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Commission on Elections (Philippines)
Encyclopedia
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| Established: | August 22, 1940 |
| Chairman: | Atty. Sixto Brillantes |
| Website: | |
The Commission on Elections, or COMELEC, is one of the three constitutional commissions of the Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
. Its principal role is to enforce all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of elections
Elections in the Philippines
The Philippines elects on national level a head of state and a legislature. The president is elected for a six-year term by the people. The vice-president is elected at the same time on a separate ballot...
, initiatives, referendums, and recalls.
Functions of the Commission
Under the ConstitutionConstitution of the Philippines
The Constitution of the Philippines is the supreme law of the Philippines.The Constitution currently in effect was enacted in 1987, during the administration of President Corazon Aquino, and is popularly known as the "1987 Constitution"...
, the Commission on Elections is independent of the Executive
Executive Departments of the Philippines
The Executive departments of the Philippines is the largest component of the national executive branch of the government of the Philippines. There are a total of nineteen executive departments. The departments comprise the largest part of the country's bureaucracy...
, Legislative and Judicial branches of the Philippine Government. It has the following functions:
Judicial functions
- to exercise exclusive jurisdictions over all contests relating to the elections, returns, and qualifications of all elective regional, provincial and city officials and appellate jurisdiction over all contests involving all municipal officials decided by trial courts of general jurisdiction;
- to decide, except those involving the right to vote, all questions affecting elections, including determination of the number and location of polling places, appointment of election officials and inspectors, and registration of voters;
- to file petitions in court for inclusion or exclusion of voters; and
- to investigate and, where appropriate, prosecute cases of violations of election laws, including acts or omissions constituting election fraud, offenses and malpractices.
Ministerial functions
- To enforce and administer all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of and elections, plebiscites, initiatives, referendum, and recalls.
- to deputize, with the concurrence of the President of the Philippines, law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities of the Government, including the Armed Forces of the PhilippinesArmed Forces of the PhilippinesThe Armed Forces of the Philippines is composed of the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force...
, for the exclusive purpose of ensuring free, orderly, honest, peaceful credible elections; - to register political parties, organizations or coalitions and accredit citizens' arms of the Commission.
Reportorial function
- To submit to the President and the CongressCongress of the PhilippinesThe Congress of the Philippines is the national legislature of the Republic of the Philippines. It is a bicameral body consisting of the Senate , and the House of Representatives although commonly in the Philippines the term congress refers to the latter.The Senate is composed of 24 senators half...
a comprehensive report on the conduct of each election, plebiscite, initiative, referendum, or recall.
Recommendatory functions
- To recommend to Congress the enactment of effective measures to minimize election spending including limitation of places where propaganda materials shall be posted, and to prevent and penalize all forms of election frauds, offenses, malpractices, and nuisance candidates; and
- to recommend to the President the removal of any officer of employee it has deputized, or the imposition of any other disciplinary action, for violation or disregard of, or disobedience to its directive, order, or decision.
Other functions
- To perform other functions as may be provided by law, including fiscal autonomy.
Organizational structure
The Commission Proper is the policy-making body composed of the Chairman and six Commissioners who must be natural-born citizens of the Philippines; at least thirty-five years of age at the time of their appointment; holders of a college degree, with a majority of them, including the Chairman, members of the Philippine Bar who have been engaged in the practice of law for at least ten (10) years; and must not have been a candidate for any elective position in the immediate preceding elections [Article IX-C, Section 1, 1987 Constitution]. The Chairman and the Commissioners are appointed by the President, with the consent of the Commission on Appointments.n They hold office for seven years, without reappointment.The Commissioners exercise quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial functions either en banc or in division. They also perform such other functions as may be assigned by the Commission or the Chairman.
The Chairman acts as the Presiding Officer and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission. He directs and supervises the operations and internal administration of the Commission in accordance with its policies, rules and regulations.
Offices of the Commission
Assisting the Commission are the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Directors for Administration and Operations, nine Department offices, 17 Regional Election Directors, 81 Provincial Election Supervisors and Election Officers in cities and municipalities. Comelec has a complement of more than 5,000 employees.History
Constitution of the Philippines
The Constitution of the Philippines is the supreme law of the Philippines.The Constitution currently in effect was enacted in 1987, during the administration of President Corazon Aquino, and is popularly known as the "1987 Constitution"...
. Before the creation of the Comelec, supervision over the conduct of elections was vested by law in the Secretary of Interior. The Secretary of Interior saw to it that local authorities performed the ministerial duties assigned to them by the Election Code. He decides administrative questions concerning elections. The courts, however, exercised exclusive and final jurisdiction over questions affecting the right to vote as well as contested elections of local elective officials. Elections contests involving members of the National Assembly
National Assembly of the Philippines
The National Assembly of the Philippines refers to the legislature of the Philippine Commonwealth from 1935 to 1941, and the Second Philippine Republic. The National Assembly of the Commonwealth of the Philippines was created under the 1935 Constitution, which served as the Philippines' fundamental...
were judged solely by an Electoral Commission composed of three justices of the Supreme Court
Supreme Court of the Philippines
The Supreme Court of the Philippines is the Philippines' highest judicial court, as well as the court of last resort. The court consists of 14 Associate Justices and 1 Chief Justice...
and six members of the National Assembly.
In view, however, of the close official ties between the President
President of the Philippines
The President of the Philippines is the head of state and head of government of the Philippines. The president leads the executive branch of the Philippine government and is the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines...
and the Secretary of Interior, there was always the danger of a partisan Secretary of the Interior exploiting his powers and influence to ensure the victory of his party at the polls.
