Professional Documents
Culture Documents
SESSION 10: Pre - Proclamation and Post - Proclamation Controversies
SESSION 10: Pre - Proclamation and Post - Proclamation Controversies
10:
Pre-‐Proclamation
and
shall,
not
later
than
thirty
days
after
the
day
of
the
election,
open
all
certificates
in
the
presence
of
the
Senate
and
the
House
of
Post-‐Proclamation
Controversies
Representatives
in
joint
public
session,
and
the
Congress,
upon
determination
of
the
authenticity
and
due
execution
thereof
in
the
1987
CONSTITUTION
manner
provided
by
law,
canvass
the
votes.
The
person
having
the
highest
number
of
votes
shall
be
proclaimed
ARTICLE
VI:
LEGISLATIVE
elected,
but
in
case
two
or
more
shall
have
an
equal
and
highest
number
SECTION
17.
The
Senate
and
the
House
of
Representatives
shall
each
of
votes,
one
of
them
shall
forthwith
be
chosen
by
the
vote
of
a
majority
have
an
Electoral
Tribunal
which
shall
be
the
sole
judge
of
all
contests
of
all
the
Members
of
both
Houses
of
the
Congress,
voting
separately.
relating
to
the
election,
returns,
and
qualifications
of
their
respective
Members.
Each
Electoral
Tribunal
shall
be
composed
of
nine
Members,
The
Congress
shall
promulgate
its
rules
for
the
canvassing
of
the
three
of
whom
shall
be
Justices
of
the
Supreme
Court
to
be
designated
by
certificates.
the
Chief
Justice,
and
the
remaining
six
shall
be
Members
of
the
Senate
or
the
House
of
Representatives,
as
the
case
may
be,
who
shall
be
chosen
on
The
Supreme
Court,
sitting
en
banc,
shall
be
the
sole
judge
of
all
contests
the
basis
of
proportional
representation
from
the
political
parties
and
relating
to
the
election,
returns,
and
qualifications
of
the
President
or
the
parties
or
organizations
registered
under
the
party-‐list
system
Vice-‐
President,
and
may
promulgate
its
rules
for
the
purpose.
represented
therein.
The
senior
Justice
in
the
Electoral
Tribunal
shall
be
its
Chairman.
ARTICLE
IX:
CONSTITUTIONAL
COMMISSION
ARTICLE
VII:
EXECUTIVE
C.
COMMISSION
ON
ELECTIONS
SECTION
4.
The
President
and
the
Vice-‐President
shall
be
elected
by
direct
vote
of
the
people
for
a
term
of
six
years
which
shall
begin
at
noon
SECTION
1.
(1)
There
shall
be
a
Commission
on
Elections
composed
of
a
on
the
thirtieth
day
of
June
next
following
the
day
of
the
election
and
Chairman
and
six
Commissioners
who
shall
be
natural-‐born
citizens
of
shall
end
at
noon
of
the
same
date
six
years
thereafter.
The
President
the
Philippines
and,
at
the
time
of
their
appointment,
at
least
thirty-‐five
shall
not
be
eligible
for
any
reelection.
No
person
who
has
succeeded
as
years
of
age,
holders
of
a
college
degree,
and
must
not
have
been
President
and
has
served
as
such
for
more
than
four
years
shall
be
candidates
for
any
elective
position
in
the
immediately
preceding
qualified
for
election
to
the
same
office
at
any
time.
elections.
However,
a
majority
thereof,
including
the
Chairman,
shall
be
Members
of
the
Philippine
Bar
who
have
been
engaged
in
the
practice
of
No
Vice-‐President
shall
serve
for
more
than
two
consecutive
terms.
law
for
at
least
ten
years.
Voluntary
renunciation
of
the
office
for
any
length
of
time
shall
not
be
considered
as
an
interruption
in
the
continuity
of
the
service
for
the
full
(2)
The
Chairman
and
the
Commissioners
shall
be
appointed
by
the
term
for
which
he
was
elected.
President
with
the
consent
of
the
Commission
on
Appointments
for
a
term
of
seven
years
without
reappointment.
Of
those
first
appointed,
Unless
otherwise
provided
by
law,
the
regular
election
for
President
and
three
Members
shall
hold
office
for
seven
years,
two
Members
for
five
Vice-‐President
shall
be
held
on
the
second
Monday
of
May.
years,
and
the
last
Members
for
three
years,
without
reappointment.
Appointment
to
any
vacancy
shall
be
only
for
the
unexpired
term
of
the
The
returns
of
every
election
for
President
and
Vice-‐President,
duly
predecessor.
In
no
case
shall
any
Member
be
appointed
or
designated
in
certified
by
the
board
of
canvassers
of
each
province
or
city,
shall
be
a
temporary
or
acting
capacity.
transmitted
to
the
Congress,
directed
to
the
President
of
the
Senate.
Upon
receipt
of
the
certificates
of
canvass,
the
President
of
the
Senate
SECTION
2.
The
Commission
on
Elections
shall
exercise
the
following
with
the
Commission,
in
addition
to
other
penalties
that
may
be
powers
and
functions:
prescribed
by
law.
(1)
Enforce
and
administer
all
laws
and
regulations
relative
to
the
(6)
File,
upon
a
verified
complaint,
or
on
its
own
initiative,
petitions
in
conduct
of
an
election,
plebiscite,
initiative,
referendum,
and
recall.
court
for
inclusion
or
exclusion
of
voters;
investigate
and,
where
appropriate,
prosecute
cases
of
violations
of
election
laws,
including
acts
(2)
Exercise
exclusive
original
jurisdiction
over
all
contests
relating
to
or
omissions
constituting
election
frauds,
offenses,
and
malpractices.
the
elections,
returns,
and
qualifications
of
all
elective
regional,
provincial,
and
city
officials,
and
appellate
jurisdiction
over
all
contests
(7)
Recommend
to
the
Congress
effective
measures
to
minimize
election
involving
elective
municipal
officials
decided
by
trial
courts
of
general
spending,
including
limitation
of
places
where
propaganda
materials
jurisdiction,
or
involving
elective
barangay
officials
decided
by
trial
shall
be
posted,
and
to
prevent
and
penalize
all
forms
of
election
frauds,
courts
of
limited
jurisdiction.
offenses,
malpractices,
and
nuisance
candidacies.
Decisions,
final
orders,
or
rulings
of
the
Commission
on
election
contests
(8)
Recommend
to
the
President
the
removal
of
any
officer
or
employee
involving
elective
municipal
and
barangay
offices
shall
be
final,
it
has
deputized,
or
the
imposition
of
any
other
disciplinary
action,
for
executory,
and
not
appealable.
violation
or
disregard
of,
or
disobedience
to
its
directive,
order,
or
decision.
