65. Limkaichong vs. COMELEC

7/24/2019 65. Limkaichong vs. COMELEC

1/28

EN BANC

JOCELYN SY LIMKAICHONG,

Petitioner,

- versus -COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS,NAPOLEON N. CAMERO andRENALD. !ILLANDO, Respondents." -------------------------------------------- "LO#IS C. BIRAOGO, Petitioner,

- versus-

HON. PROSPERO NOGRALES,S$ea%er &' ()e H&use &' Re$resen(a(*ves &' ()e C&n+ress &' ()eP)**$$*nes, and JOCELYN SYLIMKAICHONG,

Respondents.

"---------------------------------------------"OLI!IA P. PARAS, Petitioner,

- versus -

HON. PROSPERO NOGRALES, *n )*sa$a*( as S$ea%er &' ()e H&use &'Re$resen(a(*ves/ HON. ROBERTONA0ARENO, *n )*s a$a*( as

Sere(ar Genera &' ()e H&use &'Re$resen(a(*ves/ HON. RHODORASE!ILLA, *n )er a$a*( as De$u(Sere(ar Genera '&r *nane &' ()eH&use &' Re$resen(a(*ves/ THECOMMISSION ON ELECTIONS andJOCELYN SY LIMKAICHONG,

Respondents." ------------------------------------------- "RENALD . !ILLANDO,

Petitioner,

G.R. N&s. 123341-45

G.R. N&. 126157

G.R. N&s. 126145-44


2/28

- versus -

COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS andJOCELYN SY LIMKAICHONG, Respondents.

G.R. N&s. 126587-81

Presen(9

PUNO, C.J.,QUISUMBING,YNARES-SANTIAGO,CARPIO,AUSTRIA-MARTINEZ,CORONA,CARPIO MORALES,TINGA,CHICO-NAZARIO,ELASCO, !R",

NACHURA,LEONAR#O-#E CASTRO,BRION, $ndPERALTA, JJ.Pr&:u+a(ed%

A$r* 1, 5776

" - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - "

D E C I S I O N

PERALTA, J.9

On&e $ ;*nn*n+ and*da(e'$s (een $r&a*:ed, (a%en )*s &a(),

$nd assu:ed &''*e$s $ Me)(er o* t'e Ho+se o* Represent$ties,

t'e


3/28

oer ee&tion &ontests re$tin. to 'is ee&tion, ret+rns, $nd /+$i*i&$tions, $nd :ere

ae+a(*&n as (& ()e *nva*d*( &' )er $r&a:a(*&n d&es n&( d*ves( ()e Ee(&ra

Tr*=una &' *(s , 7886, resoin. t'$t

$ pendin. in&idents re$tin. to 'er /+$i*i&$tions s'o+d no? (e deter)ined (5 t'e

Ho+se o* Represent$ties Ee&tor$ Tri(+n$ 0HRET1"

T'e *$&ts $re +n&ontroerted" On M$r&' 7>, 7886, Li)9$i&'on. *ied ?it' t'e

COMELEC 'er Certi*i&$te o* C$ndid$&5 2@40COC1 *or t'e position o* Represent$tie o*

t'e :irst #istri&t o* Ne.ros Orient$"

In t'e *oo?in. ?ee9s, t?o 071 petitions *or 'er dis/+$i*i&$tion ?ere instit+ted

(e*ore t'e COMELEC (5 &on&erned &itiens &o)in. *ro) 'er o&$it5" On Apri @,

7886, N$poeon C$)ero, $ re.istered oter o* L$ Li(ert$d, Ne.ros Orient$, *ied t'e

petition *or 'er dis/+$i*i&$tion on t'e .ro+nd t'$t s'e $&9ed t'e &itiens'ipre/+ire)ent o* $ Me)(er o* t'e Ho+se o* Represent$ties" T'e petition, ?'i&' ?$s

do&9eted $s SPA No" 0PES1 A86-88>, 24$e.ed t'$t s'e is not $ n$t+r$-(orn :iipino

(e&$+se 'er p$rents ?ere C'inese &itiens $t t'e ti)e o* 'er (irt'" On Apri 33,

7886, Ren$d :" i$ndo, $so $ re.istered oter o* t'e s$)e o&$it5, *ied t'e se&ond

petition on t'e s$)e .ro+nd o* &itiens'ip, do&9eted $s SPA 0PES1 No" A86-886"2>4 He &$i)ed t'$t ?'en Li)9$i&'on. ?$s (orn, 'er p$rents ?ere sti C'inese

&itiens $s t'e pro&eedin.s *or t'e n$t+r$i$tion o* !+io On. S5, 'er *$t'er, neer

$tt$ined *in$it5 d+e to pro&ed+r$ $nd s+(st$nti$ de*e&ts" Bot' petitions pr$5ed *or

t'e &$n&e$tion o* Li)9$i&'on.s COC $nd *or t'e COMELEC to stri9e o+t 'er n$)e

*ro) t'e ist o* /+$i*ied &$ndid$tes *or t'e Represent$tie o* t'e :irst #istri&t o*

Ne.ros Orient$"

In 'er sep$r$te Ans?ers264 to t'e petitions, Li)9$i&'on. &$i)ed t'$t s'e is

$ na(ura-=&rn **$*n&sin&e s'e ?$s (orn to $ na(ura*>ed **$*n& 'a()er$nd

$ na(ura-=&rn **$*n& :&()er,?'o '$d re$&/+ired 'er st$t+s $s s+&' d+e to 'er

'+s($nds n$t+r$i$tion" T'+s, $t t'e ti)e o* 'er (irt' on Noe)(er


4/28

onO&to(er 73, 3


5/28

#istri&t o* Ne.ros Orient$ on t'e .ro+nd t'$t s'e is not $ n$t+r$-(orn:iipino, ?e 'od t'$t s'e is so dis/+$i*ied"

Petitioners '$e s+&&ess*+5 dis&'$r.ed t'eir (+rden o* proo*$nd '$s &onin&in.5 s'o?n ?it' pie&es o* do&+)ent$r5 eiden&e

t'$t Ju*& On+ S, 'a()er &' )ere*n res$&nden( J&en S-L*:%a*)&n+, 'a*ed (& a@u*re **$*n& *(*>ens)*$ *n ()ena(ura*>a(*&n $r&eed*n+s?'i&' 'e +nder?ent *or t'e s$id p+rpose"

An eF$)in$tion o* t'e re&ords o* Spe&i$ C$se No" 38@= ?o+dree$ t'$t t'e O''*e &' ()e S&**(&r Genera ;as de$r*ved &' *(s$ar(**$a(*&n *n a ()e s(a+es &' ()e $r&eed*n+s ()ere*n, $sre/+ired +nder Co))on?e$t' A&t No" @6= or t'e ReisedN$t+r$i$tion L$? $nd Rep+(i& A&t No" =8, An A&t M$9in. Addition$Proisions *or N$t+r$i$tion"

