Due to suspected campaign infractions, the Commission on Elections issued show cause orders against hundreds of Barangay and Sanguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) candidates.
“As of yesterday, roughly 341 [candidates] were already given show cause for engaging in illegal campaigning,” Comelec chair George Garcia stated in a Saturday interview with Dobol B TV in Filipino speaking.
In addition to the placement of campaign materials in unapproved locations, instances of enormous campaign posters are among the purported infractions.
In conjunction with the BSKE, the poll body last Friday initiated a simultaneous nationwide “operation baklas” to remind candidates to abide by election regulations.
Additionally, Comelec instructed the above to only place the materials in areas that are authorized by law.
“That is prohibited outside of common poster places. One may utilize private property. As long as it fits within the permitted 2 by 3 size, that is acceptable,” Garcia clarified.
“We are willing to disqualify candidates who will be found to have violations.”
The upcoming proclamations of winning candidates will be postponed if their cases remain unresolved.
October 19 is the alleged start date of the BSKE campaign, which runs through October 28.
Following the specified time frame, campaigning will once more be forbidden. Moreover, a prohibition on alcohol will be in place from October 29 through the day of BSKE.
In place of the barangay elections, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier announced October 30 as a special non-working day.
