Bondoc vs Pineda Case Digest
This case involves a question of power. May the House of Representatives, at the request of the dominant political party therein, change that party’s representation in the House Electoral Tribunal to thwart the promulgation of a decision freely reached by the tribunal in an election contest pending therein? May the Supreme Court review and annul that action of the House?
Facts
A member of the House of Representative Electoral Tribunal (HRET) was rescinded due to his removal from a political party.
Issue
Whether the House of Representatives at the request of a political party change that party’s representation in the HRET?
Ruling
No.
The Electoral Tribunal was created to function as a non-partisan court. To be able to exercise its exclusive jurisdiction, the tribunal must be independent.
The rescinding of the congressman’s membership in the HRET is declared null and void, ab initio.
The petition for certiorari, prohibition and mandamus is granted.
The decision of the House of Representatives withdrawing the nomination and rescinding the election of Congressman Juanita G. Camasura, Jr. as a member of the House Electoral Tribunal is hereby declared null and void ab initio for being violative of the Constitution, and Congressman Juanita G. Camasura, Jr. is ordered reinstated to his position as a member of the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal.
The HRET Resolution No. 91-0018 dated March 14, 1991, cancelling the promulgation of the decision in HRET Case No. 25 (“Dr. Emigdio Bondoc vs. Marciano A. Pineda”) is also set aside.
Bondoc vs Pineda Case Digest
