Comelec: Junjun Binay may still file candidacy
MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday said that dismissed Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin "Junjun" Binay Jr. may still file his certificate of candidacy despite the Ombudsman order perpetually banning him from running for public office.
“At this point, he can do so. The question is, should the Comelec accept it?” Comelec Chair Andrew Bautista said during a press briefing.
Last Friday, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales ordered the dismissal of Binay from service and ordered his perpetual disqualification from public office due to the administrative case filed against him.
READ: Junjun Binay dismissed from service
Binay earlier expressed his intent to file his candidacy for the mayoral race in Makati City.
Bautista said that the Comelec has not yet received the Ombudsman's order regarding the perpetual disqualification of Binay.
“If there is no order yet that we have received, then we should accept. But again, just because we accept does not necessarily mean that they become an official candidate,” the Comelec chief said.
The Comelec chief stressed that Binay not be an official candidate if ever he files his certificate of candidacy.
"If there is an order of the Ombudsman that is immediately executory, then we are duty-bound to implement that order, unless there is a temporary restraining order that will be obtained," Bautista said.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Ombudsman on Monday announced that it has found probable cause to file charges against Mayor Binay, his father Vice President Jejomar Binay and 22 others in relation to the overpriced Makati City Hall II parking building.
The elder Binay has filed his certificate of candidacy to enter the presidential race in 2016.
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