COMELEC Spokesman James Jimenez Details Process on Switching of Parties
COMELEC – The Commission on Elections spoke on the switching of parties for substitution now that the period set for the filing of candidacy is over.
Yesterday, October 8, 2021, was the last day of the filing of candidacy to COMELEC. Several incumbent politicians have made their bid for a certain position official as they filed their Certificate of Candidacy (COC).
Starting October 11, the voter registration period will resume. Initially, the deadline set by the poll body for the registration period was September 30 but many Filipinos have yet to register during that time. The public, backed by the Senate and the House of Representatives with bills, called for the extension of the voter registration.
Initially, the COMELEC said it cannot afford for a long extension of the voter registration period but assured that the call of the public is not falling on deaf ears. The poll body met and agreed to extend it until October 30, 2021.
Undeniably, the next thing that crossed the surface after the filing of candidacy closed is the possible switching of parties for substitution. Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, COMELEC spokesperson James Jimenez explained what should be done for switching of parties for substitution.
Jimenez explained that the candidate must withdraw the certificate of nomination and acceptance (CONA) that he filed under his or her old party and file a new CONA. The COMELEC spokesperson stressed that the filing of candidacy is over and what is awaited now is the substitution of those who filed their candidacy with CONA by other people.
“Hindi na siya pwede technically mag-switch ng political parties kasi tapos na ‘yung filing ng COC. Magpapalit siya ng CONA. Kailangan niya i-withdraw ‘yung original CONA niya, maghain siya ng bagong CONA,” Jimenez said.
Reportedly, the substitutions are allowed until November 15. One of the presidential candidates who filed his candidacy on the last day of the filing of candidacy is Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. Undeniably, his decision surprised a lot of people.
Dela Rosa stressed that he won as a senator and he even placed 5th. However, his presidential bid is surrounded with speculations that he might be substituted.
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