October 29, 2023
INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Friday said he was pleased that majority of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election (BSKE) bets at least in Tondo, Manila were opting to comply with poll rules.
“Umikot kami kanina, halos iilan lang ang violations. So binabati ko ang Comelec at lokal na pamahalaan ng Maynila sa pangunguna ni Mayor Honey Lacuña dahil successful ang kampanya ng (Comelec) dito at sumusunod ang mga kandidato,” he said.
Abalos issued the statement shortly after joining Comelec Chairman George Garcia in conducting Oplan Baklas drive or the removal of illegally placed and oversized campaign materials, particularly those hanging from electric posts or wires in Barangay 128, Tondo, Manila.
As per Comelec rules, all BSKE bets are required to place all their campaign materials especially tarpaulins in the common poster areas.
This, as he also reiterated his call for BSKE candidates to observe and abide all election laws, rules and regulations to ensure the successful and orderly conduct of BSKE.
“Basahin n’yong mabuti ang batas. Nakalista doon ang mga bawal gawin, kasama na ang paggamit ng e-payment platforms for vote buying. Let us maintain the integrity of the election and give the voters the respect that they deserve,” he pointed out.
He went on to explain that candidates who hold bingo games, distribute prices, conduct hakot system or mass transporting of voters before or during election day, and handing out cash are telltale signs of being engaged in vote buying.
“Kung gawin mo ito ang presumption ng batas ikaw ay nag vote buying or kasabwat ka dito,” Abalos said.
Meanwhile, Comelec Chairman Garcia said that of the 1.4-million candidates nationwide , only a small percentage or around 2,000 were issued show cause orders so far for illegal campaigning or using illegal campaign materials.
“Kahit papaano po ay maipagmamalaki natin na successful po ang kampanya natin sa tulong ng DILG, PNP at mga LGUs,” he said.
Original Article at: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/Abalos-reiterates-call-for-bets-to-observe-poll-laws-during-Oplan-Baklas-drive/NC-2023-1213