2023 elections – Page 2 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Show cause orders against several BSKE candidates surpass 300 nationwide

September 15, 2023September 13, 2023carlocarrasco

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) revealed that show cause orders for Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) candidates over election offenses have surpassed three hundred nationwide, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. The BSKE will have an official campaign period before the voting happens on October 30, 2023.

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

A total of 304 candidates for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) have been issued show cause orders for various violations as of Tuesday, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair George Erwin Garcia said.

Aside from the 102 issued last week and 122 on Monday, another 80 were sent to candidates on Tuesday, Garcia said in a Viber message.

Garcia said the complaints were about the distribution of breads and noodles with imprinted faces of the candidates on the packaging; door-to-door distribution of maintenance medicine kits for senior citizens; cakes for birthday celebrators; and smart televisions, fans and sacks of rice as raffle prizes.

Comelec data show that Cebu, Quezon City, Pampanga, Bukidnon, Nueva Ecija, Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan, Manila, Batangas, Bataan, Cotabato and Rizal have a high number of premature campaigning violation reports.

Violations were also recorded in some areas in Caloocan, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Taguig, Sorsogon, Tarlac, Camarines Sur, Leyte, Albay and Negros Oriental, among others.

“Expect the number to increase as complaints come in and the show cause orders roll out,” Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said in another Viber message Monday night.

Comelec gives BSKE candidates three days upon receipt of the show cause order to respond.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that the rising number of show cause orders will somehow soften the rising number of alleged election rules offenses? Were there lots of instances of premature campaigning in your local barangay? How can you tell if the local candidates are committing premature campaigning? Do you think local community bingo events involving the presence of BSKE candidates should be counted as premature campaigning?

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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Las Piñas City police force vows orderly BSKE in the city

September 14, 2023September 12, 2023carlocarrasco

With the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) gradually approaching, the police officers of Las Piñas City vowed there will be fairness and order in the city as the related activities and holding of the said polls happen, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

The Las Piñas City police assured the holding of fair and orderly Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) in October in the city as it issued contact information for any election-related concerns.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar said the police advisory is part of the city’s commitment to ensure a secure, fair, and orderly conduct of the BSKE for the future leaders of the community.

Aguilar said the police contact information are the following:

Landline: 8832-6422, 8808-7395, 8525-8403, Mobile: 09985987928 / 09474622859

E-mail: pcr_station4@yahoo.com, Las Piñas City Police Station – National Capital Region Police Office (https://www.facebook.com/pcrstation4).

She said the SK elections serve as a platform for the youth to engage in governance and public service. The mayor said it also offers an opportunity for young individuals to be part of decision-making at the local level.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you think there will be little or no trouble in the city once the election campaign period and election day happen?

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

September 13, 2023September 10, 2023carlocarrasco

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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Over 400 candidates from 9 barangays filed for BSKE COCs in Muntinlupa City

September 11, 2023September 7, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, more than four hundred people filed their respective certificates of candidacy (COCs) at the local Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to run in this October’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), according to a Manila Bulletin news report which also revealed the city has more than three hundred thousand voters for the barangay contests.

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

A total of 405 candidates in nine barangays in Muntinlupa filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

“We welcome the participation of qualified Muntinlupeños who wish to lead the local communities through the exercise of our right to vote and through the democratic process. Likewise, we enjoin everyone to cooperate and work together to ensure this year’s polls are reliable, trustworthy, and peaceful,” said Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

Based on Comelec-Muntinlupa’s unofficial list, of the 405 candidates, 24 filed COCs for barangay chairman and 193 for barangay kagawad in Barangays Buli, Putatan, Bayanan, Poblacion, Tunasan, Alabang, Ayala Alabang, Cupang and Sucat.

In addition, 23 candidates filed for the position of SK chairperson and 165 for SK kagawad.

Of the nine barangays, the position of barangay chairman of Ayala Alabang is the only one that is uncontested.

There are 319,654 registered voters for the barangay election and 93,723 registered voters for the SK election in Muntinlupa, based on Comelec-Muntinlupa data.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a Muntinlupa resident, do you approve of the City Government’s distribution of school-related supplies to the local public school students?

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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COMELEC urges BSKE candidates to be watchful and file charges against rivals who violate election laws

September 6, 2023September 4, 2023carlocarrasco

With over a million candidates nationwide registered for this October’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) urged the aspirants to be observant and file complaints against those who are caught violating the election laws, according to a Philippine Star news report. Previously the COMELEC warned against premature campaigning and they anticipated an intense BSKE this year.

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

As the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the Oct. 30 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections officially ended yesterday in most parts of the country, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) urged BSKE candidates to be watchful and file charges against rivals who violate election laws.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said they are relying on the vigilance of candidates to prevent poll offenses, including violations of laws against political dynasties among candidates in the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) or youth councils.

