Comelec runs after SK bets related to pols

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday vowed to disqualify Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) candidates with relatives who are elected officials.

Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said once the poll body has validated information, it would go after those candidates and prevent them from running in the SK elections in October.

“If ever we are able to prove that you are related to any elected official, that will be a ground for your disqualification,” Bautista said.

He admitted that it would be difficult for the Comelec to screen and immediately identify candidates who have elected officials as relatives.

The only way to screen candidates, Bautista said, is through the certificates of candidacy (COCs).      

Bautista earlier announced plans of the Comelec to include a statement in the COC, wherein a candidate guarantees that he/she does not have a relative up to the second degree, who is an elected government official.

“That is the most practical method, wherein we have a warranty in the COC that he/she has no relatives up to the second degree,” he stressed.

Candidates in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections can file their COCs from Oct. 3 to 5.