Comelec junks petition to tag Martin Diño as ‘nuisance’ candidate

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division has junked the petition to declare former Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Laban ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) standard-bearer Martin Diño as a nuisance candidate.

The petition, which was filed motu propio at the Comelec’s legal department, was dismissed because it was “moot and academic” as Dino already withdrew his certificate of candidacy (COC).

“Under Section 18, Rule 2 of Comelec Resolution No. 9984, any candidate may personally file, at any time before Election Day, and subject to Section 19, Rule II, a sworn Statement of Cancellation/Withdrawal of COC with the Office where the same was filed,” part of the ruling read.

READ: Martin Diño tells Duterte: Turn PH as safe as Davao City

Comelec’s Second Division, composed of presiding commissioner Al Parreno and commissioners Sherriff Abas and Arthur Lim, also granted Dino’s motion to withdraw his COC which he filed last October 29.

When Diño withdrew his COC then, he named Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte as his substitute.

The PDP-Laban has since officially endorsed the presidential bid of Duterte with his running mate, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.

READ: Duterte may no longer run for president by substitution – election lawyer

Comelec Chair Andres Bautista said that the poll body is yet to decide on the validity of Duterte’s substitution. AJH/With a report from Aie Balagtas See, Philippine Daily Inquirer/CDG

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