1

CNN's A dictator's son. A former actor. A champion boxer. Inside the manic race to replace Duterte as the Philippines' leader says:

And there are signs (current and term-limited Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte) may not be willing to let his influence go so easily. After accepting his party's candidacy for vice president, Duterte announced last week he would be retiring from politics. Critics have pointed out Duterte also announced his retirement in 2015 before he changed his mind and ran for president.

Not only that, but his daughter -- Davao Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio -- still has a month to decide if she'll run for president as a substitute candidate.

Question: Why would Davao Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio run for president of the Philippines as a "substitute candidate"? What would they be substituting for?

1 Answer 1

2

The use of the term 'substitute' is referring to the fact that although the initial candidacy filing period of October 1st to October 8th has expired, Sara Duterte-Carpio (or another candidate) could still run for president by entering the race as a substitute candidate pursuant to section 77 of the Omnibus Election Code.

Sec. 77. Candidates in case of death, disqualification or withdrawal of another.
If after the last day for the filing of certificates of candidacy, an official candidate of a registered or accredited political party dies, withdraws or is disqualified for any cause, only a person belonging to, and certified by, the same political party may file a certificate of candidacy to replace the candidate who died, withdrew or was disqualified. The substitute candidate nominated by the political party concerned may file his certificate of candidacy for the office affected in accordance with the preceding sections not later than mid-day of the day of the election. If the death, withdrawal or disqualification should occur between the day before the election and mid-day of election day, said certificate may be filed with any board of election inspectors in the political subdivision where he is a candidate, or, in the case of candidates to be voted for by the entire electorate of the country, with the Commission.

According to Resolution 10965 from the Phillippines Commission on Elections, in the case of the 2022 elections, political parties have until November 15th to name a substitute candidate to replace their party's initial presidential candidate. This can be for three reasons:

  1. Death
  2. Disqualification
  3. Withdrawal

After November 15th, a candidate may only be substituted for the first two reasons, up until midday on election day (May 9th 2022).

It was for this third reason that President Duterte was elected in 2016; PDP-Laban had initially named Martin Diño as their candidate for president, but he withdrew at the end of October, naming Duterte as his substitute. Duterte officially filed his certificate of candidacy at the end of November 2015 and was subsequently successful in the election.

The substitute, therefore, would most likely be the current PDP-Laban candidate, Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, and indeed, Dela Rosa has indicated that he might be willing to step down should Duterte-Carpio decide to run:

“As I have said, mahirap man magkunwari pero we are still awaiting the final decision. Kung talagang gustong tumakbo si Inday Sara, I am open, I am willing to give [way] to her,” Dela Rosa added.

(As I have said, it is hard to pretend but we are still awaiting the final decision. If Inday Sara wants to run for president, I am open and willing to give way to her.)

2
  • 1
    Thanks, I had a hunch there was something more to it.
    – uhoh
    Oct 11, 2021 at 16:25
  • 2
    Ah, much better explanation
    – Ben
    Oct 11, 2021 at 21:58

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .