The scheduled public hearings on the proposed deferment of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in Negros Oriental will proceed as scheduled from June 27 to 29.
Acting Commission on Elections (Comelec) – Central Visayas director Lionel Marco Castillano said on Tuesday, June 20, that despite June 28 being a non-working holiday (Eid al-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice), the series of public hearings across the province will still be held as there is no more time to transfer these to other dates.
“We already discussed this with Comelec chair (Erwin) Garcia that it would be difficult to move these publics hearings as we have already sent notices to all parties as required by law,” he said.
The Comelec is hoping for a bigger turnout of people in the hearings, especially on June 28 since there will be no work on that day, he added.
Castillano said they have invited mayors, local officials, representatives from the Church, business, academe and other sectors to attend these public hearings so they could air their sentiments and help the poll body in deciding on the proposed deferment of the BSKE.
He also urged the public to attend the public hearings so they can also air their concerns.
The Comelec will hold a coordinating conference on the morning of June 27 at the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office to discuss matters on security and peace and order, Castillano said.
The top officials who will be arriving on June 27 are Garcia, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Andres Centino, and Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr.
Castillano said the Centino and Acorda will hold a briefing on the peace and order and security situation in the province to help the poll body decide on whether Negros Oriental warrants being placed under Comelec control during the elections.
The public hearings are an offshoot of recommendations from national officials to postpone the BSKE as allowed by the law following the assassination of Governor Roel Degamo and nine others at his residence in Pamplona town on March 4.
Sixteen others were wounded.
Castillano said the public hearings will help provide a clear, honest, and truthful assessment of Negros Oriental, to avoid false impressions of the province that would impact on the economy, tourism, and the lives of its people.*PNA