SC upholds disqualification of Pamatong, David, 5 others

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled to uphold the decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to disqualify aspirants Elly Pamatong, Rizalito David and five others from the presidential race.

The Comelec Second Division earlier declared David, a defeated senatorial candidate in the 2013 elections, as a nuisance candidate.

READ: Comelec declares Rizalito David as nuisance candidate | Nuisance bets also go to SC

Pamatong, a self-proclaimed US Armed Forces in the Far East general, earlier questioned the decision of the poll body to disqualify him from the presidential race for the third time.

"For the third time, the Comelec has sabotaged the COC (certificate of candidacy) of Elly Pamatong by invoking a repealed provision of the SOCE (statement of contributions and expenses) law, which is no longer an election offense, against him," the camp of Pamatong said in an earlier statement.

The Comelec is expected to release the official list of candidates for the upcoming elections before the printing of ballots scheduled this month.