View source for Commission on Elections (Philippines)

{{Short description|Philippine independent constitutional commission}}
{{Tone|date=October 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2022}}
{{Use Philippine English|date=September 2022}}
{{Infobox organization
| name                = Commission on Elections<br />''Komisyon sa Halalan''
| logo                = Commission on Elections (COMELEC).svg
| logo_size           =
| logo_alt            =
| logo_caption        = Official seal
| abbreviation        = COMELEC
| predecessor         = Department of Interior
| formation           = {{start date and age|1940|08|22}}
| headquarters        = [[Palacio del Gobernador]]
| location            = General Luna Street corner Andres Soriano Jr. Avenue, [[Intramuros]], [[Manila]]
| image               = File:Palacio Del Gobernador (Intramuros, Manila; 07-22-2020) wiki.jpg
| caption             = [[Palacio del Gobernador]], head office
| coords              = <!-- {{coord|LAT|LON|display=inline, title}} -->
| membership          = 1 chairperson, 6 commissioners
| leader_title        = Chairperson
| leader_name         = [[George Erwin M. Garcia]]
| employees           = 4,836 (2024)<ref>{{Cite web |last=[[Department of Budget and Management]] |title=Staffing Summary Fiscal Year 2025 |url=https://www.dbm.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/Staffing/STAFFING2025/STAFFING-SUMMARY-2025.pdf|access-date=April 24, 2025}}</ref>
| budget              = {{Philippine peso|14.6}} billion (2021)<ref name="GAAFY2021">https://www.dbm.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/GAA/GAA2021/TechGAA2021/COMELEC/COMELEC.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017130309/https://www.dbm.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/GAA/GAA2021/TechGAA2021/COMELEC/COMELEC.pdf |date=October 17, 2021 }} {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref>
| website             = {{URL|www.comelec.gov.ph}}
}}
{{Politics of Philippines}}
The '''Commission on Elections''' ({{langx|fil|Komisyon sa Halalan}}), abbreviated as '''{{Sc1|COMELEC}}''',<ref>[http://www.comelec.gov.ph/ home page of the {{Sc2|COMELEC}} website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119010802/https://www.comelec.gov.ph/ |date=November 19, 2020 }} accessed January 28, 2016, consistently uses the all upper case abbreviation of "COMELEC" rather than "Comelec"</ref> is one of the three [[Constitutional Commission#Philippines|constitutional commissions]] of the [[Philippines]]. Its principal role is to enforce all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of [[elections in the Philippines]].

The other two Constitutional Commissions are the [[Commission on Audit (Philippines)|Commission on Audit]] and [[Civil Service Commission (Philippines)|Civil Service Commission]].

==Functions==
According to Article IX-C, Section 2 of the [[1987 Constitution of the Philippines]], the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) shall exercise the following powers and functions:<ref>Article IX-C, Section 2, 1987 Constitution of the Philippines</ref>
# Enforce and administer all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of an election, plebiscite, initiative, referendum, and recall.
# Exercise exclusive original jurisdiction over all contests relating to the [[election]]s, returns, and qualifications of all elective regional, provincial, and city officials, and appellate jurisdiction over all contests involving elective municipal officials decided by trial courts of general jurisdiction, or involving elective barangay officials decided by trial courts of limited jurisdiction. Decisions, final orders, or rulings of the commission on election contests involving elective municipal and barangay offices shall be final, executory, and not appealable.
# Decide, except those involving the right to vote, all questions affecting elections, including determination of the number and location of polling places, appointment of election officials and inspectors, and registration of voters.
# Deputize, with the concurrence of the President, law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities of the Government, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, for the exclusive purpose of ensuring free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections.
# Register, after sufficient publication, political parties, organizations, or coalitions which, in addition to other requirements, must present their platform or program of government; and accredit citizens’ arms of the Commission on Elections. Religious denominations and sects shall not be registered. Those which seek to achieve their goals through violence or unlawful means, or refuse to uphold and adhere to this Constitution, or which are supported by any foreign government shall likewise be refused registration. Financial contributions from foreign governments and their agencies to political parties, organizations, coalitions, or candidates related to elections constitute interference in national affairs, and, when accepted, shall be an additional ground for the cancellation of their registration with the commission, in addition to other penalties that may be prescribed by law.
# File, upon a verified complaint, or on its own initiative, petitions in court for inclusion or exclusion of voters; investigate and, where appropriate, prosecute cases of violations of election laws, including acts or omissions constituting election frauds, offenses, and malpractices.
# Recommend to the 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 candidacies.
# Recommend to the President the removal of any officer or employee it has deputized, or the imposition of any other disciplinary action, for violation or disregard of, or disobedience to its directive, order, or decision.
# Submit to the President and the Congress a comprehensive report on the conduct of each election, plebiscite, initiative, referendum, or recall.

==History==
[[File:1978 Commission on Elections.jpg|thumb|The 1978 Commission was composed of [from left] Commissioners Flores A. Bayot, Venancio Duque, Chairman Leonardo Perez, Commissioners Domingo Pabalete and Vicente Santiago (not in the photo).]]
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: [[File:Senate comelec.jpg|right|thumb|Philippine Senators listen intently to the testimonies of resource speakers during a public hearing on issues surrounding the peoples initiative, a signature campaign aimed at changing the [[Constitution of the Philippines|Constitution]]. Top photo shows Senators [[Franklin Drilon]], [[Richard Gordon (politician)|Richard Gordon]], [[Juan Ponce Enrile]] and [[Jinggoy Estrada]]. Below, from left, former {{Sc1|COMELEC}} Chairman Christian Monsod, [[Makati City]] Mayor [[Jejomar Binay]], {{Sc1|COMELEC}} Chairman Benjamin Abalos and then Solicitor General (now Supreme Court Associate Justice) [[Antonio Eduardo Nachura]]. {{deletable image-caption}}]] -->

===Predecessor===
====The Executive Bureau====
The {{Sc1|COMELEC}} was created by a 1940 amendment to the 1935 [[Constitution of the Philippines]]. Prior to the creation of the {{Sc1|COMELEC}}, supervision over the conduct of elections was vested by law in the Executive Bureau under the Department of Interior and, later directly by the same department. The secretary of interior saw to it that local authorities performed the ministerial duties assigned to them by the Election Code. He decided administrative questions concerning elections. The courts, however, exercised exclusive and final jurisdiction over questions affecting the right to vote as well as contested elections of local elective officials. Elections contests involving members of the [[National Assembly of the Philippines|National Assembly]] were judged solely by an electoral commission composed of three justices of the [[Supreme Court of the Philippines|Supreme Court]] and six members of the National Assembly.

===A statutory commission===
In view, however, of the close official ties between the [[President of the Philippines|president]] and the secretary of interior, there was always the danger of a partisan secretary of the interior exploiting his powers and influence to ensure the victory of his party at the polls. As a consequence, the constitution was amended in 1940 to create an independent Commission on Elections, composed of a chairman and two other members, to take over the functions of the secretary of the interior relative to elections. But since the amendments could not be effective in time for the 1940 elections, the National Assembly, by Commonwealth Act No. 607, created a Commission on Elections, giving thereto the same powers which the Commission on Elections could have under the amended constitution. The statutory commission supervised the conduct of the December 10, 1940, local Philippine elections.

