June 1 is known as “Flip a Coin Day” — a quirky observance that, in the Philippines, carries a deeper meaning than simply deciding who buys lunch. In some corners of our democracy, a coin toss has played a very real role in deciding who gets to lead.
Legal toss-up
According to Section 240 of the Philippine Omnibus Election Code, when electoral candidates are deadlocked with an equal number of votes, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) turns to a random method of resolution — typically, the drawing of lots. In practice, this often means a coin toss. Though it may seem like an odd way to settle something as serious as an election, it’s a legally recognized tool for breaking ties while keeping the process moving.
From Ancient Rome to the polls
Tossing a coin to settle disputes goes back centuries. Ancient Romans called it navia aut caput — “ship or head” — based on the imagery on their coins. The tradition has endured as a way to break deadlocks when neither side has a numerical edge.
Interestingly, modern science adds a twist. In an October 2023 study titled “Fair coins tend to land on the same side they started: Evidence from 350,757 flips,” the results show that they aren’t quite as random as we think. The coin has a 50.8 percent tendency to land on the side it started from.
Instances in Philippine elections
Tarlac City, 2002: Delfin Lacuesta and Richard Tipay were tied at 174 votes each in a barangay race. They flipped a coin — Lacuesta called heads, the coin agreed, and he secured another term.
San Teodoro, Oriental Mindoro, 2013: Mayoral hopefuls Marvic Feraren and Boyet Py both earned 3,236 votes. The tie-breaker? A coin toss. After the first flip resulted in yet another tie, Feraren ultimately won in the second round.
Araceli, Palawan, 2019: Sue Cudilla and incumbent Noel Beronio each got 3,495 votes. A best-of-three coin toss was held. Cudilla called tails and won, taking the post.
Symbol beyond chance
So while Flip a Coin Day may sound like just another lighthearted calendar note, here in the Philippines it’s also a subtle reminder: sometimes, even in the most structured of systems, chance has a seat at the table — and a coin, in all its simplicity, can tip the balance of history.