t$ese pre-pro%(amat!on %ases /ere not #!(e" by respon"ent ?!+!r! but by anot$er %an"!"ate, 7b"usa+ur M. Ban, as Se%t!on 23 o# t$e Omn!bus E(e%t!on &o"e "oes not re,u!re t$at t$e pet!t!on to annu( or suspen" t$e pro%(amat!on be #!(e" by t$e protestant. B$us, t$e &OME<E& F!rst )!v!s!on %on%(u"e" t$at t$ese pen"!n' pre-pro%(amat!on %ases /ou(" not prevent respon"ent ?!+!r! #rom %onvert!n' $!s protest ad cautela% !nto a re'u(ar one, an" /$!%$ #a%t /ou(" not pre%(u"e t$e &omm!ss!on #rom "e%!"!n' t$e e(e%t!on protest %ase. 7#ter a((, t$e &OME<E& F!rst )!v!s!on note" t$at prepro%(amat!on %ontrovers!es an" e(e%t!on protest %ases $ave "!##erent %auses o# a%t!on, an" t$us, %ou(" pro%ee" !n"epen"ent(y. F!na((y, t$e &OME<E& F!rst )!v!s!on "!re%te" t$e %on%erne" part!es to ta+e t$e appropr!ate steps to a""ress t$e #!nan%!a( an" personne( re,u!rements #or t$e protest an" %ounter-protest pro%ee"!n's. Subse,uent(y, pet!t!oner <oon'Ks Mot!on #or Re%ons!"erat!on 39 /as "en!e" t$rou'$ t$e se%on" assa!(e" February 2, 200: Or"er 30 /$!%$ "!re%te" &OME<E& #!e(" personne( to %omp(y /!t$ t$e "!re%t!ves o# t$e )e%ember 13, 2003 Or"er. Ao/ever, !n a subse,uent or"er, t$e &OME<E& F!rst )!v!s!on staye" t$e !mp(ementat!on o# t$ese "!re%t!ves pen"!n' reso(ut!on o# t$e !nstant pet!t!on !n G.R. No. 111 91. Mean/$!(e, on Mar%$ 1 , 200:, t$e &OME<E& F!rst )!v!s!onKs "!sm!ssa( o# t$e appea( #!(e" by pet!t!oner 7b"usa+ur M. Ban !n S*7 Nos. 03-113, 03-113, an" 03-11: #or t$e e.%(us!on o#
%ert!#!%ates o# %anvass,31 ren"ere" moot an" a%a"em!% t$e !ssue on t$e annu(ment o# t$e pro%(amat!on o# 4enEam!n <oon' as 'overnor o# Su(u. T#e Iss$es 9n G.R. Nos. 111133-32, pet!t!oners Ban an" 4ura$an ra!se t$e #o((o/!n' !ssues #or our %ons!"erat!on: ;$et$er 5or not6 t$e respon"ent &OME<E& %omm!tte" 'rave abuse o# "!s%ret!on amount!n' to (a%+ or e.%ess o# Eur!s"!%t!on, !n "!sm!ss!n' t$e %onso(!"ate" pet!t!ons "esp!te t$e ev!"ent mass!ve "!sen#ran%$!sement o# t$e voters. ;$et$er 5or not6 t$e pro%(amat!on o# t$e respon"ents, a(be!t patentl0 null and &oid, bars t$e #!(!n' o# t$e !nstant pet!t!ons #or "e%(arat!on o# #a!(ure o# e(e%t!ons. 32 9n G.R. No. 111 91, pet!t!oner <oon' s!mu(taneous(y ra!ses t$e #o((o/!n' !ssues be#ore us: A#et#er ,!r n!t. t#e COMELEC #as B$r&sd&ct&!n t! enterta&n e+ect!ra+ %r!tests "&+ed <e !nd ten >-7? da s a"ter t#e %r!c+a;at&!n !" t#e res$+ts !" an e+ect&!n "!r a *&'en %r!'&nc&a+ !""&ce. A#et#er ,!r n!t. t#e COMELEC #as B$r&sd&ct&!n t! enterta&n s&;$+tane!$s+ %r!c+a;at&!n c!ntr!'ers&es and e+ect!ra+ %r!tests. T#e C!$rt@s R$+&n* B$e pet!t!ons are bere#t o# mer!t. G.R. N!s. -33-10)14 *re(!m!nary 9ssue: B!me(!ness o# t$e *et!t!on *et!t!oners Ban an" 4ura$an ma!nta!n t$at t$e 30-"ay re'(ementary per!o" to #!(e t$e pet!t!on #or %ert!orar! on(y starte" to run on November 23, 2003, t$e "ay t$ey re%e!ve" a %opy o# t$e November 23, 2003 )!ssent!n' Op!n!on, /$!%$ %omp(ete" t$e ?o!nt Reso(ut!on. Moreover, t$ey %onten" t$at t$e assa!(e" O%tober 1 , 2003 ?o!nt Reso(ut!on re%e!ve" by pet!t!oners on O%tober 21, 2003 /as !n%omp(ete s!n%e t$e so(e )!ssent!n' Op!n!on /as /!t$$e(" an" t$ey %ou(" not !nte((!'ent(y an" reasonab(y #!(e t$e !nstant pet!t!on /!t$out !t. On t$e ot$er $an", bot$ t$e O##!%e o# t$e So(!%!tor Genera( =OSG> an" pr!vate respon"ent <oon' stron'(y assert t$at t$e !nstant pet!t!on /as #!(e" out o# t!me as t$e start o# t$e re'(ementary per!o" to #!(e t$e appea( must be %ounte" #rom t$e re%e!pt o# t$e O%tober 1 , 2003 ?o!nt Reso(ut!onMs!n%e !t !s t$e Eu"'ment an" not t$e Sa"a!n )!ssent!n' Op!n!on be!n' assa!(e". B$ey a(so po!nt out t$at t$e /!t$$e(" )!ssent!n' Op!n!on !s on(y &omm!ss!oner Sa"a!nKs v!e/ an", t$us, ne!t$er !s !t essent!a( to nor "oes !t a##e%t t$e ru(!n' o# t$e &OME<E& en )anc. &onst!tut!on an" Ru(es s!(ent on /$en a )e%!s!on !s &omp(ete Bo reso(ve t$e pre(!m!nary pro%e"ura( matter on /$et$er t$e appea( /as #!(e" on t!me, t$e &ourt must #!rst "eterm!ne /$et$er a separate "!ssent!n' op!n!on !n an e(e%t!on %ase be#ore t$e &OME<E& !s a part or %omponent o# a reso(ut!on or "e%!s!on. Se%t!on 13, 7rt!%(e I999 o# t$e 19 2 &onst!tut!on prov!"es: B$e %on%(us!ons o# t$e Supreme &ourt !n any %ase subm!tte" to !t #or "e%!s!on en ban% or !n "!v!s!on s$a(( be reac#ed &n c!ns$+tat&!n <e"!re t#e case &s ass&*ned t! a Me;<er "!r t#e Cr&t&n* !" t#e !%&n&!n !" t#e C!$rt. 7 %ert!#!%at!on to t$!s e##e%t s!'ne" by t$e &$!e# ?ust!%e %re)
s$a(( be !ssue" an" a %opy t$ereo# atta%$e" to t$e re%or" o# t$e %ase an" serve" upon t$e part!es. An Me;<er C#! t!!D n! %art, !r d&ssented, or a<sta&ned "r!; a dec&s&!n !r res!+$t&!n, ;$st state t#e reas!n t#ere"!r. T#e sa;e reE$&re;ent s#a++ <e !<ser'ed < a++ +!Cer c!++e*&ate c!$rts. =Emp$as!s supp(!e"> B$!s %onst!tut!ona( "!re%t!ve /as a"opte" !n Se%t!on 1, Ru(e 1 on )e%!s!ons o# t$e &OME<E& Ru(es o# *ro%e"ure /$!%$ states: Sect&!n -. *ro%e"ure !n Ma+!n' )e%!s!ons.FB$e %on%(us!ons o# t$e &omm!ss!on !n any %ase subm!tte" to !t #or "e%!s!on en ban% or !n )!v!s!on s$a(( be rea%$e" !n %onsu(tat!on be#ore t$e %ase !s ass!'ne" by ra##(e to a Member #or t$e /r!t!n' o# t$e op!n!on o# t$e &omm!ss!on or t$e )!v!s!on an" a %ert!#!%at!on to t$!s e##e%t s!'ne" by t$e &$a!rman or t$e *res!"!n' &omm!ss!oner, as t$e %ase may be, s$a(( be !n%orporate" !n t$e "e%!s!on. 7ny Member /$o too+ no part, or "!ssente", or absta!ne" #rom a "e%!s!on or reso(ut!on must state t$e reason t$ere#or. Every "e%!s!on s$a(( e.press t$ere!n %(ear(y an" "!st!n%t(y t$e #a%ts an" t$e (a/ on /$!%$ !t !s base". B$e above-,uote" Se%t!ons #rom t$e &onst!tut!on an" t$e &OME<E& Ru(es o# *ro%e"ure are s!(ent as to /$at %onst!tutes a "e%!s!onM/$et$er !t !s so(e(y t$e maEor!ty op!n!on or /$et$er t$e separate %on%urr!n' or "!ssent!n' op!n!ons are %ons!"ere" !nte'ra( parts o# !t. Dec&s&!n c!;%+ete C&t# t#e reE$&red ;aB!r&t !%&n&!n B$e &ourt ru(es t$at a reso(ut!on or "e%!s!on o# t$e &OME<E& !s %ons!"ere" %omp(ete an" va(!"(y ren"ere" or !ssue" /$en t$ere !s c!nc$rrence < t#e reE$&red ;aB!r&t o# t$e &omm!ss!oners. Se%t!on 2 o# 7rt!%(e 98-7, 19 2 &onst!tut!on pert!nent(y prov!"es t$at: SE&. 2. Ea%$ &omm!ss!on s$a(( dec&de < a ;aB!r&t '!te !" a++ &ts Me;<ers any %ase or matter brou'$t be#ore !t /!t$!n s!.ty "ays #rom t$e "ate o# !ts subm!ss!on #or "e%!s!on or reso(ut!on. 7 %ase or matter !s "eeme" subm!tte" #or "e%!s!on or reso(ut!on upon t$e #!(!n' o# t$e (ast p(ea"!n', br!e#, or memoran"um re,u!re" by t$e ru(es o# t$e &omm!ss!on or by t$e &omm!ss!on !tse(#. 0n(ess ot$er/!se prov!"e" by t$!s &onst!tut!on or by (a/, an dec&s&!n, !rder, !r r$+&n* !" eac# C!;;&ss&!n ;a <e <r!$*#t t! t#e S$%re;e C!$rt !n certiorari by t$e a''r!eve" party /!t$!n t$!rty "ays #rom re%e!pt o# a %opy t$ereo#. B$ere !s not$!n' #rom t$e above %onst!tut!ona( prov!so nor !n t$e &OME<E& Ru(es o# *ro%e"ure t$at re,u!res t$e subm!ss!on o# a "!ssent!n' op!n!on be#ore a "e%!s!on or reso(ut!on %on%urre" by t$e re,u!re" maEor!ty !s va(!"(y ren"ere", !.e. %omp(ete. *ut ot$er/!se, /!t$ t$e re,u!re" maEor!ty vote, t$e maEor!ty op!n!on embo"!e" !n a "e%!s!on or reso(ut!on "u(y promu('ate" !s va(!"(y ren"ere" an" !ssue" "esp!te "!ssent or !n$!b!t!on o# t$e m!nor!ty, an" even !# t$e reason #or t$e "!ssent or !n$!b!t!on !s subm!tte" mu%$ (ater t$an !ts promu('at!on. Moreover, t$e "!ssent!n' op!n!on, /$!%$ !s on(y &omm!ss!oner Sa"a!nKs v!e/, !s not essent!a( to nor "oes !t a##e%t t$e ru(!n' o# t$e &OME<E& en )anc. Separate op!n!ons not approve" by t$e re,u!re" maEor!ty o# t$e %ourt members, /$et$er t$ey be %on%urr!n' or "!ssent!n' op!n!ons, must be "!st!n'u!s$e" #rom t$e op!n!on o# t$e %ourt. 33 Ier!(y, t$e Eo!nt reso(ut!on !s t$e ru(!n' be!n' assa!(e" an" not t$e "!ssent!n' op!n!on. 9t !s %(ear t$at, not be!n' essent!a( to t$e assa!(e" Eo!nt reso(ut!on, t$e "!ssent!n' op!n!on mere(y serves to %omp(y /!t$ t$e %onst!tut!ona( prov!so t$at any member /$o "!ssente" #rom a "e%!s!on or reso(ut!on must state t$e reason t$ere#or.33 9n sum, t$e 30-"ay re'(ementary per!o" must be re%+one" #rom t$e re%e!pt o# t$e "e%!s!on,
or"er or reso(ut!on an" not #rom t$e re%e!pt o# a "!ssent!n' op!n!on !ssue" (ater. 9n t$e !nstant %ase, t$e "!ssent!n' op!n!on /as subm!tte" an" promu('ate" 31 "ays a#ter t$e assa!(e" Eo!nt reso(ut!on. Sect&!ns 0 and 1, !" Pr!ced$reG Unc!nst&t$t&!na+ R$+e -5 !" COMELEC R$+es
0n"er t$e &OME<E& Ru(es o# *ro%e"ure t$ere !s an !nstan%e /$en t$e 30-"ay re'(ementary per!o" to appea( !s re%+one" ot$er t$an t$e "ate o# re%e!pt o# t$e reso(ut!on or "e%!s!on. B$!s !s /$en an e3tended opinion is reser&ed . B$e 30-"ay re'(ementary per!o" starts to run on(y upon t$e re%e!pt by t$e part!es o# t$e reserve" e.ten"e" op!n!on re(ease" /!t$!n 1: "ays #rom t$e promu('at!on o# t$e reso(ut!on or "e%!s!on. Se%t!ons 3 an" 3 o# Ru(e 1 , &OME<E& Ru(es o# *ro%e"ure prov!"es t$usM Sect&!n 0. ;$en E.ten"e" Op!n!on Reserve".F;$en !n a '!ven reso(ut!on or "e%!s!on t$e /r!t!n' o# an e.ten"e" op!n!on !s reserve", t$e e.ten"e" op!n!on s$a(( be re(ease" /!t$!n #!#teen =1:> "ays a#ter t$e promu('at!on o# t$e reso(ut!on. Sect&!n 1. *er!o" to 7ppea( or F!(e Mot!on #or Re%ons!"erat!on ;$en E.ten"e" Op!n!on !s Reserve".M9# an e.ten"e" op!n!on !s reserve" !n a "e%!s!on or reso(ut!on, t$e per!o" to #!(e a pet!t!on #or %ert!orar! /!t$ t$e Supreme &ourt or to #!(e a mot!on #or re%ons!"erat!on s$a(( be'!n to run on(y #rom t$e "ate t$e a''r!eve" party re%e!ve" a %opy o# t$e e.ten"e" op!n!on. =Emp$as!s supp(!e".> From t$e above-,uote" ru(es, !t may be %ons!"ere" t$at t$e "!ssent!n' op!n!on "u(y note" Jto #o((o/J !n t$e Eo!nt reso(ut!on !s an e.ten"e" reserve" op!n!on. 4ut su%$ /onKt serve to $e(p pet!t!onersK pos!t!on. ;$!(e /e are sympat$et!% to t$e pre"!%ament o# pet!t!oners, /e $o/ever "e%(are t$at Se%t!ons 3 an" 3 o# Ru(e 1 , &OME<E& Ru(es o# *ro%e"ure are un%onst!tut!ona( an" must per#or%e be stru%+ "o/n. B$e 19 2 &onst!tut!on, un"er 7rt!%(e 98-7, Se%t!on 1 3: an" 7rt!%(e 98-&, Se%t!on 3,31 'rants an" aut$or!-es t$e &OME<E& to promu('ate !ts o/n ru(es o# pro%e"ures as (on' as such rules concernin. pleadin.s and practice "o not di%inish+ increase or %odif0 su)stanti&e ri.hts @ on t$e ot$er $an", t$!s &ourt $as a ru(e-ma+!n' po/er prov!"e" !n 7rt!%(e I999, Se%t!on :, para'rap$ =:> 32 Mt$e %onst!tut!ona( prero'at!ve an" aut$or!ty to str!+e "o/n an" "!sapprove rules of procedure of special courts and quasi4judicial )odies. B$us, /e e.er%!se t$!s po/er an" aut$or!ty !n vo!"!n' Se%t!ons 3 an" 3 o# Ru(e 1 , &OME<E& Ru(es o# *ro%e"ure #or %ontraven!n' 7rt!%(e 98, Se%t!on 2 o# t$e 19 2 &onst!tut!on /$!%$ pert!nent(y prov!"es: Se%. 2. . . . 0n(ess ot$er/!se prov!"e" by t$!s &onst!tut!on or by (a/, any "e%!s!on, or"er, or ru(!n' o# ea%$ &omm!ss!on may be brou'$t to t$e Supreme &ourt on certiorari by t$e a''r!eve" party /!t$!n t#&rt ,07. da s "r!; rece&%t !" a c!% t#ere!" =emp$as!s supp(!e">. B$e above ,uote" %onst!tut!ona( prov!so %(ear(y pos!ts t$e une,u!vo%a( s%enar!o t$at a "e%!s!on, or"er, or ru(!n' !s !ssue" %omp(ete /!t$ separate op!n!ons "u(y !n%orporate" upon !ts promu('at!on. 9t "oes not env!s!on /$at Se%t!ons 3 an" 3 o# Ru(e 1 prov!"eMan un/arrante" e.tens!on o# t$e per!o" to #!(e an appea( on %ert!orar!. 4es!"es, str!+!n' "o/n Se%t!ons 3 an" 3 o# Ru(e 1 /!(( obv!ate #uture %on#us!on as to /$en t$e 30-"ay re'(ementary per!o" !s re%+one" an" #oresta(( unne%essary "e(ays !n t$e pro%ess!n' an" a"Eu"!%at!on o# e(e%t!on %ases an" pro%ee"!n's. 9t /!(( re!n#or%e t$e %orre%t Eu"!%!a( pra%t!%eM/$!%$ pub(!% respon"ent &OME<E& pra%t!%esMo# promu('at!n' a(( separate
op!n!ons to'et$er /!t$ t$e maEor!ty op!n!on. B$us, !n (!ne /!t$ t$!s ru(!n', /e (eave !t to respon"ent &OME<E& to promu('ate a more or"er(y ru(e pursuant to !ts ru(e ma+!n' po/er un"er t$e &onst!tut!on to ensure t$at t$e maEor!ty an" separate op!n!ons are %o((ate" an" appen"e" to'et$er to %onst!tute a %omp(ete "e%!s!on, or"er, or ru(!n' be#ore !t !s promu('ate" by t$e %(er+ o# %ourt an" to "ev!se a pro%e"ure t$at ma+es %erta!n o# t$e prompt subm!ss!on o# t$e reserve" e.ten"e" or separate op!n!on /!t$!n a #!.e" per!o". Pet&t&!n "&+ed !$t !" t&;e Fore'o!n' %ons!"ere", t$e !nstant pet!t!on /as %(ear(y #!(e" out o# t!me. Aav!n' re%e!ve" t$e Eo!nt reso(ut!on on O%tober 21, 2003 pet!t!oners $a" unt!( November 20, 2003, t$e (ast "ay o# t$e 30-"ay re'(ementary per!o", /!t$!n /$!%$ to #!(e t$e pet!t!on #or %ert!orar!. For #!(!n' t$e !nstant pet!t!on on(y on )e%ember 13, 2003 or 23 "ays beyon" t$e 30-"ay re'(ementary per!o", t$e !nstant pet!t!on must be "!sm!sse" #or be!n' #!(e" out o# t!me. Separate op!n!ons subm!tte" be#ore promu('at!on Nonet$e(ess, !t $as to be ma"e %(ear t$at "e%!s!ons, reso(ut!ons or or"ers o# %o((e'!ate %ourts must $ave separate %on%urr!n' or "!ssent!n' op!n!ons appen"e" to t$e maEor!ty op!n!on be#ore t$ese are promu('ate". 7n" !t !s t$e respons!b!(!ty o# t$e %(er+ o# %ourt to ensure t$at t$ese separate op!n!ons are subm!tte" /!t$!n t$e re,u!re" per!o" so t$at t$e "e%!s!on, reso(ut!on or or"er !s t!me(y promu('ate". B$ere are t/o =2> sa(!ent reasons /$y t$!s pr!n%!p(e must be #o((o/e", to /!t: F!rst, bot$ part!es "eserve to +no/ a(( t$e v!e/s o# t$e %o((e'!ate %ourt /$o vote" #or t$e maEor!ty an" m!nor!ty op!n!ons an" t$e reasons /$y t$ey vote" !n su%$ manner, espe%!a((y t$e (os!n' party "e%!"!n' to appea( to a $!'$er %ourt. Se%on", !# t$e separate op!n!ons are not appen"e" to t$e ma!n op!n!on, t$e part!es /!(( $ave "!##!%u(ty un"erstan"!n' t$e "!ssertat!on !n t$e ponencia o# t$e maEor!ty t$at a""resse" t$e po!nts ra!se" an" reasons presente" !n t$e separate op!n!ons, more part!%u(ar(y !n t$e "!ssent!n' op!n!on. Even !# /e %on%e"e t$at Ban an" 4ura$anKs pet!t!on /as #!(e" on t!me, /e #!n" t$at t$e pet!t!on #a!(e" to estab(!s$ t$at t$e &OME<E& en ban% %omm!tte" 'rave abuse o# "!s%ret!on. F!rst 9ssue: No )!sen#ran%$!sement o# Ioters Groun" not ra!se" be(o/ %annot be ra!se" on appea( B$e re%or"s o# t$e %ase #rom t$e &OME<E& s$o/ t$at pet!t!oners "!" not ra!se t$e a((e'e" abrupt %$an'e o# po((!n' p(a%e as an !ssue. *et!t!oners no/ mo"!#y t$e!r t$eory on appea(. Luot!n' e.tens!ve(y &omm!ss!oner Sa"a!nKs )!ssent!n' Op!n!on /$!%$ app(!e" 1assan3 an" 2asher,39 pet!t!oners no/ a((e'e t$at t$e su""en %$an'e !n t$e po((!n' p(a%es "epr!ve" t$e %an"!"ates an" voters o# su##!%!ent not!%e /$!%$ a##or"e" pr!vate respon"ents un"ue a"vanta'e an" enab(e" t$em to en'a'e t$e a((e'e" e(e%t!on !rre'u(ar!t!es to ensure t$e!r v!%tory. B$e a#orement!one" !ssue !s no/ ra!se" on(y #or t$e #!rst t!me on appea( be#ore t$!s &ourt. Sett(e" !s t$e ru(e t$at !ssues not ra!se" !n t$e pro%ee"!n's be(o/ =&OME<E& en ban%> %annot be ra!se" #or t$e #!rst t!me on appea(. Fa!rness an" "ue pro%ess "!%tate t$at ev!"en%e an" !ssues not presente" be(o/ %annot be ta+en up #or t$e #!rst t!me on appea(. :0 B$us, !n -atu.as &. 'o%%ission on (lections,:1 /e re!terate" t$!s ru(e, say!n':
