If they win:Two more BSKE bets can’t be proclaimed

CEBU, Philippines — Two other Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election 2023 candidates in Central Visayas have been added to the list of those who cannot be proclaimed yet if they did win the election yesterday, October 30, 2023.

Based on the document released by the Commission on Election (Comelec)-7, four BSKE candidates have pending disqualification cases against them.

The list includes Gian Vincent Sinda, who is running for SK kagawad of Barangay Buanoy, Balamban Cebu; and Mercedita Uy who is seeking for punong barangay position of Barangay Cancawas, San Jose Negros Oriental.

Last week, Comelec-7 disclosed the names of two other candidates: Anthony John Apura, who is seeking re-election for the punong barangay of Barangay Valladolid, Carcar City, Cebu; and Eduardo Gumera, who is running for punong barangay of Barangay Maguikay, Mandaue City, Cebu.

Comelec-7 Regional Director Atty. Lionel Marco Castillano said that the Comelec en banc issued a suspension of proclamation order against the four candidates.

Castillano explained that if the four candidates win, they would have to wait for the suspension to be lifted.

“Huwat lang ug naay order to lift suspension order para ma proclaim sila. Dili pwede ang no. 2 i-proclaim kay wala man sila na disqualify,” said Atty. Castillano.

As of press time, it was determined if the four mentioned have won the election.

In line with this, Castillano issued a directive to election officers and provincial supervisors in the areas of the four candidates to send more forces when winners are proclaimed to avoid chaos, especially among the supporters.

There is no problem with the four candidates, Castillano added, because they received the order of suspension the other day, but they are looking at the supporters who may not accept the result and will instead create trouble.

Apura of Cacar City has initially posted on his Facebook page that the Comelec had no grounds to disqualify him due to a case filed against him in the year 2001, which he said is still not final and executory.

The Freeman also tried to get the side of the three other candidates, but their statements were not available as of last night. — (FREEMAN)