Despite his announced withdrawal from the 2022 presidential race, Senator Christopher “Bong” T. Go, remains an aspiring candidate, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
This after the standard bearer of the Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS) political party failed to personally file his withdrawal before the Comelec last Wednesday
Stray votes
Until Go completes this requirement, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the lawmaker will still be included in the official ballot in the 2022 polls.
He also said this will also mandate Go to file a Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) after the said elections.
If Go’s name will be included in the ballot, before he decides to officially withdraw his candidacy, Jimenez explained, all of the votes, which he will get in the 2022 polls will be considered “stray.”
“The votes that will be received by that name on the ballot will be considered stray. It will be counted for record purposes, but it won’t be included in the final tally,” Jimenez told reporters in an interview.
Last Tuesday, Go announced his intention to drop his presidential bid.
New commissioner
In another matter, Jimenez said they welcomed the appointment of former Manila chief prosecutor Rey E. Bulay as the new Comelec commissioner.
Bulay’s appointment was finally confirmed by the Commission on Appointments (CA) last Wednesday.
Bulay will replace the position on the Comelec en banc, which was vacated by retired Comelec Commissioner Luie F. Guia.
Jimenez said they already started briefing Bulay in preparation for his assumption of his new position in Comelec.