B$e ru(e !n appe((ate pro%e"ure !s t$at a #a%tua( ,uest!on may not be ra!se" #or t$e #!rst t!me on appea(,:2 an" "o%uments #orm!n' no part o# t$e proo#s be#ore t$e appe((ate %ourt /!(( not be %ons!"ere" !n "!spos!n' o# t$e !ssues o# an a%t!on. :3 B$!s !s true /$et$er t$e "e%!s!on e(evate" #or rev!e/ or!'!nate" #rom a re'u(ar %ourt :3 or an a"m!n!strat!ve a'en%y or ,uas!Eu"!%!a( bo"y,:: an" /$et$er !t /as ren"ere" !n a %!v!( %ase, :1 a spe%!a( pro%ee"!n',:2 or a %r!m!na( %ase.: *!e%emea( presentat!on o# ev!"en%e !s s!mp(y not !n a%%or" /!t$ or"er(y Eust!%e. Moreover, !n 5da. /e Gual)erto &. Go+:9 /e a(so $e(": 9n $a)or 'on.ress of the 6hilippines &. N$R' ,10 /e $ave ma"e !t %(ear t$at Jto a((o/ #res$ !ssues on appea( !s v!o(at!ve o# t$e ru"!ments o# #a!r p(ay, Eust!%e an" "ue pro%ess.J 11 <!+e/!se, !n ,rosa &. 'ourt of *ppeals,12 t$e &ourt "!sa((o/e" !t be%ause J!t /ou(" be o##ens!ve to t$e bas!% ru(e o# #a!r p(ay, Eust!%e an" "ue pro%ess !# !t %ons!"ere" 5t$e6 !ssue5s6 ra!se" #or t$e #!rst t!me on appea(.J ;e %annot ta+e an oppos!te stan%e !n t$e present %ase. 9n#ormat!on on %(uster!n' "!ssem!nate" to t$e e(e%torate o# po((!n' p(a%es "u(y
Even 'rant!n' ar.uendo t$at t$e !ssue o# t$e a((e'e" %$an'e an" trans#er o# po((!n' p(a%es /as ra!se" be#ore t$e &OME<E&, !t /ou(" st!(( not Eust!#y a "e%(arat!on o# #a!(ure o# e(e%t!on !n t$e subEe%t mun!%!pa(!t!es. B$e re%or"s su##!%!ent(y s$e" (!'$t on t$!s !ssue an" "!spe( any "oubt as to t$e #a!(ure o# e(e%t!on as a((e'e". 9t !s apparent t$at t$e May 9, 2003 approva( o# t$e %$an'e an" trans#er o# po((!n' p(a%esM/$!%$ /as "u(y "!ssem!nate" to t$e part!es, %an"!"ates, an" votersM/as a mere #orma(!ty to %on#!rm /$at /as a(rea"y set /ay be#ore t$e May 10, 2003 e(e%t!ons. B$e 7pr!( 13, 2003 &OME<E& Reso(ut!on No. 119: 13 'rante" aut$or!ty to t$e &omm!ss!oners-!n-&$ar'e o# re'!ons to "e%!"e on a(( a"m!n!strat!ve matters not %overe" by spe%!#!% reso(ut!ons or po(!%!es. B$e %(uster!n' o# pre%!n%ts !n Su(u *rov!n%e /as an a"m!n!strat!ve matter t$at &OME<E& &omm!ss!oner Manue( 7. 4ar%e(ona, &omm!ss!oner-!n&$ar'e o# Re'!on 98, approve" an" %ause" to be "!ssem!nate" t$rou'$ &OME<E& Re'!ona( )!re%tor o# Re'!on 98, Ae(en G. 7'u!(a-F(ores, !n %onEun%t!on /!t$ t$e 7F* an" E(e%t!on O##!%ers. &onse,uent(y, t$e %on%erne" po(!t!%a( part!es, %an"!"ates, an" re'!stere" voters o# Su(u *rov!n%e $a" su##!%!ent t!me to be !n#orme" about t$e (o%at!on o# t$e po((!n' p(a%es an" t$e %(uster!n' o# pre%!n%ts be#ore t$e May 10, 2003 e(e%t!ons. *ursuant to &OME<E& Reso(ut!on No. 119: o# 7pr!( 13, 2003, &omm!ss!oner 4ar%e(ona subm!tte" #or %on#!rmat!on to t$e &OME<E& en )anc $!s memoran"um13 on t$e approva( o# %(uster!n' o# pre%!n%ts !n Su(u *rov!n%e. &onse,uent(y, &OME<E& Reso(ut!on No. 1932 1: /as !ssue" on May 9, 2003 %on#!rm!n' &omm!ss!oner 4ar%e(onaKs pr!or approva( o# t$e %(uster!n' o# pre%!n%ts. &ontrary to &omm!ss!oner Sa"a!nKs )!ssent!n' Op!n!on an" /$at pet!t!oners /ant us to be(!eve, t$ere /as no (a%+ o# amp(e not!%e to pet!t!oners, t$e!r po(( /at%$ers an" supporters, an" t$e voters o# t$e subEe%t mun!%!pa(!t!es !n Su(u *rov!n%e about t$e %(uster!n' o# pre%!n%ts an" t$e trans#er o# po((!n' %enters be#ore t$e May 10, 2003 e(e%t!ons. 7s a matter o# #a%t, pet!t!oners $a" t$e!r po(( /at%$ers !n p(a%e, part!%u(ar(y t$ose /$o e.e%ute" a##!"av!ts on t$e a((e'e" !rre'u(ar!t!es. B$!s e.p(a!ns /$y pet!t!oners avo!"e" ra!s!n' t$!s !ssue !n t$e!r *et!t!ons #or )e%(arat!on o# Fa!(ure o# E(e%t!on be#ore t$e &OME<E& en )anc. B$us, pet!t!oners %annot re(y on t$!s ar'ument #or support. S!'n!#!%ant(y,
&omm!ss!oner Sa"a!n approve" an" s!'ne" &OME<E& Reso(ut!on Nos. 119: an" 1932. 11 No #a!(ure o# e(e%t!on *et!t!oners ar'ue t$at t$ere /as #a!(ure o# e(e%t!ons !n t$e #our =3> subEe%t mun!%!pa(!t!es as t$ere /as rea((y no e(e%t!on $e(" be%ause a(( t$e ba((ots !n t$ese mun!%!pa(!t!es /ere #!((e" out by pr!vate respon"entsK re(at!ves an" supporters. B$ey assert t$at t$ere /as mere(y a s$am e(e%t!on #o((o/e" by a s!m!(ar s$am %anvass!n', an" t$e voters /ere %onse,uent(y "!sen#ran%$!se". B$ey stron'(y ma!nta!n t$at t$!s !nstant %ase #a((s /!t$!n t$e #!rst !nstan%e un"er Se%t!on 1 o# t$e Omn!bus E(e%t!on &o"e 12 /$ere a #a!(ure o# e(e%t!on may be "e%(are" by &OME<E&. ;e are not persua"e". B$e &OME<E& %orre%t(y "!sm!sse" t$e *et!t!ons #or )e%(arat!on o# Fa!(ure o# E(e%t!on s!n%e t$e e(e%tora( anoma(!es a((e'e" !n t$e pet!t!ons s$ou(" $ave been ra!se" !n an e(e%t!on protest, not !n a pet!t!on to "e%(are a #a!(ure o# e(e%t!on. 0n"er Repub(!% 7%t No. 2111, ot$er/!se +no/n as JB$e Syn%$ron!-e" E(e%t!ons <a/ o# 1991,J1 t$e &OME<E& en )anc !s empo/ere" to "e%(are a #a!(ure o# e(e%t!on un"er Se%t!on 1 o# t$e Omn!bus E(e%t!on &o"e. Se%t!on 1 o# t$e &o"e pres%r!bes t$e %on"!t!ons #or t$e e.er%!se o# t$!s po/er, t$us: Se%t!on 1. Fa!(ure o# E(e%t!on.M9#, on a%%ount o# force %ajeure, v!o(en%e, terror!sm, #rau" or ot$er ana(o'ous %auses5,6 t$e e(e%t!on !n any po((!n' p(a%e $as not been $e(" on t$e "ate #!.e", or $a" been suspen"e" be#ore t$e $our #!.e" by (a/ #or %(os!n' o# t$e vot!n', or a#ter t$e vot!n' an" "ur!n' t$e preparat!on an" t$e transm!ss!on o# t$e e(e%t!on returns or !n t$e %usto"y or %anvass t$ereo#, su%$ e(e%t!on resu(ts !n a #a!(ure to e(e%t, an" !n any o# su%$ %ases t$e #a!(ure or suspens!on o# e(e%t!on /ou(" a##e%t t$e resu(t o# t$e e(e%t!on, t$e &omm!ss!on s$a((, on t$e bas!s o# a ver!#!e" pet!t!on by any !ntereste" party an" a#ter "ue not!%e an" $ear!n', %a(( #or t$e $o("!n' or %ont!nuat!on o# t$e e(e%t!on not $e(", suspen"e" or /$!%$ resu(te" !n a #a!(ure to e(e%t on a "ate reasonab(y %(ose to t$e "ate o# t$e e(e%t!on not $e(", suspen"e" or /$!%$ resu(te" !n a #a!(ure to e(e%t but not (ater t$an t$!rty "ays a#ter t$e %essat!on o# t$e %ause o# su%$ postponement or suspens!on o# t$e e(e%t!on or #a!(ure to e(e%t. From t$e above-%!te" prov!so, t$ree =3> !nstan%es Eust!#y t$e "e%(arat!on o# #a!(ure o# e(e%t!on, to /!t: =a> t$e election in an0 pollin. place has not )een held on t$e "ate #!.e" on a%%ount o# force %ajeure, v!o(en%e, terror!sm, #rau", or ot$er ana(o'ous %auses@ =b> t$e election in an0 pollin. place had )een suspended be#ore t$e $our #!.e" by (a/ #or t$e %(os!n' o# t$e vot!n' on a%%ount o# force %ajeure, v!o(en%e, terror!sm, #rau", or ot$er ana(o'ous %auses@ or =%> a#ter t$e vot!n' an" "ur!n' t$e preparat!on an" transm!ss!on o# t$e e(e%t!on returns or !n t$e %usto"y or %anvass t$ereo#, su%$ e(e%t!on results in a failure to elect on a%%ount o# force %ajeure, v!o(en%e, terror!sm, #rau", or ot$er ana(o'ous %auses. 19 9n t$ese t$ree =3> !nstan%es, t$ere must be a resu(t!n' #a!(ure to e(e%t. 7s state" !n 4ana'a, ?r. v. &omm!ss!on on E(e%t!ons, Jt$!s !s obv!ous !n t$e #!rst t/o s%enar!os, /$ere t$e e(e%t!on /as not $e(" an" /$ere t$e e(e%t!on /as suspen"e".J 20 7s to t$e t$!r" s%enar!o, /$ere t$e preparat!on an" t$e transm!ss!on o# t$e e(e%t!on returns '!ve r!se to t$e %onse,uen%e o# #a!(ure to e(e%t must, as ment!one" ear(!er, be !nterprete" to mean t$at nobo"y emer'e" as a
/!nner.21 9n 4ana'a, /e $e(" t$at: 4e#ore t$e &OME<E& %an a%t on a ver!#!e" pet!t!on see+!n' to "e%(are a #a!(ure o# e(e%t!on t/o %on"!t!ons must %on%ur, name(y =1> no vot!n' too+ p(a%e !n t$e pre%!n%t or pre%!n%ts on t$e "ate #!.e" by (a/, or even !# t$ere /as vot!n', t$e e(e%t!on resu(te" !n a #a!(ure to e(e%t@ an" =2> t$e votes not %ast /ou(" $ave a##e%te" t$e resu(t o# t$e e(e%t!on. 22 Note t$at t$e %ause o# su%$ #a!(ure o# e(e%t!on %ou(" on(y be any o# t$e #o((o/!n': force %ajeure, v!o(en%e, terror!sm, #rau" or ot$er ana(o'ous %auses.23 7 s%rut!ny o# t$e pet!t!ons #!(e" be#ore t$e &OME<E& s$o/s t$at pet!t!oners never a((e'e" t$at no vot!n' /as $e(" nor /as vot!n' suspen"e" !n t$e subEe%t mun!%!pa(!t!es. Ne!t$er "!" pet!t!oners a((e'e t$at no one /as e(e%te". *et!t!oners on(y a((e'e t$at t$ere /as a s$am e(e%t!on an" s!m!(ar s$am %anvass!n'. 7s note" ear(!er, to /arrant a "e%(arat!on o# #a!(ure o# e(e%t!on, t$e a((e'e" !rre'u(ar!t!es must be proven to $ave prevente" or suspen"e" t$e $o("!n' o# an e(e%t!on, or marre" #ata((y t$e preparat!on an" transm!ss!on, %usto"y, an" %anvass o# t$e e(e%t!on returns. B$ese essent!a( #a%ts s$ou(" $ave been %(ear(y a((e'e" by pet!t!oners be#ore t$e &OME<E& en )anc, but t$ey /ere not. No ev!"en%e o# mass!ve "!sen#ran%$!sement *et!t!oners /ant us to e.am!ne t$e ev!"en%e an" t$e #!n"!n's o# #a%ts by t$e &OME<E& en )anc assert!n' t$at t$ere /as ev!"ent mass!ve "!sen#ran%$!sement o# voters. ;$!(e t$!s &ourt !s not a tr!er o# #a%ts, an" un"er t$e &onst!tut!on, t$!s &ourt reso(ves J%ases !n /$!%$ on(y an error or ,uest!on o# (a/ !s !nvo(ve".J 23 Nevert$e(ess, a#ter a t$orou'$ e.am!nat!on o# t$e "o%umentary ev!"en%e presente" by pet!t!oners !n t$e pro%ee"!n's be(o/, /e #!n" no %o'ent reason to a(ter t$e #!n"!n's an" %on%(us!ons o# respon"ent &OME<E& en )anc. Fa%tua( #!n"!n's o# t$e &OME<E& /$!%$ $as t$e e.pert!se !n t$e en#or%ement an" a"m!n!strat!on o# a(( e(e%t!on (a/s an" re'u(at!ons are b!n"!n' on t$e &ourt 2: an" must be respe%te". 4es!"es, base" on t$e &OME<E& en ban%Ks s%rut!ny o# t$e #a%ts, t$e a((e'at!ons "o not %onst!tute su##!%!ent 'roun"s to nu((!#y t$e e(e%t!on. ;e a'ree /!t$ t$e #!n"!n' o# t$e &OME<E& en ban% t$at t$e ev!"en%e re(!e" upon by pet!t!oners to support t$e!r %$ar'es o# #rau" an" !rre'u(ar!t!es !n t$e %on"u%t o# e(e%t!ons !n t$e ,uest!one" mun!%!pa(!t!es %ons!ste" o# a##!"av!ts prepare" an" e.e%ute" by t$e!r o/n representat!ves@ an" t$at t$e ot$er p!e%es o# ev!"en%e subm!tte" by pet!t!oners /ere not %re"!b(e an" !na"e,uate to substant!ate pet!t!onersK %$ar'es o# #rau" an" !rre'u(ar!t!es !n t$e %on"u%t o# e(e%t!ons. 21 Mere a##!"av!ts are !nsu##!%!ent,22 more so, /$en t$ey /ere e.e%ute" by pet!t!onersK po(( /at%$ers. B$e %on%(us!on o# respon"ent &OME<E& !s %orre%t t$at a(t$ou'$ pet!t!oners spe%!#!%a((y a((e'e" v!o(en%e, terror!sm, #rau", an" ot$er !rre'u(ar!t!es !n t$e %on"u%t o# e(e%t!ons, t$ey #a!(e" to substant!ate or prove sa!" a((e'at!ons. Aa" t$ere been mass!ve "!sen#ran%$!sement, pet!t!oners s$ou(" $ave presente" t$e a##!"av!ts o# t$ese "!sen#ran%$!se" voters, !nstea" o# on(y a s!n'(e a##!"av!t o# one a((e'e"(y "!sen#ran%$!se" voter. 2 ;e 'o a(on' /!t$ t$e &OME<E& en ban% !n '!v!n' more /e!'$t to t$e a##!"av!ts an" %ert!#!%at!ons e.e%ute" by t$e members o# t$e 4oar" o# E(e%t!on 9nspe%tors an" t$e *N* an" m!(!tary aut$or!t!es t$at t$e e(e%t!ons $e(" /ere pea%e#u( an" or"er(y, un"er t$e presumpt!on t$at t$e!r o##!%!a( "ut!es $a" been re'u(ar(y per#orme". 29 Ier!(y, t$e above-ment!one" so(e a##!"av!t o# M!r!am A. 4!nan', an a((e'e" "!sen#ran%$!se" voter #rom t$e Mun!%!pa(!ty o# <uu+, Su(u presente" by 'ubernator!a( %an"!"ate respon"ent
Gusop ?!+!r! !n S*7 No. 03-333, !s not enou'$ to annu( t$e e(e%t!on. &ons!"er!n' pet!t!onersK a((e'at!on o# mass!ve "!sen#ran%$!sement o# voters /$ere!n (e'!t!mate voters /ere s!mp(y or"ere" to a##!. t$e!r s!'natures an" t$umbpr!nts, /e a'ree /!t$ pub(!% respon"ent t$at pet!t!oners s$ou(" $ave presente" t$e a##!"av!ts o# t$e a((e'e" "!sen#ran%$!se" voters #rom t$e subEe%t #our =3> mun!%!pa(!t!es, but t$ey "!" not. Groun"s ra!se" proper #or e(e%t!on %ontest 1assan 0 an" 2asher 1 "o not app(y to t$e !nstant %ase. 0n(!+e !n t$ese %ases, t$ere /as su##!%!ent not!%e to t$e po(!t!%a( part!es, %an"!"ates, an" voters re'ar"!n' t$e %(uster!n' o# pre%!n%ts an" trans#er o# po((!n' p(a%es. Moreover, t$e e(e%t!on pro%ee"e" as s%$e"u(e", an" none o# t$e e.treme !rre'u(ar!t!es t$at marre" t$e e(e%t!ons !n 1assan an" 2asher /ere present. 9n 2ana.a, 2 /e re!terate" t$e ru(e t$at t$ere !s #a!(ure o# e(e%t!on on(y !# t$e /!(( o# t$e e(e%torate !s mute" an" %annot be as%erta!ne". 3 9# t$e /!(( o# t$e peop(e !s "eterm!nab(e, t$e same must be respe%te" as mu%$ as poss!b(e. 3 9n t$e !nstant %ase, t$e /!(( o# t$e peop(e /as ev!"ent as t$e *4& "u(y pro%(a!me" t$e /!nn!n' %an"!"ates. 7s apt(y ru(e" by respon"ent &OME<E&, pet!t!oners s$ou(" $ave #!(e" an e(e%t!on protest to substant!ate t$e!r a((e'at!ons o# e(e%t!on anoma(!es, not a pet!t!on to "e%(are a #a!(ure o# e(e%t!on. B$ere#ore, /e #!n" no abuse o# "!s%ret!on, mu%$ (ess 'rave abuse, %omm!tte" by t$e &OME<E& en )anc !n "!sm!ss!n' t$e *et!t!ons #or )e%(arat!on o# Fa!(ure o# E(e%t!on #or (a%+ o# mer!t. 7nent t$e se%on" !ssue ra!se" on J/$et$er or not t$e pro%(amat!on o# t$e respon"ents, a(be!t patent(y nu(( an" vo!", bars t$e #!(!n' o# t$e !nstant pet!t!ons #or "e%(arat!on o# #a!(ure o# e(e%t!on,J /e #!n" t$at t$!s matter !s a(rea"y moot as a non-!ssue, as "ue %ourse /as '!ven to t$e !nstant pet!t!ons even !# t$e annu(ment o# t$e pro%(amat!on o# respon"ent <oon' t$rou'$ t$e ?une 21, 2003 &OME<E& F!rst )!v!s!on Or"er /as set as!"e an" superse"e" by Mar%$ 1 , 200: Or"er "!sm!ss!n' t$e appea( o# pet!t!oner Ban !n S*7 Nos. 03-113, 03-113, an" 0311:. G.R. N!. -33568&rst Iss$eG T&;e+&ness !" e+ect&!n %r!test D&st&nct&!n <etCeen e+ect!ra+ %r!tests Sect&!ns /15 and /25 !" t#e O;n&<$s E+ect&!n C!de "&+ed $nder
Mov!n' to t$e !ssues ra!se" !n t$e se%on" pet!t!on =G.R. No. 111 91>, /e note t$at /$!(e pet!t!oner <oon' "oubt(ess(y %on%e"es t$e or!'!na( Eur!s"!%t!on o# &OME<E& over e(e%t!on protests !nvo(v!n' prov!n%!a( o##!%!a(s, amon' ot$ers, $e e.%epts, at t$e #!rst !nstan%e, to !ts assumpt!on o# Eur!s"!%t!on over su%$ %ontest /$!%$, to $!m, /as #!(e" a#ter t$e re'(ementary per!o". Se%t!on 2:0 o# t$e Omn!bus E(e%t!on &o"e prov!"es as #o((o/s:
:
un"er /$!%$ t$e pet!t!oner an%$ors $!s %ase
Se%t!on 2:0. (lection contests for 2atasan. 6a%)ansa+ re.ional+ pro&incial and cit0 offices . O 7 s/orn pet!t!on %ontest!n' t$e e(e%t!on o# P any re'!ona(, prov!n%!a( or %!ty o##!%!a( s$a(( be #!(e" /!t$ t$e &omm!ss!on by any %an"!"ate /$o $as "u(y #!(e" a %ert!#!%ate o# %an"!"a%y an" $as been vote" #or t$e same o##!%e, /!t$!n ten "ays a#ter t$e pro%(amat!on o# t$e resu(ts o# t$e e(e%t!on. =0n"ers%or!n' a""e"> B$e %omp(ement!n' Se%t!on 1, Ru(e 20 o# t$e &OME<E& Ru(es o# *ro%e"ure pra%t!%a((y says
