MANILA — Former Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal advised the public on Tuesday to be more vigilant on electing public officials following questions raised on the qualifications of Bamban Mayor Alice Guo.

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Asked during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay Forum what could be done after serious doubts on the citizenship of Guo were raised, Larrazabal said the public should scrutinize the candidates they are voting for.

In the case of Guo, Larrazabal noted that nobody questioned Guo’s registration as a voter and subsequent filing of candidacy.

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“Ang problema lang is no one really cares, unless, of course, yung tingin mo yung tao tatakbo sa next election, so it’s up to the citizenry also to be more vigilant. But I guess that’s easier said than done," Larrazabal said. 

Agreeing with Comelec chairperson George Garcia, Larrazabal said anyone can challenge Guo now and file a quo warranto case.

“Kasi when you file a COC (certificate of candidacy) and when you win, the qualifications you possess as a voter and as an elected official has to be maintained,” Larrazabal said.

Comelec suggests quo warranto case vs mayor with citizenship issue

Larrazabal added that it was high time for the Omnibus Election Code to be amended for other electoral reforms.

He noted that most of the provisions in the code are outdated, dating from the 1980s.

“With regards to qualifications, you’re stuck with those qualifications in the constitution and the various laws,” Larrazabal noted.    

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