===Creation of the Commission===
The constitutional amendment creating the Commission on Elections was finally approved on December 2, 1940. On June 21, 1941, Commonwealth Act No. 657 was enacted reorganizing the Commission on Elections as a constitutional entity. The members of the statutory commission continued as members of the constitutional commission.

The chairman and members of the commission had a fixed term of nine years each – a member being replaced every three years except in the first commission. They could be removed from office only by [[impeachment]]. They were provided with fixed salaries which could neither be increased nor diminished during their term of office. These were safeguards to ensure the independence of the commission.

The administrative control of elections exercised by the secretary of interior was transferred to the Commission on Elections. The commission was vested with the exclusive charge of enforcing and administering all laws relative to elections and the power to decide all questions affecting elections, except those involving the right to vote, which were left to final judicial determination. The courts and electoral tribunals retained their original powers over election contests.

===Membership expansion===
The 1973 Constitution enlarged the membership of the commission from three to nine members but reduced their terms of office from nine years to seven years. As in the 1935 Constitution, the chairman and commissioners had staggered terms of office and could be removed from office only by impeachment.

First to serve in the Commission on Elections under the 1973 Constitution were former Senator [[Leonardo Perez (politician)|Leonardo B. Perez]], as chairman, and Venacio S. Duque, Flores A. Bayot, Jose M. Mendoza, Fernando R. Veloso, Lininding Pangandaman, Venancio L. Yaneza and Casimiro R. Madarang Jr. as commissioners. Commissioner Pangandaman, the first Muslim commissioner of the {{Sc1|COMELEC}}, was appointed ambassador by President [[Ferdinand Marcos]] even before the expiration of his term. His unexpired term was taken over by Commissioner Hashim R. Abubakar.

On May 17, 1980, Chairman Perez (who was later appointed minister of political affairs by President Marcos) and Commissioners Duque and Bayot, after completing their seven-year term, retired. Commissioner Santiago succeeded Perez, and the following were appointed commissioners: Domingo C. Pabalete; Victorino A. Savellano; Jaime C. Opinion; Noli Sagadraca; Romeo Firme: Luis Lardizabal and Ide C. Tillah. With Commissioner Lardizabal the membership of the commission was thus increased to eight, one short of the full complement of nine.

Upon the retirement of Commissioners Firme, Tillah and Lardizabal on May 17, 1983, the Commission on Elections was composed of only five members. On March 21, 1983, two new members were appointed by President Marcos, namely: Froilan Bacungan and Ramon H. Felipe Jr. With the retirement of Chairman Santiago and Commissioners Pabalete and Sagadraca on May 17, 1984, Savellano was appointed chairman. Three new members were appointed on July 27, 1985, namely: Commissioners Quirino A. Marquinez, Mangontawar Guro and Mario D. Ortiz. On January 31, 1986, Commissioners Ruben C. Agpalo and Jaime Layosa were appointed to finally complete the required membership of nine.

===After the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution===
After the tumultuous February 7, 1986 [[1986 Philippine presidential election|snap elections]] and the [[People Power Revolution]], Chairman Savellano and all the commissioners of the {{Sc1|COMELEC}} tendered their courtesy resignations which, except those of Commissioners Bacungan and Felipe, were accepted by President [[Corazon Aquino|Corazon C. Aquino]].

On April 11, 1986, Commissioner Felipe was appointed acting chairman. On July 23, 1986, he took his oath of office as permanent chairman, together with Commissioners Leopoldo Africa, [[Haydee Yorac]], Andres Flores, Anacleto Badoy, and Dario Rama as members of the "new" Commission on Elections. On February 15, 1988, [[Hilario G. Davide Jr.]] was appointed chairman, with Alfredo E. Abueg Jr., Haydee B. Yorac, Leopoldo L. Africa, Andres R. Flores, Dario C. Rama and Magdara B. Dimaampao as commissioners. Commissioner Haydee B. Yorac was appointed as acting chairman when Hilario G. Davide Jr. was appointed chairman of the Presidential Fact Finding Commission in December 1989, pursuant to Administrative Order No. 146. On June 6, 1991 [[Christian Monsod]] was appointed by President Aquino as chairman of the commission to serve the unexpired term of Davide.

When Monsod retired on February 15, 1995, President [[Fidel V. Ramos]] appointed Court of Appeals Justice [[Bernardo P. Pardo|Bernardo Pardo]] as chairman of the commission. Pardo's term was cut short when he was appointed by President [[Joseph Estrada]] as associate justice of the [[Supreme Court of the Philippines|Supreme Court]] in October 1998. Commissioner [[Luzviminda Tancangco]] was appointed acting chairman of the commission.

On January 11, 1999, President Estrada appointed [[Sandiganbayan]] Justice [[Harriet Demetriou]] as chairman of the commission. After the events of [[Second EDSA Revolution|January 17 to 20, 2001]] that led to the ouster and resignation of President Estrada from power, Demetriou tendered her courtesy resignation which was accepted by President [[Gloria Macapagal Arroyo]].

On February 19, 2001, President Arroyo appointed Justice [[Alfredo Benipayo]] as chairman of the commission. However, the Commission on Appointments did not confirm his appointment due to opposition of some commissioners led by Luzviminda Tancangco. On June 5, 2002, President Arroyo appointed [[Metropolitan Manila Development Authority]] chairman and former [[Mandaluyong]] mayor [[Benjamin Abalos|Benjamin S. Abalos Sr.]] to replace Benipayo. On January 26, 2008, [[Gloria Macapagal Arroyo]] appointed former Supreme Court associate justice Jose Melo, 77, to replace Chair Abalos.<ref>Marichu Villanueva [http://asianjournalusa.com/melo-named-new-comelec-chairman-p3958-67.htm Melo named new {{Sc1|COMELEC}} chairman] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120428184916/http://asianjournalusa.com/melo-named-new-comelec-chairman-p3958-67.htm |date=April 28, 2012 }}. asianjournalusa.com (January 26, 2008)</ref> The [[United Opposition (Philippines)|United Opposition]] (UNO) opposed Melo's appointment.<ref>[http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/video/17270/opposition-questions-melo-s-appointment-as-poll-chief Opposition questions Melo's appointment as poll chief] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318194116/http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/video/17270/opposition-questions-melo-s-appointment-as-poll-chief |date=March 18, 2012 }}. gmanetwork.com. Video (January 26, 2008)</ref> However, Melo needed to be confirmed by the Commission on Appointments (CA), so Commissioner Romeo A. Brawner was appointed ad interim acting chairman on February 2, 2008, and stayed as chairman until Melo was confirmed by the CA. On March 25, 2008, former Supreme Court justice Jose Melo was sworn in as new chairman of the {{Sc1|COMELEC}} by acting chair [[Romeo A. Brawner]]. Melo's ad interim appointment (Congress was not in session) was sent by Malacañang to the Commission on Appointments.<ref>[http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080325-126298/UPDATE-2-Melo-sworn-in-as-Comelec-chairman Melo sworn in as {{Sc1|COMELEC}} chairman] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080413095731/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080325-126298/UPDATE-2-Melo-sworn-in-as-Comelec-chairman |date=April 13, 2008 }}. Newsinfo.inquirer.net (March 25, 2008). Retrieved on December 16, 2011.</ref>