F F F

T'e do&+)ents presented (5 petitioners s'o?ed t'$t ()e OSG;as n&( 'urn*s)ed &$*es &' (;& :a(er*a &rders &' ()e (r*a &ur(*n ()e sa*d $r&eed*n+s" One ?$s t'e Ju 6, 162 Order.r$ntin.'is petition *or n$t+r$i$tion $nd t'e ot'er ?$s t'e Se$(e:=er 51,166 Orderde&$rin. !+io On. S5 $s $ :iipino &itien"

Moreoer, *ro) $ per+s$ o* t'e s$)e p$.e 363 o* t'e OSGo.(oo9, ?e '$e deter)ined t'$t ()e OSG d*d n&( ree*ve a n&(*e'&r ()e )ear*n+ &ndu(ed = ()e (r*a &ur( &n Ju 6, 166, prior toits iss+$n&e o* t'e Septe)(er 37, 3 SCRA >36 0M$5 =3, 3


6/28

Respondent $r.+es t'$t +pon 'is t$9in. o* t'e O$t' o*Ae.i$n&e, !+io On. S5 (e&$)e $ :iipino &itien *or $ intents $ndp+rposes, ?it' $ t'e ri.'ts $pp+rten$nt t'ereto"

T'is $r.+)ent does not 'od ?$ter, $s ?$s 'ed (5 t'e

S+pre)e Co+rt in t'e s$)e &$se o* Re(u)lic v. 'alero, s+pr$%

T'$t pri$te respondent T$n '$d $re$d5 t$9en 'iso$t' o* $e.i$n&e does not in $n5 ?$5 e.$ie t'epro&eedin.s re$tie t'ereto ?'i&' is pre.n$nt ?it' e.$in*ir)ities" Co)po+ndin. t'ese irre.+$rities is t'e *$&tt'$t T$n ?$s $o?ed to t$9e 'is o$t' een (e*ore t'eeFpir$tion o* t'e t'irt5 0=81-d$5 period ?it'in ?'i&' $n$ppe$ )$5 (e )$de t'+s )$9in. t'e s$id o$t' not on5'i.'5 i)proper (+t $so ie.$"

In t'e s$)e &$se, t'e S+pre)e Co+rt $dded%

To s+st$in t'e s$)e ?o+d (e to s$n&tion $)onstrosit5 9no?n $s &itiens'ip (5 estoppe" T'e .r$nto* n$t+r$i$tion +nder s+&' &ir&+)st$n&es is ie.$ $nd&$n&e$tion t'ereo* )$5 (e '$d $t $n5 ti)e" Neit'erestoppe nor res *udicata)$5 (e set +p $s $ ($r *ro)instit+tin. t'e ne&ess$r5 pro&eedin.s to n+i*5 t'e&erti*i&$te o* n$t+r$i$tion so iss+ed"

Anot'er .$rin. de*e&t in t'e s$id pro&eedin.s ?$s t'e *$&t

t'$t Ju*& On+ S (&&% )*s Oa() &' Ae+*ane &n O(&=er 51, 166,;)*) ;as e"a( ()*r( 47 das a'(er )*s deara(*&n as ana(ura*>ed **$*n&"

Een .r$ntin. t'$t t'e OSG ?$s noti*ied o* t'e Septe)(er 73,3


7/28

:ro) $ t'e *ore.oin., t'ere*ore, it &o+d (e seen t'$t Ju*&

On+ S d*d n&( a@u*re **$*n& *(*>ens)*$ ()r&u+) ()ena(ura*>a(*&n $r&eed*n+s *n S$e*a Case N&. 1784" T'+s, )e;as &n a=e (& (rans:*( (& )*s &''s$r*n+, C)*nese *(*>ens)*$"

Respondent !o&e5n S5-Li)9$i&'on. (ein. t'e dau+)(ero*!+io On. S5, $nd '$in. (een =&rn &n N&ve:=er 6, 166, +nder t'e34

On M$5 77, 7886, Li)9$i&'on. *ied $not'er )otion *or t'e i*tin. o* t'e

dire&tie s+spendin. 'er pro&$)$tion, insistin. t'$t s'e s'o+d (e pro&$i)ed $s

t'e ?inner in t'e &on.ression$ r$&e p+rs+$nt to COMELEC Reso+tion No" D8>7"2764 On s$)e d$te, i$ndo, one o* t'e petitioners in t'e dis/+$i*i&$tion &$ses, *ied
http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn23http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn24http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn25http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn26http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn27http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn23http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn24http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn25http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn26http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn27


8/28

$n #r+en( Man*'es(a(*&n Car*'*n+ COMELEC Res&u(*&n N&. 375 ;*() M&(*&n,27D4pr$5in. t'$t t'e COMELEC s'o+d not i*t t'e s+spension o* Li)9$i&'on.s

pro&$)$tion"

On M$5 7, 7886, t'e PBOC, in &o)pi$n&e ?it' COMELEC Reso+tion No"

D8>7, re&onened $nd pro&$i)ed Li)9$i&'on. $s t'e d+5 ee&ted Me)(er o* t'e

Ho+se o* Represent$ties *or t'e :irst #istri&t o* Ne.ros Orient$" 27ens)*$" As t'edis/+$i*i&$tion &$ses inoin. Li)9$i&'on. ?ere sti pendin.re&onsider$tion (5 t'e en )anc+t'e +nder5in. poi&5 ?'i&' .$e rise tot'e iss+$n&e o* t'e Reso+tion% to respe&t t'e ?i o* t'e :iipinoee&tor$te, $ppies to t'e s+spension o* pro&$)$tion o* t'e ?innin.&on.ression$ &$ndid$te *or t'e :irst #istri&t o* Ne.ros Orient$"

?HEREORE, t'e inst$nt petition is dis)issed"

SO ORDERED" 0E)p'$sis o+rs1

#iss$tis*ied, P$r$s )oed *or t'e re&onsider$tion o* t'e $(oe Reso+tion"2=74

Me$n?'ie, in $ Reso+tion2==4 d$ted !+ne 7


9/28

Anent t'e iss+e o* +risdi&tion, ,er+e t'$t t'e Co))ission'$s +risdi&tion to r+e on Respondent Li)9$i&'on.s Motion *orRe&onsider$tion not?it'st$ndin. 'er pro&$)$tion $s it is on5 t'isCo))ission, $nd not t'e Ho+se o* Represent$ties Ee&tor$ Tri(+n$0HRET1, ?'i&' '$s +risdi&tion to reie? reso+tions or de&isions o* t'e

