Bets who withdrew not covered by 1-year ban

MANILA, Philippines — Can a candidate who withdrew his candidacy before the May 9 elections be appointed to a government post?

The answer is yes, according to Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner George Garcia.

“The key word here is one year immediately ‘after’ the election, meaning to say if the candidate was able to participate in the elections. Nakatakbo ba siya (Was he able to run)?” Garcia said, without referring to any particular candidate.

One such case, however, is Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta who represents Sagip party-list.

Marcoleta ran for senator under the UniTeam Party of presidential frontrunner Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and vice-presidential bet Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Last April 27, however, it was reported that Marcoleta withdrew from the Senate race.

Now, amid partial and unofficial reports showing that Marcos is leading the presidential race, there are individuals reportedly being considered for positions for the incoming administration.

Rumors are being floated that Marcoleta, being a lawyer, might be given a post such as secretary of the Department of Justice.