THE COMELEC Second Division has resolved to disqualify Ireneo Polinar Lapis as candidate for the position of Barangay Chairman of Barangay Pualas, Don Carlos, Bukidnon in the October 30, 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE 2023).
In its Resolution, released on 13 October 2023, the COMELEC Second Division said that “[f]or being removed from public office as a result of the Ombudsman’s finding that [Lapis] is guilty in the administrative case against him, [Lapis] is disqualified from running for any elective public office.”
Section 40(b) of the Local Government Code of 1991 provides that removal from office as a result of an administrative case is one of the grounds for disqualification from running for any elective local position.
The Ombudsman, in its Order dated 28 March 2005, ordered Lapis’ dismissal from public service after finding him guilty of Dishonesty and pursuant to Section 52(a) and Section 58(a) of the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Memorandum Circular No. 19, s. 1999 or the Uniform Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service.
It can be remembered that the COMELEC has recently disqualified or denied due course to/cancelled the COCs of the following candidates for the BSKE 2023:
- Aniano Pancho Capinig, Punong Barangay candidate, Barangay Cabas-an, Aroroy, Masbate (Sentenced by Final Judgment to an Offense with a Penalty of More than 18 Months)
- Ivy Jane Parohinog Miranda, SK Chairman candidate, Barangay Malag-it, Calinog, Iloilo (Material Misrepresentation in the COC, father is an incumbent Sangguniang Barangay Member in the same locality)
- Merson C. Calubag, SK Chairman candidate, Barangay Magtangale, San Francisco, Surigao del Norte (Material Misrepresentation in the COC, mother is an incumbent Barangay Kagawad in the same locality)
