More vote buying cases to be filed
By J.Lo
"But those reports have to be substantiated; we have to wait for formal complaints or check if there is enough evidence for us to file case motu propio," Commission on Elections (Comelec) is preparing to file more vote-buying cases in connection with barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE).
Based on latest report, Kontra Bigay Task Force has received total of 183 complaints of vote-buying, of which 27 have been formally filed while about 100 are under evaluation, according to Comelec Commissioner Ernesto Maceda Jr.
Maceda emphasized poll body is aware of other reports of vote-buying, including those coming from media.
"We can make sure that we will bring perpetrators to justice," he stressed.
Comelec can still pursue election offenses against those involved even after actual polls, according to Maceda.
For preventing proclamation of winning barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan candidates, mayor in Bicol Region is facing possible election offense charges.
Aside from Bicol mayor, poll body is also readying legal suits against those who have caused delays in conduct of elections in five barangays in Lanao del Sur, according to Garcia.
At press briefing Garcia warned local government officials against interfering with conduct of elections as well as proclamation of winning candidates.
In particular, he reported mayor in Bicol prevented Barangay Board of Canvassers (BBOC) from proclaiming winners in at least seven areas.
"They are interfering… they're saying don't proclaim yet…so we ordered our regional director that BBOC should proclaim today at all costs…we don't care about whoever is calling the shots or giving pressure because the mayor might get angry," he said .
Comelec chief noted that poll body sees no other reason behind mayor's action, except for possibility that official is not in favor of election results.
Garcia, stressed local government official has no authority to meddle with mandate of Comelec to conduct election and proclaim winners.
He disclosed Comelec would pursue legal charges against people who caused delay in delivery of election paraphernalia in several barangays in Lanao del Sur.
"We will deal with them later," Garcia said as he noted Comelec officials would go to Lanao del Sur to investigate.
He added poll body already has names of those involved in delay in delivery of election paraphernalia.
For Garcia, delay in distribution of election materials is unacceptable since elections were held as scheduled in other barangays.
He said Comelec would also look into liabilities of teachers and police personnel who backed out from serving as members of Election Board (EB).
"We're still studying it; it's criminal and at the same time, administrative," he added.
Comelec needs to take appropriate action, considering teachers backing out from serving as EB members often come from same place.
Comelec chief, however, gave assurance poll body is ready to extend maximum financial assistance of P200,000 to less than 10 teachers who were unable to perform their duties due to accidents.
In other developments, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio thanked teachers for their service during recently concluded BSKE.
"My heartfelt gratitude to our teachers who served during election day..you showed true essence of cooperation and unity to ensure honest, orderly and peaceful elections," Duterte said.
She also reminded teachers who were involved in accidents and incidents whether during or outside their duties during election of their personal accident insurance that they may claim with Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).
"You can claim Personal Accident Insurance from GSIS that we have procured for all teaching and non-teaching personnel of Department of Education," she added.