(3)
Decide,
except
those
involving
the
right
to
vote,
all
questions
affecting
elections,
including
determination
of
the
number
and
location
(9)
Submit
to
the
President
and
the
Congress
a
comprehensive
report
on
of
polling
places,
appointment
of
election
officials
and
inspectors,
and
the
conduct
of
each
election,
plebiscite,
initiative,
referendum,
or
recall.
registration
of
voters.
SECTION
3.
The
Commission
on
Elections
may
sit
en
banc
or
in
two
(4)
Deputize,
with
the
concurrence
of
the
President,
law
enforcement
divisions,
and
shall
promulgate
its
rules
of
procedure
in
order
to
agencies
and
instrumentalities
of
the
Government,
including
the
Armed
expedite
disposition
of
election
cases,
including
pre-‐proclamation
Forces
of
the
Philippines,
for
the
exclusive
purpose
of
ensuring
free,
controversies.
All
such
election
cases
shall
be
heard
and
decided
in
orderly,
honest,
peaceful,
and
credible
elections.
division,
provided
that
motions
for
reconsideration
of
decisions
shall
be
decided
by
the
Commission
en
banc.
(5)
Register,
after
sufficient
publication,
political
parties,
organizations,
or
coalitions
which,
in
addition
to
other
requirements,
must
present
SECTION
4.
The
Commission
may,
during
the
election
period,
supervise
their
platform
or
program
of
government;
and
accredit
citizens’
arms
of
or
regulate
the
enjoyment
or
utilization
of
all
franchises
or
permits
for
the
Commission
on
Elections.
Religious
denominations
and
sects
shall
the
operation
of
transportation
and
other
public
utilities,
media
of
not
be
registered.
Those
which
seek
to
achieve
their
goals
through
communication
or
information,
all
grants,
special
privileges,
or
violence
or
unlawful
means,
or
refuse
to
uphold
and
adhere
to
this
concessions
granted
by
the
Government
or
any
subdivision,
agency,
or
Constitution,
or
which
are
supported
by
any
foreign
government
shall
instrumentality
thereof,
including
any
government-‐owned
or
controlled
likewise
be
refused
registration.
corporation
or
its
subsidiary.
Such
supervision
or
regulation
shall
aim
to
ensure
equal
opportunity,
time,
and
space,
and
the
right
to
reply,
Financial
contributions
from
foreign
governments
and
their
agencies
to
including
reasonable,
equal
rates
therefor,
for
public
information
political
parties,
organizations,
coalitions,
or
candidates
related
to
campaigns
and
forums
among
candidates
in
connection
with
the
elections
constitute
interference
in
national
affairs,
and,
when
accepted,
objective
of
holding
free,
orderly,
honest,
peaceful,
and
credible
shall
be
an
additional
ground
for
the
cancellation
of
their
registration
elections.
SECTION
5.
No
pardon,
amnesty,
parole,
or
suspension
of
sentence
for
and
236
in
relation
to
the
preparation,
transmission,
receipt,
custody
violation
of
election
laws,
rules,
and
regulations
shall
be
granted
by
the
and
appreciation
of
the
election
returns.
President
without
the
favorable
recommendation
of
the
Commission.
Section
242.
Commission's
exclusive
jurisdiction
of
all
pre-‐proclamation
SECTION
6.
A
free
and
open
party
system
shall
be
allowed
to
evolve
controversies.
-‐
The
Commission
shall
have
exclusive
jurisdiction
of
all
according
to
the
free
choice
of
the
people,
subject
to
the
provisions
of
pre-‐proclamation
controversies.
It
may
motu
proprio
or
upon
written
this
Article.
petition,
and
after
due
notice
and
hearing,
order
the
partial
or
total
suspension
of
the
proclamation
of
any
candidate-‐elect
or
annual
SECTION
7.
No
votes
cast
in
favor
of
a
political
party,
organization,
or
partially
or
totally
any
proclamation,
if
one
has
been
made,
as
the
coalition
shall
be
valid,
except
for
those
registered
under
the
party-‐list
evidence
shall
warrant
in
accordance
with
the
succeeding
sections.
system
as
provided
in
this
Constitution.
Section
243.
Issues
that
may
be
raised
in
pre-‐proclamation
controversy.
SECTION
8.
Political
parties,
or
organizations
or
coalitions
registered
-‐
The
following
shall
be
proper
issues
that
may
be
raised
in
a
pre-‐
under
the
party-‐list
system,
shall
not
be
represented
in
the
voters’
proclamation
controversy:
registration
boards,
boards
of
election
inspectors,
boards
of
canvassers,
or
other
similar
bodies.
However,
they
shall
be
entitled
to
appoint
poll
(a)
Illegal
composition
or
proceedings
of
the
board
of
canvassers;
watchers
in
accordance
with
law.
(b)
The
canvassed
election
returns
are
incomplete,
contain
material
SECTION
9.
Unless
otherwise
fixed
by
the
Commission
in
special
cases,
defects,
appear
to
be
tampered
with
or
falsified,
or
contain
discrepancies
the
election
period
shall
commence
ninety
days
before
the
day
of
the
in
the
same
returns
or
in
other
authentic
copies
thereof
as
mentioned
in
election
and
shall
end
thirty
days
after.
Sections
233,
234,
235
and
236
of
this
Code;
SECTION
10.
Bona
fide
candidates
for
any
public
office
shall
be
free
(c)
The
election
returns
were
prepared
under
duress,
threats,
coercion,
from
any
form
of
harassment
and
discrimination.
or
intimidation,
or
they
are
obviously
manufactured
or
not
authentic;
and
SECTION
11.
Funds
certified
by
the
Commission
as
necessary
to
defray
the
expenses
for
holding
regular
and
special
elections,
plebiscites,
(d)
When
substitute
or
fraudulent
returns
in
controverted
polling
places
initiatives,
referenda,
and
recalls,
shall
be
provided
in
the
regular
or
were
canvassed,
the
results
of
which
materially
affected
the
standing
of
special
appropriations
and,
once
approved,
shall
be
released
the
aggrieved
candidate
or
candidates.
automatically
upon
certification
by
the
Chairman
of
the
Commission.
Section
244.
Contested
composition
or
proceedings
of
the
board.
-‐
OMNIBUS
ELECTION
CODE
OF
THE
PHILIPPINES
When
the
composition
or
proceedings
of
the
board
of
canvassers
are
contested,
the
board
of
canvassers
shall,
within
twenty-‐four
hours,
make
ARTICLE
XX:
PRE-‐PROCLAMATION
CONTROVERSIES
a
ruling
thereon
with
notice
to
the
contestant
who,
if
adversely
affected,
may
appeal
the
matter
to
the
Commission
within
five
days
after
the
Section
241.
