DOJ: Prosecutors ready for barangay, SK polls

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla  (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / RICHARD A. REYES)

MANILA, Philippines – Prosecutors nationwide are ready for the barangay and Sanggunian Kabataan (SK) elections, next week, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Wednesday.

Prosecutors in cities and provinces serve as chairman of the Board of Election Canvassers (BOC).

“Kaya naka-duty po ang lahat [Everyone is on duty],” Remulla said at a press conference.

He added that the prosecutors are also on alert for untoward incidents.

He said the Department of Justice (DOJ) is committed to helping the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in addressing issues such as vote-buying and vote-selling.

Last month, the DOJ and Comelec signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) in dealing with electoral malpractice.

Highlights of the MOA are the establishment of Legal Assistance Desks in provinces, facilitating easier reporting of electoral offenses as well as maximizing the investigative capacities of the Comelec and the prosecutorial might of the DOJ.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia highlighted the importance of the MOA and noted that the creation of Comelec’s Committee on Kontra-Bigay (CKB) is crucial.

He emphasized that addressing electoral malpractice is a responsibility that extends beyond just Comelec.