Comelec must decide Marcos Jr. disqualification cases now

The reorganized Commission on Elections (Comelec), with the recent appointment of its chair and two new commissioners, seems to have a less than auspicious start, and still much less of an assurance of a honeymoon period to prove itself trustworthy and credible. Aside from the alarm raised by netizens regarding the lack of transparency in the printing of the official ballots, which the commission later rectified with a walk through, an exposé by a senator that a commissioner was involved in a case of bribery, is not making it easy for the new Comelec to prove its worth—if it is minded to.

Yet, it can redeem itself simply by acting swiftly and reasonably in the promulgation of election rules and in the resolution of cases. We saw the rules on the posting of election materials, and other related issues, caused an uproar that prompted a court in Baguio City to restrain their implementation. And this came after the questionable act of a commissioner, who delayed the issuance of the decision in one of the Marcos Jr. disqualification cases in order to marginalize a colleague. It could only have been done for a fiendish objective, because simple courtesy would have moved one to do everything to make sure that colleague is heard, not silenced.

At the moment, the final decision on one pending Marcos Jr. disqualification case, and on motions for reconsideration in the others, is a challenge to Chairman Pangarungan and a litmus test of his political will. The disqualification cases should have been decided weeks ago so that the aggrieved parties could have sought final relief from the Supreme Court to settle all issues of eligibility and qualification of a candidate before election day. It should not be left undecided after election day, as this will potentially cause a political crisis. That there is silence on this subject at the moment reminds us of the Ferolino playbook of delaying action for questionable reasons. The new commission can stop this by deciding the Marcos Jr. disqualification cases immediately. Will Chairman Pangarungan rise to the challenge?

ANCHETA K. TAN
Makati City
ancheta.tan@cltpsj.com.ph