Definition.
-‐
A
pre-‐proclamation
controversy
refers
to
any
ruling
with
proper
notice
to
the
board
of
canvassers.
After
due
notice
question
pertaining
to
or
affecting
the
proceedings
of
the
board
of
and
hearing,
the
Commission
shall
decide
the
case
within
ten
days
from
canvassers
which
may
be
raised
by
any
candidate
or
by
any
registered
the
filing
thereof.
During
the
pendency
of
the
case,
the
board
of
political
party
or
coalition
of
political
parties
before
the
board
or
directly
canvassers
shall
suspend
the
canvass
until
the
Commission
orders
the
with
the
Commission,
or
any
matter
raised
under
Sections
233,
234,
235
continuation
or
resumption
thereof
and
citing
their
reasons
or
grounds
therefor.
Section
245.
Contested
election
returns.
-‐
Any
candidate,
political
party
Section
247.
Partial
proclamation.
-‐
Notwithstanding
the
pendency
of
or
coalition
of
political
parties,
contesting
the
inclusion
or
exclusion
in
any
pre-‐proclamation
controversy,
the
Commission
may,
motu
proprio
the
canvass
of
any
election
returns
on
any
of
the
grounds
authorized
or
upon
the
filing
of
a
verified
petition
and
after
due
notice
and
hearing,
under
this
article
or
in
Sections
234,
235
and
236
of
Article
XIX
shall
order
the
proclamation
of
other
winning
candidates
whose
election
will
submit
their
verbal
objections
to
the
chairman
of
the
board
of
not
be
affected
by
the
outcome
of
the
controversy.
canvassers
at
the
time
the
questioned
returns
is
presented
for
inclusion
or
exclusion,
which
objections
shall
be
noted
in
the
minutes
of
the
Section
248.
Effect
of
filing
petition
to
annual
or
to
suspend
the
canvassing.
proclamation.
-‐
The
filing
with
the
Commission
of
a
petition
to
annual
or
to
suspend
the
proclamation
of
any
candidate
shall
suspend
the
running
The
board
of
canvassers
upon
receipt
of
any
such
objections
shall
of
the
period
within
which
to
file
an
election
protest
or
quo
warranto
automatically
defer
the
canvass
of
the
contested
returns
and
shall
proceedings.
proceed
to
canvass
the
rest
of
the
returns
which
are
not
contested
by
any
party.
ARTICLE
XXI:
ELECTION
CONTESTS
Within
twenty-‐four
hours
from
and
after
the
presentation
of
a
verbal
Section
249.
Jurisdiction
of
the
Commission.
-‐
The
Commission
shall
be
objection,
the
same
shall
be
submitted
in
written
form
to
the
board
of
the
sole
judge
of
all
contests
relating
to
the
elections,
returns,
and
canvassers.
Thereafter,
the
board
of
canvassers
shall
take
up
each
qualifications
of
all
Members
of
the
Batasang
Pambansa,
elective
contested
return,
consider
the
written
objections
thereto
and
summarily
regional,
provincial
and
city
officials.
rule
thereon.
Said
ruling
shall
be
made
oral
initially
and
then
reduced
to
writing
by
the
board
within
twenty-‐four
hours
from
the
time
the
oral
Section
250.
Election
contests
for
Batasang
Pambansa,
regional,
ruling
is
made.
provincial
and
city
offices.
-‐
A
sworn
petition
contesting
the
election
of
any
Member
of
the
Batasang
Pambansa
or
any
regional,
provincial
or
city
Any
party
adversely
affected
by
an
oral
ruling
on
its/his
objection
shall
official
shall
be
filed
with
the
Commission
by
any
candidate
who
has
duly
immediately
state
orally
whether
it/he
intends
to
appeal
said
ruling.
The
filed
a
certificate
of
candidacy
and
has
been
voted
for
the
same
office,
said
intent
to
appeal
shall
be
stated
in
the
minutes
of
the
canvassing.
If
a
within
ten
days
after
the
proclamation
of
the
results
of
the
election.
party
manifests
its
intent
to
appeal,
the
board
of
canvassers
shall
set
aside
the
return
and
proceed
to
rule
on
the
other
contested
returns.
Section
251.
Election
contests
for
municipal
offices.
-‐
A
sworn
petition
When
all
the
contested
returns
have
been
ruled
upon
by
it,
the
board
of
contesting
the
election
of
a
municipal
officer
shall
be
filed
with
the
canvassers
shall
suspend
the
canvass
and
shall
make
an
appropriate
proper
regional
trial
court
by
any
candidate
who
has
duly
filed
a
report
to
the
Commission,
copy
furnished
the
parties.
certificate
of
candidacy
and
has
been
voted
for
the
same
office,
within
ten
days
after
proclamation
of
the
results
of
the
election.
The
board
of
canvassers
shall
not
proclaim
any
candidate
as
winner
unless
authorized
by
the
Commission
after
the
latter
has
ruled
on
the
Section
252.
Election
contest
for
barangay
offices.
-‐
A
sworn
petition
objections
brought
to
it
on
appeal
by
the
losing
party
and
any
contesting
the
election
of
a
barangay
officer
shall
be
filed
with
the
proclamation
made
in
violation
hereof
shall
be
void
ab
initio,
unless
the
proper
municipal
or
metropolitan
trial
court
by
any
candidate
who
has
contested
returns
will
not
adversely
affect
the
results
of
the
election.
duly
filed
a
certificate
of
candidacy
and
has
been
voted
for
the
same
office,
within
ten
days
after
the
proclamation
of
the
results
of
the
Section
246.
Summary
proceedings
before
the
Commission.
-‐
All
pre-‐
election.
The
trial
court
shall
decide
the
election
protest
within
fifteen
proclamation
controversies
shall
be
heard
summarily
by
the
days
after
the
filing
thereof.
The
decision
of
the
municipal
or
Commission
after
due
notice
and
hearing,
and
its
decisions
shall
be
metropolitan
trial
court
may
be
appealed
within
ten
days
from
receipt
of
executory
after
the
lapse
of
five
days
from
receipt
by
the
losing
party
of
a
copy
thereof
by
the
aggrieved
party
to
the
regional
trial
court
which
the
decision
of
the
Commission,
unless
restrained
by
the
Supreme
Court.
shall
decide
the
case
within
thirty
days
from
its
submission,
and
whose
protestant
in
other
polling
places,
he
shall
file
a
counter-‐protest
within
decisions
shall
be
final.
the
same
period
fixed
for
the
answer
serving
a
copy
thereof
upon
the
protestant
by
registered
mail
or
by
personal
delivery
or
through
the
Section
253.
