PDP-Laban seeks to block Comelec resolutions before SC

Commission on Elections

MANILA, Philippines — The Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) on Thursday sought the Supreme Court to nullify several resolutions by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

The PDP-Laban made the request before the SC through a petition for prohibition and mandamus with an urgent prayer for a temporary restraining order and writ of preliminary injunction.

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One of the resolutions challenged by the petitioners was Comelec’s automated counting of votes, which they argue violated Section 31 of Republic Act (RA) No. 9369 or the Election Automation Law. That law mandates manual counting of ballots at the precinct level.

They also challenged the implementation of remote online voting for overseas voters, stating that the use of digital ballots is not authorized by existing laws.

New system

“Comelec cannot be allowed to introduce this new system through mere administrative issuances only,” the petition read.

Meanwhile, the petitioners also challenged the fully automated counting and canvassing of overseas votes. They accuse the Comelec of violating RA No. 10590 or the Overseas Voting Act of 2013, which mandates an on-site counting and canvassing process.

“If the 2025 Elections proceed under these ultra vires Comelec issuances, not only would the integrity and credibility of the electoral process be jeopardized, but its very legality and legitimacy,” said the petitioners’ legal counsel. Israelito Torreon.

“We do not want to be partaking in an illegitimate election,” he added.

Among the petitioners include PDP-Laban Vice chair Alfonso Cusi, and the party’s endorsed senatorial candidates Raul Lambino, Jimmy Bondoc, and Vic Rodriguez.