EN BANC ELEAZAR P. QUINTO and GERINO A. TOLENTINO, JR., Petitioners, G.R. No. 189698 Present: PUNO, C.J.

, CARPIO, CORONA, CARPIO MORALES, CHICO-NAZARIO, ELASCO, !R., NACHURA, LEONAR"O-"E CAS#RO, BRION, PERAL#A, BERSAMIN, "EL CAS#ILLO, ABA", $nd ILLARAMA, !R., JJ. Pro%u&'$ted: Respondent. "e(e%)er *, +,,x-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------x

- versus -

COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS,

"ECISION NACHURA, J.:

.In our predisposition to dis(over t/e 0ori'in$& intent1 o2 $ st$tute, (ourts )e(o%e t/e un2ee&in' pi&&$rs o2 t/e status quo. Litt&e do 3e re$&i4e t/$t st$tutes or even (onstitutions $re )und&es o2 (o%pro%ises t/ro3n our 3$5 )5 t/eir 2r$%ers. Un&ess 3e e6er(ise vi'i&$n(e, t/e st$tute %$5 $&re$d5 )e out o2 tune $nd irre&ev$nt to our d$5.7 8*9 It is in t/is &i'/t t/$t 3e s/ou&d $ddress t/e inst$nt ($se. Be2ore t/e Court is $ petition 2or pro/i)ition $nd certiorari, 3it/ pr$5er 2or t/e issu$n(e o2 $ te%por$r5 restr$inin' order $nd $ 3rit o2 pre&i%in$r5 in:un(tion, $ss$i&in' Se(tion ;<$= o2 Reso&ution No. >?@> o2 t/e Co%%ission on E&e(tions <COMELEC=. In vie3 o2 pressin' (onte%por$r5 events, t/e petition )e's 2or i%%edi$te reso&ution. The Antecedents #/is (ontrovers5 $(tu$&&5 ste%s 2ro% t/e &$3 $ut/ori4in' t/e COMELEC to use $n $uto%$ted e&e(tion s5ste% <AES=. On "e(e%)er ++, *--@, Con'ress en$(ted Repu)&i( A(t <R.A.= No. >;A?, entit&ed .AN AC# AU#HORIZINB #HE COMMISSION ON ELEC#IONS #O USE AN AU#OMA#E" ELEC#ION SCS#EM IN #HE MAC **, *--> NA#IONAL OR LOCAL ELEC#IONS AN" IN SUBSEDUEN# NA#IONAL AN" LOCAL ELEC#ORAL EEERCISES, PRO I"INB FUN"S #HEREFOR AN" FOR O#HER PURPOSES.7 Se(tion ** t/ereo2 re$ds: SEC. **. Official Ballot.G#/e Co%%ission s/$&& pres(ri)e t/e si4e $nd 2or% o2 t/e o22i(i$& )$&&ot 3/i(/ s/$&& (ont$in t/e tit&es o2 t/e positions to )e 2i&&ed $ndHor t/e propositions to )e voted upon in $n initi$tive, re2erendu% or p&e)is(ite. Under e$(/ position, t/e n$%es o2 ($ndid$tes s/$&& )e $rr$n'ed $&p/$)eti($&&5 )5 surn$%e $nd uni2or%&5 printed usin' t/e s$%e t5pe si4e. A 2i6ed sp$(e 3/ere t/e (/$ir%$n o2 t/e Bo$rd o2 E&e(tion inspe(tors s/$&& $22i6 /isH/er si'n$ture to $ut/enti($te t/e o22i(i$& )$&&ot s/$&& )e provided. Bot/ sides o2 t/e )$&&ots %$5 )e used 3/en ne(ess$r5. Fo !"#$ %& %o$', !"' d'ad(#n' )o !"' )#(#n* o) +' !#)#+a!' o) +and#da+,-%'!#!#on )o '*#$! a!#on-.an#)'$!a!#on !o %a !#+#%a!' #n !"' '('+!#on $"a(( no! /' (a!' !"an on' "&nd 'd !0'n!, 11234 da,$ /')o ' !"' '('+!#on$: Provided,T"a!, an, '('+!#5' o))#+#a(, 0"'!"' na!#ona( o (o+a(, &nn#n* )o an, o))#+' o!"' !"an !"' on' 0"#+" "'-$"' #$ "o(d#n* #n a %' .an'n! +a%a+#!,, '6+'%! )o % '$#d'n! and 5#+' % '$#d'n!, $"a(( /' d''.'d '$#*n'd on(, &%on !"' $!a ! o) !"' +a.%a#*n %' #od +o '$%ond#n* !o !"' %o$#!#on )o 0"#+" "'-$"' #$ &nn#n*: Provided, further, T"a!, &n(a0)&( a+!$ o o.#$$#on$ a%%(#+a/(' !o a +and#da!' $"a(( !a7' '))'+! &%on !"' $!a ! o) !"' a)o '$a#d +a.%a#*n %' #od : Provided, finally, #/$t, 2or purposes o2 t/e M$5 **, *--> e&e(tions, t/e de$d&ine 2or 2i&in' o2 t/e (erti2i($te o2 ($ndid$(5 2or t/e positions o2 President, i(e President, Sen$tors $nd ($ndid$tes under t/e P$rt5-List S5ste% $s 3e&& $s petitions 2or re'istr$tion $ndHor %$ni2est$tion to p$rti(ip$te in t/e P$rt5-List S5ste% s/$&& )e on Fe)ru$r5 -, *--> 3/i&e t/e de$d&ine 2or t/e 2i&in' o2 (erti2i($te o2 ($ndid$(5 2or ot/er positions s/$&& )e on M$r(/ +@, *-->. #/e o22i(i$& )$&&ots s/$&& )e printed )5 t/e N$tion$& Printin' O22i(e $ndHor t/e Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas $t t/e pri(e (o%p$r$)&e 3it/ t/$t o2 priv$te printers under proper se(urit5 %e$sures 3/i(/ t/e Co%%ission s/$&& $dopt. #/e Co%%ission %$5 (ontr$(t t/e servi(es o2 priv$te printers

upon (erti2i($tion )5 t/e N$tion$& Printin' O22i(eH Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas t/$t it ($nnot %eet t/e printin' reIuire%ents. A((redited po&iti($& p$rties $nd deputi4ed (iti4ensJ $r%s o2 t/e Co%%ission %$5 $ssi'n 3$t(/ers in t/e printin', stor$'e $nd distri)ution o2 o22i(i$& )$&&ots. #o prevent t/e use o2 2$Ke )$&&ots, t/e Co%%ission t/rou'/ t/e Co%%ittee s/$&& ensure t/$t t/e seri$& nu%)er on t/e )$&&ot stu) s/$&& )e printed in %$'neti( inK t/$t s/$&& )e e$si&5 dete(t$)&e )5 ine6pensive /$rd3$re $nd s/$&& )e i%possi)&e to reprodu(e on $ p/oto(op5in' %$(/ine $nd t/$t identi2i($tion %$rKs, %$'neti( strips, )$r (odes $nd ot/er te(/ni($& $nd se(urit5 %$rKin's, $re provided on t/e )$&&ot. #/e o22i(i$& )$&&ots s/$&& )e printed $nd distri)uted to e$(/ (it5H%uni(ip$&it5 $t t/e r$te o2 one <*= )$&&ot 2or ever5 re'istered voter 3it/ $ provision o2 $ddition$& 2our <;= )$&&ots per pre(in(t.8+9

A&%ost $ de($de t/ere$2ter, Con'ress $%ended t/e &$3 on !$nu$r5 +A, +,,@ )5 en$(tin' R.A. No. -A?-, entit&ed .AN AC# AMEN"INB REPUBLIC AC# NO. >;A?, EN#I#LE" 0AN AC# AU#HORIZINB #HE COMMISSION ON ELEC#IONS #O USE AN AU#OMA#E" ELEC#ION SCS#EM IN #HE MAC **, *--> NA#IONAL OR LOCAL ELEC#IONS AN" IN SUBSEDUEN# NA#IONAL AN" LOCAL ELEC#ORAL EEERCISES, #O ENCOURABE #RANSPARENCC, CRE"IBILI#C, FAIRNESS AN" ACCURACC OF ELEC#IONS, AMEN"INB FOR #HE PURPOSE BA#AS PAMPANSA BLB. >>*, AS AMEM"E", REPUBLIC AC# NO. @*?? AN" O#HER RELA#E" ELEC#ION LALS, PRO I"INB FUN"S #HEREFOR AN" FOR O#HER PURPOSES.17 Se(tion *A o2 t/e $%end$tor5 &$3 %odi2ied Se(tion ** o2 R.A. No. >;A?, t/us: SEC. *A. Se(tion ** o2 Repu)&i( A(t No. >;A? is /ere)5 $%ended to re$d $s 2o&&o3s: .Se(tion *M. Official Ballot.G#/e Co%%ission s/$&& pres(ri)e t/e 2or%$t o2 t/e e&e(troni( disp&$5 $ndHor t/e si4e $nd 2or% o2 t/e o22i(i$& )$&&ot, 3/i(/ s/$&& (ont$in t/e tit&es o2 t/e position to )e 2i&&ed $ndHor t/e propositions to )e voted upon in $n initi$tive, re2erendu% or p&e)is(ite. L/ere pr$(ti($)&e, e&e(troni( disp&$5s %ust )e (onstru(ted to present t/e n$%es o2 $&& ($ndid$tes 2or t/e s$%e position in t/e s$%e p$'e or s(reen, ot/er3ise, t/e e&e(troni( disp&$5s %ust )e (onstru(ted to present t/e entire )$&&ot to t/e voter, in $ series o2 seIuenti$& p$'es, $nd to ensure t/$t t/e voter sees $&& o2 t/e )$&&ot options on $&& p$'es )e2ore (o%p&etin' /is or /er vote $nd to $&&o3 t/e voter to revie3 $nd (/$n'e $&& )$&&ot (/oi(es prior to (o%p&etin' $nd ($stin' /is or /er )$&&ot. Under e$(/ position to )e 2i&&ed, t/e n$%es o2 ($ndid$tes s/$&& )e $rr$n'ed $&p/$)eti($&&5 )5 surn$%e $nd uni2or%&5 indi($ted usin' t/e s$%e t5pe si4e. #/e %$iden or %$rried n$%e s/$&& )e &isted in t/e o22i(i$& )$&&ot, $s pre2erred )5 t/e 2e%$&e ($ndid$te. Under e$(/ proposition to )e vote upon, t/e (/oi(es s/ou&d )e uni2or%&5 indi($ted usin' t/e s$%e 2ont $nd si4e. .A 2i6ed sp$(e 3/ere t/e (/$ir%$n o2 t/e )o$rd o2 e&e(tion inspe(tors s/$&& $22i6 /isH/er si'n$ture to $ut/enti($te t/e o22i(i$& )$&&ot s/$&& )e provided. .Fo !"#$ %& %o$', !"' Co..#$$#on $"a(( $'! !"' d'ad(#n' )o !"' )#(#n* o) +' !#)#+a!' o) +and#da+,-%'!#!#on o) '*#$! a!#on-.an#)'$!a!#on !o %a !#+#%a!' #n !"' '('+!#on. An, %' $on 0"o )#('$ "#$ +' !#)#+a!' o) +and#da+, 0#!"#n !"#$ %' #od $"a(( on(, /' +on$#d' 'd a$ a +and#da!' a! !"' $!a ! o) !"' +a.%a#*n %' #od )o 0"#+" "' )#('d "#$ +' !#)#+a!' o) +and#da+,: Provided, T"a!, &n(a0)&( a+!$ o o.#$$#on$ a%%(#+a/(' !o a +and#da!' $"a(( !a7' '))'+! on(, &%on !"' $!a ! o) !"' a)o '$a#d +a.%a#*n %' #od: Provided, finally, T"a! an, %' $on "o(d#n* a %&/(#+ a%%o#n!#5' o))#+' o %o$#!#on, #n+(&d#n* a+!#5' .'./' $ o) !"' a .'d )o +'$, and o))#+' $ and '.%(o,''$ #n *o5' n.'n!8o0n'd o 8+on! o(('d +o %o a!#on$, $"a(( /' +on$#d' 'd ipso facto '$#*n'd ) o. "#$-"' o))#+' and .&$! 5a+a!' !"' $a.' a! !"' $!a ! o) !"' da, o) !"' )#(#n* o) "#$-"' +' !#)#+a!' o) +and#da+,.

