G.R. No. 131544 - EPG Construction Co. vs. Vigilar

On June 15, 1997, petitioners Reynato, Reynaldo and Adrian Baytan were led by Barangay Captain Roberto Ignacio to Precinct No. 83-A of Barangay 18, Cavite City, where they registered as evidenced by Voters Registration Records Nos. 41762473, 41762472 and 41762470.
Realizing that their residence was actually in Barangay 28, petitioners returned on June 22, 1997 to Precinct No. 129-A of Barangay 28, Cavite City, and registered anew, obtaining Voters Registration Records Nos. 42662969, 42662968 and 42662917.

On August 21, 1997, petitioners wrote to COMELEC Assistant Executive Director Jose Pio Joson (with a copy to Registrar Francisco Trias), explaining their mistaken first registration and requesting advice on canceling it.
The Election Officer of Cavite City forwarded petitioners’ registration records on September 16, 1997 to Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Juanito V. Ravanzo for evaluation and investigation.
On January 10, 1998, Ravanzo recommended filing information for double registration. On November 9, 2000, COMELEC en banc issued Minute Resolution No. 00-2281 affirming that recommendation.
Petitioners’ motion for reconsideration was denied by the COMELEC en banc on June 3, 2002, leading to this petition for certiorari under Rule 64 in relation to Rule 65 of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure.

Whether the COMELEC en banc gravely abused its discretion in directing prosecution for double registration despite petitioners’ asserted lack of intent and honest mistake.
Whether petitioners’ August 21, 1997 letter constituted substantial compliance with the Omnibus Election Code’s requirement to cancel a prior registration.
Whether the COMELEC en banc acted without jurisdiction by assuming original jurisdiction over the preliminary investigation in violation of Section 3, Article IX-C of the Constitution.