Facts:

The case involves Haji Faisal D. Adap, Mohammadali G. Pangcoga, Allan Ampuan, Cader Carim, Hadji Yusoph Bohary Ampuan, Dathaman M. Abban, Lomala Sarip Cader, Bondiong Comiling, Hadji Omair Sarip Marohom, Ampuan Casim, Pendatun B. Orangot, Aminollah D. Ampuan, and Pangcoga Saripoden as petitioners against the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and several individual respondents. The events leading to this case began with the Synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections held on July 15, 2002, in the municipality of Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur, where the petitioners were proclaimed as the winning candidates for the position of Punong Barangay in their respective barangays. However, on August 19, 2002, the individual respondents filed a petition with the COMELEC, claiming that there was a failure of elections in thirteen barangays due to the non-distribution of official ballots and election paraphernalia. After a trial, the COMELEC En Banc issued a resolution on January 2...

Facts:

1. Election Context: Petitioners were proclaimed as winning candidates for Punong Barangay in their respective barangays in Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur, during the July 15, 2002 Synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.
2. Respondents' Allegations: Respondents, who were also candidates in the 2002 elections, filed a petition on August 19, 2002, alleging that the elections in 13 barangays of Pagayawan did not take place. They claimed that the official ballots, election forms, and paraphernalia were not distributed to the Board of Election Tellers (BET) by Acting Treasurer Pangalian Alawi.
3. COMELEC Resolution: The COMELEC En Banc, after trial, issued a resolution on January 27, 2004, declaring a failure of elections in the 13 barangays. It annulled the proclamation of petitioners and ordered them to vacate their positions. It also directed the holding of special elections and allowed previous Punong Barangays to continue in a hold-over capacity until the special elections were conducted.

Issue:

1. Failure of Elections: Whether the COMELEC En Banc gravely abused its discretion in declaring a failure of elections in barangays not covered by the respondents' petition.
2. Examination of Election Paraphernalia: Whether the COMELEC En Banc erred in not examining the election paraphernalia inside the ballot boxes of the questioned precincts.
3. Hold-Over Capacity: Whether the COMELEC En Banc committed grave abuse of discretion in ordering previous Punong Barangays to continue in a hold-over capacity until special elections were held.

Ruling:

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Ratio:

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