Quezon gubernatorial bet seeks to dismiss disqualification case

MANILA, Philippines — A candidate for governor of Quezon province with the same surname as reelectionist Gov. Danilo Suarez wants the petition to declare him a nuisance candidate dismissed.

In his reply to the governor’s petition before the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Sonny Suarez, who is running under the People’s Reform Party, said having the same surname as his rival and his financial status do not characterize him as a nuisance candidate.

The governor claimed that Sonny has “no bona fide intention to run” because he lacks the financial resources to fund a province-wide campaign and lacks political experience and accomplishment at any level of government.

He added that having the same surname and almost identical nickname would cause “obvious confusion” among the electorate.

The governor’s nickname is Danny while Sonny’s is Anny.

“It is oppressive, unfair and unlawful for the petitioner to base the issue of whether a particular candidate is a nuisance candidate on financial capacity or wealth because then, only wealthy individuals or families would be able to run for public office,” Sonny, a registered voter in Barangay Burgos in Lopez town, said.

He said he could still wage a province-wide campaign with the help of his party.

The Comelec had earlier said a candidate would not be disqualified just because of financial status.