Comelec cites rules on substitution, premature campaign, political dynasty ban
THERE are three items that candidates and voters should know about the 2019, according to Provincial Elections Supervisor Marino Salas.
First, substitution of candidates who filed their certificates of candidacy will be allowed till November 29 this year.
Second, no one can be charged of premature campaigning, meaning campaign activities will be allowed even before the official start of the campaign period in 2019.
Third, there is no ban against immediate members of a family running for any political position, whether local or national.
He cited these during the KBP Forum on October 11 the day the Commission on Elections started receiving certificates of candidacy for the May 2019 election.
Beyond, November 29, the only grounds for substitution are death and disqualification of a candidate, he said.
In case of substitution due to the withdrawal of the candidate, the latter can only be replaced by any person belonging to the same political party of the candidate who withdrew.
In case of death or disqualification of a candidate, the only one who can substitute the deceased or the disqualified candidate is one who has the same family name belonging to the same political party.
Salas explained that the rule in substitution was applied in the 2013, and 2016 elections. It is different in the 2010 elections when candidates who already filed his CoC can no longer withdraw and be replaced.
Then, the ban on premature campaigning by candidates even before the official start of the campaign period is no longer in effect based on the the Peñera vs. Comelec case which was decided by the Supreme Court.
Based on the decision, Salas said, no candidate can be charged with premature campaigning.
The ban vs. political dynasty applied to the Sangguniang Kabataan election is not applicable to the election of candidates in the 2019 elections. (Leonardo Micua)
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