Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has expressed approval of the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision to dismiss the disqualification petition against Edgar Erice, allowing him to run as the representative of the 2nd District of Caloocan City in the May 12 elections.

According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia highlighted that this marks the first case of its kind to be decided by the High Court, particularly concerning issues of misinformation and disinformation that could potentially impact the electoral process. Garcia emphasized that the Supreme Court acknowledged its authority to investigate and prosecute such cases, clarifying that misinformation alone is not grounds for disqualification but can lead to an election offense if proven.

Garcia further indicated that this decision serves as guidance for the poll body, identifying misinformation and disinformation as threats to democracy and highlighting the ruling as a legal tool to combat these issues. He also mentioned that while he does not plan to file a motion for reconsideration, he respects the decisions of other Comelec en banc members who may choose to do so.

The Supreme Court’s decision, issued by Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul Inting, overturned Comelec’s initial ruling that disqualified Erice based on alleged violations of the Omnibus Election Code. The disqualification was initially linked to Section 261(z)(11) of the OEC, which addresses the dissemination of false information intended to disrupt the election process. The charges were related to Erice’s statements in April 2024 about the automated counting machines supplied by Miru Systems, which he claimed had never been used in any election globally.