Join Attorneys Jayson, Ria, and Kara in another Open Bar Season 2 episode as we put into the spotlight relevant and timely electoral issues and concerns- now that the 2022 Local and Presidential Elections come closer.

(Director's Note: This episode was recorded in November 2021. However, due to Typhoon Odette as well as its consequential damages and delays that affected most of us here in Cebu, we have only managed to put this out this month.)

Our episode guest is no other than Atty. Ferdinand Gujilde, Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Cebu Regional Election Attorney. As an election lawyer with the COMELEC for over 17 years, Atty. Gujilde is among the established personalities in this field of law in the country and has authored election law books. He is also a law school professor and newspaper columnist.

Extensive discussions on the conduct of the automated elections amid the Covid-19 pandemic, proposed election law amendments such as the option to substitute candidates in political parties in cases of withdrawal, and the salient features on the recent COMELEC Resolution for the upcoming May elections are in place this March episode.

Here are some highlights of this episode:

• Substitution of candidates “Substitution pertains only to persons belonging to the same political party because in case of withdrawal, death, or disqualification, there is a party representation that must be continued. As opposed to independent candidates, they do not have a party so there is nothing much to be continued except for barangay elections”.

• Return to the two-party system “Because of the multi-party system has been abused, these candidates, they have actually lost grasp of what is actually a political party”. It’s not anymore a political party based on principles, it’s now a political party based on convenience and probably survival. So we do not actually see real political parties now”.

• Media advertisement regulations “Media entities are mandated by law to furnish the COMELEC with the copy of the contract of advertisement within five days from the date of execution. Because of that, the COMELEC is informed of the duration, frequency, size, and more importantly, the cost of the advertisement”.

Production & Direction: Atty. Ian Vincent Manticajon

Editorial Assistance: Atty. Christopher John Menguito

Content Consultant: Atty. King Anthony Perez

Cover Layout and Intro/Outro Voiceover : Trisha Maie Apa-ap

Music: bensound.com