COMELEC issues show cause orders against several BSKE candidates due to possible election offenses

While the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) are still several weeks away from happening, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) issued show cause orders to almost one hundred candidates due to possible election offenses, according to a GMA Network news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…

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, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Sunday.

Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the candidates were given three days from the receipt of the show cause orders to explain their sides regarding the accusations.

“‘Yan po, walang formal na complaints. ‘Yan pong mga ‘yan ay resulta ng mga nakita na natin o nai-report sa atin. Ang ginawa ng Comelec, motu proprio [investigation]. Sariling initiative ito ng Commission on Elections,” he 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.)

The poll body has repeatedly warned against premature campaigning as the campaign period will run only from October 19 to October 28.

Garcia said the Comelec has the power to investigate and file its own complaints against candidates who commit election offenses.

Even putting up posters and promoting themselves on social media before the campaign period starts may be considered as premature campaigning.

“’Yung sinabi kong 91, simula pa lang ‘yun. Madami pa po. Susunod-sunurin natin, at aaraw-arawin,” the poll chairman added.

(The filing of show cause orders against 91 BSKE bets was just the beginning. There will be many more. We will do that daily.)

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the COMELEC did the right thing to ensure the credibility of the BSKE? Are the barangay or SK candidates in your local community very persistent with the use of social media?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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