Comelec closely monitoring Socorro ahead of 2023 BSKE to ensure no failure of election

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is closely monitoring the developments in the municipality of Socorro in Surigao del Norte to ensure that there will be no failure of election in the coming 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

Comelec chairperson George Garcia made the remark as he explained that it is the poll body’s duty to ensure a free and orderly elections across the country.

“Dapat maayos at makakaboto sila nang walang pressure, walang dikta ng kahit na sino, at the same time, base sa kung ano ang kalooban nila. ‘Yun ang issue sa Socorro and that’s the reason why the Comelec is monitoring closely the development in Socorro and likewise ‘yung hearing d’yan sa Senado,” Garcia said at a press conference Thursday.

[They should be able to vote without pressure, no influence from others, but according to their will. That’s the issue in Socorro and that’s the reason why Comelec is monitoring closely the development in Socorro and likewise, the Senate hearing.]

Right now, Garcia said the residents of the municipality of Socorro should not worry about a possible postponement of the elections as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have not recommended the halting of the 2023 polls in the area yet.

“So far, base sa pakikipag-usap natin sa AFP at sa PNP, hindi pa [ilalagay sa Comelec control]. May mga kilos-protesta doon patungkol sa naging issue na naihayag at nagiging dahilan ng hearing d’yan sa Senado, pero wala pang nakikita tayong direct relation sa election,” he said.

[So far based on our communication with the AFP and PNP, the area has not been placed under Comelec control. There are protests there but we have yet to see any direct relation with the elections.]

“Bagama’t syempre ang magiging katanungan lagi ay makakapangampanya ba ‘yung mga kandidato sa pagkakapitan o kagawad o mga SK don sa lugar? [The question there is will the candidates be able to campaign?] If it is impossible for the Comelec to conduct the election freely, orderly and peacefully, then we will have to use all the powers and resources of the Comelec just to ensure that all activities will be held on the date and time as provided for by our rules and law,” he added.

Garcia reiterated the Comelec’s commitment that “there should be no failure of election in any part of the country and that we can hold the elections at all costs.”

A Senate joint panel is investigating the alleged systematic rape, sexual abuse, trafficking, forced labor, and child marriage in Socorro, Surigao del Norte. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News