SUBSTITUTION of a deceased candidate can still take place until noontime of the election day on May 9, 2022.This is what Commission on Elections (Comelec) Cebu Provincial Supervisor Jerome Brillantes said Thursday, March 24, 2022, following the death of reelectionist Santander Vice Mayor Marilyn “Bebe” Wenceslao.Wenceslao passed away on Sunday, March 20, 2022. She was 77.Brillantes said the late vice mayor can be substituted by another candidate as long ashe or she bears her last name.Section 40 of Comelec resolution 10717 states: “The substitute for an aspirant or candidate who died or was disqualified by final judgement, may file a Certificate of Candidacy up to mid-day of election day; Provided that, the substitute and the substituted candidate have the same surnames.”Since the printing of official ballots has already commenced, having the same last name despite having no blood relations is essential since the name of the candidate will not be removed, Brillantes added.Brillantes said being in the same party or coalition is not necessary to substitute a candidate who died or got disqualified by the Comelec.Wenceslao’s son, incumbent Santander town councilor Wilson Wenceslao, is also running for reelection.Brillantes said it is up to the family of the deceased vice mayor on who among them will serve as the substitute candidate.The late Wenceslao had served as vice mayor from 2001- 2010 and mayor from 2010-2019.