The Commission on Elections in Western Visayas has recommended the filing of cases against six candidates in the October 30 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) allegedly for premature campaigning and vote buying.

“I just cannot disclose the details. Those are cases for disqualification for premature campaigning and even violation of our law on vote buying,” Western Visayas regional elections director Dennis Ausan, said in a media interview on Monday, October 16.

Those who were accused of premature campaigning reportedly used social media and tarpaulins to advance their candidacy.

Ausan said his office issues show-cause orders for unverified complaints.

In the case of verified complaints, the candidate has 48 to 72 hours to answer, and the regional election supervisor will come up with a recommendation on whether or not to file a case.

Ausan said more than a hundred candidates running for various posts in the barangay and SK polls in the region are facing complaints filed with the Task Force Anti-Epal or the Task Force Anti-Premature Campaigning, where show cause orders are served directly to candidates.

He said the commission has initiated formal charges against those with show-cause orders and is now the subject of a formal hearing.

“We expect that there will be disqualification decisions that will be handed down by the Commission before the election day,” he added.

Ausan led the nationwide multi-sectoral peace assembly for the 2023 BSKE in Western Visayas, held simultaneously with the flag-raising ceremony at Camp Martin Delgado in Iloilo City on Monday.

He said the assembly is a “show of coordination” in preparation for the October 30 polls.

The participants recited and signed the commitment for the secure, accurate, free, and fair conduct of elections that culminated with the release of doves. (PNA)