Marcos: Let Comelec validate Cha-cha signatures

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 23) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said it is best to let the Commission on Elections (Comelec) validate the signatures it received for charter change (Cha-cha) via people's initiative.

In an ambush interview, Marcos said he is not aware of any proven incidents of signature buying.

"We will just let Comelec do their job, do their work, and to validate the signatures, and if there's suspicion, at may ganun nga (signature buying), hindi talaga mabibilang mga signature na ‘yun," he said.

[Translation: If there really is signature buying, those signatures should not be counted.]

The president also said he considered suspending aid distribution so that the government would not be questioned, but discontinuing such services would affect many Filipinos.

Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal earlier urged Comelec to stop accepting signature sheets for Cha-cha, saying these have no evidentiary value and are premature as there is no official petition filed yet.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the poll body is merely doing its ministerial duty in accordance with Comelec Resolution No. 10650.

"Kung may pinasa at na-submit sa amin, ‘yun po ay katungkulan namin base sa guidelines. Kung wala po sa rules ‘yan, wala po sa guidelines ‘yan, bakit naman namin tatanggapin ‘yung dagdag trabaho na ‘yan sa amin?" he said.

[Translation: If something was submitted to us, that is part of our duty based on the guidelines. If it is not stated in the rules or guidelines, why would we accept that added job?]

The poll body said 862 cities and municipalities have received signature forms for the people’s initiative, covering about 160 legislative districts across the country.