The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will require all candidates to submit a sworn declaration of conflict of interest alongside their certificates of candidacy, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said, in a move aimed at strengthening accountability even before officials are elected.
In an interview on DZRH's Magandang Umaga Pilipinas, Garcia said the requirement will take effect starting with the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on November 2 and will also apply to party-list groups, serving as a preparatory measure for the 2028 national and local polls.
“Ngayon namin ipapatupad na simula ng barangay SK election. Maganda ‘yan bilang paghahanda sa 2028 national ang local election.”
Under the proposal, the declaration will be integrated into the certificate of candidacy as part of the candidate’s sworn statements, similar to existing declarations such as non-dual citizenship or absence of foreign residency status.
Garcia clarified that the measure is not an additional qualification for candidacy but a mandatory attestation that will automatically form part of the COC.
“‘Yon ay isasama natin bilang isa sa panunumpaan ng mga kandidato, hindi bilang kwalipikasyon kundi bilang kasama na automatically doon sa certificate of candidacy.”
He said the idea was recommended by Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, noting that while conflict of interest rules are already covered by the Constitution and the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, these typically apply once a person assumes public office.
The new requirement seeks to address potential conflicts at the earliest stage, even before a candidate is elected.
Garcia explained that candidates who fail to disclose existing business interests or other conflicts may face perjury charges for false declarations, as well as possible disqualification for violating Comelec rules.
“Kung ikaw ay kandidato tapos ‘yon palang panahong ‘yon ay may conflict of interest ka na… doon palang pwedeng kasuhan ng perjury sapagkat ‘yon ay pinapanumpaan at kasama ng certificate of candidacy.”
He added that the measure is also intended to raise awareness among first-time candidates, particularly those from the private sector, who may overlook how their business interests could conflict with public office if elected.
“Ito ay proteksyon din nila na they are aware and conscious… lalo yung mga nasanay sa pribado, marami tayong tumatakbo dyan na hindi naman sila government officials from the very start.”
The declaration will take effect upon the filing of the certificate of candidacy, Garcia said, emphasizing that it provides both a safeguard for the public and a reminder for candidates to ensure compliance with ethical standards early on.
