Negros Occidental Acting Provincial Election Supervisor Roberto Salazar is reminding candidates, especially those who are incumbent officials, to allow their constituents to campaign and vote freely in the May 9 elections.
Threats and intimidation are against the law, Salazar warned on Sunday, April 24.
The Robredo People’s Council (RPC) in Negros Occidental on Friday called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to investigate and quickly address the increasing cases of election-related dirty tricks, which include intimidation and direct threats on their volunteers.
Dirty tricks, and cases of intimidation and direct threats on Robredo volunteers have already been reported in Pulupandan, Ilog, Cauayan, La Carlota City and Bago City, former Negros Occidental governor Rafael Coscolluela, RPC provincial campaign manager, said.
Salazar said they should file complaints before the Comelec so they can be acted on.
The Comelec, along with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police, will ensure the security of the people during the campaign period and on election day, he said.
“We are here to level the playing field so people can vote freely,” he added.
He also said using government projects and funds to convince people to vote for a candidate is against the law and tantamount to vote buying.
Salazar said he will also remind the election officers of the towns and cities of the province to act on the complaints of blatant illegal posting of campaign materials in public places.*
[sibwp_form id=1]