Amid the ongoing impeachment trial, questions have surfaced regarding whether a government official who has been impeached and convicted by the Senate sitting as an impeachment court can still run for public office.

In line with this, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has declined to comment on the matter. According to Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia, their hands are tied to issue any comments regarding the issue.

He also explained that if a case arises in the future, it’s the duty of the Comelec to issue a decision regarding this matter.

“Kung dumako tayo doon, kung kung dadako man, ay magiging issue sa Comelec at syempre dedesisyunan po namin yung bagay na yan as to whether yan ay kalakip, kaakibat, kakabit,” he said

In line with this, Chairman Garcia stressed that the commission does not want to jump to conclusions, noting that it is too early to discuss such scenarios.

“Again, at this point, masyado pong presumptuous at hindi tamang pag-usapan muna kung yung issue ng diskwalipikasyon ng isang kandidato,” he said

Comelec also refrained from naming any specific individuals in relation to the matter. The Chairman also noted that what remains clear under the law is that as long as the individual’s conviction is not yet final, they retain the right to seek public office.

“Hangga't walang conviction na guilty ang isang tao at ito'y naging final executory at hindi na pwedeng ipa-apela sa kahit na kanino, yan po ang taong yan ay pwedeng makatakbo,” he said

Meanwhile, the commission is open to the proposal of the Ombudsman to tighten the requirements for the Certificate of Candidacy (COC).

“Para po mas mapaayos natin ang eleksyon na darating, lalo na yung malaking national local election on 2028. So again, open po kami at initially wala po kaming nakikitang mali o ilegalidad doon sa naturang panukala,” Garcia said

Under the Ombudsman’s proposal, the aspiring candidates should swear under oath that they have no conflict of interest in his/her candidacy. The Comelec welcomed the idea, stating that they are willing to make a study the proposal as it may help to execute a more organized election across the country.

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