We, concerned Filipino citizens, support the Comelec Petition filed by Fr. Christian B. Buenafe, et. al., represented by Atty. Theodore O. Te, to cancel or deny due course to the Certificate of Candidacy of  Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. We urge the Commission on Elections to grant the Petition. 

The facts and the law on which the Petition is based, are clear and lead to no other conclusion.

In filing his certificate of candidacy, Marcos, Jr. swore under oath that: (A) He is eligible for the office of the Philippine President, and (B) He has never been found liable for any offense which carries the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification to hold public office.

On both counts, Marcos, Jr. lied.

In 2001, while he was the governor of Ilocos Norte, Marcos, Jr.’s conviction for failing to file income tax returns for the years 1982 to 1985, became final. He had deliberately failed to file his tax returns during the years in question and even during the pendency of his tax evasion cases. He violated the National Internal Revenue Code. Under the Tax Code, Marcos Jr. is perpetually disqualified from holding any public office, to vote and to participate in any election.

The crimes for which Marcos, Jr. was convicted - four counts - and the circumstances surrounding the conviction, establish his moral turpitude. He repeatedly and deliberately refused to file his income tax returns, even during the years he was a public officer. Mandated by his elective position to abide by and enforce the laws, Marcos, Jr. flouted his duty. 

Under the Omnibus Election Code, any person who has been sentenced by final judgment for a crime involving moral turpitude, shall be disqualified to be a candidate and to hold any office. The Supreme Court defines moral turpitude to include everything done contrary to justice, honesty or good morals: “An act of baseness, vileness, or depravity in the private duties which a man owes his fellow men, or to society in general, contrary to the accepted and customary rule of right and duty between man and woman, or conduct contrary to justice, honesty, modesty, or good morals.” 

The facts and the law are clear. We call on the Commission on Elections to fulfill its bounden duty to cancel or deny due course to Marcos Jr.’s Certificate of Candidacy. 

Let truth and justice prevail.

(Sgd) Alliance of Women  for Action Towards Reform (AWARE)