• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The campaign period for the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataaan elections (BSKE) in Negros Occidental starts today, October 19, and the Commission on Elections yesterday reminded candidates to abide by Comelec rules.
Provincial Comelec supervisor Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria urged candidates to engage in a high level campaign, stick to their platform of governance, and not engage in personal issues.
Before the start of the campaign period, the Comelec had issued 144 show cause orders (SCOs) to BSKE candidates in Negros Occidental, mostly for premature campaigning.
Ananoria said issuance of SCOs has resulted in minimal violations on postering of campaign materials by the candidates.
Up for grabs are 662 seats for the position of barangay captain in Negros Occidental, with 1,611 candidates vying for the post.
In the race for barangay councilor, which has 4,634 seats available, 15,612 aspirants have filed COCs.
Finally, there are 1,882 aspirants for the position of SK chairman, where 10,535 individuals filed COCs for the position,Comelec records showed.
The Comelec also reminded BSKE candidates that they are allowed to spend only P5 per registered voter.
Ananoria said he will meet the Election Officers of 32 towns and cities in Negros Occidental today, for the start of the nationwide “Operation Baklas“ or removal or unlawful campaign materials.
As per validation of the Regional Joint Security Coordinating Center, he reported that the number of election areas of concerns (EACs) remains at 51 in Negros Occidental.*
