ELECTION watchdogs yesterday welcomed the ongoing efforts of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to hold accountable candidates of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) engaged in premature campaigning.
In separate interviews, the National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) and the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (Lente) said they have long waited for the poll body to take serious action against early electioneering activities.
“Previous timid and nonchalant stance towards premature campaigning have led to normalizing it. It’s about time Comelec takes a firmer approach towards these offences,” said Namfrel secretary general Eric Alvia.
“It is right that we show candidates that no one is above the law and that everyone should play by the rules,” said Lente executive director Ona Caritos.
The two said Comelec’s goal of disqualifying candidates before the October 30 elections is feasible.
“It is feasible given the nature of the proceedings as well as the focus of Comelec to go after these erring candidates,” said Caritos.
“It’s doable as long as the case load isn’t a lot,” added Alvia.
Based on latest Comelec data, its Task Force Anti-Epal has already filed 82 petitions for disqualification against candidates engaged in premature campaigning, as of October 6.
In addition, the poll body said there are also 203 possible disqualification cases to be filed based on their “initial assessment.” The task force has so far issued 5,169 Show Cause Orders (SCOs). So far, 1,132 respondents have submitted their replies to the order.
On the other hand, the Comelec has dropped complaints for 347 barangay and youth candidates due to the absence of “factual basis.”
