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Information Technology Foundation of the Philippines vs Comelec [CONCURRING OPINION, YNARES-SANTIAGO].]

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATION OF THE PHILIPPINES, MA. CORAZON M. AKOL, MIGUEL UY, EDUARDO H. LOPEZ, AUGUSTO C. LAGMAN, REX C. DRILON, MIGUEL HILADO, LEY SALCEDO, and MANUEL ALCUAZ JR., petitioners, vs. COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS; COMELEC CHAIRMAN BENJAMIN ABALOS SR.; COMELEC BIDDING and AWARD COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN EDUARDO D. MEJOS and MEMBERS GIDEON DE GUZMAN, JOSE F. BALBUENA, LAMBERTO P. LLAMAS, and BARTOLOME SINOCRUZ JR.; MEGA PACIFIC eSOLUTIONS, INC.; and MEGA PACIFIC CONSORTIUM, respondents.

G.R. No. 159139 | 2004-01-13

CONCURRING OPINION

YNARES-SANTIAGO, J.:

I am mindful of our ruling, expressed only recently in Makalintal v. COMELEC,[1] that the Commission on Elections ("COMELEC"), being an independent constitutional body, ought to be given considerable latitude in the discharge of its functions. The key point to be remembered is the fundamental objective which all of the COMELEC's actuations should be destined to achieve, i.e. the accomplishment of free, orderly and honest elections. If the means adopted by the COMELEC run clearly contrary to its fundamental objective, it is our right - more, our duty - to nullify the COMELEC's actuations.

Our...