The placement of reelectionist Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla’s name on the ballot is in accordance with a court decision, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia confirmed on Thursday.
Revilla has faced criticism online for appearing 11th on the senatorial candidate list under the surname “Bong Revilla.” Addressing the issue, Garcia explained that a 2009 Regional Trial Court (RTC) ruling granted Revilla’s petition to change his registered name, a decision that the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) did not oppose.
According to Comelec records, Revilla’s registered surname is “Bong Revilla,” while “Ramon, Jr.” serves as his first name and “Bautista” as his middle name. The Comelec 2nd Division previously upheld the use of this surname in 2010, dismissing a disqualification case alleging misrepresentation.
Revilla, who ranked 11th in the 2019 senatorial elections, was previously detained but later acquitted in connection to the 2013 P10-billion pork barrel scam.