t$e same t$!n'. B$e pet!t!onerKs #ormu(at!on o# $!s bas!% subm!ss!on an" t$e prem!ses $o("!n' !t to'et$er run as #o((o/s: B$e *4O& o# Su(u pro%(a!me" t$e resu(ts o# t$e 'ubernator!a( e(e%t!on, or, !n #!ne, "e%(are" $!m as t$e "u(y e(e%te" 'overnor o# Su(u, on May 23, 2003. 7%%or"!n'(y, a protest %ontest!n' $!s e(e%t!on ou'$t to $ave been #!(e" on or be#ore ?une 3, 2003 or ten =10> "ays #rom May 23, 2003. 7 be(ate" protest, as /$at pr!vate respon"ent ?!+!r! #!(e" on ?u(y 19, 2003 or a (!tt(e over #!#ty =:0> "ays a#ter t$e pro%(amat!on, e##e%t!ve(y "epr!ve" t$e &OME<E& o# Eur!s"!%t!on to enterta!n t$e sa!" protest. 7%%or"!n' to pet!t!oner, t$e &OME<E& F!rst )!v!s!on a%te" /!t$out Eur!s"!%t!on or /!t$ 'rave abuse o# "!s%ret!on /$en !t nonet$e(ess enterta!ne" respon"ent ?!+!r!Ks e(e%t!on protest #!(e" beyon" t$e re'(ementary 10-"ay per!o". *et!t!onerKs bas!% posture may be a%%or"e" p(aus!b!(!ty, e.%ept t$at !t '(osse" over a statutory prov!s!on /$!%$, !n t$e (!'$t o# %erta!n pro%ee"!n's as t$us narrate", m!(!tates a'a!nst $!s stan%e. 0n"er Se%t!on 23 o# t$e E(e%t!on &o"e, t$e #!(!n' o# %erta!n pet!t!ons /or+s to stop t$e runn!n' o# t$e re'(ementary per!o" to #!(e an e(e%t!on protest, t$us: Se%t!on 23 . (ffect of filin. petition to annul or to suspend the procla%ation . O B$e #!(!n' /!t$ t$e &omm!ss!on o# a pet!t!on to annu( or to suspen" t$e pro%(amat!on o# any %an"!"ate s$a(( suspen" t$e runn!n' o# t$e per!o" /!t$!n /$!%$ to #!(e an e(e%t!on protest or quo warranto pro%ee"!n's. 7s may be note", t$e a#ore,uote" Se%t!on 23 %ontemp(ates t/o =2> po!nts o# re#eren%e, t$at !s, pre- an" post-pro%(amat!on, un"er /$!%$ e!t$er o# t$e pet!t!ons re#erre" to t$ere!n !s #!(e". 4e#ore t$e pro%(amat!on, /$at ou'$t to be #!(e" !s a pet!t!on to Jsuspen"J or stop an !mpen"!n' pro%(amat!on. 7#ter t$e pro%(amat!on, an a"verse party s$ou(" #!(e a pet!t!on to Jannu(J or un"o a pro%(amat!on ma"e. *re-pro%(amat!on %ontrovers!es parta+e o# t$e nature o# pet!t!ons to suspen". B$e purpose #or a((o/!n' pre-pro%(amat!on %ontrovers!es, t$e #!(!n' o# /$!%$ !s %overe" by t$e a#ore,uote" Se%t!on 23 o# t$e Omn!bus E(e%t!on &o"e, !s to n!p !n t$e bu" t$e o%%urren%e o# /$at, !n e(e%t!on pra%t!%e, !s re#erre" to as J'rab t$e pro%(amat!on an" pro(on' t$e protestJ s!tuat!on. 1 &orre(at!n' t$e pet!t!ons ment!one" !n Se%t!on 23 /!t$ t$e 10-"ay per!o" set #ort$ !n t$e su%%ee"!n' Se%t!on 2:0, a pet!t!on to suspen" to((s t$e 10-"ay per!o" #or #!(!n' an e(e%t!on protest #rom runn!n', /$!(e a pet!t!on to annu( !nterrupts t$e runn!n' o# t$e per!o". 9n ot$er /or"s, !n a Section 748 petition to suspend /$ere t$e 10-"ay per!o" "!" not start to run at a((, t$e #!(!n' o# a Section 7!0 election contest a#ter t$e tent$ =10t$> "ay #rom pro%(amat!on !s not (ate. On t$e ot$er $an", !n a Section 748 petition to annul, t$e party see+!n' annu(ment must #!(e t$e pet!t!on be#ore t$e e.p!rat!on o# t$e 10-"ay per!o". E+ect&!n %r!test case "&+ed !n t&;e 9n t$e %ase at ben%$, t$e pet!t!onerKs ar'uments on t$e be(ate" #!(!n' o# t$e respon"entKs e(e%t!on protest may mer!t %ons!"erat!on $a" t$e pet!t!ons a'a!nst $!m been on(y #or t$e annu(ment o# $!s May 23, 2003 pro%(amat!on. Ao/ever, t$e numerous e(e%t!on-re(ate" pet!t!ons, /$!%$ /ere #!(e" a'a!nst pet!t!oner <oon' by t$e ot$er Su(u 'ubernator!a( %an"!"ates, sou'$t to s$s%end $!s t$en !mpen"!n' pro%(amat!on /$!%$, as turne" out, /as eventua((y ma"e on May 23, 2003. 7n" as events un#o("e", some o# t$e pet!t!ons a"verte" to resu(te" !n t$e !ssuan%e on May 12, 2003 o# an Or"er suspen"!n' t$e pro%(amat!on o# t$e 'overnor-e(e%t o# Su(u. 2 *et!t!oner <oon' $!mse(# a"m!tte" as mu%$: J. . . on May 12, 2003, t$e &OME<E& Se%on" )!v!s!on !ssue" an Or"er suspen"!n' t$e pro%(amat!on o# t$e /!nn!n' %an"!"ate #or Governor o# t$e prov!n%e o# Su(u.J
Not to be over(oo+e", be%ause a %orrespon"!n' pos!t!on %ou(" $ave pre%e"e" !t, !s t$e ?une 21, 2003 Or"er o# t$e &OME<E& F!rst )!v!s!on annu((!n' pet!t!oner <oon'Ks pro%(amat!on as 'overnor-e(e%t. B$e fallo o# sa!" annu((!n' or"er rea"s: 9n v!e/ o# t$e #ore'o!n' but /!t$out preEu"!%e to any reso(ut!on /$!%$ /ou(" !ssue !n "!spos!t!on o# t$e pen"!n' appea(s an" pet!t!ons !nvo(ve" !n S*& 03-13 , S*7 No. 03-113, S*7 No. 03-113 an" S*7 No. 03-11:, 5S*& !nstea" o# S*7 s$ou(" $ave been use"6 t$e &omm!ss!on =F9RSB )9I9S9ON> $ereby 7NN0<S t$e pre%!p!tate an" premature pro%(amat!on o# 4EN?7M9N <OONG as t$e /!nn!n' %an"!"ate o# 'overnor o# Su(u. 9 0pon t$e #ore'o!n' %ons!"erat!ons, t$e #!(!n' o# t$e e(e%t!on protest ad cautela% on ?u(y 19, 2003 or #!#ty-s!. =:1> "ays a#ter t$e May 23, 2003 pro%(amat!on /as %onte.tua((y on t!me. B$!s !s be%ause t$e 10-"ay re'(ementary per!o" to #!(e su%$ protestOO/$!%$ or"!nar!(y /ou(" $ave e.p!re" on ?une 3, 2003OO"!" not start to run at a((. 9t %annot be over-emp$as!-e" t$at t$e pre-pro%(amat!on %ontrovers!es 7b"usa+ur Ban !n!t!ate" r!'$t a#ter t$e May 10, 2003 e(e%t!ons, t$at !s, S*& Nos. 03-113, 03-113, an" 03-11:, /ere on(y reso(ve" on Marc# -5, /772. ;e repro"u%e /!t$ approva( /$at t$e pub(!% respon"ent sa!", respe%t!n' t$e "en!a( o# t$e mot!on to "!sm!ss #!(e" by pet!t!oner <oon' a'a!nst t$e e(e%t!on protest o# respon"ent ?!+!r!: Re%or"s s$o/ t$at t$ere are st!(( pre-pro%(amat!on %ases pen"!n' be#ore t$e &omm!ss!on, t$e resu(t o# /$!%$ %ou(" a##e%t t$e protestee 5pet!t!oner <oon'6, to /!t: S*& 03-113 =7b"usa+ur Ban vs. B$e *rov!n%!a( 4oar" o# &anvassers o# Su(u>, S*& 03-113 =7b"usa+ur Ban vs. *rov!n%!a( 4oar" o# &anvassers o# Su(u> an" S*& 03-11: =7b"usa+ur Ban vs. *rov!n%!a( 4oar" o# &anvassers o# Su(u>. B$!s s!tuat!on "!st!n'u!s$es t$e !nstant %ase #rom t$at o# )a'(o% vs. &OME<E& =321 S&R7 223> to /$!%$ t$e protestee !s an%$or!n' $!s "e#ense. 9t !s (!+e/!se o# no moment t$at t$e pre-pro%(amat!on %ases /ere #!(e" not by t$e protestant but by anot$er %an"!"ate. Se%t!on 23 o# t$e Omn!bus E(e%t!on &o"e "oes not re,u!re t$at t$e pet!t!on to annu( or to suspen" t$e pro%(amat!on be #!(e" by t$e protestant. B$!s (!bera( !nterpretat!on (!+e/!se s!ts /e(( /!t$ our po(!%y to #ore'o /!t$ te%$n!%a(!t!es !# t$ey stan" !n t$e /ay o# "eterm!n!n' t$e true /!(( o# t$e peop(e. B$at t$e %ases are st!(( pen"!n' /!t$ t$e &omm!ss!on /!(( not prevent t$e protestant #rom %onvert!n' $!s e(e%t!on protest a" %aute(a !nto a re'u(ar one. Su%$ %onvers!on !s an opt!on /$!%$ t$e protestant enEoys. Sa!" #a%t (!+e/!se "oes not pre%(u"e us #rom "e%!"!n' t$e e(e%t!on protest %ase. *re-pro%(amat!on %ontrovers!es an" e(e%t!on protest %ases $ave "!##erent %auses o# a%t!on. B$ey %an pro%ee" !n"epen"ent(y. 90 B$us, t$e !mputat!on o# 'rave abuse o# "!s%ret!on, on t$e part o# respon"ent &OME<E&Ks F!rst )!v!s!on, !n re#us!n' to "!sm!ss respon"ent ?!+!r!Ks *et!t!on o# *rotest *d 'autela% =E*& No. 2003-11> on t$e state" 'roun" t$at $e #!(e" t$e same a#ter t$e (apse o# t$e per!o" #or #!(!n' an e(e%t!on protest !s untenab(e. R$+es %rescr&<ed t! %r!;!te s$<stant&'e B$st&ce 9t may be /e(( to po!nt out at t$!s Eun%ture t$at t$e ru(es on re'(ementary per!o"s, per$aps, (!+e any ru(e !ssue" by Eu"!%!a( an" ,uas!-Eu"!%!a( bo"!es, are pres%r!be" to ensure stab!(!ty !n t$e a"m!n!strat!on o# Eust!%e, as /e(( as to promote substant!ve Eust!%e. 9n"ee", t$ey s$ou(" be "!sre'ar"e" /$en t$ey pose obstru%t!on to t$e atta!nment o# su%$ (o#ty en"s, /$!%$, !n e(e%t!on-re(ate" %ases, as $ere, !s t$e "eterm!nat!on o# t$e popu(ar /!((. ;$!(e t$e #a%ts !n 2ince+ Jr. &. ',-($('91 are not on a(( #ours s!m!(ar, /$at /e sa!" t$ere!n !s most apt: 7ssum!n' #or t$e sa+e o# ar'ument t$at t$e pet!t!on /as #!(e" out o# t!me, t$!s !n%!"ent a(one
/!(( not t$/art t$e proper "eterm!nat!on an" reso(ut!on o# t$e !nstant %ase on substant!a( 'roun"s. 7"$eren%e to a te%$n!%a(!ty t$at /ou(" put a stamp o# va(!"!ty on a pa(pab(y vo!" pro%(amat!on, /!t$ t$e !nev!tab(e resu(t o# #rustrat!n' t$e peop(eKs /!(( %annot be %ountenan%e".92 Sec!nd Iss$eG S&;$+tane!$s %r!sec$t&!n !" %re)%r!c+a;at&!n c!ntr!'ers&es and e+ect&!n %r!tests On t$e (ast !ssue o# t$e propr!ety o# prose%ut!n' s!mu(taneous(y pre-pro%(amat!on %ontrovers!es an" an e(e%tora( protest, pet!t!oner <oon' $o("s t$e ne'at!ve v!e/, subm!tt!n', !n '!st, t$at an e(e%t!on %ontest s$ou(" be put on $o(" unt!( pre-pro%(amat!on %ontrovers!es are %on%(u"e". Ae t$us #au(ts an" 'oes on to as%r!be 'rave abuse o# "!s%ret!on on t$e &OME<E& F!rst )!v!s!on #or $o("!n' ot$er/!se, stat!n' as #o((o/s: &(ear(y, t$e 5ru(!n' o# t$e &OME<E& F!rst )!v!s!on6 !s !((o'!%a( an" absur". ;$at /!(( $appen !# t$e pre-pro%(amat!on appea(s o# P Ban are susta!ne" an" t$e "e#eate" %an"!"ate P Ban !s #oun" to be t$e /!nner !n $!s pre-pro%(amat!on appea(sQ Obv!ous(y, t$e ru(!n' o# t$e &OME<E& "oes not promote or"er(y pro%e"ure !n t$e reso(ut!on o# e(e%t!on %ases. 9t promotes use(ess, unne%essary, an" ve.at!ous (!t!'at!ons. 93 7s ear(!er state", !t !s not (e'a((y poss!b(e #or t$e &OME<E& F!rst )!v!s!on to "e%(are ?!+!r! t$e e(e%te" 'overnor !n t$e e(e%tora( protest #!(e" a'a!nst pet!t!oner 5<oon'6 an" at t$e same t!me !ssue a "e%!s!on !n t$e pre-pro%(amat!on appea(s o# 7b"usa+ur Ban t$at t$e (atter !s t$e e(e%te" 'overnor. B$e 'rave abuse o# "!s%ret!on amount!n' to (a%+ o# Eur!s"!%t!on !s very obv!ous.93 *et!t!oner <oon'Ks ar'uments, #or a(( t$e!r eas!(y-per%ept!b(e mer!t, are not an%$ore" on any (e'a( prov!s!on.19wphi1 B$ey are %ommon sens!%a( to be sure. Nonet$e(ess, (ay!n' 'rave abuse o# "!s%ret!on on t$e "oorsteps o# t$e respon"ent &OME<E& F!rst )!v!s!on #or '!v!n' "ue %ourse to respon"ent ?!+!r!Ks e(e%tora( protest /!t$out /a!t!n' #or t$e #!na( resu(t o# t$e prepro%(amat!on appea(s !s a "!##erent matter a(to'et$er. N! r$+e !r +aC %r!#&<&ts s&;$+tane!$s %r!sec$t&!n For one, t$ere !s no (a/ or ru(e pro$!b!t!n' t$e s!mu(taneous prose%ut!on or a"Eu"!%at!on o# pre-pro%(amat!on %ontrovers!es an" e(e%t!ons protests. 7((o/!n' t$e s!mu(taneous prose%ut!on s%enar!o may be e.p(a!ne" by t$e #a%t t$at pre-pro%(amat!on %ontrovers!es an" e(e%t!on protests "!##er !n terms o# t$e !ssues !nvo(ve" an" t$e ev!"en%e a"m!ss!b(e !n ea%$ %ase 9: an" t$e obEe%t!ve ea%$ see+s to a%$!eve. Moreover, t$e &ourt, un"er %erta!n %!r%umstan%es, even en%oura'es t$e re!n#or%ement o# a pre-pro%(amat!on su!t /!t$ an e(e%t!on protest. 7s /e $e(" !n -atala% &. 'o%%ission on (lections:91 B$e &ourt a'on!-e" over !ts !nab!(!ty to #u((y (oo+ !nto t$e e(e%t!on !rre'u(ar!t!es a((e'e" by pet!t!oner, "ue to t$e very (!m!te" s%ope o# pre-pro%(amat!on %ontroversy. B$us, t$e &ourt rem!n"s (a/yers $an"(!n' e(e%t!on %ases to ma+e a %are#u( %$o!%e o# reme"!es. ;$ere !t be%omes apparent t$at a pre-pro%(amat!on su!t !s !na"e,uate, t$ey s$ou(" !mme"!ate(y %$oose anot$er t!me(y reme"y, (!+e a pet!t!on to annu( t$e e(e%t!on resu(ts or to "e%(are a #a!(ure o# e(e%t!ons or even an e(e%t!on protest, so t$at e(e%t!on !rre'u(ar!t!es may be #u((y vent!(ate" an" proper(y a"Eu"!%ate" by t$e %ompetent tr!buna(. 92 Spee"y "!spos!t!on paramount For anot$er, s!mu(taneous a"Eu"!%at!ons o##er more pra%t!%a( #eatures t$an p!e%emea(
a"Eu"!%at!ons !n e.pe"!t!n' t$e reso(ut!on o# %ases. ;e must stress t$e !mportan%e o# spee"y "!spos!t!on o# e(e%t!on %ases be%ause a (ate "e%!s!on, su%$ as one t$at %omes out /$en t$e term o# o##!%e !n "!spute !s about to e.p!re, !s a ver!tab(e use(ess s%rap o# paper. ;e re!terate /$at /e sa!" !n (spidol &. ',-($(': 9t bears re!terat!n' . . . t$at t$e &OME<E& !s /!t$ aut$or!ty to annu( any %anvass an" pro%(amat!on !((e'a((y ma"e. B$e #a%t t$at a %an"!"ate !((e'a((y pro%(a!me" $as assume" o##!%e !s not a bar to t$e e.er%!se o# su%$ po/er. 9t !s a(so true t$at as a 'enera( ru(e, t$e proper reme"y a#ter t$e pro%(amat!on o# t$e /!nn!n' %an"!"ate #or t$e pos!t!on %onteste" /ou(" be to #!(e a re'u(ar e(e%t!on protest or quo warranto. B$!s ru(e, $o/ever, a"m!ts o# e.%ept!ons an" one o# t$ose !s /$ere t$e pro%(amat!on /as nu(( an" vo!". 9n su%$ a %ase, i.e., /$ere t$e pro%(amat!on !s nu(( an" vo!", t$e pro%(a!me" %an"!"ateKs assumpt!on o# o##!%e %annot "epr!ve t$e &OME<E& o# t$e po/er to "e%(are su%$ pro%(amat!on a nu((!ty. B$e rat!ona(e t$ere#or !s apt(y e(u%!"ate" t$us: ;e "ra/ #rom past e.per!en%e. 7 pattern o# %on"u%t observe" !n past e(e%t!ons $as been t$e Jpern!%!ous 'rab-t$e-pro%(amat!on-pro(on'-t$e-protest-s(o'an o# some %an"!"ates or part!es.J Rea((y, /$ere a v!%t!m o# a pro%(amat!on to be pre%(u"e" #rom %$a((en'!n' t$e va(!"!ty t$ereo# a#ter t$at pro%(amat!on an" t$e assumpt!on o# o##!%e t$ereun"er, bane#u( e##e%ts may eas!(y supervene. 9t may not be out o# p(a%e to state t$at !n t$e (on' $!story o# e(e%t!on %ontests !n t$!s %ountry, . . . su%%ess#u( %ontestant !n an e(e%t!on protest o#ten /!ns but Ja mere pyrr$!% v!%tory, i.e., a v!n"!%at!on /$en t$e term o# o##!%e !s about to e.p!re or $as e.p!re".J *rotests, %ounter-protests, rev!s!ons o# ba((ots, appea(s, "!(atory ta%t!%s, may /e(( #rustrate t$e /!(( o# t$e e(e%torate. 7n" /$at !# t$e protestant may not $ave t$e resour%es an" an un/aver!n' "eterm!nat!on /!t$ /$!%$ to susta!n a (on' "ra/n-out e(e%t!on %ontestQ 9n t$!s %onte.t t$ere#ore a(( e##orts s$ou(" be stra!ne" O as #ar as !s $uman(y poss!b(e O to ta+e e(e%t!on returns out o# t$e rea%$ o# t$e uns%rupu(ous@ an" to prevent !((e'a( or #rau"u(ent pro%(amat!on #rom r!pen!n' !nto !((e'a( assumpt!on o# o##!%e. 9 ;AEREFORE, t$e !nstant pet!t!ons are DISMISSED #or (a%+ o# mer!t. B$e assa!(e" O%tober 1 , 2003 ?o!nt Reso(ut!on o# t$e &omm!ss!on o# E(e%t!ons (n 2anc !n S*7 Nos. 03-333, 03331, 03-332, 03-339, an" 03-330 !n G.R. Nos. 111133-32, as /e(( as t$e assa!(e" Or"ers o# t$e &omm!ss!on o# E(e%t!ons F!rst )!v!s!on !n E*& No. 2003-11 "ate" )e%ember 13, 2003 an" February 2, 200: !n G.R. No. 111 91, are $ereby A88IRMED IN TOTO. Se%t!ons 3 an" 3, Ru(e 1 o# t$e &OME<E& Ru(es o# *ro%e"ure are $ereby vo!"e" an" "e%(are" un%onst!tut!ona( #or %ontraven!n' 7rt!%(e 98-7, Se%t!on 2 o# t$e 19 2 &onst!tut!on. &osts a'a!nst pet!t!oners. SO OR)ERE). 5G.R. No. 12 11:. 7pr!( 1:, 199 6 E)07R)O I. ROL0ERO, petitioner+ &s. &OMM9SS9ON ON E<E&B9ONS, REGN7<)O 7. I9<<7NO, an" AONOR74<E OS&7R *. 47RR9ENBOS, *res!"!n' ?u"'e, RB&, 4ran%$ 2, Ma(o(os, 4u(a%an, respondents. )E&9S9ON F7*0N7N, J.: B$!s pet!t!on #or certiorari an" pro$!b!t!on !mpu'ns t$e Reso(ut!on o# respon"ent &omm!ss!on on E(e%t!ons =&OME<E&> "ate" ?anuary 2 , 1992, "!sm!ss!n' t$e pet!t!on #or certiorari an" pro$!b!t!on #!(e" by pet!t!oner E"uar"o I. Ro,uero.