As a consequence, the Constitution was amended in 1940 to create an independent Commission on Elections, composed of a Chairman and two other members, to take over the functions of the Secretary of the Interior relative to the elections. but since the amendments could not be effective in time for the 1940 elections, the National Assembly, by Commonwealth Act No. 607, created a Commission on Elections, giving thereto the same powers which the Commission on Elections could have under the amended Constitution. The statutory Commission supervised the conduct of the December 10, 1940 local elections.
The constitutional amendment creating the Commission on Elections was finally approved on December 2, 1940. On June 21, 1941, Commonwealth Act No. 657 was enacted reorganizing the Commission on Elections as a constitutional entity. The members of the statutory Commission continued as members of the constitutional Commission.
The Chairman and Members of the Commission had a fixed term of nine years each - a member being replaced every three years except in the first Commission. They could be removed from office only by impeachment
Impeachment
Impeachment is a formal process in which an official is accused of unlawful activity, the outcome of which, depending on the country, may include the removal of that official from office as well as other punishment....
. They were provided with fixed salaries which could neither be increased nor diminished during their term of office. These were safeguards to ensure the independence of the Commission.
The administrative control of elections exercised by the Secretary of Interior was transferred to the Commission on Elections. The Commission was vested with the exclusive charge of enforcing and administering all laws relative to elections and power to decide all questions affecting elections, except those involving the right to vote, which were left to final judicial determination. The courts and electoral tribunals retained their original powers over election contests.
The 1973 Constitution enlarged the membership of the Commission from three to nine members but reduced their term of office from nine years to seven years. As in the 1935 Constitution, the Chairman and Commissioners have staggered terms of office and could be removed from office only by impeachment.
First to serve in the Commission on Elections under the 1973 Constitution were former Senator Leonardo B. Perez, as Chairman, and Venacio S. Duque, Flores A. Bayot, Jose M. Mendoza, Fernando R. Veloso, Lininding Pangandaman, Venancio L. Yaneza and Casimiro R. Madarang, Jr. as Commissioners. Commissioner Pangandaman, the first Muslim Commissioner of the Comelec, was appointed Ambassador by President Ferdinand Marcos
Ferdinand Marcos
Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos, Sr. was a Filipino leader and an authoritarian President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He was a lawyer, member of the Philippine House of Representatives and a member of the Philippine Senate...
even before the expiration of his term. His unexpired term was taken over by Commissioner Hashim R. Abubakar.
On May 17, 1980, Chairman Perez (who was later appointed Minister on Political Affairs by President Marcos) and Commissioners Duque and Bayot, after completing their seven-years term, retired. Commissioner Santiago succeeded Perez, and the following were appointed Commissioners: Domingo C. Pabalete; Victorino A. Savellano; Jaime C. Opinion; Noli Sagadraca; Romeo Firme: Luis Lardizabal and Ide C. Tillah. With Commissioner Lardizabal the membership of the Commission was thus increased to eight, one short of the full complement of nine.
Upon the retirement of Commissioners Firme, Tillah and Lardizabal on May 17, 1983 the Commission on Elections was composed of only five members.
On March 21, 1983, two new members were appointed by President Marcos, namely: Froilan Bacungan and Ramon H. Felipe, Jr.
With the retirement of Chairman Santiago and Commissioners Pabalete and Sagadraca on May 17, 1984, Savellano was appointed Chairman.
Three new members were appointed on July 27, 1985, namely: Commissioners Quirino A. Marquinez, Mangontawar Guro and Mario D. Ortiz.
On January 31, 1986 Commissioners Ruben C. Agpalo and Jaime Layosa were appointed to finally complete the required membership of nine.
After the tumultuous February 7, 1986 snap elections
Philippine presidential election, 1986
The Presidential and Vice-Presidential snap elections were held on February 7, 1986 in the Philippines.-Background:President Ferdinand E...
and the People Power Revolution, Chairman Savellano and all the Commissioners of the Comelec tendered their courtesy resignations which, except those of Commissioners Bacungan and Felipe, were accepted by President Corazon C. Aquino
Corazon Aquino
Maria Corazon Sumulong Cojuangco-Aquino was the 11th President of the Philippines and the first woman to hold that office in Philippine history. She is best remembered for leading the 1986 People Power Revolution, which toppled Ferdinand Marcos and restored democracy in the Philippines...
.
On April 11, 1986 Commissioner Felipe was appointed Acting Chairman. On July 23, 1986 he took his oath of office as permanent Chairman, together with Commissioners Leopoldo Africa, Haydee Yorac
Haydee Yorac
Haydee Yorac was a Filipino public servant, law professor and politician.-Early life:Yorac was born on March 4, 1941 in E. B. Magalona, Negros Occidental. She earned a Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines in 1962...
, Andres Flores, Anacleto Badoy, and Dario Rama as members of the "new" Commission on Elections.
On February 15, 1988 Hilario G. Davide, Jr.
Hilario G. Davide, Jr.
Hilario Davide, Sr. was the father of retired Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr.-Early life:Born Hilario Panerio Davide, Sr. was born in Argao, Cebu on January 14, 1905.-Career:...
, was appointed Chairman with Alfredo E. Abueg, Jr., Haydee B. Yorac, Leopoldo L. Africa, Andres R. Flores, Dario C. Rama and Magdara B. Dimaampao as Commissioners. Commissioner Haydee B. Yorac was appointed as Acting Chairman when Hilario G. Davide, Jr. was appointed Chairman of the Presidential Fact Finding Commission in December 1989, pursuant to Administrative Order No. 146.