COMELEC, ?'et'er iss+ed (5 $ diision or en )anc" As st$ted (5 t'eS+pre)e Co+rt in t'e e$din. &$se o* Codilla v. e 'enecia, G"R" No"38>8, #e&e)(er 38, 7887, respondent 'erse* se$son$(5&'$en.ed t'e $idit5 o* t'e reso+tion o* t'e Se&ond #iision in 'er)otion *or re&onsider$tion" Hen&e, ()e *ssue &' res$&nden(Fsd*s@ua*'*a(*&n ;as s(* ;*()*n ()e e"us*ve


10/28

ee&tion *or t'e o**i&e, no one &$n (e de&$red ee&ted in'is p$&e" In omino v. COME#EC, t'is Co+rt r+ed, vi-.%

It ?o+d (e eFtre)e5 rep+.n$nt to t'e ($si&&on&ept o* t'e &onstit+tion$5 .+$r$nteed ri.'t

to s+**r$.e i* $ &$ndid$te ?'o '$s not $&/+iredt'e )$orit5 or p+r$it5 o* otes is pro&$i)ed?inner $nd i)posed $s represent$tie o* $&onstit+en&5, t'e )$orit5 o* ?'i&' '$epositie5 de&$red t'ro+.' t'eir ($ots t'$t t'e5do not &'oose 'i)" To si)pisti&$5 $ss+)et'$t t'e se&ond p$&er ?o+d '$e re&eied t'$t0sic1 ot'er otes ?o+d (e to s+(stit+te o+r+d.)ent *or t'e )ind o* t'e oters" He &o+dnot (e &onsidered t'e *irst $)on. t'e /+$i*ied&$ndid$tes (e&$+se in $ *ied ?'i&' eF&+des

t'e /+$i*ied &$ndid$te, t'e &onditions ?o+d'$e s+(st$nti$5 &'$n.ed"

F F F

T'e e**e&t o* $ de&ision de&$rin. $ person

inei.i(e to 'od $n o**i&e is on5 t'$t t'eee&tion *$is entire5, t'$t t'e ?re$t' o* i&tor5&$nnot (e tr$ns*erred *ro) t'e dis/+$i*ied?inner to t'e rep+di$ted oser (e&$+se t'e $?t'en $s no? on5 $+t'ories $ de&$r$tion in*$or o* t'e person ?'o '$s o(t$ined $ p+r$it5o* otes, $nd does not entite t'e &$ndid$tere&eiin. t'e neFt 'i.'est n+)(er o* otes to (ede&$red ee&ted" In s+&' &$se, t'e ee&tors'$e *$ied to )$9e $ &'oi&e $nd t'e ee&tion is$ n+it5" To $o? t'e de*e$ted $nd rep+di$ted&$ndid$te to t$9e oer t'e ee&tie positiondespite 'is ree&tion (5 t'e ee&tor$te is todisen*r$n&'ise t'e ee&tor$te ?it'o+t $n5 *$+ton t'eir p$rt $nd to +nder)ine t'e i)port$n&e

$nd )e$nin. o* de)o&r$&5 $nd t'e peopesri.'t to ee&t o**i&i$s o* t'eir &'oi&e"

A tod, e *ind n& &+en( reas&n (& d*s(ur= ()e '*nd*n+s &'()*s C&::*ss*&n Se&nd D*v*s*&n *n *(s J&*n( Res&u(*&n$r&:u+a(ed &n Ma 12, 5772"

?HEREORE, pre)ises &onsidered, t'e inst$nt Motion *or

Re&onsider$tion o* Respondent !o&e5n S5-Li)9$i&'on. is'ere(5 DENIED"

T'e Opposition to t'e Motion *or Re&onsider$tion ?it' P$rti$Motion *or Re&onsider$tion *ied (5 Interenor Oii$ P" P$r$s pr$5in.


11/28

t'$t s'e (e pro&$i)ed $s t'e ?innin. &$ndid$te *or t'e :irst #istri&tRepresent$tie o* Ne.ros Orient$ is 'ere(5 denied *or $&9 o* )erit"

SO OR#ERE#"2=@4

On !+5 =, 7886, Li)9$i&'on. *ied in t'e dis/+$i*i&$tion &$ses $.$inst 'er

$ Man*'es(a(*&n and M&(*&n '&r Car*'*a(*&n and&r T& Deare ()e Pe(*(*&ns as

D*s:*ssed *n A&rdane ;*() Se(*&n , Rue 13 &' ()e COMELEC Rues &'

Pr&edure"2=4 S'e &ontended t'$t, ?it' 'er pro&$)$tion, 'er '$in. t$9en 'er

o$t' o* o**i&e $nd 'er $ss+)ption o* t'e position, t'e COMELEC ?$s diested o*

+risdi&tion to 'e$r t'e dis/+$i*i&$tion &$ses" S'e *+rt'er &ontended t'$t, *oo?in.

Se&tion >,2=>4R+e 3D o* t'e COMELEC R+es o* Pro&ed+re, t'e dis/+$i*i&$tion

&$ses ?o+d '$e to (e re'e$rd, $nd i* on re'e$rin., no de&ision ?o+d (e re$&'ed,t'e $&tion or pro&eedin.s s'o+d (e dis)issed, (e&$+se t'e COMELEC En

Banc?$s e/+$5 diided in opinion ?'en it resoed 'er )otion *or re&onsider$tion"

On $n een d$te, P$r$s ?rote t'e Ho+se o* Represent$ties in*or)in. it o*

t'e COMELEC En Banc Reso+tion d$ted !+ne 7,

in re$tion to R+e >@ o* t'e 3


12/28

On A+.+st 3>, 7886, t'e COMELEC En Banc r+ed on Li)9$i&'on.s

)$ni*est$tion $nd )otion *or &$ri*i&$tion, 2@34?it' t'e *oo?in. dis/+isition%

In ie? o* t'e $r&a:a(*&n &' L*:%a*)&n+$nd 'ers+(se/+ent assu:$(*&n &' &''*e &n June 47, 5772, t'is Co))issionr+es t'$t a $end*n+ *n*den(s rea(*n+ (& ()e @ua*'*a(*&ns &'L*:%a*)&n+ s)&ud n&; =e de(er:*ned = ()e H&use &'Re$resen(a(*ves Ee(&ra Tr*=unain $&&ord$n&e ?it' t'e $(oe-/+oted proision o* t'e Constit+tion"

?HEREORE, pre)ises &onsidered, t'is Co))issionresoed, $s it 'ere(5 resoes, t'$t $ pendin. in&idents re$tin. to t'e/+$i*i&$tions o* !o&e5n S" Li)9$i&'on. $s Me)(er o* t'e Ho+se o*Represent$ties s'o+d no? (e deter)ined (5 t'e Ho+se o*

