MANILA, Philippines – Nanindigan ang Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc sa desisyon na idiskwalipika sa dating congressman Edgar Erice sa pagtakbo para sa second district ng Caloocan City sa May 2025 elections dahil sa patuloy nitong pagbabatikos sa automated election system (AES).
Sa 30-pahinang desisyon na inilabas nitong weekend, kinatigan ng en banc ang naunang ruling ng Second Division na nagbabawal kay Erice sa paglahok sa eleksyon sa susunod na taon.
“The integrity of elections is the cornerstone of democracy and any act that undermines this foundation cannot be tolerated. Respondent’s disqualification is not merely justified but necessary to protect the sanctity of our electoral process. This Commission must act decisively to ensure that the people’s trust in their democratic institutions remains intact,” saad sa ruling.
“Respondent’s conduct reveals not only an unworthiness to seek public office but also a blatant disregard for the sanctity of the electoral process. Attempts to undermine the Commission’s reputation and the integrity of elections for Respondent’s personal gain cannot be permitted,” dagdag pa.
Ang petisyon na inihain ni Raymond Salipot, ay nag-akusa kay Erice ng “deliberately spreading false and alarming reports, and circulating misleading messages to disrupt the electoral process and cause confusion among the voters,” na ipinagbabawal ng Omnibus Election Code.
Iginiit ng Comelec ang pangangailangan na aksyunan ang ginawa ni Erice upang maingatan ang tiwala ng publiko at maiwasan ang mga possible pang pag-atake sa kredibilidad ng komisyon.
“In the face of such patent and continuing attacks on its integrity and the general conduct of the elections, the Commission is duty-bound to act decisively to put an end to the baseless and malicious accusations hurled against it and to dispel the public alarm, doubts, and confusion intentionally sowed by the Respondent,” sinabi sa desisyon ng en banc. RNT/JGC
