Camiguin, Philippines — April 23, 2025 — The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) En Banc has issued a Certificate of Finality, affirming the cancellation of the Certificate of Candidacy (COC) of Camiguin congressional aspirant Paul Rodriguez. This comes after the poll body denied Rodriguez’s Motion for Reconsideration (MR) regarding his disqualification case.
Rodriguez, a businessman-turned-politician, was disqualified following a petition filed by incumbent Congressman Jesus Jurdin Romualdo. Romualdo questioned Rodriguez’s eligibility, claiming the latter had not yet fulfilled the one-year residency requirement in the province before filing his candidacy.
The COMELEC En Banc resolution, dated April 11, 2025, became final and executory five days later, in the absence of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) from the Supreme Court. Rodriguez’s camp reportedly failed to secure such a TRO within the critical timeframe, prompting COMELEC to declare the decision “immediately executory.”
In a statement, the En Banc emphasized that it received no restraining order from the High Court, thereby solidifying its earlier ruling against Rodriguez.
Despite the setback, Rodriguez remains defiant. He announced plans to elevate the case to the Supreme Court via a petition for certiorari, seeking a review of the COMELEC ruling. “This is not the end. We will ask for justice from an institution that is fair and impartial, one that will weigh the truth and evidence that I am a true Camiguingnon,” Rodriguez said.
He further criticized the speed with which his MR was resolved, noting that it was decided in just 17 days, while similar motions from other candidates remain pending for months. “This only shows the disparity in treatment and process,” he said.
Rodriguez reassured his supporters that his name remains on the ballot and that votes cast for him will still be counted on election day. “Our campaign continues. Our fight for truth and justice continues,” he declared.
He also expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of Camiguin residents. “Your calls for change fuel my determination to serve. Together, we will prevail,” he said.
Rodriguez ended his message with a rallying cry:
“For Camiguin, for the people — we move forward! Continued good governance for all Camiguingnons. Service without discrimination. I love you all.”
Election day is set for May 12, and the political landscape in Camiguin is heating up as the legal battle adds a layer of uncertainty to the congressional race.