The PDP-Laban wing led by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi on Friday filed a petition before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) urging it to reopen the filing of the certificate of candidacies (COCs) for the May 2022 elections.
In their 24-page petition, the party said the poll body "cannot and should not” proceed with printing of ballots while several cases on candidates and party lists are still pending.
"We are asking the Comelec to review its self-imposed deadlines in the interest of the electorate. This petition will benefit everyone and should be intently considered by the Commission," PDP-Laban Secretary General Melvin Matibag said in a statement.
JUST IN: PDP-Laban Cusi Wing, naghain ng petisyon sa COMELEC para muling buksan at palawigin ang pagsusumite ng COC o certificate of candidacy | @dzrhnews pic.twitter.com/Ay010FTg7u
— Christian Maño (@xtian_mano) December 31, 2021
The supposedly dominant party, which was divided into two factions: Cusi-led and another one headed by presidential aspirant Sen. Manny Pacquiao, has been left without a standard-bearer after both of its candidates — Senator Ronald dela Rosa and Senator Bong Go — withdrew their COCs.