“We welcome the filing of disqualification cases by their rival SK candidates or any interested parties against those who are relatives of incumbent national or local officials,” Garcia said.

Due to limited resources, the Comelec chief admitted that it is difficult for local poll offices to immediately determine if the one filing the COC for the SK election has relatives who are incumbent elected national or local officials.

“We are left with no choice but to accept the COC as the local Comelec offices have no information if they have elected relatives,” he said

The SK Reform Act prohibits those with relatives within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to any incumbent elected national official or to any incumbent elected regional, provincial, city, municipal or barangay official, in the locality from seeking SK post.

Thus, Garcia encouraged rivals of candidates who are attempting to violate the SK Reform Act to file appropriate charges against the latter.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you expect the Barangay and SK elections this year to be intense?

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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Intense Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) anticipated by COMELEC

August 31, 2023August 29, 2023carlocarrasco

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is anticipating an intense Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) this year, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The BSKE will happen nationwide on October 30, 2023.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday, Aug. 28, said it is bracing for an “intense” Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election (BSKE).

“Asahan natin na talagang magiging napakainit ng labanan na ito sapagkat napakahaba termino nung nakaraang Barangay and SK officials at nakailang postpone din tayo kaya asahan natin na medyo mas maiinit ito (Let’s expect that this elections will indeed be very intense because the previous Barangay and SK officials had very long terms, and we also had several postponements, so let’s anticipate that this will be somewhat more heated),” said Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia in an interview during the first day of Certificate of Candidacy (COC) filing.

Garcia said that the degree of “possible tension” would also depend on who will be running for a specific post.

“Tandaan natin na almost 642,000 ang position na fi-fill upan dahil iyan ay SK at Barangay (Let’s remember that almost 642,000 positions need to be filled up because those are for SK and Barangay),” Garcia said.

“Inaasahan natin na higit pa nga na two million ang magpa-file ng kanilang COC para sa mga posisyon na iyan (We expect that more than two million will file their COCs for those positions),” he added.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the BSKE this year will be more intense compared to the previous polls that happened in 2018? Have the barangay and SK candidates in your local community been appearing more frequently and meeting the community members recently?

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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COMELEC issues warning against premature campaigning before the campaign period of BSKE

August 28, 2023August 24, 2023carlocarrasco

The Barangay and Sanggunian Kabataan Elections (BSKE) will take place across the Philippines on October 30, 2023. Before the said election happens, the campaign period for BSKE will take place from October 19 to 28. That being said, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) issued a warning about premature campaigning before the campaign period happens, according to a Manila Standard news report.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) warns barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan candidates from engaging in premature campaigning before the official campaign period set October 19-28 under pain of disqualification or imprisonment.

At the same time, the Comelec said the honoraria for poll workers in the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) has been increased up to P10,000. Comelec chairman George Garcia issued the warning saying appropriate charges will be filed against the candidates who would launch an early campaign following their filing of certificate of candidacy (COC).

Garcia reminded the candidates that the filing of COCs for the 2023 BSKE will be from August 28 to September 2, while the campaign period will run only from October 19 to October 28.

Garcia said August 28 is the start of the election period, as well as the start of the gun ban, public works ban and social services prohibition “unless explicitly exempted by the Comelec.

“Once you file your COC, you are already considered as a candidate. Therefore, we will apply the full force of the law, Section 18 of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC). You cannot go around, campaign, distribute things since you are already a candidate,” Garcia said.

Aspirants must be at least 18 years of age for barangay positions and at least 18 but strictly not more than 24 years old by the day of the election for SK posts.

The Comelec chief also urged voters to report any BSKE candidates who begin campaigning prior to the start of the official campaign period on 19 October.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the candidates in this year’s BSKE will follow the COMELEC’s warning about premature campaigning?

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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To fight vote buying-selling, COMELEC seeks imposition of “money ban”

August 24, 2023August 22, 2023carlocarrasco

In relation with their campaign against the buying and selling of votes, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that it seeks to impose a ban on money (“money ban”), according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). This is related with the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) which is scheduled to happen on late October. The election body previously announced its plan to allow warrantless arrests in response to vote buying and selling.

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

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is eyeing to impose a “money ban” to combat vote buying and selling during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on Oct. 30.

In an interview Tuesday, Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia said under Section 27 of the draft of Kontra Bigay resolution, the poll body may presume vote buying or selling through one’s “possession or transport” of cash exceeding PHP500,000 five days before the election day.

“Hindi natin pipigilan ang pagwi-withdraw ng mahigit PHP500,000. Ang atin pong ipo-prohibit at ipa-punish ay yung pagpapadala ng PHP500,000 lalo na kapag pumasok yung period ng kampanya (We will not prohibit withdrawal of PHP500,000. What we will prohibit and punish are those sending PHP500,000 especially when the campaign period starts),” he said.