.Po&iti($& p$rties %$5 /o&d po&iti($& (onventions to no%in$te t/eir o22i(i$& ($ndid$tes 3it/in t/irt5 <A,= d$5s )e2ore t/e st$rt o2 t/e period 2or 2i&in' $ (erti2i($te o2 ($ndid$(5. .Lit/ respe(t to $ p$per-)$sed e&e(tion s5ste%, t/e o22i(i$& )$&&ots s/$&& )e printed )5 t/e N$tion$& Printin' O22i(e $ndHor t/e Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas $t t/e pri(e (o%p$r$)&e 3it/ t/$t o2 priv$te printers under proper se(urit5 %e$sures 3/i(/ t/e Co%%ission s/$&& $dopt. #/e Co%%ission %$5 (ontr$(t t/e servi(es o2 priv$te printers upon (erti2i($tion )5 t/e N$tion$& Printin' O22i(eH Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas t/$t it ($nnot %eet t/e printin' reIuire%ents. A((redited po&iti($& p$rties $nd deputi4ed (iti4ens1 $r%s o2 t/e Co%%ission s/$&& $ssi'n 3$t(/ers in t/e printin', stor$'e $nd distri)ution o2 o22i(i$& )$&&ots. .#o prevent t/e use o2 2$Ke )$&&ots, t/e Co%%ission t/rou'/ t/e Co%%ittee s/$&& ensure t/$t t/e ne(ess$r5 s$2e'u$rds, su(/ $s, )ut not &i%ited to, )$r (odes, /o&o'r$%s, (o&or s/i2tin' inK, %i(roprintin', $re provided on t/e )$&&ot. .#/e o22i(i$& )$&&ots s/$&& )e printed $nd distri)uted to e$(/ (it5H%uni(ip$&it5 $t t/e r$te o2 one )$&&ot 2or ever5 re'istered voter 3it/ $ provision o2 $ddition$& t/ree )$&&ots per pre(in(t.78A9

Pursu$nt to its (onstitution$& %$nd$te to en2or(e $nd $d%inister e&e(tion &$3s, COMELEC issued Reso&ution No. >?@>,8;9 t/e Buide&ines on t/e Fi&in' o2 Certi2i($tes o2 C$ndid$(5 <CoC= $nd No%in$tion o2 O22i(i$& C$ndid$tes o2 Re'istered Po&iti($& P$rties in Conne(tion 3it/ t/e M$5 *,, +,*, N$tion$& $nd Lo($& E&e(tions. Se(tions ; $nd M o2 Reso&ution No. >?@> provide: SEC. ;. Effects of Filing Certificates of Candidacy.G$= An5 person /o&din' $ pu)&i( $ppointive o22i(e or position in(&udin' $(tive %e%)ers o2 t/e Ar%ed For(es o2 t/e P/i&ippines, $nd ot/er o22i(ers $nd e%p&o5ees in 'overn%ent-o3ned or (ontro&&ed (orpor$tions, s/$&& )e (onsidered ipso facto resi'ned 2ro% /is o22i(e upon t/e 2i&in' o2 /is (erti2i($te o2 ($ndid$(5.

)= An5 person /o&din' $n e&e(tive o22i(e or position s/$&& not )e (onsidered resi'ned upon t/e 2i&in' o2 /is (erti2i($te o2 ($ndid$(5 2or t/e s$%e or $n5 ot/er e&e(tive o22i(e or position. SEC. M. Period for filing Certificate of Candidacy. G#/e (erti2i($te o2 ($ndid$(5 s/$&& )e 2i&ed on re'u&$r d$5s, 2ro% Nove%)er +, to A,, +,,-, durin' o22i(e /ours, e6(ept on t/e &$st d$5, 3/i(/ s/$&& )e unti& %idni'/t. A&$r%ed t/$t t/e5 3i&& )e dee%ed ipso facto resi'ned 2ro% t/eir o22i(es t/e %o%ent t/e5 2i&e t/eir CoCs, petitioners E&e$4$r P. Duinto $nd Berino A. #o&entino, !r., 3/o /o&d $ppointive positions in t/e 'overn%ent $nd 3/o intend to run in t/e (o%in' e&e(tions,8M9 2i&ed t/e inst$nt petition 2or pro/i)ition $nd certiorari, seeKin' t/e de(&$r$tion o2 t/e $2ore-Iuoted Se(tion ;<$= o2 Reso&ution No. >?@> $s nu&& $nd void. The Petitioners Contention Petitioners (ontend t/$t t/e COMELEC 'r$ve&5 $)used its dis(retion 3/en it issued t/e $ss$i&ed Reso&ution. #/e5 $ver t/$t t/e $dv$n(e 2i&in' o2 CoCs 2or t/e +,*, e&e(tions is intended %ere&5 2or t/e purpose o2 e$r&5 printin' o2 t/e o22i(i$& )$&&ots in order to (ope 3it/ ti%e &i%it$tions. Su(/ $dv$n(e 2i&in' does not $uto%$ti($&&5 %$Ke t/e person 3/o 2i&ed t/e CoC $ ($ndid$te $t t/e %o%ent o2 2i&in'. In 2$(t, t/e &$3 (onsiders /i% $ ($ndid$te on&5 $t t/e st$rt o2 t/e ($%p$i'n period. Petitioners t/en $ssert t/$t t/is )ein' so, t/e5 s/ou&d not )e dee%ed ipso facto resi'ned 2ro% t/eir 'overn%ent o22i(es 3/en t/e5 2i&e t/eir CoCs, )e($use $t su(/ ti%e t/e5 $re not 5et tre$ted )5 &$3 $s ($ndid$tes. #/e5 s/ou&d )e (onsidered resi'ned 2ro% t/eir respe(tive o22i(es on&5 $t t/e st$rt o2 t/e ($%p$i'n period 3/en t/e5 $re, )5 &$3, $&re$d5 (onsidered $s ($ndid$tes.8?9 Petitioners $&so (ontend t/$t Se(tion *A o2 R.A. No. -A?-, t/e )$sis o2 t/e $ss$i&ed COMELEC reso&ution, (ont$ins t3o (on2&i(tin' provisions. #/ese %ust )e /$r%oni4ed or re(on(i&ed to 'ive e22e(t to )ot/ $nd to $rrive $t $ de(&$r$tion t/$t t/e5 $re not ipso facto resi'ned 2ro% t/eir positions upon t/e 2i&in' o2 t/eir CoCs.8@9 Petitioners 2urt/er posit t/$t t/e provision (onsiderin' t/e% $s ipso facto resi'ned 2ro% o22i(e upon t/e 2i&in' o2 t/eir CoCs is dis(ri%in$tor5 $nd vio&$tes t/e eIu$& prote(tion (&$use in t/e Constitution.8>9 The Respondents Arguments On t/e pro(edur$& $spe(t o2 t/e petition, t/e O22i(e o2 t/e So&i(itor Bener$& <OSB=, representin' respondent COMELEC, $r'ues t/$t petitioners /$ve no &e'$& st$ndin' to institute t/e suit. Petitioners /$ve not 5et 2i&ed t/eir CoCs, /en(e, t/e5 $re not 5et $22e(ted )5 t/e $ss$i&ed provision in t/e COMELEC reso&ution. #/e OSB 2urt/er (&$i%s t/$t t/e petition is pre%$ture or unripe 2or :udi(i$& deter%in$tion. Petitioners /$ve $d%itted t/$t t/e5 $re %ere&5 p&$nnin' to 2i&e t/eir CoCs 2or t/e (o%in' +,*, e&e(tions. #/eir interest in t/e present (ontrovers5 is t/us %ere&5 spe(u&$tive $nd (ontin'ent upon t/e 2i&in' o2 t/e s$%e. #/e OSB &iKe3ise (ontends t/$t petitioners $v$i&ed o2 t/e 3ron' re%ed5. #/e5 $re Iuestionin' $n issu$n(e o2 t/e COMELEC %$de in t/e e6er(ise o2 t/e &$tter1s ru&e-%$Kin' po3er. Certiorari under Ru&e ?M is t/en $n i%proper re%ed5.8-9 On t/e su)st$ntive $spe(t, t/e OSB %$int$ins t/$t t/e COMELEC did not 'r$ve&5 $)use its dis(retion in p/r$sin' Se(tion ;<$= o2 Reso&ution No. >?@> 2or it %ere&5 (opied 3/$t is in t/e &$3. #/e OSB, /o3ever, $'rees 3it/ petitioners t/$t t/ere is $ (on2&i(t in Se(tion *A o2 R.A. No. -A?- t/$t s/ou&d )e reso&ved. A((ordin' to t/e OSB, t/ere see%s to )e no )$sis to (onsider $ppointive o22i(i$&s $s ipso facto resi'ned $nd to reIuire t/e% to v$($te t/eir positions on t/e s$%e d$5 t/$t t/e5 2i&e t/eir CoCs, )e($use t/e5 $re not 5et (onsidered $s ($ndid$tes $t t/$t ti%e. Furt/er, t/is .dee%ed resi'ned7 provision e6isted in Batas Pam ansa Bilang <B.P. Blg.= >>*, $nd no &on'er 2inds $ p&$(e in our present e&e(tion &$3s 3it/ t/e innov$tions )rou'/t $)out )5 t/e $uto%$ted s5ste%.8*,9 Our Ruling I. At 2irst '&$n(e, t/e petition su22ers 2ro% $n in(ipient pro(edur$& de2e(t. L/$t petitioners $ss$i& in t/eir petition is $ reso&ution issued )5 t/e COMELEC in t/e e6er(ise o2 its Iu$si-&e'is&$tive po3er. Certiorari under Ru&e ?M, in re&$tion to Ru&e ?;, ($nnot )e $v$i&ed o2, )e($use it is $ re%ed5 to Iuestion de(isions, reso&utions $nd issu$n(es %$de in t/e e6er(ise o2 $ :udi(i$& or Iu$si-:udi(i$& 2un(tion.8**9 Pro/i)ition is $&so $n in$ppropri$te re%ed5, )e($use 3/$t petitioners $(tu$&&5 seeK 2ro% t/e Court is $ deter%in$tion o2 t/e proper (onstru(tion o2 $ st$tute $nd $ de(&$r$tion o2 t/eir ri'/ts t/ereunder. O)vious&5, t/eir petition is one 2or de(&$r$tor5 re&ie2, 8*+9 over 3/i(/ t/is Court does not e6er(ise ori'in$& :urisdi(tion.8*A9 Ho3ever, petitioners r$ise $ (/$&&en'e on t/e (onstitution$&it5 o2 t/e Iuestioned provisions o2 )ot/ t/e COMELEC reso&ution $nd t/e &$3. Biven t/is s(en$rio, t/e Court %$5 step in $nd reso&ve t/e inst$nt petition. #/e tr$ns(endent$& n$ture $nd p$r$%ount i%port$n(e o2 t/e issues r$ised $nd t/e (o%pe&&in' st$te interest invo&ved in t/eir e$r&5 reso&utionGt/e period 2or t/e 2i&in' o2 CoCs 2or t/e +,*, e&e(tions /$s $&re$d5 st$rted $nd /undreds o2 (ivi& serv$nts intendin' to run 2or e&e(tive o22i(es $re to &ose t/eir e%p&o5%ent, t/ere)5 ($usin' i%%inent $nd irrep$r$)&e d$%$'e to t/eir %e$ns o2 &ive&i/ood $nd, $t t/e s$%e ti%e, (ripp&in' t/e 'overn%ent1s %$npo3erG2urt/er di(t$te t/$t t/e Court %ust, 2or propriet5, i2 on&5 2ro% $ sense o2 o)&i'$tion, entert$in t/e petition so $s to e6pedite t/e $d:udi($tion o2 $&&, espe(i$&&5 t/e (onstitution$&, issues. In $n5 event, t/e Court /$s $%p&e $ut/orit5 to set $side errors o2 pr$(ti(e or te(/ni($&ities o2 pro(edure $nd reso&ve t/e %erits o2 $ ($se. Repe$ted&5 stressed in our prior de(isions is t/e prin(ip&e t/$t t/e Ru&es 3ere pro%u&'$ted to provide 'uide&ines 2or t/e order&5 $d%inistr$tion o2 :usti(e, not to s/$(K&e t/e /$nd t/$t dispenses it. Ot/er3ise, t/e (ourts 3ou&d )e (onsi'ned to )ein' %ere s&$ves to te(/ni($& ru&es, deprived o2 t/eir :udi(i$& dis(retion.8*;9 II. #o put t/in's in t/eir proper perspe(tive, it is i%per$tive t/$t 3e tr$(e t/e )rie2 /istor5 o2 t/e $ss$i&ed provision. Se(tion ;<$= o2 COMELEC Reso&ution No. >?@> is $ reprodu(tion o2 t/e se(ond proviso in t/e t/ird p$r$'r$p/ o2 Se(tion *A o2 R.A. No. -A?-, 3/i(/ 2or re$d5 re2eren(e is Iuoted $s 2o&&o3s: For t/is purpose, t/e Co%%ission s/$&& set t/e de$d&ine 2or t/e 2i&in' o2 (erti2i($te o2 ($ndid$(5Hpetition 2or re'istr$tionH%$ni2est$tion to p$rti(ip$te in t/e e&e(tion. An5 person 3/o 2i&es /is (erti2i($te o2 ($ndid$(5 3it/in t/is period s/$&& on&5 )e (onsidered $s $ ($ndid$te $t t/e st$rt o2 t/e

