• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Some of the 164 candidates in the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in Negros Occidental who were issued show cause orders (SCOs) and charged with premature campaigning are facing disqualification cases, as well as the suspension of proclamation should they win in the elections.
Provincial Comelec Supervisor Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria confirmed this yesterday, while refusing to elaborate with more details, as the cases are pending before the Commission on Elections.
Comelec records showed that 245 BSKE candidates all over the country are the subjects of orders of suspension of proclamation.
Of the 245 bets, five candidates were engaged in vote-buying; 173 in premature campaigning, and 37 cases were referred for possible administrative cancellation, it added.
Even if they win, they cannot be proclaimed, because of the suspension order, Ananoria said.
Among the 164 candidates, the most number of show cause orders were served in EB Magalona, with 56.
The Comelec en banc reiterated its authority to suspend proclamations under Section 600 of Comelec Resolution 10924.
Section 600 stipulates the Comelec division or en banc’s authority to suspend the proclamation of a winning candidate if an unresolved petition has strong evidence.
Ananoria also announced that a Comelec opinion was adopted by the Department of Interior and Local Government, that upon proclamation of winning candidates who are able to submit their SOCE (Statement of Contributions and Expenditures), they can immediately assume their posts.*
