Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian is pushing for a measure that will penalize nuisance candidates and hold them liable for offenses under the Omnibus Election Code.
Gatchalian said nuisance candidates ended up wasting the time and resources of the Commission on Elections, which was mandated to receive all certificates of candidacy.
“[C]andidates who do not intend to launch a viable campaign is wasting the precious time and resources of Comelec,” Gatchalian said in filing Senate Bill No. 911.
His proposal also aims to fine nuisance candidates P50,000 for placing the election process in disrepute, cause confusion among voters due to similarity in candidates’ names or any other circumstances which demonstrate that the candidate has no bona fide intention to run for office. —JULIE M. AURELIO