The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) emphasized that not all disqualification cases filed against certain candidates can be decided immediately.
These candidates allegedly violated rules for the 2025 midterm elections.
In a recent statement, COMELEC Chairman George Garcia said that some of the complaints filed occurred just a few days before the election.
He added that some were seemingly surprised by the announcement that they could actually suspend the proclamation of a candidate as long as there is sufficient evidence against him.
Meanwhile, in a separate interview, Garcia stressed that voters have significant responsibility against vote-buying.
Garcia said “No one will buy votes if no one sells them.
On the other hand, election watchdog, Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) is calling on the public to remain vigilant in monitoring the elections.
In an interview with Brigada News FM Manila, LENTE Executive Director Atty. Rona “Ona” Caritos said they are inundated with complaints regarding rampant vote buying.
They have also received numerous reports about government officials using state resources in their campaign.
She emphasized that the public should be courageous in reporting such election-related offenses so that the poll body can take immediate actions.
(COMELEC photo)
Abner is an award-winning journalist. He received the prestigious 2015 Titus Brandsma Award for Community Communication in the Philippines and participated in the 2016 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) of the United States of America, sponsored by the US Embassy in the Philippines. Founder of WATCH NORTH COTABATO, a media-citizens’ transparency group. He worked as a correspondent for the Philippine Daily Inquirer and CNN Philippines. His experience in broadcasting includes anchoring for Brigada News FM in Kidapawan and General Santos City and Brigada News TV. He anchors Tira Brigada via 105.1 Brigada News FM Manila, Mondays-Saturdays.