The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday, June 17, revealed that it gave due course to the substitution of the nominees No. 2 to 5 of the SAGIP Party-List.
Based on the data provided by the poll body, the new nominees of SAGIP are Rodante Marcoleta (second), Jocelyn A. Bituin (third), Ruth B. Bajas (fourth), and Alvino V. Cruz (fifth).
Except for SAGIP's first nominee Caroline L. Tanchay, all the original nominees namely: Erlinda M. Santiago (second), Kristine Angela S. Redoble (third), Fenicris E. Santos (fourth), and Emelinda J. San Antonio (fifth) filed their respective duly notarized and under oath Letters and Affidavits of Withdrawal of Nomination last April 29, 2022.
"On May 25, 2022, when it became apparent, after due computation using the party-list seat distribution formula, that SAGIP party-list will win two seats, the Commission En Banc subsequently gave due course to the April 29, 2022 Certificate of Nomination and four Certificates of Acceptance of Nomination, thereby approving the new List of Nominees of SAGIP," Comelec Acting Spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said in a statement.
Marcoleta originally filed his Certificate of Candidacy for senator in the May 9 polls but later withdrew it.
SAGIP won two seats in the House of Representatives in the last May 9 polls.
Meanwhile, the Duterte Youth Party-List has asked the poll body to deny the substitution of nominees of the Komunidad ng Pamilya, Pasyente at Persons with Disabilities (P3PWD) Party List.
"The Duterte Youth Party List most respectfully prays for the denial of P3PWD's substitution of nominees, specifically the denial of due course to the substitution of petitioning first nominee, Rowena Amelia V. Guanzon," the group said in their verified opposition filed June 17.
The group said P3PWD Party-List filed its new substitution documents way beyond the Comelec Substitution Deadline of November 15, 2021 (in cases of voluntary withdrawal) and beyond the added Comelec Substitution Deadline of May 9, 2022 (Election Day) in rare cases of death or incapacity.
It added that giving due course to the specific substitution of the P3PWD Party List is not only a violation of the Comelec Deadlines, but will in fact be a violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
"The above-mentioned legal hallmarks of the government against graft and corruption and abuse of public offices are enough valid reasons why the petitioning new first nominee, Rowena Amelia V. Guanzon, should not be given due course to substitute, or else such Comelec decision will immediately contribute to the violation of these strict laws on graft and corruption," the Duterte Youth said.