By Matthew Go
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has disqualified Jemma “Rose” Villanueva Hernandez from the 2025 Laguna gubernatorial race, declaring her a “nuisance candidate” and citing questions about her intent to run.
In a decision released on December 11, the Comelec 2nd Division ruled that Hernandez’s candidacy lacked credibility, pointing to irregularities in her use of names. The ruling, signed by Presiding Commissioner Marlon Casquejo and Commissioners Rey Bulay and Nelson Celis, noted that Hernandez previously ran under the name “Rose” instead of her actual nickname, Jemma, which raised doubts about her motivations.
The petition to disqualify Hernandez was filed by Laguna 2nd District Representative Ruth Hernandez, who is also a candidate for governor. The representative argued that Villanueva Hernandez’s candidacy was intended to confuse voters in the upcoming elections.
The Comelec ruling bars Hernandez from appearing on the official ballot for the 2025 polls, citing her failure to demonstrate a legitimate intent to pursue public office.