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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Poll official says petition to postpone the May 2022 polls unlikely to prosper

Poll official says petition to postpone the May 2022 polls unlikely to prosper

Published Dec 13, 2021 03:27 pm

An official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said the petition seeking to postpone the May 2022 polls is unlikely to prosper.

Comelec/MB

"I think you are going by the fact that the Comelec does have the authority to suspend the conduct of elections. But the petition itself just on the surface of it seems unlikely to prosper," Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez told ANC Monday, Dec. 13.

"One of the things that works against it the fact that its asking for the election to be postponed all the way to 2025. Basically saying that we are gonna go against the Constitution and just not hold elections this year, that would be unconstitutional," he added.

Jimenez said while the Comelec does have authority to suspend elections, but only for brief period and only when the conditions for free and fair elections do not exist.

"I think that particular criteria do not exist right now. So, I dont see any justification for granting this... But of course that's entirely up to the en banc if it ever gets to them," he said.

In an online press briefing, Jimenez also said the same thing.

"One, is when you call for suspension of elections of this magnitude, nationwide and for at least a year, you're basically saying ignore the Constitution, not hold elections the way the Constitution says it should. The implications of that is the need to amend Constitution. You cannot ignore the Constitution. It's ridiculous. You want to suspend elections but you need to hold an elections/plebiscite to suspend the elections. To amend the Constitution, you need to have a plebiscite," he said.

"Two, there is no holdover provision. Which means, that if you suspend elections for 2023, then that means you have entire year with no elected officials. What are we going to do? Nominate, appoint, by whose authority, for what purpose? This doom mongering doesn't help," Jimenez added.

"If the commission wants to take it up, that's fine. But, again, it doesn't look like it has much of a chance," he said.

Last week, the Coalition for Life and Democracy has filed a petition seeking to suspend next year's polls to 2025.

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comelec spokesperson james jimenez May 2022 polls Comelec
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