Petition
for
quo
warranto.
-‐
Any
voter
contesting
the
sheriff;
election
of
any
Member
of
the
Batasang
Pambansa,
regional,
provincial,
or
city
officer
on
the
ground
of
ineligibility
or
of
disloyalty
to
the
(d)
The
protestant
shall
answer
the
counter-‐protest
within
five
days
Republic
of
the
Philippines
shall
file
a
sworn
petition
for
quo
warranto
after
notice;
with
the
Commission
within
ten
days
after
the
proclamation
of
the
results
of
the
election.
(e)
Within
the
period
of
five
days
counted
from
the
filing
of
the
protest
any
other
candidate
for
the
same
office
may
intervene
in
the
case
as
Any
voter
contesting
the
election
of
any
municipal
or
barangay
officer
on
other
contestants
and
ask
for
affirmative
relief
in
his
favor
by
a
petition
the
ground
of
ineligibility
or
of
disloyalty
to
the
Republic
of
the
in
intervention,
which
shall
be
considered
as
another
contest,
except
that
Philippines
shall
file
a
sworn
petition
for
quo
warranto
with
the
regional
it
shall
be
substantiated
within
the
same
proceedings.
The
protestant
or
trial
court
or
metropolitan
or
municipal
trial
court,
respectively,
within
protestee
shall
answer
the
protest
in
intervention
within
five
days
after
ten
days
after
the
proclamation
of
the
results
of
the
election.
notice;
Section
254.
Procedure
in
election
contests.
-‐
The
Commission
shall
(f)
If
no
answer
shall
be
filed
to
the
contest,
counter-‐protest,
or
to
the
prescribe
the
rules
to
govern
the
procedure
and
other
matters
relating
protest
in
intervention,
within
the
time
limits
respectively
fixed,
a
to
election
contests
pertaining
to
all
national,
regional,
provincial,
and
general
denial
shall
be
deemed
to
have
been
entered;
city
offices
not
later
than
thirty
days
before
such
elections.
Such
rules
shall
provide
a
simple
and
inexpensive
procedure
for
the
expeditious
(g)
In
election
contest
proceedings,
the
permanent
registry
list
of
voters
disposition
of
election
contests
and
shall
be
published
in
at
least
two
shall
be
conclusive
in
regard
to
the
question
as
to
who
had
the
right
to
newspapers
of
general
circulation.
vote
in
said
election.
However,
with
respect
to
election
contests
involving
municipal
and
Section
255.
Judicial
counting
of
votes
in
election
contest.
-‐
Where
barangay
offices
the
following
rules
of
procedure
shall
govern:
allegations
in
a
protest
or
counter-‐protest
so
warrant,
or
whenever
in
the
opinion
of
the
court
the
interests
of
justice
so
require,
it
shall
(a)
Notice
of
the
protest
contesting
the
election
of
a
candidate
for
a
immediately
order
the
book
of
voters,
ballot
boxes
and
their
keys,
ballots
municipal
or
barangay
office
shall
be
served
upon
the
candidate
by
and
other
documents
used
in
the
election
be
brought
before
it
and
that
means
of
a
summons
at
the
postal
address
stated
in
his
certificate
of
the
ballots
be
examined
and
the
votes
recounted.
candidacy
except
when
the
protestee,
without
waiting
for
the
summons,
has
made
the
court
understand
that
he
has
been
notified
of
the
protest
Section
256.
Appeals.
-‐
Appeals
from
any
decision
rendered
by
the
or
has
filed
his
answer
hereto;
regional
trial
court
under
Section
251
and
paragraph
two,
Section
253
hereof
with
respect
to
quo
warranto
petitions
filed
in
election
contests
(b)
The
protestee
shall
answer
the
protest
within
five
days
after
receipt
affecting
municipal
officers,
the
aggrieved
party
may
appeal
to
the
of
the
summons,
or,
in
case
there
has
been
no
summons
from
the
date
of
Intermediate
Appellate
Court
within
five
days
after
receipt
of
a
copy
of
his
appearance
and
in
all
cases
before
the
commencement
of
the
hearing
the
decision.
No
motion
for
reconsideration
shall
be
entertained
by
the
of
the
protest
or
contest.
The
answer
shall
deal
only
with
the
election
in
court.
The
appeal
shall
be
decided
within
sixty
days
after
the
case
has
the
polling
places
which
are
covered
by
the
allegations
of
the
contest;
been
submitted
for
decision.
(c)
Should
the
protestee
desire
to
impugn
the
votes
received
by
the
Section
257.
Decision
in
the
Commission.
-‐
The
Commission
shall
decide
SYNCHRONIZED
ELECTION
LAW
all
election
cases
brought
before
it
within
ninety
days
from
the
date
of
their
submission
for
decision.
The
decision
of
the
Commission
shall
Sec.
15.
Pre-‐proclamation
Cases
Not
Allowed
in
Elections
for
President
become
final
thirty
days
after
receipt
of
judgment.
Vice-‐President,
Senator,
and
Member
of
the
House
of
Representatives.
-‐
Section
258.
Preferential
disposition
of
contests
in
courts.
-‐
The
courts,
For
purposes
of
the
elections
for
President,
Vice-‐President,
Senator
and
in
their
respective
cases,
shall
give
preference
to
election
contests
over
Member
of
the
House
of
Representatives,
no
pre-‐proclamation
cases
all
other
cases,
except
those
of
habeas
corpus,
and
shall
without
delay,
shall
be
allowed
on
matters
relating
to
the
preparation,
transmission,
hear
and,
within
thirty
days
from
the
date
of
their
submission
for
receipt,
custody
and
appreciation
of
the
election
returns
or
the
decision,
but
in
every
case
within
six
months
after
filing,
decide
the
certificates
of
canvass,
as
the
case
may
be.
However,
this
does
not
same.
preclude
the
authority
of
the
appropriate
canvassing
body
motu
propio
or
upon
written
complaint
of
an
interested
person
to
correct
manifest
Section
259.
Actual
or
compensatory
damages.
-‐
Actual
or
errors
in
the
certificate
of
canvass
or
election
returns
before
it.
compensatory
damages
may
be
granted
in
all
election
contests
or
in
quo
warranto
proceedings
in
accordance
with
law.
Questions
affecting
the
composition
or
proceedings
of
the
board
of
canvassers
may
be
initiated
in
the
board
or
directly
with
the
Commission
Section
260.
Notice
of
decisions.
