Mothers for Change (MOCHA) first nominee Mocha Uson asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday, May 4 to check on the health status of former Vice President Jejomar Binay who is gunning for a senatorial seat.
"Following the mandate of the Commission on Elections as the primary guardian of the ballot and protector of the people's right of suffrage. I write to you as a concerned citizen and voter in the coming elections," Uson said in a letter addressed to the poll body's commissioners.
In the two-page document, Uson said that she is concerned about the possibility that a leading candidate for the Senate may no longer be capable of fulfilling his duties to the people and the Republic after he is elected, referring to Binay.
Due to this, she said that in the interest of full transparency, she prays that the Comelec can find out if Binay is physically and mentally fit and able to perform his duties for the benefit
of the voters and our country
According to her, Binay, who is reportedly "in poor health" and was not able to participate fully in this campaign period. He has also been absent in many rallies and largely been unseen and unheard during the entire campaign period
"For those who have been following the former Vice President's career his silence is completely uncharacteristic. And given the reports on his supposedly failing health, quite alarming," Uson said.
Uson, who claimed Binay as one of the most vocal critics of President Duterte, has been quiet during this period when she said his voice needs to be heard the most. She clarified that she does not hold any personal animosity against Binay, and is sincerely hoping that the reports are untrue and that he is in fine health.
Uson also mentioned that the issue is not something that can be overlooked given the fact Binay is among those who have a good chance of landing a senate seat. She stated that it would be a "grave injustice" to the voters and to the country ultimately if he was elected but could not perform his functions because he is not physically or mentally able to do so
"It also goes without saying that the COMELEC, in order to fulfill its mandate, must ensure that those running for public office is of sound mind and body in order to fulfill his or her mandate to serve the people," she said.
"In screening candidates, the COMELEC must determine that they meet the criteria of being able to comprehend and express themselves in a manner befitting the office they aspire for," she added.