Saturday, October 20, 2007 Campaign period starts Friday for barangay, SK polls By Gil Alfredo B. Severino
THE campaign period for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan candidates for the October 29 elections starts Friday. The campaign is only good for nine days.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) advised the candidates to strictly follow campaign guidelines.
According to Comelec Omnibus Election Code, activities during the campaign period include the barangay chief, if he is not a candidate, or any resident of the barangay designated by the commission convening the barangay assembly at least once for the purpose of allowing candidates to appear at a joint meeting to explain to barangay voters their respective program of administration, qualifications, and other information that may help enlighten voters in their selection.
The members of the barangay assembly may take up and discuss other matters relative to the election of barangay officials, the law added.
As to the watchers, candidates may appoint two watchers each, to serve alternately, in every polling place within the barangay, who shall be furnished with a signed copy of the results of the election, in such form as the commission may prescribe, immediately after the completion of the canvass.
On inclusion and exclusion cases, these will be decided not later than seven days before the date of the election and shall be within the exclusive original jurisdiction of the municipal or metropolitan trial court.
The notice of such decision shall be served to all parties within 24 hours following its promulgation and any party adversely affected may appeal within 24 hours with the regional trial court, which shall decide on the matter not later than two days before the date of the election.
Meanwhile, in Negros Occidental, both the police and army in are now ready to provide security measures during the holding of the polls.
In Bacolod City, as of Thursday night, a total of 2,544 people filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) from 61 barangays both for barangay and SK polls.
Records showed that there were a total 177 who are running for barangay chief, 1,793 for barangay councilman, 121 for SK chairman, and 453 for SK kagawad.
Bacolod Comelec Registrar Mavil Majarucon said: "This is the number of Bacolod citizens who are willing to serve as barangay captain, kagawad, and SK chairman and kagawad."
"More than a thousand would want to serve humanity," she added.
Beyond service, Majarucon will not delve into other reasons why people are so excited about joining the barangay and SK elections.
