SK polls vote-buying worries Comelec

CEBU, Philippines - An official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) raised his concern that vote-buying might happen again during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) election in October.

Comelec Cebu Provincial Supervisor Lionel Marco Castillano said vote-buying, especially in the SK level, has always been a problem in the past.

“Mao gyud na problema namo. Mas dagko baya gyud ang vote buying sa SK kaysa sa baranggay,” said Castillano.

He explained that candidates can afford to give more because there are fewer SK voters.

According to Comelec regulations, each candidate is allowed to spend P5 per voter in his jurisdiction.

In the national and local elections, each candidate is allowed P3 per voter while the political party he belongs to is allowed to spend another P5.

But since barangay and SK candidates do not have any party, Castillano said they are only allowed to spend P5 per voter.

Another concern that Castillano raised is the practice of keeping SK voters in one place and forcing them not to vote.

These incidents in past were tagged as kidnapping.

Castillano said the parents should complain if this happens to their children.

“Dapat ang mga reklamo kay ang ginikanan kay these voters are still under parental authority,” said Castillano.

Castillano hopes that these incidents will not worsen this coming October elections.

Based on Comelec regulations, Castillano said that giving and accepting of free transportation, food, drinks and things of value are prohibited.

Filing of Certificates of Candidacy is set on October 15 to 17 while the campaign period is from October 18 to 26.

Campaigning is not allowed on October 27, a day before the election and on the day of election itself on October 28. (FREEMAN)