News Briefs

SUBMIT ELECTION EXPENSES, BETS TOLD

CEBUANO candidates were reminded to submit their Statement of Election Contributions and Expenses (SECE) to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Cebu office within 30 days after the May 13 elections.

“All candidates, either winning or losing, anybody who filed their certificate of candidacy and even those who have withdrawn their COC should pass their SECE,” Comelec provincial supervisor Eddie Aba said.

Under Section 14 of Republic Act No. 7166, every candidate is obligated to file a statement of contributions and expenditures regardless of whether or not he or she pursued or withdrew his or her candidacy.

The document contains the candidate’s liquidation of expenses during his or her candidacy and the donors.

Those who  fail to file the statement could face  suspension on administrative offense.

For losing candidates, Aba said the offenders will be liable to pay a fine ranging from P1,000 to P30,000.

Repeat offenders also face a case for perpetual disqualification from future elections.

However, Aba said Comelec has not received a single SECE from the candidates.

Aba said the SECE can help Comelec verify if the candidate met the required expenditure limit for his or her campaign.

The expenditure limit will vary according to the number of voters in the area where a candidate filed the candidacy.

Offenders can be penalized a maximum of six years in jail and perpetual disqualification from public office. Correspondent Peter L. Romanillos

POLICE ADVISE PUBLIC ON SAFETY AS SCHOOL SEASON STARTS

WITH next week’s opening of classes, students and commuters were advised to be vigilant and watch out for thieves in public utility vehicles (PUVs), outside campuses and crowded areas.

Insp. William Canoy Alicaba, deputy chief of the City Intelligence Branch of Cebu City Police Office, said students from other places who study in Cebu are especially vulnerable to robbers.

“Don’t talk to strangers. If you have some queries, approach persons in proper authority like security guards and policemen,” Alicaba said.

He said thieves will  distract their victims first in order to rob them.

Alicaba said people shouldn’t wear expensive jewelry especially in downtown areas along with gadgets like cellphones and laptops.

Boarding houses and residential houses should also be secured well with locks and safety boxes.

“As much as possible, find a partner whom you know very well or strive hard that you only have one room mate,” he said.

Students should also watch out for carolers who board jeepneys particularly when passing through dark areas.

Passengers may contact the police station through 166 or their hotline number 2336703 or immediately text Alicaba through 09226001313 for immediate action.

The areas which are prone to mendicant carolers and thieves are M.J Cuenco, Careta, Camputhaw, Lorega, Lahug and Manalili.

Police and traffic personnel will be deployed near public and private schools when classes open in two weeks time to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and the security of school children.

Jose Marie Elizalde, head of the Police Coordinating and Advisory Council (PCAC), wanted special attention on the Panagdait area in barangay Mabolo where St. Benedict’s Learning School has relocated and will start to operate next month.

St. Benedict’s used to be located near the Redemptorists Church in uptown Cebu City.

Rafael Yap, operations chief of the Cebu City Integrated Traffic Operations Management (Citom), said they will meet with police today.

Classes for public schools will open on June 3 while those in private schools is scheduled on June 10.

Supt. Mariano Natu-el, Cebu City police chief, said precinct commanders will coordinate with school officials in securing their campuses.

Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, Jr., Cebu provincial police chief, said they will continue their Adopt-A-Classroom program in which every police precinct in Cebu will repaint and clean a classroom. Correspondents Christine Emily L. Pantaleon and Correspondent Joy Cherry S. Quito and Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac