Question

As the election season approaches, various legal issues arise, one of which concerns pre-election petitions for disqualification. In this scenario-based question, you are presented with a case involving a petition for disqualification filed against a candidate. Apply the relevant laws and principles in your analysis and provide your recommended course of action.

Scenario:

Candidate X is running for the position of Mayor in a local municipality. One week before the scheduled election, Candidate Y filed a petition for disqualification against Candidate X, alleging that the latter committed acts that violate the provisions of the Omnibus Election Code. Specifically, Candidate Y claims that Candidate X engaged in vote-buying and other election-related offenses during the campaign period.

An investigation was conducted by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and it was determined that there is sufficient evidence to warrant a hearing on the petition for disqualification. The hearing is set to be held a few days before the election day.

Based on the given scenario, discuss the following:

1. What are the grounds for disqualification under the Omnibus Election Code?
2. What is the process and procedure for filing and resolving a petition for disqualification?
3. Should the election push through as scheduled, or should it be postponed pending the resolution of the petition for disqualification? Provide reasons for your answer.