Several groups of political detainees, human rights advocates, and medical organizations have asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to fast track its decision regarding the petitions to revoke the candidacy of presidential prospect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
In order to avoid confusion among the electorate and to impose Comelec rules, the civic groups aim to have this matter settled before year-end. “The sovereign will of the people should always take priority over political influence to ensure the common good of the country. We, therefore, expect the Comelec to take priority on what is right and just for the country.” Coalition chairman Fr. Antonio Labiao said in a statement.
The basis of the 50-page petition, which was filed on November 2, intends to “cancel or deny due course the certificate of candidacy” of Marcos Jr. due to “multiple false material representations.”
There are currently two petitions filed. The first is in regards to the 1997 conviction of Marcos by the Court of Appeals (CA) for his failure to file income tax returns from the years 1982 to 1985, making for a justifiable ground to disqualify him from running for public office. The second is that he misinterpreted this information in his COC in stating that he was eligible to run and that he had not been found liable of any offense that disqualified him in running for public office.
“All pieces of evidence and legal arguments in our hands clearly show that the petition against my candidacy is nothing but trash.” Marcos responded to the petition. Despite calling the document a “predictable nuisance,” Marcos filed a motion to extend his answer to the plea a day before the deadline, which was supposedly due on November 16. Petitioners opposed this on November 17, requesting the Comelec to “observe its own rules” on “inextendible periods.”
There is still no decision on Marcos’ plea for an extension despite his spokesperson’s claim that one had already been granted. Commission on Elections spokesperson James Jimenez told reporters that the matter is still pending with the Comelec’s Second Division. Jimenez said that he was not updated on the deliberations but emphasized that no decision had been made as of Wednesday afternoon regarding the approval of his extension or any decision for his candidacy.
(By: Bianca Floirendo)