Presidential aspirant and Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Wednesday said he would support the amendments to the substitution rule under the Omnibus Election Code if it will make the electoral process better.
“Wala akong problema diyan. Kung ikakabuti ng ating electoral process ‘yung pag-amend ng batas na ‘yan then I will go for it. I will support it,” he said in a text message to reporters.
(I have no problem with that. If that will make the electoral process better, then I will go for it. I will support it.)
Dela Rosa earlier said there is nothing wrong with the substitution process as it is covered by the country’s election law.
Article IX, Section 77 of Omnibus Election Code provides that: “If after the last day for the filing of certificates of candidacy, an official candidate of a registered or accredited political party dies, withdraws or is disqualified for any cause, only a person belonging to, and certified by, the same political party may file a certificate of candidacy to replace the candidate who died, withdrew or was disqualified.”
Several senators have filed a measure to prohibit the substitution of an electoral aspirant who voluntarily withdraws candidacy in any forthcoming election.
Dela Rosa, who filed his certificate of candidacy on October 8, said he is open to be replaced as the standard bearer of the Cusi faction of his PDP-Laban party. He said he is willing to withdraw his candidacy for president if Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte would run for the post under their party.
The younger Duterte, however, insisted that she would be seeking a third term as Davao City mayor.
To recall, then-Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte substituted Martin Diño, who filed a certificate of candidacy for president under PDP-Laban, during the 2016 presidential elections. Duterte won the elections.
Other presidential aspirants have also given their take on the issue of substitution.
Vice President Leni Robredo said the substitution rule in the election law is being abused by putting “placeholders” while waiting for other candidates to decide if they will run for an elective post.
Senator Manny Pacquiao also backed proposals removing “withdrawal” as one of grounds for candidate substitution.
Senator Panfilo Lacson also supported proposals amending Omnibus Election Law, noting that it should only be allowed in case of death or incapacity.
At least five senators filed a bill seeking to amend the Omnibus Election Code by removing withdrawal as a basis of a candidate’s substitution.
Senate Bill 2439 removes the word “withdrawal” from Article IX, Section 77 of the Omnibus Election Code and replaces it with the phrase “becomes incapacitated.”
A House bill was also filed suggesting that a political part should be banned from substituting any candidate unless the latter dies or was disqualified.
Under the Commission on Elections’ calendar for 2022 polls, substitution for a candidate in a national or local post can be filed from the end of the COC filing period until November 15, 2021.—LDF, GMA News
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