Comelec to delist 'overstaying' barangay chiefs

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is working overtime to purge the list of candidates of barangay chairpersons who filed their candidacy despite having completed three consecutive terms.

James Jimenez, Comelec spokesman told reporters during the weekly Kapihan sa Sulo Hotel in Quezon City that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has already submitted the list of barangay chairmen who are no longer qualified to seek re-election on tomorrow’s barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

“We are now in the process of delisting overstaying barangay chairmen,” he said.

The purging of the list of candidates was triggered by numerous complaints against barangay chairmen who filed their candidacy even if they have already completed three terms.

Under the law, a local elective official can only serve for three consecutive terms. Three-term politicians sometimes take advantage of this by fielding a relative – usually their spouse or child – to run for election in their place rather than run for a fourth term. Whether their relative wins or loses, politicians are again eligible to run in the local election that follows.

Jimenez said the overstaying barangay chairpersons were able to file their candidacy because the Comelec’s role is only ministerial as far as the filing of certificates of candidacy is concern.

He said if a candidate possesses the qualification provided by law they have no choice but to accept the certificate of candidacy.

“Disqualification of candidate is a separate process and there must be a complainant for the case to prosper,” Jimenez said.

According to reports, at least four candidates in northern Metro Manila, particularly in Caloocan City, are seeking a fourth consecutive term.

Caloocan City Mayor Enrico Echiverri said he is warning candidates against cheating in the polls. “Don’t even think about employing such plans because the local police and the city government won’t let you get away with it.”

He has directed the local police to set up more checkpoints to arrest those who make trouble during the elections.