-‐
The
clerk
of
court
and
the
in
accordance
with
Section
19
hereof.
corresponding
official
in
the
Commission
before
whom
an
election
contest
or
a
quo
warranto
proceeding
has
been
instituted
or
where
the
Any
objection
on
the
election
returns
before
the
city
or
municipal
board
appeal
of
said
case
has
been
taken
shall
notify
immediately
the
President
of
canvassers,
or
on
the
municipal
certificates
of
canvass
before
the
of
the
Philippines
of
the
final
disposition
thereof.
In
election
contests
provincial
board
of
canvassers
or
district
boards
of
canvassers
in
Metro
involving
provincial,
city,
municipal,
or
barangay
offices,
notice
of
such
Manila
Area,
shall
be
specifically
noticed
in
the
minutes
of
their
final
disposition
shall
also
be
sent
to
the
secretary
of
the
local
respective
proceedings.
sanggunian
concerned.
If
the
decision
be
that
none
of
the
parties
has
been
legally
elected,
said
official
shall
certify
such
decision
to
the
Sec.
15.5
Final
Special
Provision
-‐
This
will
be
the
last
special
provision.
President
of
the
Philippines
and,
in
appropriate
cases,
to
the
I
wrote
this
for
you,
and
only
for
you.
I
hope
that
you'll
be
able
to
read
it
Commission.
when
you
have
the
time
to
do
so.
Thank
you
so
much,
and
goodbye
to
all.
Here's
the
link:
http://bit.ly/thefinalnote
Section
261.
Second
Chances
-‐
We've
been
together
for
half
a
year
and
we
still
don't
know
much
about
each
other.
There's
been
a
few
bonding
Sec.
16.
Pre-‐proclamation
Cases
Involving
Provincial,
City
and
Municipal
sessions
lately
and
we
obviously
enjoy
each
other's
company.
So
how
Offices.
-‐
Pre-‐proclamation
cases
involving
provincial,
city
and
municipal
come
we
still
haven't
had
a
sit-‐down
dinner
where
we
can
just
chill
and
offices
shall
be
allowed
and
shall
be
governed
by
Sections
17,
18,
19,
20,
talk?
Maybe
it's
just
bad
luck
that
we've
never
been
able
to
agree
on
a
21
and
22
hereof.
time
and
place.
I
mean,
we've
tried
before.
It's
just
that
the
North
is
too
north
for
those
who
live
in
the
south
and
the
South
is
too
south
for
those
All
pre-‐proclamation
cases
pending
before
the
Commission
shall
be
in
the
north.
So
why
don't
we
meet
in
the
middle?
On
April
6,
let's
meet
deemed
terminated
at
the
beginning
of
the
term
of
the
office
involved
in
San
Juan,
in
the
middle
of
this
crazy
city
we
live
in.
After
our
and
the
rulings
of
the
boards
of
canvassers
concerned
shall
be
deemed
midterms,
let's
have
some
food
with
a
few
drinks
on
the
side.
Let's
chat
affirmed,
without
prejudice
to
the
filing
of
a
regular
election
protest
by
and
play
some
games.
You
don't
have
to
worry
about
bringing
food
or
the
aggrieved
party.
However,
proceedings
may
continue
when
on
the
drinks.
All
you
have
to
do
is
to
bring
yourself
(and
maybe
some
cash).
basis
of
the
evidence
thus
far
presented,
the
Commission
determined
Everything
will
be
set,
it'll
just
be
you
that's
missing.
What
do
you
say
that
the
petition
appears
meritorious
and
accordingly
issues
an
order
for
blockmates?
Will
join
me
in
this
house
party?
-Gillian Tan
the
proceeding
to
continue
or
when
an
appropriate
order
has
been
his
objection
in
the
form
for
written
objections
to
be
prescribed
by
the
issued
by
the
Supreme
Court
in
a
petition
for
certiorari.
Commission.
Sec.
17.
Pre-‐proclamation
Controversies;
How
Commenced.
-‐
Questions
Within
twenty-‐four
(24)
hours
from
and
after
the
presentation
of
such
affecting
the
composition
or
proceedings
of
the
board
of
canvassers
may
an
objection,
the
objecting
party
shall
submit
the
evidence
in
support
of
be
initiated
in
the
board
or
directly
with
the
Commission.
However,
the
objection,
which
shall
be
attached
to
the
form
for
written
objections.
matters
raised
under
Sections
233,
234,
235
and
236
of
the
Omnibus
Within
the
same
period
of
twenty-‐four
(24)
hours
after
presentation
of
Election
Code
in
relation
to
the
preparation,
transmission,
receipt,
the
objection,
any
party
may
file
a
written
and
verified
opposition
to
the
custody
and
appreciation
of
the
election
returns,
and
the
certificates
of
objection
in
the
form
also
to
be
prescribed
by
the
Commission,
attaching
canvass
shall
be
brought
in
the
first
instance
before
the
board
of
thereto
supporting
evidence,
if
any.
The
board
shall
not
entertain
any
canvassers
only.
objection
or
opposition
unless
reduced
to
writing
in
the
prescribed
forms.
The
evidence
attached
to
the
objection
or
opposition,
submitted
Sec.
18.
Summary
Disposition
of
Pre-‐proclamation
Controversies.
-‐
All
by
the
parties,
shall
be
immediately
and
formally
admitted
into
the
pre-‐proclamation
controversies
on
election
returns
or
certificates
of
records
of
the
board
by
the
chairman
affixing
his
signature
at
the
back
of
canvass
shall,
on
the
basis
of
the
records
and
evidence
elevated
to
it
by
each
every
page
thereof.
the
board
of
canvassers,
be
disposed
of
summarily
by
the
Commission
within
seven
(7)
days
from
receipt
thereof.
Its
decisions
shall
be
Upon
receipt
of
the
evidence,
the
board
shall
keep
up
the
contested
executory
after
the
lapse
of
seven
(7)
days
for
receipts
by
the
losing
returns,
consider
the
written
objections
thereto
and
opposition,
if
any,
party
of
the
decision
of
the
Commission.
and
summarily
and
immediately
rules
thereon.
The
board
shall
enter
its
ruling
on
the
prescribed
form
and
authenticate
the
same
by
the
Sec.
19.
Consented
Composition
or
Proceedings
of
the
Board:
Period
to
signatures
of
its
members.
Appeal:
Decision
by
the
Commission.
-‐
Parties
adversely
affected
by
a
ruling
of
the
board
of
canvassers
on
questions
affecting
the
composition
Any
part
adversely
affected
by
the
ruling
of
the
board
shall
immediately
or
proceedings
of
the
board
may
appeal
the
matter
to
the
Commission
inform
the
board
if
he
intends
to
appeal
said
ruling.