($%p$i'n period 2or 3/i(/ /e 2i&ed /is (erti2i($te o2 ($ndid$(5: Provided, #/$t, un&$32u& $(ts or o%issions $pp&i($)&e to $ ($ndid$te s/$&& t$Ke e22e(t on&5 upon t/e st$rt o2 t/e $2ores$id ($%p$i'n period: Provided, finally, T"a! an, %' $on "o(d#n* a %&/(#+ a%%o#n!#5' o))#+' o %o$#!#on, #n+(&d#n* a+!#5' .'./' $ o) !"' a .'d )o +'$, and o))#+' $ and '.%(o,''$ #n *o5' n.'n!8o0n'd o 8+on! o(('d +o %o a!#on$, $"a(( /' +on$#d' 'd ipso facto '$#*n'd ) o. "#$-"' o))#+' and .&$! 5a+a!' !"' $a.' a! !"' $!a ! o) !"' da, o) !"' )#(#n* o) "#$-"' +' !#)#+a!' o) +and#da+, .8*M9

Not$)&5, t/is proviso is not present in Se(tion ** o2 R.A. No. >;A?, t/e &$3 $%ended )5 R.A. No. -A?-. #/e proviso 3$s &i2ted 2ro% Se(tion ?? o2 B.P. Blg. >>* or t/e O%ni)us E&e(tion Code <OEC= o2 t/eP/i&ippines, 3/i(/ re$ds: Se(. ??. Candidates !olding appointive office or position .GAn5 person /o&din' $ pu)&i( $ppointive o22i(e or position, in(&udin' $(tive %e%)ers o2 t/e Ar%ed For(es o2 t/e P/i&ippines, $nd o22i(ers $nd e%p&o5ees in 'overn%ent-o3ned or (ontro&&ed (orpor$tions, s/$&& )e (onsidered ipso facto resi'ned 2ro% /is o22i(e upon t/e 2i&in' o2 /is (erti2i($te o2 ($ndid$(5.

It %$5 )e re($&&edGin inverse (/rono&o'5Gt/$t e$r&ier, Presidenti$& "e(ree No. *+-?, or t/e *-@> E&e(tion Code, (ont$ined $ si%i&$r provision, t/usG SEC#ION +-. C$ndid$tes /o&din' $ppointive o22i(e or position. G Ever5 person /o&din' $ pu)&i( $ppointive o22i(e or position, in(&udin' $(tive %e%)ers o2 t/e Ar%ed For(es o2 t/e P/i&ippines, $nd o22i(ers $nd e%p&o5ees in 'overn%ent-o3ned or (ontro&&ed (orpor$tions, s/$&& ipso facto (e$se in /is o22i(e or position on t/e d$te /e 2i&es /is (erti2i($te o2 ($ndid$(5. Me%)ers o2 t/e C$)inet s/$&& (ontinue in t/e o22i(es t/e5 present&5 /o&d not3it/st$ndin' t/e 2i&in' o2 (erti2i($te o2 ($ndid$(5, su):e(t to t/e p&e$sure o2 t/e President o2 t/e P/i&ippines.

Mu(/ e$r&ier, R.A. No. ?A>>, or t/e E&e(tion Code o2 *-@*, &iKe3ise st$ted in its Se(tion +A t/e 2o&&o3in': SEC#ION +A. C$ndid$tes Ho&din' Appointive O22i(e or Position. G Ever5 person /o&din' $ pu)&i( $ppointive o22i(e or position, in(&udin' $(tive %e%)ers o2 t/e Ar%ed For(es o2 t/e P/i&ippines $nd ever5 o22i(er or e%p&o5ee in 'overn%ent-o3ned or (ontro&&ed (orpor$tions, s/$&& ipso facto (e$se in /is o22i(e or position on t/e d$te /e 2i&es /is (erti2i($te o2 ($ndid$(5: Provided, #/$t t/e 2i&in' o2 $ (erti2i($te o2 ($ndid$(5 s/$&& not $22e(t 3/$tever (ivi&, (ri%in$& or $d%inistr$tive &i$)i&ities 3/i(/ /e %$5 /$ve in(urred. Boin' 2urt/er )$(K in /istor5, R.A. No. *>,, or t/e Revised E&e(tion Code $pproved on !une +*, *-;@, $&so provided t/$tG SEC#ION +?. Auto%$ti( (ess$tion o2 $ppointive o22i(ers $nd e%p&o5ees 3/o $re ($ndid$tes. G Ever5 person /o&din' $ pu)&i( $ppointive o22i(e or position s/$&& ipso facto (e$se in /is o22i(e or position on t/e d$te /e 2i&es /is (erti2i($te o2 ($ndid$(5. "urin' t/e Co%%on3e$&t/ er$, Co%%on3e$&t/ A(t <C.A.= No. @+M, entit&ed .AN AC# #O PRO I"E FOR #HE NEE# ELEC#ION FOR PRESI"EN# AN" ICE-PRESI"EN# OF #HE PHILIPPINES, SENA#ORS AN" MEMBERS OF #HE HOUSE OF REPRESEN#A#I ES, AN" APPROPRIA#INB #HE NECESSARC FUN"S #HEREFOR,7 $pproved on !$nu$r5 M, *-;?, (ont$ined, in t/e &$st p$r$'r$p/ o2 its Se(tion +, t/e 2o&&o3in': A person o((up5in' $n5 (ivi& o22i(e )5 $ppoint%ent in t/e 'overn%ent or $n5 o2 its po&iti($& su)divisions or $'en(ies or 'overn%ent-o3ned or (ontro&&ed (orpor$tions, 3/et/er su(/ o22i(e )5 $ppointive or e&e(tive, s/$&& )e (onsidered to /$ve resi'ned 2ro% su(/ o22i(e 2ro% t/e %o%ent o2 t/e 2i&in' o2 su(/ (erti2i($te o2 ($ndid$(5. Si'ni2i($nt&5, /o3ever, C.A. No. ???, entit&ed .AN AC# #O PRO I"E FOR #HE FIRS# ELEC#ION FOR PRESI"EN# AN" ICE-PRESI"EN# OF #HE PHILIPPINES, SENA#ORS, AN" MEMBERS OF #HE HOUSE OF REPRESEN#A#I ES, UN"ER #HE CONS#I#U#ION AN" #HE AMEN"MEN#S #HEREOF,7 en$(ted 3it/out e6e(utive $pprov$& on !une ++, *-;*, t/e pre(ursor o2 C.A. No. @+M, on&5 provided 2or $uto%$ti( resi'n$tion o2 e&e(tive, )ut not $ppointive, o22i(i$&s. Nevert/e&ess, C.A. No. AM@, or t/e E&e(tion Code $pproved on Au'ust ++, *-A>, /$d, in its Se(tion ++, t/e s$%e ver)$ti% provision $s Se(tion +? o2 R.A. No. *>,. #/e e$r&iest re(orded P/i&ippine &$3 on t/e su):e(t is A(t No. *M>+, or t/e E&e(tion L$3 en$(ted )5 t/e P/i&ippine Co%%ission in *-,@, t/e &$st p$r$'r$p/ o2 Se(tion +- o2 3/i(/ re$ds: Se(. +-. Penalties upon officers.G 6 6 6. No pu)&i( o22i(er s/$&& o22er /i%se&2 $s $ ($ndid$te 2or e&e(tion, nor s/$&& /e )e e&i'i)&e durin' t/e ti%e t/$t /e /o&ds s$id pu)&i( o22i(e to e&e(tion, $t $n5 %uni(ip$&, provin(i$& or Asse%)&5 e&e(tion, e6(ept 2or ree&e(tion to t/e position 3/i(/ /e %$5 )e /o&din', $nd no :ud'e o2 t/e Court o2 First Inst$n(e, :usti(e o2 t/e pe$(e, provin(i$& 2is($&, or o22i(er or e%p&o5ee o2 t/e Bure$u o2 Const$)u&$r5 or o2 t/e Bure$u o2 Edu($tion s/$&& $id $n5 ($ndid$te or in2&uen(e in $n5 %$nner or t$Ke $n5 p$rt in $n5 %uni(ip$&, provin(i$&, or Asse%)&5 e&e(tion under pen$&t5 o2 )ein' deprived o2 /is o22i(e $nd )ein' disIu$&i2ied to /o&d $n5 pu)&i( o22i(e 3/$tever 2or $ ter% o2 2ive 5e$rs: Provided, !o"ever, #/$t t/e 2ore'oin' provisions s/$&& not )e (onstrued to deprive $n5 person ot/er3ise Iu$&i2ied o2 t/e ri'/t to vote $t $n5 e&e(tion.

Fro% t/is )rie2 /istori($& e6(ursion, it %$5 )e '&e$ned t/$t t/e se(ond proviso in t/e t/ird p$r$'r$p/ o2 Se(tion *A o2 R.A. No. -A?-G t!at any person !olding a pu lic appointive office or position, including active mem ers of t!e armed forces, and officers, and employees in government#o"ned or controlled corporations, s!all e considered ipso facto resigned from !is$!er office and must vacate t!e same at t!e start of t!e day of t!e filing of !is$!er certificate of candidacy Gtr$(es its roots to t/e period o2 t/e A%eri($n o((up$tion.

