MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has committed to a rigorous examination of all certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the 2025 midterm elections to effectively filter out nuisance candidates, adapting to recent judicial guidelines that have modified the criteria for such assessments.
According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco explained that recent Supreme Court decisions have influenced the commission’s approach. The Court has relaxed the rules that previously allowed for the dismissal of candidates deemed as nuisances based solely on their financial incapacity or lack of recognition and political affiliation. “Based on two recent decisions of the Supreme Court, it said a candidate could not be declared a nuisance just because of the lack of financial capacity to launch a nationwide campaign. The SC has removed the financial aspect of campaigning for a candidate to be declared a nuisance,” Laudiangco stated in an interview.
Further detailing the criteria, Laudiangco mentioned that the screening would focus on the candidates’ understanding of the roles they aspire to fill and their genuine intentions in participating in the electoral process. “We will look into the actuations of filing a COC. Do they understand the positions they are running for? For instance, one filed a candidacy for senator but is actually saying functions that are not that of a senator,” he elaborated, indicating a qualitative assessment of candidates’ suitability.
The commission also remains vigilant against those who might want to disrupt the electoral proceedings or misappropriate votes. As Laudiangco noted, the Comelec relies on disqualification petitions filed by parties, as it cannot independently initiate such actions.
In addition to the candidacy screening, Comelec is considering an early implementation of the election gun ban, following recommendations from the Philippine National Police, to ensure safety and order during the election period. The gun ban, which is scheduled to run from January 12 to June 11 next year, encompasses not only firearms but also controlled chemicals and explosives, highlighting the broad scope of election security measures.