On May 29, 2008, [[Romeo A. Brawner]] died from a massive [[heart attack]]. Brawner, appointed to the {{Sc1|COMELEC}} to replace the [[Hello Garci scandal|controversial]] [[Virgilio Garcillano]], was supposed to end his term on February 2, 2011.<ref>[http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080529-139534/Brawners-death-leaves-3-vacancies-in-Comelec--spokesman Brawner's death leaves 3 vacancies in Comelec-spokesman – INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080601031855/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080529-139534/Brawners-death-leaves-3-vacancies-in-Comelec--spokesman |date=June 1, 2008 }}. Newsinfo.inquirer.net. (May 29, 2008) Retrieved on December 16, 2011.</ref> [[Gloria Macapagal Arroyo]], on July 2, 2008, appointed former acting judge (Br. 74, RTC, [[Malabon]]) Leonardo Leonida and retired justice of the Court of Appeals Lucenito Tagle as commissioners of the Commission on Elections.<ref>[http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080702-146040/2-Comelec-commissioners-named 2 Comelec commissioners named] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081004203027/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080702-146040/2-Comelec-commissioners-named |date=October 4, 2008 }}. Newsinfo.inquirer.net (June 9, 2010). Retrieved on December 16, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.gmanews.tv/story/104586/Arroyo-names-2-new-Comelec-commissioners---report gmanews.tv/story, Arroyo names 2 new Comelec commissioners – report]. Gmanews.tv (July 2, 2008). Retrieved on December 16, 2011.</ref> On November 7, 2008, President [[Gloria Macapagal Arroyo]] appointed Armando Velasco as new election commissioner, and reappointed bypassed commissioners Leonardo L. Leonida and Lucenito N. Tagle.<ref>[http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20081107-170870/New-election-commissioner-named New election commissioner named] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081110093532/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20081107-170870/New-election-commissioner-named |date=November 10, 2008 }}. Newsinfo.inquirer.net. (November 7, 2008) Retrieved on December 16, 2011.</ref> [[Eduardo Ermita]] stated "Velasco replaced {{Sc1|COMELEC}} commissioner and former Iligan City Judge Moslemen Macarambon Jr. whose appointment had been bypassed several times by the Commission on Appointments (CA)."<ref>[https://archive.today/20120707083830/http://beta.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=413545 New Comelec commissioner named; Macarambon out?]. Beta.philstar.com (November 8, 2008). Retrieved on December 16, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081109-171092/New-poll-commissioner-vows-changes New poll commissioner vows changes] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081112063156/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081109-171092/New-poll-commissioner-vows-changes |date=November 12, 2008 }}. Newsinfo.inquirer.net. (November 9, 2008) Retrieved on December 16, 2011.</ref>

===2007 impeachment complaint===
On September 27, 2007, [[Iloilo]] Vice Governor Rolex Suplico filed a 69-page impeachment complaint (3:00&nbsp;p.m.) against COMELEC chairman [[Benjamin Abalos|Benjamin Abalos Sr.]] before the [[House of Representatives of the Philippines]] regarding the [[NBN–ZTE deal corruption scandal|ZTE national broadband network (NBN) deal]]. It was endorsed by Representatives [[TG Guingona|Teofisto Guingona III]] of [[Bukidnon]] and [[Teodoro Casiño]] of [[Bayan Muna]] (People First), and [[Zamboanga City]] Representative [[Beng Climaco|Ma. Isabelle Climaco]]. [[Affidavit]]s of [[Romulo Neri]] and [[Jose de Venecia III]] supported the complaint.<ref>[http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=91083 Impeachment raps filed vs Abalos at House by Iloilo vice gov] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014002911/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=91083 |date=October 14, 2007 }}. Inquirer.net. Retrieved on December 16, 2011.</ref><ref>[http://www.gmanews.tv/story/62200/Impeachment-raps-filed-vs-Abalos-over-ZTE-controversy Impeachment raps filed vs Abalos over ZTE controversy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522043010/http://www.gmanews.tv/story/62200/Impeachment-raps-filed-vs-Abalos-over-ZTE-controversy |date=May 22, 2011 }}. Gmanews.tv (September 27, 2007). Retrieved on December 16, 2011.</ref> On October 1, 2007, {{Sc1|COMELEC}} chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. faced with an impending impeachment case, resigned in a press conference. The COMELEC appointed [[Resurreccion Borra|Resurreccion Z. Borra]] as acting chairman. Abalos stated: "I'm resigning... effective immediately." "However," Abalos added during the news conference, "let not my detractors feast on this declaration. I'm not admitting guilt for any wrongdoing."<ref>[https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB119126475808945322?mod=googlenews_wsj WSJ, Philippine Voting Chief Quits Amid Bribe Queries] {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url= https://www.arabnews.com/node/304068 |title= Philippine Elections Chief Resigns Amid Bribery Allegations |last= Gomez |first= Jim |date= October 2, 2007 |agency= Associated Press |via= [[Arab News]] |access-date= March 6, 2022 |archive-date= March 6, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220306080558/https://www.arabnews.com/node/304068 |url-status= live }}</ref> An impeachment complaint against {{Sc1|COMELEC}} chairman Abalos was formally filed before the House of Representatives after Neri, former chief of the [[National Economic and Development Authority|National Economic Development Authority]] (NEDA), accused Abalos of attempting to bribe him.

==Organization==
{{Listen
| filename    = COMELEC Hymn - Commission on Elections (Philippines).mp3
| title       = COMELEC Hymn
| description = Anthem of the Commission on Elections. Written and composed by Rolando G. de Castro and Oliver M. Astadan in 1988.
}}
The commission proper is the policy-making body composed of the chairman and six commissioners who must be [[Philippine nationality law|natural-born citizens of the Philippines]]; at least thirty-five years of age at the time of their appointment; holders of a college degree, with a majority of them, including the chairman, members of the Philippine Bar who have been engaged in the practice of law for at least ten years; and must not have been a candidate for any elective position in the immediate preceding elections.<ref>Article IX-C, Section 1, 1987 Constitution of the Philippines</ref> The chairman and the commissioners are appointed by the president, with the consent of the [[Commission on Appointments]] and hold office for seven years, without reappointment. Since 1987, the terms start and end on February 2. Among the first appointees in 1987, three members served for seven years (ended in 1994), two others served for five years (ended in 1992), and two others served for three years (ended in 1989).

The chairman acts as the presiding officer and chief executive officer of the commission. Assisting the commission are an executive director and deputies, 17 regional election directors, provincial election supervisors and election officers in cities and municipalities. The {{Sc2|COMELEC}} has more than 15,000 employees.

