Presidential aspirants gave mixed reactions to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division’s rejection of the disqualification petition against fellow presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Labor leader and presidential aspirant Leody de Guzman said that the Comelec’s decision is an insult to taxpayers.
“Nakakabahala ang pagbabasura ng Comelec 2nd division sa petisyon na ikansela ang COC ni Marcos Junior. Sapagkat senyal ito sa maaring maging resulta ng mga nakahain pang diskwalipikasyon sa kandidatura ng anak ng diktador,” he said in a statement.
“Nakakainsulto ito sa mga manggagawang awtomatikong kinakaltasan ng withholding tax sa kanilang sweldo at mabilisang pinapatawan ng VAT sa tuwing bumibili ng mga pangangailangan ng kanilang pamilya,” De Guzman added.
Senator and presidential aspirant Panfilo Lacson said he respects the Comelec’s decision.
“It is best that we respect the ruling. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has the mandate to decide on any case that falls under its jurisdiction and the petition to disqualify ex-Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is one such case,” Lacson said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Senator and presidential aspirant Manny Pacquiao did not comment on the decision stressing hat he is “not a party to the case.”
“Let’s leave it at that. Kung ano man plano ng magkabilang panig sa kasong ito ay abangan na lang po natin,” he added.
The Marcos camp, on the other hand, expressed their gratitude to the Comelec for “upholding the law and the right of every bona fide candidate like Bongbong Marcos to run for public office free from any form of harassment and discrimination.”
Three remaining petitions against Marcos Jr. are pending with the Comelec First Division and one in the Second Division. Ronald Espartinez