An official of Promdi Party questioned the candidacy of Arthur Despi who substituted Jose Carcena as the party’s candidate for mayor of Bantayan town.
Commission on Elections Bantayan Election Officer III Dennie Demecillo said Promdi General Secretary Oscar Canton sent a letter saying he “disowned” the certificate of nomination and acceptance (CONA) of Despi. Canton said he was against Despi’s candidacy.
Demecillo said that Caracena’s COC and withdrawal was valid since he appeared personally on December 8 and was authorized by an election officer. Despi also filed his substitution on the same day. It was forwarded to the Comelec law department on December 9.
Comelec Bantayan received Canton’s letter on December 10 and sent it to the Comelec law department the following day.