The commissioners exercise [[Quasi-legislative capacity|quasi-legislative]] and [[Quasi-judicial body|quasi-judicial]] functions either ''en banc'' or in division. They also perform such other functions as may be assigned by the commission or the chairman.

===Current composition===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="background-color:#FDFDFD;text-align:center;font-size:90%;border:1pt solid grey;"
|+Current composition
|-
! colspan="1" |Position
!Division
!Picture
!Name
! colspan="1" |Tenure started
! Tenure scheduled to end
!Appointed by
|-
| Chairman 
| || [[File:Chairman Garcia 2 (updated).jpg|100px]] || {{sortname|George|Garcia}} || July 22, 2022 || rowspan="3" | February 2, 2029 || rowspan="3" | {{sortname|Bongbong|Marcos}}
|-
| Commissioner 
|2nd|| {{N/A}} || {{sortname|Nelson J.|Celis|nolink=1}} || August 11, 2022 
|-
| Commissioner 
|1st|| {{N/A}} || {{sortname|Ernesto Ferdinand P.|Maceda Jr.|nolink=1}} || October 6, 2022 
|-
| Commissioner 
|1st|| [[File:Comm. Atty. Ferolino, COMELEC.png|100px]] || {{sortname|Aimee|Ferolino-Ampoloquio}} || November 24, 2020 || rowspan="2" | February 2, 2027 || rowspan="2" | {{sortname|Rodrigo|Duterte}}
|-
| Commissioner 
|2nd|| [[File:Comm. Atty. Bulay, COMELEC.png|100px]] || {{sortname|Rey E.|Bulay|nolink=1}} || November 11, 2021 
|-
| Commissioner 
|1st|| {{N/A}} || Norina Tangaro-Casingal<ref name="casingal">{{Cite web |title=Comelec law department head named new commissioner |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1243711 |work=[[Philippine News Agency]] |date=February 10, 2025 |access-date=February 10, 2025}}</ref> || rowspan="2" | February 10, 2025 || rowspan="2" | February 2, 2032 || rowspan="2" | {{sortname|Bongbong|Marcos}} 
|-
| Commissioner 
|2nd|| {{N/A}} || Noli Pipo<ref name="pipo">{{Cite web |title=Comelec Region 1 director named commissioner |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1243722 |work=[[Philippine News Agency]] |date=February 10, 2025 |access-date=February 10, 2025}}</ref> 
|}

===Former members===
During the 1935 constitution, the commission was composed of three members, with one chairman and two commissioners, each having nine-year terms with no reappointments. Among the first three members appointed, the first had a nine-year term, the second had a six-year term, and the last had a three-year term, all starting in the commission's reorganization on June 21, 1941, via Commonwealth Act No. 657.

