MANILA - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will accept Senator Grace Poe's candidacy for higher office in case she decides to run in the 2016 elections.
Comelec Chairman Jose Andres Bautista was asked by ABS-CBN News in a text message if the poll body will accept Poe's certificate of candidacy should she file amid lingering questions on her residency.
"Comelec is duty-bound to accept any certificate of candidacy that is filed and can only act if a proper complaint is lodged against such COC," Bautista said.
Poe is now the leading contender in the 2016 presidential race, according to the latest Pulse Asia survey, overtaking consistent front-runner Vice President Jejomar Binay.
Both the camps of Vice President Binay and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas have asked Poe to answer all questions on her residency requirements for higher office.
The Constitution requires, among others, that candidates for president and vice president should have a 10-year residency in the country prior to the elections.