ILOILO City – Over 100 candidates participating in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in Western Visayas have been served with show-cause orders by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
These orders, issued through Task Force Kontra Epal, target allegations of premature campaigning.
“The show-cause orders were issued directly from the central office or task force in Manila since the complaints were lodged there,” said Comelec 6 director Atty. Dennis Ausan during an interview with Panay News.
Majority of infractions pertained to the unauthorized posting of campaign materials on social media platforms or in public spaces.
Besides the central office, Comelec’s regional, provincial, city, and municipal election offices have also dispatched show-cause orders. However, Ausan couldn’t provide an exact figure regarding the number of candidates affected.
Three candidates from the region, allegedly giving out goods, were recommended by Ausan to the Law Department of the Comelec-Central Office for disqualification.
“I’ve put forth a recommendation for the official filing of a disqualification case. This recommendation also includes a potential violation of Section 80 (of the Omnibus Election Code), which pertains to premature campaigning and vote-buying,” said Ausan.
It is up to the Comelec-central office to review and come up with the decision.
However, the three candidates can file an appeal.
“Depende na ina sa korte sa pila ka adlaw kag kon i-consider ang ila appeal. Amo na siling bala nga ignorance of the law excuses no one,” said Ausan.
Section 80 of the Omnibus Election Code states that “it shall be unlawful for any person, whether or not a voter or candidate, or for any party or association of persons, to engage in an election campaign or partisan political activity except during the campaign period.”
The poll body reiterated that premature campaigning would also be treated as an election offense, and a candidate who disregards this would be liable for election code violations.
On the criminal aspect, Ausan said violations could lead to imprisonment of at least one to six years and deprivation of the right to suffrage, depending on the court.
On the electoral aspect, it may carry a perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
“Kon ano ang gintalana nga campaign period, didto na lang gid kita ya makampanya. That would be from Oct. 19 to 28. Indi pagpakita sa aton nga constituents or magiging constituents nga wala kita ya nagasunod sa laye nga wala pa kita nakapungko,” Ausan said./PN
