The son of former Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos defeated yesterday a bid to disqualify him from the May 9 presidential race but still faces other petitions from human rights victims and others who have raised alarm over atrocities under his late father’s rule.
The Commission on Elections rejected a petition arguing that Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. should be barred from public office for having been convicted of failing to file income tax returns from 1982 to 1985 and stating in his candidacy papers that he had never been found guilty of a crime. The ruling is appealable.
“Respondent did not deliberately attempt to mislead, misinform or deceive the electorate,” the ruling said.
Marcos Jr. has led in popularity polls ahead of the election.
“This is one challenge down,” commission spokesman James Jimenez told reporters. “But there are other challenges still pending.”
He said there five other petitions against Marcos Jr.’s candidacy, three of which have been consolidated into one case. Marcos Jr.’s name will be included on the ballot, which will be printed soon, despite the pending petitions, Jimenez said.
