30/03/2026
๐ข๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฆ๐ง๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ง | ๐๐๐๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ ๐ข๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก
In light of the recent announcement by the Commission on Student Elections (COMSELEC) โ Pili Campus regarding the declaration of Failure of Pre-Election for the Supreme Student Council (SSC), the Commission acknowledges the concerns and inquiries raised by the student body and remains fully committed to upholding transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
Pursuant to Resolution No. 002, Series of 2026, the Commission has provided clarifications and guidelines for the implementation of Article II, Section 5 (p) and (q) of the Election Code of 2021. This Resolution was duly approved to guide the exercise of the Commissionโs authority in addressing unique and unforeseen circumstances in the electoral process, consistent with its provisions.
In accordance with the Resolution, the following key guidelines are hereby emphasized:
1. During the official period of filing of candidacy, where the number of duly certified candidates is substantially low, such circumstance shall serve as a guiding indicator for the COMSELEC to assess the readiness and viability of proceeding with the electoral process, taking into account the fairness, competitiveness, and credibility of the election;
2. Any determination of non-viability under this Resolution shall apply strictly to the pre-election phase and shall not be construed as a declaration of failure of elections under Article XI, Section 4;
3. A deliberation of the prevailing pre-election must be conducted and must assess meaningful participation, fair representation, and credible electoral competition. If such qualifications haven't been satiated, the COMSELEC has the authority to vest upon ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐น๐๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ฒ-๐๐น๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป. In addition, implementation of appropriate measures such as but not limited to, extension of filing of candidacy, special elections, or rescheduling, must be supplied to amend the situation.
With these guidelines, the Commission on Student Elections (COMSELEC) hereby formally declares a ๐๐๐๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ ๐ข๐ ๐ฃ๐ฅ๐-๐๐๐๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก for the Supreme Student Council, due to non-compliance with essential provisions of the Election Code. This is based on the fact that only one (1) candidate filed a certificate of candidacy for the SSC positions, which does not satisfy the requirement for a valid, competitive, and representative electoral process. As such, the conduct of a regular election is deemed impractical and inconsistent with the principles of democratic representation.
Additionally, this is a collective decision with the COMSELEC body and the Office of Student Affairs and Services in pursuant of reformation to further uplift the electoral process. The core reason for this decision is the call for intervention with the evident weakening candidacy and leadership tenet of the student body, therefore proceeding with a holistic revision that aims to uphold principles of electoral competitiveness, meaningful choice, and adequate representation of positions.
Due to this circumstance, the Commission shall initiate appropriate actions, including the conduct of a ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฎ๐น ๐ฒ๐น๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป. While provisions for special elections are not explicitly stated in the current Election Code, the Commission will undertake a revision to establish proper guidelines anchored on legal and institutional basis.
The Commission likewise acknowledges the delay in the publication of the aforementioned Resolution and sincerely apologizes for any confusion this may have caused.
Notwithstanding such delay, the Resolution was issued in good faith to address unforeseen circumstances and to ensure continuity and order in student governance.
Lastly, Stateans, we are hoping for your kind consideration, patience, and participation along the COMSELEC's movement to bring back our electoral spirit and leadership principles.
