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‘Tol’ keeps number 61 on ballot

January 20, 2025 People's Journal 92 views

SENATE Majority Leader Francis ‘Tol’ Tolentino’s number on the list of senatorial candidates on the official ballot to be used for the May 12 elections will remain at 61.

This was assured by Commission on Elections chairperson George Garcia, in an interview on the SOS program on DZRH, where Tolentino is one of the co-anchors.

According to Garcia, the number assigned to Tolentino and other senatoriables whose names on the ballot will follow the 58th on the list, former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson, will also not be changed.

The poll body chief explained that this is the result of: (1) the addition to the ballot of the name of senatorial aspirant Subair Guinthum Mustapha, who obtained a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the Supreme Court against the Comelec’s decision declaring him a nuisance candidate; and (2) Singson’s formal withdrawal of his candidacy due to his health.

Meanwhile, the numbers assigned to senatorial candidates whose names follow Mustapha and precede Singson’s slot will change in the updated ballots to be printed by the Comelec.

“We must respect the Supreme Court because that is the rule of law,” said Garcia, who said the poll body has already made the necessary adjustments, and is also ready to start printing new ballots on Wednesday.

Tolentino, a lawyer, agreed with Garcia. TOL also called on the public to support the Comelec for the conduct of a speedy and orderly election in May.

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