Starting with the 1973 constitution, the commission was composed of nine members, with one chairman and eight commissioners, each having seven-year terms with no reappointments. Among the first nine members appointed, the first three had seven-year terms, the next three had five-year terms, and the last three had three-year terms, all starting in 1973. The commission never reached its full complement of nine members during the operation of the 1973 constitution until January 1986, a few weeks before the [[People Power Revolution]].
{| class="wikitable"
|+Chairmen
!Chairman<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Past Members of COMELEC|url=https://www.comelec.gov.ph/?r=AboutCOMELEC/CommissionMembers/PastMembersofCOMELEC|access-date=October 28, 2020}}</ref>
!Term began
!Term ended
!Appointed by
!Electoral exercises oversaw
|-
|[[Pedro Concepcion]]
|September 1, 1940
|May 11, 1941
| rowspan="2" |[[Manuel L. Quezon]]
|none
|-
|Jose Vito
|May 13, 1941
|May 7, 1947
|[[1941 Philippine general election|1941 election]], [[1946 Philippine general election|1946 election]], [[Bell Trade Act|1947 plebiscite]]
|-
|[[Vicente de Vera]]
|May 9, 1947
|April 10, 1951{{Efn|Died in office|name=died|group=footnotes}}
|[[Manuel Roxas]]
|[[1949 Philippine general election|1949 election]]
|-
|[[Domingo Imperial]]
|August 14, 1951
|March 31, 1958{{Efn|Resigned mid-term, or was rejected by the [[Commission on Appointments]]|name=resigned|group=footnotes}}
|[[Elpidio Quirino]]
|[[1953 Philippine general election|1953 election]], [[1957 Philippine general election|1957 election]]
|-
|Jose Carag
|May 19, 1958
|June 20, 1959
| rowspan="3" |[[Carlos P. Garcia]]
|none
|-
|Sixto Brillantes Sr.
|June 20, 1959
|May 12, 1960
|none
|-
|Gaudencio Garcia
|May 12, 1960
|June 20, 1962
|[[1961 Philippine general election|1961 election]]
|-
|Juan Borra
|August 2, 1962
|June 20, 1968
|[[Diosdado Macapagal]]
|[[1965 Philippine general election|1965 election]]
|-
|Manuel Arranz
|October 18, 1968
|June 2, 1969{{Efn|name=resigned|group=footnotes}}
| rowspan="5" |[[Ferdinand Marcos]]
|[[1967 Philippine constitutional plebiscite|1967 plebiscite]]
|-
|[[Jaime Ferrer]]
|June 10, 1969
|May 28, 1973
|[[1969 Philippine general election|1969 election]], [[1970 Philippine Constitutional Convention election|1970 constitutional convention election]], [[1973 Philippine constitutional plebiscite|January 1973 plebiscite]]
|-
|[[Leonardo Perez (politician)|Leonardo Perez]]
|May 29, 1973
|May 17, 1980
|[[1973 Philippine martial law referendum|July 1973 referendum]], [[1975 Philippine executive and legislative powers referendum|1975 referendum]], [[1976 Philippine constitutional referendum|1976 referendum]], [[1977 Philippine presidential referendum|1977 referendum]], [[1978 Philippine parliamentary election|1978 election]]
|-
|Vicente Santiago Jr.
|May 17, 1980
|May 17, 1985
|[[1981 Philippine constitutional plebiscite|1981 plebiscite]], [[1981 Philippine presidential election and referendum|1981 election and referendum]], [[1984 Philippine constitutional plebiscite|1984 plebiscite]], [[1984 Philippine parliamentary election|1984 election]]
|-
|Victorino Savellano
|May 20, 1985
|March 24, 1986
|[[1986 Philippine presidential election|1986 election]]
|-
|Ramon Felipe Jr.
|July 11, 1986
|February 3, 1988
| rowspan="3" |[[Corazon Aquino]]
|[[1987 Philippine constitutional plebiscite|1987 plebiscite]], [[1987 Philippine legislative election|1987 election]]
|-
|[[Hilario Davide Jr.]]
|February 15, 1988
|January 12, 1990{{Efn|name=resigned|group=footnotes}}
|[[1988 Philippine local elections|1988 local elections]]
|-
|[[Christian Monsod]]
|June 6, 1991
|February 15, 1995{{Efn|name=resigned|group=footnotes}}
|[[1992 Philippine general election|1992 election]]
|-
|[[Bernardo P. Pardo]]
|February 17, 1995
|October 7, 1998{{Efn|name=resigned|group=footnotes}}
|[[Fidel V. Ramos]]
|[[1995 Philippine general election|1995 election]], [[1998 Philippine general election|1998 election]]
|-
|[[Harriet Demetriou]]
|January 11, 1999
|January 21, 2001{{Efn|name=resigned|group=footnotes}}
|[[Joseph Estrada]]
|none
|-
|[[Alfredo Benipayo]]
|February 15, 2001
|June 5, 2002{{Efn|name=resigned|group=footnotes}}
| rowspan="3" |[[Gloria Macapagal Arroyo]]
|[[2001 Philippine general election|2001 election]]
|-
|[[Benjamin Abalos]]
|June 17, 2002
|October 1, 2007{{Efn|name=resigned|group=footnotes}}
|[[2004 Philippine general election|2004 election]], [[2007 Philippine general election|2007 election]]
|-
|[[Jose Melo]]
|March 25, 2008
|January 15, 2011{{Efn|name=resigned|group=footnotes}}
|[[2010 Philippine general election|2010 election]]
|-
|[[Sixto Brillantes]]
|January 17, 2011
|February 2, 2015
| rowspan="2" |[[Benigno Aquino III]]
|[[2013 Philippine general election|2013 election]]
|-
|[[Andres Bautista]]
|April 28, 2015
|October 23, 2017{{Efn|name=resigned|group=footnotes}}
|[[2016 Philippine general election|2016 election]]
|-
|[[Sheriff Abas]]
|May 23, 2018
|February 2, 2022
| rowspan="2" |[[Rodrigo Duterte]]
|[[2019 Philippine general election|2019 election]]
|-
|[[Saidamen Pangarungan]]
|March 8, 2022
|June 1, 2022{{Efn|Resigned mid-term, bypassed or was rejected by the [[Commission on Appointments]]|name=bypassed|group=footnotes}}
|[[2022 Philippine general election|2022 election]]
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|+Commissioners
!Commissioner<ref name=":0" />
!Term began
!Term ended
!Appointed by
|-
|Jose C. Abreu
|September 1, 1940
|October 11, 1944{{Efn|name=died|group=footnotes}}
| rowspan="2" |[[Manuel L. Quezon]]
|-
|Rufino Luna
|September 1, 1940
|July 12, 1945
|-
|[[Francisco Enage]]
|July 12, 1945
|November 9, 1949
| rowspan="2" |[[Sergio Osmeña]]
|-
|Vicente de Vera
|July 12, 1945
|April 8, 1951
|-
|Leopoldo Rovira
|May 22, 1947
|September 10, 1954
| rowspan="2" |[[Manuel Roxas]]
|-
|Rodrigo Perez Jr.
|December 8, 1949
|June 21, 1956
|-
|Gaudencio Garcia
|May 18, 1955
|June 20, 1962{{Efn|Subsequently appointed as chairman|name=chairman|group=footnotes}}
| rowspan="2" |[[Ramon Magsaysay]]
|-
|Sixto Brillantes Sr.
|December 20, 1956
|June 20, 1965
|-
|Genaro Visarra
|May 12, 1960
|November 10, 1962
|[[Carlos P. Garcia]]
|-
|Cesar Miraflor
|November 11, 1962
|June 20, 1971
| rowspan="2" |[[Diosdado Macapagal]]
|-
|Gregorio Santayana
|June 26, 1965
|May 31, 1966
|-
|Francisco Ortega
|December 25, 1966
|March 20, 1967{{Efn|name=died|group=footnotes}}
| rowspan="26" |[[Ferdinand Marcos]]
|-
|Manuel Arranz
|August 27, 1967
|June 2, 1969{{Efn|Subsequently appointed as chairman|name=chairman|group=footnotes}}
|-
|Jaime N. Ferrer
|May 23, 1969
|May 28, 1973{{Efn|name=chairman|group=footnotes}}
|-
|Lino M. Patajo
|June 16, 1969
|May 31, 1973
|-
|Jose M. Mendoza
|September 6, 1971
|May 17, 1973
|-
|Liningding Pangandaman
|May 29, 1973
|November 15, 1973{{Efn|name=resigned|group=footnotes}}
|-
|Flores A. Bayot
|May 30, 1973
|May 17, 1980
|-
|Venancio R. Yaneza
|May 30, 1973
|May 17, 1980
|-
|Casimiro R. Madarang Jr.
|May 30, 1973
|May 17, 1980
|-
|Fernando R. Veloso
|May 30, 1973
|May 17, 1980
|-
|Venancio S. Duque
|June 1, 1973
|May 17, 1980
|-
|Domingo C. Pabalate
|May 17, 1978
|May 17, 1985
|-
|Vicente M. Santiago Jr.
|May 17, 1978
|May 17, 1985
|-
|Victorino A. Savellano
|May 17, 1980
|May 17, 1987
|-
|Jaime C. Opinion
|May 17, 1980
|May 17, 1987
|-
|Noli M. Sagadraca
|May 17, 1980
|May 17, 1985
|-
|Romeo N. Firme
|May 17, 1980
|May 17, 1983
|-
|Ide C. Tillah
|May 17, 1980
|May 17, 1983
|-
|Luis L. Lardizabal
|May 17, 1980
|May 17, 1983
|-
|Froilan M. Bacungan
|March 21, 1984
|May 17, 1990
|-
|Ramon H. Felipe Jr.
|March 21, 1984
|May 17, 1990
|-
|Mario D. Ortiz
|July 30, 1985
|July 23, 1986{{Efn|name=resigned|group=footnotes}}
|-
|Mangontawar B. Guro
|July 30, 1985
|April 11, 1986{{Efn|name=resigned|group=footnotes}}
|-
|Quirino A. Marquinez
|August 1, 1985
|July 23, 1986
|-
|Ruben Agpalo
|January 2, 1986
|July 23, 1986
|-
|Jaime J. Layosa
|January 29, 1986
|July 23, 1986
|-
|Leopoldo L. Africa
|June 14, 1986
|February 15, 1991{{Efn|name=resigned|group=footnotes}}
| rowspan="12" |[[Corazon Aquino]]
|-
|[[Haydee Yorac]]{{Efn|name=acting|group=footnotes|Concurrently served as acting chairman}}
|July 15, 1986
|February 11, 1993{{Efn|name=resigned|group=footnotes}}
|-
|Dario C. Rama
|July 16, 1986
|February 15, 1993{{Efn|name=resigned|group=footnotes}}
|-
|Anacleto D. Badoy Jr.
|July 16, 1986
|February 3, 1988
|-
|Andres R. Flores
|July 17, 1986
|February 15, 1991
|-
|Tomas V. dela Cruz
|December 11, 1986
|September 3, 1987
|-
|Alfredo E. Abueg Jr.
|December 16, 1987
|January 20, 1992
|-
|Magdara B. Dimaampao
|February 15, 1988
|February 15, 1995
|-
|Froilan M. Bacungan
|February 15, 1988
|January 12, 1990
|-
|[[Regalado Maambong]]
|June 6, 1991
|February 15, 1998
|-
|Vicente B. de Lima
|February 7, 1992
|November 4, 1994
|-
|Remedios S. Fernando
|February 14, 1992
|February 14, 1998
|-
|Graduacion R. Claravall
|April 12, 1993
|June 14, 1996
| rowspan="7" |[[Fidel V. Ramos]]
|-
|Manolo B. Gorospe
|April 14, 1993
|February 14, 2000
|-
|Julio F. Desamito
|January 3, 1995
|February 15, 2001
|-
|Teresita D. Flores
|February 17, 1995
|February 15, 2001
|-
|Japal M. Guiani
|March 29, 1996
|February 15, 2001
|-
|Amado M. Calderon
|February 16, 1998
|June 30, 1998{{Efn|name=resigned|group=footnotes}}
|-
|Evalyn I. Fetalino
|February 16, 1998
|June 30, 1998{{Efn|name=resigned|group=footnotes}}
|-
|[[Luzviminda Tancangco]]{{Efn|name=acting|group=footnotes|Concurrently served as acting chairman}}
|August 5, 1998
|February 2, 2004{{Efn|name=resigned|group=footnotes}}
| rowspan="5" |[[Joseph Estrada]]
|-
|Abdul Gani Marohombsar
|September 7, 1998
|June 3, 1999{{Efn|name=resigned|group=footnotes}}
|-
|Ralph C. Lantion
|January 6, 2000
|February 2, 2004
|-
|Rufino S. Javier
|April 4, 2000
|February 2, 2006
|-
|Mehol K. Sadain
|July 17, 2000
|February 2, 2006
|-
|[[Resurreccion Borra]]{{Efn|name=acting|group=footnotes|Concurrently served as acting chairman}}
|February 15, 2001
|February 2, 2008
| rowspan="13" |[[Gloria Macapagal Arroyo]]
|-
|Florentino A. Tuason Jr.
|February 20, 2001
|February 2, 2008
|-
|[[Virgilio Garcillano]]
|February 12, 2004
|June 10, 2005{{Efn|name=resigned|group=footnotes}}
|-
|Manuel A. Barcellona Jr.
|February 12, 2004
|June 10, 2005{{Efn|name=resigned|group=footnotes}}
|-
|[[Romeo A. Brawner]] Sr.{{Efn|name=acting|group=footnotes|Concurrently served as acting chairman}}
|September 18, 2005 
|May 29, 2008{{Efn|Died in office|name=died|group=footnotes}}
|-
|Rene V. Sarmiento
|April 7, 2006
|February 2, 2013
|-
|Nicodemo T. Ferrer
|June 15, 2006
|February 2, 2011
|-
|Moslemen T. Macarambon
|November 5, 2007
|October 10, 2008{{Efn|name=resigned|group=footnotes}}
|-
|Leonardo L. Leonida
|July 2, 2008
|February 11, 2011{{Efn|name=resigned|group=footnotes}}
|-
|Lucenito N. Tagle
|July 3, 2008
|February 2, 2011
|-
|Armando C. Velasco
|July 3, 2008
|February 2, 2013
|-
|Elias R. Yusoph
|July 24, 2009
|February 2, 2015
|-
|Gregorio Y. Larrazabal
|October 15, 2009
|February 2, 2011
|-
|Christian Robert S. Lim
|April 7, 2011
|February 2, 2018
| rowspan="8" |[[Benigno Aquino III]]
|-
|Augusto C. Lagman
|June 3, 2011
|April 16, 2012{{Efn|name=resigned|group=footnotes}}
|-
|[[Grace Padaca]]
|October 8, 2012
|June 11, 2014{{Efn|name=resigned|group=footnotes}}
|-
|Luie Tito F. Guia
|April 15, 2013
|February 2, 2020
|-
|Al Parreño
|April 15, 2013
|February 2, 2020
|-
|Arthur D. Lim
|July 25, 2014
|February 2, 2018
|-
|Sheriff M. Abas
|April 28, 2015
|May 23, 2018{{Efn|name=chairman|group=footnotes}}
|-
|[[Rowena Guanzon]]
|April 28, 2015
|February 2, 2022
|-
|[[Antonio Kho Jr.]]
|July 11, 2018
|February 2, 2022
| rowspan="5" |[[Rodrigo Duterte]]
|-
|[[George Garcia]]
|March 8, 2022
|June 1, 2022{{Efn|Resigned mid-term, bypassed or was rejected by the [[Commission on Appointments]]|name=bypassed|group=footnotes}}
|-
|[[Aimee Torrefranca-Neri]]
|March 8, 2022
|June 1, 2022{{Efn|Resigned mid-term, bypassed or was rejected by the [[Commission on Appointments]]|name=bypassed|group=footnotes}}
|-
|[[Socorro B. Inting]] 
|April 17, 2018
|February 2, 2025 
|-
|[[Marlon S. Casquejo]] 
|June 19, 2018 
|February 2, 2025 
|}{{Notelist|group=footnotes}}

