The Commission on Elections has issued suspension of proclamation orders against 25 candidates in Western Visayas, 17 of whom are from Negros Occidental, for unresolved petitions for disqualification.
That means in the event that they get the highest number of votes, they cannot be proclaimed winners until such time that their cases are resolved, Dennis Ausan, Commission on Elections (Comelec) regional director, said on Monday, October 30.
Of the 17 candidates from Negros Occidental, one is from Barangay Mabaroto, Sipalay City, and 16 are from Barangay Tabigue , EB Magalona, Ausan said.
Those issued suspension of proclamation orders are facing complaints for premature campaigning.
Ian Lee Ananoria, Negros Occidental provincial election supervisor, said winning candidates who have no suspension orders can immediately assume their posts after proclamation as long as they submit their Statements of Contributions and Expenditures right away.
The SOCE is a comprehensive report on the campaign contributions and expenditures of the political candidates.
He expects that almost all winning candidates will be able to assume their posts by next week.
Unlike in previous elections there is no long wait for candidates to assume their posts, he said.*