The Manila Times
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said the expulsion of former Cavite 4th District Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga from the House of Representatives will not prevent him from seeking the same post in the special election expected in August. Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia clarified on Wednesday that Barzaga remains eligible to run because his removal from office was administrative in nature and did not involve a criminal conviction carrying the penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office. Garcia explained that only certain criminal cases, particularly those involving moral turpitude and accompanied by a final conviction, can result in a permanent ban from holding public office. “Yes, he can file a certificate of candidacy because his removal from office as congressman is not a perpetual disqualification to hold public office,” Garcia said. The poll chief added that the Comelec en banc thoroughly discussed the issue before the commission reached its position on Barzaga’s eligibility. According to Garcia, existing laws and Supreme Court rulings support the view that expulsion from the House does not automatically strip a person of the right to seek elective office in future elections. He stressed that unlike criminal convictions that carry additional penalties, expulsion from office does not include a perpetual disqualification clause that would bar a candidate from running again. Garcia noted, however, that those who disagree with Comelec’s interpretation are free to elevate the matter to the Supreme Court for final resolution.
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