== Issues and incidents ==

===ZTE broadband contract controversy===
In August 2007, Nueva Vizcaya Rep. [[Carlos Padilla (politician)|Carlos Padilla]] delivered a privilege speech alleging that Comelec chairman Benjamin Abalos brokered for the national broadband network (NBN) project. Padilla claimed that Abalos met with officials of the Chinese firm [[ZTE|ZTE Corp.]], which got the US$329 million contract for the broadband project.

Abalos denied brokering for the National Broadband Network project despite admitting he knew some officials in ZTE Corp. He admitted to making four trips to China and playing golf there. He also admitted that ZTE officials, who he said were his golf buddies, hosted and paid for the trips.

Jose de Venecia III, son of House Speaker [[Jose de Venecia Jr.]], alleged that Abalos offered him US$10 million to withdraw his proposal on the NBN project. De Venecia is a majority shareholder of Amsterdam Holdings Inc., a company that submitted an unsolicited proposal on the NBN project. De Venecia also claimed that Abalos asked for money from the ZTE Corp. officials.

===Hello Garci scandal===
{{main|Hello Garci scandal}}
Abalos was mentioned in the "Hello Garci" tape, which refers to the alleged wiretapped conversations where vote rigging in the 2004 elections was discussed by, among others, a woman presumed to be President Gloria Arroyo and a man presumed to be {{Sc1|COMELEC}} Commissioner [[Virgilio Garcillano]].

===Mega Pacific===
Abalos was the {{Sc1|COMELEC}} chair when the election body approved a P1.3-billion contract with the Mega Pacific Consortium for the purchase of automated counting machines, which the Supreme Court in January 2004 declared as void because of "clear violation of law and jurisprudence" and "reckless disregard of {{Sc1|COMELEC}}'s own bidding rules and procedure."

On January 21, 2004, Senator [[Aquilino Pimentel Jr.]] filed criminal and administrative charges before the [[Ombudsman of the Philippines|Ombudsman]] against Abalos and other commissioners in connection with the deal. Abalos described the charges as a "demolition job."

