MANILA — The Commission on Elections is implementing measures to prevent political groups from exploiting the candidate substitution rule and deceiving the public about their true candidate. CIBAC party-list Representative Bro. Eddie Villanueva has introduced a bill aiming to amend the Omnibus Election Code, proposing the elimination of the option for substitution through candidate withdrawal.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia announced a shortened period for withdrawing a Certificate of Candidacy and filing substitute candidates for the 2025 elections. Aspirants now have until October 8 to file their COC as substitute candidates.

During the filing period from October 1 to 8, candidates can withdraw or be replaced. However, after October 8, changes to candidates will no longer be allowed. Substitution is only permitted in the event of a candidate’s death or disqualification, according to Comelec.

Some notable candidate substitutions include then Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte substituting for Lyle Uy as a Lakas-CMD candidate for vice president in the 2022 election.

In 2016, Rodrigo Duterte replaced Martin Diño as the PDP-Laban presidential candidate.

CIBAC party-list supports the move

CIBAC Party-List Representative Bro. Eddie Villanueva has voiced strong support for the Commission on Elections’ decision to prohibit candidacy substitution due to voluntary withdrawal after the filing of Certificate of Candidacy (COC).

“The route of candidate substitution via voluntary withdrawal has been abused. This makes a mockery of the sanctity of our election process. This needs to be rectified in order to strengthen our electoral process and restore the faith of the voters in our electoral system,” CIBAC Rep. Villanueva explained.

“CIBAC filed a bill which seeks to amend our Omnibus Election Code by removing the option of substitution by candidate withdrawal. We are glad COMELEC is in support of such policy direction,” Congressman Villanueva concluded.

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