Manila: The proclamation of 19 local and national candidates, should they win in the May 12 elections, has been ordered suspended, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia stated that the Commission en banc has sanctioned the suspension of proclamations for candidates who have pending cases with the poll body. Garcia conveyed during a press conference that the Comelec Clerk of the Commission was directed by both the en banc and the Divisions to issue 19 orders of suspension.

While the poll chief did not reveal the identities of the candidates involved, he noted that the number might rise. “It is possible that the orders of suspension directed against certain individuals or candidates may increase as we move on with the day,” Garcia mentioned.

He emphasized that the suspensions are contingent on the merits of the cases, which have not reached a final and executory status.