Solon wants convicts automatically disqualified from public office

MANILA, Philippines — A bill filed in the House of Representatives is seeking to automatically disqualify convicted individuals, including those found guilty of corruption, from holding public office even while his or her case is on appeal.

Samar 1st District Rep. Edgar Mary Sarmiento’s House Bill No. 92 specifically aims to amend Sections 12 and 68 of the Omnibus Election Code.

“Most people do not know this but individuals already convicted by the Sandiganbayan are still free to run for public office just so long as they file for an appeal of their ruling,” Sarmiento said in a Facebook post.

Based on Section 12 of the Election Code, the following persons shall be disqualified from running for public office unless given plenary pardon or granted amnesty:

– those declared by competent authority insane or incompetent;

– those sentenced by final judgment for subversion, insurrection, rebellion or for any offense for which he has been sentenced to a penalty of more than 18 months or for a crime involving moral turpitude

Section 68 of the same law, meanwhile, mentions additional election violations that could lead to disqualification like vote-buying and campaign overspending.

Sarmiento, in his explanatory note, said the bill is necessary to “ensure that the sanctity of candidacy for public office is protected.” /kga