RESIDENTS who signed the sheets to petition a constitutional amendment through a People’s Initiative (PI) now have the option to withdraw their signatures.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) issued the notice on Thursday, Feb. 15, for voters to visit its offices at Magsaysay Park and submit the accomplished forms.
The form requires the basic personal information and precinct number of the individual. The signatory is also asked what is the reason for withdrawal.
However, Comelec stressed the accomplishment and submission of withdrawal forms is only for “recording purposes”, and should not be interpreted as a formal action of the office.
“Please note that the receipt of this withdrawal does not constitute formal or official action by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) nor does it implement COMELEC Resolution No.10650,” the disclaimer in the bottom part of the form reads.
The form further states that Resolution No. 10650 or the revised rules and regulations governing the conduct of: 1.) Initiative on the Constitution; and 2.) Initiative and referendum on National and Local legislation, which defines the power of initiative may be exercised to amend the Constitution.
The said resolution is suspended as per Commission En Banc’s decision on Jan. 29.
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa raised concerns over Comelec’s refusal to take action after Davaoeños who signed the signature sheets wanted to withdraw their signatures.
Comelec chair George Garcia earlier said there are no existing rules regarding the withdrawal of signatures and that there is no way their support to P.I. can be retracted.
During the Senate committee hearing on electoral reforms and people’s participation in Davao City on Feb. 2, Bato already called out the Comelec for making it difficult for voters to withdraw their support. In contrast, collecting their signatures has been so easy.
During the public hearing, witnesses from Davao City testified that they were lured by the assistance promised to them in exchange for signing the said signature sheets.
