By Leslie Ann G. Aquino
Substitute bets will no longer be allowed to take the place of candidates, who will withdraw their Certificates of Candidacy (COCs), after November 29.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
In Resolution No. 10430, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said “no substitution due to withdrawal shall be allowed after November 29, 2018.”
The poll body said the substitute of a candidate who died, withdrew his candidacy, or was disqualified may file a COC for the office affected on or before Nov/ 29, 2018 so that the name of the substitute will be reflected on the official ballots.
In the same Resolution promulgated October 1, the Comelec said the substitute for a candidate, who died or was disqualified by final judgment may file a COC up to mid-day of Election Day.
This would be acceptable, provided that the substitute candidate and the substituted candidate have the same surnames.
“If the death or disqualification should occur between the day before the election and mid-day of Election Day, the substitute candidate may file a COC with any Board of Election Inspectors, Election Officers, Provincial Election Supervisor or Regional Election Director in the political subdivision where such person is a candidate, or in the case of a candidate for Senator, with the Law Department,” said Comelec.
No substitute shall be allowed for any independent candidate, said the poll body.
The Comelec earlier set the filing of COCs for the May 2019 midterm polls on October 11-12 and October 15-17.