Comelec officer to file charges against supporter of candidate

Cebu City-North election officer Marchell Sarno has threatened to file, this Monday, two charges against a businessman from barangay Pari-an for allegedly violating election laws.

The businessman (whose name is withheld pending the filing of charges) allegedly got angry and barged into the Comelec office Thursday night after Comelec employees seized from his business office the campaign materials of a senatorial candidate, said Sarno.

"Isog gyud kaayo siya, unya iya gyud kuhaon pagbalik ang tarpaulin ni Defensor pero di gyud na puwede kay ebedensya man gyud na. Mao tong nihamag gyud siya nako may na lang nga nipugong ang usa sa among staff," Sarno said.

Section 2 of the Omnibus Election Code prohibits individuals from coercing, intimidating, and terrorizing election officials and employees in the performance of their function.

Comelec regional director Rene Buac said the decision to file the case against the businessman-supporter of the senatorial candidate would set a warning to people not to harass election officers that are merely enforcing the law.

"Ambot wa sab ko kasabot aning mga supporters ug mga politiko. Kahibawo sila nga duna tay authorized nga size nga 2 feet by 3 feet, pero dili gyud sila mosubay sa lagda," Buac said.

The Comelec has been confiscating campaign materials that are oversized in violation of the law. — Ramil V. Ayuman/RAE