On June 6, 1991 Christian Monsod was appointed by President Aquino as Chairman of the Commission to serve the unexpired term of Davide.
When Monsod retired on February 15, 1995 President Fidel V. Ramos
Fidel V. Ramos
Fidel "Eddie" Valdez Ramos , popularly known as FVR, was the 12th President of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998. During his six years in office, Ramos was widely credited and admired by many for revitalizing and renewing international confidence in the Philippine economy.Prior to his election as...
appointed Court of Appeals Justice Bernardo Pardo
Bernardo P. Pardo
Bernardo Pardo is a former Philippine Supreme court Associate justice and a former Comelec Chairman. He was appointed by former Philippine President Joseph Estrada. He was born in Manila, to San Isidro, Nueva Ecija natives, Dr. and Mrs. Leopoldo G. Pardo, and is married to Zenaida C...
as Chairman of the Commission. Pardo's term was cut short when he was appointed by President Joseph Estrada
Joseph Estrada
Joseph "Erap" Ejercito Estrada was the 13th President of the Philippines, serving from 1998 until 2001. Estrada was the first person in the Post-EDSA era to be elected both to the presidency and vice-presidency.Estrada gained popularity as a film actor, playing the lead role in over 100 films in...
as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court
Supreme Court of the Philippines
The Supreme Court of the Philippines is the Philippines' highest judicial court, as well as the court of last resort. The court consists of 14 Associate Justices and 1 Chief Justice...
in October 1998. Commissioner Luzviminda Tancangco was appointed Acting Chairman of the Commission.
On January 11, 1999 President Estrada appointed Sandiganbayan
Sandiganbayan
The Sandiganbayan is a special court in the Philippines which was established under Presidential Decree No. 1606. Its rank is equivalent to the Court of Appeals. The court consists of 14 Associate Justices and 1 Presiding Justice...
Justice Harriet Demetriou
Harriet Demetriou
-Notes:...
as Chairman of the Commission. After the events of January 2001 that led to the ouster of President Estrada from power, Demetriou tendered her courtesy resignation which was accepted by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a Filipino politician who served as the 14th President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, as the 12th Vice President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, and is currently a member of the House of Representatives representing the 2nd District of Pampanga...
.
On February 19, 2001 President Arroyo appointed Justice Alfredo Benipayo
Alfredo Benipayo
Alfredo Logronio Benipayo is the former Dean of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law, the oldest law school in the Philippines. He is a former magistrate and a respected law professor and bar reviewer in the country....
as Chairman of the Commission. However, the Commission on Appointments did not confirm his appointment due to opposition of some Commissioners led by Luzviminda Tancangco. On June 5, 2002 President Arroyo appointed Metropolitan Manila Development Authority
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority , is an agency of the Republic of the Philippines created embracing the cities of Manila, Quezon City, Caloocan, Pasay, Mandaluyong, Makati, Pasig, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, Parañaque, Valenzuela, Malabon, Taguig, Navotas and San Juan and the...
Chairman and former Mandaluyong City
Mandaluyong City
The City of Mandaluyong is one of the cities and municipalities that comprise Metro Manila in the Philippines. It is bordered on the west by the country's capital, Manila, to the north by San Juan City, to the east by Quezon City and Pasig City, and by Makati City to the south...
mayor Benjamin S. Abalos, Sr.
Benjamin Abalos
Benjamin S. Abalos, Sr. is a politician and is a former chairman of the Philippine Commission on Election. He was also a MMDA Chairman and Mandaluyong City Mayor. He is the father of current Mandaluyong City mayor Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos, Jr..-Early life:Benjamin Abalos was born into a poor...
to replace Benipayo.
On January 26, 2008, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a Filipino politician who served as the 14th President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, as the 12th Vice President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, and is currently a member of the House of Representatives representing the 2nd District of Pampanga...
appointed former Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Melo, 77, to replace Chair Abalos. The United Opposition (Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino
Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino
The Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino or United Opposition or KNP, was the coalition of the dominant opposition in the Philippines during the 2004 general elections...
) opposed Melo's appointment. But Melo needs to be confirmed by the Commission on Appointments (CA), so Commissioner Romeo A. Brawner was appointed ad interim
Ad interim
The Latin phrase ad interim literally means "in the time between" denotes the meaning of "in the meantime", "for an intervening time" or "temporarily" in the English language...
Acting Chairman on February 2, 2008 and will stay as Chairman until Melo is confirmed by the CA.
On March 25, 2008, former Supreme Court justice Jose Melo was sworn in as new chairman of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) by acting Chair Romeo A. Brawner
Romeo A. Brawner
Romeo Aliac Brawner was a Filipino public official who served as a Commissioner of the Philippine Commission on Elections from 2005 until his death from a heart attack in May 2008...
. Melo's ad interim appointment (Congress is not in session) was sent by the Malacañan to the Commission on Appointments.
On May 29, 2008, Romeo A. Brawner
Romeo A. Brawner
Romeo Aliac Brawner was a Filipino public official who served as a Commissioner of the Philippine Commission on Elections from 2005 until his death from a heart attack in May 2008...
died from a massive heart attack. Brawner, appointed to the Comelec to replace the controversial Virgilio Garcillano, was supposed to end his term on February 2, 2011.
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a Filipino politician who served as the 14th President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, as the 12th Vice President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, and is currently a member of the House of Representatives representing the 2nd District of Pampanga...
