GR 44158; (September, 1935) (Digest)
G.R. No. 44158-44160. September 5, 1935.
FELIPE BUENCAMINO, JR., petitioner-appellee, vs. THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF BONGABONG, THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF SAN JOSE, and THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF SAN ISIDRO, NUEVA ECIJA, respondents-appellants.
FACTS
Petitioner Felipe Buencamino, Jr., representing a faction of the Partido Nacionalista Democratico in Nueva Ecija, filed mandamus proceedings against the municipal councils of Bongabong, San Jose, and San Isidro. He sought to compel them to appoint two inspectors, their substitutes, and the poll clerk for his faction in each election precinct, claiming it was the party that polled the largest number of votes in the last general elections. The municipal councils, however, had appointed election inspectors favoring a rival faction (the Tomacruz-Gabaldon group) within the same party. The Court of First Instance ruled in favor of Buencamino. The municipal councils appealed. During the appeal, the municipal council of San Isidro withdrew its appeal.
ISSUE
Whether the petitioner’s political faction is entitled to majority representation (two inspectors and the poll clerk) on the boards of election inspectors under the Election Law.
RULING
No. The Supreme Court reversed the lower court’s decision regarding the municipal councils of Bongabong and San Jose. Applying a liberal and practical construction of the Election Law (specifically Section 417, formerly Act No. 4203), the Court held that the law aims to ensure clean elections by providing representation to leading political parties or groups on election boards. The Tomacruz-Gabaldon faction, though a splinter group, was recognized as a distinct political group entitled to representation. Therefore, each precinct should have one inspector and substitute for Buencamino’s faction and one inspector and substitute for the Tomacruz-Gabaldon faction, with the poll clerk to be appointed from either. The Court emphasized the policy of preventing any party from being left without representation to safeguard electoral integrity.
AI Generated by Armztrong.