Comelec OKs ‘withdrawal form’ to void Cha-cha petition signatures

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has approved the “withdrawal form” for people who wish to take back their signatures from the people’s initiative petition for Charter change.

In a memorandum dated February 14 but released to the media a day later, the Comelec said the forms must be made available to the public.

“Please be informed that during the Referendum/Consultation on 14 February 2024, the Commission resolved to approve the hereto attached and forming an integral part hereof, Withdrawal Form for Signatures in the Signature Sheets submitted for Petition for People’s Initiative,” states the poll body’s memo.

The document also said that election officers must distribute the withdrawal form, as it should be available in their offices, where the accomplished forms should likewise be submitted or returned.

“Moreover, to direct the Education and Information Department to disseminate this information, while clarifying that the acceptance of withdrawal forms shall not be construed as formal action by the Commission on the signature sheets/petition for People’s Initiative,” reads the memo.

Among the details asked for in the withdrawal form are the person’s name, address, precinct number, and reason for taking back their signature to the PI petition to amend the Constitution.

Comelec suspended the proceedings for the PI in January, citing the need to review its process for the initiative.

READ: Salceda: We will act after Comelec revises PI rules

The contentious people’s initiative would move to have the House of Representatives and Senate jointly vote on amendments to the Constitution.

The Senate opposed the alleged backhanded efforts in pushing for the people’s initiative, as the  300-strong House could easily overwhelm the 24-member Senate.