Comelec defers resolution on PDP-Laban petition to reopen COC filing

Comelec office in Intramuros, Manila. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections on Wednesday deferred its resolution on a petition filed by ruling PDP-Laban Party to reopen the filing of certificate of candidacy.

“The en banc deferred resolution of the petition for the reopening of the period for filing COCs. It is expected that the matter will be resolved next week, with all points raised by the petition being squarely addressed,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez told reporters in a Viber message.

The petition was filed by the faction of PDP-Laban led by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, who is allied with President Rodrigo Duterte.

Melvin Matibag, secretary-general of the PDP-Laban Cusi wing, said the Comelec should allow the reopening of COC filing.

He said the poll body should not proceed with the printing of the ballots “while several cases affecting candidates and party lists are still pending before it.”

He further said that the October 1-8 period for the filing of COC was “unreasonable, unnecessary and legally impossible,” a contention opposed by various groups.

EDV