87 BSKE candidates disqualified so far

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has disqualified a total of 87 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan election candidates as of Monday.

In a radio interview, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the disqualifications may still be appealed before the commission en banc.

“If they don’t file (an appeal), our decision will become final and executory,” Garcia added.

There were 52 cases of premature campaigning and 21 disqualification cases. Five were declared nuisance candidates and another five had their certificates of candidacy denied due course or canceled.

Three bets were disqualified due to vote buying while one committed both premature campaigning and vote buying.

Garcia disclosed that over 300 disqualification cases remain pending before the Comelec’s First and Second Divisions.

He said they are targeting to resolve all pending cases until early 2024.

“It is expected that the number of disqualified candidates may increase before the year ends. Just give us a few more weeks after the New Year and we can release all these rulings,” he added.