Comelec Enforces Strict Nomination Rules for Antipolo City Special Election
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued a crucial reminder to all political parties involved in the upcoming March 14 special election for Antipolo City's Second District. According to the electoral body, parties must adhere to specific nomination guidelines to ensure their candidates are properly recognized and avoid potential disqualifications.
Single Candidate Nomination Requirement
In Resolution 11186, the Comelec explicitly stated that political parties cannot nominate more than one candidate for the position of Member of the House of Representatives representing the 2nd Legislative District of Antipolo City. The commission emphasized that any party nominating multiple candidates will face serious consequences.
"If the political party nominates more than one candidate for the position, all of the nominations shall be denied due course by the Commission, and the candidates shall be declared independent," the Comelec stressed in its official statement. This rule aims to maintain order and prevent confusion in the electoral process for this important special election.
Document Submission Requirements
The Comelec outlined several critical documentation requirements that political parties must fulfill:
- Certificates of Nomination and Acceptance (Conas) must be filed simultaneously with the Certificate of Candidacy (COC) of the nominated candidate
- Each Cona must contain specific information including the political party's name, the authorized officer's name and original signature, the officer's jurisdiction, and the nominee's signature
- All aspirants nominated by registered political parties must submit a valid Cona from their respective parties
Sworn List Submission Deadline
The Commission has set a firm deadline of February 5 for political parties to submit their Sworn List of Authorized Signatories. This document must be personally delivered to the Comelec Law Department by the party's chairperson, president, or secretary-general.
The Sworn List must include:
- Three specimen signatures of authorized officers
- Their official positions within the political party
- Their respective jurisdictions or places of authority to nominate and sign Conas
Additionally, the submitting officer must present a sworn board resolution or secretary's certificate as proof of their authority to submit the Sworn List. The Comelec warned that lists submitted by unauthorized persons will be considered not filed.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
The electoral commission clarified the repercussions for parties failing to meet these requirements. If a political party misses the February 5 deadline for submitting the Sworn List, the Comelec will use the Sworn List submitted for the May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections, if such a list exists. This provision ensures some continuity in the electoral process while maintaining accountability for current submissions.
These measures demonstrate the Comelec's commitment to ensuring a transparent and orderly special election in Antipolo City, where voters will select their new representative for the Second District. The commission's strict enforcement of nomination rules aims to prevent electoral disputes and maintain the integrity of the democratic process.
