Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) deferred taking action on calls to stop Manny Pacquiao’s upcoming match with Timothy Bradley.
Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said they can neither allow nor ban the fight until someone files a formal complaint.
Senatorial candidate Walden Bello and former senator Rene Saguisag both asked the Comelec to clarify the matter, but they did not ask the poll body to stop Pacquiao from fighting.
Bello and Saguisag argued that the media exposure Pacquiao would get from the match would give him an unfair advantage over other candidates.
Bautista said their argument is valid, but the Comelec cannot pass judgement on the matter yet.
“So, ang naging desisyon ng Comelec en banc today was number one, na-note na there was really no formal complaint that was filed in accordance with Comelec rules and procedures,” said Bautista.
“Number two, that the fight has actually not occurred yet so, kumbaga, it’s still contingent. There is a possibility of it happening but it has not happened yet. So much so that, number three, the Comelec en banc believes that there is still, as of this point, no justiciable controversy.”
In 2007, the Comelec set limits to the broadcast of a Pacquiao match in South Cotabato.
The boxing champ was then running for congressman.
Bautista said they cannot apply that ruling this time because Pacquiao is running for a national position.
The Pacquiao-Bradley fight is slated April 9 (April 10, PHT).
Related: Referee, judges selected for Pacquiao-Bradley 3
Related: Pacquiao not postponing match vs. Bradley
