New Comelec rules to speed up resolution of poll protests

Apparently anticipating a deluge of electoral protests in the May 14 polls, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has laid down new rules to expedite the deliberation of cases.

Under Resolution No.7808, two Comelec divisions will hear and decide on protests and petitions, with three commissioners in each division.

The most senior of the three will be named presiding commissioner. The divisions will not have jurisdiction over Comelec’s citizens-arm accreditation.

Four commissioner constitute a quorum in an en banc session, and two when sitting in a division.

In case of a permanent vacancy in a particular division, the most senior commissioner in the other division will fill in the vacancy.

A junior member of the other division, on the other hand, will substitute for an absent commissioner.

The Comelec will also use color-coding to facilitate the identification of cases. The assignment of cases will be done through raffle.

The commissioners will prepare to decide on a case within 15 days from the last hearing. A resolution is subjected to a final review before it is signed.