House approves bill amending rule on candidate substitution in polls

MANILA – The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on second reading a measure prohibiting the option to substitute candidates who withdrew from the electoral race.

The chamber passed through voice voting House Bill 10524, which seeks to amend Section 77 of the Omnibus Election Code by removing withdrawal as a ground for substitution of candidates to prevent the mockery of the electoral system.

Aside from withdrawal, the Omnibus Election Code allows the substitution of candidates due to disqualification or death.

San Jose del Monte Rep. Florida Robes, author of the measure, said the withdrawal option for substitution has been "abused" by candidates and political parties, resulting in the deception of the electorate as to the identity of a party's nominees.

"If approved, this amendment would drastically change how elections are conducted in the Philippines. By limiting political parties' ability to substitute candidates in cases of voluntary withdrawal, it would guarantee that the candidates who are put in front of the public during the campaign will be the ones who, should they be elected, serve the people," Robes said.

The bill also seeks to strengthen the electoral system by including permanent incapacity as an additional ground for the substitution of candidates.

Under the bill, permanent incapacity refers to mental or physical impairment based on a verified medical report of a licensed physician, rendering the candidate unable to perform the elected position's duties.

In May, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc approved the proposal of chairperson George Garcia to limit the period for candidates' substitution due to withdrawal within the period for the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the 2025 midterm elections, set on Oct. 1-8 this year.

The mid-term election is set for May 12, 2025. (PNA)