Provincial Elections Supervisor Ian Lee Ananoria (Photo by CARLA P. GOMEZ / Inquirer Visayas)
BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered at least 73 candidates for the Oct. 30 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections in Negros Occidental to explain their alleged involvement in premature campaigning.
Of the number, 40 were from E.B. Magalona town, 10 from Bacolod City, eight from Himamaylan City, six from Bago City, four from Victorias City, two each from the cities of Kabankalan and Sipalay, and one from La Carlota City.
The campaign period for the twin polls is still set to start on Oct. 19 until Oct. 28 but these candidates were allegedly already engaged in premature campaigning, including giving out cash, distribution of grocery items and even solicitation of campaign support from barangay leaders, said Provincial Elections Supervisor Ian Lee Ananoria.
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“Displaying streamers or banners with a candidate’s name and face can also be considered premature campaigning,” he said.
Ananoria said the Task Force Anti-Epal sent the show-cause orders backed with evidence the poll body received.
Those found guilty, he said, could face disqualification from holding public office and imprisonment of up to six years.
“More show-cause orders are expected to be issued against candidates in Negros Occidental,” Ananoria said.
The Comelec has stepped up its campaign against premature campaigning and Kontra Bigay (vote buying) offenders leading to the conduct of the barangay and SK elections on Oct. 30.
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The poll body created the Committee on Kontra Bigay (CKB) to handle cases versus vote buying.
“Refrain from premature campaigning. It will be the campaign period soon. Then you can do all the campaigning you want,” Ananoria reminded the candidates.
He said the public can report complaints to the CKB through hotline numbers 02-8559-9947 or 02-8567-4567, or through email address committe.kontrabigay@gmail.com.
Complaints with accompanying evidence can also be filed at the Comelec provincial office in Bacolod City, Ananoria said.