Pepito Cayetano DQ'd but still in list of bets

(Update) The Commission on Elections on Tuesday disqualified Joselito Cayetano, namesake of Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, as a senatorial candidate in the May 14 elections. Comelec spokesman James Jimenez told radio station dzBB that the poll body's special first division doubted Joselito's capability to wage a national electoral campaign. Joselito is part of the Senate ticket of the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, the party that was founded by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. But the Marcos children have denied lending support to the KBL's Senate bets. Alan Peter, who is running for senator under the Genuine Opposition (GO), had earlier sought Joselito's disqualification, claiming the latter was merely part of an administration ploy to confuse voters. Jimenez also said Comelec Commissioner Romeo Brawner mentioned that Joselito is only relying on KBL for his campaign adding "there are some questions as to whether the KBL actually supports Joselito." He noted that the Comelec took into account statements made by Ilocos Norte Governor Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr that disputed claims Joselito is a KBL member. However, Jimenez said Joselito can still file a motion for reconsideration and, as of now, the latter's name would still included in the final list of candidates. "Joselito is still included (in the official list of 37 senatorial candidates) with a note that his candidacy is still subject to outcome of whatever motion he will file as a result of this disqualification," he said. If someone writes only "Cayetano" in the ballot and there is no Comelec final decision yet, it will be considered a stray vote. If a voter writes "Peter Cayetano," it will also be counted as a stray vote and all these stray votes would have to be counted by the National Board of Canvassers which will then count them once a final decision is reached, a GMA7 Flash Report item said. Twelve of 24 Senate seats are to be contested in the May 14 elections. - GMANews.TV