The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is now allowing those who have “second thoughts” about the People’s Initiative to withdraw their signatures expressing their support for the measure.
During the Senate hearing on the Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation on February 13, Senator Ronald Dela Rosa reiterated that there are individuals in Davao who are expressing their interest in withdrawing their signatures from the People’s Initiative.
Dela Rosa also asked COMELEC about the process of withdrawal.
According to the COMELEC, the information that will be available nationwide through the Offices of Election Officers nationwide will only be used as “recording only” of such manifestations and shall “not be construed as formal action by the commission.”
“For purposes of recording such manifestations, the Commission hereby releases the Withdrawal Form of Signature in Signature Sheets/Petition for People’s Initiative. Said Form is available in the Offices of the Election Officers (OEOs) nationwide, and accomplished forms can be submitted to the same office,” COMELEC wrote on the official notice, released on February 15.
“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 added.