In 2$(t, durin' t/e de&i)er$tions o2 Sen$te Bi&& No. ++A*, t/e )i&& &$ter to )e (onso&id$ted 3it/ House Bi&& No. MAM+ $nd en$(ted $s R.A. No. -A?-, Sen$tor Ri(/$rd Bordon, t/e prin(ip$& $ut/or o2 t/e )i&&, $(Kno3&ed'ed t/$t t/e s$id proviso in t/e proposed &e'is&$tive %e$sure is $n o&d provision 3/i(/ 3$s %ere&5 (opied 2ro% e$r&ier e6istin' &e'is&$tion, t/usG Senator Osme%a. M$5 I :ust opine /ere $nd per/$ps o)t$in t/e opinion o2 t/e 'ood Sponsor. #/is re$ds &iKe, .ANC PERSON HOL"INB 8means currently9 A PUBLIC APPOIN#I E POSI#IONN SHALL BE CONSI"ERE" IPSO FAC#O RESIBNE"7 83/i(/ %e$ns t/$t t/e pro/i)ition e6tends on&5 to $ppointive o22i(i$&s9 .INCLU"INB AC#I E MEMBERS OF #HE ARME" FORCES, OFFICERS AN" EMPLOCEES7N #/is is $ pro/i)ition, Mr. President. #/is %e$ns i2 one is (/$ir%$n o2 SSS or P"IC, /e is dee%ed ipso 2$(to resi'ned 3/en /e 2i&es /is (erti2i($te o2 ($ndid$(5. Is t/$t t/e intentionO Senator &ordon. #/is is re$&&5 $n o&d provision, Mr. President. Senator Osme%a. It is in )o&d &etters, so I t/inK it 3$s $ Co%%ittee $%end%ent. Senator &ordon. No, it /$s $&3$5s )een t/ere. Senator Osme%a. I see. Senator &ordon. I 'uess t/e intention is not to 'ive t/e% undue $dv$nt$'e, espe(i$&&5 (ert$in peop&e. Senator Osme%a. A&& ri'/t.8*?9 In t/$t Sen$te de&i)er$tion, /o3ever, Sen$tor Miri$% "e2ensor-S$nti$'o e6pressed /er (on(ern over t/e in(&usion o2 t/e s$id provision in t/e ne3 &$3, 'iven t/$t t/e s$%e 3ou&d )e dis$dv$nt$'eous $nd un2$ir to potenti$& ($ndid$tes /o&din' $ppointive positions, 3/i&e it 'r$nts $ (onseIuent pre2erenti$& tre$t%ent to e&e(tive o22i(i$&s, t/usG Senator Santiago. On p$'e *M, &ine A*, I Kno3 t/$t t/is is $ &osin' ($use, so I %$Ke t/is point %ore $s $ %$tter o2 re(ord t/$n o2 $n5 2e$si)&e /ope t/$t it ($n possi)&5 )e eit/er $((epted or i2 3e (o%e to $ division o2 t/e House, it 3i&& )e up/e&d )5 t/e %$:orit5. I $% re2errin' to p$'e *M, &ine +*. #/e proviso )e'ins: .P'O()*E* F)+,--., #HA# ANC PERSON HOL"INB A PUBLIC APPOIN#I E OFFICENSHALL BE CONSI"ERE" IPSO FAC#O RESIBNE" FROM HISHHER OFFICE.7 #/e point t/$t I %$de durin' t/e $ppropri$te de)$te in t/e p$st in t/is H$&& is t/$t t/ere is, 2or %e, no v$&id re$son 2or e6e%ptin' e&e(tive o22i(i$&s 2ro% t/is in/i)ition or disIu$&i2i($tion i%posed )5 t/e &$3. I2 3e $re 'oin' to (onsider $ppointive o22i(ers o2 t/e 'overn%ent, in(&udin' AFP %e%)ers $nd o22i(ers o2 'overn%ent-o3ned $nd (ontro&&ed (orpor$tions, or $n5 ot/er %e%)er o2 t/e $ppointive se(tor o2 t/e (ivi& servi(e, 3/5 s/ou&d it not $pp&5 to t/e e&e(tive se(tor 2or, $2ter $&&, even sen$tors $nd (on'ress%en $re %e%)ers o2 t/e (ivi& servi(e $s 3e&&O Furt/er, it is se&2-servin' 2or t/e Sen$te, or 2or t/e Con'ress in 'ener$&, to 'ive $n e6(eption to itse&2 3/i(/ is not $v$i&$)&e to ot/er si%i&$r&5 situ$ted o22i(i$&s o2 'overn%ent. O2 (ourse, t/e $ns3er is, t/e re$son 3/5 3e $re spe(i$& is t/$t 3e $re e&e(ted. Sin(e 3e $re i%posin' $ disIu$&i2i($tion on $&& ot/er 'overn%ent o22i(i$&s e6(ept ourse&ves, I t/inK, it is t/e )etter p$rt o2 delicade/a to in/i)it ourse&ves $s 3e&&, so t/$t i2 3e 3$nt to st$5 $s sen$tors, 3e 3$it unti& our ter% e6pires. But i2 3e 3$nt to run 2or so%e ot/er e&e(tive o22i(e durin' our ter%, t/en 3e /$ve to )e (onsidered resi'ned :ust &iKe ever5)od5 e&se. #/$t is %5 proposed $%end%ent. But i2 it is un$((ept$)&e to t/e distin'uis/ed Sponsor, )e($use o2 sensitivit5 to t/e (onvi(tions o2 t/e rest o2 our (o&&e$'ues, I 3i&& underst$nd. Senator &ordon. Mr. President, I t/inK t/e su''estion is 3e&&-t/ou'/t o2. It is $ 'ood po&i(5. Ho3ever, t/is is so%et/in' t/$t is $&re$d5 in t/e o&d &$3 3/i(/ 3$s up/e&d )5 t/e Supre%e (ourt in $ re(ent ($se t/$t t/e rider 3$s not up/e&d $nd t/$t it 3$s v$&id.8*@9

#/e o)vious ineIu$&it5 )rou'/t $)out )5 t/e provision on $uto%$ti( resi'n$tion o2 $ppointive (ivi& serv$nts %ust /$ve )een t/e re$son 3/5 Sen$tor Re(to proposed t/e in(&usion o2 t/e 2o&&o3in' durin' t/e period o2 $%end%ents: .ANC PERSON LHO FILES HIS CER#IFICA#E OF CAN"I"ACC LI#HIN #HIS PERIO" SHALL ONLC BE CONSI"ERE" AS A CAN"I"A#E A# #HE S#AR# OF #HE CAMPAIBN PERIO" FOR LHICH HE FILE" HIS COC.78*>9 #/e s$id proviso see%s to %iti'$te t/e situ$tion o2 dis$dv$nt$'e $22&i(tin' $ppointive o22i(i$&s )5 (onsiderin' persons 3/o 2i&ed t/eir CoCs $s ($ndid$tes on&5 $t t/e st$rt o2 t/e ($%p$i'n period, t/ere)5, (onve5in' t/e t$(it intent t/$t persons /o&din' $ppointive positions 3i&& on&5 )e (onsidered $s resi'ned $t t/e st$rt o2 t/e ($%p$i'n period 3/en t/e5 $re $&re$d5 tre$ted )5 &$3 $s ($ndid$tes. P$rent/eti($&&5, it %$5 )e re%e%)ered t/$t Se(tion ?@ o2 t/e OEC $nd Se(tion ** o2 R.A. No. >;A? (ont$ined $ si%i&$r provision on $uto%$ti( resi'n$tion o2 e&e(tive o22i(i$&s upon t/e 2i&in' o2 t/eir CoCs 2or $n5 o22i(e ot/er t/$n t/$t 3/i(/ t/e5 /o&d in $ per%$nent ($p$(it5 or 2or President or i(e-President. Ho3ever, 3it/ t/e en$(t%ent o2 R.A. No. -,,?, or t/e F$ir E&e(tion A(t,8*-9 in +,,*, t/is provision 3$s repe$&ed )5 Se(tion *;8+,9 o2 t/e s$id $(t. #/ere 3$s, t/us, (re$ted $ situ$tion o2 o)vious dis(ri%in$tion $'$inst $ppointive o22i(i$&s 3/o 3ere dee%ed ipso facto resi'ned 2ro% t/eir o22i(es upon t/e 2i&in' o2 t/eir CoCs, 3/i&e e&e(tive o22i(i$&s 3ere not. #/is situ$tion 3$s in(ident$&&5 $ddressed )5 t/e Court in Fari%as v. 0!e E1ecutive Secretary8+*9 3/en it ru&ed t/$tG Section 23 of 'ep. ,ct +o. 4556 )s +ot (iolative of t!e Equal Protection Clause of t!e Constitution #/e petitioners1 (ontention, t/$t t/e repe$& o2 Se(tion ?@ o2 t/e O%ni)us E&e(tion Code pert$inin' to e&e(tive o22i(i$&s 'ives undue )ene2it to su(/ o22i(i$&s $s $'$inst t/e $ppointive ones $nd vio&$tes t/e eIu$& prote(tion (&$use o2 t/e (onstitution, is tenuous.

#/e eIu$& prote(tion o2 t/e &$3 (&$use in t/e Constitution is not $)so&ute, )ut is su):e(t to re$son$)&e (&$ssi2i($tion. I2 t/e 'roupin's $re (/$r$(teri4ed )5 su)st$nti$& distin(tions t/$t %$Ke re$& di22eren(es, one (&$ss %$5 )e tre$ted $nd re'u&$ted di22erent&5 2ro% t/e ot/er. #/e Court /$s e6p&$ined t/e n$ture o2 t/e eIu$& prote(tion 'u$r$ntee in t/is %$nner: #/e eIu$& prote(tion o2 t/e &$3 (&$use is $'$inst undue 2$vor $nd individu$& or (&$ss privi&e'e, $s 3e&& $s /osti&e dis(ri%in$tion or t/e oppression o2 ineIu$&it5. It is not intended to pro/i)it &e'is&$tion 3/i(/ is &i%ited eit/er in t/e o):e(t to 3/i(/ it is dire(ted or )5 territor5 3it/in 3/i(/ it is to oper$te. It does not de%$nd $)so&ute eIu$&it5 $%on' residentsP it %ere&5 reIuires t/$t $&& persons s/$&& )e tre$ted $&iKe, under like circumstances and conditions )ot/ $s to privi&e'es (on2erred $nd &i$)i&ities en2or(ed. #/e eIu$& prote(tion (&$use is not in2rin'ed )5 &e'is&$tion 3/i(/ $pp&ies on&5 to t/ose persons 2$&&in' 3it/in $ spe(i2ied (&$ss, i2 it $pp&ies $&iKe to $&& persons 3it/in su(/ (&$ss, $nd re$son$)&e 'rounds e6ist 2or %$Kin' $ distin(tion )et3een t/ose 3/o 2$&& 3it/in su(/ (&$ss $nd t/ose 3/o do not. Su)st$nti$& distin(tions (&e$r&5 e6ist )et3een e&e(tive o22i(i$&s $nd $ppointive o22i(i$&s. #/e 2or%er o((up5 t/eir o22i(e )5 virtue o2 t/e %$nd$te o2 t/e e&e(tor$te. #/e5 $re e&e(ted to $n o22i(e 2or $ de2inite ter% $nd %$5 )e re%oved t/ere2ro% on&5 upon strin'ent (onditions. On t/e ot/er /$nd, $ppointive o22i(i$&s /o&d t/eir o22i(e )5 virtue o2 t/eir desi'n$tion t/ereto )5 $n $ppointin' $ut/orit5. So%e $ppointive o22i(i$&s /o&d t/eir o22i(e in $ per%$nent ($p$(it5 $nd $re entit&ed to se(urit5 o2 tenure 3/i&e ot/ers serve $t t/e p&e$sure o2 t/e $ppointin' $ut/orit5. Anot/er su)st$nti$& distin(tion )et3een t/e t3o sets o2 o22i(i$&s is t/$t under Se(tion MM, C/$pter >, #it&e I, Su)se(tion A. Civi& Servi(e Co%%ission, BooK o2 t/e Ad%inistr$tive Code o2 *->@ <E6e(utive Order No. +-+=, $ppointive o22i(i$&s, $s o22i(ers $nd e%p&o5ees in t/e (ivi& servi(e, $re stri(t&5 pro/i)ited 2ro% en'$'in' in $n5 p$rtis$n po&iti($& $(tivit5 or t$Ke p$rt in $n5 e&e(tion e6(ept to vote. Under t/e s$%e provision, e&e(tive o22i(i$&s, or o22i(ers or e%p&o5ees /o&din' po&iti($& o22i(es, $re o)vious&5 e6press&5 $&&o3ed to t$Ke p$rt in po&iti($& $nd e&e(tor$& $(tivities. B5 repe$&in' Se(tion ?@ )ut ret$inin' Se(tion ?? o2 t/e O%ni)us E&e(tion Code, t/e &e'is&$tors dee%ed it proper to tre$t t/ese t3o (&$sses o2 o22i(i$&s di22erent&5 3it/ respe(t to t/e e22e(t on t/eir tenure in t/e o22i(e o2 t/e 2i&in' o2 t/e (erti2i($tes o2 ($ndid$(5 2or $n5 position ot/er t/$n t/ose o((upied )5 t/e%. A'$in, it is not 3it/in t/e po3er o2 t/e Court to p$ss upon or &ooK into t/e 3isdo% o2 t/is (&$ssi2i($tion. Sin(e t/e (&$ssi2i($tion :usti25in' Se(tion *; o2 Rep. A(t No. -,,?, i.e., e&e(ted o22i(i$&s vis#a#vis $ppointive o22i(i$&s, is $n(/ored upon %$teri$& $nd si'ni2i($nt distin(tions $nd $&& t/e persons )e&on'in' under t/e s$%e (&$ssi2i($tion $re si%i&$r&5 tre$ted, t/e eIu$& prote(tion (&$use o2 t/e Constitution is, t/us, not in2rin'ed.8++9

