NEGROS Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. warned the mayors in the province on Tuesday, April 10, to remain apolitical in the forthcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.
The governor stressed that the local chief executives should never endorse any candidate.
"Endorsing any candidate for the May 14 SK elections is unlawful and any mayor who does it could be reported to the Comelec (Commission on Elections)," Marañon said.
The governor made the warning following reports that there are some mayors who allegedly raise the hands of certain candidates, which is an indication of their endorsement.
The governor also advised the candidates to refrain from personal attacks and violence to make the elections peaceful.
"We should try to make the coming elections peaceful, friendly and no politics of violence. It is only elections. After this, you will still be neighbors in the same community," he pointed out.
He asked: "What are they fighting for? The position of barangay captain?"
They should not practice dirty elections, he added.
The election period will run from April 14 to May 21.
During this time, the gun ban will be in effect.
The filing of certificates of candidacy will be from April 14 to 20, while the campaign period will be from May 4 to 12.
According to the Comelec resolution, prohibited acts during the election period along with the gun ban are using security personnel or bodyguards by candidates; organizing or maintaining reaction forces, strike forces, or similar forces; altering a territory of a precinct, or establishment of a new precinct; transferring or detailing officers and employees in the civil service, including public school teachers; suspending any elective provincial, city, municipal or barangay officer; and coercing or threatening any election official or employee in the performance of his or her election duties.
From April 14 until Election Day, vote-buying and vote-selling are strictly not allowed, as well as fund-raising through activities like dances, lotteries, and cockfights.
Meanwhile, from April 14 until the proclamation of winning candidates, it is prohibited to wager or bet on the results of the elections.
From May 4 to 13, there are bans on the construction or maintenance of barangay-funded roads, and the appointment, hiring or promotion of government employees.
The liquor ban will be implemented from May 13 to 14.
On Election Day, May 14, polling precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Prohibited acts includes campaigning, voting more than once or in substitution of another, using the voter's affidavit of another for the purpose of voting, soliciting votes or undertaking any propaganda for or against any candidate within the polling place or within 30 meters, opening of booths or stalls for the sale of wares, merchandise or refreshments within 30 meters from the polling place and holding of fairs, cockfights, boxing, horse races, or similar sports.
After the polls, winning and losing candidates must file their Statements of Contributions and Expenditures by June 13.