The Commission on Elections will resolve all cases against those who are considered as “nuisance bets” within November to ensure the printing of ballots can proceed as scheduled in December.
Comelec chairperson George Garcia said the 117 senatorial hopefuls who were excluded in the partial list of qualified bets will have the chance to argue their case.
“We need to keep nuisance candidates from the ballots so the Comelec will not have problems later on and voters won’t be confused in choosing candidates,” Garcia said in a television interview on Saturday.
He said those running under a name similar to that of another bet could also be declared nuisance candidates if proven their electoral bid is deliberate to cause confusion among voters.
“Sometimes the wrong candidate is proclaimed the winner, especially if there is a similarity in names,” Garcia said.
As this developed, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority urged candidates to avoid campaigning at cemeteries during All Saints Day and All Souls Day.
MMDA chairman Romando Artes said instead of campaigning, aspirants should assist in maintaining peace and order, particularly in cemeteries, as well as participate in cleanup activities after Undas.
Artes said in the era of social media, candidates who campaign at cemeteries may face backlash from netizens.
Asked about the presence of banners and streamers of politicians at the entrance of cemeteries, he said it is allowed as long as the materials comply with the ordinances of local governments.
Setting up tents and providing water is also permitted, provided it does not obstruct traffic or the movement of people and vehicles, Artes said.
