Here’s Why Comelec Can’t Stop Convicted Candidates From Running In May 2025 Midterm Polls
COMELEC – Find out why the Commission on Elections (Comelec) cannot stop convicted aspirants from seeking posts.
The Comelec has clarified that candidates convicted by the courts cannot be prevented from running in the May 2025 midterm elections unless their conviction is final and executory. Comelec Chairman George Garcia highlighted this point after Act Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro filed her certificate of candidacy (COC) for the senatorial race, despite her conviction.
Castro, along with 12 others, was convicted of child abuse by a court in Tagum City, stemming from their involvement in the rescue of Lumad students six years ago. She disputes the charges, calling them baseless and asserting that she was fulfilling her responsibilities as a public official by protecting the children from harassment by a paramilitary group. Garcia noted that, as long as her conviction is not final, Castro remains eligible to run.
However, Garcia also pointed out that former Bamban mayor Alice Guo could be automatically disqualified from seeking reelection. Guo, who was revealed in Senate hearings to be a Chinese national named Guo Hua Ping, faces an ombudsman ruling disqualifying her from holding public office. Although this decision is not yet final, Garcia emphasized that it is immediately executory, meaning the Comelec must cancel her COC unless a court issues a restraining order.
Senator Joel Villanueva also commented, stating that it would be absurd for Guo to be allowed to run for office again under such circumstances.
In summary, while candidates like Castro can still run despite ongoing cases, those subject to immediate executory rulings, such as Guo, may be barred unless legal action is taken to halt their disqualification.
