Case Summary (G.R. No. 190734)
Background of the Case
On June 12, 2007, petitioner Sema filed an election protest claiming that various Boards of Election Inspectors (BEIs) colluded with Dilangalen to miscount and misrepresent votes in favor of Dilangalen. Sema asserted numerous grounds based on alleged election fraud, including the use of bogus ballots, miscounting of valid votes as stray, and acts of intimidation against voters. Conversely, the respondent filed a counter-protest and raised allegations of similar electoral malpractice against Sema.
Proceedings and Findings
The House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET) conducted a revision of ballots from both the protested and counter-protested precincts between September 16 and 29, 2008. The tribunal found that 247 out of 248 ballot boxes from the counter-protested precincts were empty, undermining the integrity of the election process. The HRET later concluded that the evidence of spurious ballots raised questions about the validity of the votes but ultimately did not substantiate a claim of fraud that would necessitate overturning the election results.
HRET Decision
On September 10, 2009, the HRET issued a decision dismissing Sema's protest on the grounds that while many ballots were found to be fake or spurious, there was insufficient evidence to prove that the election itself was fraudulent. The Tribunal ruled that the integrity of the evidence (ballots and election returns) held substantial weight in concluding that Dilangalen was the duly elected representative.
Ruling on Reconsideration
Sema's subsequent motion for reconsideration was denied on November 12, 2009. She contended that the HRET had committed grave abuses of discretion by ruling against her despite overwhelming evidence of electoral fraud. Sema raised several points questioning the validity of the ballots counted for Dilangalen and claimed that the Tribunal failed to account for fraudulently introduced ballots.
Supreme Court Analysis
The Supreme Court found Sema's petition unmeritorious, emphasizing that it does not function as a trier of facts and should not interfere unless there is grave abuse of discretion. The Court reiterated that the HRET had the authority to rely on election returns and documents when ba
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 190734)
Case Overview
- The case involves a Petition for Certiorari filed by Bai Sandra S.A. Sema against the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET) and Didagen P. Dilangalen.
- The petition seeks to nullify the HRET Decision dated September 10, 2009, and its Resolution dated November 12, 2009.
- The controversy arose from the congressional elections held on May 14, 2007, in the Lone District of Shariff Kabunsuan with Cotabato City.
Background of the Case
- Bai Sandra S.A. Sema, a candidate from the Lakas-CMD party, received 87,237 votes, while Didagen P. Dilangalen, the protestee, received 105,582 votes.
- Sema filed an election protest on June 12, 2007, against Dilangalen due to alleged irregularities in the election process.
- The protest included challenges against the validity of votes from 195 precincts in Datu Odin Sinsuat, alleging manipulation and misappreciation of ballots, among other issues.
Grounds for the Election Protest
- Allegations included:
- Collusion between the Boards of Election Inspectors (BEI) and Dilangalen.
- Misreading and misappreciation of valid votes for Sema as votes for Dilangalen.
- Use of unofficial ballots and manipulation of election returns.
- Irregularities such as vote-buying, intimidation, and the presence of "flying voters."
- Claims of ballot tampering and discr