PBA asks Comelec to swiftly resolve, release decisions on election cases

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) should ensure the timely resolution and release of decisions on election cases filed before it, the Philippine Bar Association (PBA) said on Monday, Jan. 31.

“Part and parcel of the entire electoral process is an assurance that matters pertaining to candidates are resolved with transparency and all deliberate speed,” the PBA said in a statement.

“In an election that will choose the leaders who will chart our nation’s course out of the pandemic, this mandate acquires heightened urgency,” it added.

PBA’s call was aired amidst allegations of delay in the release of the Comelec’s resolution on the disqualification cases against presidential aspirant and former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

“Regardless of one’s political leanings, the unfolding events on the disqualification case/s of a presidential candidate have placed the Comelec’s processes squarely within the public’s eye,” the PBA said.

It said that while it is “within the Comelec’s purview how to conduct its business, if the standard processing times have been reached, then the public is within its rights to question any perceived delay in the resolution of a matter of paramount interest.”

“After all, if we can efficiently disqualify and remove candidates who lack the resources (money) to mount a national campaign and declare them ‘nuisances,’ then we should apply the same speed to cases that involve other disqualifications,” it stressed.

It reminded that the rule of law “thrives on the public’s perception that processes are fair, transparent, and efficient.”

“We trust that the Comelec will adhere to its Constitutional mandate to examine these matters carefully. We are equally hopeful that it will take stock of the need to move expeditiously,” it added.