, on July 2, 2008, appointed former Acting Judge (Br. 74, RTC, Malabon) Leonardo Leonida and retired Justice of the Court of Appeals Lucenito Tagle as Commissioners of the Commission on Elections. On November 7, 2008, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a Filipino politician who served as the 14th President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, as the 12th Vice President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, and is currently a member of the House of Representatives representing the 2nd District of Pampanga...
has appointed Armando Velasco, as new election commissioner, and reappointed bypassed Commissioners Leonardo L. Leonida and Lucenito N. Tagle. Eduardo Ermita
Eduardo Ermita
Eduardo R. Ermita, was the Executive Secretary of the Philippines, and spokesperson for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was born on July 13, 1935 in Balayan, Batangas. Ermita took his Defense Resource Management Course at Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, California, U.S.A...
stated "Velasco replaced Comelec commissioner and former Iligan City Judge Moslemen Macarambon, Jr. whose appointment had been bypassed several times by the Commission on Appointments (CA)."
Impeachment complaint
On September 27, 2007, IloiloIloilo
Iloilo is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Iloilo occupies the southeast portion of Panay Island and is bordered by Antique Province to the west and Capiz Province and the Jintotolo Channel to the north. Just off Iloilo's southeast coast is Guimaras Province,...
Vice Governor
Governor
A governor is a governing official, usually the executive of a non-sovereign level of government, ranking under the head of state...
Rolex Suplico filed a 64-page impeachment
Impeachment
Impeachment is a formal process in which an official is accused of unlawful activity, the outcome of which, depending on the country, may include the removal of that official from office as well as other punishment....
complaint
Complaint
In legal terminology, a complaint is a formal legal document that sets out the facts and legal reasons that the filing party or parties In legal terminology, a complaint is a formal legal document that sets out the facts and legal reasons (see: cause of action) that the filing party or parties In...
(3:00 p.m.) against Commission on Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos, Sr. before the House of Representatives of the Philippines
House of Representatives of the Philippines
The House of Representatives of the Philippines is the lower chamber of the...
regarding the ZTE
ZTE
ZTE Corporation formerly Zhongxing Telecommunication Equipment Corporation is a Chinese multinational telecommunications equipment and systems company headquartered in Shenzhen, China...
national broadband
Broadband
The term broadband refers to a telecommunications signal or device of greater bandwidth, in some sense, than another standard or usual signal or device . Different criteria for "broad" have been applied in different contexts and at different times...
network (NBN) deal. It was endorsed by Representatives Teofisto Guingona III of Bukidnon
Bukidnon
Bukidnon is a landlocked province of the Philippines located in the Northern Mindanao region. Its capital is Malaybalay City. The province borders, clockwise starting from the north, Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, and Lanao del Norte.Bukidnon is...
and Teodoro Casiño
Teodoro Casiño
Teodoro A. Casiño is a Filipino partylist representative, writer and journalist. He is a member of the House of Representatives for Bayan Muna in the 14th Congress of the Philippines.-Early Biography:...
of Bayan Muna
Bayan Muna
Bayan Muna is a leftist political party in the Philippines.The motto of the party is "New Politics, the Politics of Change", against "traditional, elitist, pro-imperialist politics". Its platform includes the advocation of a government that progressively supports the working class, with meaningful...
(People First), and Zamboanga City
Zamboanga City
The City of Zamboanga : is a highly urbanized, independent and a chartered city located in Mindanao, Philippines....
Representative Ma. Isabelle Climaco. Affidavits of Romulo Neri
Romulo Neri
Romulo Neri is a Filipino politician and former Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority , acting secretary of Department of Budget and Management , chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education and President of Social Security System under former President Gloria...
and Jose de Venecia III supported the complaint. On October 1, 2007, COMELEC Chairman Benjamin Abalos, Sr. faced with an impending impeachment case resigned in a press conference. The Commission on Elections appointed Resurreccion Z. Borra as Acting Chairman. Mr. Abalos stated: "I'm resigning... effective immediately," Mr. Abalos told a news conference. "However, let not my detractors feast on this declaration. I'm not admitting guilt for any wrongdoing." An impeachment complaint against Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr was formally filed before the House of Representatives after Romulo Neri, former chief of the National Economic Development Authority (Neda), accused Abalos of attempting to bribe him.
ZTE broadband contract controversy
In August 2007, Nueva Vizcaya Rep. Carlos Padilla delivered a privilege speech alleging that Abalos brokered for the national broadband network (NBN) project. Padilla claimed that Abalos met with officials of the Chinese firm ZTE Corp., which got the US $329 million contract for the broadband project.Abalos denied brokering for the National Broadband Network project despite admitting he knows some officials in ZTE Corp. He admitted making four trips to China and playing golf there. He also admitted that ZTE officials, whom he says are his golf buddies, hosted and paid for the trips.
Jose de Venecia III, son of House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr, alleged that Abalos offered him US$10 million to withdraw his proposal on the NBN project. De Venecia is a majority shareholder of Amsterdam Holdings Inc., a company that submitted an unsolicited proposal on the NBN project. De Venecia also claimed that Abalos asked for money from the ZTE Corp. officials.
