Comelec suspends 19 local, 1 party-list over election issues

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has suspended the proclamation of 19 local candidates and one party-list group pending resolution of charges related to issues such as vote-buying, abuse of state resources, and gender-based harassment.

Among those affected are Marikina Mayor Marcelino 'Marcy' Teodoro, who is seeking a congressional seat, and Pasig candidate Christian De Guzman Sia, among others.

Specific candidates include Matt Florido from Quezon's 1st District, Philip Fortuno from Camarines Sur's 5th District, and the party-list group PBBM.

The Comelec chairperson emphasized that their actions are based on case merit, regardless of whether the candidates or groups are winning or losing.

Pending cases will prevent these individuals from serving until they are resolved, as ordered by separate rulings from the Commission en banc, 1st and 2nd Divisions.