Pimentel accused Abalos and the other commissioners of committing an act of impropriety when they and their wives traveled to Seoul, South Korea to visit the plant of the maker of the counting machines a few months before the bidding for the contract started. Pimentel said he received information that the Korean company paid for the plane tickets and hotel accommodations for the trip.

However, Abalos claimed that the expenses for the trip were paid for out of the P1 million he won in a golf tournament in [[Wack Wack Golf and Country Club]].

On September 27, 2006, the Ombudsman, in a resolution, absolved all respondents involved in the Mega Pacific controversy of all administrative and criminal liabilities "for lack of probable cause." It also reversed its June 28 resolution which contained factual findings that can be used by the House of Representatives to initiate impeachment proceedings against {{Sc1|COMELEC}} Commissioner Resureccion Borra.

===Website hacking===
{{main| Commission on Elections data breach}}Just six weeks before the [[2016 Philippine general election]], the {{Sc1|COMELEC}} website was hacked by a group called "[[Anonymous (group)|Anonymous Philippines]]" on the night of March 27, 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections/2016/127256-comelec-website-hacked-anonymous-philippines|title=Comelec website hacked a month before polls|work=[[Rappler]]|access-date=March 29, 2016|date=March 27, 2016|archive-date=March 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331032628/http://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections/2016/127256-comelec-website-hacked-anonymous-philippines|url-status=live}}</ref> Anonymous Philippines asked the poll body to implement security on Precinct Count Optical Scanners (PCOS)—automated voting machines.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/776416/look-comelec-website-hacked|title=LOOK: Comelec website hacked|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|access-date=March 29, 2016|date=March 28, 2016|archive-date=April 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410083035/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/776416/look-comelec-website-hacked|url-status=live}}</ref> Another group calling itself ''[[LulzSec]] Pilipinas'', claimed to have hacked {{Sc1|COMELEC}}'s website, and posted its database on their Facebook account shortly after ''Anonymous Philippines'' compromised {{Sc1|COMELEC}}'s website.<ref name="lulz">{{cite news|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections/2016/127315-comelec-data-hackers|title=Comelec data leaked by hackers|work=Rappler|access-date=March 29, 2016|date=March 28, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2016/03/28/Comelec-website-hack-Anonymous-Philippines.html|title=Anonymous PH hacks Comelec website|work=[[CNN Philippines]]|access-date=March 29, 2016|date=March 29, 2016|archive-date=April 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406011539/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2016/03/28/Comelec-website-hack-Anonymous-Philippines.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> These exploits exposed voter data and the vulnerability of both voter registration data and the functionality of their website.<ref name="lulz"/> LulzSec posts 3 mirror links on their Facebook account that can be downloaded.<ref name="lulz"/> The incident was considered the biggest private leak data in the Philippine history and leaving millions of registered voters at risk.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/127870-comelec-leak-identity-theft-scams-experts|title=Experts fear identity theft, scams due to Comelec leak|access-date=April 21, 2016|date=April 1, 2016|archive-date=April 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419064035/http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/127870-comelec-leak-identity-theft-scams-experts|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://interaksyon.com/article/126807/comeleaks--lawmakers-voter-database-breach-compromises-may-9-elections-pnp-joins-probe|title='COMELEAKS' Lawmakers: Voter database breach compromises May 9 elections; PNP joins probe|work=Interaksyon|access-date=April 22, 2016|date=April 22, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423132845/http://interaksyon.com/article/126807/comeleaks--lawmakers-voter-database-breach-compromises-may-9-elections-pnp-joins-probe|archive-date=April 23, 2016}}</ref>

The sensitive information, which included the full name, complete address, and passport number of at least 55–70 million Filipino registered voters, was leaked publicly on a website called ''wehaveyourdata'', allegedly created by hacker ''LulzSec Philippines''.<ref>{{cite news|title=Stolen Comelec data 'ripe for identity theft'|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/halalan2016/nation/04/21/16/stolen-comelec-data-ripe-for-identity-theft?_ga=1.222002330.363345704.1461250743|work=ABS-CBN News|access-date=April 22, 2016|date=April 21, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2016/04/21/Comelec-hack-data-registered-Filipino-voters.html|title=Website claims: Registered voters' sensitive data easily searchable|work=[[CNN Philippines]]|access-date=April 22, 2016|date=April 22, 2016|archive-date=April 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424211452/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2016/04/21/Comelec-hack-data-registered-Filipino-voters.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Anyone who had access to this website could type the first name, surname, and middle name of the compromised registered voters on the search bar provided and the sensitive information would be revealed.<ref>{{cite news
 |url=http://www.mb.com.ph/nbi-on-comelec-site-hacking-hacker-did-it-for-bragging-rights/
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425172816/http://www.mb.com.ph/nbi-on-comelec-site-hacking-hacker-did-it-for-bragging-rights/
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-date=April 25, 2016
|title=NBI: Comelec site hacker did it for bragging rights 
 |work=Manila Bulletin 
 |access-date=April 22, 2016 |date=April 22, 2016 }}</ref> The website was taken down by the [[National Bureau of Investigation (Philippines)|NBI]] on April 22.<ref name="wehave">{{cite news|url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2016/04/22/Comelec-hack-voters-data-wehaveyourdata.html|title=Searchable website with hacked data taken down – Comelec|work=[[CNN Philippines]]|access-date=April 22, 2016|date=April 22, 2016|archive-date=April 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423123924/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2016/04/22/Comelec-hack-voters-data-wehaveyourdata.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> COMELEC spokesperson James Jimenez warned the public not to use the website, warning this could be a [[phishing]] site.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/halalan2016/nation/04/21/16/data-breach-website-uploads-voter-info-comelec-downplays-leak?_ga=1.91894808.363345704.1461250743|title=Data breach: Website uploads voter info, Comelec downplays leak|work=ABS-CBN News|access-date=April 22, 2016|date=April 21, 2016|archive-date=May 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509091755/http://news.abs-cbn.com/halalan2016/nation/04/21/16/data-breach-website-uploads-voter-info-comelec-downplays-leak?_ga=1.91894808.363345704.1461250743|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 21, COMELEC apologized for the privacy attacks by the hackers.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://technology.inquirer.net/47736/comelec-apologizes-to-public-as-new-website-leaks-voters-data|title=Comelec apologizes to public as new website leaks voters data|access-date=April 22, 2016|date=April 21, 2016|archive-date=April 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422140805/http://technology.inquirer.net/47736/comelec-apologizes-to-public-as-new-website-leaks-voters-data|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2022 National Elections ===

