The Commission on Elections Second Division junked the only petition to cancel the COC of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. – a win point for the son of the dictator who’s facing numerous cases against his presidential bid. PHVote WeDecide
MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections Second Division junked the only petition to cancel the certificate of candidacy of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. – a win point for the son of the dictator who’s facing numerous cases against his presidential bid.
This petition to cancel Marcos’ COC is one among the three pending petitions against him. Two others for disqualification remain. Christian Monsod’s petition is still pending in the 2nd Division, consolidated Akbayan/Ilagan/Mangelen is in the 1st Division. Te’s group will appeal to the en banc. Te’s group had argued that when Marcos said in his COC he had not been meted the penalty of perpetual disqualification, he committed material representation – the sole ground of a petition to cancel his COC.“Respondent cannot be said to have deliberately attempted to mislead, misinform, or hide a fact which would otherwise render him ineligible,” said the ruling.
Te’s group argued that by sheer conviction of failure to file income tax returns, Marcos was automatically perpetually disqualified from public office because that is an accessory penalty of the tax code. Te’s group said it need not be spelled out by the CA.