Represent$ties Ee&tor$ Tri(+n$"

SO ORDERED" 0E)p'$sis o+rs1

On A+.+st 7@, 7886, Lo+is Bir$o.o 0Bir$o.o1, $s $ &itien $nd $ t$Fp$5er, *ied

?it' t'e Co+rt $ Pe(*(*&n '&r Pr&)*=*(*&n and In


13/28

On Septe)(er , 788D, i$ndo $so *ied ?it' t'is Co+rt $ Pe(*(*&n

'&r Certiorariand In


14/28

Se(*&n . No person s'$ (e $ Me)(er o* t'e Ho+se o*Represent$ties +ness 'e is $ na(ura-=&rn *(*>en &' ()eP)**$$*nes$nd, on t'e d$5 o* t'e ee&tion, is $t e$st t?ent5-*ie 5e$rso* $.e, $(e to re$d $nd ?rite, $nd, eF&ept t'e p$rt5-istrepresent$ties, $ re.istered oter in t'e distri&t in ?'i&' 'e s'$ (e

ee&ted, $nd $ resident t'ereo* *or $ period o* not ess t'$n one 5e$ri))edi$te5 pre&edin. t'e d$5 o* t'e ee&tion"

'en Li)9$i&'on. *ied 'er COC, s'e st$ted t'erein t'$t s'e is $ n$t+r$-(orn

:iipino &itien" It ?$s not tr+e, $&&ordin. to t'e petitioners in t'e dis/+$i*i&$tion

&$ses, (e&$+se 'er *$t'er re)$ined $ C'inese &itien $t t'e ti)e o* 'er (irt'" T'e

COMELEC Se&ond #iision '$s sided ?it' C$)ero $nd i$ndo, $nd dis/+$i*ied

Li)9$i&'on. to r+n $s $ &on.ression$ &$ndid$te in t'e :irst #istri&t o* Ne.ros

Orient$ *or '$in. *$ied to &o)p5 ?it' t'e &itiens'ip re/+ire)ent" A&&ordin.5,'er pro&$)$tion ?$s ordered s+spended not?it'st$ndin. t'$t s'e o(t$ined t'e

'i.'est n+)(er o* otes d+rin. t'e ee&tions" Nonet'eess, s'e ?$s pro&$i)ed (5

t'e PBOC p+rs+$nt to t'e poi&5 .+ideines o* COMELEC En BancReso+tion No"

D8>7, $nd s'e '$s sin&e $ss+)ed 'er position $nd per*or)ed 'er *+n&tions $s $

Me)(er o* t'e Ho+se o* Represent$ties"

I

Whether Limkaichongs proclamation was valid.

T'e pro&$)$tion o* Li)9$i&'on. ?$s $id" T'e COMELEC Se&ond

#iision rendered its !oint Reso+tion d$ted M$5 36, 7886" On M$5 78, 7886,

Li)9$i&'on. ti)e5 *ied ?it' t'e COMELEC En Banc'er )otion *or re&onsider$tion

$s ?e $s *or t'e i*tin. o* t'e in&orpor$ted dire&tie s+spendin. 'er

pro&$)$tion" T)e '**n+ &' ()e :&(*&n '&r re&ns*dera(*&n e''e(*ve

sus$ended ()e e"eu(*&n &' ()e Ma 12, 5772 J&*n( Res&u(*&n"284 Sin&e t'e

eFe&+tion o* t'e M$5 36, 7886 !oint Reso+tion ?$s s+spended, t'ere ?$s no

i)pedi)ent to t'e $id pro&$)$tion o* Li)9$i&'on. $s t'e ?inner" Se&tion 7, R+e

3< o* t'e COMELEC R+es o* Pro&ed+re proides%

Se&" 7" Period or Filin/ Motions or Reconsideration. 0A)otion to re&onsider $ de&ision, reso+tion, order or r+in. o* $ #iisions'$ (e *ied ?it'in *ie 01 d$5s *ro) t'e pro)+.$tion t'ereo*" Su):&(*&n, *' n&(pro forma, sus$ends ()e e"eu(*&n '&r*:$e:en(a(*&n &' ()e de*s*&n, res&u(*&n, &rder and ru*n+"
http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn50http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn50


15/28

In G.R. N&s. 126145-44, P$r$s, 'o?eer, )$int$ined t'$t Li)9$i&'on. ?$s $

C'inese &itien ?'o ?$s dis/+$i*ied to r+n $s $ &on.ression$ &$ndid$te (5 ?$5 o*

$ *in$ +d.)ent o* t'e COMELEC" it' t'$t, 'er pro&$)$tion ?$s /+estion$(e$nd t'e s$)e ?$s done in open de*i$n&e o* t'e !oint Reso+tion d$ted M$5 36,

7886 o* t'e COMELEC Se&ond #iision" S'e $so stressed t'$t Li)9$i&'on.s

pro&$)$tion ?$s pro&ed+r$5 de*e&tie, it $ppe$rin. t'$t one o* t'e PBOC

)e)(ers ?$s not present on M$5 7, 7886, $nd t'$t it too9 p$&e in $ rest$+r$nt

$nd not $t t'e proin&i$ &$pito" :in$5, s'e $r.+ed t'$t Li)9$i&'on.s

pro&$)$tion ?$s oid in $&&ord$n&e ?it' t'e Co+rts prono+n&e)ent in t'e &$se

o* Codilla v. e 'enecia.234

T'e O**i&e o* t'e Soi&itor Gener$ 0OSG1 *ied its Co))ent on t'e petition o*

P$r$s, eFpressin. its s+pport *or t'e position t$9en (5 t'e $tter"

A per+s$ o* t'e $r.+)ents $d$n&ed (5 P$r$s $nd t'e OSG does not s?$5

t'e Co+rt to r+e $.$inst t'e $idit5 o* Li)9$i&'on.s pro&$)$tion" No ess t'$n

t'e COMELEC :irst #iision '$s s+st$ined t'e $idit5 o* 'er pro&$)$tion ?'en it

dis)issed, (5 ?$5 o* $ Reso+tion d$ted !+ne 7


16/28

His $r.+)ent is spe&io+s" Reso+tion No" D8>7 is not on5 $ poi&5-

.+ideine" It is $so $n $d)inistr$tie interpret$tion o* t'e t?o 071 proisions o* t'e

32@4o* R"A" >>@>; $nd Se&tions 7@324$nd 7@=,2>4Arti&e o* t'e OEC" As

s+&', it does not '$e to &o)p5 ?it' t'e d+e pro&ess re/+ire)ent" T'e ter)

