Disqualifying candidates linked to illegal drugs from joining the 2019 elections is “too premature” at the moment, Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson James Jimenez said on Wednesday.
Jimenez was reacting to Eduardo Año, officer-in-charge of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, who earlier said that he will be recommending the barring of candidates linked to illegal drugs from running in the upcoming polls.
READ: DILG chief seeks disqualification of ‘narcopols’ from 2019 elections
Jimenez emphasized that mere inclusion in the so-called “narco-list” or the list of government officials allegedly linked to the illegal drug trade is not enough to have them disqualified from running.
“Ang disqualification, merong grounds ‘yan (Disqualification has grounds), and membership in any list, in any list, is not a ground for disqualification unless convicted ka (you are convicted) by final judgement,” he said in a news forum.
He said the Comelec has yet to discuss the matter on banning such candidates from joining the elections.
“At this point, medyo sobrang premature (it’s somehow too premature),” Jimenez added.
Año also recognized that the Comelec, which has the authority to ban candidates from running, will have to observe certain laws should they consider his recommendation.
READ: Año: Banning ‘narcopols’ from running in 2019 polls not that easy
He said that banning candidates from running has “really high standards.”
Año clarified, however, that he only wants drugs lords barred from securing elective positions.
The filing of candidacy for the 2019 midterm polls starts on Thursday, October 11. /muf