MANILA -- Former Energy secretary Angelo Reyes is not as lucky as former presidential son Mikey Arroyo after being replaced by his party-list group 1-United Trasnport Koalisyon (1-Utak).

Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson James Jimenez said the transport group filed a petition Friday asking the poll body to award the certificate of proclamation to its third nominee, Homer Mercado after its second nominee declined the position.

“According to the petition, the group has already informed Reyes and he did not object to the decision,” Jimenez told Sun.Star.

The petition, signed by the party-list's executive committee, however failed to provide a consent letter from Reyes, which the poll body requires.

Therefore, Mercado cannot assume his post when Congress opens its session on Monday without the consent letter from Reyes.

The poll body's second division earlier voted 2-1 in favor of the former Energy Secretary in the disqualification case filed against him by militant groups. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)