Ho3ever, it %ust )e re%e%)ered t/$t t/e Court, in Fari%as, 3$s intent&5 2o(used on t/e %$in issue o2 3/et/er t/e repe$&in' (&$use in t/e F$ir E&e(tion A(t 3$s $ (onstitution$&&5 pros(ri)ed rider, in t/$t it un3ittin'&5 2$i&ed to $s(ert$in 3it/ stri(ter s(rutin5 t/e i%p$(t o2 t/e retention o2 t/e provision on $uto%$ti( resi'n$tion o2 persons /o&din' $ppointive positions <Se(tion ??= in t/e OEC, vis-Q-vis t/e eIu$& prote(tion (&$use. Moreover, t/e Court1s vision in Fari%as 3$s s/rouded )5 t/e 2$(t t/$t petitioners t/erein, F$riR$s et $&., never posed $ dire(t (/$&&en'e to t/e (onstitution$&it5 o2 Se(tion ?? o2 t/e OEC. F$riR$s et $&. r$t/er %ere&5 Iuestioned, on (onstitution$& 'rounds, t/e repe$&in' (&$use, or Se(tion *; o2 t/e F$ir E&e(tion A(t. #/e Court1s $2ore-Iuoted de(&$r$tion in Fari%as %$5 t/en ver5 3e&& )e (onsidered $s $n o iter dictum. III. #/e inst$nt ($se presents $ r$re opportunit5 2or t/e Court, in vie3 o2 t/e (onstitution$& (/$&&en'e $dv$n(ed )5 petitioners, on(e $nd 2or $&&, to sett&e t/e issue o2 3/et/er t/e se(ond proviso in t/e t/ird p$r$'r$p/ o2 Se(tion *A o2 R.A. No. -A?-, $ reprodu(tion o2 Se(tion ?? o2 t/e OEC, 3/i(/, $s s/o3n $)ove, 3$s )$sed on provisions d$tin' )$(K to t/e A%eri($n o((up$tion, is vio&$tive o2 t/e eIu$& prote(tion (&$use. But )e2ore de&vin' into t/e (onstitution$& issue, 3e s/$&& 2irst $ddress t/e issues on &e'$& st$ndin' $nd on t/e e6isten(e o2 $n $(tu$& (ontrovers5. Centr$& to t/e deter%in$tion o2 locus standi is t/e Iuestion o2 3/et/er $ p$rt5 /$s $&&e'ed su(/ $ person$& st$Ke in t/e out(o%e o2 t/e (ontrovers5 $s to $ssure t/$t (on(rete $dverseness 3/i(/ s/$rpens t/e present$tion o2 issues upon 3/i(/ t/e (ourt so &$r'e&5 depends 2or i&&u%in$tion o2 di22i(u&t (onstitution$& Iuestions. 8+A9 In t/is ($se, petitioners $&&e'e t/$t t/e5 3i&& )e dire(t&5 $22e(ted )5 COMELEC Reso&ution No. >?@> 2or t/e5 intend, $nd t/e5 $&& /$ve t/e Iu$&i2i($tions, to run in t/e +,*, e&e(tions. #/e OSB, 2or its p$rt, (ontends t/$t sin(e petitioners /$ve not 5et 2i&ed t/eir CoCs, t/e5 $re not 5et ($ndid$tesP /en(e, t/e5 $re not 5et dire(t&5 $22e(ted )5 t/e $ss$i&ed provision in t/e COMELEC reso&ution. #/e Court, nevert/e&ess, 2inds t/$t, 3/i&e petitioners $re not 5et ($ndid$tes, t/e5 /$ve t/e st$ndin' to r$ise t/e (onstitution$& (/$&&en'e, si%p&5 )e($use t/e5 $re Iu$&i2ied voters. A restri(tion on ($ndid$(5, su(/ $s t/e (/$&&en'ed %e$sure /erein, $22e(ts t/e ri'/ts o2 voters to (/oose t/eir pu)&i( o22i(i$&s. #/e ri'/ts o2 voters $nd t/e ri'/ts o2 ($ndid$tes do not &end t/e%se&ves to ne$t sep$r$tionP &$3s t/$t $22e(t ($ndid$tes $&3$5s /$ve $t &e$st so%e t/eoreti($&, (orre&$tive e22e(t on voters. 8+;9 #/e Court )e&ieves t/$t )ot/ ($ndid$tes $nd voters %$5 (/$&&en'e, on 'rounds o2 eIu$& prote(tion, t/e $ss$i&ed %e$sure )e($use o2 its i%p$(t on votin' ri'/ts.8+M9 In $n5 event, in re(ent ($ses, t/is Court /$s re&$6ed t/e strin'ent dire(t in:ur5 test $nd /$s o)served $ &i)er$& po&i(5 $&&o3in' ordin$r5 (iti4ens, %e%)ers o2 Con'ress, $nd (ivi& or'$ni4$tions to prose(ute $(tions invo&vin' t/e (onstitution$&it5 or v$&idit5 o2 &$3s, re'u&$tions $nd ru&in's.8+?9 Le /$ve $&so stressed in our prior de(isions t/$t t/e e6er(ise )5 t/is Court o2 :udi(i$& po3er is &i%ited to t/e deter%in$tion $nd reso&ution o2 $(tu$& ($ses $nd (ontroversies.8+@9 #/e Court, in t/is ($se, 2inds t/$t $n $(tu$& ($se or (ontrovers5 e6ists )et3een t/e petitioners $nd t/e COMELEC, t/e )od5 (/$r'ed 3it/ t/e en2or(e%ent $nd $d%inistr$tion o2 $&& e&e(tion &$3s. Petitioners /$ve $&&e'ed in $ pre(ise %$nner t/$t t/e5 3ou&d en'$'e in t/e ver5 $(ts t/$t 3ou&d tri''er t/e en2or(e%ent o2 t/e provisionGt/e5 3ou&d 2i&e t/eir CoCs $nd run in t/e +,*, e&e(tions. Biven t/$t t/e $ss$i&ed provision provides 2or ipso facto resi'n$tion upon t/e 2i&in' o2 t/e CoC, it ($nnot )e s$id t/$t it presents on&5 $ spe(u&$tive or /5pot/eti($& o)st$(&e to petitioners1 ($ndid$(5.8+>9 I .

H$vin' /urd&ed 3/$t t/e OSB posed $s o)st$(&es to :udi(i$& revie3, t/e Court no3 de&ves into t/e (onstitution$& (/$&&en'e. It is note3ort/5 to point out t/$t t/e ri'/t to run 2or pu)&i( o22i(e tou(/es on t3o 2und$%ent$& 2reedo%s, t/ose o2 e6pression $nd o2 $sso(i$tion. #/is pre%ise is )est e6p&$ined in 7ancuso v. 0aft,8+-9 vi4.: Freedo% o2 e6pression 'u$r$ntees to t/e individu$& t/e opportunit5 to 3rite $ &etter to t/e &o($& ne3sp$per, spe$K out in $ pu)&i( p$rK, distri)ute /$nd)i&&s $dvo($tin' r$di($& re2or%, or pi(Ket $n o22i(i$& )ui&din' to seeK redress o2 'riev$n(es. A&& o2 t/ese $(tivities $re prote(ted )5 t/e First A%end%ent i2 done in $ %$nner (onsistent 3it/ $ n$rro3&5 de2ined (on(ept o2 pu)&i( order $nd s$2et5. #/e (/oi(e o2 %e$ns 3i&& &iKe&5 depend on t/e $%ount o2 ti%e $nd ener'5 t/e individu$& 3is/es to e6pend $nd on /is per(eption $s to t/e %ost e22e(tive %et/od o2 pro:e(tin' /is %ess$'e to t/e pu)&i(. But interest $nd (o%%it%ent $re evo&vin' p/eno%en$. L/$t is $n e22e(tive %e$ns 2or protest $t one point in ti%e %$5 not see% so e22e(tive $t $ &$ter d$te. #/e di&ett$nte 3/o p$rti(ip$tes in $ pi(Ket &ine %$5 de(ide to devote $ddition$& ti%e $nd resour(es to /is e6pressive $(tivit5. As /is (o%%it%ent in(re$ses, t/e %e$ns o2 e22e(tive e6pression (/$n'es, )ut t/e e6pressive Iu$&it5 re%$ins (onst$nt. He %$5 de(ide to &e$d t/e pi(Ket &ine, or to pu)&is/ t/e ne3sp$per. At one point in ti%e /e %$5 de(ide t/$t t/e %ost e22e(tive 3$5 to 'ive e6pression to /is vie3s $nd to 'et t/e $ttention o2 $n $ppropri$te $udien(e is to )e(o%e $ ($ndid$te 2or pu)&i( o22i(e-%e$ns 'ener$&&5 (onsidered $%on' t/e %ost $ppropri$te 2or t/ose desirin' to e22e(t (/$n'e in our 'overn%ent$& s5ste%s. He %$5 seeK to )e(o%e $ ($ndid$te )5 2i&in' in $ 'ener$& e&e(tion $s $n independent or )5 seeKin' t/e no%in$tion o2 $ po&iti($& p$rt5. And in t/e &$tter inst$n(e, t/e individu$&Js e6pressive $(tivit5 /$s t3o di%ensions: )esides ur'in' t/$t /is vie3s )e t/e vie3s o2 t/e e&e(ted pu)&i( o22i(i$&, /e is $&so $tte%ptin' to )e(o%e $ spoKes%$n 2or $ po&iti($& p$rt5 3/ose su)st$ntive pro'r$% e6tends )e5ond t/e p$rti(u&$r o22i(e in Iuestion. But Cr$nston /$s s$id t/$t $ (ert$in t5pe o2 its (iti4enr5, t/e pu)&i( e%p&o5ee, %$5 not )e(o%e $ ($ndid$te $nd %$5 not en'$'e in $n5 ($%p$i'n $(tivit5 t/$t pro%otes /i%se&2 $s $ ($ndid$te 2or pu)&i( o22i(e. #/us t/e (it5 /$s sti2&ed 3/$t %$5 )e t/e %ost i%port$nt e6pression $n individu$& ($n su%%on, n$%e&5 t/$t 3/i(/ /e 3ou&d )e 3i&&in' to e22e(tu$te, )5 %e$ns o2 (on(rete pu)&i( $(tion, 3ere /e to )e se&e(ted )5 t/e voters. It is i%possi)&e to i'nore t/e $ddition$& 2$(t t/$t t/e ri'/t to run 2or o22i(e $&so $22e(ts t/e 2reedo% to $sso(i$te. In Li&&i$%s v. R/odes, supra, t/e Court used stri(t revie3 to inv$&id$te $n O/io e&e(tion s5ste% t/$t %$de it virtu$&&5 i%possi)&e 2or t/ird p$rties to se(ure $ p&$(e on t/e )$&&ot. #/e Court 2ound t/$t t/e First A%end%ent prote(ted t/e 2reedo% to $sso(i$te )5 2or%in' $nd pro%otin' $ po&iti($& p$rt5 $nd t/$t t/$t 2reedo% 3$s in2rin'ed 3/en t/e st$te e22e(tive&5 denied $ p$rt5 $((ess to its e&e(tor$& %$(/iner5. #/e Cr$nston (/$rter provision )e2ore us $&so $22e(ts $sso(i$tion$& ri'/ts, $&)eit in $ s&i'/t&5 di22erent 3$5. An individu$& %$5 de(ide to :oin or p$rti(ip$te in $n or'$ni4$tion or po&iti($& p$rt5 t/$t s/$res /is )e&ie2s. He %$5 even 2or% $ ne3 'roup to 2or3$rd /is ide$s. And $t so%e :un(ture /is supporters $nd 2e&&o3 p$rt5 %e%)ers %$5 de(ide t/$t /e is t/e ide$& person to ($rr5 t/e 'roupJs st$nd$rd into t/e e&e(tor$& 2r$5. #o t/us restri(t t/e options $v$i&$)&e to po&iti($& or'$ni4$tion $s t/e Cr$nston (/$rter provision /$s done is to &i%it t/e e22e(tiveness o2 $sso(i$tionP $nd t/e 2reedo% to $sso(i$te is inti%$te&5 re&$ted 3it/ t/e (on(ept o2 %$Kin' e6pression e22e(tive. P$rt5 $((ess to t/e )$&&ot )e(o%es &ess %e$nin'2u& i2 so%e o2 t/ose se&e(ted )5 p$rt5 %$(/iner5 to ($rr5 t/e p$rt5Js pro'r$%s to t/e peop&e $re pre(&uded 2ro% doin' so )e($use t/ose no%inees $re (ivi& serv$nts. L/et/er t/e ri'/t to run 2or o22i(e is &ooKed $t 2ro% t/e point o2 vie3 o2 individu$& e6pression or $sso(i$tion$& e22e(tiveness, 3ide opportunities e6ist 2or t/e individu$& 3/o seeKs pu)&i( o22i(e. #/e 2$(t o2 ($ndid$(5 $&one %$5 open previous&5 (&osed doors o2 t/e %edi$. #/e ($ndid$te %$5 )e invited to dis(uss /is vie3s on r$dio t$&K s/o3sP /e %$5 )e $)&e to se(ure eIu$& ti%e on te&evision to e&$)or$te /is ($%p$i'n pro'r$%P t/e ne3sp$pers %$5 (over /is ($ndid$(5P /e %$5 )e invited to de)$te )e2ore v$rious 'roups t/$t /$d t/ereto2ore never /e$rd o2 /i% or /is vie3s. In s/ort, t/e 2$(t o2 ($ndid$(5 opens up $ v$riet5 o2 (o%%uni($tive possi)i&ities t/$t $re not $v$i&$)&e to even t/e %ost di&i'ent o2 pi(Keters or t/e %ost &o5$& o2 p$rt5 2o&&o3ers. A vie3 tod$5, t/$t runnin' 2or pu)&i( o22i(e is not $n interest prote(ted )5 t/e First A%end%ent, see%s to us $n out&ooK ste%%in' 2ro% $n e$r&ier er$ 3/en pu)&i( o22i(e 3$s t/e preserve o2 t/e pro2ession$& $nd t/e 3e$&t/5. ConseIuent&5 3e /o&d t/$t ($ndid$(5 is )ot/ $ prote(ted First A%end%ent ri'/t $nd $ 2und$%ent$& interest. Hen(e $n5 &e'is&$tive (&$ssi2i($tion t/$t si'ni2i($nt&5 )urdens t/$t interest %ust )e su):e(ted to stri(t eIu$& prote(tion revie3.8A,9

