The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will continue to file charges against a mayor in Bicol for getting involved in the canvassing and proclamation of the winners during the recent Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
In a message sent to DZRH News, COMELEC Chairperson George Garcia said he has submitted reports regarding the mayor's interference for the case to be filed.
It can be recalled that during a press conference on October 31, Garcia warned an unnamed official.
"Bigay niyo po sa amin ang trabaho, trabaho namin 'yan e. Huwag niyo kaming papakialaaman. Kung bata niyo yung natatalo wala kang pakealam do'n," he said.
"Warning po ito 'yan pong mga 'yan kasama po sa aming mga iimbestigahan, pinapasubmit po namin sa aming mga field personnel yung mga pangalan ng mga lahat ng 'yan na nakialam during the conduct of the election. And at the same time, yung pinaka-crucial yung nakialam sa canvassing. Pinapadelay ang canvassing, pinapadelay ang proclamation ng mga kandidato," the COMELEC chairman added.
Garcia said that a mayor in Bicol interfered in the vote canvassing, prompting COMELEC to delay the proclamation of winners.
"'Di nakapag-proclaim 'yung barangay board of canvassers namin dahil pinapakialaman, dahil huwag daw muna iproclaim kasi baka daw baka magalit ang Mayor," he said.
The COMELEC chairman claimed that intimidating educators, who worked as canvassers for the barangay board, would put pressure on them that would impair their service.