MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said there were reports of violations on the first day of the campaign period on Friday for the Barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) elections on May 14.
Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said they are currently clarifying the details of the incidents.
“There were reports of violations and we are processing them as we speak,” Jimenez told a press briefing Friday afternoon.
“I don’t have the numbers yet, but since morning, I’ve personally seen more than six reports sent directly to me. Mostly in Quezon City,” Jimenez added.
He noted that many people are installing election propaganda materials at the start of the nine-day campaign period.
“First day isn’t over yet. We’ve seen a lot of people actually installing their materials,” Jimenez said.
Meanwhile, he added that they will be closely monitoring campaign violations of candidates during the period.
Jimenez said they will be putting up a command center for the Barangay and SK polls, which will be located at their main office in Intramuros, Manila.
“The command center will monitor all field activities during the elections. It will serve as the hotline to receive, gather, and address all concerns related to the conduct of the barangay and SK elections,” he added.
Jimenez also warned those who will be found violating the campaign rules, noting they could face election offense cases.
“Any violation of the campaign rules and regulations will be considered election offenses and, therefore, it could be disqualifying,” he said.
The campaign period will end Saturday, May 12. (PNA)