Here, petitioners1 interest in runnin' 2or pu)&i( o22i(e, $n interest prote(ted )5 Se(tions ; $nd > o2 Arti(&e III o2 t/e Constitution, is )re$(/ed )5 t/e proviso in Se(tion *A o2 R.A. No. -A?-. It is no3 t/e opportune ti%e 2or t/e Court to striKe do3n t/e s$id proviso 2or )ein' vio&$tive o2 t/e eIu$& prote(tion (&$use $nd 2or )ein' over)ro$d. In (onsiderin' persons /o&din' $ppointive positions $s ipso facto resi'ned 2ro% t/eir posts upon t/e 2i&in' o2 t/eir CoCs, )ut not (onsiderin' $s resi'ned $&& ot/er (ivi& serv$nts, spe(i2i($&&5 t/e e&e(tive ones, t/e &$3 undu&5 dis(ri%in$tes $'$inst t/e 2irst (&$ss. #/e 2$(t $&one t/$t t/ere is su)st$nti$& distin(tion )et3een t/ose 3/o /o&d $ppointive positions $nd t/ose o((up5in' e&e(tive posts, does not :usti25 su(/ di22erenti$& tre$t%ent. In order t/$t t/ere ($n )e v$&id (&$ssi2i($tion so t/$t $ dis(ri%in$tor5 'overn%ent$& $(t %$5 p$ss t/e (onstitution$& nor% o2 eIu$& prote(tion, it is ne(ess$r5 t/$t t/e 2our <;= reIuisites o2 v$&id (&$ssi2i($tion )e (o%p&ied 3it/, n$%e&5: <*= <+= <A= <;= It %ust )e )$sed upon su)st$nti$& distin(tionsP It %ust )e 'er%$ne to t/e purposes o2 t/e &$3P It %ust not )e &i%ited to e6istin' (onditions on&5P $nd It %ust $pp&5 eIu$&&5 to $&& %e%)ers o2 t/e (&$ss.

#/e 2irst reIuire%ent %e$ns t/$t t/ere %ust )e re$& $nd su)st$nti$& di22eren(es )et3een t/e (&$sses tre$ted di22erent&5. As i&&ustr$ted in t/e 2$ir&5 re(ent 7irasol v. *epartment of Pu lic 8orks and 9ig!"ays,8A*9 $ re$& $nd su)st$nti$& distin(tion e6ists )et3een $ %otor(5(&e $nd ot/er %otor ve/i(&es su22i(ient to :usti25 its (&$ssi2i($tion $%on' t/ose pro/i)ited 2ro% p&5in' t/e to&& 3$5s. Not $&& %otori4ed ve/i(&es $re (re$ted eIu$&G$ t3o-3/ee&ed ve/i(&e is &ess st$)&e $nd %ore e$si&5 overturned t/$n $ 2our3/ee& ve/i(&e. Nevert/e&ess, t/e (&$ssi2i($tion 3ou&d sti&& )e inv$&id i2 it does not (o%p&5 3it/ t/e se(ond reIuire%entGi2 it is not 'er%$ne to t/e purpose o2 t/e &$3. !usti(e Is$'$ni A. Cru4 <Ret.=, in /is tre$tise on (onstitution$& &$3, e6p&$ins,

#/e (&$ssi2i($tion, even i2 )$sed on su)st$nti$& distin(tions, 3i&& sti&& )e inv$&id i2 it is not 'er%$ne to t/e purpose o2 t/e &$3. #o i&&ustr$te, t/e $((epted di22eren(e in p/5si($& st$%in$ )et3een %en $nd 3o%en 3i&& :usti25 t/e pro/i)ition o2 t/e &$tter 2ro% e%p&o5%ent $s %iners or stevedores or in ot/er /e$v5 $nd strenuous 3orK. On t/e )$sis o2 t/is s$%e (&$ssi2i($tion, /o3ever, t/e &$3 ($nnot provide 2or $ &o3er p$ssin' $ver$'e 2or 3o%en in t/e )$r e6$%in$tions )e($use p/5si($& stren't/ is not t/e test 2or $d%ission to t/e &e'$& pro2ession. I%ported ($rs %$5 )e t$6ed $t $ /i'/er r$te t/$n &o($&&5 $sse%)&ed $uto%o)i&es 2or t/e prote(tion o2 t/e n$tion$& e(ono%5, )ut t/eir di22eren(e in ori'in is no :usti2i($tion 2or tre$tin' t/e% di22erent&5 3/en it (o%es to punis/in' vio&$tions o2 tr$22i( re'u&$tions. #/e sour(e o2 t/e ve/i(&e /$s no re&$tion to t/e o)serv$n(e o2 t/ese ru&es.8A+9

