SC upholds disqualification of councilor in 2013 polls

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court (SC) has stood firm on disqualifying candidates with dual citizenship.

In a 19-page decision promulgated last April 5 but released only yesterday, the SC upheld the disqualification of Manila District 4 Councilor Arlene Chua in the 2013 elections.

It dismissed Chua’s petition seeking the reversal of the order issued by the Commission on Elections on Jan. 20 annulling her proclamation as councilor in 2013. The poll body disqualified her for being a dual citizen at the time she filed her certificate of candidacy under Section 40 of the Local Government Code.

The assailed order also directed the Board of Canvassers to reconvene and proclaim another candidate, Krystle Marie Bacani, as councilor for having garnered the next highest number of votes.

The SC rejected Chua’s claim that she has renounced her American citizenship by taking the oath of allegiance. It stressed that the oath and the sworn and personal renunciation of foreign citizenship are separate requirements, the latter being an additional requirement for qualification to run for public office.