Lacson backs proposals to scrap substitution rule in election laws

Senator Panfilo Lacson has expressed his support to proposals seeking the removal of substitution rule from the Omnibus Election Law.

“Yes, I fully support the amendment of the Omnibus Election Code na ‘pag nag-file ka (when you file it), that’s it. Either withdraw or you push through. Wala na dapat yung mga substitution (We should scrap those substitutions),” Lacson, a presidential aspirant, said during the Pandesal Forum Thursday.

He said substitutions should only be allowed in case of death or incapacity, saying some aspirants deliberately file certificates of candidacy even though they have no intention to push through with their campaigns.

“But other than that, I don’t think it is fair and it is rational, if I may say, na magpa-file (to file) with no intention at all, to really go through with the campaign and the election proper,” Lacson said.

His running-mate, Senate President Vicente Sotto III, earlier said the provision must be reviewed, saying the rule has been “abused.”

Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III agreed with Sotto, saying abuse happens when political parties intentionally field “fake candidates” who will be replaced later on.

On Tuesday, Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez said an almost absolute ban on the substitution of candidates by political parties must be imposed to put an end on the supposed mockery of the elections.

Article IX, Section 77 of  Omnibus Election Code provides that: “If after the last day for the filing of certificates of candidacy, an official candidate of a registered or accredited political party dies, withdraws or is disqualified for any cause, only a person belonging to, and certified by, the same political party may file a certificate of candidacy to replace the candidate who died, withdrew or was disqualified.”

Under the Comelec’s calendar for 2022 polls, substitution for a candidate in a national or local post can be filed from the end of the COC filing period until November 15, 2021. — RSJ, GMA News