comelec comes to gos rescue

February 6th, 12:15am February 5th, 9:33pm Raymart Lolo

Former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has not violated any election rules as to his senatorial candidacy, Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesman James Jimenez clarified yesterday.

With almost a week left before the official campaign period for the senatorial race begins, focus has shifted to candidates perceived to be campaigning prematurely with an eye on Go who has barged into the Magic 12 as per the latest social media surveys.

The Comelec, however, quickly doused cold water on such claims.

According to Jimenez, there is nothing wrong with Go still doing activities with President Duterte despite his having considered resigned with his filing of certificate of candidacy for senator.

“That is [called] freedom of movement. If the guy wants to follow the President, why not? It’s really a question of whether or not the person you are tailing allows it. Obviously, the President allows it,” Jimenez explained.

Jimenez clarified that the activities made by Go prior to the election period cannot be considered as a violation yet as it has not started yet. The official campaign period will start on 13 February.

“Again, all of these notwithstanding. The bottom line is, its not even the campaign period yet and acts or omissions which a candidate can be held accountable cannot apply if he is not technically a candidate yet” he said

Jimenez added an individual that has filed a certificate of candidacy is not technically an official candidate until the start of the campaign period.

“Bottomline is, he is not officially a candidate yet so there is no violation,” Jimenez pointed out.