The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced that the one-year ban on appointing losing candidates from the May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE) has expired, allowing them to occupy government positions. Comelec Chairman George Garcia confirmed in a text message: “Pwede na po mag appoint ngayon ng mga natalo nung 2025 NLE.”
Constitutional Provision
Under the 1987 Constitution, “no candidate, who has lost in any election, shall within one year after such election, be appointed to any office in the government or any government-owned or controlled corporations or in any of their subsidiaries.”
Implications for Former Officials
The announcement comes amid reports that former Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos is being considered to head the Department of Justice. Abalos ran for senator in the 2025 elections under the administration’s Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas but placed 16th in the final tally. With the ban lifted, he and other losing candidates are now eligible for appointment to government posts.
