Poll watchdog slams ‘indecisive’ Rosmar Tan, Francis Leo Marcos

Businessman and internet personality Francis Leo Marcos in this file photo when he was arrested by the NBI for alleged violations of the optometry law filed against him in Baguio City. | PHOTO: Marianne Bermudez/Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines — A poll watchdog on Friday slammed internet personalities Rosmar Tan Pamulaklakin and Norman Mangusin, also known as Francis Leo Marcos, for being “indecisive” as both of them withdrew their bid for a post in the Manila city council and the Senate, respectively.

Danilo Arao, convenor of Kontra Daya, told INQUIRER.net that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) should look into this, saying Pamulaklakin and Mangusin made a mockery of the process.

READ: Rosmar Tan: ‘God’s sign’ tells me to back out of Manila council run

“It’s something that should be severely criticized because, well, it’s not the fault of Comelec but it actually shows how indecisive certain aspirants are with regard to what they plan to do,” Arao said over the phone.

“These are the issues the Comelec should be looking at, the likes of Rosmar, the likes of Francis Leo Marcos because they are practically making a mockery of everything,” he added.

Pamulaklakin withdrew her bid for a post in Manila City council on Thursday due to her pregnancy and the Comelec spending ban which she said prevents her from helping people.

Mangusin also said he withdrew to prevent inconvenience to the Comelec, but his backing out caused another printing delay.

READ: Francis Leo Marcos’ withdrawal from Senate race delays ballot printing

It is also worth noting that Mangusin decided to use his stage name, which means there would be two Marcoses on the ballot aside from Sen. Imee Marcos who is seeking reelection. Mangusin then backed Sen. Marcos’ reelection bid.

“They’re stating certain reasons that they should have thought of before they filed their certificates of candidacy in the first place,” Arao noted.

Arao then enjoined the Comelec to investigate, saying there could be “certain forces” at play when it comes to these latest moves.

“We should also be open to the possibility that there are certain forces at play when they decide to do so,” Arao said. “In other words, they did not decide individually.”

“They may have been pressured by certain political parties or for all we care, money could have changed hands,” he added.