The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division on Monday (Jan. 17) dismissed the petition seeking to cancel the certificate of candidacy of Presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
According to acting Presidential Spokesperson and Cabinet Sec. Karlo Nograles, the Palace respects the Comelec’s decision.
“Comelec is an independent constitutional body. We respect the independence of the Comelec,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Marcos’ spokesperson, Atty. Vic Rodriguez, expressed gratitude to the Comelec for “upholding the law and the right of every bona fide candidate to run for public office, free from any form of harassment and discrimination.”
“The petitioners’ mere creativity for writing and wanting what is not written in law as basis to cancel the certificate of candidacy of presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos is way too frivolous and unmeritorious to override the basic precepts of the Constitution,” Rodriguez said.
“We extend our hand of unity even to the fiercest of adversary and invite them to work together in ensuring a clean, fair, and credible elections as our initial collective contribution towards nation building for the future of our people, the Filipino children, and the youth, and for our beloved Philippines to move forward,” he said. – with reports from Mela Lesmoras/PG – bny
