BACOLOD City – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Occidental has confirmed that, as of yesterday morning, no candidates have been disqualified following the recent barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE).
Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria, the provincial elections supervisor, said the Comelec en banc is still reviewing various complaints filed against candidates.
Recalling a recent incident, a winning barangay kagawad from E.B. Magalona town was prevented from assuming office due to allegations of premature campaigning, leading to a suspension of his proclamation by the Comelec.
Besides early campaigning, the Comelec in Negros Occidental has also received several complaints pertaining to vote-buying, a serious electoral offense that can result in disqualification upon confirmation of guilt.
Nationally, the Comelec central office has disqualified 39 BSKE candidates for various electoral offenses, including premature campaigning, misrepresentation in their certificates of candidacy, vote-buying, being nuisance candidates, and facing criminal, civil, or administrative charges. More disqualifications are anticipated in the coming days.
Amid these developments, Ananoria has issued a reminder to all BSKE candidates regarding the impending deadline for the submission of their Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) by Wednesday, Nov. 29.
He noted that several towns in Negros Occidental have shown a low turnout in complying with this requirement. Under Republic Act 7166, failing to submit SOCE by the deadline may result in penalties, including fines ranging from P1,000 to P30,000 for a first offense, and from P2,000 to P60,000 plus perpetual disqualification from holding public office for a second offense. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
