Comelec set to file DQ cases vs BSKE bets
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections has issued show-cause orders to over 1,200 candidates in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) who allegedly engaged in premature campaigning.
Of the figure, 300 have responded to the Comelec directive for them to explain.
Speaking at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing yesterday, Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said the Comelec would file disqualification and criminal cases against those who failed to satisfactorily explain the election violation.
The Comelec committed to immediately resolve pending disqualification cases so violators could no longer run in the polls next month.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the poll body is planning to start filing cases next week.
Garcia said the Comelec is expecting to receive another 1,000 complaints against candidates who violated the law against premature campaigning.
Comelec lawyers are currently evaluating the complaints as well as the response of the candidates to the show cause order.
He said some respondents claimed the campaign materials were posted before they filed certificates of candidacy, which they said could not be considered an offense.
Garcia said the poll body is undertaking all efforts to prevent a possible failure of elections.
Comelec executive director Teopisto Elnas Jr. said training is ongoing for police officers who might serve as board of election inspectors in election areas of concern, where teachers may not be able to perform their duties for security reasons.
Elnas said the Comelec is identifying alternative polling precincts for schools that may be submerged in floodwater on election day.
At this time, Elnas said the Comelec is 99 percent ready for the BSKE.
