Comelec field execs given mandate to disqualify bets

VIGAN CITY - The Commission on Elections has authorized its lawyer-field officials to screen those who intend to run as congressman in the first district of Ilocos Sur, replacing Ronald Singson who was convicted of drug trafficking in Hong Kong, in a special election on May 28.

In Resolution No. 9191, the Comelec said these officials could “hear and receive evidence only for disqualifications in (certain) petitions.”

These petitions pertain to the certificate of candidacy (COC), declaring a candidate a nuisance candidate, and disqualifying a candidate pursuant to Section 68 of the Omnibus Election Code and for lack of qualifications.

Under Section 68 of the Omnibus Election Code, any candidate is disqualified if found guilty by a court or the Comelec of having given money or other material consideration to influence, induce or corrupt the voters or public officials performing electoral functions; committing acts of terrorism to enhance his candidacy and spending in his election campaign an amount in excess of that allowed by the Code, and soliciting, receiving or making any prohibited contribution, among others.

The Comelec said such a policy was conceptualized to ensure “speedy disposition” of cases.

The poll body added that petitions may be filed from May 14 to 18, or within five days after the candidates have filed their COCs from May 9 to 13.

Singson was removed from the roster of the House of Representatives after he was sentenced to 18 months in jail by a Hong Kong court last February for drug trafficking.

The Comelec is expected to spend some P18.4 million to administer the special poll among 161,975 registered voters in the first district of Ilocos Sur.