A total of 102 aspiring Barangay and Sangguniag Kabataan Election (BSKE) candidates have received "show cause orders" from the Commission on Election (Comelec) due to monitored violations, particularly in early campaigning.
According to Comelec, the candidates who received the order should explain why they should not be disqualified for "premature campaigning".
Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said that he has instructed the formed task force to file a complaint for disqualification and election offenses by the time the candidates' explanations are reviewed.
"Sa mga patuloy na hindi sumusunod sa ating patakaran, ‘yung mga makukulit, matitigas ang ulo, mayayabang… Para sa kanila na pasaway, akala n’yo kasi masosolusyunan na sa pagtatanggal ng [campaign] materials na yan. The fact na naglagay kayo, kakasuhan pa rin namin kayo. At the same time, ipapa-disqualify namin kayo," said Garcia.
He reiterated that the beginning of the campaign is from October 19 to October 28 only.
While the campaign period has not yet started, candidates are prohibited from campaigning on social media or giving away items of value, including t-shirts and umbrellas with the candidate's name.
Meanwhile, the Comelec said it received 168 petitions related to BSKE. This includes 14 petitions to declare a nuisance candidate, 107 petitions to deny due course or cancel a certificate of candidacy (COC), 39 petitions to disqualify, and six petitions against the non-acceptance of a COC.
Voters are urged to file complaints once they see a BSKE candidate who makes offenses against the election rules prior to the start of the formal campaigning period.
The BSKE is schedule on October 30.
