Exploiting electoral exchanges: The rules on substitution of candidates in the Philippine electoral system

Abstract

(Extract)

Every six years, Filipinos are set to elect the new President, Vice President, and Senators while the selection of new members of the House of Representatives, mayors, governors, barangay officials, as well as the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Bayan, and Kabataan are done every three years. In the months before elections, politicians need to campaign where they banner their advocacies, platforms, and general plans for governance. As citizens, we must be invested in the electoral process as this serves as the mechanism to legitimize who will be our carefully chosen leaders who will take the reins in running the country. One current trend that has left many - political scientists, analysts, politicians, and regular citizens even - perplexed is the drama, chaos, and development when it comes to the substitution of candidates. Indeed, it is essential to be wary of the election process, but it is also crucial for the interest of the general public to discuss the controversy regarding the substitution of candidates which has caught the public’s attention.