Solons laud tougher rules on candidate substitution

 

MANILA, Philippines — Two lawmakers have thanked the Commission on Election (Comelec) for tightening rules regarding candidate substitution.

Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. and Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong on Thursday said that the substitution scheme — where a candidate would switch places with an individual who has not filed his or her certificate of candidacy during the prescribed period — affects the preparations for elections in different aspects.

Adiong speculated that such moves may just be meant to surprise the people — but at the same time make a circus out of the voting processes. 

Abante meanwhile thinks those who avail of substitution only want to stir drama.

“Electoral processes are at the core of our democratic system […] we should insulate our electoral processes from any strategy or tactic that would appear as if we are holding a circus.  Because they want to surprise the people, some say that they will run then all of a sudden you will be surprised.  I think it’s also part of respecting the electorate,” Adiong said.

“I mean, let’s stop with the surprises, let’s do away with the drama.  Most of all, it’s all about transparency.  That’s why the Comelec decision is a reminder that in an election, they should not use loopholes or other ways to manipulate.  This is what I think of it, it seems to be a mind manipulation scheme.  We should always uphold integrity and transparency for true democracy” Abante added.

According to Abante, candidates who really want to run should make their intentions known properly.

“I support that decision, I thank the Comelec for doing that, it only shows that the […] substitution is not good.  Why do we even need that?  That’s not needed.  If you really decide to run, decide to run.  Why would you allow someone to substitute for you?  Run if you will run, abstain if you want to abstain,” Abante said.

“It’s also a reason why the printing of official ballots takes some time because we are waiting for the substitutes to file their certificate of candidacy. The thing is, we’re thankful that Comelec did away with these so we would no longer have to wait for them […] because for me that would not even do well with our people,” he added.

On Wednesday, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said that the substitution of candidates after the last day of filing of certificates of candidacies (COC) will no longer be allowed if the substitution is just because of the candidate withdrawing.

Garcia said the Commission en banc approved his proposal.

The use of substitution — for purposes believed by critics to be merely placeholding — started when then Davao City Mayor  Rodrigo Duterte sought the presidency in 2016.

Duterte was not able to file his certificate of candidacy before the deadline set by Comelec in October 2015, but was still able to join the race after he swapped places with Martin Diño.