Bridge:

Topic: Commission on Elections

Discussan: Krizel Villanueva

The commission on Elections (COMELEC) is another independent constitutional body, pe

rforming a very crucial role in the governance of the country. It was created for the p
urpose of ensuring free and honest elections and protecting the popular will of the pe
ople as expressed in the ballot.

COMPOSITION. The COMELEC is composed of one Chairman and six Commissioners.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED OF COMELEC MEMBERS. For one to be appointed member

of this constitutional body, the following qualifications are required.

• A natural born citizen of the Philippines.

• Ateast 35 years of age at the time of appointments;

• Must not have been a candidate for any elective position in the immediately precedin
g election; and

• A member of the Philippines Bar who has been in the practice of law for 10 years.

APPOINTMENT AND TERMS OF OFFICE. The Chairman and the Commissioners are app
ointment by the president,subject to the confirmation or the Commission on April for a
term of seven years.

POWERS AND FUNCTIONS. The COMELEC exercises the following powers and functions:

• Enforce and administer all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of an election,
plebiscite,iniciative,referendum,and recall.

• Exercise exclusive original jurisdiction over all contest relating to the elections,returns,a
nd qualifications of all elective,regional,provincial and City officials, and appellate jurisdict
ion.
• Decide, except those involving the right to vote,all questions affecting elections, includ
ing determination of the number and location of all polling places appointment of elect
ion officials and inspectors,and registration of voters.

• Deputize, with the concurrence or the President, law enforcement agencies and instru
mentalities of the government, including the AFP, for the exclusive purpose of ensuring
free,orderly,honest,and credible elections.

• Register,after sufficient publication,political parties, organizations,or coalitions,which in a

ddition to other requirements,must present their platform or program of government an
d acredit citizens arms of the COMELEC.

• File,upon verified complaint or on its own initiative.positions in court for inclusion of

exclusion of voters.

• Investigate and prosecute cases of violations of election laws,including acts or omissio

ns constituting election frauds,offenses, and malpractices.

• Recommended to Congress effective measures to minimize election spending,including

limitation of places where propaganda materials shall be posted, and to prevent and
penalize all forms of election frauds, offenses,malpractices, and nuisance candidates.

• Recommend to the President the removal of any officer or employee it has Deputize
or the impsition of any other disciplinary action,for violation or disregard of,or disobedi
ence to it's dirrctive,order, or decision.

• Submit to the President and Congress a comprehensive report on the conduct of oea
ch election, plebiscite, initiative,referendum or recall.

PROCEDURES IN HEARING ELECTION CASES. The COMELEC may sit en banc or in two
divisions on hearing election cases.

REGULATION OF PUBLIC UTILITIES AND MEDIA. The COMELEC is given authority to su

pervise or regulate the enjoyment or utilization of all franchises or permits for the oper
ation of transportation and other public utilities,media of communication or information
during the election period.

COMMISSION ON AUDIT
 The Commission on Audit (COA) has the responsibility of ensuring transparency an
d accountability in government service, particularly in the use of public funds.

COMPOSITION. The COA is constituted by a Cahirman and two Commissioners.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED OF COA MEMBERS. To be qualified for appointment as me

mber of this constitutional body, the following qualifications are required;

• A natural-born citizen of the Philippines;

• At least 35 years old of age at the time of his/her appointment;

• A certificate public accountant with ateast 10 years of auditing experience or a ember

of the Philippine Bat engaged in the practice law for at least 10 years; and

• Must not have been a candidate for any elective position in the elections immediatel
y preceding his/her appointment.

APPOINTMENT AND TERMS OF OFFICE. The Chairman and the Commissioners are app
ointed by the President with the consent of the Commission on Appointments for a ter
m of seven years without reappointment.

POWERS AND FUNCTIONS. As an independent constitutional body, the COA exercises t

he following powers and functions;

• To examine,audit,and settle accounts,pertaining to the revenue and receipts of and ex

penditures or uses of funds and property,owned or hold by or pertaining to, the Gover
nment or any of it's subdivisions corporations.

• To define the scope of it's audit and examinition;

• To promulgate rules and regulations s, including those for the prevention and disallo
wance of irregular, unnecessary,excessive,extravagant or unconscionable expenditures or
uses of government funds and properties, and

• To submit to the President and Congress,within. The time fixed by kaw, an annual re
port covering the Financial Condi and operation of the government. It's subdivisions,age
ncies and instrumentalities.