Presidential aspirant from Capiz declared as nuisance bet

By Felipe V Celino

ROXAS City, Capiz – A Capiceña running for Philippine president was declared a nuisance candidate by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Dolores Javato Quirao of Poblacion Sur Sigma, Capiz was one of the 12 presidential bets that were declared as nuisance bets by the poll body.

Quirao filed her certificate of candidacy (COC) on Oct 6, 2021 in Manila for the May 9, 2022 national and local elections.

In a 20-page resolution dated October 19, 2021, the Comelec said that “the respondent filed the COC to put the election process on mockery or dispute.. no bona fide intention to run for office for which the COC was filed and thus prevent a faithful determination of the true will of the electorate”.

The Comelec reminded that a candidate of a national position should be publicly known by numerous voters. It bears stressing, however, that respondent is not virtually known to the entire country except possibly in the locality where she resides.

Moreover, the poll body said Quirao “does not appear to have genuine intention to run for public office.

“She does not have a nationwide network or organization of supporters to assist her during the campaign so that she may be known nationally within the short campaign period. Wherefore, premises considered, it is respectfully prayed of this honorable Commission to declare Dolores Javato Quirao as nuisance candidate and refuse to give due course to or cancel respondent’s certificate of candidacy, the Comelec said.

The resolution was signed by Ma. Norina Tangaro-Casingal, director IV; John Rex Laudiangco, director lll; and Charmagne Velasco-Ronquillo, director IV of the Comelec Law Department.