Councilor's son takes over post in upcoming elections following the late councilor's demise.
Laid-Back Guide:
'Sup, mate! Here's the lowdown on Mandaue's election shake-up.
City Councilor Editha Cabahug, who unfortunately kicked the bucket due to ovarian cancer, will be replaced in the May 12, 2025 elections by her son Kevin, the Looc Barangay Captain.
Former Mandaue city Mayor Jonas Cortes is leading the charge, readying a request to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the switcheroo. Once approved, they'll coordinate with the local Comelec officer to make it happen.
Kevin doesn't have to boot Looc just yet, he'll only vacate the post if he bags the election.
No worries — votes for Editha will still count for Kevin as per Comelec regulations, 'cause official ballots are already printed.
Kevin's got a solid track record in public service, having served as city councilor from 2016 to 2019. He's also been the Looc barangay councilor for nine years, SK chairman, SK Federation vice president, BCLP president, and MCPAC chair and vice chair.
According to Comelec Region 7 Director Francisco Pobe, substitution is cool when a candidate bucks the big one, as long as the replacement is from the same party and shares the same surname. The decision ultimately lies with the party leadership.
Pobe added that since Editha was an incumbent, the usual election rules still apply, and her name on the ballot will still stand.
FYI, the substitution process can be completed before noon on election day. You can learn more about the substitution process from our fancypedia here.
Mildly Interesting Facts:
When a candidate dies before the election, the substitution process, governed by Section 77 of the Omnibus Election Code, allows for a replacement from the same political party who shares the same surname.
Here's the rotated steps for substitution: 1. Eligibility: Check if the replacement meets the general criteria and is a party member, with a same surname if due to a death.
2. Filing of Substitution: The party must file a sworn statement with Comelec within the allotted time.
3. COMELEC Approval: Comelec must approve the substitution as per its rules and timelines.
For example, if a City Councilor like Editha Cabahug croaks, her party might select her son as the replacement, provided he meets the eligibility requirements and shares the surname.
Key Points: - Surname Requirement: The replacement candidate must share the same surname as the deceased, if the substitution is due to death. - Party Affiliation: The replacement must be a member of the same political party as the deceased. - Timeline: Substitution can happen until mid-day of election day, but must comply with COMELEC's rules and timelines.
- The 2025 elections in Cebu, Philippines will see a substitution in the Mandaue City Council, as Kevin, the Looc Barangay Captain, will replace his mother Editha Cabahug, who passed away due to ovarian cancer.
- Kevin's substitution will be subject to approval by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), led by Jonas Cortes, and will only take effect if he wins the election.
- Comelec Region 7 Director Francisco Pobe stated that the substitution process is acceptable under the Omnibus Election Code, as long as the replacement is a member of the same party and shares the same surname as the deceased.
- In line with the usual election rules, votes for Editha will still be counted for Kevin, as official ballots were already printed.
- Kevin's extensive background in policy-and-legislation and public service, including his tenure as city councilor from 2016 to 2019, positions him as a strong candidate in the upcoming general elections.