B$e re(evant ante%e"ents are as #o((o/s: *et!t!oner E"uar"o I. Ro,uero an" pr!vate respon"ent Reyna("o 7. I!((ano /ere %an"!"ates #or Mayor o# San ?ose "e( Monte, 4u(a%an "ur!n' t$e (o%a( e(e%t!ons $e(" on May , 199:. On ?u(y 1 , 199:, respon"ent &OME<E& !ssue" an or"er "!re%t!n' t$e Mun!%!pa( 4oar" o# &anvassers =M4&> to re%onvene, prepare t$e %ert!#!%ate o# %anvass an" pro%(a!m t$e /!nn!n' %an"!"ates !n sa!" mun!%!pa(!ty. On ?u(y 19, 199:, t$e M4& pro%(a!me" pet!t!oner Ro,uero as t$e "u(y e(e%te" Mayor o# San ?ose "e( Monte, 4u(a%an 'arner!n' 20,131 votes to pr!vate respon"ent I!((anoKs 1 ,312 votes. B$erea#ter, or on ?u(y 23, 199:, pr!vate respon"ent I!((ano #!(e" a mot!on #or re%ons!"erat!on o# t$e &OME<E& Or"er "ate" ?u(y 1 , 199:. Sa!" mot!on #or re%ons!"erat!on /as "en!e" by t$e &OME<E& on September , 199: !n a reso(ut!on re%e!ve" by pr!vate respon"ent I!((ano on September 11, 199:. On O%tober 10, 199:, pr!vate respon"ent #!(e" a pet!t!on #or certiorari be#ore t$!s &ourt assa!(!n' t$e &OME<E&Ks "en!a( o# $!s mot!on #or re%ons!"erat!on. On ?anuary 30, 1991, t$!s &ourt !ssue" a reso(ut!on "!sm!ss!n' sa!" pet!t!on. 7 re%ons!"erat!on o# t$e same reso(ut!on /as "en!e" on 7pr!( 11, 1991. B$!s reso(ut!on /as re%e!ve" by pr!vate respon"ent I!((ano on May 2, 1991. On May 12, 1991, pr!vate respon"ent I!((ano #!(e" an e(e%t!on protest be#ore t$e Re'!ona( Br!a( &ourt o# Ma(o(os, 4u(a%an, 4ran%$ 2, "o%+ete" as E(e%t!on &ase No. 01-M-91. On ?une 3, 1991, be#ore summons /ere serve" to pet!t!oner Ro,uero, pr!vate respon"ent I!((ano #!(e" a supp(ementa( pet!t!on enumerat!n' t$e 103 pre%!n%ts o# San ?ose "e( Monte $e /as %ontest!n'. On ?une 13, 1991, pet!t!oner Ro,uero #!(e" an ans/er /!t$ omn!bus mot!on an" %ounterprotest. On ?u(y 1:, 1991, pet!t!oner #!(e" a mot!on to "!sm!ss on t$e 'roun" t$at t$e e(e%t!on protest "!" not a((e'e #a%ts %onst!tut!n' a %ause o# a%t!on #or an e(e%t!on protest an" t$at t$e e(e%t!on protest /as #!(e" beyon" t$e ten-"ay re'(ementary per!o" #or #!(!n' t$e same. On 7u'ust 29, 1991, respon"ent Eu"'e Os%ar *. 4arr!entos !ssue" an or"er "eny!n' pet!t!oner Ro,ueroKs mot!on to "!sm!ss. 7 subse,uent Or"er "ate" September 3, 1991 /as (!+e/!se !ssue" "!re%t!n' t$e part!es to nom!nate t$e!r respe%t!ve representat!ves to serve as members o# t$e &omm!ttee on Rev!s!on /$!%$ /as set to start !ts rev!s!on an"Nor re%ount!n' o# ba((ots on September 11, 1991. 7''r!eve" by t$e !ssuan%e o# t$e #ore'o!n' or"ers, pet!t!oner Ro,uero #!(e" a pet!t!on #or certiorari an" pro$!b!t!on be#ore respon"ent &OME<E&, "o%+ete" as S*R No. 3 -91 on t$e #o((o/!n' 'roun"s, to /!t: 7. Respon"ent &ourt %omm!tte" 'rave abuse o# "!s%ret!on tantamount to (a%+ or e.%ess o# Eur!s"!%t!on !n not "!sm!ss!n' protestantKs pet!t!onNprotest #or #a!(ure to state u(t!mate #a%ts to %onst!tute a %ause o# a%t!on. 4. Respon"ent &ourt %omm!tte" 'rave abuse o# "!s%ret!on tantamount to (a%+ or e.%ess o# Eur!s"!%t!on !n a"m!tt!n' protestantKs supp(ementa( pet!t!onNprotest /$!%$ /as #!(e" /!t$out (eave o# %ourt. &. Respon"ent &ourt %omm!tte" 'rave abuse o# "!s%ret!on tantamount to (a%+ or e.%ess o#
Eur!s"!%t!on by '!v!n' "ue %ourse to protestantKs supp(ementa( pet!t!onNprotest "esp!te t$at t$e same /as #!(e" outs!"e o# t$e re'(ementary per!o". ). Respon"ent %ourt abuse" !ts "!s%ret!on tantamount to (a%+ or e.%ess o# Eur!s"!%t!on by sett!n' t$e rev!s!on or re%ount!n' o# ba((ots !n v!o(at!on o# Se%. 2, Ru(e 3: !n %onEun%t!on /!t$ Se%. 2, Ru(e 12 o# t$e &ome(e% Ru(es o# *ro%e"ure.516 On ?anuary 2 , 1992, respon"ent &OME<E& !ssue" t$e ,uest!one" reso(ut!on =1> "!sm!ss!n' t$e pet!t!on #or (a%+ o# mer!t an" =2> "!re%t!n' t$e RB& to pro%ee" /!t$ t$e rev!s!on o# ba((ots an" "e%!"e t$e e(e%t!on protest /!t$ "!spat%$.526 9n brus$!n' as!"e pet!t!oner Ro,ueroKs %(a!m t$at respon"ent I!((anoKs protest /as #!(e" out o# t!me, t$e &OME<E& rat!o%!nate": 7nent *rotesteeKs #urt$er a((e'at!ons t$at t$e protest =to'et$er /!t$ t$e supp(ement> /as #!(e" out o# t!me an" t$at t$e sa!" supp(ement /as #!(e" by (a/yers /$o $a" not entere" t$e!r appearan%e, t$e same are !nstantaneous(y reEe%te" be%ause by (a/ an" Eur!spru"en%e /$!%$ nee" no %!tat!on #or be!n' so e(ementary, !n t$e %omputat!on o# t$e per!o", t$e #!rst "ay s$a(( be e.%(u"e" an" t$e (ast "ay !n%(u"e". Su##!%e !s !t to say t$at sa!" protest /as #!(e" on t!me as a#ter $av!n' re%e!ve" t$e Supreme &ourt reso(ut!on "eny!n' t$e!r mot!on to "!sm!ss on May 2, 1991 an e(e%t!on protest $a" been #!(e" !n t$!s &ourt on May 12, 1991.536 Aen%e, t$e present pet!t!on ra!s!n' t$e #o((o/!n' !ssues: ;AEBAER OR NOB BAE &OME<E& &OMM9BBE) GR7IE 740SE OF )9S&REB9ON 9N R0<9NG BA7B BAE MERE 7<<EG7B9ON OF FR70) 9S S0FF9&9ENB BO O*EN BAE 47<<OB 4O8. ;AEBAER OR NOB BAE &OME<E& &OMM9BBE) GR7IE 740SE OF )9S&REB9ON 9N R0<9NG BA7B *R9I7BE RES*ON)ENBKS E<E&B9ON *ROBESB SB7BES 7 &70SE OF 7&B9ON. ;AEBAER OR NOB BAE &OME<E& &OMM9BBE) GR7IE 740SE OF )9S&REB9ON 9N NOB R0<9NG BA7B BAE *R9I7BE RES*ON)ENBKS S0**<EMENB7< *ROBESB 9S 9N7)M9SS94<E FOR A7I9NG 4EEN F9<E) ;9BAO0B <E7IE OF &O0RB. ;AEBAER OR NOB BAE &OME<E& &OMM9BBE) GR7IE 740SE OF )9S&REB9ON 9N NOB R0<9NG BA7B BAE *R9I7BE RES*ON)ENBKS E<E&B9ON *ROBESB ;7S F9<E) O0B OF B9ME.536 B$e ma!n ,uest!on to be reso(ve" !s: ;as t$e e(e%t!on protest #!(e" by pr!vate respon"ent I!((ano #!(e" on t!meQ B$e &OME<E&, !n ru(!n' t$at t$e e(e%t!on protest /as #!(e" on t!me, mere(y re%+one" t$e 10"ay per!o" #rom May 2, 1991 =/$!%$ /as t$e re%e!pt by respon"ent I!((ano o# t$!s &ourtKs reso(ut!on "eny!n' $!s mot!on #or re%ons!"erat!on o# t$e reso(ut!on "!sm!ss!n' $!s pet!t!on> to May 12, 1991 /$en $e #!(e" $!s e(e%t!on protest. 9n %omput!n' t$e 10-"ay per!o", t$e &OME<E& "!" not %ons!"er t$e runn!n' o# t$e per!o" #rom t$e "ate o# pro%(amat!on o# t$e pet!t!oner %an"!"ate to t$e "ate t$e p(ea"!n' /as #!(e" /!t$ t$e &OME<E& to annu( or suspen" t$e pro%(amat!on@ an" #rom t$e t!me pr!vate respon"ent re%e!ve" t$e ru(!n' o# t$e &OME<E& "eny!n' t$e pet!t!on, to t$e t!me $e #!(e" t$e pet!t!on be#ore t$!s &ourt ,uest!on!n' t$e &OME<E&Ks ru(!n'. Se%t!on 2:1 o# t$e Omn!bus E(e%t!on &o"e prov!"es: SE&. 2:1. (lection contests for %unicipal offices. - 7 s/orn pet!t!on %ontest!n' t$e e(e%t!on o#
a mun!%!pa( o##!%er s$a(( be #!(e" /!t$ t$e proper re'!ona( tr!a( %ourt by any %an"!"ate /$o $as "u(y #!(e" a %ert!#!%ate o# %an"!"a%y an" $as been vote" #or t$e same o##!%e, /!t$!n ten "ays a#ter pro%(amat!on o# t$e resu(ts o# t$e e(e%t!on. =*rt. :5;;;+ Sec. 1<0+ 1<=8 (') *et!t!oner Ro,uero /as pro%(a!me" by t$e M4& as t$e "u(y e(e%te" mayor o# San ?ose "e( Monte, 4u(a%an on ?u(y 19, 199:. F!ve =:> "ays (ater, or on ?u(y 23, 199:, pr!vate respon"ent I!((ano #!(e" /!t$ respon"ent &OME<E& a pre-pro%(amat!on mot!on #or re%ons!"erat!on assa!(!n' t$e (atterKs or"er "!re%t!n' t$e M4& to pro%(a!m pet!t!oner Ro,uero as t$e /!nn!n' %an"!"ate #or t$e mayora(ty o# t$e sa!" mun!%!pa(!ty. &onse,uent(y, on(y #!ve =:> "ays o# t$e ten =10> "ay re'(ementary per!o" to #!(e an e(e%t!on protest rema!ne". Se%t!on 23 o# t$e same E(e%t!on &o"e !s %(ear an" prov!"es t$us(y: Se%. 23 . (ffect of filin. petition to annul or to suspend the procla%ation. - B$e #!(!n' /!t$ t$e &omm!ss!on o# a pet!t!on to annu( or to suspen" t$e pro%(amat!on o# any %an"!"ate s$a(( suspen" t$e runn!n' o# t$e per!o" /!t$!n /$!%$ to #!(e an e(e%t!on protest or quo warranto pro%ee"!n's. 7pp(y!n' t$e above prov!s!on to t$e !nstant %ase, t$e ten =10> "ay re'(ementary per!o" /as suspen"e" "ur!n' t$e pen"en%y o# t$e pre-pro%(amat!on %ase !n t$e &OME<E& an" !n t$!s &ourt, unt!( pr!vate respon"ent I!((ano re%e!ve" a %opy o# t$!s &ourtKs Reso(ut!on "ate" 7pr!( 11, 1991 "eny!n' $!s mot!on #or re%ons!"erat!on on May 2, 1991. Ier!(y, on May 2, 1991, t$e #!ve-"ay rema!n"er o# t$e re'(ementary per!o" to #!(e an e(e%t!on protest resume" to run a'a!n an" e.p!re" on May 12, 1991. *r!vate respon"ent I!((ano t$ere#ore be(ate"(y #!(e" $!s e(e%t!on protest on May 12, 1991, #!ve =:> "ays a#ter t$e "ea"(!ne #or #!(!n' t$e same.5:6 B$e ru(e pres%r!b!n' t$e ten-"ay per!o" !s man"atory an" Eur!s"!%t!ona(, an" t$e #!(!n' o# an e(e%t!on protest beyon" t$e per!o" "epr!ves t$e %ourt o# Eur!s"!%t!on over t$e protest.516 I!o(at!on o# t$!s ru(e s$ou(" not be ta+en (!'$t(y nor s$ou(" !t be brus$e" as!"e as a mere pro%e"ura( (apse t$at %an be over(oo+e". B$e ru(e !s not a mere te%$n!%a(!ty but an essent!a( re,u!rement, t$e non-%omp(!an%e o# /$!%$ /ou(" oust t$e %ourt o# Eur!s"!%t!on over t$e %ase. 9n $i% &s. ',-($(',526 %!t!n'. >ho &s. ',-($(',5 6 t$!s &ourt re!terate" t$e (on' stan"!n' ru(e t$at a %ounterprotest must be #!(e" /!t$!n t$e per!o" prov!"e" by (a/, ot$er/!se, t$e %ourt a%,u!res no Eur!s"!%t!on to enterta!n !t.596 Re(ate"(y, !# t$e "o%+et #ees are not #u((y pa!" on t!me, even !# t$e e(e%t!on protest !s t!me(y #!(e", t$e %ourt !s "epr!ve" o# Eur!s"!%t!on over t$e %ase.5106 B$e &ourt /ou(" (!+e to ta+e note a(so o# pet!t!oner Ro,ueroKs %ontent!on t$at pr!vate respon"ent I!((ano s$ou(" $ave #!(e" $!s e(e%t!on protest on September 12, 199: =s$ou(" be September 11, 199:>, #!ve =:> "ays a#ter $e re%e!ve" a %opy o# t$e &OME<E& reso(ut!on "ey!n' $!s mot!on #or re%ons!"erat!on on September 11, 199:. B$e runn!n' o# t$e re'(ementary per!o" to #!(e an e(e%t!on protest !s to((e" by a partyKs e(evat!on to t$e Supreme &ourt o# a &OME<E& "e%!s!on or reso(ut!on o# a pre-pro%(amat!on %ase. B$e appea( by certiorari to t$!s &ourt !s part o# an ent!re pro%ee"!n'. B$e %ase !s not term!nate" unt!( t$!s &ourt $as ren"ere" Eu"'ment. &onse,uent(y, t$e %omputat!on o# t$e ten-"ay per!o", or t$e rema!n"er o# sa!" per!o" #or #!(!n' an e(e%t!on %ontest, as !n t$!s %ase, "oes not %ommen%e to run unt!( t$!s &ourt $an"s "o/n !ts ver"!%t.5116 7nent t$e rest o# t$e errors ra!se", /e #!n" no reason to "!s%uss t$e same, t$ey $av!n' been ren"ere" moot an" !nut!(e by t$e pre%e"!n' "!s,u!s!t!on. For a(( t$e #ore'o!n', t$!s &ourt $o("s t$at respon"ent &OME<E& %omm!tte" 'rave abuse o#
"!s%ret!on !n "eny!n' pet!t!oner Ro,ueroKs pet!t!on #or certiorari an" pro$!b!t!on. AHERE8ORE, t$e present pet!t!on #or certiorari !s $ereby '!ven )0E &O0RSE an" !s a%%or"!n'(y GR7NBE). B$e Reso(ut!on "ate" ?anuary 2 , 1992 o# respon"ent &omm!ss!on on E(e%t!ons !n S*R No. 3 -91 an" t$e Or"ers "ate" 7u'ust 29, 1991 an" September 3, 1991 o# t$e Re'!ona( Br!a( &ourt o# Ma(o(os, 4u(a%an, 4ran%$ 2, !n E(e%t!on &ase No. 01-M91 are $ereby 7NN0<<E) an" SEB 7S9)E. Ne%essar!(y, E(e%t!on &ase No. 01-M-91 !s or"ere" )9SM9SSE) #or (a%+ o# Eur!s"!%t!on. SO OR)ERE). 5G.R. No. 13 919. )e%ember 12, 19996 S7<9*ONG7N )7G<O&, petitioner+ &s. BAE &OMM9SS9ON ON E<E&B9ONS, AON. EMM7N0E< 47)OG, an" S7<7M479 7M4O<O)BO, respondents. )E&9S9ON MEN)OR7, J.: B$!s !s a pet!t!on #or certiorari see+!n' to set as!"e t$e reso(ut!on,516 "ate" ?une 29, 1999, o# t$e &omm!ss!on on E(e%t!ons en )anc up$o("!n' t$e "en!a( by t$e Re'!ona( Br!a( &ourt, 4ran%$ 13, &otabato &!ty o# pet!t!onerKs mot!on to "!sm!ss t$e e(e%t!on protest #!(e" by pr!vate respon"ent an" "!re%t!n' t$e %ont!nuan%e o# t$e pro%ee"!n's. B$e ante%e"ent #a%ts are: *r!vate respon"ent Sa(amba! 7mbo(o"to an" Su+arno Sama" /ere mayora(ty %an"!"ates !n t$e (o%a( e(e%t!ons $e(" on May 11, 199 !n Fabunta(an, Ma'u!n"anao. Sama" /as "e%(are" /!nner. Ae an" $ere!n pet!t!oner Sa(!pon'an )a'(o%, /$o /as e(e%te" v!%e-mayor, /ere pro%(a!me" on May 13, 199 . On May 23, 199 , pr!vate respon"ent #!(e" a pet!t!on !n t$e &OME<E& ent!t(e" pet!t!on to "e%(are a #a!(ure o# e(e%t!on an"N or annu( t$e e(e%t!on resu(ts !n t$e mun!%!pa(!ty o# +abunta(an, #!rst "!str!%t o# ma'u!n"anao,526 "o%+ete" as S*7 No. 9 -3:1. 9n a""!t!on, on ?une 19, 199 , s$e #!(e" an e(e%t!on protest e3 a)undanti cautela,536 "o%+ete" as E(e%t!on *rotest No. 3 -9 , !n t$e RB&, 4ran%$ 13, &otabato &!ty. On ?u(y 1, 199 , pr!vate respon"ent move" to /!t$"ra/ S*7 No. 9 -3:1 !n t$e &OME<E& !n or"er to prose%ute E(e%t!on *rotest No. 3 -9 !n t$e RB&.536 B$e &OME<E& 'rante" $er mot!on !n !ts or"er "ate" February 3, 1999.5:6 Mean/$!(e, Sama" #!(e" $!s ans/er !n E(e%t!on *rotest No. 3 -9 !n /$!%$ $e sou'$t t$e "!sm!ssa( o# t$e protest on t$e 'roun" t$at !t /as #!(e" more t$an 10 "ays #rom t$e "ate o# pro%(amat!on on May 13, 199 . Ae re!terate" $!s mot!on to "!sm!ss516!n a subse,uent p(ea"!n', an", !n a""!t!on, as+e" t$at !t be reso(ve" be#ore pr!vate respon"entKs mot!on #or te%$n!%a( e.am!nat!on o# &.E. Forms 1 an" 2. 9n an or"er, "ate" 7u'ust 1 , 199 , t$e tr!a( %ourt "en!e" t$e mot!on to "!sm!ss. Sama" t$en #!(e" a pet!t!on #or certiorari =S*R No. 32-9 > !n t$e &OME<E&, assa!(!n' t$e or"er o# t$e RB& "eny!n' $!s mot!on to "!sm!ss. ;$!(e t$e %ase /as pen"!n', Sama" "!e", an" $ere!n pet!t!oner, /$o $a" su%%ee"e" $!m as mayor o# Fabunta(an, /as subst!tute" !n $!s p(a%e !n t$e pen"!n' %ases be#ore t$e &OME<E& =S*R No. 32-9 > an" t$e RB& =E(e%t!on *rotest No. 3 -9 >. On ?une 29, 1999, t$e &OME<E& en )anc "!sm!sse" S*R No. 32-9 #or (a%+ o# mer!t. 9t $e(" t$at /$!(e S*7 No. 9 -3:1 #!(e" by Sama" /as "enom!nate" as pet!t!on to "e%(are a #a!(ure o#
e(e%t!on an"Nor to annu( t$e e(e%t!on resu(ts !n t$e mun!%!pa(!ty o# +abunta(an, #!rst "!str!%t o# ma'u!n"anao, t$e %ase /as a%tua((y a pet!t!on #or annu(ment o# pro%(amat!on /$!%$, un"er S23 o# t$e Omn!bus E(e%t!on &o"e, suspen"e" t$e runn!n' o# t$e per!o" #or #!(!n' an e(e%t!on protest. &onse,uent(y, t$e #!(!n' o# E(e%t!on *rotest No. 3 -9 !n t$e RB& on ?une 19, 199 /as t!me(y as S*7 No. 9 -3:1, #!(e" one "ay be#ore t$e (apse o# t$e per!o" #or #!(!n' an e(e%t!on protest, prevente" t$e e.p!rat!on o# sa!" per!o". Aen%e, t$!s pet!t!on. On 7u'ust 10, 1999, /e !ssue" a temporary restra!n!n' or"er enEo!n!n' t$e &OME<E& #rom !mp(ement!n' !ts ,uest!one" reso(ut!on !n S*R No. 32-9 an" t$e RB& #rom ta+!n' #urt$er a%t!on !n E(e%t!on *rotest No. 3 -9 . *et!t!oner %onten"s t$at t$e &OME<E& %omm!tte" 'rave abuse o# "!s%ret!on !n $o("!n' t$at t$e #!(!n' o# pr!vate respon"entKs pet!t!on #or a "e%(arat!on o# a #a!(ure o# e(e%t!on an" #or t$e annu(ment o# e(e%t!on resu(ts suspen"e" t$e runn!n' o# t$e re'(ementary per!o" #or #!(!n' an e(e%t!on protest. Ae ma!nta!ns t$at /$at !s %ontemp(ate" !n S23 o# t$e E(e%t!on &o"e !s t$e #!(!n' o# a pre-pro%(amat!on %ontroversy pray!n' #or annu(ment or suspens!on o# pro%(amat!on. 9n a""!t!on, pet!t!oner ,uest!ons t$e aut$or!ty o# &OME<E& &omm!ss!oner 7b"u( Gan! M. Maro$ombsar /$o s!'ne" t$e &OME<E& reso(ut!on !n ,uest!on on ?une 29, 1999, /$en $!s term $a" a(rea"y e.p!re" on ?une 3, 1999. *r!vate respon"ent, on t$e ot$er $an", %onten"s t$at S23 o# t$e E(e%t!on &o"e !s not (!m!te" to t$e #!(!n' o# a pre-pro%(amat!on %ontroversy but !n%(u"es as /e(( a pet!t!on #or a "e%(arat!on o# t$e #a!(ure o# e(e%t!on. S$e ar'ues t$at T5#6or so (on' as t$ere !s a prayer #or t$e annu(ment o# a pro%(amat!on !n a pet!t!on #!(e" /!t$ t$e &OME<E& an" /!t$!n t$e &OME<E&Ks Eur!s"!%t!on, t$e #!(!n' t$ereo# suspen"s t$e runn!n' o# t$e 10-"ay per!o" to #!(e an e(e%t!on protest or quo warranto pro%ee"!n's. . . . Even t$e #!(!n' o# a pet!t!on #or "!s,ua(!#!%at!on pray!n' #or t$e annu(ment o# pro%(amat!on on t$e 'roun" o# !ne(!'!b!(!ty /ou(" suspen" t$e runn!n' o# t$e per!o" to #!(e an e(e%tora( protest.U S$e a(so %(a!ms t$at t$e pet!t!on !n S*R No. 32-9 #!(e" by pet!t!onerKs pre"e%essor s$ou(" $ave been "!sm!sse" by t$e &OME<E& s!n%e !t !s a%tua((y base" on t$e "en!a( by t$e RB& o# a mot!on to "!sm!ss an e(e%t!on protest, /$!%$ mot!on !s a pro$!b!te" p(ea"!n' un"er Ru(e 13, S1 o# t$e &OME<E& Ru(es o# *ro%e"ure. B$e pr!mary !ssue !n t$!s %ase !s /$et$er S23 o# t$e E(e%t!on &o"e app(!es on(y to t$e #!(!n' o# a pre-pro%(amat!on %ontroversy. On t$e reso(ut!on o# t$!s !ssue $!n'es t$e ,uest!on o# /$et$er pr!vate respon"entKs e(e%t!on protest /as t!me(y #!(e". Se%. 23 rea"s: (ffect of filin. petition to annul or to suspend the procla%ation. ? B$e #!(!n' /!t$ t$e &omm!ss!on 5on E(e%t!ons6 o# a pet!t!on to annu( or to suspen" t$e pro%(amat!on o# any %an"!"ate s$a(( suspen" t$e runn!n' o# t$e per!o" /!t$!n /$!%$ to #!(e an e(e%t!on protest or quo warranto pro%ee"!n's. B$ere !s no ,uest!on t$at t$e above prov!s!on %overs t$e #!(!n' o# pre-pro%(amat!on %ontrovers!es. B$!s !s %(ear #rom S232 o# t$e E(e%t!on &o"e /$!%$ rea"s: 'o%%ission@s e3clusi&e jurisdiction of all pre4procla%ation contro&ersies. V B$e &omm!ss!on 5on E(e%t!ons6 s$a(( $ave e.%(us!ve Eur!s"!%t!on o# a(( pre-pro%(amat!on %ontrovers!es. 9t may %otu proprio or upon /r!tten pet!t!on, an" a#ter "ue not!%e an" $ear!n', or"er t$e part!a( or tota( suspens!on o# t$e pro%(amat!on o# any %an"!"ate-e(e%t or annu( part!a((y or tota((y any pro%(amat!on, !# one $as been ma"e, as t$e ev!"en%e s$a(( /arrant !n a%%or"an%e /!t$ t$e su%%ee"!n' se%t!ons. B$e reason #or t$!s !s t$at un(ess t$e pro%(amat!on o# a /!nn!n' %an"!"ate !s suspen"e" or, !# !t
