THIRTY-FIVE candidates in the October 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) are facing possible disqualification after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) filed charges of premature campaigning against them.
Speaking after filing 35 petitions for disqualification at the Comelec-Clerk of the Commission, Comelec-Task Force Anti-Epal chief Director Nick Mendros said they are making true of their commitment to file an initial batch of disqualification charges against those engaged in premature campaigning.
"We have filed 35 petitions for disqualification, meaning that would be 35 candidates... We have the reason to file or valid cause to file petitions for disqualification against them," said Mendros.
"The petition for disqualification is grounded on violations of Section 80, that’s premature campaigning or the act of campaigning done outside the campaign period," he added.
The poll official said the initial batch of charges includes those from the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon.
He said the premature campaigning acts they have identified are those found on social media, campaign posters, as well as "blatant campaignings" or those candidates going around the barangays and declaring they are running for particular positions.
"We have based (the cases) on the determination of the documents and their answers. We have legal basis that they have violated Section 80," he said.
"We are sure that they have violated Section 80. But, of course, we submit to the sound discretion and the decision of the (Comelec) division," added Mendros.
He said the 35 disqualification petitions is only the initial batch of cases they are filing as more would still be lodged with the commission.
"We are still evaluating several complaints and answers. We hope to file some more cases, some more petitions next week," said Mendros.
Based on the latest data, there are 199 BSKE bets that are facing potential disqualification cases due to premature campaigning "upon initial assessment."
The number comes from the 3,198 BSKE candidates that have been issued show cause orders (SCOs).
Of those issued SCOs, there are 529 candidates that sent their respective answers.
For his part, Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said the filing of disqualification cases only proves their seriousness in prohibiting premature campaigning.
"The Comelec is not joking when it comes to implementing election laws. Our reminders to the candidates are not mere lip service. We will really file charges against them and this is the start," said Laudiangco in a separate interview. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)