MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has barred convicted rapist Romeo Jalosjos and his brother, Dominador Jr, from running for local posts in Zamboanga.

In a resolution released Wednesday, January 16, the Comelec en banc cancelled the candidacy of Jalosjos for Zamboanga City mayor, saying that “the Commission is under a legal duty to abide by the final judgment issued by the judiciary.”

In 2001, the Supreme Court affirmed the conviction of Jalosjos for statutory rape, and sentenced to reclusion perpetua. Comelec said this penalty “carries with it the accessory penalty of perpetual absolute disqualification.”

Comelec also cancelled the candidacy of Jalosjos’ brother, Dominador Jr, for Zamboanga del Sur governor.

Based on the Revised Penal Code, an effect of perpetual absolute disqualification “is deprivation of the right to vote in any election for any popular or to be elected to such office.”

Comelec noted in its decision that a regional trial court in Zamboanga also dismissed last year the petition of Jalosjos for inclusion in the list of voters of Zamboanga City. The law requires an individual to be a registered voter of the locality in which he is intending to run.

Romeo Jalosjos, former representative of Zamboanga del Norte, filed his candidacy under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) despite protests from opponents who claim that he can’t run for mayor.

Dominador Jalosjos Jr. was convicted last year by a regional trial court for robbery, which automatically disqualifies him from running for governor. The law bars a convict from running for public office, the Comelec said. 

Other than these two Jalosjoses, 11 other members of their clan are also running for various positions in the Zamboanga region. If Dominador Jr. was not disqualified, a Jalosjos would be running for governor and representative in each of the 3 provinces of the region. – Rappler.com

More of Rappler’s 2013 election coverage, #PHVote 2013:

• Crucial ingredient in Zambo ‘pot’