The Philippines' Commission on Elections (Comelec) has officially disqualified Christian C. Kapil, the mayor of Porac town in Pampanga province, from running in elections due to his removal from office for gross negligence, thus losing his legal eligibility to participate in the 2025 local elections.
In a public statement, Comelec's Second Division stated: "Considering the relevant facts and legal basis, the Commission has decided to grant the petition and declare the respondent Kapil disqualified from participating in the local elections of Porac town on May 12, 2025."
Kapil was previously dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman for allegedly allowing the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) Lucky South 99 to engage in illegal gambling activities within his jurisdiction, under the charge of "gross negligence." This decision not only cost him his current position but also, according to the Local Government Code of 1991, automatically disqualified him from running for any local office in the future.
Comelec noted that allowing individuals who have been removed from office due to administrative sanctions to continue running would severely undermine the supervisory authority of the Ombudsman in the Philippine administrative system and damage the integrity of the entire electoral system.
"As an independent constitutional body, the Commission on Elections has the responsibility to uphold the fairness and legality of elections, ensuring that only candidates who meet the legal qualifications can run," added Comelec.
According to the voting results, Kapil originally led his opponent Domingo Tapon by 39,939 votes to 23,063 votes, securing re-election as mayor. However, with his qualification now officially revoked, Comelec ruled his votes invalid and legally considered as "stray votes."
Furthermore, Comelec has instructed the Municipal Board of Canvassers (MBOC) of Porac to revise the vote tally and announce the legally elected candidate based on the valid votes.
This case highlights the close connection between eligibility to run and standards of integrity in public office within the Philippine electoral system, and Comelec reiterated its commitment to fulfilling its constitutional duties to maintain the legitimacy and credibility of election results.
