Bets’ list out this week

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is coming out on Wednesday with a provisional list of candidates in the May 2016 elections.

Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said although it is just provisional and not yet official, only minor changes can be expected from the list.

“What we want by Dec. 23, when we come out with the list, although it will not yet be final, more or less, we want it to be close to the final list of candidates already,” Bautista said.

The Comelec was supposed to come out with the official list last Dec. 15, but was forced to delay it due to several pending cases particularly involving presidential aspirants.

The Comelec hopes to come out with the final and official list of candidates by Jan. 8.

“The initial list, we want to have it by Dec. 23... and when can we no longer edit the list? We want it on Jan. 8,” Bautista said.

Among those facing possible removal from the list are two presidential candidates – Sen. Grace Poe and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

Two Comelec divisions have ruled for the disqualification of Poe over her citizenship and residency.

Poe filed two motions for reconsideration that are now pending before the full commission.

“Because of our MRs, the name of Senator Poe still remains in the official list of candidates. She remains a candidate and has not yet been taken out,” Poe’s lawyer, George Garcia, said in a separate interview.

The Comelec, on the other hand, allowed the substitution of Martin Diño by Duterte although the Davao mayor still faces disqualification petition. 

Duterte’s camp also expressed optimism that he will be included in the final list of candidates for the coming elections.

After coming out with the final list, Comelec hopes to start the printing of official ballots by third week of January.