No proclamation for bets facing disqualification cases – Comelec

MANILA, Philippines — Candidates facing disqualification complaints are less likely to be declared winners in the May 12 midterm polls, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced yesterday.

“We are studying the possibility of suspending the proclamation of candidates with pending disqualification cases if they win the elections, especially if there is strong evidence against them,” Comelec Chairman George Garcia said.

Up to 400 complaints of vote buying and abuse of state resources are being investigated by the poll body’s Kontra Bigay committee, Garcia said.

Meanwhile, the Comelec has dismissed one of two disqualification cases filed against Pasig congressional bet Christian Sia over his lewd remark on single mothers.

Comelec spokesman John Rex Laudiangco confirmed this to The STAR yesterday, a day after Sia released a statement saying the dismissal “removed a large thorn” in his candidacy.

Laudiangco, however, said the petition filed by the Comelec Task Force SAFE against Sia remains pending.

The Solo Parents party-list filed a disqualification complaint against Sia for saying that “single mothers, especially those who are still menstruating, may sleep with him once a year if he gets elected.”

Sia’s joke has sparked outrage from government officials and national candidates.

Makati Mayor Abby Binay and Taguig District 2 Rep. Pammy Zamora are facing disqualification cases over alleged conspiracy to bribe voters.

The complaint, filed by a resident of Barangay Cembo, stemmed from Binay’s remark during a campaign sortie on April 10.

“Congresswoman Pammy would speak and she would show you heaps of cash because she has a lot of funds. You’re dead, Pammy,” Binay, who is running for senator, reportedly said.

The Comelec affirmed its previous ruling canceling the candidacy of Darwin Sia, who is running for Manila councilor.

Sia has been convicted by the court for illegal use of electricity.

No resetting of polls

The midterm elections will push through on May 12, the Comelec said amid fake news circulating online.

False stories on social media saying the midterm polls were rescheduled to May 10 are intended to confuse and discourage Filipinos from casting their votes, according to Garcia.

Voters are not required to present their national IDs before voting, the Comelec clarified.

Steps are being taken to identify fake news purveyors, the poll body said.

Declare May 12 holiday

With six days left before election day, the Comelec has asked President Marcos to declare May 12 a holiday to enable more Filipinos to cast their votes.

Election day is traditionally declared a holiday, but a presidential proclamation is required, Garcia explained.

Meanwhile, instead of manually encoding the initial results of the elections, the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) will audit the election returns for the national and local levels using QR codes.

The PPCRV, which is run by Catholic volunteers, has been accredited by the Comelec to conduct an unofficial parallel count in the midterm elections.

Stay neutral, cops told

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Marbil directed PNP personnel to remain politically neutral and focused on maintaining peace and order during the polls.

“The core mission of the PNP during elections is twofold: to ensure public safety and maintain political neutrality,” Marbil said. “We are not here to serve political interests. We are here to serve the people and protect democracy.”

Marbil warned police officers engaging in partisan politics that they will face disciplinary actions, including possible dismissal from the PNP.

The Philippine Army has deployed 16,489 personnel to secure the elections.

Meanwhile, the Department of Energy has ordered the removal of campaign posters illegally attached to electrical wires and poles.

The directive was issued to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, National Electrification Administration, electric cooperatives and distribution utilities, citing risks to public safety and power supply reliability.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology has ordered internet service providers to suspend network installation, repairs and maintenance until May 14. — EJ Macababbad, Mark Ernest Villeza, Brix Lelis, Rainier Allan Ronda, Ghio Ong, Pia Lee-Brago