Comelec to ask SC to reconsider poll winner ruling

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will ask the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision to abandon the "second placer" rule in election cases.

Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia stated the poll body needs clarification on the ruling's implications, especially regarding succession when a winning candidate is disqualified.

The Supreme Court's ruling means the second placer will no longer automatically assume office if the supposed winner is disqualified or has their candidacy cancelled.

Instead, the ruling establishes that succession rules will apply in such scenarios, overturning a previous precedent.

The Comelec is coordinating with its Law Department and the Solicitor General to file the motion for reconsideration.

Officials are scrambling to understand how the new ruling affects cases from the recent May elections, particularly for national positions.

Clarification is also sought on the ruling's effect before versus after elections, as the implications differ.