Hello Garci
Abalos was mentioned in the "Hello Garci" tape, which refers to the alleged wiretapped conversations where vote rigging in the 2004 elections was discussed by, among others, a woman presumed to be President Arroyo and man presumed to be Comelec Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano.Mega Pacific
Abalos was the Comelec chair when the election body approved a P1.3-billion contract with the Mega Pacific Consortium for the purchase of automated counting machines, which the Supreme Court in January 2004 declared as void because of "clear violation of law and jurisprudence" and "reckless disregard of [Comelec's] own bidding rules and procedure."On January 21, 2004, Pimentel filed criminal and administrative charges before the Ombudsman against Abalos and other commissioners in connection with the deal. Abalos described the charges as a "demolition job."
Pimentel accused Abalos and the other commissioners of committing an act of impropriety when they and their wives traveled to Seoul, South Korea to visit the plant of the maker of the counting machines a few months before the bidding for the contract started. Pimentel said he received information that the Korean company paid for the plane tickets and hotel accommodations for the trip.
However, Abalos claimed that the expenses for the trip were paid for out of the P1 million he won in a golf tournament in Wack Wack.
On September 27, 2006, the Ombudsman, in a resolution, absolved all respondents involved in the Mega Pacific controversy of all administrative and criminal liabilities "for lack of probable cause." It also reversed its June 28 resolution which contained factual findings that can be used by the House of Representatives to initiate impeachment proceedings against Comelec Commissioner Resureccion Borra.
Members of the Commission (1940-present)
| Year | Name | Term |
|---|---|---|
| Pedro Concepcion Pedro Concepcion -External links:*... , Chairman Jose C. Abreu Rufino Luna |
September 1, 1940-October 11, 1944 September 12, 1940-July 12, 1945 |
|
| Jose Lopez Vito, Chairman Jose C. Abreu Rufino Luna |
July 12, 1945-November 9, 1949 September 12, 1940-July 12, 1945 |
|
| Jose Lopez Vito, Chairman Francisco Enage Vicente de Vera |
September 1, 1940-October 11, 1944 July 12, 1945-April 8, 1947 |
|
| Vicente de Vera, Chairman Leopoldo Rovira Rodrigo Perez, Jr. |
May 22, 1947-September 10, 1954 December 8, 1949-June 21, 1956 |
|
| Domingo Imperial, Chairman Leopoldo Rovira Rodrigo Perez, Jr. |
May 22, 1947-September 10, 1954 December 8, 1949-June 21, 1956 |
|
| Domingo Imperial, Chairman Rodrigo Perez, Jr. Gaudencio Garcia |
December 8, 1949-June 21, 1956 May 18, 1955 May 11, 1960 |
|
| Domingo Imperial, Chairman Gaudencio Garcia Sixto Brillantes |
May 18, 1955 May 11, 1960 December 20, 1956-June 20, 1965 |
|
| Jose P. Carag, Chairman Gaudencio Garcia Sixto Brillantes |
May 18, 1955 May 11, 1960 December 20, 1956-June 20, 1965 |
|
| Gaudencio Garcia, Chairman Sixto Brillantes Genaro Visarra |
December 20, 1956-June 20, 1965 May 12, 1960-November 10, 1962 |
|
| Juan V. Borra, Chairman Sixto Brillantes Genaro Visarra Cesar Miraflor |
December 20, 1956-June 20, 1965 May 12, 1960-November 10, 1962 November 11, 1962-June 20, 1971 |
|
| Juan V. Borra, Chairman Sixto Brillantes Genaro Visarra Cesar Miraflor |
December 20, 1956-June 20, 1965 May 12, 1960-November 10, 1962 November 11, 1962-June 20, 1971 |
|
| Juan V. Borra, Chairman Cesar Miraflor Gregorio Santayana |
November 11, 1962-June 20, 1971 June 26, 1965 May 31, 1966 |
|
| Juan V. Borra, Chairman Cesar Miraflor Francisco Ortega |
November 11, 1962-June 20, 1971 December 25, 1966-March 20, 1967 |
|
| Juan V. Borra, Chairman Cesar Miraflor Manuel Arranz |
November 11, 1962-June 20, 1971 August 27, 1967-October 17, 1968 |
|
| Manuel Arranz, Chairman Cesar Miraflor Jaime N. Ferrer |
November 11, 1962-June 20, 1971 May 23, 1969-June 9, 1969 |
|
| Jaime N. Ferrer, Chairman Cesar Miraflor Lino M. Patajo |
November 11, 1962-June 20, 1971 June 16, 1969 May 31, 1973 |
|
| Jaime N. Ferrer, Chairman Lino M. Patajo Jose M. Mendoza |
June 16, 1969 May 31, 1973 September 6, 1971 May 17, 1976 |
|
| Leonardo B. Perez, Chairman Jose M. Mendoza Venancio S. Duque Flores A. Bayot Venancio L. Yaneza Casimiro R. Madarang,Jr. Fernando R. Veloso Liningding Pangandaman |
September 6, 1971 May 17, 1976 June 1, 1973 May 17, 1980 May 30, 1973 May 17, 1980 May 30, 1973 May 17, 1978 May 30, 1973 May 17, 1978 May 30, 1973 May 17, 1978 May 30, 1973-November 15, 1973 |
|
| Leonardo B. Perez, Chairman Jose M. Mendoza Venancio S. Duque Flores A. Bayot Venancio L. Yaneza Casimiro R. Madarang,Jr. Fernando R. Veloso Hashim R. Abubakar |
September 6, 1971 May 17, 1976 June 1, 1973 May 17, 1980 May 30, 1973 May 17, 1980 May 30, 1973 May 17, 1978 May 30, 1973 May 17, 1978 May 30, 1973 May 17, 1976 July 25, 1974 May 17, 1976 |
|
