DILG, Comelec target overstaying village execs

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is coordinating with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to disqualify from the upcoming barangay polls those who have served for three consecutive terms.

The DILG has tasked its unit, National Barangay Operations Office, to screen barangay chairpersons who are now on their last term of office.

The barangay elections will be held on Oct. 28.

Under the law, barangay captains and their councilmen can serve for three years in office for three consecutive terms.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said security measures are in place to ensure peaceful and orderly elections.

PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima said the 45-day gun ban would be strictly implemented.

The gun ban will be in effect from Sept. 28 to Nov. 12.

Premature campaigning

The Comelec yesterday admitted it is helpless in preventing aspirants in the barangay polls from campaigning early.

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. said some candidates have started campaigning prior to the start of the campaign period set by the poll body.

Brillantes said there is no law against premature campaigning.

The Comelec had set the filing of certificates of candidacy from Oct. 11 to 17. The nine-day campaign period for the barangays polls will start on Oct. 18.

Senate to pass bill postponing SK polls

The Senate is expected to pass a bill today postponing the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections scheduled on Oct. 28.

Senate President Franklin Drilon said Senate Bill No. 1186 would likely be passed on third reading, adding that over 17 senators have agreed to defer the SK polls, synchronized with the barangay elections, and reset it to 2016.

Drilon made the disclosure during yesterday’s commemoration of the 115th anniversary of the opening of the Malolos Congress where he was the guest speaker. – With Dino Balabo, Mayen Jaymalin, Danny Dangcalan