The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will be open this Saturday, Nov. 13 to accommodate those who will file for withdrawal and substitution.
"The deadline (of filing) is Nov.15 which means that we are really starting to watch the proceedings starting tomorrow," Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said in an online press briefing Wednesday, Nov. 10.
"There will be no filing on Sunday. Earlier, we agreed to allow it on Nov. 13," he added.
Jimenez said they will set up a receiving station at the lobby of Palacio Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila in the last five days of the filing to also control the crowd.
"We moved it inside so we can control the crowds better," he said.
"We know as a matter of history that Filipinos love last days. We are concerned that they may flock the offices to withdraw since personal appearance is a requirement," added Jimenez.
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.