By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson reminded the winning candidates of the recent barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) to fulfill the pledges they made to their constituents during the campaign period.
Lacson said the winners of the polls should serve as proof that their constituents trust them.
He also reminded those who will be taking their posts soon that they have two years to prove themselves to the public.
The next BSKE will take place in 2025.
Meanwhile, Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria, Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Occidental elections supervisor, confirmed that the number of tie results following the BSKE has reached 137.
Ananoria said 26 tie results were already resolved by “drawing lots,” as coin tossing is now illegal as a basis to decide the outcome of a tie.
He also reminded the municipal election offices in the province to resolve all tie results.
They have been given a five-day notice, as their decision will only be made until today.
At least 238 candidates in Negros Occidental were declared as “sure winners” following the BSKE last Monday, October 30.
Data from Comelec-NegOcc showed 71 barangay captains, 16 barangay kagawads, 41 SK chairpersons, and 110 SK kagawads ran unopposed.
In Bacolod City, six candidates running for barangay captains were sure winners.
They were Hercy Sibug of Barangay 7, Anthony Jose Loth Alfredo Ayco of Barangay 15, Lope Ledesma of Barangay 24, Joseph Anthony Ortillo of Barangay 25, Jan Nico Yap of Barangay 32, and Jomarie Biasca of Barangay 31.
Candidates for SK chairperson in barangays 24, 36 and 37, and SK kagawads in barangays 25 and 34 were also running without opposition.
Meanwhile, Comelec-NegOcc also affirmed that 18 BSKE candidates in the province were issued an Order of Suspension of Proclamation for allegedly engaging in premature campaigning.
Of the number, 17 were from E.B. Magalona town, while one was from Sipalay City.
Ananoria refused to identify the BSKE candidates involved.
He said a candidate, running for barangay kagawad, cannot be proclaimed as a winner due to a pending disqualification case.
Meanwhile, those who lost in the polls with pending disqualification cases are not saved from trouble, as the Comelec continues to resolve their cases, Ananoria said.
If found guilty, he said the candidates may no longer be allowed to run in the next elections./DGB, WDJ