Governor lauds Comelec for orderly, peaceful, credible election

Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson lauded the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the “orderly, peaceful and credible” Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in Negros Occidental on October 30.

“The verdict is out… ,” the governor said, referring to the combined efforts of the Comelec, police and military authorities, and the local government units from the provincial, city and municipality levels.

Lacson stressed that for the reelected, “there’s no time to relax … start your work after your proclamation.”

“The provincial government will continue with its assistance to all barangays in Negros Occidental. We will level it up next year with the increase in our National Tax Allotment (NTA),” he pointed out.
Prov’l Comelec

Meanwhile, Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria, provincial election supervisor, said he received complaints of vote buying in San Enrique, Silay City, and Cadiz City.

There were Kontra Bigay complaints but when the complainants were asked to issue affidavits, they did not return, Ananoria said.

Ananoria said winning candidates who have no suspension order can immediately assume their posts after proclamation as long as they submit their Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) right away.

The SOCE is a comprehensive report on the campaign contributions and expenditures of the political candidates.
Regional Comelec

On the other hand, Atty. Dennis Ausan, regional election director, said Comelec has issued orders of suspension against 17 candidates from Negros Occidental, for unresolved petitions for disqualification.

That means, in the event that they get the highest number of votes, they cannot be proclaimed winners until such time that their cases are resolved, Ausan pointed out.

Of those 17 candidates, one is from Barangay Mabaroto in Sipalay City, and 16 are from Barangay Tabigue in E. B. Magalona, Ausan said.

The poll body issued suspension orders against 25 candidates in Western Visayas.

There are two suspended barangay captains in Negros Occidental, seven barangay kagawads, one SK chairman and seven SK kagawads.

The majority of those issued suspension orders are facing complaints for premature campaigning.* (with EYAdiong)