ELECTIONS chairman George Garcia has ordered all field officials of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to investigate the alleged meddling of local officials in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) last October 30.
Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco said the move proves that the poll body is bent on making accountable the local leaders who reportedly interfered in the conduct of the barangay and youth polls.
“Chairman Garcia issued a directive to all our directors to gather and start the investigation on these people that meddled, interrupted, and applied pressure during our electoral processes,” said Laudiangco.
“During our meeting earlier, he (Garcia) ordered the gathering of the names of these officials and politicians and have them submitted to his office,” he also said, adding that Garcia wants all probes completed and cases filed “within three weeks’ time.”
Laudiangco said meddling acts include pressuring Electoral Board members and Comelec personnel, attempts to prevent proclamation of winners, threats of violence, and unnecessary presence in polling places, among others.
Laudiangco said local officials who would be found guilty of meddling during the BSKE will be slapped with election offense cases.
“All of them may face election offense if their actions involve threat, coercion, and violence. All of these are provided under Section 261 (of the Omnibus Election Code),” he said.
Once cases are filed, the poll official said it would mark the first time that the Comelec will run after meddling local executives.
“This would be the very first time that the Comelec will perform its mandate and make sure that all those that disturbed the elections, whether elected or private citizens, will be held accountable and face charges,” said Laudiangco.
On Sunday, Garcia said local government officials will be charged if they are found guilty of meddling in the conduct and results of the BSKE.
According to Laudiangco, they have received initial reports of politicians meddling in the Bicol Region and Northern Mindanao, among others.
He also said that majority of the local officials are mayors, but they are not ruling out the possible involvement of higher officials.
Meanwhile, CBCP – National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA) chairman Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo urged BSKE winners to become servant leaders in their respective communities.
“Being a leader is giving service to others and not for self-interests only,” said Bagaforo.
“We urge you to serve the best interests of your barangays and to work tirelessly to improve the lives of your constituents,” he added.
Aside from performing their obligation and mandate, the prelate said being servant leaders is expected from them by the Lord.
“We owe our leadership roles to the Lord. We are mere stewards of the positions, so we have this responsibility to fulfill,” said Bagaforo.
Elected during the October 30 polls were 42,001 barangay chairmen; 294,007 barangay council members; 42,001 SK chairpersons; and 294,007 SK council members.