J$d)inistr$tieK &onnotes or pert$ins to J$d)inistr$tion, espe&i$5 )$n$.e)ent, $s

(5 )$n$.in. or &ond+&tin., dire&tin. or s+perintendin., t'e eFe&+tion, $ppi&$tion,

or &ond+&t o* persons or t'in.s"K It does not ent$i $n opport+nit5 to (e 'e$rd, t'e

prod+&tion $nd ?ei.'in. o* eiden&e, $nd $ de&ision or reso+tion t'ereon" 264 T'is

is to (e distin.+is'ed *ro) J/+$si-+di&i$ *+n&tion,K $ ter) ?'i&' $ppies, $)on.

ot'ers, to t'e $&tion or dis&retion o* p+(i& $d)inistr$tie o**i&ers or (odies, ?'o $re

re/+ired to inesti.$te *$&ts, or $s&ert$in t'e eFisten&e o* *$&ts, 'od 'e$rin.s, $nd

dr$? &on&+sions *ro) t'e), $s $ ($sis *or t'eir o**i&i$ $&tion $nd to eFer&ise

dis&retion o* $ +di&i$ n$t+re" 2D4

Reso+tion No" D8>7 is $ $id eFer&ise o* t'e COMELECs &onstit+tion$5

)$nd$ted po?er to pro)+.$te its o?n r+es o* pro&ed+re re$tie to t'e &ond+&t o*

t'e ee&tions"27"

T'e Co+rt '$s 'ed in t'e &$se o* Planas v. COME#EC,2>84t'$t $t t'e ti)e o*

t'e pro&$)$tion o* #e*ensor, t'e respondent t'erein ?'o .$rnered t'e 'i.'est

n+)(er o* otes, t'e #iision Reso+tion in$id$tin. 'is &erti*i&$te o* &$ndid$&5 ?$s

not 5et *in$" As s+&', 'is pro&$)$tion ?$s $id or e.$, $s 'e '$d $t t'$t point in

ti)e re)$ined /+$i*ied" Li)9$i&'on.s sit+$tion is no di**erent *ro) t'$t o*

#e*ensor, t'e *or)er '$in. (een dis/+$i*ied (5 $ #iision Reso+tion on t'e ($sis

o* 'er not (ein. $ n$t+r$-(orn :iipino &itien" 'en s'e ?$s pro&$i)ed (5 t'e

PBOC, s'e ?$s t'e ?inner d+rin. t'e ee&tions *or o(t$inin. t'e 'i.'est n+)(er o*
http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn52http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn53http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn54http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn55http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn55http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn56http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn57http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn58http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn59http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn60http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn60http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn60http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn52http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn53http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn54http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn55http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn56http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn57http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn58http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn59http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn60


17/28

otes, $nd $t t'$t ti)e, t'e #iision Reso+tion dis/+$i*5in. 'er '$s not 5et (e&$)e

*in$ $s $ res+t o* t'e )otion *or re&onsider$tion"


18/28

II

Whether, upon Limkaichong's proclamation, the HR!, instead of the

C"#LC, should assume $urisdiction over the dis%ualification cases.

In 'er petition 0G.R. N&s. 123341-45, Li)9$i&'on. $r.+ed t'$t 'er

pro&$)$tion on M$5 7, 7886 (5 t'e PBOC diested t'e COMELEC o* its

+risdi&tion oer $ iss+es re$tin. to 'er /+$i*i&$tions, $nd t'$t +risdi&tion no? ies

?it' t'e HRET"

Bir$o.o, on t'e ot'er '$nd, (eieed ot'er?ise" He $r.+ed 0in G.R. N&.

1261571 t'$t t'e iss+e &on&ernin. Li)9$i&'on.s dis/+$i*i&$tion is sti ?it'in t'e

eF&+sie +risdi&tion o* t'e COMELEC En Banc to resoe (e&$+se ?'en

Li)9$i&'on. ?$s pro&$i)ed on M$5 7, 7886, t'e )$tter ?$s sti pendin.

reso+tion (e*ore t'e COMELEC En Banc"

e do not $.ree" T'e Co+rt '$s in$ri$(5 'ed t'$t on&e $ ?innin.

&$ndid$te )as =een $r&a*:ed, (a%en )*s &a(), $nd assu:ed &''*e$s $

Me)(er o* t'e Ho+se o* Represent$ties, ()e COMELECs 74o* t'e OEC +nders&ores t'e eF&+siit5 o* t'e

Ee&tor$ Tri(+n$s +risdi&tion oer ee&tion &ontests re$tin. to its )e)(ers"2>=4

Se(*&n 12, Ar(*e !Io* t'e 1632 C&ns(*(u(*&n proides%

Se&" 36" T'e Sen$te $nd t'e H&use &' Re$resen(a(*vess'$e$&' '$e $n Ee&tor$ Tri(+n$ ?'i&' s'$ (e t'e s&e


19/28

represent$tion *ro) t'e poiti&$ p$rties $nd t'e p$rties or or.$ni$tionsre.istered +nder t'e p$rt5-ist s5ste) represented t'erein" T'e senior!+sti&e in t'e Ee&tor$ Tri(+n$ s'$ (e its C'$ir)$n"

Coro$r5 t'ereto is Rue 18o* t'e 1663 Rues &' ()e HRET, $s

$)ended, ?'i&' st$tes%

RULE 3@" Jurisdiction. 1 T'e Tri(+n$ is t'e s&e


20/28

t'e &$se" T'is, not?it'st$ndin. t'e Se&ond #iisions dire&ties+spendin. Li)9$i&'on.s pro&$)$tion"

T'e Co))ission '$s )$de its intention in iss+in.

Reso+tion No" D8>7 er5 &e$r in t'$t t'ere s'$ (e no s+spension o*pro&$)$tion o* ?innin. &$ndid$tes ?it' pendin. dis/+$i*i&$tion &$ses,inoin., $)on. ot'ers, iss+es o* &itiens'ip" As t'e dis/+$i*i&$tion&$ses inoin. Li)9$i&'on. ?ere sti pendin. re&onsider$tion (5t'e En Banc, t'e +nder5in. poi&5 ?'i&' .$e rise to t'e iss+$n&e o*t'e reso+tion% to respe&t t'e ?i o* t'e :iipino ee&tor$te, $ppies to t'es+spension o* pro&$)$tion o* t'e ?innin. Con.ression$ &$ndid$te *ort'e :irst #istri&t o* Ne.ros Orient$"

?HEREORE, t'e inst$nt petition is #ISMISSE#"

SO ORDERED"

