MANILA, Philippines–The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced plans to file a motion for reconsideration with the Supreme Court concerning its recent decision to abandon the long-standing “second placer” doctrine.
The Supreme Court ruling, issued last week, surprised Comelec officials, as it significantly alters a key interpretation of Philippine election laws. The “second placer” doctrine has historically allowed the candidate who finished second in an election to assume office if the winning candidate was later disqualified.
James Jimenez, the Comelec’s spokesperson, confirmed the commission’s intent to seek a reversal of the ruling, emphasizing its impact on the country’s future electoral processes. He noted that the commission will submit the motion before the set deadline, expressing hope for a favorable outcome.
Comelec has begun internal discussions to assess the broader implications of the decision on the administration of elections.
The ruling arose from a case involving a disqualified candidate who contested the legitimacy of the second placer assuming office. The Supreme Court sided with the petitioner, ruling that a special election—not succession by the second placer—must be held to fill the vacated position.
Comelec officials argue that this change could introduce logistical and administrative complexities into an already intricate electoral system. The commission’s legal team is currently analyzing the decision to identify areas for potential contention in its appeal.
The Comelec’s decision to pursue a motion for reconsideration reflects its commitment to preserving clarity and consistency in electoral rules. Until the Supreme Court reverses its ruling or legislative amendments are made, the mandate for a special election in cases of disqualification remains in effect.