The
board
shall
within
three
(3)
days
from
a
ruling
thereon.
The
Commission
shall
enter
said
information
in
the
minutes
of
the
canvass,
set
aside
the
summarily
decided
the
case
within
five
(5)
days
from
the
filing
thereof.
returns
and
proceed
to
consider
the
other
returns.
Sec.
20.
Procedure
in
Disposition
of
Contested
Election
Returns.
-‐
After
all
the
uncontested
returns
have
been
canvassed
and
the
contested
Any
candidate,
political
party
or
coalition
of
political
parties
contesting
return
ruled
upon
by
it,
the
board
shall
suspend
the
canvass.
Within
the
inclusion
or
exclusion
in
the
canvass
of
any
election
returns
on
any
of
forty-‐eight
(48)
hours,
therefrom,
any
party
adversely
affected
by
the
the
grounds
authorized
under
Article
XX
or
234,
235
and
236
of
234,
235
ruling
may
file
with
the
board
a
written
and
verified
notice
of
appeal;
and
Article
XIX
of
the
Omnibus
Election
Code
shall
submit
their
oral
and
within
an
unextendible
period
of
five
(5)
days
thereafter
an
appeal
objection
to
the
chairman
of
the
board
of
canvassers
at
the
time
the
may
be
taken
to
the
Commission.
questioned
return
is
presented
for
inclusion
in
the
canvass.
Such
Immediately
upon
receipt
of
the
notice
of
appeal,
the
board
shall
make
objection
shall
be
recorded
in
the
minutes
of
the
canvass.
an
appropriate
report
to
the
Commission,
elevating
therewith
the
complete
records
and
evidence
submitted
in
the
canvass,
and
furnishing
Upon
receipts
of
any
such
objection,
the
board
of
canvassers
shall
the
parties
with
copies
of
the
report.
automatically
defer
the
canvass
of
the
contested
returns
and
shall
proceed
to
canvass
the
returns
which
are
not
contested
by
any
party.
On
the
basis
of
the
record
and
evidence
elevate
to
it
by
the
board,
the
Simultaneous
with
the
oral
objection,
the
objecting
party
shall
also
enter
Commission
shall
decide
summarily
the
appeal
within
seven
(7)
days
from
receipt
of
said
record
and
evidence.
Any
appeal
brought
before
the
Commission
on
the
ruling
of
the
board,
without
the
accomplished
forms
and
the
evidence
appended
thereto,
shall
be
summarily
dismissed.
(2)
each
certificate
of
canvass
contains
the
names
of
all
of
the
candidates
The
decision
of
the
Commission
shall
be
executory
after
the
lapse
of
for
president
and
vice-‐president
or
senator,
as
the
case
may
be,
and
their
seven
(7)
days
from
receipts
thereof
by
the
losing
party.
corresponding
votes
in
words
and
their
corresponding
votes
in
words
and
in
figures;
The
board
of
canvassers
shall
not
proclaim
any
candidate
as
winner
unless
authorized
by
the
Commission
after
the
latter
has
ruled
on
the
(3)
there
[exists]
no
discrepancy
in
other
authentic
copies
of
the
object
brought
to
it
on
appeal
by
the
losing
party.
Any
proclamation
certificates
of
canvass
or
any
of
its
supporting
documents
such
as
made
in
violation
hereof
shall
be
void
ab
initio,
unless
the
contested
statement
of
votes
by
city/municipality/by
precinct
or
discrepancy
in
returns
will
not
adversely
affect
the
results
of
the
election.
the
votes
of
any
candidate
in
words
and
figures
in
the
certificate;
and
Sec.
21.
Partial
Proclamation.
-‐
Notwithstanding
the
pendency
of
any
(4)
there
exists
no
discrepancy
in
the
votes
of
any
candidate
in
words
pre-‐proclamation
controversy,
the
Commission
may
summarily
order
and
figures
in
the
certificate
of
canvass
against
the
aggregate
number
of
the
proclamation
of
other
winning
candidates
whose
election
will
not
be
votes
appearing
in
the
election
returns
of
precincts
covered
by
the
affected
by
the
outcome
of
the
controversy.
certificate
of
canvass:
Provided,
That
certified
print
copies
of
election
Sec.
22.
Election
Contests
for
Municipal
Offices.
-‐
All
election
contests
returns
or
certificates
of
canvass
may
be
used
for
the
purpose
of
involving
municipal
offices
filed
with
the
Regional
Trial
Court
shall
be
verifying
the
existence
of
the
discrepancy.
decided
expeditiously.
The
decision
may
be
appealed
to
the
Commission
within
five
(5)
days
from
promulgation
or
receipt
of
a
copy
thereof
by
"When
the
certificate
of
canvass,
duly
certified
by
the
board
of
canvass
of
the
aggrieved
party.
The
Commission
shall
decide
the
appeal
within
sixty
each
province,
city
[or]
district,
appears
to
be
incomplete,
the
Senate
(60)
days
after
it
is
submitted
for
decision,
but
not
later
than
six
(6)
President
or
the
Chairman
of
the
Commission,
as
the
case
may
be,
shall
months
after
the
filing
of
the
appeal,
which
decision
shall
be
final,
require
the
board
of
canvassers
concerned
to
transmit
by
personal
unappealable
and
executory.
delivery,
the
election
returns
from
polling
places
that
were
not
included
in
the
certificate
of
canvass
and
supporting
statements.
Said
election
AUTOMATED
ELECTION
LAW
(RA
9369)
returns
shall
be
submitted
by
personal
delivery
within
two
(2)
days
from
receipt
of
notice.
SECTION
37.
Section
30
of
Republic
Act
No.
7166
is
hereby
amended
to
"When
it
appears
that
any
certificate
of
canvass
or
supporting
statement
read
as
follows:
of
votes
by
city/municipality
or
by
precinct
bears
erasures
or
alterations
which
may
cast
doubt
as
to
the
veracity
of
the
number
of
votes
stated
"SECTION
30.
Congress
as
the
National
Board
of
Canvassers
for
the
herein
and
may
affect
the
result
of
the
election,
upon
request
of
the
Election
of
President
and
Vice
President:
The
Commission
en
banc
presidential,
vice-‐presidential
or
senatorial
candidate
concerned
or
his
as
the
National
Board
of
Canvassers
for
the
election
of
senators:
party,
Congress
or
the
Commission
en
banc,
as
the
case
may
be,
shall,
for
Determination
of
Authenticity
and
Due
Execution
of
Certificates
of
the
sole
purpose
of
verifying
the
actual
number
of
votes
cast
for
Canvass.