| Leonardo B. Perez, Chairman Venancio S. Duque Flores A. Bayot Venancio L. Yaneza Casimiro R. Madarang,Jr. |
June 1, 1973 May 17, 1980 May 30, 1973 May 17, 1980 May 30, 1973 May 17, 1978 May 30, 1973 May 17, 1978 |
|
| Leonardo B. Perez, Chairman Venancio S. Duque Flores A. Bayot Venancio L. Yaneza Vicente M. Santiago, Jr. Domingo C. Pabalate |
June 1, 1973 May 17, 1980 May 30, 1973 May 17, 1980 May 18, 1978 May 17, 1983 May 17, 1978 May 17, 1980 May 17, 1980 May 20, 1985 |
|
| Vicente M. Santiago, Jr., Chairman Domingo C. Pabalate Victorino A. Savellano Jaime C. Opinion Noli M. Sagadraca Romeo N. Firme. Ide C. Tillah Luis L. Lardizabal |
May 17, 1980 May 20, 1985 May 17, 1980-April 1, 1986 May 17, 1980 May 17, 1985 May 17, 1980 May 17, 1983 May 17, 1980 May 17, 1983 May 17, 1980 May 17, 1983 |
|
| Vicente M. Santiago, Jr., Chairman Domingo C. Pabalate Victorino A. Savellano Jaime C. Opinion Noli M. Sagadraca |
May 17, 1980 May 20, 1985 May 17, 1980 May 20, 1985 May 17, 1980-April 1, 1986 May 17, 1980 May 17, 1985 |
|
| Vicente M. Santiago, Jr., Chairman Domingo C. Pabalate Victorino A. Savellano Jaime C. Opinion Noli M. Sagadraca Froilan M. Bacungan Ramon H. Felipe, Jr. |
May 17, 1980 May 20, 1985 May 17, 1980 May 20, 1985 May 17, 1980-April 1, 1986 May 17, 1980 May 17, 1985 March 21, 1984-August 31, 1986 March 21, 1984-Apr.11,1986 |
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| Victorino A. Savellano, Chairman Jaime C. Opinion Froilan M. Bacungan Ramon H. Felipe, Jr. Mario D. Ortiz Quirino A. Marquinez Mangontawar B. Guro |
May 17, 1980-April 1, 1986 March 21, 1984-August 31, 1986 March 21, 1984-Apr.11,1986 July 30, 1985-July 23, 1986 August 1, 1985-July 23, 1986 July 30, 1985-April 11, 1986 |
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| Victorino A. Savellano, Chairman Jaime C. Opinion Froilan M. Bacungan Ramon H. Felipe, Jr. Mario D. Ortiz Quirino A. Marquinez Mangontawar B. Guro Ruben Agpalo Jaime J. Layosa |
May 17, 1980-April 1, 1986 March 21, 1984-August 31, 1986 March 21, 1984-Apr.11,1986 July 30, 1985-July 23, 1986 August 1, 1985-July 23, 1986 July 30, 1985-April 11, 1986 January 2, 1986-July 23, 1986 January 2, 1986-July 23, 1986 |
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| Ramon H. Felipe, Jr., Chairman Froilan M. Bacungan Leopoldo L. Africa Haydee B. Yorac Anacleto D. Badoy, Jr. Andres R. Flores Dario C. Rama Tomas V. dela Cruz |
March 21, 1984-August 31, 1986 July 14, 1986-February 15, 1991 July 15, 1986-February 11, 1993 July 16, 1986-February 3, 1988 July 17, 1986-February 15, 1991 July 18, 1986-February 15, 1993 December 11, 1986-September 13, 1987 |
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| Ramon H. Felipe, Jr., Chairman Leopoldo L. Africa Haydee B. Yorac Anacleto D. Badoy, Jr. Andres R. Flores Dario C. Rama Tomas V. dela Cruz Alfredo E. Abueg, Jr. |
July 14, 1986-February 15, 1991 July 15, 1986-February 11, 1993 July 16, 1986-February 3, 1988 July 17, 1986-February 15, 1991 July 18, 1986-February 15, 1993 December 11, 1986-September 13, 1987 December 16, 1987-November 3, 1994 |
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| Hilario Davide, Jr. Hilario Davide, Jr. Hilario Gelbolingo Davide, Jr, GCSS is a former Ambassador/Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations in New York City.... , Chairman Leopoldo L. Africa Haydee B. Yorac Andres R. Flores Dario C. Rama Alfredo E. Abueg, Jr. Magdara B. Dimaampao |
July 14, 1986-February 15, 1991 July 15, 1986-February 11, 1993 July 17, 1986-February 15, 1991 July 18, 1986-February 15, 1993 December 16, 1987-November 3, 1994 February 15, 1988-February 15, 1995 |
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| Haydee Yorac Haydee Yorac Haydee Yorac was a Filipino public servant, law professor and politician.-Early life:Yorac was born on March 4, 1941 in E. B. Magalona, Negros Occidental. She earned a Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines in 1962... , Acting Chairman Leopoldo L. Africa Andres R. Flores Dario C. Rama Alfredo E. Abueg, Jr. Magdara B. Dimaampao |
July 14, 1986-February 15, 1991 July 17, 1986-February 15, 1991 July 18, 1986-February 15, 1993 December 16, 1987-November 3, 1994 February 15, 1988-February 15, 1995 |
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| Christian Monsod, Chairman Haydee B. Yorac Andres R. Flores Dario C. Rama Alfredo E. Abueg, Jr. Magdara B. Dimaampao Regalado E. Maambong |
July 15, 1986-February 11, 1993 July 17, 1986-February 15, 1991 July 18, 1986-February 15, 1993 December 16, 1987-November 3, 1994 February 15, 1988-February 15, 1995 June 6, 1991-February 15, 1998 |
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| Christian Monsod, Chairman Haydee B. Yorac Andres R. Flores Dario C. Rama Alfredo E. Abueg, Jr. Magdara B. Dimaampao Regalado E. Maambong |
July 15, 1986-February 11, 1993 July 17, 1986-February 15, 1991 July 18, 1986-February 15, 1993 December 16, 1987-November 3, 1994 February 15, 1988-February 15, 1995 June 6, 1991-February 15, 1998 |
