Manila, Philippines — Losing candidates of a recent election cannot be appointed in any government position within a year after the polls.
This was the reminder and warning, as well, of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) on candidates that failed to secure a spot during the elections, and to their allies that won.
Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia noted that this mandate is in line with the one year appointment ban imposed for all losing candidates of an election.
Article IX, Section 6 of the 1987 Constitution and Section 4b of the 1991 Local Government Code states that losing candidates cannot be appointed in any government position, in any government-owned or controlled corporations within a year after the election they run in.
Garcia explained that this mandate is to ensure that the patronage system will not be practiced.
This is amidst possibility of an incumbent official appointing a losing candidate as a reward for their support during the elections.
In November 2023, the Supreme Court strengthened this mandate emphasizing that it covers all losing candidates of an election.
This is after the incident of a failed vice mayoral bid that appealed the discontinuation of his wages and economic relief assistance as an appointed Legal officer II of the municipality.