-‐
Congress
and
the
Commission
en
banc
shall
determine
the
President
and
Vice-‐President
or
senator,
count
the
votes
as
they
appear
authenticity
and
due
execution
of
the
certificate
of
canvass
for
president
in
the
copies
of
the
election
returns
submitted
to
it.
and
vice-‐president
and
senators,
respectively,
as
accomplished
and
transmitted
to
it
by
the
local
boards
of
canvassers,
on
a
showing
that:
"In
case
of
any
discrepancy,
incompleteness,
erasure
or
alteration
as
mentioned
above,
the
procedure
on
pre-‐proclamation
controversies
(1)
each
certificate
of
canvass
was
executed,
signed
and
thumbmarked
shall
be
adopted
and
applied
as
provided
in
Sections
17,
18,
19
and
20.
by
the
chairman
and
members
of
the
board
of
canvassers
and
transmitted
or
caused
to
be
transmitted
to
Congress
by
them;
"Any
person
who
presents
in
evidence
a
simulated
copy
of
an
election
return,
certificate
of
canvass
or
statement
of
votes,
or
a
printed
copy
of
Each
contest
shall
refer
exclusively
to
one
office,
but
contests
for
offices
an
election
return,
certificate
of
canvass
or
statement
of
votes
bearing
a
of
the
Sangguniang
Pampook,
Sangguniang
Panlalawigan
or
Sangguniang
simulated
certification
or
a
simulated
image,
shall
be
guilty
of
an
election
Panglungsod
may
be
consolidated
in
a
single
case.
offense
and
shall
be
penalized
in
accordance
with
Batas
Pambansa
Blg.
881."
Section
2.
Contents
of
Answer.
-‐
The
answer
must
specify
the
nature
of
the
defense
and
may
set
forth
special
and
affirmative
defenses.
SECTION
38.
Section
15
of
Republic
Act
No.
7166
is
hereby
amended
to
read
as
follows:
Section
3.
Counter-‐Protest
or
Counterclaim.
-‐
The
protestee
may
incorporate
in
his
answer
a
counter-‐protest
or
a
counterclaim.
"SECTION
15.
Pre-‐proclamation
Cases
in
Elections
for
President,
Vice-‐President,
Senator,
and
Member
of
the
House
of
Section
4.
General
Denial.
-‐
If
no
answer
is
filed
to
the
protest
or
Representatives.
-‐
For
purposes
of
the
elections
for
president,
vice-‐ counter-‐protest,
a
general
denial
shall
be
deemed
to
have
been
entered.
president,
senator,
and
member
of
the
House
of
Representatives,
no
pre-‐
proclamation
cases
shall
be
allowed
on
matters
relating
to
the
Section
5.
Protestant's
Reply.
-‐
The
protestant
may
file
a
reply.
preparation,
transmission,
receipt,
custody
and
appreciation
of
election
returns
or
the
certificates
of
canvass,
as
the
case
may
be,
except
as
Section
6.
Revision
of
Ballots.
-‐
When
the
allegations
in
a
protest
or
provided
for
in
Section
30
hereof.
However,
this
does
not
preclude
the
counter-‐protest
so
warrant,
or
whenever
in
the
opinion
of
the
authority
of
the
appropriate
canvassing
body
motu
propio
or
upon
Commission
or
Division
the
interest
of
justice
so
demands,
it
shall
written
complaint
of
an
interested
person
to
correct
manifest
errors
in
immediately
order
the
ballot
boxes
containing
ballots
and
their
keys,
list
the
certificate
of
canvass
or
election
returns
before
it.
of
voters
with
voting
records,
book
of
voters,
and
other
documents
used
in
the
election
to
be
brought
before
the
Commission,
and
shall
order
the
"Questions
affecting
the
composition
or
proceedings
of
the
board
of
revision
of
the
ballots.
canvassers
may
be
initiated
in
the
board
or
directly
with
the
Commission
in
accordance
with
Section
19
hereof.
Section
7.
Composition
and
Compensation
of
Revision
Committee.
-‐
For
the
above
purpose,
the
Commission
may
constitute
a
committee
on
the
"Any
objection
on
the
election
returns
before
the
city
or
municipal
board
revision
of
ballots
which
shall
be
composed
of
the
following
with
the
of
canvassers,
or
on
the
municipal
certificates
of
canvass
before
the
corresponding
compensation
per
ballot
box
contested:
provincial
board
of
canvassers
or
district
board
of
canvassers
in
Metro
Manila
Area,
shall
be
specifically
noticed
in
the
minutes
of
their
1.
A
Chairman,
who
shall
be
a
lawyer
of
the
Commission
-‐
P150.00
respective
proceedings."
2.
One
Revisor/Alternate
for
the
Protestant
-‐
P100.00
COMELEC
RULES
OF
PROCEDURE
3.
One
Revisor/Alternate
for
the
Protestee
-‐
P100.00
Rule
20
-‐
Election
Protests
Other
Support
Staff:
Section
1.
Filing
of
Election
Protest.
-‐
A
verified
petition
contesting
the
election
of
any
regional,
provincial
or
city
official
shall
be
filed
by
any
4.
Clerk
-‐
P50.00
candidate
who
duly
filed
a
certificate
of
candidacy
and
has
been
voted
for
the
same
office,
within
ten
(10)
days
after
the
proclamation
of
the
5.
Typist
-‐
P50.00
results
of
the
election.
authorized
representatives
and
the
parties,
their
attorney
or
their
duly
6.
Ballot
Box
Custodian
-‐
P50.00
authorized
representatives
shall
have
access
to
the
place
where
said
revision
is
taking
place.
Section
8.
Revision
Expenses.
-‐
The
compensation
of
the
members
and
staff
shall
be
deducted
from
the
cash
deposit
of
the
protestant
or
the
Section
13.
Book
of
Voters
as
Evidence.
-‐
In
election
contests,
the
book
protestee
as
the
case
may
be,
and
other
incidental
expenses
such
as
of
voters
shall
be
conclusive
in
regard
to
the
question
as
to
who
has
the
supplies
and
transportation
in
the
supplies
and
transportation
in
the
right
to
vote
in
said
election.
gathering
of
the
protested
ballot
boxes.
Rule
21
-‐
Quo
Warranto
Section
9.
Venue
of
the
Revision.
-‐
The
revision
of
ballots
shall
be
made
in
the
Office
of
the
Clerk
of
Court
concerned
or
at
such
places
as
the
Section
1.
Petition
for
Quo
Warranto.
