Comelec releases withdrawal form for PI signatures

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday released withdrawal forms for individuals who want to recede their signatures in the People’s Initiative (PI) campaign to amend the 1987 Constitution.

In a statement, the poll body, citing a pronouncement from Sen. Bato Dela Rosa in a Tuesday Senate hearing, said that some individuals expressed their intention to withdraw their signatures in the PI for the amendment of the charter.

“For purposes of recording such manifestations, the Commission hereby releases the Withdrawal Form of Signature in Signature Sheets/Petition for People's Initiative,” Comelec's statement read.

The poll body stated that the form is available at the Offices of the Election Officer where it can also be submitted.

However, the withdrawal form, according to the Comelec, is only for “recording purposes” and not a formal action on the PI.

The suspension of the poll body’s proceedings for the PI, which started on Jan. 29, 2024, is still in effect.

Despite the suspension of the poll body, the PI’s lead convenor Noel Oñate said that the signature campaign will continue as Comelec only suspended accepting the gathered signatures.

According to the Comelec, 45 legislative districts, which have an estimated seven million voters, have yet to submit signature pages to the poll body’s local offices. — with reports from THE STAR/ Mayen Jaymalin