#/e t/ird reIuire%ent %e$ns t/$t t/e (&$ssi2i($tion %ust )e en2or(ed not on&5 2or t/e present )ut $s &on' $s t/e pro)&e% sou'/t to )e (orre(ted (ontinues to e6ist. And, under t/e &$st reIuire%ent, t/e (&$ssi2i($tion 3ou&d )e re'$rded $s inv$&id i2 $&& t/e %e%)ers o2 t/e (&$ss $re not tre$ted si%i&$r&5, )ot/ $s to ri'/ts (on2erred $nd o)&i'$tions i%posed.8AA9 App&5in' t/e 2our reIuisites to t/e inst$nt ($se, t/e Court 2inds t/$t t/e di22erenti$& tre$t%ent o2 persons /o&din' $ppointive o22i(es $s opposed to t/ose /o&din' e&e(tive ones is not 'er%$ne to t/e purposes o2 t/e &$3. #/e o)vious re$son 2or t/e (/$&&en'ed provision is to prevent t/e use o2 $ 'overn%ent$& position to pro%ote one1s ($ndid$(5, or even to 3ie&d $ d$n'erous or (oer(ive in2&uen(e on t/e e&e(tor$te. #/e %e$sure is 2urt/er $i%ed $t pro%otin' t/e e22i(ien(5, inte'rit5, $nd dis(ip&ine o2 t/e pu)&i( servi(e )5 e&i%in$tin' t/e d$n'er t/$t t/e dis(/$r'e o2 o22i(i$& dut5 3ou&d )e %otiv$ted )5 po&iti($& (onsider$tions r$t/er t/$n t/e 3e&2$re o2 t/e pu)&i(. 8A;9#/e restri(tion is $&so :usti2ied )5 t/e proposition t/$t t/e entr5 o2 (ivi& serv$nts to t/e e&e(tor$& $ren$, 3/i&e sti&& in o22i(e, (ou&d resu&t in ne'&e(t or ine22i(ien(5 in t/e per2or%$n(e o2 dut5 )e($use t/e5 3ou&d )e $ttendin' to t/eir ($%p$i'n r$t/er t/$n to t/eir o22i(e 3orK. I2 3e $((ept t/ese $s t/e under&5in' o):e(tives o2 t/e &$3, t/en t/e $ss$i&ed provision ($nnot )e (onstitution$&&5 res(ued on t/e 'round o2 v$&id (&$ssi2i($tion. B&$rin'&5 $)sent is t/e reIuisite t/$t t/e (&$ssi2i($tion %ust )e 'er%$ne to t/e purposes o2 t/e &$3. Indeed, 3/et/er one /o&ds $n $ppointive o22i(e or $n e&e(tive one, t/e evi&s sou'/t to )e prevented )5 t/e %e$sure re%$in. For e6$%p&e, t/e E6e(utive Se(ret$r5, or $n5 Me%)er o2 t/e C$)inet 2or t/$t %$tter, (ou&d 3ie&d t/e s$%e in2&uen(e $s t/e i(e-President 3/o $t t/e s$%e ti%e is $ppointed to $ C$)inet post <in t/e re(ent p$st, e&e(ted i(e-Presidents 3ere $ppointed to t$Ke (/$r'e o2 n$tion$& /ousin', so(i$& 3e&2$re deve&op%ent, interior $nd &o($& 'overn%ent, $nd 2orei'n $22$irs=. Lit/ t/e 2$(t t/$t t/e5 )ot/ /e$d e6e(utive o22i(es, t/ere is no v$&id :usti2i($tion to tre$t t/e% di22erent&5 3/en )ot/ 2i&e t/eir CoCs 2or t/e e&e(tions. Under t/e present st$te o2 our &$3, t/e i(e-President, in t/e e6$%p&e, runnin' t/is ti%e, &et us s$5, 2or President, ret$ins /is position durin' t/e entire e&e(tion period $nd ($n sti&& use t/e resour(es o2 /is o22i(e to support /is ($%p$i'n. As to t/e d$n'er o2 ne'&e(t, ine22i(ien(5 or p$rtis$ns/ip in t/e dis(/$r'e o2 t/e 2un(tions o2 /is $ppointive o22i(e, t/e inverse (ou&d )e :ust $s true $nd (o%pe&&in'. #/e pu)&i( o22i(er 3/o 2i&es /is (erti2i($te o2 ($ndid$(5 3ou&d )e driven )5 $ 're$ter i%petus 2or e6(e&&ent per2or%$n(e to s/o3 /is 2itness 2or t/e position $spired 2or. 7ancuso v. 0aft,8AM9 (ited $)ove, e6p&$ins t/$t t/e %e$sure on $uto%$ti( resi'n$tion, 3/i(/ restri(ts t/e ri'/ts o2 (ivi& serv$nts to run 2or o22i(eG$ ri'/t ine6tri($)&5 &inKed to t/eir 2reedo% o2 e6pression $nd $sso(i$tion, is not re$son$)&5 ne(ess$r5 to t/e s$tis2$(tion o2 t/e st$te interest. #/us, in striKin' do3n $ si%i&$r %e$sure in t/e United St$tes, 7ancuso su((in(t&5 de(&$resG In pro(eedin' to t/e se(ond st$'e o2 $(tive eIu$& prote(tion revie3, /o3ever, 3e do see so%e (onte%por$r5 re&ev$n(e o2 t/e 7itc!ell de(ision. +ational ,ss:n of -etter Carriers, supra . In order 2or t/e Cr$nston (/$rter provision to 3it/st$nd stri(t s(rutin5, t/e (it5 %ust s/o3 t/$t t/e e6(&usion o2 $&& 'overn%ent e%p&o5ees 2ro% ($ndid$(5 is ne(ess$r5 to $(/ieve $ (o%pe&&in' st$te interest. And, $s st$ted in 7itc!ell $nd ot/er ($ses de$&in' 3it/ si%i&$r st$tutes, see8isconsin State Employees, supra; Broadrick, supra , 'overn%ent $t $&& &eve&s /$s $ su)st$nti$& interest in prote(tin' t/e inte'rit5 o2 its (ivi& servi(e. It is o)vious&5 (on(eiv$)&e t/$t t/e i%p$rti$& (/$r$(ter o2 t/e (ivi& servi(e 3ou&d )e serious&5 :eop$rdi4ed i2 peop&e in positions o2 $ut/orit5 used t/eir dis(retion to 2or3$rd t/eir e&e(tor$& $%)itions r$t/er t/$n t/e pu)&i( 3e&2$re. Si%i&$r&5 i2 $ pu)&i( e%p&o5ee pressured ot/er 2e&&o3 e%p&o5ees to en'$'e in (orrupt pr$(ti(es in return 2or pro%ises o2 post-e&e(tion re3$rd, or i2 $n e%p&o5ee invoKed t/e po3er o2 t/e o22i(e /e 3$s seeKin' to e6tr$(t spe(i$& 2$vors 2ro% /is superiors, t/e (ivi& servi(e 3ou&d )e done irrep$r$)&e in:ur5. Converse&5, %e%)ers o2 t/e pu)&i(, 2e&&o3-e%p&o5ees, or supervisors %i'/t t/e%se&ves reIuest 2$vors 2ro% t/e ($ndid$te or %i'/t i%proper&5 $d:ust t/eir o3n o22i(i$& )e/$vior to3$rds /i%. Even i2 none o2 t/ese $)uses $(tu$&&5 %$teri$&i4e, t/e possi)i&it5 o2 t/eir o((urren(e %i'/t serious&5 erode t/e pu)&i(Js (on2iden(e in its pu)&i( e%p&o5ees. For t/e reput$tion o2 i%p$rti$&it5 is pro)$)&5 $s (ru(i$& $s t/e i%p$rti$&it5 itse&2P t/e Kno3&ed'e t/$t $ (&erK in t/e $ssessorJs o22i(e 3/o is runnin' 2or t/e &o($& 4onin' )o$rd /$s $((ess to (on2identi$& 2i&es 3/i(/ (ou&d provide .pressure7 points 2or 2urt/erin' /is ($%p$i'n is destru(tive re'$rd&ess o2 3/et/er t/e (&erK $(tu$&&5 t$Kes $dv$nt$'e o2 /is opportunities. For $&& o2 t/ese re$sons 3e 2ind t/$t t/e st$te indeed /$s $ (o%pe&&in' interest in %$int$inin' t/e /onest5 $nd i%p$rti$&it5 o2 its pu)&i( 3orK 2or(e. Le do not, /o3ever, (onsider t/e e6(&usion$r5 %e$sure t$Ken )5 Cr$nston-$ 2&$t pro/i)ition on o22i(e-seeKin' o2 $&& Kinds )5 $&& Kinds o2 pu)&i( e%p&o5ees-$s even re$son$)&5 ne(ess$r5 to s$tis2$(tion o2 t/is st$te interest. As !usti(e M$rs/$&& pointed out in "unn v. B&u%stein, .8s9t$tutes $22e(tin' (onstitution$& ri'/ts %ust )e dr$3n 3it/ 0pre(ision.17 For t/ree sets o2 re$sons 3e (on(&ude t/$t t/e Cr$nston (/$rter provision pursues its o):e(tive in $ 2$r too /e$v5-/$nded %$nner $nd /en(e %ust 2$&& under t/e eIu$& prote(tion (&$use. First, 3e t/inK t/e n$ture o2 t/e re'u&$tion-$ )ro$d prop/5&$(ti( ru&e-%$5 )e unne(ess$r5 to 2u&2i&&%ent o2 t/e (it5Js o):e(tive. Se(ond, even 'r$ntin' so%e sort o2 prop/5&$(ti( ru&e %$5 )e reIuired, t/e provision /ere pro/i)its ($ndid$(ies 2or $&& t5pes o2 pu)&i( o22i(e, in(&udin' %$n5 3/i(/ 3ou&d pose none o2 t/e pro)&e%s $t 3/i(/ t/e &$3 is $i%ed. #/ird, t/e provision e6(&udes t/e ($ndid$(ies o2 $&& t5pes o2 pu)&i( e%p&o5ees, 3it/out $n5 $tte%pt to &i%it e6(&usion to t/ose e%p&o5ees 3/ose positions %$Ke t/e% vu&ner$)&e to (orruption $nd (on2&i(ts o2 interest.

#/ere is t/us no v$&id :usti2i($tion to tre$t $ppointive o22i(i$&s di22erent&5 2ro% t/e e&e(tive ones. #/e (&$ssi2i($tion si%p&5 2$i&s to %eet t/e test t/$t it s/ou&d )e 'er%$ne to t/e purposes o2 t/e &$3. #/e %e$sure en($psu&$ted in t/e se(ond proviso o2 t/e t/ird p$r$'r$p/ o2 Se(tion *A o2 R.A. No. -A?- $nd in Se(tion ?? o2 t/e OEC vio&$tes t/e eIu$& prote(tion (&$use. .

