Sergio Osmeña III Can No Longer Run for Public Office
DISQUALIFIED – Former Senator Sergio Osmeña III has been permanently disqualified by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) En Banc.
The decision stems from his failure to submit his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) for both the 2010 and 2016 elections. According to the En Banc ruling, late submission of the SOCE violates the mandatory filing period, which carries corresponding penalties.
Osmeña appealed the decision through a motion for reconsideration, but COMELEC denied his request, citing a lack of merit. With this ruling, his disqualification remains final, preventing him from running for public office in the future.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is an independent body in the Philippines responsible for overseeing elections and ensuring they are free and fair. It enforces election laws, manages voter registration, and regulates campaign activities. COMELEC has the authority to disqualify candidates, investigate violations, and resolve election disputes. It is composed of a Chairman and six Commissioners, whose decisions impact elections nationwide.
A candidate may be permanently disqualified by the COMELEC En Banc for serious violations of election rules. One common reason is failing to submit the SOCE, as required under Section 14 of Republic Act No. 7166. Candidates must file their SOCE within 30 days after the elections. Repeated failure to do so—like Sergio Osmeña III, who did not submit his SOCE in 2010 and 2016—can lead to a lifetime ban. Other grounds for disqualification include violating election laws through vote-buying, fraud, threats, or accepting funds from foreign sources.
A candidate may also face disqualification if convicted of serious crimes such as bribery, corruption, or electoral fraud. Additionally, exceeding campaign spending limits or failing to properly report donations can result in permanent disqualification. Once the COMELEC En Banc issues a decision, it is final unless overturned by the Supreme Court.