THE House of Representatives has approved on second reading a bill that imposes a P500,000 fine on individuals classified as “nuisance candidates” in elections.
The proposed law, House Bill No. 11317, was given its penultimate approval during a marathon session on January 28.
This measure aims to amend the Omnibus Election Code by adding new grounds for the cancellation of a candidate’s certificate of candidacy (COC) and classifying the actions of nuisance candidates as election offenses.
The bill, which consolidates House Bill Nos. 8415 and 9676, also seeks to impose a P500,000 penalty on those found guilty of violating election rules.
The proposed law seeks to uphold the integrity of the electoral process by addressing candidates who disrupt elections for personal gain, lack of genuine intent, or by causing confusion among voters.
The House is expected to vote on the bill for its third and final reading next week before lawmakers take their recess. The Philippines’ next mid-term elections are scheduled for May 12.
Under HB No. 11317, a “nuisance candidate” is defined as someone who files a COC for monetary gain, profit, or other incentives. The bill also includes new prohibitions, such as:
- Undermining the election process;
- Deliberately causing confusion through name similarities;
- Accepting money, profit, or any other consideration; and
- Acting in a manner that shows a lack of intent to run for office.