#/e (/$&&en'ed provision $&so su22ers 2ro% t/e in2ir%it5 o2 )ein' over)ro$d. First, t/e provision pert$ins to $&& (ivi& serv$nts /o&din' $ppointive posts 3it/out distin(tion $s to 3/et/er t/e5 o((up5 /i'/ positions in 'overn%ent or not. Cert$in&5, $ uti&it5 3orKer in t/e 'overn%ent 3i&& $&so )e (onsidered $s ipso facto resi'ned on(e /e 2i&es /is CoC 2or t/e +,*, e&e(tions. #/is s(en$rio is $)surd 2or, indeed, it is uni%$'in$)&e /o3 /e ($n use /is position in t/e 'overn%ent to 3ie&d in2&uen(e in t/e po&iti($& 3or&d. L/i&e it %$5 )e $d%itted t/$t %ost $ppointive o22i(i$&s 3/o seeK pu)&i( e&e(tive o22i(e $re t/ose 3/o o((up5 re&$tive&5 /i'/ positions in 'overn%ent, &$3s ($nnot )e &e'is&$ted 2or t/e% $&one, or 3it/ t/e% $&one in %ind. For t/e ri'/t to seeK pu)&i( e&e(tive o22i(e is univers$&, open $nd unrestr$ined, su):e(t on&5 to t/e Iu$&i2i($tion st$nd$rds pres(ri)ed in t/e Constitution $nd in t/e &$3s. #/ese Iu$&i2i($tions $re, $s 3e $&& Kno3, 'ener$& $nd )$si( so $s to $&&o3 t/e 3idest p$rti(ip$tion o2 t/e (iti4enr5 $nd to 'ive 2ree rein 2or t/e pursuit o2 one1s /i'/est $spir$tions to pu)&i( o22i(e. Su(/ is t/e essen(e o2 de%o(r$(5. Se(ond, t/e provision is dire(ted to t/e $(tivit5 o2 seeKin' $n5 $nd $&& pu)&i( o22i(es, 3/et/er t/e5 )e p$rtis$n or nonp$rtis$n in (/$r$(ter, 3/et/er t/e5 )e in t/e n$tion$&, %uni(ip$& or arangay &eve&. Con'ress /$s not s/o3n $ (o%pe&&in' st$te interest to restri(t t/e 2und$%ent$& ri'/t invo&ved on su(/ $ s3eepin' s($&e.8A?9 Spe(i2i( evi&s reIuire spe(i2i( tre$t%ents, not t/rou'/ over&5 )ro$d %e$sures t/$t undu&5 restri(t 'u$r$nteed 2reedo%s o2 t/e (iti4enr5. A2ter $&&, soverei'nt5 resides in t/e peop&e, $nd $&& 'overn%ent$& po3er e%$n$tes 2ro% t/e%. 7ancuso v. 0aft,8A@9 on t/is point, instru(tsG As to $ppro$(/es &ess restri(tive t/$n $ prop/5&$(ti( ru&e, t/ere e6ists t/e devi(e o2 t/e &e$ve o2 $)sen(e. So%e s5ste% o2 &e$ves o2 $)sen(e 3ou&d per%it t/e pu)&i( e%p&o5ee to t$Ke ti%e o22 to pursue /is ($ndid$(5 3/i&e $ssurin' /i% /is o&d :o) s/ou&d /is ($ndid$(5 )e unsu((ess2u&. Moreover, $ &e$ve o2 $)sen(e po&i(5 3ou&d e&i%in$te %$n5 o2 t/e opportunities 2or en'$'in' in t/e Iuestion$)&e pr$(ti(es t/$t t/e st$tute is desi'ned to prevent. L/i&e ($%p$i'nin', t/e ($ndid$te 3ou&d 2ee& no (on2&i(t )et3een /is desire 2or e&e(tion $nd /is pu)&i(&5 entrusted dis(retion, nor $n5 (on2&i(t )et3een /is e22orts to persu$de t/e pu)&i( $nd /is $((ess to (on2identi$& do(u%ents. But inste$d o2 $doptin' $ re$son$)&e &e$ve o2 $)sen(e po&i(5, Cr$nston /$s (/osen $ provision t/$t %$Kes t/e pu)&i( e%p&o5ee ($st o22 t/e se(urit5 o2 /$rd-3on pu)&i( e%p&o5%ent s/ou&d /e desire to (o%pete 2or e&e(ted o22i(e. #/e (it5 %i'/t $&so pro%ote its interest in t/e inte'rit5 o2 t/e (ivi& servi(e )5 en2or(in', t/rou'/ dis%iss$&, dis(ip&ine, or (ri%in$& prose(ution, ru&es or st$tutes t/$t tre$t (on2&i(t o2 interests, )ri)er5, or ot/er 2or%s o2 o22i(i$& (orruption. B5 t/us $tt$(Kin' t/e pro)&e% dire(t&5, inste$d o2 usin' $ )ro$d prop/5&$(ti( ru&e, t/e (it5 (ou&d pursue its o):e(tive 3it/out undu&5 )urdenin' t/e First A%end%ent ri'/ts o2 its e%p&o5ees $nd t/e votin' ri'/ts o2 its (iti4ens. L$st ter% in "unn v. B&u%stein, t/e Supre%e Court 2$(ed $n $n$&o'ous Iuestion 3/en t/e St$te o2 #ennessee $sserted t/$t t/e interest o2 .)$&&ot )o6 purit57 :usti2ied its i%position o2 one 5e$r $nd t/ree %ont/ residen(5 reIuire%ents )e2ore $ (iti4en (ou&d vote. !usti(e M$rs/$&& st$ted, inter alia, t/$t #ennessee /$d $v$i&$)&e $ nu%)er o2 (ri%in$& st$tutes t/$t (ou&d )e used to punis/ voter 2r$ud 3it/out unne(ess$r5 in2rin'e%ent on t/e ne3(o%erJs ri'/t to vote. Si%i&$r&5, it $ppe$rs 2ro% t/e re(ord in t/is ($se t/$t t/e Cr$nston (/$rter (ont$ins so%e provisions t/$t %i'/t )e used $'$inst opportunisti( pu)&i( e%p&o5ees. Even i2 so%e sort o2 prop/5&$(ti( ru&e is ne(ess$r5, 3e ($nnot s$5 t/$t Cr$nston /$s put %u(/ e22ort into t$i&orin' $ n$rro3 provision t/$t $tte%pts to %$t(/ t/e pro/i)ition 3it/ t/e pro)&e%. #/e (/$rter 2or)ids $ Cr$nston pu)&i( e%p&o5ee 2ro% runnin' 2or $n5 o22i(e, $n53/ere. #/e pro/i)ition is not &i%ited to t/e &o($& o22i(es o2 Cr$nston, )ut r$t/er e6tends to st$te3ide o22i(es $nd even to n$tion$& o22i(es. It is di22i(u&t 2or us to see t/$t $ pu)&i( e%p&o5ee runnin' 2or t/e United St$tes Con'ress poses Iuite t/e s$%e t/re$t to t/e (ivi& servi(e $s 3ou&d t/e s$%e e%p&o5ee i2 /e 3ere runnin' 2or $ &o($& o22i(e 3/ere t/e (ont$(ts $nd in2or%$tion provided )5 /is :o) re&$ted dire(t&5 to t/e position /e 3$s seeKin', $nd /en(e 3/ere t/e potenti$& 2or v$rious $)uses 3$s 're$ter. Nor does t/e Cr$nston (/$rter e6(ept t/e pu)&i( e%p&o5ee 3/o 3orKs in Cr$nston )ut $spires to o22i(e in $not/er &o($& :urisdi(tion, %ost pro)$)&5 /is to3n o2 residen(e. Here $'$in t/e (/$rter pre(&udes ($ndid$(ies 3/i(/ ($n pose on&5 $ re%ote t/re$t to t/e (ivi& servi(e. Fin$&&5, t/e (/$rter does not &i%it its pro/i)ition to p$rtis$n o22i(e-seeKin', )ut steri&i4es $&so t/ose pu)&i( e%p&o5ees 3/o 3ou&d seeK nonp$rtis$n e&e(tive o22i(e. #/e st$tute revie3ed in 7itc!ell 3$s &i%ited to p$rtis$n po&iti($& $(tivit5, $nd sin(e t/$t ti%e ot/er (ourts /$ve 2ound t/e p$rtis$n-nonp$rtis$n distin(tion $ %$teri$& one. See <innear, supra;8isconsin State Employees, supra; &ray v. 0oledo, supr$. L/i&e t/e &ine )et3een nonp$rtis$n $nd p$rtis$n ($n o2ten )e )&urred )5 s5ste%s 3/ose true (/$r$(ters $re dis'uised )5 t/e n$%es 'iven t/e% )5 t/eir $r(/ite(ts, it see%s (&e$r t/$t t/e (on(erns o2 $ tru&5 p$rtis$n o22i(e $nd t/e te%pt$tions it 2osters $re su22i(ient&5 di22erent 2ro% t/ose invo&ved in $n o22i(e re%oved 2ro% re'u&$r p$rt5 po&iti(s to 3$rr$nt distin(tive tre$t%ent in $ (/$rter o2 t/is sort. #/e t/ird $nd &$st $re$ o2 e6(essive $nd overin(&usive (over$'e o2 t/e Cr$nston (/$rter re&$tes not to t/e t5pe o2 o22i(e sou'/t, )ut to t/e t5pe o2 e%p&o5ee seeKin' t/e o22i(e. As !usti(e "ou'&$s pointed out in /is dissent in 7itc!ell, ==5 >.S. at 2?5#2?6, 6@ S.Ct. AA6, restri(tions on $d%inistr$tive e%p&o5ees 3/o eit/er p$rti(ip$te in de(ision-%$Kin' or $t &e$st /$ve so%e $((ess to in2or%$tion (on(ernin' po&i(5 %$tters $re %u(/ %ore :usti2i$)&e t/$n restri(tions on industri$& e%p&o5ees, 3/o, )ut 2or t/e 2$(t t/$t t/e 'overn%ent o3ns t/e p&$nt t/e5 3orK in, $re, 2or purposes o2 $((ess to o22i(i$& in2or%$tion, identi($&&5 situ$ted to $&& ot/er industri$& 3orKers. #/us, $ 3orKer in t/eP/i&$de&p/i$ %int (ou&d )e distin'uis/ed 2ro% $ se(ret$r5 in $n o22i(e o2 t/e "ep$rt%ent o2 A'ri(u&tureP so $&so (ou&d $ :$nitor in t/e pu)&i( s(/oo&s o2 Cr$nston )e distin'uis/ed 2ro% $n $ssist$nt (o%ptro&&er o2 t/e s$%e (it5. A se(ond &ine o2 distin(tion t/$t 2o(uses on t/e t5pe o2 e%p&o5ee is i&&ustr$ted )5 t/e ($ses o2 <innear $nd 7inielly, supra. In )ot/ o2 t/ese ($ses $ (ivi& servi(e deput5 de(ided to run 2or t/e e&e(ted o22i(e o2 s/eri22. #/e (ourts in )ot/ ($ses 2e&t t/$t t/e no-($ndid$(5 &$3s in Iuestion 3ere %u(/ too )ro$d $nd indi($ted t/$t per/$ps t/e on&5 situ$tion sensitive enou'/ to :usti25 $ 2&$t ru&e 3$s one in 3/i(/ $n in2erior in $ pu)&i( o22i(e e&e(tor$&&5 (/$&&en'ed /is i%%edi$te superior. Biven $&& t/ese (onsider$tions, 3e t/inK Cr$nston /$s not 'iven $deIu$te $ttention to t/e pro)&e% o2 n$rro3in' t/e ter%s o2 its (/$rter to de$& 3it/ t/e spe(i2i( Kinds o2 (on2&i(t-o2-interest pro)&e%s it seeKs to $void. Le $&so do not 2ind (onvin(in' t/e $r'u%ents t/$t $2ter-/ours ($%p$i'nin' 3i&& dr$in t/e ener'5 o2 t/e pu)&i( e%p&o5ee to t/e e6tent t/$t /e is in($p$)&e o2 per2or%in' /is :o) e22e(tive&5 $nd t/$t inevit$)&e on-t/e-:o) ($%p$i'nin' $nd dis(ussion o2 /is ($ndid$(5 3i&& disrupt t/e 3orK o2 ot/ers. A&t/ou'/ it is indisput$)&e t/$t t/e (it5 /$s $ (o%pe&&in' interest in t/e per2or%$n(e o2 o22i(i$& 3orK, t/e e6(&usion is not 3e&&-t$i&ored to e22e(tu$te t/$t interest. Presu%$)&5t/e (it5 (ou&d 2ire t/e individu$& i2 /e (&e$r&5 s/irKs /is e%p&o5%ent responsi)i&ities or disrupts t/e 3orK o2 ot/ers.

A&so, t/e e22i(ien(5 r$tion$&e (o%%on to )ot/ $r'u%ents is si'ni2i($nt&5 underin(&usive. It $pp&ies eIu$&&5 3e&& to $ nu%)er o2 non-po&iti($&, e6tr$(urri(u&$r $(tivities t/$t $re not pro/i)ited )5 t/e Cr$nston (/$rter. Fin$&&5, t/e (onne(tion )et3een $2ter-/ours ($%p$i'nin' $nd t/e st$te interest see%s tenuousP in %$n5 ($ses $ pu)&i( e%p&o5ee 3ou&d )e $)&e to ($%p$i'n $''ressive&5 $nd sti&& (ontinue to do /is :o) 3e&&.8A>9

In(ident$&&5, Clements v. Fas!ing8A-9 sust$ined $s (onstitution$& $ provision on t/e $uto%$ti( resi'n$tion o2 "istri(t C&erKs, Count5 C&erKs, Count5 !ud'es, Count5 #re$surers, Cri%in$& "istri(t Attorne5s, Count5 Surve5ors, Inspe(tors o2 Hides $nd Ani%$&s, Count5 Co%%issioners, !usti(es o2 t/e Pe$(e, S/eri22s, Assessors $nd Co&&e(tors o2 #$6es, "istri(t Attorne5s, Count5 Attorne5s, Pu)&i( Lei'/ers, $nd Const$)&es i2 t/e5 $nnoun(e t/eir ($ndid$(5 or i2 t/e5 )e(o%e ($ndid$tes in $n5 'ener$&, spe(i$& or pri%$r5 e&e(tion. In Clements, it %$5 )e re$di&5 o)served t/$t $ provision tre$tin' di22erent&5 p$rti(u&$r o22i(i$&s, $s distin'uis/ed 2ro% $&& ot/ers, under $ (&$ssi2i($tion t/$t is 'er%$ne to t/e purposes o2 t/e &$3, %erits t/e st$%p o2 $pprov$& 2ro% A%eri($n (ourts. Not, /o3ever, $ 'ener$& $nd s3eepin' provision, $nd %ore so one vio&$tive o2 t/e se(ond reIuisite 2or $ v$&id (&$ssi2i($tion, 3/i(/ is on its 2$(e un(onstitution$&. On $ 2in$& note, it %$5 not )e $%iss to st$te t/$t t/e A%eri($ns, 2ro% 3/o% 3e (opied t/e provision in Iuestion, /$d $&re$d5 stri(Ken do3n $ si%i&$r %e$sure 2or )ein' un(onstitution$&. It is /i'/-ti%e t/$t 3e, too, s/ou&d 2o&&o3 suit $nd, t/us, up/o&d 2und$%ent$& &i)erties over $'e-o&d, )ut )$rren, restri(tions to su(/ 2reedo%s. 9HEREFORE, pre%ises (onsidered, t/e petition is GRANTE:. #/e se(ond proviso in t/e t/ird p$r$'r$p/ o2 Se(tion *A o2 Repu)&i( A(t No. -A?-, Se(tion ?? o2 t/e O%ni)us E&e(tion Code $nd Se(tion ;<$= o2 COMELEC Reso&ution No. >?@> $re de(&$red $s UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

SO OR:ERE:.

ANTONIO E:UAR:O ;. NACHURA Asso(i$te !usti(e

9E CONCUR:

RE<N