The Supreme Court has reaffirmed that candidates finishing second in local elections are not entitled to assume office simply because the winner is later disqualified. The court emphasized voters elect winners – not second-place candidates – and therefore the will of the electorate must prevail. This ruling, made during an en banc session on Wednesday, upholds a previous 2025 decision involving Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu. The court clarified that automatic succession for second-place finishers would undermine the democratic process. The decision underscores that any vacancy resulting from disqualification must be addressed according to existing election laws, which may include special elections. This ruling provides clarity regarding succession protocols in local government positions following disqualifications. It reinforces the importance of voters’ choices in determining election outcomes.