LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – Eight candidates in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in the Bicol region are facing suspension of proclamation due to various reasons with majority of them convicted by final judgement the court, the Commission on Elections-Bicol said on Tuesday, October 31.
Maria Juana S. Valeza, Comelec-Bicol director, said that out of eight candidates, four of them won in the October 30 polls.
"Walo sila na ang kanilang proclamations has been ordered suspended either by en banc first division or second division because of various reasons pero majority sa kanila, they were convicted by final judgement of an offense," Valeza said.
Comelec records show that candidates for barangay captain in Naga City, Camarines Sur; Aroroy and Masbate City in Masbate; Pilar and Sorsogon City in Sorsogon; Capalonga town in Camarines Norte; Viga in Catanduanes, and a barangay councilor in Legazpi City in Albay are facing suspension of proclamation.
Barangay captains from Aroroy, Capalonga, Viga, and Masbate City won in the BSKE.
"Actually merong kopya ang DILG, meron din pong kopya ang korte at meron din pong nag-file ng kaso laban sa kanila," Valeza said.
She said that these individuals facing suspension of proclamation have committed perjury for not telling the truth during their filing of Certificate of Candidacy (COC).
"Ang problema dito nagfile pa rin sila. Aside from nag-file sila is nagsinungaling sila. Hindi nila diniclare sa COC nila that they were convicted by final judgment. Kasi meron doon tanong, have you been charged? Pero hindi nila dineclare. So technically, they also committed perjury. Aside from election offense, perjury plus of course disqualification case against them," Valeza said.
Valeza said that only the proclamation is suspended as their cases are still pending, but if the court favors the decision of the Comelec, there will be a vacant position which the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) will provide the mechanics to fill up.
"Actually ngayon, suspended pa lang naman kasi pending ‘yung case sa kanila. So just in case mali ‘yung desisyon ng Comelec, then puwede sila maupo. Pero kung tama kami, magkakaroon po ng vacancy sa office and the DILG will provide the mechanics para ma-fillupan ‘yan. Normally under the rules, by succession, so just in case wala po elections or special election diyan, possible is ‘yung barangay chairman na mag-aassume is the first kagawad," Valeza said.