Legazpi city: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) clarified that its 2nd Division's decision to grant the petition cancelling the certificate of candidacy of Albay Governor Noel Rosal remains non-final and non-executory.

According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco explained that Governor Rosal has a five-day window to submit a motion for reconsideration with the Comelec en banc. "The decision is not yet final and executory," Laudiangco stated, emphasizing that Rosal has the opportunity to appeal the decision. Should he fail to do so within the given timeframe, the cancellation of his certificate of candidacy will become final and executory.

Laudiangco further noted that Governor Rosal could exercise all legal remedies as part of due process. "For now, there will be no stepping down from the position because it is not yet final and executory," he added. He also mentioned that if the ruling becomes final, the rule of succession may be invoked.

Governor Rosal and his legal team expressed their confusion over the decision regarding his candidacy for the May 2025 elections. Rosal remarked, "It is not yet implementable, it is not yet executory. Let's clear that up in the Comelec en banc, and I hope they see that for the good of everyone. It's difficult to talk with uncertainty. I just want the rules to prevail. What is right must be followed."