Conflict of interest in election officials not resigning but running for public office

The Commission on Election (Comelec) is preparing a petition for the Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling to not require appointed government officials to resign upon filing their certificates of candidacy for next year’s elections.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said on Wednesday that the poll body’s law department is drafting a motion for reconsideration.

He said that the ruling poses a conflict of interest in government agencies, especially the Comelec, where some regional officials filed their candidacies in the areas where they are also serving.

The decision was handed down on December 1, the last day for filing COCs. The Supreme Court ruled as unconstitutional a provision in the Omnibus Election Code that requires appointed officials to resign once they have filed their candidacies.

In a media briefing, Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal identified the election officers who are also running in the elections next year:

• Francis Likigan (Benguet)
• Mac Laylay (Apayao)
• Myrna Bragado (Ilocos Sur)
• Atty. Orlino Agatep (Cagayan)
• Alfonso Combong III (Antique)
• Reymund Gunda (Samar)

  On Friday, the Comelec issued a resolution immediately relieving these officials, and asking them to immediately report to the poll body’s main office in Intramuros, Manila.

  The SC decision is a concern, according to Jimenez, as it considers the Comelec officials who filed their candidacy as “not yet deemed resigned and may continue to hold office.”

  "There is conflict of interest in the requirement [for them] to provide service as Comelec officials, and in their own interest to run for public position," Jimenez said.

  In previous elections, Comelec officials either resigned or waited for their retirement before they decided to join politics. Larrazabal said that the 6 officials still have the option to resign, as campaigning would be difficult for them.

  "They can be and will be designated to wherever station or wherever assignment that might be required of them," Larrazabal said. (Newsbreak)