MANILA, Philippines — Former Rep. Kiko Barzaga may still run in the special elections in the lone district of Dasmariñas, Cavite, even after he was expelled by the House of Representatives, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Wednesday.
This is what Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia answered when asked if Barzaga can file his certificate of candidacy should he decide to run for the post from which he was expelled.
“He can still file [a certificate of candidacy] because his expulsion as a congressman is not a perpetual disqualification to hold public office,” Garcia told reporters in an interview.
READ: Comelec sees need for funds for possible polls after Barzaga’s ouster
Garcia noted this is different when an individual has been convicted with finality over any case, noting that the punishment includes perpetual disqualification to hold any public office.
“The conviction of crime involving moral torpiture needs to have final judgment of conviction. It is criminal in nature. This expulsion is administrative in character,” he added.
Barzaga was expelled by the House of Representatives on Tuesday over his “disruptive” and “disorderly” behavior. A total of 256 lawmakers voted in favor of the House ethics panel’s recommendation to have him dropped from the lower chamber, while 14 lawmakers voted against it, and eight abstained.
Barzaga has been suspended twice for 60 days over his social media posts and alleged violation of rules governing the conduct of House members.
Garcia also said that anyone can file their candidacies, as long as they meet the qualification requirements, such as their age, citizenship, residency, registration as a voter, literacy, and being able to read and write.
Meanwhile, he said that the lower chamber will appoint a “caretaker” for the post while it is left vacant before the conduct of the elections. He also shared that the elections may be held on August 22 or August 29, 2026.
Garcia explained that the special elections must be done not earlier than 60 days and not later than 90 days after the post was vacated. /mr
The post Comelec: Barzaga may still run in special polls despite expulsion appeared first on Inquirer.net.
