The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has approved a resolution that allows for the suspension of the proclamation of winning barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) candidates who have unresolved or pending cases before the poll body.
The cases in question may involve the cancellation of a certificate of candidacy, declaration as a nuisance candidate, or disqualification.
This resolution grants the authority to issue the suspension to the presiding commissioners of each division and the chairman, who serves as the presiding officer of the Commission en banc.
The suspension order will first be furnished and directed by the deputy executive director of operations.
The Office of the Clerk of the Commission will then notify the respondent-candidates and provide them with a copy of the suspension order immediately. The Office of the Election Officer will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the suspension order by the Barangay Board of Canvassers.
In the meantime, Comelec Chairman George Garcia has confirmed that the poll body has received all the necessary accountable forms, including the official ballots and election returns for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 25, 2023