$as been $e(", set as!"e, t$e po(!%y be$!n" t$e a((o/an%e o# pre-pro%(amat!on %ontrovers!es, i.e., to prevent (os!n' %an"!"ates #rom 'rabb!n' t$e pro%(amat!on an" "e(ay!n' t$e reso(ut!on o# t$e e(e%tora( %ontest, /!(( be "e#eate". B$us, !n (squi&el &. 'o%%ission on (lections,526 !t /as $e(" t$at t$e 10-"ay per!o" #or #!(!n' an e(e%t!on protest un"er S2 9 o# t$e #ormer E(e%t!on &o"e /as suspen"e" by t$e #!(!n' o# a pet!t!on #or annu(ment o# pro%(amat!on. B$!s &ourt sa!": B$e suspens!on o# t$e 10-"ay statutory per!o" #or t$e #!(!n' o# an e(e%t!on protest unt!( su%$ t!me as t$e &omm!ss!on on E(e%t!ons $as #!na((y "e%!"e" t$e pen"!n' pre-pro%(amat!on %ontroversy !s but (o'!%a( an" Eust, s!n%e !# t$e protestant preva!(s !n t$e pre-pro%(amat!on %ontroversy, t$ere /ou(" be no #urt$er nee" #or $!m to #!(e a re'u(ar e(e%t!on protest. . . . B$!s &ourt $as s!n%e t$e %ase o# 4enEam!n S. 7ba(os vs. Ernesto S. )om!n'o 5G.R. No. :211:, Reso(ut!on o# February 29, 19 06 "eeme" suspen"e" t$e 10-"ay statutory per!o" #or t$e #!(!n' o# an e(e%t!on protest "ur!n' t$e pen"en%y o# a pre-pro%(amat!on %ontroversy an" !n a(( subse,uent %ases, t$e (atest o# /$!%$ !s !ts "e%!s!on o# ?u(y 2:, 19 0 5G.R. No. :3:32, No(! M. Ia(en-ue(a v. &ome(e%6 /$ere!n t$e (os!n' party !n t$e pre-pro%(amat!on %ontroversy /as 'rante" Ta per!o" o# ten 5106 "ays #rom re%e!pt o# t$!s Reso(ut!on 5o# "!sm!ssa(6 to #!(e be#ore t$e proper %ourt a ,uo /arranto su!t or e(e%t!on protest.U5 6 B$e #!(!n' o# pre-pro%(amat!on %ontrovers!es un"er S23 o# t$e Omn!bus E(e%t!on &o"e, $o/ever, !s not t$e on(y 'roun" #or t$e suspens!on o# pro%(amat!on. B/o ot$er !nstan%es are prov!"e" !n R.7. No. 1131, +no/n as TB$e E(e%tora( Re#orms <a/ o# 19 2,U &iA.: =1> 0n"er S1 o# t$e statute, t$e &OME<E& may, upon mot!on o# t$e %omp(a!nant !n an a%t!on #or "!s,ua(!#!%at!on, suspen" t$e pro%(amat!on o# t$e /!nn!n' %an"!"ate !# t$e ev!"en%e o# $!s 'u!(t !s stron', an" =2> un"er S2 t$ereo#, t$e &OME<E& may (!+e/!se suspen" t$e pro%(amat!on o# t$e /!nn!n' %an"!"ate !# t$ere !s 'roun" #or "eny!n' or %an%e(!n' $!s %ert!#!%ate o# %an"!"a%y. B$us, S1 o# R.7. No. 1131 prov!"es: (ffect of /isqualification 'ase. - 7ny %an"!"ate /$o $as been "e%(are" by #!na( Eu"'ment to be "!s,ua(!#!e" s$a(( not be vote" #or, an" t$e votes %ast #or $!m s$a(( not be %ounte". 9# #or any reason a %an"!"ate !s not "e%(are" by #!na( Eu"'ment be#ore an e(e%t!on to be "!s,ua(!#!e" an" $e !s vote" #or an" re%e!ves t$e /!nn!n' number o# votes !n su%$ e(e%t!on, t$e &ourt or &omm!ss!on s$a(( %ont!nue /!t$ t$e tr!a( an" $ear!n' o# t$e a%t!on, !n,u!ry or protest an", upon mot!on o# t$e %omp(a!nant or any !ntervenor, may "ur!n' t$e pen"en%y t$ereo# or"er t$e suspens!on o# t$e pro%(amat!on o# su%$ %an"!"ate /$enever t$e ev!"en%e o# $!s 'u!(t !s stron'. Se%. 2, on t$e ot$er $an", states: 6etition to /en0 /ue 'ourse to or 'ancel a 'ertificate of 'andidac0. 4 B$e pro%e"ure $ere!nabove prov!"e" s$a(( app(y to pet!t!ons to "eny "ue %ourse to or %an%e( a %ert!#!%ate o# %an"!"a%y as prov!"e" !n Se%t!on 2 o# 4atas *ambansa 4('. 1. B$ese a%t!ons are !n t$e nature o# pre-pro%(amat!on %ontrovers!es an", t$ere#ore, (!+e prepro%(amat!on %ontests, t$e!r #!(!n' !s a 'roun" #or t$e suspens!on o# pro%(amat!on an", %onse,uent(y, o# t$e per!o" #or #!(!n' e!t$er an e(e%t!on protest or a pet!t!on #or quo warranto. Ao/ever, pet!t!oner !s %orre%t t$at S*7 No. 9 -3:1 !s not a pre-pro%(amat!on %ontroversy. Mu%$ (ess !s !t a pet!t!on #or "!s,ua(!#!%at!on or #or t$e "en!a( or %an%e(at!on o# a %ert!#!%ate o# %an"!"a%y. 9n"ee", pr!vate respon"ent "oes not %(a!m t$at $er pet!t!on ra!ses prepro%(amat!on !ssues. S$e #ran+(y a"m!ts t$at S*7 No. 9 -3:1 !s a pet!t!on #!(e" un"er S1 o# t$e Omn!bus E(e%t!on &o"e #or a "e%(arat!on o# #a!(ure o# e(e%t!on.596 9n #a%t, $er pet!t!on
%(ear(y states !ts nature, as !t !s "enom!nate" *EB9B9ON BO )E&<7RE 7 F79<0RE OF E<E&B9ON 7N)NOR BO 7NN0< BAE E<E&B9ON RES0<BS 9N BAE M0N9&9*7<9BG OF F740NB7<7N, F9RSB )9SBR9&B OF M7G09N)7N7O, an" a((e'es t$e #o((o/!n':5106 3.1 No va(!" an" (e'!t!mate e(e%t!ons /ere a%tua((y $e(" or %on"u%te" !n t$e above-ment!one" mun!%!pa(!ty@ 3.2 No va(!" an"Nor (e'!t!mate e(e%t!ons /ere a%tua((y $e(" !n t$e sa!" mun!%!pa(!ty as OFF9&97< 47<<OBS /ere, !n #a%t, *RE*7RE) 4G ON<G a #e/ !n"!v!"ua(s. B$!s #a%t /!(( be s$o/n by t$e s!'natures an" t$umbmar+s a##!.e" !n t$e Iot!n' Re'!strat!on Re%or"s o# ea%$ o# t$e pre%!n%ts !n t$e mun!%!pa(!ty /$!%$ "o not be(on' to t$e re'!stere" voters@ 3.3 B$e o##!%!a( ba((ots $av!n' been prepare" by persons ot$er t$an t$e re'!stere" voters, t$e votes re#(e%te" !n t$e e(e%t!on returns %om!n' #rom t$e var!ous pre%!n%ts o# t$e same mun!%!pa(!ty are not tru(y re#(e%t!ve o# t$e a%tua( an" true votes %ast !n t$e sa!" pre%!n%ts@ 3.3 ;!"esprea" v!o(en%e an" !nt!m!"at!on /ere emp(oye" to #or%e /at%$ers o# t$e *et!t!oners to (eave t$e po((!n' p(a%es an" t$us, '!v!n' a %$an%e #or t$e representat!ves o# t$e respon"ent to perpetrate t$e above a((e'at!ons. 7tta%$e" $ereto an" mar+e" as 7nne.es are t$e s/orn a##!"av!ts o# /!tnesses o# *et!t!oners as /e(( as %ert!#!e" true %op!es o# t$e Ioters Re'!strat!on Re%or"s an" t$e IoterKs Iot!n' Re%or"s attest!n' to t$e #a%ts o# t$e a((e'at!ons above-state"@ *(ease re#er to t$e 7nne.es $ereto atta%$e". B$e IoterKs Re'!strat!on Re%or"s "u(y %ert!#!e" by t$e E(e%t!on 7ss!stant o# Fabunta(an, Ma'u!n"anao, on May 19, 199 , s$o/s t$at t$e Iot!n' Re%or" at t$e ba%+ t$ereo# !s BOB7<<G 4<7NF, mean!n' entr!es t$ere!n /ere not #!((e" up. B$e IoterKs Iot!n' Re%or", /$!%$ !s (!+e/!se, $ereto atta%$e", "oes not mat%$ /!t$ t$e IoterKs Re'!strat!on Re%or". Even /!t$ our na+e" eye, one %an a(rea"y %on%(u"e t$at t$ere /as a%tua((y NO vot!n' t$at too+ p(a%e !n t$e Mun!%!pa(!ty o# Fabunta(an. :. 4y reason o# t$e above terror!sm, #rau" an" v!o(en%e %omm!tte" by t$e respon"ent, $er supporters an" sympat$!-ers, t$ere /as #a!(ure o# e(e%t!on !n Fabunta(an, Ma'u!n"anao. 7ny pro%(amat!on o# t$e respon"ent !s vo!" a) initio t$ere be!n' a #a!(ure o# e(e%t!on@ 1. B$ere !s a nee" #or a te%$n!%a( e.am!nat!on o# t$e IoterKs Re'!strat!on Re%or"s an" t$e <!st o# Ioters /!t$ Iot!n' re%or"s #or t$e purpose o# "eterm!n!n' t$e mass!ve subst!tute vot!n' !n t$e pre%!n%ts !n Fabunta(an, Ma'u!n"anao 9n -atala% &. ',-($(',5116 !t /as $e(" t$at an a%t!on #or a "e%(arat!on o# t$e #a!(ure o# e(e%t!on !s not !n t$e nature o# a pre-pro%(amat!on %ontroversy. B$e "!st!n%t!on bet/een t$e t/o a%t!ons /as "!s%usse" by t$e &ourt !n $oon. &. ',-($('5126 !n t$!s /!se: ;$!(e, $o/ever, t$e &OME<E& !s restr!%te", !n pre-pro%(amat!on %ases, to an e.am!nat!on o# t$e e(e%t!on returns on t$e!r #a%e an" !s /!t$out Eur!s"!%t!on to 'o beyon" or be$!n" t$em an" !nvest!'ate e(e%t!on !rre'u(ar!t!es, t$e &OME<E& !s "uty boun" to !nvest!'ate a((e'at!ons o# #rau", terror!sm, v!o(en%e an" ot$er ana(o'ous %auses !n a%t!ons #or annu(ment o# e(e%t!on resu(ts or #or "e%(arat!on o# #a!(ure o# e(e%t!ons, as t$e Omn!bus E(e%t!on &o"e "enom!nates t$e same. B$us, t$e &OME<E&, !n t$e %ase o# a%t!ons #or annu(ment o# e(e%t!on resu(ts or "e%(arat!on o# #a!(ure o# e(e%t!ons, may %on"u%t te%$n!%a( e.am!nat!on o# e(e%t!on "o%uments an" %ompare an" ana(y-e votersK s!'natures an" #!n'erpr!nts !n or"er to "eterm!ne /$et$er or not t$e e(e%t!ons $a" !n"ee" been #ree, $onest an" %(ean. Nee"(ess to say, a prepro%(amat!on %ontroversy !s not t$e same as an a%t!on #or annu(ment o# e(e%t!on resu(ts or
"e%(arat!on o# #a!(ure o# e(e%t!ons. *r!vate respon"ent, on t$e ot$er $an", %onten"s t$at as (on' as t$ere !s a prayer #or t$e annu(ment o# a pro%(amat!on, t$e #!(!n' o# su%$ pet!t!on e##e%t!ve(y suspen"s t$e runn!n' o# t$e per!o" #or #!(!n' an e(e%t!on protest. B$!s %ontent!on $as no mer!t. Not a(( a%t!ons see+!n' t$e annu(ment o# pro%(amat!on suspen" t$e runn!n' o# t$e per!o" #or #!(!n' an e(e%t!on protest or a pet!t!on #or ,uo /arranto. For !t !s not t$e re(!e# praye" #or /$!%$ "!st!n'u!s$es a%t!ons un"er S23 #rom an e(e%t!on protest or ,uo /arranto pro%ee"!n's, but t$e 'roun"s on /$!%$ t$ey are base". B$e purpose #or a((o/!n' pre-pro%(amat!on %ontrovers!es !s to put a stop to t$e pern!%!ous pra%t!%e o# uns%rupu(ous %an"!"ates o# T'rabb!n' t$e pro%(amat!on an" pro(on'!n' t$e protest.U 7%%or"!n'(y, 'roun"s /$!%$ are proper #or e(e%tora( protests s$ou(" not be a((o/e" to "e(ay t$e pro%(amat!on o# t$e /!nners. 7s t$!s &ourt po!nte" out !n /i%aporo &. 'o%%ission on (lections:5136 9t may /e(( be true t$at t$at pub(!% po(!%y may o%%as!ona((y perm!t t$e o%%urren%e o# T'rab t$e pro%(amat!on an" pro(on' t$e protestU s!tuat!ons@ t$at pub(!% po(!%y, $o/ever, ba(an%es t$e poss!b!(!ty o# su%$ s!tuat!ons a'a!nst t$e s$orten!n' o# t$e per!o" "ur!n' /$!%$ no /!nners are pro%(a!me", a per!o" %ommon(y #rau'$t /!t$ tens!on an" "an'er #or t$e pub(!% at (ar'e. 9n v!e/ o# t$e #ore'o!n', /e $o(" t$at t$e #!(!n' by pr!vate respon"ent o# a pet!t!on #or "e%(arat!on o# #a!(ure o# e(e%t!on =S*7 No. 9 -3:1> "!" not suspen" t$e runn!n' o# t$e re'(ementary per!o" /!t$!n /$!%$ to #!(e an e(e%t!on protest or ,uo /arranto pro%ee"!n's. B$e per!o" #or pr!vate respon"ent to "o so e.p!re" on May 23, 199 , 10 "ays #rom t$e pro%(amat!on o# Su+arno Sama" an" pet!t!oner as mayor an" v!%e-mayor, respe%t!ve(y. B$e #!(!n' o# pr!vate respon"entKs e(e%t!on protest !n t$e RB& on ?une 19, 199 /as ma"e out o# t!me. Ao/ever, pet!t!onerKs %ontent!on t$at t$e assa!(e" reso(ut!on !s !nva(!" be%ause &omm!ss!oner 7b"u( Gan! M. Maro$ombsar $a" no aut$or!ty to s!'n t$e same, be%ause $!s term $a" e.p!re" /$en t$e reso(ut!on /as promu('ate", !s /!t$out mer!t. 9t appears t$at &omm!ss!oner Maro$ombsarKs term e.p!re" on ?une 3, 1999 =not ?une 3, 1999 as a((e'e" by pet!t!oner>, /$!(e t$e assa!(e" reso(ut!on /as promu('ate" on ?une 29, 1999. B$e vot!n' /as 1-1. Even "!sre'ar"!n' t$e vote o# &omm!ss!oner Maro$ombsar t$ere /as st!(( a maEor!ty. B$e reso(ut!on !n ,uest!on !s, t$ere#ore, va(!". On t$e ot$er $an", pr!vate respon"ent %onten"s t$at t$e pet!t!on !n S*R No. 32-9 #!(e" !n t$e &OME<E& by Sama", pet!t!onerKs pre"e%essor, s$ou(" be "!sm!sse" an" str!%+en out s!n%e !t !s a%tua((y base" on a mot!on to "!sm!ss !n E(e%t!on *rotest No. 3 -9 !n t$e RB&, /$!%$ !s a pro$!b!te" p(ea"!n' un"er t$e &OME<E& Ru(es o# *ro%e"ure. B$e ar'ument !s a(so untenab(e. *r!vate respon"ent apparent(y re#ers to t$e pro$!b!t!on #oun" !n Ru(e 13, S1 o# t$e &OME<E& Ru(es o# *ro%e"ure,5136 un"er *art 999 ent!t(e" !n!t!at!on o# a%t!ons or pro%ee"!n's be#ore t$e %omm!ss!on. 7s !s ev!"ent #rom t$e sa!" $ea"!n', t$!s prov!s!on !s app(!%ab(e on(y to a%t!ons or pro%ee"!n's be#ore t$e &OME<E&. Ru(e 1, S2 o# t$e &OME<E& Ru(es states: B$ese ru(es, e.%ept *art I9, s$a(( app(y to a(( a%t!ons an" pro%ee"!n's brou'$t be#ore t$e &omm!ss!on. *art I9 s$a(( app(y to e(e%t!on %ontests an" quo warranto %ases %o'n!-ab(e by %ourts o# 'enera( or (!m!te" Eur!s"!%t!on. B$e pro$!b!t!on, t$ere#ore, "oes not app(y to t$e pro%ee"!n's !n t$e RB& /$ere t$e mot!on to "!sm!ss /as #!(e".
AHERE8ORE, t$e reso(ut!on, "ate" ?une 29, 1999, o# t$e &omm!ss!on on E(e%t!ons !s SEB 7S9)E an" E(e%t!on *rotest No. 3 -9 !n t$e Re'!ona( Br!a( &ourt, 4ran%$ 13, &otabato &!ty !s or"ere" )9SM9SSE) #or $av!n' been #!(e" out o# t!me. SO OR)ERE). MILES ANDREA MARI ROCES, Pet&t&!ner, PresentG DA9IDE, JR., C.J., PUNO, PANGANIBAN, :UISUMBING, YNARES)SANTIAGO, ) 'ers$s ) SANDO9AL)GUTIERREZ, CARPIO, AUSTRIA)MARTINEZ, CORONA, CARPIO MORALES, CALLEJO, SR., AZCUNA, TINGA, CHICO)NAZARIO, and GARCIA, JJ. HOUSE O8 REPRESENTATI9ES ELECTORAL TRIBUNAL and MARIA ZENAIDA B. ANG PING, Res%!ndents. Se%te;<er -2, /772 Pr!;$+*atedG G.R. NO. -34166
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DECISION PUNO, J.G
9# t$ere !s a r!'$t, t$ere must be a reme"y !s an o(" (e'a( a"a'e. B$e %ase at bar prov!"es t$e per#e%t sett!n' #or t$e app(!%at!on o# t$!s a"a'e /$!%$ !s a "eman" #or s!mp(e Eust!%e. B$e #a%ts /!(( s$o/ $o/ t$e respon"entKs r!'$t to run #or a pub(!% o##!%e $as been #rustrate" by uns%rupu(ous o##!%!a(s !n %$ar'e o# t$e san%t!ty o# our e(e%tora( pro%ess.
*et!t!oner M!(es Ro%es =Ro%es> an" #ormer &on'ressman Aarry 7n' *!n' =Mr. 7n' *!n'> #!(e" t$e!r respe%t!ve %ert!#!%ates o# %an"!"a%y =&O&s> #or t$e pos!t!on o# Representat!ve #or t$e 3 r" &on'ress!ona( )!str!%t o# Man!(a !n t$e May 2003 e(e%t!ons.
On ?anuary :, 2003, a re*&stered '!ter o# Man!(a name" 7(eEan"ro Gome- ,uest!one" Mr. 7n' *!n'Ks %an"!"a%y be#ore t$e &OME<E& t$rou'$ a pet!t!on to "eny "ue %ourse or %an%e( $!s &O&.,-. B$e pet!t!on a((e'e" t$at Mr. 7n' *!n' m!srepresente" $!mse(# to be a natura(born %!t!-en, $en%e /as "!s,ua(!#!e" #or t$e pos!t!on.
7%t!n' #or t$e &OME<E& F!rst )!v!s!on, &omm!ss!oner 9&r*&+&! O. Garc&++&an! !ssue" an or"er on A%r&+ 07, /771 s%$e"u(!n' t$e %r!;$+*at&!n o# !ts reso(ut!on on Ma 2, /771.,/. B/o "ays <e"!re t$e s%$e"u(e" promu('at!on or on Ma 0, /771, Mr. 7n' *!n' #!(e" /!t$ t$e &OME<E& a S/orn )e%(arat!on o# ;!t$"ra/a( o# $!s &O&. ,0. B$e ne.t "ay, Ma 1, /771, t$e Genera( &ounse( #or t$e Nat!ona(!st *eop(es &oa(!t!on, t$e po(!t!%a( party o# Mr. 7n' *!n', sou'$t t$at Mr. 7n' *!n'Ks /!#e, Ma. Rena!"a 7n' *!n' =Mrs. 7n' *!n'>, subst!tute #or $!m. ,1. Mr. 7n' *!n' a(so #!(e" a mot!on to %an%e( t$e s%$e"u(e" promu('at!on an" "!sm!ss t$e pet!t!on to "eny "ue %ourse or %an%e( $!s &O& on t$e same "ate. ,2. On Ma 2, /771,
&omm!ss!oner Resurre%%!on R. 4orra de"erred t#e %r!;$+*at&!n "!r +acD !" E$!r$; as #e Cas t#e s!+e C!;;&ss&!ner &n attendance.,3.
Des%&te a++ t#ese de'e+!%;ents, t$e &OME<E& F!rst )!v!s!on, t#r!$*# C!;;&ss&!ners R$"&n! S.B. Ja'&er, Res$rrecc&!n Z. B!rra, and 9&r*&+&! O. Garc&++&an!, !ssue" a res!+$t&!n *rant&n* t#e %et&t&!n t! den d$e c!$rse to Mr. 7n' *!n'Ks &O& an" or"er!n' t$e 4oar" o# E(e%t!on 9nspe%tors o# Man!(a not to %ount any vote %ast !n $!s #avor. ,4. 9t ru(e" t$at t$e res!+$t&!n /$!%$ /as !r&*&na++ sc#ed$+ed "!r %r!;$+*at&!n by &omm!ss!oner
Gar%!((!ano on Ma 2, /771 /as &nstead %r!;$+*ated !n A%r&+ 07, /771, t#e sa;e date t#at t#e n!t&ce !" %r!;$+*at&!n Cas &ss$ed.,5. B$e reso(ut!on /as serve" on Mr. 7n' *!n'Ks %ounse( on Ma 5, /771.,6. &ompoun"!n' t$e /oes o# Mr. 7n' *!n', an" des%&te t#e de"er;ent !" t#e %r!;$+*at&!n < C!;;&ss&!ner B!rra at a #ear&n* !n Ma 2, /771, t$e &OME<E& F!rst )!v!s!on !ssue" !n t#e sa;e date an !rder den &n* Mr. 7n' *!n'Ks ;!t&!n t! d&s;&ss. 9t $e(" t$at t$e mot!on to "!sm!ss /as #!(e" a"ter t$e T%r!;$+*at&!nH o# t$e A%r&+ 07, /771 res!+$t&!n 'rant!n' t$e pet!t!on to "eny "ue %ourse to Mr. 7n' *!n'Ks &O&. ,-7. On May 9, 2003, and <e"!re t#e eI%&rat&!n !" t#e "&'e)da re*+e;entar %er&!d ,,--. Mr. 7n' *!n' move" #or re%ons!"erat!on o# t$e 7pr!( 30, 2003 reso(ut!on an" t$e %ase /as e(evate" to t$e &OME<E& en )anc.,-/. A#&+e t#e case Cas st&++ C&t# t#e COMELEC 8&rst D&'&s&!n , or on May , 2003, t$e
&OME<E& en banc !ssue" Res!+$t&!n N!. 35/0, dec+ar&n* ;!!t Mr. An* P&n*@s A""&da'&t !" A&t#draCa+, den &n* d$e c!$rse t! t#e s$<st&t$te COC !" Mrs. An* P&n* and !rder&n* t#e Re*&!na+ E+ect&!n D&rect!r t! de+ete Mr. An* P&n*@s na;e "r!; t#e cert&"&ed +&st !" cand&dates.,-0. 7mon' t$e s!'nator!es to t$e Reso(ut!on /ere C!;;&ss&!ners Ja'&er, B!rra, and Garc&++&an! !" t#e COMELEC 8&rst D&'&s&!n be#ore /$!%$ t$e pet!t!on to "eny "ue %ourse Cas st&++ %end&n*.,-1. Mr. 7n' *!n' $a" no +no/(e"'e o# t$e reso(ut!on.
