If you’re 18 and above, you’ve probably voted at least once, whether in the presidential elections or the midterms. But if you haven't yet and still need to register, then congratulations—you're about to have your first direct encounter with the Commission on Elections or COMELEC.
However, the COMELEC does far more than administer and supervise voter registrations. As the body responsible for managing our elections, they oversee the entire process to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness—including monitoring those who are running for office and enforcing election-related laws.
4 Facts You Need To Know About The COMELEC
1. The COMELEC is a constitutionally mandated body.
Under Article IX of the 1987 Constitution, the COMELEC was established as an independent constitutional commission. Unlike other government agencies that fall under the executive branch, the COMELEC operates autonomously, free from political influence and without bias, to guarantee fair and credible elections. The COMELEC also holds significant power in regulating and enforcing electoral laws.
2. The COMELEC administers election-related laws, regulations, and resolutions.
Ever noticed how during election season, a "gun ban" is imposed to prevent election-related violence? That's one of COMELEC's many responsibilities. In fact, almost everything election-related—announcements on how elections will be conducted, deadlines for voter registration, the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC), and campaign regulations—fall under COMELEC’s jurisdiction.
Article IX, Section 2(1) of the 1987 Constitution states that the COMELEC shall "Enforce and administer all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of an election, plebiscite, initiative, referendum, and recall."
Furthermore, Section 2(3) states that the COMELEC shall "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."
Transparency is at the heart of the COMELEC's mandate—that's why they're required to disclose election-related information to the public. If you need updates on new regulations, important deadlines, precinct verification, or sample ballots, you can visit COMELEC’s official website.
3. The COMELEC handles voter-related matters.
The COMELEC's work doesn't just begin on election day—it starts long before that. They handle all voter-related matters, including:
- Voter registration
- Local absentee voting
- Transfers, corrections, and reactivation of voter records
If you need to update your registration details, you can access the necessary forms and requirements through their website.
4. The COMELEC qualifies (or disqualifies) candidates.
Remember when social media influencer Rosmar Tan filed her candidacy for Manila councilor (before eventually withdrawing)? That entire process—both the filing and withdrawal—was done through the COMELEC.
Under the law, the COMELEC has exclusive jurisdiction over election-related contests, including:
- The qualifications of all elective regional, provincial, and city officials,
- Appellate jurisdiction over contests involving elective municipal officials, and
- Jurisdiction over barangay officials’ election disputes decided by trial courts
This means the COMELEC has the authority to determine whether a candidate is eligible to run for office. Through its vetting process, COMELEC upholds the integrity of elections by ensuring that those seeking public office meet the qualifications set by law.