• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Some of the 164 candidates in Negros Occidental issued show-cause orders and charged for premature campaigning are facing disqualification cases and suspension of proclamation should they win in the elections.
This was confirmed yesterday by Provincial Elections Supervisor Ian Lee Ananoria, who refused to elaborate the details, as cases are now pending with the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Comelec records showed that 245 BSKE candidates all over the country are the subjects of orders of suspension of proclamation.
Of the 245, five candidates engaged in vote-buying and 173 in premature campaigning while 37 cases were referred for possible administrative cancellation, it added.
Even if they win, they cannot be proclaimed because of the suspension order, Ananoria said.
Out of 164 candidates, the most number of show-cause orders were served in E.B. Magalona town with 56.
The Comelec en banc reiterated its authority to suspend the proclamation under Section 600 of Comelec Resolution 10924.
Section 600 stipulates the Comelec division’s or en banc’s authority to suspend the proclamation of a winning candidate if an unresolved petition has strong evidence.
Ananoria added that a Comelec opinion was adopted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, stating that upon proclamation of winning candidates, who may be able to submit their statement of contributions and expenditures, they can assume their posts immediately. | GB
