By ROGER M. BALANZA

Commission on Election (Comelec0 spokesperson James Jimenez said in case a candidate is disqualified before the elections but after the ballots have been printed, “obviously the name will remain on the ballot.”

Jimenez is refering to ex-Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., whose presidential run in the May polls is hobbled by pending disqualification petitions before the poll body.

BUT IF THE SON OF TH ELATE DICTATOR fERDINAND MARCOS SR. IS DISQUALFIED BY COMELEC, MARCOS VOTES IN THE BALLOT WILL BE CONSIDERED STRAY VOTES.

On Monday, January 17, Comelec – Education and Information Department Director Elaiza David said the name of the former senator will be on the official ballot since other cases against him have yet to be resolved.

Five petitions to cancel Marcos’ certificate of candidacy and disqualify him from the polls are still awaiting resolutions.

Two petitions have already been dismissed by the Comelec Second Division.

In the event Marcos’ party, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, will not be able to substitute him in case of a disqualification, all votes for Bongbong Marcos will be invalid.

“Any vote garnered by that name on the ballot will be considered stray,” Jimenez said. with PNA report