MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) denied the issuance of a press statement purportedly announcing the oath-taking of some party-list representatives that circulated on social media.
In a statement issued Tuesday night, the poll body noted that it did not issue the statement dated May 5, which supposedly came from its Education and Information Department (EID).
“The said spurious document dated 5 May 2023 orders certain individuals, who are named therein as Party-List representatives, ‘to appear immediately before the House of Representatives at Diliman, Quezon City on the 11th day of May 2023 at 2:00 p.m. for their Proclamation and Oath of Office,’” the commission added.
The poll body also clarified that such a proceeding is no longer under its jurisdiction.
“Contrary to the claim in the spurious document, the Comelec is without authority or jurisdiction to make such an order, whether under the Constitution or any existing law or regulation,” it said. “Further, proceedings of the Commission in relation to the party-list system of representation are ordinarily conducted within the Comelec premises."
On the other hand, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said the case is under the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET).
“The jurisdiction is transferred to the HRET when they are proclaimed, take the oath of office, and assume. HRET has jurisdiction over any election protest or quo warranto or any issue on membership of HoR (House of Representatives),” he said in a message to reporters.
The poll body also cautioned political organizations and the public against spurious statements and reminded them to always double-check their authenticity.
“Registered political parties or coalitions of political parties are hereby cautioned to only take notice of directives sent by the Office of the Clerk of the Commission through official channels to the official e-mail address of the PP or Coalition as reflected in their Sworn Information Update Statement or Petition for Registration,” it said.
“The Comelec calls on the public to be discerning of any information that does not originate from its official and verified social media channels or official website, and to remain vigilant against misinformation, disinformation, and mal-information as we advance closer to the election period of the 2023 elections,” it added.
In the May 5 statement, the poll body supposedly ordered three party-List representatives to appear before the House on May 11 at 2 p.m. for their proclamation and oath of office.
The party-list groups and their first nominees are Komunidad ng Pamilya Pasyente at Persons with Disabilities (P3PWD Party List), Maria Rowena Amelia Guanzon; Maharlikang Pilipino Party List, Alvin Sahagun; and Senior Citizens Party List, Rodolfo Ordanes. (PNA)
