Comelec to require conflict of interest declaration from candidates

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to require candidates seeking elective positions to submit a sworn declaration of conflict of interest when filing their certificates of candidacy following a recently approved proposal.

In a memorandum released on Tuesday, August 4, Comelec announced the approval of a recommendation from its Law Department to include the declaration of conflict of interest during a meeting on July 24.

The declaration reads:

I undertake, once elected, to comply with the provisions on conflict of interest under Republic Act Nos. 3019 and 6713, particularly as to the prohibition on having direct or indirect financial or pecuniary interest in any business, contract, or transaction that may be opposed to or affected by the faithful performance of official duty, or in which I am prohibited by the Constitution or any law from having any interest.

The recommendation was submitted on July 21 and cited Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla’s earlier suggestion to require politicians running for public office to “declare lack of conflict of interest.”

It cited existing laws, such as Section 3(h) of Republic Act No. 3019, which prohibits a public officer from having any direct or indirect financial or pecuniary interest in any business, contract, or transaction in which the officer may take part in the performance of official duties.

However, it also clarified that the declaration is not an additional qualification.

“The inclusion of a sworn declaration on conflict of interest would not add a qualification to public office as it is only a statement of undertaking to obey existing laws,” the recommendation read.

The changes came ahead of the filing of certificates of candidacy for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections scheduled from September 28 to October 5.

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