IBP urges Comelec to resolve petitions to cancel COCs

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Thursday urged the Commission of Elections (Comelec) to immediately resolve pending petitions seeking to cancel certificates of candidacy in Eleksyon 2022.

In a statement, the IBP urged Comelec to resolve pending petitions at the earliest opportunity and within the prescribed period by the commission itself in order to increase confidence in the electoral process.

“Surely, a timely resolution of any dispute will allow everyone to focus their sovereign right in choosing the country’s next President thru an informed and free exercise of their vote,” the IBP said.

“Vox populi, vox dei! The voice of the people is the voice of God,” it added.

In Rule 18, Comelec highlighted the phrase “the ponente shall prepare the decision within 15 days from the last date of deliberation, and shall forthwith furnish all the other Commissioners copies of the draft for their review.”

The IBP also noted that the phrase “shall be decided” is used in both Section 7 and 8 of Rule 18 while the phrase “shall prepare the decision” is used in Comelec Resolution No. 7808.

“The IBP believes that these phrases were purposely used to achieve a just, expeditious and inexpensive determination and disposition of every action and proceeding brought before Comelec,” it said.

However, the lawyer’s group stressed that the statement does not seek to dwell on the merits of petitions for cancellation of COC or disqualification of a presidential candidate still pending resolution by Comelec.

“The IBP’s only concern is to urge the Comelec to abide by the rule of law in the disposition of such cases pending before it,” it said.

There are consolidated disqualification petitions filed by Akbayan and other civic leaders against presidential aspirant Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. pending before the Comelec First Division. — BM, GMA News