The House of Representatives has passed on second reading a measure that imposes a hefty P500,000 fine on so-called "nuisance candidates" during election season.
House bill slapping P500,000 fine vs election 'nuisance candidates' OK'd on 2nd reading
At a glance
The House plenary hall (Contributed photo)
The House of Representatives has passed on second reading a measure that imposes a hefty P500,000 fine on so-called "nuisance candidates" during election season.
Given penultimate approval during the lower chamber's marathon session last Tuesday, Jan. 28 was House Bill (HB) No.11317, or the proposed Act providing an additional ground for cancelling the certificate of candidacy of a candidate and making the acts of nuisance candidate an election offense.
The measure--a consolidation of House Bill (HB) Nos. 8415 and 9676--seeks to amend Sections 69, 261 (CC) and 264 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 881, as amended, otherwise known as the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines.
The bill prescribes a penalty of five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000) to any person found guilty of any election offense enumerated by it.
It intends to preserve the integrity of the electoral process by providing an additional ground for cancelling the certificate of candidacy (COC) of a candidate and imposing a stiffer penalty for prohibited acts of a candidate.
The 300-plus strong House has a chance to pass the bill on third and final reading next week, or before lawmakers go on recess.
On May 12, the Philippines will hold its next mid-term elections.
Under HB No.11317, the definition of "nuisance candidate" includes those who have filed COC for money, profit, or any other consideration.
It adds the following on the list of prohibited acts of candidates on candidacy and campaign:
a) Putting the election process in mockery or disrepute;
b) Maliciously or deliberately causing confusion among voters by similarity of names;
c) Obtaining money, profit, or any other consideration; and
d) By doing any act demonstrating that the candidate has no bona fide intention to run for office.