SC nullifies Comelec ruling recognizing Villamin as MAGSASAKA chair
MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has nullified the Commission on Elections (Comelec) ruling that recognized Soliman Villamin, Jr. as the national chairperson of the MAGSASAKA (Magkakasama sa Sakahan, Kaunlaran) party list despite his removal due to alleged anomalous activities.
SC spokesperson Atty. Camille Ting announced this during a press conference on Thursday.
READ: Infighting, power struggle erupt within Magsasaka party-list
“In a Decision dated May 21, 2024, the Supreme Court En Banc, with two Justices dissenting, one concurring and dissenting, and one taking no part, granted the petition of the MAGSASAKA party list to nullify the rulings of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), which recognized Soliman Villamin, Jr. as the National Chairperson of MAGSASAKA despite his removal from the party,” she said.
Villamin, who had been the national chairperson of MAGSASAKA, was expelled from the organization due to anomalous activities.
The High Court ruled that the poll body overstepped when it focused on determining whether the party list complied with due process in removing him without taking into consideration the reason behind his removal.
The SC said that “while the Comelec has limited jurisdiction over intra-party leadership disputes, it does not mean that Comelec can substitute its own judgment for that of the Party.
“The Comelec cannot disregard the Party’s actions simply because these do not appear to be in line with the Comelec’s interpretation of the party’s Saligang Batas. A party must be allowed to interpret its own governing rules and remove officials from participating in its own affairs,” it continued.
READ: SC stops Comelec-proclaimed Magsasaka Party-list winner from assuming post in Congress
Since MAGSASAKA validly removed Villamin from his position, he could not file the Manifestation of Intent to Participate in the 2022 Elections.
Therefore, his nominee, Roberto Gerard L. Nazal, Jr., could not have been validly proclaimed as the MAGSASAKA Party-List Representative in the House of Representatives, the SC said.
