THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has confirmed that two sets of Sworn Information Update Statement (SIUS) have been submitted by the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).
The SIUS contains the updated information of the political party, such as the full name of the party, headquarters address, list of current officials, list of elected members, and list of members, among others.
It is a requirement from all registered political parties. The deadline is every August 15.
“I believe there are 2 SIUS submitted by PDP-Laban,” said Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez.
He said the commission en banc will decide which of the two factions will be recognized for the May 2022 elections.
Last July, the group of Senator Manny Pacquiao filed their SIUS on behalf of PDP-Laban.
In early August, the camp of newly elected PDP-Laban president and Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi also submitted their SIUS to the Comelec.
Both the Cusi and Pacquiao camps claim to be legitimate members of PDP-Laban.
“The report on the SIUS will have to be brought to the commission en banc and it will decide what to do with the 2 SIUS,” Jimenez said.
In a related development, the Comelec said all political parties may hold political conventions to nominate their official candidates for all elective positions from September 1 to 28, 2021.
Similarly, the Comelec said the chairperson, president or secretary general of the party must submit to the law department on or before September 30, 2021 (Thursday), a list of authorized signatories, which shall include three specimen signatures, their positions in the party, and their respective jurisdiction or places of authority to nominate and sign the Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (Cona) of their official candidates for elective positions.
“Only the list of authorized signatories submitted using the official e-mail address of the party or coalition, and with complete contact details in the SIUS/petition for registration shall be given due course,” Comelec Resolution No. 10717 states.
On the other hand, the poll body said aspirants nominated by political parties with incomplete requirements will result to their bets being deemed as independent candidates.
“Failure to submit the list of authorized signatories with specimen signatures by the registered party or coalition within the stipulated period shall result in the declaration of their nominees as independent candidates,” Comelec said. (HDT / SunStar Philippines)