Radaza cries politicization in voters information sheet

CEBU, Philippines — Lapu-Lapu City mayoralty candidate Paz Radaza has filed a formal complaint before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) denouncing the alleged politicization of the Voters Information Sheet (VIS).

Radaza, PDP-Laban’s standard bearer in Lapu-Lapu City, was prompted to file a complaint following a video circulating online, which shows Barangay Captain Audi Flores of Barangay Tingo, Olango Island, Lapu-Lapu City, allegedly using the VIS for campaigning purposes.

In the video, Radaza noted that Flores discussed their involvement in the distribution of the VIS.

“In fact, he categorically said therein among others that they are going to get the VIS of 'their' people so that those that will be left will be those of the other camp. Hon. Flores confirmed therein their involvement in the distribution of VIS,” Radaza stated in her complaint.

She emphasized that such actions could compromise Comelec’s information campaign.

In the same complaint, Radaza further claimed: “[A]s we all know, especially with the recent pronouncement of the Comelec, barangay officials are partisan as they are allegedly allowed to actively participate in political activities. To allow or at least tolerate their involvement in the distribution of VIS will not only politicize this Comelec’s new information dissemination program. Worse, the same will shamelessly betray the Comelec’s supposed mandate for a fair elections, as the VIS would just be reduced as a state-sponsored campaign tool for the administration’s slate to the prejudice of other candidates.”

Comelec recently launched its latest voters information campaign, which includes the distribution of VIS to registered voters. The VIS contains personal voter information, precinct numbers, voting instructions, and a sample ballot.

Radaza argued that Flores' actions “clearly expose their offenses and the vulnerability of the VIS to their exploitation and abuse.”

She urged Comelec to impose penalties and appropriate sanctions against Flores, as warranted by law.

Radaza also appealed for the disallowance of barangay officials or any partisan individuals from participating in the distribution of VIS. She called on Comelec to actively fulfill its role in ensuring fair elections and to “finally stop from playing blind and deaf to offenses committed in the city.” — (FREEMAN)