Ra%!n' a'a!nst t!me or on May 11, 2003, t$e spouses 7n' *!n' re%a&red t! t#&s C!$rt an" #!(e" a %et&t&!n "!r certiorari /!t$ prayer #or temporary restra!n!n' or"er, status ,uo or"er an"Nor /r!t o# pre(!m!nary !nEun%t!on "o%+ete" as G.R. No. 1132:9, assa!(!n' &OME<E& Reso(ut!on No. 1 23.,-2. B$e ne.t "ay or on May 12, 2003, t$!s &ourt !ssue" a reso(ut!on re,u!r!n' Ro%es to %omment an" "en!e" t$e !ssuan%e o# an or"er suspen"!n' t$e pro%(amat!on.,-3. On t$e e+ect&!n da &tse+", t$e Man&+a C&t B!ard !" Can'assers reso(ve" not to %anvass t$e votes #or Mr. or Mrs. 7n' *!n' c&t&n* COMELEC Res!+$t&!n N!. 35/0.,-4. On May 1:, 2003, a#ter %ount!n' on(y 3,014 votes out o# t$e -27,054 re*&stered '!ters &n t#e d&str&ct , !t pro%(a!me" Ro%es /!nner.,-5. B$e spouses 7n' *!n' appea(e" t$e 4oar" reso(ut!on to t$e &OME<E& en )anc,-6. an" #!(e" a pet!t!on to annu( t$e pro%(amat!on ,/7. but t$ese /ere "!sm!sse" by &OME<E&Ks Reso(ut!on No. 22:2 an" Omn!bus Or"er o# ?u(y 1, 2003. ,/-. On May 19, 2003, Ro%es #!(e" $!s &omment to t$e pet!t!on o# spouses 7n' *!n' /!t$ t$!s &ourt.,//. On May 2:, 2003, t$!s &ourt re,u!re" t$e spouses 7n' *!n' to #!(e t$e!r %onso(!"ate" rep(y to t$e &omment.,/0. On May 23, 2003, Mrs. 7n' *!n' #!(e" an E+ect&!n Pr!test Ad Cautelam /!t$ t$e Aouse o# Representat!ves E(e%tora( Br!buna( =AREB>, /$!%$ /as "o%+ete" as AREB &ase No. 03-003. ,/1. 9n $er e(e%t!on protest, Mrs. 7n' *!n' a((e'e", amon' ot$ers, t$at &OME<E& Reso(ut!on No. 1 23 /as a T'(ar!n' %ase o# "epr!vat!onU o# Mr. an" Mrs. 7n' *!n'Ks r!'$t to Te(evate S*& 03-223 to t$e &omm!ss!on en )ancU an" t$at t$e &OME<E&Ks 7pr!( 30, 2003 reso(ut!on /as !rre'u(ar(y promu('ate". Ro%es #!(e" $!s ans/er a((e'!n', amon' ot$ers, t$at t$e AREB $as no Eur!s"!%t!on over t$e %ase.,/2. On ?u(y 11, 2003, t$e spouses 7n' *!n' #!(e" t$e!r %onso(!"ate" rep(y /!t$ t$!s &ourt. ,/3. On
?u(y 22, 2003, /e re,u!re" Mrs. 7n' *!n' to s$o/ %ause /$y t$e pet!t!on !n G.R. No. 1132:9 s$ou(" not be "!sm!sse" !n v!e/ o# t$e #!(!n' an" pen"en%y o# AREB &ase No. 03-003. ,/4. 9n $er &omp(!an%e #!(e" on ?u(y 30, 2003, Mrs. 7n' *!n' e.p(a!ne" t$at t$e !ssue o# /$et$er t$e &OME<E& 'rave(y abuse" !ts "!s%ret!on !n !ssu!n' t$e &OME<E& Reso(ut!on No. 1 23 may be vent!(ate" as one o# t$e !ssues to be sett(e" !n t$e AREB E(e%t!on *rotest s!n%e t$e non%anvass!n' o# t$e T7n' *!n' votesU an" t$e pro%(amat!on o# pet!t!oner Ro%es /ere #oun"e" on &OME<E& Reso(ut!on No. 1 23 an" /ere ra!se" as t$e pr!n%!pa( !ssues !n t$e AREB E(e%t!on *rotest. B$!s not/!t$stan"!n', t$e spouses 7n' *!n' man!#este" t$at t$ey /!(( Tsubm!t to any "!sposa( /$!%$ t$!s Aonorab(e &ourt may #!n" appropr!ate un"er t$e above %!r%umstan%esU an" T/ou(" "e#er an" /!(( a%%ept any or"erNreso(ut!on o# t$e Aonorab(e &ourt t$at /ou(" reso(ve to "!sm!ss t$e !nstant pet!t!onN%ontroversy, <$t a++!C&n* t#e; t! %$rs$e and c!ncentrate t#e&r t&;e and e""!rt &n t#e a<!'e);ent&!ned Ad Cautela HRET E+ect&!n Pr!test Case, C#&c# t#e &ntend t! c!n'ert t! a REGULAR PROTEST case, &n s$c# an e'ent.H,/5. On 7u'ust 10, 2003, t#&s C!$rt d&s;&ssed G.R. N!. -30/26 &n '&eC !" t#e %end&n* HRET %r!test #!(e" by Mrs. 7n' *!n'.,/6. B$e reso(ut!on eventua((y be%ame #!na( an" e.e%utory. ,07. B$erea#ter, Mrs. 7n' *!n' #!(e" !n t$e AREB a ;!t&!n t! c!n'ert t#e ad cautelam %r!test t! a re*$+ar %r!test. B$e AREB 'rante" t$e mot!on on September 9, 2003. ,0-. 9n t$e AREB, Ro%es #!(e" a mot!on to "!sm!ss t$e protest, assa!(!n' !n t$e ma!n t$e %ers!na+&t o# Mrs. 7n' *!n' to #!(e t$e protest. 9t a(so ra!se" t$e #o((o/!n' !ssues: =1> /$et$er t$e AREB $as Eur!s"!%t!on to rev!e/ &OME<E& Reso(ut!on No. 1 23@ =2> /$et$er Mrs. 7n' *!n' %an va(!"(y subst!tute #or Mr. 7n' *!n'@ =3> /$et$er t$e protest may be reso(ve" by mere %anvass o# e(e%t!on returns@ =3> /$et$er t$e pro%ee"!n' !s a TprotestU %ons!"er!n' t$at !t ,uest!ons pro%ee"!n's $e(" be#ore t$e Man!(a &!ty 4oar" o# &anvassers@ =:> /$et$er Mrs.
7n' *!n' %ou(" %(a!m any r!'$t to t$e ba((ots %ast %ons!"er!n' s$e /as not (!ste" !n t$e %ert!#!e" (!st o# &OME<E& %an"!"ates@ =1> /$et$er t$e pet!t!on !s su##!%!ent !n #orm an" substan%e "esp!te #a!(!n' to state t$e spe%!#!% pre%!n%ts proteste"@ an" =2> /$et$er #orum s$opp!n' /as %omm!tte". 7#ter e.tens!ve ora( ar'uments, t$e AREB den&ed R!ces@s ;!t&!n t! d&s;&ss on Mar%$ 3, 200:. 9t ru(e" t$at Mrs. 7n' *!n' /as a %r!%er %art to #!(e t$e protest a'a!nst Ro%es s!n%e: =1> t$ere /as no #!na( &OME<E& reso(ut!on "!s,ua(!#y!n' or "eny!n' "ue %ourse to t$e &O& o# Mr. 7n' *!n', t$us $er subst!tut!on #or t$e (atter /as (e'a((y perm!ss!b(e un"er t$e Omn!bus E(e%t!on &o"e@,0/. =2> s$e /as one o# t$e %an"!"ates vote" #or "ur!n' e(e%t!on "ay !n t$e 3 r" )!str!%t o# Man!(a@,00. an" =3> t#e COMELEC Order !" Ma 2, /771 Cas !" E$est&!na<+e 'a+&d&t #or t$e reason t$at: =a> !t /as !ssue" !n v!o(at!on o# !ts 7pr!( 30, 2003 reso(ut!on sett!n' t$e promu('at!on #or May :, 2003 an" "esp!te t$e #a%t t$at t$e re%or"s $a" not yet rea%$e" t$e &OME<E& en )anc@,01. an" =b> t$ere /as no pr!or not!%e an" $ear!n' !n v!o(at!on o# Se%t!on 2 o# t$e Omn!bus E(e%t!on &o"e. ,02. Ro%esKs mot!on #or re%ons!"erat!on o# t$e
AREB or"er /as "en!e" on Mar%$ 21, 200:. Ro%es t$en #!(e" t$e %resent %et&t&!n #or certiorari assa!(!n' t$e t/o pre%e"!n' reso(ut!ons o# t$e AREB.,03. B$e &ss$es "!r res!+$t&!n are: =1> /$et$er or not t$e AREB %omm!tte" 'rave abuse o# "!s%ret!on amount!n' to (a%+ or e.%ess o# Eur!s"!%t!on /$en !t ru(e" t$at Mrs. 7n' *!n' !s a proper party to #!(e t$e e(e%t!on protest "esp!te t$e "en!a( !n "ue %ourse an" %an%e((at!on o# $er &O& un"er &OME<E& Reso(ut!on No. 1 23@ an" =2> /$et$er or not AREB $as Eur!s"!%t!on to rev!e/ a reso(ut!on or or"er o# t$e &OME<E& an"Nor "e%(are t$e same as vo!" an" "!sre'ar" or set !t as!"e. A"ter se'era+ ;!nt#s !r !n A%r&+ /5, /772, t$e &OME<E& en banc !ssue" a reso(ut!on
"eny!n' Mr. 7n' *!n'Ks mot!on #or re%ons!"erat!on o# t$e &OME<E&Ks 7pr!( 30, 2003 reso(ut!on #or be!n' moot an" a%a"em!% "ue to t$e pet!t!onerKs pro%(amat!on, Mr. 7n' *!n'Ks /!t$"ra/a( o# $!s %an"!"a%y an" Mrs. 7n' *!n'Ks attempt to subst!tute #or $er $usban". ,04. Ae #!+d t#at t#e HRET d&d n!t c!;;&t *ra'e a<$se !" d&scret&!n amount!n' to (a%+ or e.%ess o# Eur!s"!%t!on /$en !t "en!e" t$e pet!t!onerKs mot!on to "!sm!ss #or t$e #o((o/!n' reasons: 8&rst. B$e AREB !s t$e s!+e B$d*e o# a(( %ontests re(at!n' to t$e e(e%t!on, returns, an"
,ua(!#!%at!ons o# t$e members o# t$e Aouse o# Representat!ves ,05. an" $as t$e po/er to promu('ate pro%e"ura( ru(es to 'overn pro%ee"!n's brou'$t be#ore !t. ,06. B$!s e.%(us!ve Eur!s"!%t!on !n%(u"es t$e po/er to "eterm!ne /$et$er !t $as t$e aut$or!ty to $ear an" "eterm!ne t$e %ontroversy presente", an" t$e r!'$t to "e%!"e /$et$er t$at state o# #a%ts e.!sts /$!%$ %on#ers Eur!s"!%t!on, as /e(( as a(( ot$er matters /$!%$ ar!se !n t$e %ase (e'!t!mate(y be#ore !t. ,17. 7%%or"!n'(y, &t #as t#e %!Cer t! #ear and deter;&ne, !r &nE$&re &nt!, t#e E$est&!n !" &ts !Cn B$r&sd&ct&!n, <!t# as t! %art&es and as t! s$<Bect ;atter, and t! dec&de a++ E$est&!ns, C#et#er !" +aC !r "act, t#e dec&s&!n !" C#&c# &s necessar t! deter;&ne t#e E$est&!n !" B$r&sd&ct&!n.,1-. One o# t$e t$ree essent!a( e(ements o# Eur!s"!%t!on !s t$at %r!%er %art&es must be present.,1/. &onse,uent(y, t#e HRET ;ere+ eIerc&sed &ts
eIc+$s&'e B$r&sd&ct&!n C#en &t r$+ed t#at Mrs. An* P&n* Cas a %r!%er %art t! c!ntest t#e e+ect&!n !" R!ces. Sec!nd. B$ere !s no "!spute t$at to support $!s mot!on to "!sm!ss, R!ces !""ered as
e'&dence t#e COMELEC res!+$t&!ns den &n* d$e c!$rse t! Mrs. An* P&n*@s COC. 9n "o!n' so, Ro%es subm!tte" to t$e AREB t$e a"m!ss!b!(!ty an" va(!"!ty o# t$ese reso(ut!ons an" t$e AREB %annot be #au(te" !n rev!e/!n' t$e sa!" reso(ut!ons espe%!a((y "!r t#e %$r%!se o#
"eterm!n!n' /$et$er Ro%es /as ab(e to "!s%$ar'e $!s bur"en o# prov!n' t$at Mrs. 7n' *!n' !s not t$e proper party to assa!( $!s e(e%t!on. 9n pass!n' upon t$e &OME<E& reso(ut!ons espe%!a((y #or t$at purpose, !t %annot be sa!" t$at t$e AREB usurpe" t$e Eur!s"!%t!on o# t$e &OME<E&. On t$e mer!ts o# t$e AREB ru(!n', /e $o(" t$at t$e AREB "!" not abuse !ts "!s%ret!on !n $o("!n' t$at Mrs. 7n' *!n' !s a proper party to %ontest t$e e(e%t!on o# Ro%es. 0n"er &OME<E& ru(es, t$e pro%e"ure o# promu('at!on o# a "e%!s!on or reso(ut!on !s as #o((o/s: SE&B9ON :. 6ro%ul.ation. M B$e promu('at!on o# a "e%!s!on or reso(ut!on o# t$e &omm!ss!on or a )!v!s!on s$a(( be ma"e on a "ate prev!ous(y #!.e", o# /$!%$ not!%e s$a(( be serve" !n a"van%e upon t$e part!es or t$e!r attorneys persona((y or by re'!stere" ma!( or by te(e'ram.,10.
Pr!;$+*at&!n !s !mportant be%ause !t "eterm!nes /$en t$e re*+e;entar %er&!d <e*&ns t! t!++. 9n t$e %ase at bar, C!;;&ss&!ner Garc&++&an! #!.e" t$e promu('at!on o# !ts reso(ut!on /$et$er to '!ve "ue %ourse to t$e %an"!"a%y o# Mr. 7n' *!n' on May :, 2003.
For ; ster&!$s reas!ns, t$e &OME<E& F!rst )!v!s!on o# &omm!ss!oner Gar%!((ano "!" not %r!;$+*ate t#e res!+$t&!n on Ma 2, /771 !n a%%or"an%e /!t$ !ts not!%e o# promu('at!on. In '&!+at&!n !" t#e a<!'ec&ted r$+e, and des%&te t#e de"er;ent !" t#e %r!;$+*at&!n < C!;;&ss&!ner B!rra t! a date t! <e set < t#e COMELEC 8&rst D&'&s&!n, t$e reso(ut!on /as "eeme" Tpromu('ate"U by t$e &OME<E& on A%r&+ 07, /771 /$en !t /as #!(e" /!t$ t$e %(er+ o# %ourt. B$e A%r&+ 07, /771 &OME<E& reso(ut!on /as re%e!ve" by Mr. 7n' *!n'Ks %ounse( on(y on Ma 5, /771.,11.
T#e ; ster&!$s A%r&+ 07, /771 res!+$t&!n Cas t#erea"ter $sed t! r$n r!$*#s#!d !'er t#e r&*#ts !" t#e An* P&n*s. B$us, on May :, 2003, t$e &OME<E& F!rst )!v!s!on o#
&omm!ss!oner Gar%!((!ano "en!e" Mr. 7n' *!n'Ks mot!on to "!sm!ss. 7((e'e"(y, Mr. 7n' *!n'Ks mot!on /as #!(e" a#ter t$e 7pr!( 30, 2003 reso(ut!on. Bo ma+e matters /orse, t$e &OME<E& en )anc $s$r%ed t#e B$r&sd&ct&!n !" t#e COMELEC 8&rst D&'&s&!n C#en &t &ss$ed Res!+$t&!n N!. 35/0 !n Ma 5, /771 /$!%$ or"ere" t$e
"e(et!on o# Mr. 7n' *!n'Ks name #rom t$e &ert!#!e" <!st o# &an"!"ates an" "en!e" t$e spouses 7n' *!n'Ks mot!ons to /!t$"ra/ an" subst!tute "esp!te t$e #a%t t$at: =1> t$e re'(ementary per!o" o# Mr. 7n' *!n' to appea( $a" n!t et eI%&redJ an" =2> Mr. 7n' *!n' $a" "&+ed a ;!t&!n "!r rec!ns&derat&!n o# t$e pre%e"!n' or"er on Ma -7, /771 C&t#&n t#e "&'e)da re*+e;entar %er&!d. N!C#ere &s &t %r!'&ded &n t#e +aC t#at t#e COMELEC en banc #as t#e %!Cer t! ass$;e B$r&sd&ct&!n motu proprio !'er a %et&t&!n t! den d$e c!$rse
%end&n* <e"!re a d&'&s&!n !" t#e C!;;&ss&!n. )!ametr!%a((y oppose" t$ereto are t$e prov!s!ons o# t$e &onst!tut!on an" &OME<E& Ru(es o# *ro%e"ure /$!%$ prov!"e t$at ;!t&!ns "!r rec!ns&derat&!n o# t$e &OME<E& "!v!s!onKs "e%!s!ons, reso(ut!ons, or"ers or ru(!n's ;$st "&rst <e "&+ed &n t#e D&'&s&!ns <e"!re t#e C!;;&ss&!n en banc ;a c!*n&Kance t#ere!", &iA.: SE&B9ON 3. B$e &omm!ss!on on E(e%t!ons may s!t en )anc or !n t/o "!v!s!ons, an" s$a(( promu('ate !ts ru(es o# pro%e"ure !n or"er to e.pe"!te "!spos!t!on o# e(e%t!on %ases, !n%(u"!n' pre-pro%(amat!on %ontrovers!es. A++ s$c# e+ect&!n cases s#a++ <e #eard and dec&ded &n d&'&s&!n, %r!'&ded t#at ;!t&!ns "!r rec!ns&derat&!n !" dec&s&!ns s#a++ <e dec&ded < t#e C!;;&ss&!n en banc.,12. SE&B9ON 3. The 'o%%ission Sittin. in /i&isions. M T#e C!;;&ss&!n s#a++ s&t &n tC! >/? D&'&s&!ns t! #ear and dec&de protests or pet!t!ons !n or"!nary a%t!ons, s%ec&a+ act&!ns, spe%!a( %ases, prov!s!ona( reme"!es, %ontempt an" spe%!a( pro%ee"!n's e.%ept !n a%%re"!tat!on o# %!t!-ensD arms o# t$e &omm!ss!on.5316 SE&B9ON :. 1ow -otion for Reconsideration /isposed ,f. M U%!n t#e "&+&n* !" a ;!t&!n t! rec!ns&der a dec&s&!n, res!+$t&!n, !rder !r r$+&n* !" a D&'&s&!n, t$e &(er+ o# &ourt %on%erne" s$a((, /!t$!n t/enty-#our =23> $ours #rom t$e #!(!n' t$ereo#, not!#y t$e *res!"!n' &omm!ss!oner. T#e +atter s#a++ C&t#&n tC! >/? da s t#erea"ter cert&" t#e case t! taDe
t#e C!;;&ss&!n en banc. SE&B9ON 1. /ut0 of 'lerB of 'ourt of 'o%%ission to 'alendar -otion for Resolution. M T#e C+erD !" C!$rt c!ncerned s#a++ ca+endar t#e ;!t&!n "!r rec!ns&derat&!n "!r t#e res!+$t&!n !" t#e C!;;&ss&!n en banc C&t#&n ten >-7? da s "r!; t#e cert&"&cat&!n t#ere!". =Emp$ases supp(!e">,14.
B$!s %re;at$re &OME<E& Reso(ut!on No. 1 23 Cas t#en $sed on Ma -/, /771, or on t$e e(e%t!on "ay !tse(#, by t$e Man!(a &!ty 4oar" o# &anvassers as t$e bas!s o# !ts reso(ut!on n!t t! can'ass t#e '!tes #or Mr. or Mrs. 7n' *!n'. 9t t$en pro%(a!me" Ro%es t$e /!nner "esp!te $av!n' %ounte" on(y 3,014 votes out o# t$e -27,054 re*&stered '!ters !" t#e d&str&ct .,15. Fo((o/!n' t$ese #&*#+ s$s%ect res!+$t&!ns, Ro%es /as pro%(a!me" /!nner on May 1:,
2003. 7(( to(", !t %annot be "en!e" t$at t$e e""ect o# &OME<E& en )anc Reso(ut!on No. 1 23 /as to eIec$te t#e A%r&+ 07, /771 res!+$t&!n !" &ts 8&rst D&'&s&!n C#&c#, at t#at t&;e, #ad n!t et <ec!;e "&na+ and eIec$t!r . B$ese !rre'u(ar!t!es %annot be s/ept a/ay by t$e
be(ate" &OME<E& en )anc@s A%r&+ /5, /772 reso(ut!on "eny!n' Mr. 7n' *!n'Ks mot!on #or re%ons!"erat!on "ate" May 10, 2003.,16. 9t !s ar'ue" t$at Mrs. 7n' *!n'Ks mot!ons #or re%ons!"erat!on an" appea(s T c$redH /$atever "e#e%ts o%%urre" at t$e &OME<E&. &!t!n' T.H. 9a+dera;a L S!ns, Inc. '. Dr&+!n ,,27. Ro%es po!nts to t$e pet!t!on #or certiorari #!(e" /!t$ t$!s &ourt on May 11, 2003 by Mrs. 7n' *!n' assa!(!n' &OME<E& Reso(ut!on No. 1 23 an" $er a%,u!es%en%e to any Tappropr!ate a%t!on ta+en =by t$e &ourt> !n%(u"!n' t$e "!sm!ssa( o# t$e above pet!t!on.U &ontrary to Ro%esKs posture, 9a+dera;a an" !ts +!n re,u!re" t$at t$e a''r!eve" party be '!ven an !%%!rt$n&t t! <e #eard. In t#e case at <ar, !t ou'$t to be emp$as!-e" t$at t$e pr!vate respon"ent /as s ste;at&ca++ den&ed t#e !%%!rt$n&t t! <e #eard . T#e res!+$t&!n !" t#e COMELEC@s 8&rst D&'&s&!n Cas ;ade <e"!re &ts %r&!r&+ set date !" %r!;$+*at&!n, dee;ed "&na+ and
eIec$t!r
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t#e COMELEC en banc &n Res!+$t&!n N!. 35/0 <e"!re eI%&r
!" t#e
re*+e;entar %er&!d, and eIec$ted < t#e Man&+a C&t B!ard !" Can'assers. B$e pet!t!on #or certiorari #!(e" by Mrs. 7n' *!n' %$a((en'e" t$ese reso(ut!ons an" c!$+d n!t #a'e c$red t#ese <+atant '&!+at&!ns !" #er r&*#t t! d$e %r!cess. In tr$t#, t#&s C!$rt re"erred t#e case !" Mrs. An* P&n* t! t#e HRET C#ere s#e #as "&+ed a %r!test ad cautelam. B$ere !s no !ota o# "oubt t$at t$e &OME<E&Ks reso(ut!ons are '!&d ab initio #or v!o(at!n' Mrs. 7n' *!n'Ks %onst!tut!ona( r!'$t to "ue pro%ess. ?u"'ments entere" !n a pro%ee"!n' #a!(!n' to %omp(y /!t$ pro%e"ura( "ue pro%ess are vo!", as !s one entere" by a %ourt a%t!n' !n a manner !n%ons!stent /!t$ "ue pro%ess.,2-. 7 vo!" Eu"'ment !s "e#!ne" as one t$at, "r!; &ts &nce%t&!n, &s a c!;%+ete n$++&t and C&t#!$t +e*a+ e""ect . 7 vo!" Eu"'ment !s not ent!t(e" to t$e respe%t a%%or"e" to, an" !s atten"e" by none o# t$e %onse,uen%es o#, a va(!" a"Eu"!%at!on. 9n"ee", a '!&d B$d*;ent need n!t <e rec!*n&Ked < an !ne, <$t ;a <e ent&re+ d&sre*arded !r dec+ared &n!%erat&'e < an tr&<$na+ &n C#&c# e""ect &s s!$*#t t! <e *&'en t! &t. 9t $as no (e'a( or b!n"!n' #or%e or e##!%a%y #or any purpose or at any p(a%e. 9t %annot a##e%t, !mpa!r, or %reate r!'$ts, nor %an any r!'$ts be base" on !t. 7(( pro%ee"!n's #oun"e" on t$e vo!" Eu"'ment are t$emse(ves re'ar"e" as !nva(!" an" !ne##e%t!ve #or any purpose. ,2/. Nee"(ess to stress, t$e AREB "!" not %omm!t 'rave abuse o# "!s%ret!on !n assum!n' Eur!s"!%t!on over t$e e(e%t!on protest as t$e &OME<E& Reso(ut!on "ate" 7pr!( 30, 2003, Or"er o# May :, 2003, an" Reso(ut!on No. 1 23 /ere '!&d ab initio. T#&rd. *et!t!oner %onten"s t$at t$e AREB %annot rev!e/ "e%!s!ons o# t$e &OME<E& an" t$at &OME<E& "e%!s!ons, or"ers, or ru(!n's may be so(e(y rev!e/e" by t$e Supreme &ourt on certiorari by t$e a''r!eve" party /!t$!n t$!rty "ays #rom re%e!pt o# a %opy t$ereo#. ,20. 9t !s true t$at 'enera((y, t$e met$o" o# assa!(!n' a Eu"'ment or or"er o# t$e &OME<E& !s &ia pet!t!on #or certiorari.,21. 7s a#orestate", $o/ever, !t /as pet!t!oner /$o subm!tte" t$ese reso(ut!ons to
t$e AREB as proo#s t$at Mrs. 7n' *!n' /as not a proper party. T#ese sa;e res!+$t&!ns Cere c!++atera++ attacDed < Mrs. An* P&n* <e"!re t#e HRET C#en s#e a++e*ed t#at
t#ese '&!+ated #er r&*#t t! d$e %r!cess.,22. A '!&d B$d*;ent !r res!+$t&!n may be !mpea%$e" t$rou'$ c!++atera+ attacD.,23. 7 d&rect attacD on a Eu"'ment or reso(ut!on !s "e#!ne" as an attempt to avo!" or %orre%t !t !n some manner prov!"e" by (a/, !n a pro%ee"!n' !nst!tute" #or t$at very purpose, !n t$e same a%t!on an" !n t$e same tr!buna(. &onverse(y, a c!++atera+ attacD !s an attempt to !mpea%$ t$e Eu"'ment or reso(ut!on by matters "e$ors t$e re%or", be#ore a tr!buna( ot$er t$an t$e one !n /$!%$ !t /as ren"ere", !n an a%t!on ot$er t$an t$at !n /$!%$ !t /as ren"ere"@ an atte;%t t! a'!&d, de"eat, !r e'ade &t, !r den &ts "!rce and e""ect, &n s!;e &nc&denta+ %r!ceed&n* n!t %r!'&ded < +aC "!r t#e eI%ress %$r%!se !" attacD&n* &tJ an %r!ceed&n* C#&c# &s n!t &nst&t$ted "!r t#e eI%ress %$r%!se !"
ann$++&n*, c!rrect&n*, !r ;!d&" &n* s$c# decree @ an obEe%t!on, !n%!"enta((y ra!se" !n t$e %ourse o# t$e pro%ee"!n', /$!%$ presents an !ssue %o((atera( to t$e !ssues ma"e by t$e p(ea"!n's.,24. B$e ru(e t$at a vo!" Eu"'ment or "e%ree !s subEe%t to %o((atera( atta%+ at any t!me !s base" upon a %ourtDs !n$erent aut$or!ty to e.pun'e vo!" a%ts #rom !ts re%or"s. ,25. B$e vo!" reso(ut!ons o# t$e &OME<E&, espe%!a((y t$e 7pr!( 30, 2003 reso(ut!on !ssue" by !ts F!rst )!v!s!on, %annot oust t$e AREB o# !ts Eur!s"!%t!on over t$e %ase at bar.
