MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections has deferred the release of the official list of candidates and the printing of ballots for the May 2019 midterm elections, Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas said on Tuesday.
The poll body earlier eyed the release of the official list of candidates before January 23, in time for the start printing of ballots on the third week of January.
Abas, however, said that the Comelec might release the official list of candidates within the week.
READ: Comelec to release list of candidates before Jan. 23
Prior to this, the Comelec said that it would release the official list on December 15, 2018, but did not materialize as it was still resolving disqualification cases.
He added that the disqualification cases filed against of former senator Sergio Osmeña III and Senator Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel III is still being reviewed by the Comelec’ Law division.
“Wala pa, dinidisisyunan pa ng division yun,” he said.
(It’s still being decided by the division).
Abas added the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebiscite affected preparations for the midterm elections. /gsg