Overaged SK candidates may face criminal charges

Candidates in the Sangguniang Kabataan elections who could be proven to be over the age limit may be sued for falsification of public documents and for violating other election laws, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

“Ito pong mga nagtago na overage, we filed a [disqualification] case against them,” acting Comelec Chairman Al Parreño said in a press conference Monday evening. “Hindi namin sila papaupuin, and we might pursue criminal cases against them.”

“So maaaring makarinig po kayo na 639 all over the Philippines. Nanalo sila pero hindi namin sila pinapa-upo,” Parreño added.

According to National Youth Commission acting Chairman Gian Carlo Cardema, who was also present during the press briefing, the fact that these candidates fooled Comelec would be enough reason to file a case against them.

“Kung tinangka mong dayaain ang inyong edad, ang iyong pagpasok sa gobyerno, papaano kapag nakaupo ka na mismo?” Cardema said. “Kapag opisyal ka na, baka mas marami ka pang gawing kabulastugan.”

Cardema, who proposed that winner should take an oath in front of President Rodrigo Duterte, reminded erring candidates that the documents they had submitted to Comelec were certified true through a public notary.

“Pinirmahan mo ‘yan, pina-notaryo mo at ibinigay mo sa Comelec para maging kandidato ka, pero sinubukan mo pa ring lumusot?” Cardema said. “So ngayon kahit naiboto ka, pasensyahan tayo, hindi ka makakalusot, makakasuhan ka pa.” /atm