DESPITE summarily dismissing some 2,000 cases that have been pending since 2007, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) continues to face an almost similar number of backlog cases in its docket.

In a televised public briefing, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the backlog in cases remains around 2,000 based on their latest accounting.

“Our current case backlog is more than 2,000,” said Garcia.

“These 2,000 cases are not just election offense cases, but also disqualification cases and protest cases, all of which have been directly filed at the Comelec,” he added.

Garcia said the pending cases also include those related to submitted Statement of Contributions and Expenditures in the 2013 and 2016 polls.

The poll chief said while they would want to hasten the resolution of all cases, they want to make sure that it will be able to withstand scrutiny.

“The Comelec decides cases based on the facts as presented and the law as applicable to it. When you read our decisions, it can stand the test of all scrutiny,” said Garcia.

Earlier this week, the Comelec en banc issued a resolution dismissing almost 2,000 election offense cases filed from 2007 to 2013.

Asked if there are any appeals filed with regards to the recently dismissed cases, he said there have been none so far.

“The Comelec has not receive even one motion for reconsideration regarding the dismissed cases,” said Garcia. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)