SET issues rules on poll protests

MANILA, Philippines - The Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) has published its rules apparently in anticipation of any electoral protest in the May elections.

In a two-page advertisement in The STAR on Sunday, the SET said that pending the election of the members of the Senate who shall sit in the tribunal, three justices of the Supreme Court already designated have the authority to act on administrative and interlocutory matters, subject to confirmation by the tribunal upon its organization.

The SET is composed of justices of the Supreme Court and members of the Senate to be designated to the body. 

The tribunal is the sole judge of all contests relating to the election, returns, and qualifications of the members of the Senate. An election contest is initiated through the filing of a verified election protest or a verified petition against a member of the Senate. 

An election protest shall not include a petition for quo warranto, nor shall a petition for quo warranto include an election protest. A petition for quo warranto means an individual’s right to hold office or privilege is being challenged.

A verified petition contesting the election of any member of the Senate shall be filed by any candidate who has duly filed a certificate of candidacy and been voted for the office of senator within 30 days after the proclamation of the protestee. No joint election shall be admitted, but the tribunal, for good and sufficient reasons, may consolidate individual protests and hear and decide them jointly.