Comelec seeks SC clarification on 'second placer' doctrine

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is preparing to file a motion for reconsideration with the Supreme Court after its decision to abandon the 'second placer' doctrine in election disputes.

Commission Chairperson George Garcia said on Monday, June 23, that Comelec was caught off-guard by the April 22 ruling and wants clarification before it becomes final.

The High Court's decision affirms that even if the first-place candidate is disqualified, the second-place candidate will not automatically win; instead, succession rules apply under the Local Government Code.

Comelec is now reviewing cases affected by the ruling and may temporarily withhold decisions involving disqualification or cancellation of candidacies until the Supreme Court's position becomes final.

Garcia warned that this shift could disrupt ongoing and future Comelec decisions, particularly those made before the ruling was issued, as the poll body scrambles to understand its implications.