Benguet Commission on Election officers are delighted that the province is safe this coming barangay and SK elections.
According to Benguet Election Supervisor Attorney Julia Elenita Tabangin Capuyan, they are ready for this coming May 2018 election. “In the province of Benguet, we have already prepared the voters’ lists and voting records so we only need the go signal to proceed with the elecions.”
Moreover, she told that they did not request for additional police to secure the province on the day of the election sinnce the province is peaceful and free from disturbance in the entire region of Cordillera.
Atty. Capuyan also added that the election will be counting the votes manually rather than using counting machine, that’s why a number of watchers will be present.
The election period will be from April 14, 2018 to May 21, 2018. During that time, the filing of the certificate of candidacy is still scheduled from April 14 to April 20, 2018.
For the barangay elective position, candidates should be citizens of the Philippines, a registered voter in the barangay where he intends to be elected, a resident for at least a year immediately preceding the day of the election, able to read and write Filipino or any other local language or dialect and at least 18 years of age on the election day.
For the Sangguniang Kabataan council, candidates should be a citizen of the Philippines between 18 to 24 years old, a qualified voter, a resident of the barangay for at least a year; must not be related within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to any incumbent elected regional, provincial or barangay official in the locality he seeks to be elected; must not have been convicted by final judgement of any crime involving moral turpitude, and be able to read and write Filipino, English or the local dialect.
In support with Atty. Capuyan, Benguet Provincial Police Office said that they do not have any areas of concern in the province and they will not add authorities to guard every municipality in the province.
Accoding to PSUPT. Luisito Meris, Provincial Deputy Director for Operations of Benguet PPO, they are stern in terms of coordination with the Comelec Benguet concerning the security and rules on the day of election. He added, “Benguet is a peaceful province. We don’t expect accidents to happen and we have enough man to secure if ever situations will arise on the day of the election.” ** Angel Bolla, UB Intern
