MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported that it has received over 30 electoral protest cases, more than two weeks after the conduct of the May 13 midterm polls.
“As per ECAD (Electoral Contests Adjudication Department), 36 cases as of 3 p.m. today, May 28,” Comelec said in a statement.
Earlier, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said the cases involving local positions were submitted before the poll body’s main office in Intramuros, Manila.
Among the cases are from the cities of Taguig and San Juan; and provinces of Leyte, Kalinga and Negros Occidental.
But the poll body official did not reveal those involved in the protest cases.
Jimenez explained that protest cases involving city and provincial elective positions are under the jurisdiction of Comelec head office.
As for poll protests of municipal elective positions, he said these should be filed before the Regional Trial Courts.
On the other hand, the Comelec official added that protest cases involving senators are presented before the Senate Electoral Tribunal while the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal handles cases involving congressmen.
“We invite anyone with complaints to approach us in official channels so we could act on your complaints at soonest,” Jimenez said.
Under existing rules, Comelec – through one of its two Divisions – shall handle all election protests involving regional, provincial, and city officials. (With PNA/PN)
