More than 3,000 join barangay, SK polls

CEBU, Philippines – Over 3,000 candidates are vying for barangay positions in Cebu City as the filing of the certificates of candidacy for the October 25 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections ended at 12 midnight.

Last-day filers trooped to the offices of the Commission on Elections in Cebu City yesterday to beat the deadline. Among them are members of the media.

Reelectionists Barangay Captain Ramil Ayuman and Councilman Allan Majait of Apas were among the members of the media who filed their COCs yesterday. The FREEMAN reporter Garry Lao is also seeking reelection as councilman of Barangay Tejero.

The other members of the media who are seeking for barangay positions in Cebu City are Elly Bolonos and Bernie Cabusao, both of dyHP, Gerry Auxilio of dySS and John Rey Saavedra of Banat News.

As of 7:00 p.m. last night, there were 3,224 candidates who have filed their COC with the Comelec, 180 of them are running for barangay captain, 96 in the North District and 84 in the South District.

A total of 1,666 candidates are vying for councilman, 947 in the north and 719 in the south. There are also 195 candidates for SK chairman, 111 and 84 for the north and the south, respectively.

For SK councilors, 667 are running in the north and 516 in the south or a total of 1,183. The numbers however could still go up as the Comelec continue to entertain last-minute filers until 12 midnight.

The filing of COCs started in October 1 until October 13 midnight. The campaign starts today until on the 24th, a day before the election day.

Cebu City North District election officer Marchel Sarno has reminded the candidates that they are not allowed to post their election campaign materials other than the designated areas.

He said it is prohibited to post campaign posters on bridges, trees and electrical wires.

Sarno said the candidates should also comply with the allowed sizes of propaganda materials to avoid possible legal problems.

"Ang maayo g'yud nga buhaton mao nga dili nila botohan ang mga kandidato nga dili motuman sa balaud," Sarno urged the public in an interview over DYLA.

Sarno said that the allowed campaign poster is similar to that of a size of a long bond paper.

Under the Fair Election Practices act, the poll body will only allow the following: pamphlets, leaflets, cards, decals, stickers or other written or printed materials, which sizes should not exceed 8 1/2 inches in width and 14 inches in length.

Posters made of cloth, paper, cardboard or any other material, whether framed or posted, with an area not exceeding 2 feet by 3 feet. Streamers not exceeding 3 feet by 8 feet in size displayed at the site and on the occasion of a public meeting or rally, but these should be removed immediately after the event.

Meanwhile, Mayor Michael Rama has approved P16 million additional allowance for teachers and other personnel who will serve in the elections.

City treasurer Ofelia Oliva said it is now for the City Council to approve the proposed financial aid for the Commission on Elections.

The council is expected to discuss the matter during its regular session tomorrow morning.

The Comelec earlier requested an additional allowance for those who will be serving the elections because the poll body only granted P1,000 allowance for each member of the Board of Election Inspectors. - Gregg M. Rubio and Rene U. Borromeo/FPL (FREEMAN)