JUST days after the conclusion of the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs), 65 candidates in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) are already facing the possibility of being disqualified.
In a televised public briefing, Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said 65 petitions for disqualification, cancellation of COC, and denying due course to COC have been filed.
“We have 65 cases docketed already for the cancellation of COC, to deny due course, or disqualification. Petitions for nuisance, there is none yet. But we expect more to be filed,” said Laudiangco.
Under Comelec rules, petitions against a candidate may be filed up to five days after filing their COCs.
But aside from the 65 cases filed, Comelec chairman George Garcia said they have already sent out nine show cause orders to BSKE bets accused of engaging in premature campaigning on social media.
“We issued nine show cause orders directed to BSKE candidates. They will have to explain their sides within three days from receipt,” said Garcia in a message to reporters.
The Comelec chief said they are hoping that more people will be pro-active and report similar violations on the ban on premature campaigning.
The Comelec officially closed the COC filing period nationwide last September 4. Some 1,414,487 COCs have been filed by barangay and youth candidates across the country.
Aside from the candidates, Laudiangco said supporters of BSKE bets should also observe the rules on premature campaigning and use of lawful propaganda materials.
He said the poll body will also run after non-candidates if they are found liable for violating any campaign rules.
“Under the law, not only the candidates have the liability for premature campaigning, unlawful campaign materials, vote buying, but also other people engaged in such,” said the poll official.
“Whether you’re a supporter of the candidate or not, you may be held liable under the law,” he said.
Laudiangco said poll offenses include the distribution of materials ruled as prohibited forms of campaign materials, such as t-shirt, umbrellas, handkerchiefs, bags, sun visors, fans, ballers, hats/caps, and ballpens that bear the name, image, logo, brand, insignia, color motif, initials, and other symbol or graphic representation that are associated with a particular candidate.
“Distribution of anything of value may be construed as a form of vote buying,” said Laudiangco.
The Comelec also reminded BSKE bets to be mindful of the campaign spending limits set by law.
“As provided by law, a candidate may not spend more than P5 per registered voter in your barangay,” he.
Laudiangco said overspending during the campaign period is considered as an election offense.