-‐
Any
voter
contesting
the
election
Commission
or
Division
shall
designate
and
shall
be
completed
within
of
any
regional,
provincial
or
city
official
on
the
ground
of
ineligibility
or
three
(3)
months
from
the
date
of
the
order;
unless
otherwise
directed
of
disloyalty
to
the
Republic
of
the
Philippines
may
file
a
petition
for
quo
by
the
Commission.
warranto
with
the
Electoral
Contests
Adjudication
Department.
Section
10.
Custody
of
Election
Records
and
Paraphernalia.
-‐
The
ballot
Section
2.
Period
Within
Which
to
File.
-‐
A
petition
for
quo
warranto
boxes
containing
ballots
and
their
keys,
the
list
of
voters
with
the
voting
may
be
filed
within
ten
(10)
days
from
the
date
the
respondent
is
records,
book
of
voters,
and
other
documents
used
in
the
election,
shall
proclaimed.
be
kept
and
held
secure
in
a
place
to
be
designated
by
the
Commission,
in
the
care
and
custody
of
the
ballot
box
custodian
of
the
Electoral
Rule
22
-‐
Appeals
from
Decisions
of
Courts
Contests
Adjudication
Department
and
under
the
authority
of
the
Chairman.
in
Election
Protest
Cases
Section
1.
Caption
and
Title
of
Appealed
Cases.
-‐
In
all
election
contests
Section
11.
Report
of
Committee
on
Revision.
-‐
The
committee
on
involving
the
elections,
returns,
and
qualifications
of
municipal
or
revision
of
ballots
shall
make
a
statement
of
the
condition
in
which
the
barangay
officials,
the
party
interposing
the
appeal
shall
be
called
the
ballot
boxes
and
their
contents
were
found
upon
the
opening
of
the
"Appellant"
and
the
adverse
party
the
"Appellee",
but
the
title
of
the
case
same,
and
shall
classify
the
ballots
so
examined
and
set
forth
clearly
any
shall
remain
as
it
was
in
the
court
of
origin.
objection
that
may
have
been
offered
to
each
ballot
in
the
report
to
be
submitted
by
them.
Disputed
ballots
shall
be
numbered
consecutively
for
Section
2.
Attorneys.
-‐
The
attorneys
of
the
parties
in
the
courts
shall
be
purposes
of
identification
in
the
presence
and
under
the
direction
of
the
considered
as
their
respective
attorneys
in
the
Commission,
unless
committee
chairman.
After
examination,
the
ballots
and
other
election
otherwise
manifested.
documents
shall
be
returned
to
their
respective
boxes
under
lock
but
disputed
ballots
shall
be
placed
in
a
separate
envelope
duly
sealed
and
Section
3.
Notice
of
Appeal.
-‐
Within
five
(5)
days
after
promulgation
of
signed
by
the
members
of
the
committee
and
then
returned
to
the
box.
the
decision
of
the
court,
the
aggrieved
party
may
file
with
said
court
a
For
purposes
of
making
said
report,
which
shall
be
submitted
in
twelve
notice
of
appeal,
and
serve
a
copy
thereof
upon
the
attorney
of
record
of
(12)
legible
copies,
only
the
prescribed
form
prepared
by
the
the
adverse
party.
Commission
shall
be
used.
Section
4.
Immediate
Transmittal
of
Records
of
the
Case.
-‐
The
Clerk
of
Section
12.
Prohibited
Access.
-‐
During
the
revision
of
ballots,
no
person
the
court
concerned
shall,
within
fifteen
(15)
days
from
the
filing
of
the
other
than
the
Members
of
the
Commission,
members
of
the
committee
notice
of
appeal,
transmit
to
the
Electoral
Contests
Adjudication
on
revision
of
ballots,
the
Clerk
of
Court
concerned
or
the
latter's
Department
the
complete
records
of
the
case,
together
with
all
the
evidence,
including
the
original
and
three
(3)
copies
of
the
transcript
of
(d)
Failure
to
file
notice
of
appeal
within
the
prescribed
period.
stenographic
notes
of
the
proceedings.
Section
10.
Withdrawal
of
Appeal.
-‐
An
appeal
may
be
withdrawn
as
a
Section
5.
Filing
of
Briefs.
-‐
The
Clerk
of
Court
concerned,
upon
receipt
matter
of
right
at
any
time
before
the
filing
of
appellee's
brief.
After
the
of
the
complete
records
of
the
case,
shall
notify
the
appellant
or
his
filing
of
the
appellee's
brief,
the
withdrawal
may
be
allowed
at
the
counsel
to
file
with
the
Electoral
Contests
Adjudication
Department
discretion
of
the
Commission.
within
thirty
(30)
days
from
receipt
of
such
notice,
ten
(10)
legible
copies
of
his
brief
with
proof
of
service
thereof
upon
the
appellee.
Within
thirty
(30)
days
from
receipt
of
the
brief
of
the
appellant,
the
appellee
shall
file
ten
(10)
legible
copies
of
his
brief
with
proof
of
service
thereof
upon
the
appellant.
Section
6.
Contents
of
Brief.
-‐
The
brief
shall
have
the
same
contents
as
those
provided
under
Sections
16
and
17,
Rule
46
of
the
Rules
of
Court.
A
copy
of
the
decision
appealed
from
shall
be
attached
as
an
appendix
to
the
appellant's
brief.
Section
7.
Reply
Brief.
-‐
The
appellant
may
file
a
reply
brief
within
twenty
(20)
days
from
receipt
of
appellee's
brief.
Section
8.
When
Case
May
Be
Set
for
Oral
Argument.
-‐
Upon
the
filing
of
appellant's
reply
brief,
or
after
the
expiration
of
the
time
for
its
filing,
the
case
shall
be
deemed
submitted
for
decision,
unless
within
fifteen
(15)
days
therefrom,
any
party
asks,
and
for
special
reason,
is
thereafter
granted
permission
for
oral
argument,
or
unless
the
Commission
motu
proprio
requires
it.
Oral
arguments
shall
be
confined
to
such
points
as
the
Commission
may
specify
in
an
order
setting
the
date
therefor.
The
Commission
may
admit
memoranda
in
lieu
of
oral
argument.
Section
9.
Grounds
for
Dismissal
of
Appeal.
-‐
The
appeal
may
be
dismissed
upon
motion
of
either
party
or
at
the
instance
of
the
Commission
on
any
of
the
following
grounds:
(a)
Failure
of
the
appellant
to
pay
the
correct
appeal
fee;
(b)
Failure
of
the
appellant
to
file
copies
of
his
brief
within
the
time
provided
by
these
rules;
(c)
Want
of
specific
assignment
of
errors
in
the
appellant's
brief;
and