Petitioners 0in G"R" Nos" 36@4 T'e Co+rt '$s s'ed i.'t on t'is in t'e &$se o* 'in-ons1C2ato,2>4to

t'e e**e&t t'$t%

In t'e present &$se, it is not disp+ted t'$t respondent Uni&o '$s$re$d5 (een pro&$i)ed $nd t$9en 'is o$t' o* o**i&e $s $ Me)(er o*t'e Ho+se o* Represent$ties 0T'irteent' Con.ress1; 'en&e, t'eCOMELEC &orre&t5 r+ed t'$t it '$d $re$d5 ost +risdi&tion oer

petitioner C'$tos petition" T'e iss+es r$ised (5 petitioner C'$toessenti$5 re$te to t'e &$n$ssin. o* ret+rns $nd $e.ed in$idit5 o*respondent Uni&os pro&$)$tion" T'ese $re )$tters t'$t $re (est$ddressed to t'e so+nd +d.)ent $nd dis&retion o* t'eHRET" Si.ni*i&$nt5, t'e $e.$tion t'$t respondent Uni&ospro&$)$tion is n+ $nd oid does not diest t'e HRET o* its+risdi&tion%

F F F 2I4n $n ee&tor$ &ontest ?'ere t'e$idit5 o* t'e pro&$)$tion o* $ ?innin. &$ndid$te ?'o

'$s t$9en 'is o$t' o* o**i&e $nd $ss+)ed 'is post $s&on.ress)$n is r$ised, t'$t iss+e is (est $ddressed to
http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn64http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn65http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn64http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn65


21/28

t'e HRET" T'e re$son *or t'is r+in. is se*-eident, *or it$oids d+pi&it5 o* pro&eedin.s $nd $ &$s' o* +risdi&tion(et?een &onstit+tion$ (odies, ?it' d+e re.$rd to t'epeopes )$nd$te"

:+rt'er, *or t'e Co+rt to t$9e &o.ni$n&e o* petitionerC'$tos ee&tion protest $.$inst respondent Uni&o ?o+d (e to +s+rpt'e &onstit+tion$5 )$nd$ted *+n&tions o* t'e HRET"

In *ine, $n5 $e.$tions $s to t'e in$idit5 o* t'e pro&$)$tion ?i not preent

t'e HRET *ro) $ss+)in. +risdi&tion oer $ )$tters essenti$ to $ )e)(ers

/+$i*i&$tion to sit in t'e Ho+se o* Represent$ties"

T'e 3 $nd 36 is +risdi&tion$ $nd &$nnot (e eFtended"

A&&ordin.5, $*ter t'e pro&$)$tion o* t'e ?innin. &$ndid$te in t'e

&on.ression$ ee&tions, t'e re)ed5 o* t'ose ?'o )$5 $ss$i ones

ei.i(iit5inei.i(iit5/+$i*i&$tiondis/+$i*i&$tion is to *ie (e*ore t'e HRET $ petition


22/28

*or $n ee&tion protest, or $ petition *or 3uo 4arranto+?it'in t'e period proided (5

t'e HRET R+es" In Pan/ilinan v. Commission on Elections,2>>4?e r+ed t'$t ?'ere

t'e &$ndid$te '$s $re$d5 (een pro&$i)ed ?inner in t'e &on.ression$ ee&tions,

t'e re)ed5 o* petitioner is to *ie $n ee&tor$ protest ?it' t'e Ee&tor$ Tri(+n$ o* t'e

Ho+se o* Represent$ties"

T'e PBOC pro&$i)ed Li)9$i&'on. $s t'e ?inner on M$5 7, 7886" T'+s,

petitioners 0in G"R" Nos" 36ens n&( &n a( ()e (*:e &' ()e*r ee(*&n =u( dur*n+ ()e*r en(*re

(enure" Bein. $ &ontin+in. re/+ire)ent, one ?'o $ss$is $ )e)(ers &itiens'ip or

$&9 o* it )$5 sti /+estion t'e s$)e $t $n5 ti)e, t'e ten-d$5 pres&riptie period

not?it'st$ndin."

In Frivaldo v. Commission on Elections+2>64t'e Co+rt 'ed t'$t%

T'e $r.+)ent t'$t t'e petition *ied ?it' t'e Co))ission onEe&tions s'o+d (e dis)issed *or t$rdiness is not ?e-t$9en" T'e'erein pri$te respondents $re see9in. to preent :ri$do *ro)&ontin+in. to dis&'$r.e 'is o**i&e $s .oernor (e&$+se 'e isdis/+$i*ied *ro) doin. so $s $ *orei.ner" ua*'*a(*&ns '&r $u=*&''*e are &n(*nu*n+ re@u*re:en(s and :us( =e $&ssessed n&(&n a( ()e (*:e &' a$$&*n(:en( &r ee(*&n &r assu:$(*&n &' &''*e=u( dur*n+ ()e &''*erFs en(*re (enure. One an &' ()e re@u*red

@ua*'*a(*&ns *s &s(, )*s (*(e :a =e seas&na= )aen+ed. I',sa, a 'e:ae e+*sa(&r ;ere (& :arr a '&re*+ner dur*n+ )er (er:and = )er a( &r &:*ss*&n a@u*res )*s na(*&na*(, ;&ud s)e)ave ()e r*+)( (& re:a*n *n &''*e s*:$ =eause ()e )aen+e (&)er (*(e :a n&( &n+er =e :ade ;*()*n (en das 'r&: )er$r&a:a(*&n F F F

T)*s C&ur( ;* n&( $er:*( ()e an&:a &' a $ers&n s*((*n+as $r&v*n*a +&vern&r *n ()*s &un(r ;)*e &;*n+ e"us*veae+*ane (& an&()er &un(r.T'e *$&t t'$t 'e ?$s ee&ted (5 t'epeope o* Sorso.on does not eF&+se t'is p$tent io$tion o* t'es$+t$r5 r+e i)itin. p+(i& o**i&e $nd e)po5)ent on5 to t'e &itienso* t'is &o+ntr5" T'e /+$i*i&$tions pres&ri(ed *or ee&tie o**i&e &$nnot
http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn66http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn67http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn66http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn67


23/28

(e er$sed (5 t'e ee&tor$te $one" T)e ;* &' ()e $e&$e ase"$ressed ()r&u+) ()e =a&( ann&( ure ()e v*e &' *ne*+*=**(,es$e*a *' ()e :*s(a%en =e*eved, as *n ()*s ase, ()a( ()eand*da(e ;as @ua*'*ed. O=v*&us, ()*s rue re@u*res s(r*(a$$*a(*&n ;)en ()e de'**en *s a% &' *(*>ens)*$. I* $ person

see9s to sere in t'e Rep+(i& o* t'e P'iippines, 'e )+st o?e 'is tot$o5$t5 to t'is &o+ntr5 $one, $(+rin. $nd reno+n&in. $ *e$t5 to $n5ot'er st$te"