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| Christian Monsod, Chairman Haydee B. Yorac Dario C. Rama Magdara B. Dimaampao Regalado E. Maambong Vicente B. de Lima Remedios Salazar- Fernando |
July 15, 1986-February 11, 1993 July 18, 1986-February 15, 1993 February 15, 1988-February 15, 1995 June 6, 1991-February 15, 1998 February 7, 1992-November 4, 1994 February 14, 1992-February 15, 1998 |
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| Christian Monsod, Chairman Magdara B. Dimaampao Regalado E. Maambong Vicente B. de Lima Remedios Salazar-Fernando Manolo B. Gorospe Graduacion R. Claravall |
February 15, 1988-February 15, 1995 June 6, 1991-February 15, 1998 February 7, 1992-November 4, 1994 February 14, 1992-February 15, 1998 April 14, 1993-February 14, 2000 April 12, 1993-January 14, 1996 |
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| Bernardo P. Pardo Bernardo P. Pardo Bernardo Pardo is a former Philippine Supreme court Associate justice and a former Comelec Chairman. He was appointed by former Philippine President Joseph Estrada. He was born in Manila, to San Isidro, Nueva Ecija natives, Dr. and Mrs. Leopoldo G. Pardo, and is married to Zenaida C... , Chairman Regalado E. Maambong Remedios Salazar- Fernando Manolo B. Gorospe Graduacion R. Claravall Julio F. Desamito Teresita Dy-Liacco Flores |
June 6, 1991-February 15, 1998 February 14, 1992-February 15, 1998 April 14, 1993-February 14, 2000 April 12, 1993-January 14, 1996 January 3, 1995-February 15, 2001 February 17, 1995-February 15, 2002 |
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| Bernardo P. Pardo Bernardo P. Pardo Bernardo Pardo is a former Philippine Supreme court Associate justice and a former Comelec Chairman. He was appointed by former Philippine President Joseph Estrada. He was born in Manila, to San Isidro, Nueva Ecija natives, Dr. and Mrs. Leopoldo G. Pardo, and is married to Zenaida C... , Chairman Regalado E. Maambong Remedios Salazar- Fernando Manolo B. Gorospe Julio F. Desamito Teresita Dy-Liacco Flores Japal M. Guiani |
June 6, 1991-February 15, 1998 February 14, 1992-February 15, 1998 April 14, 1993-February 14, 2000 January 3, 1995-February 15, 2001 February 17, 1995-February 15, 2002 March 29, 1996-February 15, 2000 |
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| Bernardo P. Pardo Bernardo P. Pardo Bernardo Pardo is a former Philippine Supreme court Associate justice and a former Comelec Chairman. He was appointed by former Philippine President Joseph Estrada. He was born in Manila, to San Isidro, Nueva Ecija natives, Dr. and Mrs. Leopoldo G. Pardo, and is married to Zenaida C... , Chairman Manolo B. Gorospe Julio F. Desamito Teresita Dy-Liacco Flores Japal M. Guiani Amado Calderon Evalyn I. Fetalino Luzviminda G. Tancangco Abdul Gani Marohombsar |
April 14, 1993-February 14, 2000 January 3, 1995-February 15, 2001 February 17, 1995-February 15, 2002 March 29, 1996-February 15, 2000 February 16, 1998-June 30, 1998 February 16, 1998-June 30, 1998 August 5, 1998- February 15, 2004 September 7, 1998-June 3, 1999 |
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| Luzviminda Tancangco, Acting Chairman Manolo B. Gorospe Julio F. Desamito Teresita Dy-Liacco Flores Japal M. Guiani Abdul Gani Marohombsar |
April 14, 1993-February 14, 2000 January 3, 1995-February 15, 2001 February 17, 1995-February 15, 2001 March 29, 1996-February 15, 2000 September 7, 1998-June 3, 1999 |
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| Harriet Demetriou Harriet Demetriou -Notes:... , Chairman Manolo B. Gorospe Julio F. Desamito Teresita Dy-Liacco Flores Japal M. Guiani Luzviminda G. Tancangco Abdul Gani Marohombsar |
April 14, 1993-February 14, 2000 January 3, 1995-February 15, 2001 February 17, 1995-February 15, 2001 March 29, 1996-February 15, 2000 August 5, 1998- February 15, 2004 September 7, 1998-June 3, 1999 |
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| Harriet Demetriou Harriet Demetriou -Notes:... , Chairman Manolo B. Gorospe Julio F. Desamito Teresita Dy-Liacco Flores Japal M. Guiani Luzviminda G. Tancangco Ralph C. Lantion Rufino S.B. Javier Mehol K. Sadain |
April 14, 1993-February 14, 2000 January 3, 1995-February 15, 2001 February 17, 1995-February 15, 2001 March 29, 1996-February 15, 2000 August 5, 1998- February 15, 2004 January 6, 2000-February 15, 2004 March 3, 2000-February 15, 2007 July 17, 2000-February 15, 2006 |
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| Alfredo Benipayo Alfredo Benipayo Alfredo Logronio Benipayo is the former Dean of the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law, the oldest law school in the Philippines. He is a former magistrate and a respected law professor and bar reviewer in the country.... , Chairman Luzviminda G. Tancangco Ralph C. Lantion Rufino S.B. Javier Mehol K. Sadain Resurreccion Z. Borra Florentino A. Tuason, Jr. |