8!$rt#. ;e $asten to a"" t$at Eu"'ments, or"ers an" reso(ut!ons s$ou(" on(y be "e%(are" vo!" !n t$e ;!st eIce%t&!na+ c&rc$;stances "ue to "etr!menta( e##e%ts on t$e "o%tr!ne o# #!na(!ty o# Eu"'ments. B$e %!r%umstan%es o# t$!s %ase, $o/ever, are $n&E$e !n t$at t$e pr!vate respon"ent /as den&ed d$e %r!cess an" /as "!rced to see+ Eust!%e !n t$e AREB. 9n #a%t, !t /as t$!s &ourt t$at re"erred t$e pr!vate respon"ent to t$e AREB /$en !t d&s;&ssed t$e (atterKs pet!t!on !n G.R. No. 1132:9 !n t#e *r!$nd !" t#e %endenc !" HRET Case N!. 71) 771. Bo 'rant t$e pet!t!on no/ /ou(" e""ect&'e+ "!rec+!se t$e pr!vate respon"entKs a%%ess to
any reme"y "esp!te v!o(at!on o# $er r!'$t to "ue pro%ess.
IN 9IEA AHEREO8, t$e pet!t!on !s "!sm!sse". B$e temporary restra!n!n' or"er prev!ous(y !ssue" by t$e &ourt !s (!#te".
SO ORDERED.
G.R. N!. -74646 J$ne -6, -662 DANILO 8. GATCHALIAN, pet!t!oner, vs. COURT O8 APPEALS, JUDGE IBARRA S. 9IGILIA >Branc# -4, RTC !" BULACAN? and GREGORIO N. ARUELO, JR., respon"ents. :UIASON, J.: B$!s !s a pet!t!on #or certiorari an" pro$!b!t!on to set as!"e t$e )e%!s!on o# t$e &ourt o# 7ppea(s !n &7-G.R. S* No. 2 121. 9 )an!(o F. Gat%$a(!an an" Gre'or!o N. 7rue(o, ?r. /ere r!va( %an"!"ates #or t$e o##!%e o# t$e I!%e Mayor o# 4a(a'tas, 4u(a%an !n t$e May 11, 1992 e(e%t!ons. On May 13, 1992, t$e Mun!%!pa( 4oar" o# &anvassers pro%(a!me" Gat%$a(!an as t$e "u(y e(e%te" I!%e Mayor o# 4a(a'tas, 4u(a%an by a mar'!n o# #our votes. On May 22, 1992, 7rue(o #!(e" /!t$ t$e &omm!ss!on on E(e%t!ons =&OME<E&> a ver!#!e" pet!t!on "o%+ete" as S*& No. 92-130 see+!n' to annu( t$e pro%(amat!on o# Gat%$a(!an. On ?une 2, 1992, 7rue(o #!(e" /!t$ t$e Re'!ona( Br!a( &ourt, 4ran%$ 12, Ma(o(os, 4u(a%an, an e(e%t!on protest "o%+ete" as &!v!( &ase No. 333-M-92. 9n sa!" e(e%t!on protest, 7rue(o a((e'e" t$at t$e protest /as #!(e" e3 a)undante cautela, t$ere be!n' a pen"!n' pre-pro%(amat!on %ase be#ore t$e &OME<E&. 9t (!+e/!se %onta!ne" a %(a!m #or "ama'es !n t$e amount o# *100,000.00 by /ay o# attorneyDs #ees. On t$e same "ate, 7rue(o pa!" t$e amount o# *110.00 as #!(!n' #ees. On ?une 10, 1992, Gat%$a(!an re%e!ve" an amen"e" summons #rom t$e %(er+ o# %ourt o# t$e tr!a( %ourt, '!v!n' $!m #!ve "ays /!t$!n /$!%$ to ans/er. 9nstea" o# #!(!n' an ans/er, Gat%$a(!an #!(e" a mot!on to "!sm!ss on ?une 1:, 1992 on t$e #o((o/!n' 'roun"s: =a> t$e pet!t!on /as #!(e" out o# t!me@ =b> t$ere /as a pen"!n' prepro%(amat!on %ase be#ore t$e &OME<E&, an" $en%e t$e protest /as premature@ an" =%> 7rue(o #a!(e" to pay t$e pres%r!be" #!(!n' #ees an" %as$ "epos!t upon #!(!n' o# t$e pet!t!on. 7rue(o #!(e" an oppos!t!on to t$e mot!on to "!sm!ss, to /$!%$ Gat%$a(!an #!(e" a rep(y.
Mean/$!(e, on ?une 12, 1992, t$e &OME<E& "en!e" 7rue(oDs pre-pro%(amat!on %ase. 9n !ts Or"er "ate" ?u(y 10, 1992, t$e tr!a( %ourt "en!e" Gat%$a(!anDs mot!on to "!sm!ss an" or"ere" $!m to #!(e $!s ans/er /!t$!n #!ve "ays #rom not!%e t$ereo#. Gat%$a(!anDs mot!on #or re%ons!"erat!on /as "en!e" on 7u'ust 3, 1992. On ?u(y 23, 1992, Gat%$a(!an, !nstea" o# #!(!n' $!s ans/er, #!(e" a mot!on #or a 4!(( o# *art!%u(ars. B$!s mot!on /as "en!e" by t$e tr!a( %ourt !n !ts Or"er "ate" 7u'ust :, 1992. On 7u'ust 1, 1992, Gat%$a(!an #!(e" be#ore t$e &ourt o# 7ppea(s, a pet!t!on #or certiorari =&7G.R. S* No. 2 121> a((e'!n' 'rave abuse o# "!s%ret!on on t$e part o# t$e tr!a( %ourt !n "eny!n' pet!t!onerDs mot!on to "!sm!ss as /e(( as $!s mot!on #or re%ons!"erat!on. On November 23, 1992, t$e &ourt o# 7ppea(s ren"ere" !ts "e%!s!on %on%(u"!n' t$at t$ere /as no 'rave abuse o# "!s%ret!on on t$e part o# t$e tr!a( %ourt !n "eny!n' Gat%$a(!anDs mot!on to "!sm!ss. 9t #urt$er ru(e" t$at t$e e(e%t!on protest /as t!me(y #!(e" an" t$at Gat%$a(!anDs averment t$at t$e e(e%t!on protest s$ou(" be "!sm!sse" on t$e 'roun" o# non-payment o# #!(!n' #ee /as "evo!" o# mer!t. Aen%e, t$!s pet!t!on. 99 Gat%$a(!an %(a!ms t$at t$e e(e%t!on protest /as #!(e" on(y on ?une 2, 1992 or n!neteen "ays a#ter $!s pro%(amat!on on May 13, 1992 as I!%e Mayor o# 4a(a'tas, 4u(a%an !n v!o(at!on o# Se%t!on 3, Ru(e 3: o# t$e &OME<E& Ru(es o# *ro%e"ure. *et!t!onerDs %ontent!on !s /!t$out mer!t. Sa!" Se%t!on 3, Ru(e 3: prov!"es as #o((o/s: 6eriod to file petition. M B$e pet!t!on s$a(( be #!(e" /!t$!n ten =10> "ays #o((o/!n' t$e "ate o# pro%(amat!on o# t$e resu(ts o# t$e e(e%t!on. 0n"er t$e above-%!te" se%t!on, 7rue(o $a" ten "ays #rom May 13, 1992 to #!(e an e(e%t!on protest. 9nstea" o# #!(!n' an e(e%t!on protest, 7rue(o #!(e" /!t$ t$e &OME<E& a prepro%(amat!on %ase a'a!nst Gat%$a(!an on May 22, 1992, or n!ne "ays a#ter May 13, 1992. B$e #!(!n' o# t$e pre-pro%(amat!on %ase suspen"e" t$e runn!n' o# t$e per!o" /!t$!n /$!%$ to #!(e an e(e%t!on protest or quo warranto pro%ee"!n's =4.*. 4('. 1, Se%. 23 >. 7rue(o re%e!ve" t$e &OME<E& reso(ut!on "eny!n' $!s pre-pro%(amat!on pet!t!on on ?une 22, 1992. Aen%e, 7rue(o $a" on(y one "ay (e#t a#ter ?une 22, 1992 /!t$!n /$!%$ to #!(e an e(e%t!on protest. Ao/ever, !t /!(( be note" t$at 7rue(o #!(e" on ?une 2, 1992 /!t$ t$e tr!a( %ourt an e(e%t!on protest e3 a)undante cautela. Gat%$a(!an #urt$er %onten"s t$at t$e &ourt o# 7ppea(s s$ou(" $ave "!sm!sse" t$e e(e%t!on protest #or #a!(ure o# 7rue(o to pay t$e #!(!n' #ee o# *300.00 as re,u!re" by Ru(e 3:, Se%t!on 9 o# t$e &OME<E& Ru(es o# *ro%e"ure. B$!s %ontent!on o# pet!t!oner !s mer!tor!ous. Se%t!on 9, Ru(e 3: o# t$e &OME<E& Ru(es o# *ro%e"ure prov!"es: #ilin. fee. M No protest, %ounter-protest, or protest-!n-!ntervent!on s$a(( be '!ven "ue %ourse /!t$out t$e payment o# a #!(!n' #ee !n t$e amount o# t$ree $un"re" pesos =*300.00> #or ea%$ !nterest. Ea%$ !nterest s$a(( #urt$er pay t$e (e'a( resear%$ #ee as re,u!re" by (a/.
9# a %(a!m #or "ama'es an" attorneyDs #ees are set #ort$ !n a protest, %ounterprotest or protest-!n-!ntervent!on, an a""!t!ona( #!(!n' #ee s$a(( be pa!" !n a%%or"an%e /!t$ t$e s%$e"u(e prov!"e" #or !n t$e Ru(es o# &ourt !n t$e *$!(!pp!nes. 0n"er sa!" Ru(e, a protestant $as to pay t$e #o((o/!n': a> #!(!n' #ee o# *300.00@ b> (e'a( resear%$ #ee@ an" %> a""!t!ona( #!(!n' #ee !# t$ere be a %(a!m #or "ama'es or attorneyDs #ees. 7rue(o, upon #!(!n' t$e e(e%t!on protest /!t$ t$e tr!a( %ourt on ?une 2, 1992, pa!" t$e #o((o/!n' amounts: O.R. No. 7mount
20 3319-R
*3:0.00
M )o%+et Fee-?u"!%!ary )eve(opment Fun"
210129S 1,302,312.00 1,301,013.00 2,0 3,320.00
1:0.00 10.00 :.10 31.00
M Genera( Fun" M <e'a( Resear%$ M Summons Fee M Summons Fee
From t$e above !tem!-at!on, !t !s %(ear t$at 7rue(o #a!(e" to pay t$e #!(!n' #ee o# *300.00 #or t$e e(e%t!on protest pres%r!be" by t$e &OME<E& Ru(es o# *ro%e"ure. B$e amount o# *100.00, %ons!st!n' o# *3:0.00 =?u"!%!ary )eve(opment Fun"> an" *1:0.00 =Genera( Fun">, re#ers to t$e "o%+et #ee #or 7rue(oDs %(a!m o# attorneyD s #ees !n t$e amount o# *100,000.00 !n a%%or"an%e /!t$ t$e s%$e"u(e prov!"e" #or !n Se%t!on 2=a>, Ru(e 131 o# t$e Rev!se" Ru(es o# &ourt ='f. Ru(e 3:, Se%t!on 9, t$!r" para'rap$, &OME<E& Ru(es o# *ro%e"ure>. B$e tr!a( %ourt %annot s!mp(y "e"u%t #rom t$e *100.00 t$e #!(!n' #ee o# *300.00 be%ause t$e #ormer amount !s spe%!#!%a((y a((o%ate" by (a/ =*.). No. 1939> an" by Supreme &ourt 7"m!n!strat!ve &!r%u(ar No. 31-90 "ate" O%tober 1:, 1990 to t$e ?u"!%!ary )eve(opment Fun" an" t$e Genera( Fun". 7 separate set o# re%e!pts !s use" #or t$e %o((e%t!on o# "o%+et #ees. 9t !s t$e payment o# t$e #!(!n' #ee t$at vests Eur!s"!%t!on o# t$e %ourt over t$e e(e%t!on protest, not t$e payment o# t$e "o%+et #ees #or t$e %(a!m o# "ama'es an" attorneyDs #ees. For #a!(ure to pay t$e #!(!n' #ee pres%r!be" un"er Se%t!on 9, Ru(e 3: o# t$e &OME<E& Ru(es o# *ro%e"ure, t$e e(e%t!on protest must be "!sm!sse". 0n"er Se%t!on 9, Ru(e 3: o# t$e &OME<E& Ru(es o# *ro%e"ure, J5n6o protest . . . s$a(( be '!ven "ue %ourse /!t$out t$e payment o# a #!(!n' #ee !n t$e amount o# t$ree $un"re" pesos =*300.00> #or ea%$ !nterest. 9n 6ahilan &. Ta)al)a, 230 S&R7 20: =1993>, /e $a" o%%as!on to ru(e as #o((o/s: 9n t$e %ase no/ be#ore us, an" !n e(e%t!on %ases !n 'enera(, !t !s not t$e amount
o# "ama'es, !# any, t$at !s sou'$t to be re%overe" /$!%$ vests !n t$e %ourts t$e Eur!s"!%t!on to try t$e same. Rat$er, !t !s t$e nature o# t$e a%t!on /$!%$ !s "eterm!nat!ve o# Eur!s"!%t!on. ;AEREFORE, t$e pet!t!on !s GR7NBE). B$e )e%!s!on o# t$e &ourt o# 7ppea(s !n &7-G.R. S* No. 2 121 !s SEB 7S9)E. &!v!( &ase No. 333-M-92 o# t$e Re'!ona( Br!a( &ourt, 4ran%$ 12, Ma(o(os, 4u(a%an !s )9SM9SSE). SO OR)ERE). G.R. N!. --7-47 8e<r$ar /-, -661 ROLETO A. PAHILAN, pet!t!oner, vs. RUDY A. TABALBA, COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS, and HONORABLE JUDGE SIN8OROSO 9. TABAMO, JR., BRANCH /5, MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN, respon"ents. 6i%entel+ *postol+ $a0osa C Si)a0an $aw ,ffice for petitioner. -arciano $l. *parte+ Jr. for Rud0 *. Ta)al)a. REGALADO, J.: B$!s or!'!na( a%t!on #or certiorari !mpu'ns t$e Or"er - o# respon"ent &omm!ss!on on E(e%t!ons, "ate" ?anuary 19, 1993, "!sm!ss!n' t$e appea( #!(e" by pet!t!oner Ro(eto 7. *a$!(an #or t$e (atterDs #a!(ure to #!(e a not!%e o# appea( /!t$ t$e Re'!ona( Br!a( &ourt o# MumbaEao, &am!'u!n, an", ne%essar!(y on t$e same rat!ona(e, t$e Reso(ut!on / promu('ate" by sa!" respon"ent on May 1, 1993 "eny!n' pet!t!onerDs mot!on #or re%ons!"erat!on. *et!t!oner *a$!(an an" pr!vate respon"ent Baba(ba /ere %an"!"ates #or Mayor o# Gu!ns!(!ban, &am!'u!n "ur!n' t$e (o%a( e(e%t!ons $e(" on May 11, 1992. On May 13, 1992, t$e Mun!%!pa( 4oar" o# &anvassers pro%(a!me" Baba(ba as t$e "u(y e(e%te" Mayor o# Gu!ns!(ban, t$e (atter $av!n' 'arnere" 1,0 2 votes as a'a!nst 01 votes #or *a$!(an. B$erea#ter, *a$!(an #!(e" an e(e%t!on protest 0 /$!%$ $e sent by re'!stere" ma!( on May 23, 1992, a""resse" to t$e &(er+ o# &ourt o# t$e Re'!ona( Br!a( &ourt o# MambaEao, &am!'u!n, atta%$!n' t$ereto *200.00 !n %as$ as payment #or "o%+et #ees. 9n a (etter 1 "ate" May 2 , 1992, t$e O9&-&(er+ o# &ourt o# t$e Re'!ona( Br!a( &ourt o# MambaEao, &am!'u!n, 4ran%$ 2 , !n#orme" *a$!(an t$at t$e %orre%t #ees t$at /$ere suppose" to be pa!" amounte" to *120.00, an" t$at, a%%or"!n'(y, t$e pet!t!on /ou(" not be entere" !n t$e %ourt "o%+et an" summons /ou(" not be !ssue" pen"!n' payment o# t$e ba(an%e o# *320.00. On ?une 11, 1992, upon re%e!pt o# t$e (atter, *a$!(an pa!" t$e re,u!re" ba(an%e !n t$e tota( amount *320.00. 2 Subse,uent(y, on ?une 22, 1992, Baba(ba #!(e" $!s ans/er /!t$ &ounter%(a!m, 3 a((e'!n' as one o# $!s a##!rmat!ve "e#enses (a%+ o# Eur!s"!%t!on on t$e part o# t$e tr!a( %ourt to enterta!n t$e e(e%t!on protest #or $av!n' been #!(e" beyon" t$e ten-"ay per!o" prov!"e" by (a/. On 7u'ust 12, 1992, *a$!(an #!(e" a Mot!on #or 9n$!b!t!on, "ate" 7u'ust 13, 1992, be%ause o# a((e'e" ser!ous an" 'rave "oubts t$at t$e pres!"!n' Eu"'e %ou(" !mpart!a((y $ear an" "e%!"e $!s e(e%t!on protest /!t$ t$e %o(" neutra(!ty o# an !mpart!a( Eu"'e, as t$e (atter a((e'e"(y be(on's to an" $a" supporte" a po(!t!%a( 'roup a"verse to t$e %an"!"a%y o# pet!t!oner.
On 7u'ust 1 , 1992, t$e tr!a( %ourt pro%ee"e" /!t$ t$e pre-tr!a( %on#eren%e, $ear" t$e "e#ense on t$e a((e'at!on o# (a%+ o# Eur!s"!%t!on #or non-payment o# "o%+et #ees, an" t$erea#ter or"ere" t$e part!es to subm!t t$e!r respe%t!ve memoran"a. Baba(ba #!(e" $!s Memoran"um !n Support o# 7##!rmat!ve )e#ense o# <a%+ o# ?ur!s"!%t!on, 4 "ate" September 3, 1992. 0n"er "ate o# September 22, 1992, *a$!(an #!(e" a Memoran"um 5 as /e(( as a Mot!on to Reso(ve Mot!on #or 9n$!b!t!on *r!or to Reso(ut!on o# 7##!rmat!ve )e#enses. 6 On O%tober 2, 1992, t$e tr!a( %ourt !ssue" an Or"er -7 "eny!n' t$e mot!on #or !n$!b!t!on an" "!sm!ss!n' t$e e(e%t!on protest #or Jnon-payment on t!me o# t$e re,u!re" #ees #or #!(!n' an !n!t!atory p(ea"!n'.J *a$!(anDs %ounse( re%e!ve" a %opy o# sa!" or"er on O%tober 12, 1992 !n &a'ayan "e Oro &!ty. On O%tober 12, 1992 an" /!t$!n t$e :-"ay per!o" to appea(, *a$!(an #!(e" a ver!#!e" appea( br!e# -- !n respon"ent &omm!ss!on on E(e%t!ons, /!t$ %op!es "u(y serve" on t$e Re'!ona( Br!a( &ourt o# MambaEao, &am!'u!n an" t$e %ounse( #or $ere!n pr!vate respon"ent. On )e%ember 12, 1992, t$e &ome(e% &ontests 7"Eu"!%at!on )epartment "!re%te" t$e &(er+ o# &ourt, Re'!ona( Br!a( &ourt, &am!'u!n, 4ran%$ 2 , to !mme"!ate(y transm!t t$e %omp(ete re%or"s o# E* %ase No. 3=92> /$!%$ /as be!n' appea(e" by $ere!n pet!t!oner. -/ B$erea#ter, !n a (etter -0 "ate" ?anuary 2, 1993, t$e sa!" &(er+ o# &ourt !n#orme" respon"ent &omm!ss!on t$at Jto t$!s very (ate "ate, t$!s o##!%e $as not re%e!ve" any not!%e o# appea( #rom t$e a''r!eve" party.J 7s a %onse,uen%e, respon"ent &omm!ss!on, !n an Or"er "ate" ?anuary 19, 1993, "!sm!sse" *a$!(anDs ver!#!e" appea( #or #a!(ure to appea( /!t$!n t$e pres%r!be" per!o". *a$!(an #!(e" a mot!on #or re%ons!"erat!on -1 o# t$e or"er "!sm!ss!n' $!s appea(. 4ot$ part!es /ere re,u!re" by respon"ent &omm!ss!on to #!(e t$e!r respe%t!ve memoran"a. F!na((y, on May 1, 1993, respon"ent &omm!ss!on !ssue" !ts a#orestate" reso(ut!on "eny!n' *a$!(anDs mot!on #or re%ons!"erat!on. Aen%e, t$!s pet!t!on on t$e bases o# t$e #o((o/!n' ass!'ne" errors: 1. ;$et$er or not respon"ent &omm!ss!on va(!"(y "!sm!sse" t$e ver!#!e" J7ppea(J o# pet!t!oner /$!%$ %onta!ns a(( t$e e(ements o# a Jnot!%e o# appea(J an" more e.press!ve o# t$e !ntent to e(evate t$e %ase #or rev!e/ by sa!" appe((ate bo"y, an" #urn!s$!n' %op!es t$ereo# to t$e respon"ent tr!a( Eu"'e an" %ounse( #or t$e a"verse party, as!"e #rom t$e !n%omp(ete payment o# t$e appea( #ee@ an" 2. ;$et$er or not t$e respon"ent tr!a( Eu"'e va(!"(y "!sm!sse" t$e pet!t!on o# protest o# pet!t!oner #or non-payment on t!me o# t$e re,u!re" #ee. ;e #!n" %o'en%y an" mer!t !n t$e pet!t!on. B$e bone o# %ontent!on !n t$!s pet!t!on !s t$e a((e'e" erroneous "!sm!ssa( o# pet!t!onerDs appea( by respon"ent &omm!ss!on be%ause o# t$e #a!(ure o# pet!t!oner to #!(e a not!%e o# appea( be#ore t$e Re'!ona( Br!a( &ourt o# MambaEao, &am!'u!n /$!%$, !n turn, "!sm!sse" t$e e(e%t!on protest o# pet!t!oner #or non-payment o# "o%+et #ees. B$e &OME<E& R0<ES OF *RO&E)0RE prov!"e #or t$e manner !n /$!%$ appea(s #rom "e%!s!ons o# %ourts !n e(e%t!on %ontests s$a(( be ma"e, to /!t: R0<E 22 M 7ppea(s #rom )e%!s!ons o# &ourts !n E(e%t!on *rotest &ases
Se%. 1. 'aption and title of appealed cases . M 9n a(( e(e%t!on %ontests !nvo(v!n' t$e e(e%t!ons, returns, an" ,ua(!#!%at!ons o# mun!%!pa( or baran'ay o##!%!a(s, t$e party !nterpos!n' t$e appea( s$a(( be %a((e" t$e J7ppe((antJ an" t$e a"verse party t$e J7ppe((eeJ, but t$e t!t(e o# t$e %ase s$a(( rema!n as !t /as !n t$e %ourt o# or!'!n. ... ... ... Se%. 3. Notice of *ppeal. M ;!t$!n #!ve =:> "ays a#ter promu('at!on o# t$e "e%!s!on o# t$e %ourt, t$e a''r!eve" party may #!(e /!t$ sa!" %ourt a not!%e o# appea(, an" serve a %opy t$ereo# upon t$e attorney o# re%or" o# t$e a"verse party. Se%. 3. ;%%ediate trans%ittal of records of the case . M B$e &(er+ o# t$e %ourt %on%erne" s$a((, /!t$!n #!#teen =1:> "ays #rom t$e #!(!n' o# t$e not!%e o# appea(, transm!t to t$e E(e%tora( &ontests 7"Eu"!%at!on )epartment t$e %omp(ete re%or"s o# t$e %ase, to'et$er /!t$ a(( t$e ev!"en%e, !n%(u"!n' t$e or!'!na( an" t$ree=3> %op!es o# t$e trans%r!pt o# steno'rap$!% notes o# t$e pro%ee"!n's. Se%. :. #ilin. of )riefs. M B$e &(er+ o# &ourt %on%erne", upon re%e!pt o# t$e %omp(ete re%or"s o# t$e %ase, s$a(( not!#y t$e appe((ant or $!s %ounse( to #!(e /!t$ t$e E(e%tora( &ontests 7"Eu"!%at!on )epartment /!t$!n t$!rty =30> "ays #rom re%e!pt o# su%$ not!%e, ten =10> (e'!b(e %op!es o# $!s br!e# /!t$ proo# o# serv!%e t$ereo# upon t$e appe((ee. ;!t$!n t$!rty =30> "ays #rom re%e!pt o# t$e br!e# o# t$e appe((ant, t$e appe((ee s$a(( #!(e ten =10> (e'!b(e %op!es o# $!s br!e# /!t$ proo# o# serv!%e t$ereo# upon t$e appe((ant. ... ... ... Se%. 9. Grounds for dis%issal of appeal. M B$e appea( may be "!sm!sse" upon mot!on o# e!t$er party or at t$e !nstan%e o# t$e &omm!ss!on on any o# t$e #o((o/!n' 'roun"s: =a> Fa!(ure o# t$e appe((ant to pay t$e appea( #ee@ =b> Fa!(ure o# t$e appe((ant to #!(e %op!es o# $!s br!e# /!t$!n t$e t!me prov!"e" by t$ese ru(es@ =%> ;ant o# spe%!#!% ass!'nment o# errors !n t$e appe((antDs br!e#@ an" ="> Fa!(ure to #!(e not!%e o# appea( /!t$!n t$e pres%r!be" per!o". 9n t$e %ase at bar, pet!t!oner re%e!ve" a %opy o# t$e tr!a( %ourtDs or"er "!sm!ss!n' $!s e(e%t!on protest on O%tober 12, 1992. 7s ear(!er state", $ere!n pet!t!oner, !nstea" o# #!(!n' a not!%e o# appea( as re,u!re" by t$e ru(es, #!(e" /!t$ respon"ent &omm!ss!on a ver!#!e" appea( br!e# /!t$!n t$e #!ve-"ay re'(ementary per!o" by re'!stere" ma!( un"er Re'!stry Re%e!pt No. 33093, "ate" O%tober 12, 1992. 9t /!(( be note", $o/ever, t$at on even "ate, pet!t!oner (!+e/!se sent by re'!stere" ma!( %op!es o# $!s appea( br!e# to t$e Re'!ona( Br!a( &ourt o# MambaEao, &am!'u!n, un"er Re'!stry Re%e!pt No. 33091, an" to t$e %ounse( o# $ere!n pr!vate respon"ent, un"er Re'!stry Re%e!pt No. 33092. -2 B$e ,uest!on no/ pose" by t$e #ore'o!n' #a%tua( s!tuat!on !s /$et$er t$e not!%e o# appea( %an be va(!"(y subst!tute" by an appea( br!e#. ;e #!rm(y be(!eve an" so $o(", un"er t$e %ons!"erat!ons $ere!nun"er "!s%usse", t$at t$e same may be a((o/e".