However, Garcia said individuals with justifiable backgrounds shall be exempted, including businessmen and disbursement officers or cashiers, among others.

“Saan ka naman nakakita may dala kang kalahating milyon isang araw bago mag election tapos ni hindi ka treasurer, ni hindi ka negosyante? Ano ka, tagapamili ng boto? So ipe-presume namin yung mga taong yan involved sa vote buying (Where can you see someone carrying half a million [pesos] before the election day and you’re not a treasurer nor a businessman? What [kind of worker] are you, a vote buyer? So, we will presume that person is involved in vote buying),” he said.

All police authorities are tasked to conduct 24-hour money ban checkpoints nationwide.

Garcia said although these measures are not under the law, setting such is also not prohibited.

Garcia said the Comelec has submitted the draft of Kontra Bigay resolution to en banc for approval of the proposed money ban and other measures, and setting of guidelines.

Besides transporting or delivering large sums of money, Comelec also aims to monitor the splitting of at least PHP20,000 cash into smaller denominations of PHP100s, PHP50s or PHP20s.

It also targets to cooperate with mobile banking and digital payment platforms to ensure they are not used for vote buying or selling.

“Ang GCash, PayMaya at iba pa pong platform ay under ng BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas). Kausap natin ang BSP at pati na ang AMLC (Anti-Money Laundering Council) (The Gcash, PayMaya and other platforms are under BSP. We are coordinating with the BSP and AMLC),” Garcia said.

Under the Comelec draft resolution, long queues of registered voters for distribution of cash or other favors shall also be subject to the action of law enforcement.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the COMELEC’s planned “money ban” is unrealistic or doable? What do you think the COMELEC should do to effectively fight vote buying-selling?

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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COMELEC planning to allow warrantless arrests in response to acts of buying and selling of votes during the campaign period

August 18, 2023August 15, 2023carlocarrasco

In what seems to be an intention to ensure election integrity, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) expressed that it is planning to allow warrantless arrest of persons who are caught buying or selling votes specifically during the campaign period, according to a GMA Network news report. Take note that this is related to the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

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

The Commision on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday said it is planning to allow warrantless arrest for those who will be caught in the act of buying or selling votes during the campaign period.

In a press conference, Comelec chairperson George Garcia said the commission will issue new guidelines for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), which is set on October 30.

“Sa ilalabas naming guidelines bilang pahapyaw lang po, papayagan natin silang mag-aresto especially kung yung tao ay caught in flagrante or caught in the act. Dati wala po yun. Ngayon, i-authorize po namin siya with full backing of the Comelec because it is our belief that under our Constitution warrantless arrest is allowed,” said Garcia.

(In the guidelines that we will issue, we will allow the PNP to arrest if the person is caught in the act. We will authorize that now with full backing of the Comelec because it is our belief that under our Constitution warrantless arrest is allowed.)

Garcia said that the basis of the previous prohibition of arrest during the campaign period was the 1985 omnibus election code.

But under the 1987 Constitution, Garcia said warrantless arrest is allowed in cases of flagrante delicto or being caught in the act.

He pointed out that if there is a contradiction between existing law and the Constitution, the Constitution will be followed.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this newest move by the COMELEC makes sense as far as election integrity is concerned? Do you think warrantless arrests will make a major dent against the buying and selling of votes during the campaign period?

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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COMELEC expresses confidence that mall voting for BSKE will push through

August 16, 2023August 14, 2023carlocarrasco

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) expressed confidence that its mall voting project with this October’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) will push through, according to a Malaya Business Insight news report.

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

UNLIKE in 2016, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is confident its mall voting project will push through during the conduct of the October 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

In an interview, Comelec chairman George Garcia said they do not see a repeat of the fate of the mall voting initiative in 2016, which was cancelled just days prior to Election Day.

“It was unfortunate that in 2016, we were almost able to hold mall voting in the country.

But now, the entire Comelec en banc approved this (project). We all supported this initiative,” Garcia said.

The poll chief said the full support comes after the success of the Register Anywhere Project (RAP), which was pilot tested in selected malls.

“We thought that if we can do registration in malls, why not do voting in malls as well,” said Garcia.

Back in the 2016 polls, then Comelec chairman Andres Bautista pushed for the mall voting project. But, with barely two weeks before Election Day, it was thumbed down by the Commission en banc with a vote of 4 against and 3 in favor.

Back then, the Comelec en banc reasoned that the Omnibus Election Code (OEC) does not allow the transfer of polling precincts within 45 days before a regular election.

For the October 30 polls, five SM malls and five Robinsons malls are already set to host mall voting.

Eyed as voters, estimated to be at 300,000 individuals, are those belonging to barangays near the participating malls.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you favor the idea of voting inside a shopping mall for the BSKE this October?

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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