August 5, 1998- February 15, 2004 January 6, 2000-February 15, 2004 March 3, 2000-February 15, 2007 July 17, 2000-February 15, 2006 February 16, 2001-February 15, 2008 February 21, 2001-February 15, 2008 |
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| Benjamin Abalos Benjamin Abalos Benjamin S. Abalos, Sr. is a politician and is a former chairman of the Philippine Commission on Election. He was also a MMDA Chairman and Mandaluyong City Mayor. He is the father of current Mandaluyong City mayor Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos, Jr..-Early life:Benjamin Abalos was born into a poor... Chairman Luzviminda G. Tancangco Ralph C. Lantion Rufino S.B. Javier Mehol K. Sadain Resurreccion Z. Borra Florentino A. Tuason, Jr. |
August 5, 1998- February 15, 2004 January 6, 2000-February 15, 2004 March 3, 2000-February 15, 2007 July 17, 2000-February 15, 2006 February 16, 2001-February 15, 2008 February 21, 2001-February 15, 2008 |
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| Benjamin Abalos Benjamin Abalos Benjamin S. Abalos, Sr. is a politician and is a former chairman of the Philippine Commission on Election. He was also a MMDA Chairman and Mandaluyong City Mayor. He is the father of current Mandaluyong City mayor Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos, Jr..-Early life:Benjamin Abalos was born into a poor... Chairman Rufino S.B. Javier Mehol K. Sadain Resurreccion Z. Borra Florentino A. Tuason, Jr. Virgilio O. Garcillano Virgilio Garcillano Virgilio Olivar Garcillano also known as Garci, is a former official of the Philippine Commission on Elections who allegedly was involved in Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's alleged electoral fraud in the Hello Garci scandal.... Manuel A. Barcelona, Jr. |
March 3, 2000-February 15, 2007 July 17, 2000-February 15, 2006 February 16, 2001-February 15, 2008 February 21, 2001-February 15, 2008 February 10, 2004-June 11, 2005 February 10, 2004-June 11, 2005 |
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| Benjamin Abalos Benjamin Abalos Benjamin S. Abalos, Sr. is a politician and is a former chairman of the Philippine Commission on Election. He was also a MMDA Chairman and Mandaluyong City Mayor. He is the father of current Mandaluyong City mayor Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos, Jr..-Early life:Benjamin Abalos was born into a poor... Chairman Resurreccion Z. Borra Florentino A. Tuason, Jr. Romeo A. Brawner Rene V. Sarmiento Nicodemo T. Ferrer |
February 16, 2001-February 15, 2008 February 21, 2001-February 15, 2008 September 18, 2005-February 2, 2011 April 7, 2006–Present June 9, 2006–Present |
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| Resurreccion Borra Resurreccion Borra Resurreccion Borra is a Filipino public servant who is a Career Executive Service Officer , a former commissioner and was the Acting Chairman of the Philippine Commission on Elections. He was the most senior Commissioner of COMELEC who has served the agency for over 44 years... Acting Chairman Florentino A. Tuason, Jr. Romeo A. Brawner Rene V. Sarmiento Nicodemo T. Ferrer Moslemen T. Macarambon, Sr. |
February 16, 2001-February 2, 2008 September 18, 2005-February 2, 2011 April 7, 2006–Present June 9, 2006–Present November 5, 2007–Present |
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| Romeo A. Brawner Romeo A. Brawner Romeo Aliac Brawner was a Filipino public official who served as a Commissioner of the Philippine Commission on Elections from 2005 until his death from a heart attack in May 2008... Acting Chairman Rene V. Sarmiento Nicodemo T. Ferrer Moslemen T. Macarambon, Sr. |
April 7, 2006–Present June 9, 2006–Present November 5, 2007–Present |
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| Jose A.R. Melo Jose Melo Jose Armando R. Melo is a Filipino lawyer and jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines from 1992 to 2002. He is a former Chairman of the Commission on Elections , and was succeeded by election lawyer Sixto Brillantes.-Early life and education:Melo was born... Chairman Romeo A. Brawner Rene V. Sarmiento Nicodemo T. Ferrer Moslemen T. Macarambon, Sr. |
September 18, 2005-May 25, 2008 April 7, 2006–Present June 9, 2006–Present November 5, 2007–Present |
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| Atty. Sixto S. Brillantes, Jr. Sixto Brillantes Sixto S. Brillantes, Jr is the current chairman of the Philippine Commission on Elections . He was appointed by Philippine president Benigno Aquino III on January 16, 2011 to serve the unexpired term of Chairman Jose Melo.-Election Lawyer:... Chairman Rene V. Sarmiento Nicodemo T. Ferrer (Retired February 2, 2011) Lucenito N. Tagle Gregorio Y. Larrazabal (Retired February 2, 2011) Armando C. Velasco Elias R. Yusoph Christian Robert S. Lim Augusto C. Lagman |
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