Thread by @rapplerdotcom

PDP-Laban Cusi wing Sec-Gen Melvin Matibag insists substitution doesn't mock electoral process. "If the real intent of the Omnibus Election Code envisioned only those who will die along the way or be disqualified, then why didn’t the lawmakers just state so?" he says in statement

Matibag: It’s not a mockery of the elections law if the political parties use every available legal option, or time, for them to finally decide the candidates to field. | via @beacupin #PHVote #WeDecide

@beacupin Matibag's PDP-Laban faction is fielding Senators Bato dela Rosa and Bong Go as its presidential and vice presidential bets. #PHVote #WeDecide | via @beacupin

@beacupin In a statement reaction to calls for substitution rule to be scrapped to changed, Matibag emphasizes the law allows it. "A mockery is when rules are not applied equally. And every party is entitled to employ its own political strategies." #PHVote #WeDecide | via @beacupin

@beacupin Matibag name drops pres. bet VP Robredo: "Just like the Liberal Party Chairperson choosing to run as an independent candidate and changing her color from yellow to pink. In short, anyone in the political game may employ a strategy as long as it is within the bounds of the rules."

@beacupin Matibag: I cannot comment on the Lakas-CMD actions since this concerns a party decision which candidates to field, endorse or adopt. But of course, we are always open to alliances to help PDP-Laban candidates. #PHVote #WeDecide | via @beacupin

@beacupin Both Dela Rosa and Go were surprise candidates from the Cusi-led PDP-Laban group. Go was nominated to run for president, but chose to run for VP. Dela Rosa only found out hours before COC filing deadline that the party picked him to run. #PHVote #WeDecide | via @beacupin

@beacupin Dela Rosa has insisted that his candidacy is serious. PDP-Laban has also said that Dela Rosa's name was floated in earlier parts of process to pick standard-bearer. At the same time, Dela Rosa has said he's open to being substituted for presidential daughter Sara Duterte.