BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Office of the Election Officer in this capital town has reminded aspiring public officials of the rules and regulations in the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections on October 30, 2023.
During the regular Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) meeting on June 21, 2023, in Barangay Gonogon, Bontoc, Mountain Province, Election Assistant Milton Fillag from the Office of the Election Officer – Municipal Office urged to be-candidates to revisit and follow standing laws and the guidelines of the Commission on the different aspects of the election.
Ahead of the filing of Certificate of Candidacy (COC) from August 28 to September 2, 2023, Fillag mentioned that the basic qualifications remain the same, stressing that aspirants must be at least 18 years of age for barangay positions and at least 18 but strictly not more than 24 years old by the day of the election for SK posts.
In addition, SK candidates must not be convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude or act contrary to justice, modesty, or good morals, and must have no relationship within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to any incumbent elected official in the locality where the aspirant seeks to be elected.
The first degree of consanguinity, or relationship by blood, belongs to a candidate’s spouse, children, and parents, while the second degree encompasses siblings, grandchildren, and grandparents; on the other hand, the first degree of affinity, or relationship by marriage, is with parents-in-law, while the second degree is tied to siblings- and grandparents-in-law.
Those who are to vote for the SK election are registered voters who are ages 15- 30. Meanwhile, those who will vote in the Barangay election are registered voters who are aged 18 and above.
Likewise, Fillag announced the other Calendar of Activities for the Barangay and SK Elections.
The election period and gun ban will begin on August 28, 2023 until November 29, 2023.
Fillag also warned to be-candidates against campaigning outside of the designated campaign period from October 19-28, 2023. He added that a liquor ban will also be imposed from October 29, 2023 until the Election Day on October 30, 2023.
Meanwhile, the last day for all candidates to file their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) will be on November 29, 2023.
Relative to the upcoming Barangay and SK Elections, Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., enjoined registered voters and the general public to contribute towards a peaceful, credible, and successful election in the locality.
