The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it will be very firm on rules on substitution.
Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas gave this assurance in an online press briefing on Friday, Oct. 8 at the end of the filing of the certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the May 2022 polls.
"Rules on substitution is fixed unless otherwise amended. But that is unlikely. We will assure you that we will not change the rules in the middle of the game. Rest assured that the comelec will be very firm," he said.
"The thing that you are all concerned of, that won't happen with this Comelec en banc. We assure you that we will be very fair," added Abas.
This, amid rumors that presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte will substitute to become a presidential candidate.
In Resolution No. 10717, the Comelec said an aspirant from a duly registered political party or coalition, who dies, withdraws, or is disqualified for any cause after the last day for the filing of COCs, may be substituted by an aspirant belonging to, and nominated by, the same political party or coalition.
It added that no substitute shall be allowed for any independent candidate.
The poll body said a substitute for an aspirant/candidate, who died or was disqualified by final judgment, may file a COC up to mid-day of Election Day.
Earlier, Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said substitution due to withdrawal shall not be allowed after Nov. 15.
"If you are going to make a substitution, you need to submit the name of the substitute by Nov. 15. After that, only involuntary substitution will be allowed," he said.