President Rodrigo Duterte and some of his allies broke some Commission on Elections (Comelec) protocols during the filing of withdrawal and substitution on Saturday, November 13. 

Based on Comelec rules, aspirants and party-list groups who will file for withdrawal and substitution are required to enter the back entrance of the Comelec office in Intramuros, Manila. However, minutes before Duterte’s arrival, the front entrance of the commission’s office was cleared. 

Play Video

Shortly after, Duterte arrived together with his allies Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar. All of the officials used the front entrance. 

Duterte accompanied Go during the latter’s withdrawal of his candidacy for vice president. Go, on the same day, filed his candidacy for president.

Dela Rosa also withdrew his candidacy for president on Saturday.

It was the first time that the Comelec allowed the front entrance to be used by filers since the Comelec opened its doors to the media on Thursday, November 11. The Duterte-led crowd also did not observe proper social distancing during the filing. 

Rappler

A number of Duterte supporters and companions were allowed to accompany the President and the senator during the filing. 

Based on Comelec rules on filing of candidacy, substitution, and withdrawal, only three companions are allowed for presidential and vice-presidential aspirants. Two companions are allowed for aspiring senators and one companion for party-list groups.

In a message to reporters, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said he is currently gathering information on the incident. 

“I was not present at the Palacio del Gobernador when Senator Go arrived and so [lacked] information on what transpired. However, I am currently gathering information to better understand what happened, as well as how and why,” Jimenez said. 

Rappler

In a quick interview with reporters, Andanar said Duterte will run for vice president. This means there could be a father-daughter battle for the vice presidency since Sara Duterte also filed her candidacy for vice president on Saturday. – with a report from Dwight De Leon/ Rappler.com