Comelec urged to resolve Bongbong Marcos disqualification cases

Petitioners have urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to resolve pending disqualification cases against Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. promptly.

These petitions cite Marcos Jr.'s alleged failure to file income tax returns from 1982 to 1985 as a violation of the Tax Code.

Martial law victims, who are among the petitioners, asked the Comelec to resolve a lawsuit seeking to bar Marcos Jr. from the presidential race, citing potential complications if the case is delayed.

They stated that delaying the case could lead to issues in vote counting and canvassing, and if evidence of guilt is strong, his proclamation could be suspended.

The petitioners also cited a Comelec order requiring pending cases to be resolved within 45 days of a commissioner's retirement.

Comelec Acting Chairperson Socorro Inting confirmed that decisions on the motions for reconsideration for the disqualification cases must be released before the May 9 election day.

The election body has reorganized its divisions following the retirement of its former chairman and two commissioners.

Petitioners submitted an urgent motion on March 4, emphasizing the need for a swift resolution to avoid complications with the upcoming national elections and potential appeals to the Supreme Court.