At least 30 candidates face DQ raps over illegal campaign materials — Comelec

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Task Force Baklas is set to file disqualification cases against at least 30 candidates, including a senatorial bet, for allegedly violating the poll body's guidelines on illegal campaign materials.

"Mga 30 to 35 katao ang kakasuhan ng Task Force Baklas officially ng kaso dahil sa hindi pagtatanggal ng mga campaign materials na ni-require ng task force na tanggalin and despite several notices at pakiusap," said Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia.

(The Task Force Baklas will file cases against at least 30 to 35 individuals for violating our guidelines and for failing to remove their illegal campaign materials despite several notices.)

"May isang senatorial candidate (Among them is a senatorial bet)," Garcia said.

The Comelec earlier warned it would issue notices to candidates, directing them to remove unlawful campaign materials and election campaign paraphernalia mounted outside the designated areas within three days as part of its Oplan Baklas.

Failure to comply may result to the filing of election offense cases, which may lead to disqualification.

Last February, the Comelec conducted Oplan Baklas to remove unlawful campaign materials of national candidates in several areas. A subsequent operation for local candidates was held in March.

Fighting discrimination

Meanwhile, the Comelec said the Task Force SAFE or Safeguarding Against Fear and Exclusion in Election, is set to file disqualification petitions against three candidates for violating the poll body's anti-discrimination resolution.

"May tatlong kakasuhan ang Comelec sa anti-discrimination resolution bagamat madami nang nakasuhan ang Comelec ay may napili na maaaring guilty sa pambabastos o pandi-discriminate ng ibang tao," Garcia told dzBB Super Radyo.

(The Comelec will file cases against three bets for violating the poll body's anti-discrimination resolution.)

"Dumadami nang dumadami ang ganiyang kaso. Halos 400 na ang sa vote-buying cases, may nilalabas tayong disqualification, hindi pa rin tumitigil," he added.

(These cases are still increasing. To date, we have almost 400 vote-buying cases, and we are still issuing disqualification petitions.)

According to Garcia, the poll body may hold the proclamation of individuals with pending cases should they win the elections. — VDV, GMA Integrated News

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