The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday, February 15, released withdrawal forms for persons who wish to take back their signatures in support of the People’s Initiative (PI) to amend the 1987 Constitution, Negros Occidental Provincial Election Supervisor Ian Lee Ananoria said.
There were 248,398 signatures in support of the PI from Negros Occidental and Bacolod residents that were submitted to the COMELEC earlier, Ananoria said.
Bacolod lawyer Cesar Beloria Jr., who has been campaigning for the withdrawal of signatures in support of what he has dubbed the “fake people’s initiative”, said the Comelec’s issuance of withdrawal forms is certainly welcomed as it indicates progress in ensuring the integrity of the process.
“In addressing any discrepancies or challenges related to the signatures in the People’s Initiative, the withdrawal form by COMELEC is a significant step towards maintaining the credibility and fairness of the electoral process,” Beloria said.
“It demonstrates a commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the voices of the electorate are accurately represented. This development should be welcomed as it reinforces public trust in the democratic system and promotes accountability within electoral institutions,” he added.
The Comelec en banc on January 29 unanimously voted to indefinitely suspend acceptance of PI signature sheets granted under Resolution No. 10650.
The Comelec, in its statement issued Thursday, said during the Senate Committee Hearing on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation, Senator Ronald Dela Rosa relayed that there are individuals who have manifested their intention to withdraw signatures in the signature sheets for the PI.
The Comelec said for purposes of recording such manifestations it has issued the “Withdrawal Form of Signature in Signature Sheets/Petition for People’s Initiative”.
Forms are available in the Offices of the Election Officer (OEOs) nationwide and accomplished forms can be submitted to the same office, it said.
“COMELEC’s acceptance of withdrawal forms is for recording purposes only and shall not be construed as formal action by the Commission on the signature sheets/petition for People’s Initiative,” it said.
The suspension of COMELEC Resolution No. 10650 remains in effect, it added.*
