An error in the PDP-Laban presidential candidate Martin Diño may paved the way for Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s possible presidential candidacy according to the latest statement released by the Commission on Elections. The COMELEC clarifies its rules on candidates as PDP-Laban names Rodrigo Duterte as its subsitute bet if Martin Diño withdraws from the presidential race.
Comelec spokesman James Jimenez clarified during an interview on Tuesday that a substitute could take the “slot” of a political party’s bet if the poll body disqualifies the original candidate.
Although the Comelec did not specifically mentioned Mayor Duterte, they clarified the rule as speculations swirled around the candidacy of Martin Diño, the presidential bet of political party PDP-Laban where Mayor Duterte was considered as one of its members.
With Diño as a placeholder, this means that if this largely unknown candidate withdraws from the presidential race, Duterte has until December 10 to take his place.
The poll body cited Section 19 of Comelec Resolution 9884 states: “An official candidate of a duly registered political party (PP) or coalition who dies, withdraws, or is disqualified for any cause after the filing of COCs may be substituted by a candidate belonging to, and nominated by, the same PP or coalition.”
