Candidates in the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) can undergo drug tests and voluntarily give their test results to the poll body, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said.
The poll body also added that it is hoping to partner with more malls that could serve as voting sites for the BSKE.
On the drug tests, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos earlier challenged candidates to undergo said test.
Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said that “nothing can stop our candidates if they themselves voluntarily present and give their negative drug testing certificate to Comelec.”
“I think this will also help them, as long as it is voluntary,” Laudiangco, quoted by a GMA News report said.
According to the official, the Supreme Court previously ruled that the poll body cannot add requirements other than those stated in the Constitution.
Laudinagco added that the Comelec is “completely ready for the BSKE.” “The 92 million ballots have been printed, including the election returns, statement of votes, and others,” the official said.
Speaking on the partnership with malls, Laudiangco said at least 20 malls were expected to participate as voting sites in the October polls, ABS-CBN News reported.
The official did not mention the location and name of the establishments.
“We will set up voting centers there and nearby barangays will benefit and they will be able to vote there. We hope to add more malls with enough space int he next months,” the official, quoted by ABS-CBN News report, said.
Laudiangco said the move would lessen the disruption of classes in schools used as voting sites.
The official further said that a month before the elections, the poll body will train teachers and the members of the election board.
