Vice mayoral aspirant allowed to run in May polls

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has allowed a vice mayoral candidate in Limay, Bataan, whose certificate of candidacy (COC)  was rejected by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), to run in the May 12 elections.

The office of the SC spokesperson said the high tribunal ruled that the Comelec committed grave abuse of discretion when it refused to accept the COC of Marie Grace David as a substitute candidate.

In December, Richie Jason David, who originally sought to run for vice mayor of Limay, withdrew his COC, prompting Marie Grace to file her COC and certificate of nomination and acceptance (CONA).

Marie Grace also filed a petition for substitution and inclusion in the official list of candidates.

The Comelec rejected her COC and CONA for late filing.

But the SC said Marie Grace has complied with the requirements of the Omnibus Election Code and is a legitimate candidate in the May 12 elections.