CANDIDATES expressed different reactions on the decision of the Commission on Elections to junk the petition to cancel former Senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos’ certificate of candidacy.

Partido Reforma chairman and standard-bearer Panfilo Lacson said the Comelec has the mandate to decide on any case that falls under its jurisdiction.

“It is best that we respect the ruling. There are venues provided by our electoral system to ensure fairness for all concerned, and we should respect them as well,” Lacson said.

Meanwhile, Vice President Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ Robredo said that she was not affected by the decision.

“Hindi namin inaabangan kasi whatever naman ‘yung decision ng Comelec, hindi naman apektado ‘yung laban. Ang lagi namin sinasabi na ‘yung laban ng aking kandidatura ay hindi naman nakadepende saka nakabase sa galaw ng ibang kandidato,” Robredo said.

On the other hand, Senator Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Pacquiao chose not to comment on the ruling.

“I am not a party to the case. Let’s leave it at that,” he said.

Senatorial aspirant and Makabayan chairperson Neri Colmenares encouraged the petitioners to continue their fight.

“Hindi pa tapos ang laban. Ang mga petitioners, maaari pang mag-apela sa Comelec en banc at sa Korte Suprema. At may iba pang mga petisyon para sa disqualification ni Marcos Jr,” he said.