The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered the suspension of proclamation for 19 national and local candidates who are facing charges related to various election offenses.
Among those affected are Marikina Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro, who is running for representative of Marikina’s 1st District; Pasig Representative Christian De Guzman Sia; Quezon 3rd District candidate Matt Erwin Florido; Camarines Sur 5th District candidate Philip Fortuno; and the PBBM party-list group.
Comelec chairperson George Garcia announced the list during a press conference, clarifying that the suspension will remain until the candidates’ respective cases are resolved.
The following individuals are included in the suspension order: Fatima Mersa Sali Salih – Mayoral candidate, Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi; Belshezzar Abubakar – Mayoral candidate, Panglima Estino, Sulu; Ronald Alarkon Rodriguez – Gubernatorial candidate, Camarines Sur; Matt Erwin Florido – Congressional candidate, Quezon 3rd District; Gerardo Angala Noveras and Christine Marie Manuson Noveras – Vice gubernatorial candidates, Aurora.
Darwin Sia – Councilor candidate, Manila 2nd District; Aquino Dabao Romato – Mayoral candidate, Sultan Dumalondong; Lanao del Sur Jeryll Harold Paz Respicio – Vice mayoral candidate, Reina Mercedes, Isabela; Menandro Bessat Buenafe – Sangguniang Bayan candidate, Lagangilang, Abra; Christian Manuson Noveras – Gubernatorial candidate, Aurora; James Ronaldo Macasero – Sangguniang Panlungsod candidate, Malabon City; Ricardo Legaspi Yanson – Mayoral candidate, Cataingan, Masbate; Philip Paul Fortuno – Congressional candidate, Camarines Sur 5th District; Dani Taha Mando and Mando Guimbangan Taha – Mayoral candidates, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur; and Isaias Angala Noveras Jr. – Sangguniang Panlalawigan candidate, Aurora
Comelec rulings from its en banc and divisions specify that these candidates cannot assume office or be officially proclaimed until their pending cases are resolved.