Raps eyed vs 10 local execs for BSKE interference

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday said at least 10 local government officials are facing possible raps for alleged meddling in the conduct and results of the recently-concluded Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

Elections chairman George Garcia, in a radio interview, said they are set to finalize the number and identities of the local officials in preparation for the filing of charges and publication of their names.

“We will finalize the list of those who we believe interfered in the elections. The entire nation must know who are these who meddled in the elections, especially those that intimidated or influenced the teachers,” said Garcia.

“There are at least 10 (local officials). Therefore, we need to countercheck and verify them before we file cases,” he added.

The poll chief said possible administrative and criminal charges may be filed against the meddling local officials as he stressed that there must be accountability to prevent a repeat in future elections.

“We need to take this seriously since this may happen again in the succeeding elections,” he said.

Garcia reiterated that the meddling of the local officials went against the non-partisan nature of the barangay and youth polls.

“These interferences, especially by local officials that are not candidates, are the ones that makes the barangay and SK elections disorderly, cause delays, bring pressure and cause the withdrawals of teachers,” he said.

Garcia has earlier said that they are looking into the reported involvement of several governors and mayors to alleged vote buying activities prior to the October 30 polls.

On Election Day, over 2,500 teachers assigned in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao backed out from serving as Electoral Board members after reportedly receiving threats.

On the other hand, the Comelec reminded all candidates – both winners and losers – in the BSKE to file their Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs) on or before November 29.

In a social media post, the Comelec said the submission of SOCEs is a requirement under Resolution No. 10905.

“All candidates, winners or losers, must personally file their SOCEs and other