F!rst, !n %ases /$ere a re%or" on appea( !s re,u!re" un"er t$e Ru(es o# &ourt, !t $as been %ons!stent(y $e(" t$at t$e #!(!n' or presentat!on an" approva( o# t$e re%or" on appea( on t!me ne%essar!(y !mp(!es or !nvo(ves t$e #!(!n' o# t$e not!%e o# appea(, -3 be%ause t$e a%t o# ta+!n' or per#e%t!n' an appea( !s more e.press!ve o# t$e !ntent!on to appea( t$an t$e #!(!n' o# a mere not!%e to "o so. -4 9# t$e %ourts %an "e!'n to be !n"u('ent an" (en!ent !n t$e !nterpretat!on o# t$e ru(es respe%t!n' or"!nary %!v!( a%t!ons !nvo(v!n' pr!vate part!es represent!n' pr!vate !nterests, /!t$ more reason s$ou(" t$e ru(es !nvo(v!n' e(e%t!on %ases, /$!%$ are un"oubte"(y !mpresse" /!t$ pub(!% !nterest, be %onstrue" /!t$ t$e same or even 'reater #orbearan%e an" (!bera(!ty. 9t $as been #re,uent(y "e%!"e", !t may be state" as a 'enera( ru(e re%o'n!-e" by a(( %ourts, t$at statutes prov!"!n' #or e(e%t!on %ontests are to be (!bera((y %onstrue" to t$e en" t$at t$e /!(( o# t$e peop(e !n t$e %$o!%e o# pub(!% o##!%ers may not be "e#eate" by mere te%$n!%a( obEe%t!ons. 7n e(e%t!on %ontest, un(!+e an or"!nary a%t!on, !s !mbue" /!t$ pub(!% !nterest s!n%e !t !nvo(ves not on(y t$e a"Eu"!%at!on o# t$e pr!vate !nterests o# r!va( %an"!"ates but a(so t$e paramount nee" o# "!spe((!n' t$e un%erta!nty /$!%$ be%(ou"s t$e rea( %$o!%e o# t$e e(e%torate /!t$ respe%t to /$o s$a(( "!s%$ar'e t$e prero'at!ves o# t$e o##!%e /!t$!n t$e!r '!#t. Moreover, !t !s ne!t$er #a!r nor Eust to +eep !n o##!%e #or an un%erta!n per!o" one /$ose r!'$t to !t !s un"er susp!%!on. 9t !s !mperat!ve t$at $!s %(a!m be !mme"!ate(y %(eare" not on(y #or t$e bene#!t o# t$e /!nner but #or t$e sa+e o# pub(!% !nterest, /$!%$ %an on(y be a%$!eve" by brus$!n' as!"e te%$n!%a(!t!es o# pro%e"ure /!t$ protra%t an" "e(ay t$e tr!a( o# an or"!nary a%t!on. -5 For t$!s reason, broa" perspe%t!ves o# pub(!% po(!%y !mpose upon %ourts t$e !mperat!ve "uty to as%erta!n by a(( means /!t$!n t$e!r %omman" /$o !s t$e rea( %an"!"ate e(e%te" !n as e.pe"!t!ous a manner as poss!b(e, /!t$out be!n' #ettere" by te%$n!%a(!t!es an" pro%e"ura( barr!ers to t$e en" t$at t$e /!(( o# t$e peop(e may not be #rustrate". -6 9t !s true t$at per#e%t!on o# an appea( !n t$e manner an" /!t$!n t$e per!o" (a!" "o/n by (a/ !s not on(y man"atory but a(so Eur!s"!%t!ona(, an" t$at t$e #a!(ure to per#e%t an appea( as re,u!re" by t$e ru(es $as t$e e##e%t o# "e#eat!n' t$e r!'$t o# appea( o# a party an" pre%(u"!n' t$e appe((ate %ourt #rom a%,u!r!n' Eur!s"!%t!on over t$e %ase. /7 Nevert$e(ess, !n some !nstan%es, t$!s &ourt $as "!sre'ar"e" su%$ un!nten"e" (apses so as to '!ve "ue %ourse to appea(s on t$e bas!s o# stron' an" %ompe((!n' reasons, su%$ as serv!n' t$e en"s o# Eust!%e an" prevent!n' a 'rave m!s%arr!a'e t$ereo# !n t$e e.er%!se o# our e,u!ty Eur!s"!%t!on. /9t !s our %ons!"ere" op!n!on t$at pub(!% !nterest !s o# #ar 'reater !mportan%e t$an t$e Eust!#!%at!ons o# substant!a( Eust!%e an" e,u!ty !n see+!n' an e.%ept!on to t$e 'enera( ru(e. Aen%e, e(e%t!on %ases, by t$e!r very nature, s$ou(" an" ou'$t to mer!t a s!m!(ar e.empt!on #rom a str!%t app(!%at!on o# te%$n!%a( ru(es o# pro%e"ure. Se%on", !t $as been s$o/n an" !t !s not even "en!e" t$at t$e Re'!ona( Br!a( &ourt o# &am!'u!n, as /e(( as t$e %ounse( #or pr!vate respon"ent, /as #urn!s$e" %op!es o# t$e appea( br!e# /$!%$ /ere sent by re'!stere" ma!( on O%tober 12, 1992, /!t$!n t$e re'(ementary per!o" to appea(. B$!s #a%t /as never re#ute" by t$e So(!%!tor Genera( !n $!s &omment. &on%om!tant(y, a(t$ou'$ t$e &(er+ o# &ourt %(a!me" t$at $e $a" not re%e!ve" any not!%e o# appea( #rom $ere!n pet!t!oner, !t /ou(" be sa#e to assume, un"er t$e %!r%umstan%es, t$at t$e appea( br!e# "u(y "!re%te" ma!(e" /as re%e!ve" !n t$e re'u(ar %ourse o# t$e ma!( // an" /as, t$ere#ore, "eeme" #!(e" /!t$ t$e tr!a( %ourt as o# t$e "ate o# ma!(!n'.
B$!r", app(y!n' supp(etor!(y t$e prov!s!ons o# t$e Ru(es o# &ourt, /0 part!%u(ar(y Se%t!on 3, Ru(e 31 t$ereo#, t$e re,u!rement !s t$at a not!%e o# appea( s$a(( spe%!#y t$e part!es to t$e appea(@ s$a(( "es!'nate t$e Eu"'ment or or"er, or part t$ereo#, appea(e" #rom@ an" s$a(( spe%!#y t$e %ourt to /$!%$ t$e appea( !s ta+en. 7 perusa( o# $ere!n pet!t!onerDs appea( br!e# /!(( "!s%(ose t$e #o((o/!n' !n#ormat!on: t$at t$e part!es to t$e %ase are Ro(eto 7. *a$!(an as protestantappe((ant an" Ru"y 7 Baba(ba as protestee-appe((ee@ t$at appe((ant t$ere!n !s appea(!n' #rom t$e or"er o# t$e Re'!ona( Br!a( &ourt o# MambaEao, &am!'u!n, "!sm!ss!n' t$e pet!t!on #or e(e%t!on %ontest !n E(e%t!on &ase No. 3=92>@ an" t$at t$e appea( !s be!n' ma"e pursuant to Se%t!on 22 o# Repub(!% 7%t No. 2111, t$at !s, be#ore t$e &omm!ss!on on E(e%t!ons. 7%%or"!n'(y, t$ere !s no 'a!nsay!n' t$e #a%t t$at t$e part!%u(ars /$!%$ ou'$t to be re#(e%te" !n t$e not!%e o# appea( $ave been spe%!#!%a((y an" %ate'or!%a((y spe((e" out !n t$e appea( br!e# o# pet!t!oner. *er#or%e, an" !n (!'$t o# t$e #ore'o!n' "!s,u!s!t!ons, /e #!n" an" so $o(" t$at pet!t!oner !s ent!t(e" to t$e re(!e# praye" #or. ;e no/ pro%ee" to reso(ve t$e !ssue anent t$e "!sm!ssa( o# pet!t!onerDs e(e%t!on protest by t$e Re'!ona( Br!a( &ourt #or non-payment, or more a%%urate(y t$e inco%plete payment, o# "o%+et #ees. Or"!nar!(y, /!t$ t$e reversa( o# t$e respon"ent &omm!ss!onDs ,uest!one" or"er, t$!s %ase s$ou(" be reman"e" to sa!" %ourt #or a"Eu"!%at!on on t$e mer!ts. &ons!"er!n', $o/ever, t$e e.!'en%!es o# t!me appurtenant to t$e "!spos!t!on o# e(e%t!on %ases, an" %ons!"er!n' #urt$er t$at t$e !ssue $as at any rate been s,uare(y ra!se" !n t$!s pet!t!on, !t !s no/ !n%umbent upon t$!s &ourt to a%t on t$e propr!ety o# t$e tr!a( %ourtDs or"er "!sm!ss!n' t$e e(e%t!on protest #or #a!(ure o# pet!t!oner to pay t$e correct amount o# "o%+et #ees. 9n "!sm!ss!n' pet!t!onerDs a%t!on, t$e tr!a( %ourt re(!e" on t$e ru(!n's enun%!ate" !n t$e %ases o# -ali%it &s. /e.a%o /1 =an a%t!on #or quo warranto>, -a.aspi+ et al. &s. Ra%olete+ et al. /2 =a su!t #or re%overy o# possess!on an" o/ners$!p o# (an" )+ $ee &s. Repu)lic /3 =a pet!t!on #or "e%(arat!on o# !ntent!on to be%ome a F!(!p!no %!t!-en>, -anchester /e&elop%ent 'orporation &s. 'ourt of *ppeals+ et al . /4 =an a%t!on #or a sum o# money an" "ama'es>, Sun ;nsurance ,ffice+ $td.+ (S;,$) et al. &s. *suncion. /5 =a su!t #or a sum o# money an" "ama'es>, an" Taca0+ et al. &s. Re.ional Trial 'ourt of Ta.u%+ /a&ao del Norte+ etc ., et al. /6 =an a%t!on #or "ama'es>. 9t bears emp$as!s t$at t$e #ore'o!n' %ases, e.%ept #or -ali%it &s. /e.a%o+ are or"!nary %!v!( a%t!ons. B$!s #a%t a(one /ou(" $ave su##!%e" #or a "e%(arat!on t$at t$ere /as no bas!s #or t$e "!sm!ssa( o# pet!t!onerDs protest #or t$e s!mp(e reason t$at an e(e%t!on %ontest !s not an or"!nary %!v!( a%t!on. &onse,uent(y t$e ru(es 'overn!n' or"!nary %!v!( a%t!ons are not ne%essar!(y b!n"!n' on spe%!a( a%t!ons (!+e an e(e%t!on %ontest /$ere!n pub(!% !nterest /!(( be a"verse(y a##e%te". B$e %ase o# -ali%it &s. /e.a%o+ on !ts part, !s not on a(( #ours /!t$ t$e present %ase. 9n t$at %ase, t$e pet!t!on #or quo warranto /as ma!(e" to t$e %(er+ o# &ourt on )e%ember 13, 19:9 an" /as re%e!ve" by t$e (atter on )e%ember 12, 19:9. B$e "o%+et #ee /as "eeme" pa!" on(y on ?anuary :, 1910, be%ause t$e pet!t!oner t$ere!n #a!(e" to prove $!s a((e'at!on t$at a posta( money or"er #or t$e "o%+et #ee /as atta%$e" to $!s pet!t!on. Aen%e, t$e pet!t!on #or quo warranto /as %orre%t(y "!sm!sse". 9n t$e %ase at bar, !t %annot be 'a!nsa!" t$at t$e sum o# *200.00 /as atta%$e" to t$e pet!t!on ma!(e" to t$e Re'!ona( Br!a( &ourt o# &am!'u!n an" t$!s #a%t /as even a%+no/(e"'e" by t$e &(er+ o# &ourt t$ereo# /$en $e re,ueste" $ere!n pet!t!oner to pay t$e )alance o# t$e %orre%t "o%+et #ee. 9n -ali%it+ t$ere /as no "o%+et #ee pa!" at a(( at t$e t!me o# ma!(!n'@ !n t$e present %ase, t$e "o%+et #ee /as pa!" e.%ept t$at t$e amount '!ven /as not %orre%t. &ons!"er!n' t$e #a%t t$at t$ere /as an $onest e##ort on t$e part o# $ere!n pet!t!oner to pay t$e #u(( amount o#
"o%+et #ees, /e are not !n%(!ne" to !ns!st on a str!n'ent app(!%at!on o# t$e ru(es. Furt$ermore, t$ere are stron' an" %ompe((!n' reasons to ru(e t$at t$e "o%tr!ne /e $ave estab(!s$e" !n -anchester an" %ases subse,uent t$ereto %annot be ma"e to app(y to e(e%t!on %ases. 7s /e $ave ear(!er state", t$e %ases %!te" are or"!nary %!v!( a%t!ons /$ereas e(e%t!on %ases are not. B$e ru(es /$!%$ app(y to or"!nary %!v!( a%t!ons may not ne%essar!(y serve t$e purpose o# e(e%t!on %ases, espe%!a((y !# /e %ons!"er t$e #a%t t$at e(e%t!on (a/s are to be a%%or"e" utmost (!bera(!ty !n t$e!r !nterpretat!on an" app(!%at!on, bear!n' !n m!n" a(/ays t$at t$e /!(( o# t$e peop(e must be up$e(". Or"!nary %!v!( a%t!ons /ou(" 'enera((y !nvo(ve pr!vate !nterests /$!(e a(( e(e%t!ons %ases are, at a(( t!mes, !nveste" /!t$ pub(!% !nterest /$!%$ %annot be "e#eate" by mere pro%e"ura( or te%$n!%a( !n#!rm!t!es. 7'a!n, t$e &ourt !n -anchester ma"e !ts ru(!n' !n v!e/ o# !ts #!n"!n' t$at t$ere e.!ste" t$e unet$!%a( pra%t!%e o# (a/yers an" part!es o# #!(!n' an or!'!na( %omp(a!nt /!t$out spe%!#y!n' !n t$e prayer t$e amount o# "ama'es /$!%$, $o/ever, !s state" !n t$e bo"y o# t$e %omp(a!nt. B$!s strata'em !s %(ear(y !nten"e" #or no ot$er purpose t$an to eva"e t$e payment o# t$e %orre%t #!(!n' #ees by m!s(ea"!n' t$e "o%+et %(er+ !n t$e assessment t$ereo#. B$us, t$e %ourt t$ere!n $e(" t$at Eur!s"!%t!on s$a(( be a%,u!re" on(y upon payment o# t$e pres%r!be" "o%+et #ee. B$at ru(!n' /as (ater re(a.e" !n t$e %ase o# Sun ;nsurance /$!%$ a((o/e" t$e subse,uent payment o# t$e %orre%t "o%+et #ees prov!"e" !t !s ma"e /!t$!n t$e re'(ementary per!o" or be#ore pres%r!pt!on $as set !n. B$e reason '!ven /as t$at t$ere /as no !ntent on t$e part o# t$e pet!t!oners t$ere!n to "e#rau" t$e 'overnment, un(!+e t$e p(a!nt!## !n t$e %ase o# -anchester. 9n Taca0+ et al. &s. Ta.u%+ et al., !t /as state" t$at t$!s &ourt, !nsp!re" by t$e "o%tr!ne (a!" "o/n !n -anchester+ !ssue" &!r%u(ar No. 2 on Mar%$ 23, 19 , /$!%$ /as a!me" at t$e pra%t!%e o# %erta!n part!es /$o om!t #rom t$e prayer o# t$e!r %omp(a!nts any spe%!#!%at!on o# t$e amount o# "ama'es, t$e om!ss!on be!n' %(ear(y !nten"e" #or no ot$er purpose t$an to eva"e t$e payment o# t$e %orre%t #!(!n' #ees by "e(u"!n' t$e "o%+et %(er+ !n $!s assessment o# t$e same. 9n a(( t$ese %ases, t$e ru(e /as app(!e" #or #a!(ure o# t$e p(a!nt!## to !n%(u"e !n t$e prayer o# t$e %omp(a!nt t$e tota( amount o# "ama'es sou'$t a'a!nst t$e "e#en"ant. B$e reason #or t$!s, a%%or"!n' to t$e Taca0 %ase, !s be%ause t$e amount o# "ama'es /!(( $e(p "eterm!ne t/o t$!n's: #!rst, t$e Eur!s"!%t!on o# t$e %ourt@ an", se%on", t$e amount o# "o%+et #ees to be pa!". 9n t$e %ase no/ be#ore us, an" !n e(e%t!on %ases !n 'enera(, !t !s not t$e amount o# "ama'es, !# any, t$at !s sou'$t to be re%overe" /$!%$ vests !n t$e %ourts t$e Eur!s"!%t!on to try t$e same. Rat$er, !t !s t$e nature o# t$e a%t!on /$!%$ !s "eterm!nat!ve o# Eur!s"!%t!on. B$us, re'ar"(ess o# t$e amount o# "ama'es %(a!me", t$e a%t!on /!(( st!(( $ave to be #!(e" /!t$ t$e Re'!ona( Br!a( &ourt. 9n su%$ a %ase, t$e ev!( sou'$t to be avo!"e" !n -anchester an" (!+e %ases /!(( never ar!se. *eremptor!(y, t$ere /!(( be no o%%as!on to app(y t$e ru(!n's !n t$e %ases ment!one". 9n a""!t!on, t$e #!(!n' #ee to be pa!" !n an e(e%t!on %ase !s a #!.e" amount o# *300.00. B$ere /!(( %onse,uent(y be no opportun!ty #or a s!tuat!on to ar!se /$ere!n an e(e%t!on %ontest /!(( $ave to be "!sm!sse" #or #a!(ure to state t$e e.a%t amount o# "ama'es an" t$us ev!n%e an !ntent to "epr!ve t$e Government o# t$e "o%+et #ees "ue. F!na((y, !n -anchester+ t$ere /as a "e(!berate attempt on t$e part o# t$e p(a!nt!##s t$ere!n to eva"e payment o# t$e %orre%t "o%+et #ees. 9n t$e %ase o# pet!t!oner, $e a(rea"y e.p(a!ne", an" t$!s /e #!n" a%%eptab(e an" Eust!#!e", t$at Js!n%e t$e s%$e"u(e o# t$e ne/ rates o# %ourt #ees /as not t$en ava!(ab(e an" t$e #!(!n' o# t$e pet!t!on #or e(e%t!on %ontests /as "one t$ru t$e
ma!(s, t$e o(" rates rea"!(y %ame to m!n", an" t$!s /as t$e reason /$y on(y t/o $un"re" pesos /as rem!tte" at t$e same t!me /!t$ t$e pet!t!on.J 07 Bo summar!-e, t$e ev!( sou'$t to be avo!"e" !n -anchester an" s!m!(ar %ases %an never obta!n !n e(e%t!on %ases s!n%e =1> t$e #!(!n' #ee !n an e(e%t!on %ases !s #!.e" an" not "epen"ent on t$e amount o# "ama'es sou'$t to be re%overe", !# any@ an" =2> a %(a!m #or "ama'es !n an e(e%t!on %ase !s mere(y an%!((ary to t$e ma!n %ause o# a%t!on an" !s not even "eterm!nat!ve o# t$e %ourtDs Eur!s"!%t!on /$!%$ !s 'overne" by t$e nature o# t$e e(e%t!on #!(e". ;AEREFORE, t$e Or"er o# t$e &omm!ss!on on E(e%t!ons "ate" ?anuary 19, 1993, as /e(( as !ts Reso(ut!on promu('ate" on May 1, 1993, bot$ !n E7& No. 23-92@ an" t$e Or"er o# t$e Re'!ona( Br!a( %ourt o# MambaEao, &am!'u!n, "ate" O%tober 2, 1992, !n E(e%t!on &ase No. 3=92> are $ereby REIERSE) an" SEB 7S9)E, an" t$e re%or"s o# t$!s %ase are $ereby or"ere" REM7N)E) to t$e %ourt a quo #or t$e e.pe"!t!ous %ont!nuat!on o# t$e pro%ee"!n's !n an" t$e a"Eu"!%at!on o# t$e e(e%t!on protest pen"!n' t$ere!n as ear(y as pra%t!%ab(e. SO OR)ERE).

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MELANIO D. SAMPAYAN, DIEGO L. TURLA, JR., and LEONARDO G.

un"er /$!%$ t$e pet!t!oner an%$ors $!s %ase

DECISION PUNO, J.G

t#e COMELEC en banc &n Res!+$t&!n N!. 35/0 <e"!re eI%&r

any reme"y "esp!te v!o(at!on o# $er r!'$t to "ue pro%ess.

M )o%+et Fee-?u"!%!ary )eve(opment Fun"

210129S 1,302,312.00 1,301,013.00 2,0 3,320.00

1:0.00 10.00 :.10 31.00

M Genera( Fun" M <e'a( Resear%$ M Summons Fee M Summons Fee

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