Comelec upholds Erice disqualification from House bid

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc has upheld its decision to disqualify former Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice from joining the congressional race in 2025.

In November, the Comelec second division disqualified Erice in his bid to represent the 2nd District of Caloocan City over his intention to disrupt the polls by spreading false information in various platforms.

Erice appealed the ruling.

In a resolution released Friday, Dec. 27, the poll body stated: “The integrity of elections is the cornerstone of democracy, and any act that undermines this foundation cannot be tolerated. Respondent’s disqualification is not merely justified but necessary to protect the sanctity of our electoral process.”

“This Commission must act decisively to ensure that the people’s trust in their democratic institutions remains intact,” it added.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia inhibited from the case.

Raymond Salipot Balatbat filed the petition for disqualification in October after Erice said the Philippines was a “guinea pig” for the automated counting machines of technology provider Miru Systems as these have not been used overseas.

Erice also alleged that the poll body’s contract with Miru Systems has been “highly anomalous” and the bidding process for next year’s elections was “rigged.”

The former representative also accused Garcia of having multiple “questionable” offshore accounts.

Erice failed to submit his answer or any response pleading related to the disqualification petition.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Daniza Fernandez contributed to this report.