AS the filing of certificates of candidacy for the 2025 midterm elections nears, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is in the thick of preparations for this poll exercise.
The poll body recognizes that there’s nothing better than being prepared, especially because elections have lately become a national obsession for Filipinos.
The latest announcement from Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said he would push for a ban on withdrawals as a basis for substitution after candidates have submitted their certificate of candidacy (CoC) for the 2025 midterm elections.
Chairman Garcia said in a press conference with local media in Guimaras last week: “It seems we will no longer allow the substitution of candidates. The filing of CoCs is from October 1 to 8. If you withdraw, we will still allow a change, but after October 8, the substitution will be prohibited.”
‘Many candidates also use the privilege of substitution to ensure their best chances of winning, especially in local positions.’
Garcia said he would make the proposal to the Comelec en banc, and “we will pursue it because many of our countrymen say that it is excessive, and substitutions should no longer be allowed.”
Comelec rules provide that political parties and coalitions have the option to substitute their nominated candidate in case of his or her death, withdrawal, or disqualification by the Comelec after the filing of the CoC.
Among reforms that the Garcia-led en banc is thinking about implementing in the Comelec, this one making rules on substitution more stringent is most welcome.
The rationale behind allowing substitution of candidates is that qualified candidates may be replaced by a relative or a party mate because of death or incapacity several days before an election.
In the past, we have seen many cases in which candidates abused the substitution rule, often during the last minutes of filing. There was even a presidential election during which a candidate replaced one who was running for mayor of Pasay City.
Many candidates also use the privilege of substitution to ensure their best chances of winning, especially in local positions. They will file their candidacies to ascertain the field of candidates, without really intending to run if the chances are unfavorable. The practice — which is more accurately described as malpractice — is detrimental to democratic elections.
“Substitutions due to death or disqualification can be made until midday on election day, provided the substitute candidate shares the same surname. However, for substitutions due to withdrawal, the Comelec will determine the deadline,” according to the Comelec.
Garcia said the “substitution right does not extend to independent candidates, as they are not affiliated with any political party.”
He noted that there was no explicit provision in the Comelec rules indicating whether withdrawals were allowed or prohibited after the filing of CoC. “This means that we can decide not to allow withdrawals as a basis for substitution after the filing of candidacy,” Garcia said.
Garcia also highlighted that some political parties misuse the substitution mechanism by fielding placeholder candidates, causing confusion among Filipino voters.
We support this latest initiative by the poll body in reforming the electoral system towards a more democratic Philippine society.
