Only a candidate’s disqualification, permanent disability or death will pave the way for substitution in the coming mid-term election and candidates cannot slide down to a lower position in place of another candidate.

These clarifications were made by Provincial Elections Supervisor Reddy Balarbar in response to numerous inquiries received by his office.

“No candidate who has withdrawn his candidacy for a position shall be eligible as substitute candidate for any other position after the March 29 deadline for filing of certificates of candidacy (COC),” Balarbar said.

This was also discussed earlier by Dagupan City Election Officer Remarque Ravanzo in a bid to inform candidates who may be considering to withdraw and run for a position lower than the position they first filed for.

In clarifying the issue, Balarbar cited Comelec Resolution No. 7799 promulgated on January 5, 2007 that sets the guide lines on the filing of COCs and nomination of official candidates of registered political parties in connection with the May 14, 2007 synchronized national and local elections.

Section 14 of the same resolution states that after the last day for filing of COCs, an official candidate of a registered political party who dies, withdraws or is disqualified for any cause, only a person belonging to, and certified by, the same political party may file a COC as substitute candidate.–LM

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