FACT CHECK: Maguindanao del Norte gubernatorial bet Teng Mangudadatu has not been disqualified

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Only the Comelec has the authority to decide cases related to elections; all decisions must go through the proper process

Claim: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) disqualified Suharto “Teng” Tan Mangudadatu from running for governor of Maguindanao del Norte in the 2025 local elections due to his failure to prove residency in the province.

Rating: FALSE

Why we fact-checked this: The Facebook post by “Overseas Bangsamoro tv” page has been shared 38 times, with 22 reactions and 13 comments, as of writing. Several Facebook posts also bear the same claim.

The English translation of the caption reads, “JUST IN: Teng Mangudadatu has reportedly been disqualified from running for governor of Maguindanao del Norte after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) declared him ineligible due to not being a resident of the province. Mangudadatu failed to prove that he had resided in Maguindanao del Norte prior to filing his Certificate of Candidacy (COC), which is a primary requirement under the Constitution and the Omnibus Election Code. As a result, the Comelec reportedly ordered the immediate enforcement of Mangudadatu’s disqualification. The public was urged to uphold a campaign grounded in integrity and fairness.)

The facts: There is no official disqualification issued against Mangudadatu, according to a fact check by the Comelec.

The commission cited Article IX-C of the 1987 Constitution in its fact check, stating that only the Comelec has the authority to decide cases related to elections. All decisions must go through the proper process, and any resolution must be officially published before it is considered final and effective.

Signs of false information: The “Overseas Bangsamoro tv” Facebook page is only five years old, having been created only in April 2020. The Comelec reminded Filipinos to get information from official pages and sites.

Similar fact checks: Rappler has previously debunked election-related claims, including false information on candidates’ disqualification. Other election-related fact checks include

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• FACT CHECK: Comelec not hiring poll watchers for May 12 elections 
• FACT CHECK: 2025 midterm elections on May 12, no date change 
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• FACT CHECK: Post links Pasig City hall project to Vico Sotto 2028 Senate bid without proof

– Laurice Angeles/Rappler

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