Will candidates running for congressional seats in the first and third districts of Negros Occidental be replaced by their political parties with more formidable bets?

Section 77 of the Omnibus Election Code provides that "if after the last day for the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC), an official candidate of a registered or accredited political party dies, withdraws, or is disqualified for any cause, only a person belonging to the same political party may file a certificate of candidacy to replace the candidate,” Provincial Election Supervisor Jessie Suarez said.

He said a substitute candidate for one who withdraws from the race must file his/her COC not later than December 10, according to Comelec Resolution 9984.

There have been speculations that Gerardo Anthony Puey, who filed a Certificate of Candidacy to run for congressman of the third district, could be replaced by another contender to challenge Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez who is running as an independent.

Puey, 48, of Silay City listed his profession as a businessman. He said he was running because he wants to serve the people.

His NUP Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance was signed by Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer, NUP Region VI chairman and United Negros Alliance vice gubernatorial bet.

Also seen as a possible candidate for replacement is Santiago Maravillas, who is running for congressman of the first district under the Liberal Party/United Negros Alliance, against Melecio Yap of the Nationalist People's Coalition.

Ferrer yesterday said although replacements are possible, those are all just speculation.

They are, for now, candidates who are running for office because they want to do their share in serving, he said.*CPG

back to top