Comelec disqualifies Erice from polls for spreading false info

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division has granted a petition to disqualify former Caloocan representative Edgar Erice from the 19 May polls for spreading 'false and alarming' information.

Petitioner Raymond Salipot alleged that Erice violated Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code by making unsubstantiated statements against the Comelec in various media reports, which incited public fear with unverified allegations of bribery and corruption.

The Comelec decision stated that Erice's false information could disrupt elections, cause public alarm, and damage voter confidence.

Erice responded to his disqualification on Thursday, saying he will file a motion for reconsideration with the Comelec en banc on Monday, calling it 'flimsy' and expressing confidence in the Supreme Court’s judgment.

He has also filed cases against Comelec officials over a P17.99-billion contract with Miru Systems for the 2025 elections and an anti-graft complaint against Comelec Chair George Garcia.