‘Duterte still Davao mayoral candidate’

MANILA, Philippines — Despite his arrest and transport to The Hague to face trial for alleged crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court, former president Rodrigo Duterte is still a candidate for mayor of Davao City, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay yesterday, Comelec Commissioner Ernest Maceda said Duterte has not withdrawn or been disqualified from the mayoral race.

“He is still a candidate because the only way to stop him (from running in the elections) is if he withdraws (his candidacy),” Maceda said.

He said that even if Duterte is convicted, but the ruling is not yet final, the former president could not be barred from seeking an elective post.

“Duterte has the option to campaign while outside the country,” Maceda said.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said Duterte’s name would remain in the ballot and voters in Davao City could still vote for him on May 12.

If a case is filed against the former president, Garcia said a final conviction is needed before Duterte can be disqualified from running in elections.

“We cannot say if he will be convicted here or abroad. In the meantime, he will remain a candidate and his name will still be included in the ballot,” he said.

Garcia said the Comelec has no power to initiate on its own a disqualification case against Duterte. If a disqualification case is filed, Garcia said the poll body would take appropriate actions.

The Comelec allayed fears expressed by Vice President Sara Duterte over the possibility that the election result may be tampered with.

In case he wins, Maceda said Duterte must comply with the requirements provided under the law, such as taking his oath of office before assuming the post.

“According to the law, the vice mayor will assume or perform the responsibility (if the elected mayor cannot do it),” Maceda said.

As to reports that money was distributed during a campaign rally attended by Duterte in Hong Kong, Maceda said the Comelec did not pursue the investigation because the case is beyond the jurisdiction of the poll body.

Maceda said no formal complaint was filed or pieces of evidence presented to the Comelec to prove the allegation.

Duterte was arrested on Tuesday by the Philippine National Police upon his arrival from Hong Kong.