MANILA - (UPDATE) The Commission on Elections (Comelec) second division has disqualified actor Edu Manzano from running for congressman of San Juan.

The dispositive portions of the decision obtained by ABS-CBN News and confirmed by a Comelec official privy to the matter showed the division granted the petition to cancel Mazano’s certificate of candidacy (COC) and deny it due course for false material representation on his citizenship—a key requirement for public office.



“Without direct proof of his oath of allegiance being registered in the local civil registry in the place where he resides, respondent cannot be considered to have reacquired his Philippine citizenship under our laws," the decision said.

null null

Comelec second division chair Luie Tito Guia dissented while Commissioners Socorro Inting and Antonio Kho voted for the petition.

The division’s ruling is subject to appeal before the commission en banc and even the Supreme Court.

Asked to comment on the ruling, Manzano said he has not received the decision cancelling his COC on questions of citizenship.

Manzano's lawyer, Atty. Sixto Brillantes, said they are given five days to file a motion for reconsideration, which means the decision to disqualify Manzano cannot become final by May 13.

He also said he is confident Manzano will remain a legitimate candidate on election day.