After the dismal decision of the First Division of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for them, a group of petitioners on Tuesday, Feb. 15, filed a motion for reconsideration before the Comelec en Banc asking it to reverse the decision dismissing their disqualification petition against presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bonngbong” R. Marcos Jr.

The petitioners were Bonifacio P. Ilagan, Saturnino C. Ocampo, Maria Carolina P. Araullo, Trinidad G. Repuno, Joanna K. Carino, Elisa Tita P. Lubi, Liza L. Maza, Danilo M. Dela Fuente, Carmencita M. Florentino, Doroteo C. Abaya Jr., Erlina N. Senturias Sr., Arabella C. Balingao Sr., Cherry M. Ibardaloza, CSSJB, Sr. Susan S. Esmile, SFIC, Homar Rubert R. Distajo, Pollyne E. Dira, James C. Candila, and Jonas Angelo L. Abadilla.
The petitioners said the First Division “erred in considering the evidence filed by Marcos despite his failure to file his formal offer on time.”
The petitioners also claimed that: “ The Honorable First Division erred in finding that the respondent convicted candidate Marcos Jr. was not perpetually disqualified from running for public office.”
The First Division “erred” in finding that Marcos was not meted a penalty of imprisonment or more than 18 months or for a crime involving moral turpitude, their motion further claimed.
As such, they also alleged that “ First Division erred in ruling that failure to file income tax returns for four consecutive years is not inherently wrong and does not involve moral turpitude.”
“Accordingly, it is most respectfully prayed of this Honorable Commission that the assailed resolution dated 10 February 2022 be considered and reversed and respondent convicted candidate Marcos Jr. is disqualified as candidate for President of the Republic of the Philippines in the 09 May 2022 National and Local Elections,” the petitioners added.
On Feb. 10, Comelec Spokesperson James B. Jimenez said the poll body’s First Division dismissed the three petitions seeking to disqualify Marcos “for lack of merit.”