By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada stated on Friday (Oct. 4, 2024) that fake Filipinos do not have the right to run for public office.
This statement came in response to Alice Guo’s plan to file her Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for mayor. In Bamban, Tarlac.
“Karapatan ng kahit na sinong Filipino ang iprisinta ang sarili sa taumbayan para manilbihan bilang isang lingkod bayan. Ang pribilehiyong ito na nakasaad sa ating Konstitusyon ay para lamang sa ating mga kapwa at hindi kailanman maaaring ibigay sa mga pekeng Filipino,” the senator said.
Estrada also emphasized that political candidates have the responsibility to disclose accurate and truthful information about themselves in accordance with the law.
Moreover, he stated that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has the duty to ensure that every candidate complies with the requirements under the law before running for office.
Earlier, Comelec announced that COCs will be posted on their official website for the public to verify the candidates’ eligibility to run for office.
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