18 Jan COMELEC To Conduct Public Hearings RE: Barangay & SK Elections in Mindanao
Photo: www.canadianinquirer.net
According to an article by the Philippine Canadian Inquirer, the Commission on Elections will conduct 3 public hearings in Mindanao. This is to determine whether to postpone the Barangay and SK elections or not.
Comelec Spokesperson, James Jimenez, stated in an interview that the event will be held at Grand Caprice Restaurant and Convention Center. At the Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City on January 23.
“The consultations are precisely meant to help the Commission determine whether or not the upcoming elections should be postponed in Mindanao,” Jimenez said.
The Barangay and SK elections are supposed to be held last October 23, 2017. But it was postponed due to terrorist threats and the implementation of Martial Law at the time.
COMELEC has also set the public hearings in Gov. Carmins Avenue, Zamboanga City on January 22 and the Alnor Hotel and Convention Center in Cotabato City on January 29.
Jimenez also added, “It is crucial for us to verify that the conditions for free and fair elections are present. In spite of the persistence of Martial Law in that part of the country.”
If you are confused as to why they can postpone the elections, it’s because based on the Omnibus Election Code, the commission, either motu proprio or through a petition by any interested party, and after due notice and hearing, may postpone the holding of elections. This can be due to violence, terrorism, loss or destruction of election paraphernalia/records, force majeure, and other analogous causes.
Further updates will be available once the public hearings have concluded.
Source:
www.canadianinquirer.net
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