The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Saturday said it has already filed almost 7,000 show-cause orders against candidates for various election offenses since August 28, the start of the election period for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
Comelec Chairman George Garcia said that while the campaign period started generally peaceful on Thursday, some candidates failed to follow election guidelines, thus another 314 candidates were issued with show cause orders.
He said most of the candidates slapped with show-cause orders involved a violation of campaigning rules, such as illegal campaign materials.
The Comelec likewise reiterated the reminder that the poll body strictly prohibits the distribution of items like T-shirts, ballers, caps, or food; limit the wearing of T-shirts with the candidate’s picture to five people; and limit poster size to 2 feet (0.60 meters) by 3 feet (0.91 meters) only in designated areas.
Garcia said the Comelec is making sure existing rules are followed strictly. He also reminded candidates to watch their backs and their supporters since any violation will be their liability.
“Candidates can tap social media for campaigning, but the Comelec will monitor these activities,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Comelec has canceled the Certificate of Candidacy (COC) of Manuel Najera Guarin for Punong Barangay of Payatas, Quezon City in relation to the BSKE by virtue of the Ombudsman’s decision that he is perpetually disqualified to hold public office, which has become final and executory.
The Comelec is under a legal duty to cancel the COC of anyone suffering from the accessory penalty of perpetual special disqualification to run for public office by virtue of a final judgment of conviction, Garcia said.
When Guarin was an incumbent barangay chief, an Ombudsman complaint was filed against him for grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service for illegal disbursement of barangay funds, he said.
On March 8, 2016, the Office of the Ombudsman issued a Decision finding Guarin guilty of grave misconduct and imposing a penalty of dismissal from service, which carries with it, among others, the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding public office.