Sanchez widow's substitution approved

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has allowed the widow of former Batangas governor Antonio Sanchez to run in his place in the gubernatorial race.

In a resolution Saturday, the poll body said Mrs. Edna Sanchez is qualified to substitute for her husband, who died last April 27 from massive brain stroke.

The Comelec junked the recommendation of its law department to deny the substitution because Mrs. Sanchez was seeking re-election as mayor of Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

Mrs. Sanchez is pitted against re-electionist Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto who, together with his running mate, Mark Leviste, has been endorsed by the Iglesia ni Cristo.

In a statement, Mrs. Sanchez said she was elated by the Comelec decision. “I can truly continue with the tradition of public service started by my late husband,” she said.

“I know that he is now smiling down on us from heaven as we will continue the good fight he has started. The people of Batangas will now have a genuine choice for leadership, as between service and showbiz, good government and absenteeism,” she added.

Meanwhile, the poll body also approved the substitution of Renato Federico for Mrs. Sanchez in the Sto. Tomas mayoral race.