The House of Representatives has advanced a bill that seeks to penalize individuals who file nuisance candidacies, aiming to protect the integrity of the electoral process by imposing stricter penalties.
House Bill No. 11317, which passed on second reading on January 28, proposes making nuisance candidacy an election offense under the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines by imposing a fine of PHP 500,000 payable to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
“This measure serves as a deterrent against individuals who undermine the sanctity of our elections for personal or financial gain,” according to Mountain Province Representative Maximo Dalog Jr., chairperson of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms.
The bill expands the definition of nuisance candidates to include those who file a certificate of candidacy (COC) for monetary gain, profit, or any other consideration.
Currently, the law defines nuisance candidates as individuals who file a COC to mock or discredit the electoral process, create confusion among voters due to the similarity of registered candidates’ names, or other acts that indicate a lack of genuine intent to run for public office.
Under existing provisions of Batas Pambansa 881, Comelec has the authority to cancel COCs based on these criteria.
However, HB 11317 strengthens the enforcement of this rule by explicitly classifying such acts as an election offense, carrying a significant financial penalty.
“This bill ensures that our elections remain a platform for genuine leadership and public service, not for personal interest or manipulation,” Dalog added.
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