Ho?eer, in $ss$iin. t'e &itiens'ip o* t'e *$t'er, t'e proper pro&eedin.

s'o+d (e in $&&ord$n&e ?it' Se&tion 3D o* Co))on?e$t' A&t No" @6= ?'i&'

proides t'$t%Se&" 3D" Cancellation o Naturali-ation Certiicate Issued%

- #$&n :&(*&n :ade *n ()e $r&$er $r&eed*n+s = ()e S&**(&rGenera &r )*s re$resen(a(*ve, &r = ()e $r&$er $r&v*n*a '*sa,()e &:$e(en( a(*&n er(*'*a(e*ssued and *(s re+*s(ra(*&n *n ()e C*v* Re+*s(er%

3" I* it is s'o?n t'$t s$id n$t+r$i$tion &erti*i&$te ?$s o(t$ined

*r$+d+ent5 or ie.$5;7" I* t'e person n$t+r$ied s'$, ?it'in *ie 5e$rs neFt *oo?in.

t'e iss+$n&e o* s$id n$t+r$i$tion &erti*i&$te, ret+rn to 'is n$tie&o+ntr5 or to so)e *orei.n &o+ntr5 $nd est$(is' 'is per)$nentresiden&e t'ere% Provided, T'$t t'e *$&t o* t'e person

n$t+r$ied re)$inin. )ore t'$n one 5e$r in 'is n$tie &o+ntr5or t'e &o+ntr5 o* 'is *or)er n$tion$it5, or t?o 5e$rs in $n5 ot'er*orei.n &o+ntr5, s'$ (e &onsidered $s(rima acieeiden&e o*'is intention o* t$9in. +p 'is per)$nent residen&e in t'e s$)e%

=" I* t'e petition ?$s )$de on $n in$id de&$r$tion o* intention;@" I* it is s'o?n t'$t t'e )inor &'idren o* t'e person n$t+r$ied

*$ied to .r$d+$te *ro) $ p+(i& or pri$te 'i.' s&'oosre&o.nied (5 t'e O**i&e o* Pri$te Ed+&$tion 2no? B+re$+ o*Pri$te S&'oos4 o* t'e P'iippines, ?'ere P'iippine 'istor5,.oern)ent or &ii&s $re t$+.'t $s p$rt o* t'e s&'oo &+rri&++),t'ro+.' t'e *$+t o* t'eir p$rents eit'er (5 ne.e&tin. to s+pport

t'e) or (5 tr$ns*errin. t'e) to $not'er s&'oo or s&'oos" A&erti*ied &op5 o* t'e de&ree &$n&ein. t'e n$t+r$i$tion&erti*i&$te s'$ (e *or?$rded (5 t'e Cer9 o* Co+rt o* t'e#ep$rt)ent o* Interior 2no? O**i&e o* t'e President4 $nd t'eB+re$+ o* !+sti&e 2no? O**i&e o* t'e Soi&itor Gener$4;

" I* it is s'o?n t'$t t'e n$t+r$ied &itien '$s $o?ed 'i)se*to (e +sed $s $ d+))5 in io$tion o* t'e &onstit+tion$ or e.$proisions re/+irin. P'iippine &itiens'ip $s $ re/+isite *or t'eeFer&ise, +se or eno5)ent o* $ ri.'t, *r$n&'ise or priie.e"0E)p'$sis s+ppied1


24/28

As e$r5 $s t'e &$se o* !ueto v. Catolico,2>D4?'ere t'e Co+rt o* :irst Inst$n&e

+d.e motu (ro(rio$nd not in t'e proper den$t+r$i$tion pro&eedin.s &$ed to &o+rt

$rio+s .r$ntees o* &erti*i&$tes o* n$t+r$i$tion 0?'o '$d $re$d5 t$9en t'eir o$t's

o* $e.i$n&e1 $nd &$n&eed t'eir &erti*i&$tes o* n$t+r$i$tion d+e to pro&ed+r$

in*ir)ities, t'e Co+rt 'ed t'$t%

F F F I( :a =e (rue ()a(, $s $e.ed (5 s$id respondents,t'$t ()e $r&eed*n+s '&r na(ura*>a(*&n ;ere (a*n(ed ;*() er(a*n*n'*r:*(*es, 'a(a &r &()er;*se, (+t t'$t is (eside t'e point in t'is&$se" T'e +risdi&tion o* t'e &o+rt to in/+ire into $nd r+e +pon s+&'in*ir)ities )+st (e proper5 ino9ed in $&&ord$n&e ?it' t'e pro&ed+re$id do?n (5 $?" S+&' pro&ed+re is t'e &$n&e$tion o* t'en$t+r$i$tion &erti*i&$te" 2Se&tion 301, Co))on?e$t' A&t No" >=4, int'e )$nner *iFed in Se&tion 3D o* Co))on?e$t' A&t No" @6=,

'erein(e*ore /+oted, n$)e5, J+pon )otion )$de in t'e properpro&eedin.s (5 t'e Soi&itor Gener$ or 'is represent$ties, or (5 t'eproper proin&i$ *is&$"K In &()er ;&rds, ()e *n*(*a(*ve :us( &:e'r&: ()ese &''*ers, $resu:a= a'(er $rev*&us *nves(*+a(*&n *nea) $ar(*uar ase. 0E)p'$sis s+ppied1

Ce$r5, +nder $? $nd +rispr+den&e, it is t'e St$te, t'ro+.' its

represent$ties desi.n$ted (5 st$t+te, t'$t )$5 /+estion t'e ie.$5 or in$id5

pro&+red &erti*i&$te o* n$t+r$i$tion in t'e $ppropri$te den$t+r$i$tion

pro&eedin.s" It is p$in5 not $ )$tter t'$t )$5 (e r$ised (5 pri$te persons in $n

ee&tion &$se inoin. t'e n$t+r$ied &itiens des&end$nt"

III

Whether the C"#LC &econd ivision and the C"#LC n (anc correctl)

dis%ualified Limkaichong on the ground that she is not a natural*+orn ilipino

citi-en.

