The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division approved the disqualification petition against former Caloocan Representative Edgar Erice regarding his candidacy in the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.
In an interview with DZRH's Magandang Umaga Pilipinas on Thursday, Comelec Chairman Atty. George Garcia stated that Erice was disqualified for allegedly undermining the integrity of the upcoming elections.
He further stated that when given the opportunity to explain his side to the division, Erice did not respond.
“Ngayon po ‘yung kanyang kaso ang kontensyon ng mismong petitioner at naging kontensyon ng division ay parang dahil sa sinisira niya ang integridad ng halalan," Garcia said.
"Ang problema po ni former Cong. Erice, hindi pala siya nag-file ng kanyang answer o sagot doon sa petisyon na inilatag sa kanya. Binigyan po siya ng order o summon, pero doon mismong panahon na hinihintay ‘yung kanya pong answer, ay hindi po niya ginawa at hindi siya nagfile," he added.
Garcia insisted that he had no involvement in the decision and will remain uninvolved in any cases related to Erice at the Comelec. The disqualification followed the accusations and legal cases filed by Erice against Garcia.
Meanwhile, in an interview with Damdaming Bayan, Erice expressed that he had anticipated his disqualification, alleging that the Comelec harbored anger toward him due to his remarks on supposed corruption within the agency.
Erice revealed his decision to file a case with the Supreme Court to contest his disqualification from running again as Caloocan congressman.
"Alam ko kapag nag-appeal ako sa En Banc, sama-sama naman lahat sila galit sa akin, dinemanda ko sila sa Ombudsman, nagsampa ako ng kaso laban sa kanila sa Supreme Court, gumaganti lang sila sa akin," Erice said.
"Baseless ‘yung kanilang accusation. Parang ignorance of the law so isasampa ko yan sa Korte Suprema pagdating ng panahon," he added.
