CAMIGUIN – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) 2nd Division has canceled the congressional candidacy of Paul Rodriguez for Camiguin in the upcoming May 12, 2025 elections. The decision, promulgated on March 19, 2025, upheld the petition filed by incumbent Congressman Jurdin Jesus Romualdo, citing Rodriguez’s failure to meet the residency requirement.
According to Romualdo’s petition, Rodriguez falsely declared in his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) that he had been a resident of Camiguin for 11 years and four months. However, evidence presented before the Comelec revealed that Rodriguez and his family had actually been residing in Cebu City during that period. This discrepancy led the poll body to rule in favor of Romualdo’s petition, effectively disqualifying Rodriguez from the congressional race.
Under Philippine election laws, candidates for the House of Representatives must be residents of the district they seek to represent for at least one year before election day. The Comelec ruling found that Rodriguez failed to comply with this requirement, making his candidacy invalid.
The decision is expected to significantly impact the political landscape in Camiguin, where Rodriguez had positioned himself as a challenger to Romualdo’s re-election bid. With Rodriguez’s disqualification, Romualdo’s path to securing another term may now face less opposition unless other challengers emerge.
Rodriguez has yet to issue a statement on the ruling, but he may still appeal the decision before the Comelec en banc or elevate the matter to the Supreme Court.
The Comelec’s decision underscores the importance of adhering to electoral rules and qualifications, particularly in ensuring that candidates meet the residency and eligibility requirements set by law.
For now, the disqualification of Rodriguez reshapes the race for Camiguin’s congressional seat, leaving voters awaiting further developments as the elections approach.
