Another BSKE bet disqualified

MANILA, Philippines — Another candidate in the Oct. 30 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections has been disqualified.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Second Division said Ireneo Lapis, who was dismissed because of an administrative case, could not run for barangay captain of Pualas in Don Carlos, Bukidnon.

In its order dated March 28, 2005, the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed Lapis from government after he was found guilty of dishonesty.

Section 40 (b) of the Local Government Code provides that removal from office as a result of an administrative case is one of the grounds for disqualification from running for any elective local position.

The Comelec had earlier announced the cancellation of the certificates of candidacy of Merson Calubag and Ivy Jane Miranda, who are running for SK captain in Barangay Magtangale in San Francisco, Surigao del Norte and Barangay Malag-it in Calinog, Iloilo, respectively, for violating the ban on political dynasty.

The poll body also disqualified Aniano Capinig as candidate for village chief in Barangay Cabas-an in Aroroy, Masbate, because he had been sentenced to 18 months in prison.

More disqualified cases filed

Latest data from the Comelec showed that 125 bets are facing disqualification for premature campaigning.

“The Comelec Task Force Anti-Epal filed petitions for disqualification against the candidates for violation of Section 80 of the Omnibus Election Code or the prohibited act of premature campaigning,” the Comelec said.

The Office of the Clerk of Court issued 49 summonses and is preparing another 40.

The Comelec said the remaining 33 cases have been filed or raffled to the first and second divisions of the Comelec.

It said disqualification cases may be filed against 301 other candidates.

The poll body said 520 cases were dropped due to lack of “factual basis.”

Up to 6,463 candidates were issued show-cause orders, of whom 2,894 had submitted their explanation.

The Comelec reiterated that campaigning is prohibited until the start of the campaign period on Oct. 19.

1,388 gun ban violators

On the implementation of the gun ban, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said 1,388 people were arrested for carrying firearms and other deadly weapons since Aug. 28.

Up to 3,681 guns were confiscated, deposited and surrendered to authorities.

Fajardo said the PNP had validated 15 election-related incidents – 11 shootings, two kidnappings, one grave threat and one indiscriminate firing.

She said 20 other incidents are under validation while 48 were unrelated to the polls.

Fajardo said four active private armed groups and 38 other potential PAGs are being monitored. — Emmanuel Tupas