The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported that at least 91 candidates for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) were issued with show-cause orders due to alleged election offenses such as premature campaigning.
In a radio interview, Comelec chair George Garcia said the candidates were given three days from the receipt of the show-cause orders to explain their sides regarding the accusations.
The poll chief also said there were no formal complaints.
“These were only the results of what we have seen or reported to us. What the Comelec did is motu proprio [investigation]. This is the Comelec’s own initiative,” Garcia clarified.
Comelec earlier sent advisories to remind candidates to refrain from premature campaigning. The BSKE campaign period will be from October 19 to October 28.
The poll regulator meanwhile said the BSKE in Malabang, Lanao del Sur may be placed under its control following an indiscriminate firing incident in the municipality during the filing of certificate of candidacy (COC).
Garcia said that he would personally recommend placing Malabang under Comelec control after two individuals fired shots at the Municipal Hall of Malabang on August 31 amid the COC filing, GMA News reported.
The official said those behind the firing maybe trying “to intimidate those who were filing certificates of candidacy and prevent them from filing COC.”
Garcia added that the candidates who were filing for the BSKE posts were all women.
Garcia said the perpetrators, allegedly working for Malabang Mayor Alinader Balindong, have surrendered to authorities and are currently in detention and facing formal charges. A show- cause has also been issued against Balindong.