THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to hold the public hearing on proposals to postpone the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in Negros Oriental next week, spokesman Joh Rex Laudiangco said yesterday.
“The Comelec will be going to Negros Oriental to hold the public consultations and public hearings,” said Laudiangco, adding: “We will look for answers to our questions within three days, or from June 26 to 28.”
The poll official said they want to know if there are ways to avoid postponement, when the BSKE can be held in case it is postponed, and how high is the threat level that it requires postponement of the electoral exercise.
“We want to hear the sentiments directly from the people of Negros Oriental,” said Laudiangco.
Last April, Sen. Francis Tolentino proposed the postponement of the BSKE in Negros Oriental in a bid to provide momentum in the peacekeeping efforts in the province.
The call comes on the heels of the political killings in the province, including the assassination of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo.
The Commission is looking to decide on the proposal around the 1st week of October 2023, in time for the October 30 conduct of the BSKE.
