Mendros, J. N. A. (2016). The evolving role of the Commission on Elections and political parties: A policy paper on accountability amidst corruption in the Philippines (Unpublished master's thesis). Public Management Development Program, Development Academy of the Philippines.

Public Management Development Program Senior Executives Class Batch 4 Thesis (SEC)--Development Academy of the Philippines.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is one of the constitutional commissions mandated and empowered by the 1987 Philippine Constitution to "enforce and administer all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of an election, plebiscite, initiative, referendum, and recall" (Art. IX-C Sec. 1). Those processes pertaining to plebiscite, initiative and referendum aim to ensure the participation of the people in deciding on matters and issues involved in the pursuit of their development and well-being. The conduct of election and recall on the other hand, consist of processes to ensure that persons who are capable and willing to fulfill the avowed duties and public servants are installed in offices comprising the entire government machinery. Public office is a public trust. Public officers and employees "must, at all times, be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency; act with patriotism and justice, lead modest lives," (Art. XI, Sec. 1). This indeed, is a tall order for the Commission on Elections, which is at the forefront and the main player in this important democratic process. Hence, the Constitution armed the Commission with power and functions for the conduct of such processes so that the voice of the sovereign people will be upheld and protected...