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MANILA - Election watchdog Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) said the controversial question in the certificate of candidacy will make it easier for the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to vet candidates.

The newly added question in the COC asks candidates whether they have been found liable for an offense which carries an accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification to hold public office.

LENTE also said Comelec has the power to ask questions to candidates to determine if they are qualified to run for office.

"Comelec does have the power to ask questions from the candidates themselves, but on the other hand, we have to balance that there are certain cases filed against certain candidates that might be superfluous or might not have any weight to it. So at the end of the day, it still has to go through the courts. The courts will have to finally say that this candidate is actually barred from running, from elections, but it is within the Comelec's right," Atty. Carlo Africa told ANC.

Candidates can also opt to skip the question.

Meanwhile, LENTE reminded the public to be vigilant of election anomalies and get to know candidates well.

The group expects the upcoming midterm elections to be more peaceful and organized.