Iza Aldana
Election Officer Says Decision Not Yet Final as Motion for Reconsideration Is Elevated to En Banc
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has released a decision involving several complaints filed against local officials during the previous elections. Among the cases included is a motu proprio petition seeking the disqualification of Barangay Captain Celso “Orong” delas Armas of Barangay Nangka, Marikina City.
To clarify the status of the case and the applicable COMELEC procedures, the network conducted a phone patch interview with Marikina 2nd District Election Officer Bryant Bucao.
According to Bucao, the COMELEC First Division released its decision granting the motu proprio petition to disqualify Barangay Captain delas Armas. However, he stressed that the ruling is not yet final.
Bucao explained that based on the latest official notice received by their office dated January 6, the motion for reconsideration filed by delas Armas has already been elevated from the First Division to the En Banc. As such, the local COMELEC office is still awaiting formal instructions or a clear directive from the En Banc before any action can be implemented.
While the decision has already appeared on the official government website, Bucao clarified that it does not automatically take effect without an explicit order from higher COMELEC authorities.
He further noted that should the En Banmcissue a resolution, the respondent still has the right to elevate the case to the Supreme Court within the prescribed period, which is typically around fifteen (15) days. While an appeal is pending, the decision is not considered final, and the official concerned may continue performing official duties.
Bucao also disclosed that the evidence related to the disqualification case was submitted directly to the COMELEC Main Office and did not pass through the local election office in Marikina, limiting their access to specific case details.
He added that the COMELEC Main Office handles hundreds to thousands of cases nationwide, which can sometimes cause delays in the release of rulings.
The election officer urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation and to understand the proper legal process, emphasizing that due process applies to all cases handled by the commission.
As a final reminder, Bucao announced that voter registration in Marikina City remains ongoing until May 18 in preparation for the upcoming barangay elections, encouraging eligible voters to register early.
Authorities say further updates will be released once official instructions from the COMELEC are issued. For News Video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AnM5YKmuB/