The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said a nationwide cancellation of the May 2022 polls is unlikely.
This despite the threat of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
"Unlikely. When we say we cancel the elections, that means the conditions for free and fair elections don’t exist. When you have a surge, that is not the case. People have to be extra careful, yes. But it doesn't remove the possibility of having a free and fair elections. So it is unlikely that we would not hold the elections.," Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said in a press briefing in Manila Monday, Nov. 29.
"What may be possible is that just the possibility in one location your board of election inspectors are hit by COVID and there's no replacement, then its possible to cancel the elections in that particular area," he added.
"So, area cancellations are still possible. Isolated cases can be taken into consideration but nationwide cancellation unlikely," said Jimenez.
He assured that the Comelec is being very careful and taking all things into consideration.
Meanwhile, 205 aspirants for national posts may be declared as nuisance bets.
"Candidates with moto proprio cases (for the declaration as nuisance candidates) 82 for president, 15 for vice president, and 108 for senator," Jimenez said.
He also explained that the poll body is not out to reduce the number of candidates rather they are out to remove the candidates, who are nuisance or are illegitimate candidates.
Section 69 of the Omnibus Election Code states that the Commission may, motu proprio or upon a verified petition of an interested party, refuse to give due course to or cancel a certificate of candidacy.
This is in cases where it is shown that it is filed to put the election process in mockery or disrepute, or to cause confusion among the voters by the similarity of the names of the registered candidates, or by other circumstances or acts which clearly demonstrate that the candidate has no bona fide intention to run for the office.