Facts:

• The case involves two consolidated petitions: G.R. No. 100710 by Benjamin P. Abella and G.R. No. 100739 by Adelina Y. Larrazabal against the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and Silvestre de la Cruz.
• The petitions arose from the local elections on February 1, 1988, for the governorship of Leyte.
• Adelina Larrazabal filed her certificate of candidacy on January 31, 1988, after her husband, Emeterio V. Larrazabal, was disqualified for lack of residence.
• Larrazabal won the election but was contested by Silvestre de la Cruz, who alleged false statements regarding her residence.
• COMELEC disqualified Larrazabal, citing insufficient residence and registration qualifications.
• Benjamin Abella, the second highest vote-getter, sought to be proclaimed governor following Larrazabal's disqualification.
• The Supreme Court had previously ordered COMELEC to resolve the disqualification case expeditiously.
• COMELEC's final decision on July 18, 1991, affirmed Larrazabal's disqualification and denied Abella's proclamation.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court upheld the COMELEC's decision to disqualify Adelina Larrazabal as valid.
• The Court confirmed that COMELEC acted within its jurisdiction regarding the disqualification and the denial of Abella's proclamation.
• The Court supported COMELEC...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court emphasized the necessity of adhering to legal qualifications for candidates in public office.
• The Court found substantial evidence that Larrazabal was not a resident of Kananga, Leyte, but rather had established her residence in Ormoc City.
• The principle of "animus revertendi," or the intention to return to one's original residence, was highlighted in determining legal residence.
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