In resoin. t'e dis/+$i*i&$tion &$ses, t'e COMELEC Se&ond #iision reied

on t'e entries in t'e do&9et (oo9 o* t'e OSG, 2>


25/28

$tter too9 'is o$t' o* $e.i$n&e on O&to(er 73, 3


26/28

Inste$d o* $s9in. t'e Co+rt *or ?'$t Bir$o.o opined $s $ restr$inin. order,

Li)9$i&'on. *ied ?it' t'is Co+rt, on A+.+st 3, 7886, 'er petition

*or certiorari$ss$iin. t'e s$id COMELEC En BancReso+tion p+rs+$nt to Se&tion 7,2634R+e >@, in re$tion to R+e >, 3


27/28

In 'er Rep5 to t'e $(oe Co))ents, Li)9$i&'on. &o+ntered t'$t s'e did not

en.$.e in *or+) s'oppin., *or '$d s'e ?$ited *or t'e COMELEC to r+e on 'er

)$ni*est$tion $nd ot'er )otions, it ?o+d '$e res+ted in t'e eFpir$tion o*

t'e re.e)ent$r5 period *or *iin. $ petition *or certiorari(e*ore t'e Co+rt"

T'e M$5 36, 7886 !oint Reso+tion o* t'e COMELEC Se&ond #iision

dis/+$i*5in. Li)9$i&'on. $nd s+spendin. 'er pro&$)$tion &$nnot 5et (e

i)pe)ented &onsiderin. t'$t s'e ti)e5 *ied $ )otion *or re&onsider$tion" T'+s,

p+rs+$nt to Se&tion 3=0&1, R+e 3D $nd Se&tion 7 R+e 3< o* t'e COMELEC R+es o*

Pro&ed+re, t'e !oint Reso+tion '$s not 5et $tt$ined *in$it5 *or it to (e i)pe)ented"

Not$(5, t'e see)in. i)propriet5 o* t'e Reso+tion o* t'e COMELEC EnBanc d$ted !+ne 7, 7886, re&o.niin. t'$t it no on.er '$s +risdi&tion oer

t'e dis/+$i*i&$tion &$ses *oo?in. t'e $id pro&$)$tion o* Li)9$i&'on. $nd 'er

$ss+)ption o* o**i&e $s $ Me)(er o* t'e Ho+se o* Represent$ties"

!

Whether the &peaker of the House of Representatives ma) +e compelled to

prohi+it Limkaichong from assuming her duties as a #em+er of the House ofRepresentatives.

Bir$o.os &ontention ?$s t'$t #e ene&i$26=4s'o+d (e stopped *ro) enterin.

Li)9$i&'on.s n$)e in t'e Ro o* Me)(ers o* t'e Ho+se o* Represent$ties

(e&$+se 'e '$s no po?er to $o? $n $ien to sit $nd &ontin+e to sit t'erein $s it

?o+d $)o+nt to $n +n$?*+ eFer&ise o* 'is e.$ $+t'orit5" Moreoer, Bir$o.o

opposes Li)9$i&'on.s $ss+)ption o* o**i&e in t'e Ho+se o* Represent$ties sin&e

s'e is not /+$i*ied to sit t'erein, (ein. $ C'inese &itien $nd, t'+s, dis/+$i*ied (5

irt+e o* $ *in$ $nd eFe&+tor5 +d.)ent o* t'e COMELEC En Banc" He reied on

t'e COMELEC En Banc Reso+tion d$ted !+ne 7


28/28

$nd 'e '$d no po?er to eF&+de $n5 Me)(er o* t'e Ho+se o* Represent$ties motu

(ro(rio" In t'eir Co))ent on t'e petition, respondents #e ene&i$, et al",

&ontended t'$t t'e enro)ent o* $ Me)(er in t'e Ro o* Me)(ers o* t'e Ho+se o*

Represent$ties $nd 'is'er re&o.nition $s s+&' (e&o)es t'e :*n*s(er*a du(o*

t'e Se&ret$r5 Gener$ $nd t'e Ho+se o* Represent$ties u$&n $resen(a(*&n =

su) Me:=er &' a va*d Cer(*'*a(e &' Pr&a:a(*&n and Oa() &' O''*e"

Respondent No.r$es, $s #e ene&i$s, s+(stit+te, *ied $ Me)or$nd+) d$ted

!+5 3>, 788D st$tin. t'$t +nder t'e &ir&+)st$n&es, t'e Ho+se o* Represent$ties,

$nd its o**i&i$s, $re ?it'o+t re&o+rse eF&ept to

'onor t'e $idit5 o* t'e pro&$)$tion o* Li)9$i&'on. +nti t'e s$)e is

&$n&eed, reo9ed or n+i*ied, $nd to &ontin+e to re&o.nie 'er $s t'e d+5 ee&ted

Represent$tie o* t'e :irst #istri&t o* Ne.ros Orient$ +nti it is ordered (5 t'is Co+rt,

$s it ?$s in Codilla+to re&o.nie so)e(od5 ese" He ?ent on to st$te t'$t $*ter

$ss+)ption (5 t'e Me)(er-ee&t, or '$in. $&/+ired $ pres+)ptie5 $id tite to t'e

o**i&e, t'e Ho+se o* Represent$ties &$nnot, motu (ro(rio, &$n&e, reo9e, ?it'dr$?

$n5 re&o.nition .ien to $ sittin. Me)(er or to Jre)oeK 'is n$)e *ro) its ro, $s

s+&' ?o+d $)o+nt to $ re)o$ o* s+&' Me)(er *ro) 'is o**i&e ?it'o+t d+e pro&ess

o* $?" eri5, it is on5 $*ter $ deter)in$tion (5 t'e $ppropri$te tri(+n$ 0$s in t'is

&$se, t'e HRET1, p+rs+$nt to $ *in$ $nd eFe&+tor5 order, t'$t t'e Me)(er does not

'$e $ ri.'t to t'e o**i&e 0i.e.+not (ein. $ d+5 ee&ted Me)(er1, t'$t t'e Ho+se o*Represent$ties is dire&ted to eF&+de t'e s$id Me)(er"

T'eir &ontentions $re )eritorio+s" T'e +nse$tin. o* $ Me)(er o* t'e Ho+se

o* Represent$ties s'o+d (e eFer&ised ?it' .re$t &$+tion $nd $*ter t'e proper

pro&eedin.s *or t'e o+ster '$s (een $id5 &o)peted" :or to $r(itr$ri5 +nse$t

so)eone, ?'o o(t$ined t'e 'i.'est n+)(er o* otes in t'e ee&tions, $nd d+rin. t'e

penden&5 o* t'e pro&eedin.s deter)inin. ones /+$i*i&$tion or dis/+$i*i&$tion,

?o+d $)o+nt to disen*r$n&'isin. t'e ee&tor$te in ?'o) soerei.nt5 resides" 26@4

?HEREORE, pre)ises &onsidered, t'e petition in G.R. N&s. 123341-

45 is GRANTED$nd t'e !oint Reso+tion o* t'e COMELEC Se&ond #iision d$ted

M$5 36, 7886 in SPA Nos" 86-7@6 $nd 86-7@D is RE!ERSED $nd SET ASIDE" A

t'e ot'er petitions 0G.R. N&s. 126157, 126145-44, 126587-811 $re

'ere(5 DISMISSED.

SO ORDERED"
http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn74http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178831-32.htm#_ftn74

Documents

65. Limkaichong vs. COMELEC