==== Threat of jailing critics ====
On April 23, 2022, a few weeks before the [[2022 Philippine general election]], COMELEC commissioner Rey Bulay threatened with arrest individuals who would publicly state that COMELEC was biased towards a certain candidate or might be involved in election fraud.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Villa |first=Kathleen de |date=April 23, 2022 |title=Comelec commissioner threatens to jail critics |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1586716/comelec-commissioner-threatens-to-jail-critics |access-date=June 1, 2022 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601090132/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1586716/comelec-commissioner-threatens-to-jail-critics |url-status=live }}</ref><blockquote>''“Iyon pong nagko-comment ng public opinion na ang Comelec ay may sina-side-an, may kinakampihan, at mandadaya, ako po ay nagwawarning sa inyo, we will not hesitate to call upon the AFP na sa panahong ito ay nasa ilalim ng control ng Comelec para patulan at ipahuli at ipakulong kayo,”''<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2022-04-23 |title=Comelec's Rey Bulay threatens to have poll body critics arrested |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/elections/comelec-rey-bulay-threatens-critics-arrest/ |access-date=2022-06-01 |website=RAPPLER |language=en-US |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601090132/https://www.rappler.com/nation/elections/comelec-rey-bulay-threatens-critics-arrest/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

“To those issuing public opinion that Comelec is biased or that it would cause election fraud, I am warning you that we would not hesitate to call upon the Armed Forces of the Philippines, which is now under Comelec control, to round you up and have you jailed”

- Commissioner Rey Bulay said during a press briefing.<ref name=":1" /></blockquote>The statement was made allegedly in support of a different statement by COMELEC Commissioner Socorro Inting who in turn was commenting on a statement released by supporters of then presidential candidate and [[Vice President of the Philippines|Vice-president]] [[Leni Robredo]] who called for COMELEC to remain nonpartisan for the sake of the elections. Commissioner Inting commented that it was simply unnecessary to call on the COMELEC to hold a “nonpartisan” election.<ref name=":1" /> The commissioner also noted how such statements are liable to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the commission and by extension the elections themselves. Local news agency [[Rappler]] noted that it was unclear why Commissioner Inting took offense to this statement released by the supporters of Leni Robredo, which simply reminded the commission to hold fair and safe elections.<ref name=":2" />

Several lawmakers and concerned groups slammed the statement by the Comelec.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Neil |date=April 24, 2022 |title=Comelec threat of arrest is illegal, lawmakers say |url=https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2022/04/24/444253/comelec-threat-of-arrest-is-illegal-lawmakers-say/ |access-date=June 1, 2022 |website=BusinessWorld Online |language=en-US |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601092651/https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2022/04/24/444253/comelec-threat-of-arrest-is-illegal-lawmakers-say/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":1" /> Detained [[Senate of the Philippines|Senator]] [[Leila de Lima]] called the threat by Commissioner Bulay "uncalled for and illegal".<ref name=":3" /> She noted that the [[Armed Forces of the Philippines|Armed Force of the Philippines]] are only allowed to arrest individuals during times of lawless violence while under orders from the [[President of the Philippines|Commander-in-Chief]]. She noted that while COMELEC has expansive powers during an election season, this "does not include the power to use the AFP in stifling criticisms and suppressing free speech”.<ref name=":3" /> In a separate statement, House Assistant Minority Leader and [[Party-list representation in the House of Representatives of the Philippines|party-list]] Rep. [[France Castro|France L. Castro]] called on COMELEC to withdraw its statement, calling the commission hypersensitive to criticisms thrown at it by the populace.<ref name=":3" /> The representative stated that citizens are well within their rights to call for "orderly, peaceful and credible elections”.<ref name=":3" />

Following the backlash, Commissioner Bulay commented that his statement was only a warning, and that he was only reminding people to follow the law.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Neil |date=April 25, 2022 |title=Arrest remarks just a warning, says Comelec official |url=https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2022/04/25/444434/arrest-remarks-just-a-warning-says-comelec-official/ |access-date=June 1, 2022 |website=BusinessWorld Online |language=en-US |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601092647/https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2022/04/25/444434/arrest-remarks-just-a-warning-says-comelec-official/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Red-tagging and harassment of candidates ====
{{Excerpt|Red-tagging in the Philippines#During elections}}

=== Election of Alice Guo===
The role of the Comelec was put into scrutiny in 2024 when [[Alice Guo]] was elected as mayor of [[Bamban]], [[Tarlac]] in the 2022 election. Guo is alleged to be a Chinese citizen in the Senate inquiry, consequentially putting the validity of her election as mayor. Comelec was questioned on why Guo's candidacy was not disputed at the time with the election body stating it cannot on its own or ''motu proprio'' question the eligibility of candidates. Someone else has to file a formal petition.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jaymalin |first1=Mayen |title=Comelec explains acceptance of Tarlac town mayor's COC |url=https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/05/14/2354874/comelec-explains-acceptance-tarlac-town-mayors-coc |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=The Philippine Star |date=14 May 2024}}</ref> Comelec opened its own investigation in July 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=De Leon |first1=Dwight |title=Comelec opens probe into Alice Guo's 2022 candidacy |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/comelec-investigates-mayor-alice-guo-candidacy-2022/ |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=Rappler |date=8 July 2024}}</ref> Guo was removed from office by the Ombudsman over her links to illicit activities of [[Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators]] (POGOs).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bolledo |first1=Jairo |title=Ombudsman dismisses Mayor Alice Guo from service |url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/ombudsman-dismisses-bamban-tarlac-mayor-alice-guo/ |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=Rappler |date=13 August 2024}}</ref>

The same still applies for the 2025 election, even if Guo did sought reelection.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Abarca |first1=Charie |title=Alice Guo will no longer seek reelection as Bamban mayor |url=https://www.inquirer.net/416726/alice-guo-will-no-longer-seek-reelection-as-bamban-mayor/ |access-date=15 October 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=8 October 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Serquiña |first1=Mareile Celine |title=Comelec: We have no power to automatically cancel Alice Guo candidacy |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/922376/comelec-we-have-no-power-to-automatically-cancel-alice-guo-candidacy/story/ |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=GMA News |date=2 October 2024 |language=en}}</ref> The controversy also led to the Comelec to decide to publish online all the certificates of candidacies of aspirants for the 2025 election.<ref>{{cite news |title=Comelec to post all COCs online ahead of 2025 polls |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/09/24/2387680/comelec-post-all-cocs-online-ahead-2025-polls |access-date=15 October 2024 |work=The Philippine Star |date=24 September 2024}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Election commission]]
*[[Presidential Electoral Tribunal]]
*[[Senate Electoral Tribunal]]
*[[House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal]]

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* [http://www.comelec.gov.ph Official Website of the Philippines Commission on Elections]
* [http://www.comelec.gov.ph/?r=AboutCOMELEC/CommissionMembers Current Members of {{Sc1|COMELEC}}]
* [http://www.comelec.gov.ph/?r=AboutCOMELEC/HistoricalBackground/PastMembersofCOMELEC Past Members of {{Sc1|COMELEC}}]
* [http://www.comelec.gov.ph/?r=AboutCOMELEC/OrganizationalInfo/PastMembersofCOMELEC/Since1950 Past Members of {{Sc1|COMELEC}}, by decade]

{{Philippine elections}}
{{Commission on Elections (Philippines)}}
{{National election commissions}}
{{Philippines topics}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Commission On Elections (Philippines)}}
[[Category:Elections in the Philippines]]
[[Category:Election commissions|Philippines]]
[[Category:Quasi-judicial bodies]]
[[Category:Constitutional commissions of the Philippines|Elections]]
[[Category:Articles which contain graphical timelines]]