Palace: High number of presidential aspirants reflects dynamic democracy

Malacañang on Tuesday said the high number of Filipinos filing certificates of candidacy for president in the 2016 elections was reflective of the “dynamism of our democracy.”

“The high number of presidential aspirants attests to the dynamism of our democracy and reflects the desire of well-meaning Filipinos to actively participate in the electoral process. Come election time, we expect our bosses to exercise sound judgment in their selection of future leaders of the country,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma told reporters in a press briefing.

READ: LIST: Presidential, VP, senatorial aspirants on Day 2 of COC filing | 22 early birds want to roost in Malacañang Palace

Asked about “nuisance” candidates, Coloma cited the Constitution and said that requirements are limited only to age and citizenship restrictions.

“Malinaw naman ang sinasaad sa ating Saligang Batas, ‘yung kuwalipikasyon para sa pangulo, kinakailangan ay 40 years old at natural born citizen. Wala namang ibang restriction na nakalagay doon sa Saligang Batas mismo. Kaya sino naman tayo para humadlang sa pagnanais ng mga indibidwal na ialay ang sarili nila sa paglilingkod,” he said.

Coloma said it will be up to the Commission on Elections to review their system on the filing of COCs.

“Merong proseso ang Comelec para sa pagsusuri kung sila nga ay nandoon sa hanay ng mga tinatawag na nuisance candidates. Mainam na ipaubaya na lamang natin ito sa Comelec,” Coloma said.

“Iyong Comelec ay mayroong sapat na kapangyarihan para magtakda ng mga patakaran at regulasyon at sila rin ang nangangasiwa sa proseso ng pag-alam kung ang mga naghain ng certificate of candidacy ay dapat na ituring na nuisance candidates ayon sa depinisyon sa batas,” he added.

As of Tuesday, 37 people filed their COCs for president, seven for vice president, and 25 for senator. Those who filed their COCs were not yet considered official candidates.

The filing of COCs will run until Friday, Oct. 15.