DILG warns BSKE candidates vs using social services to woo voters

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) warned candidates for the 2023 Barangay and Sanguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) against using the government’s social services, such as the 4Ps or Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, to secure votes.

At the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, DILG National Barangay Operations Office Assistant Director Izza Mari Laurio said, “Huwag din natin gamitin ‘yung mga ganitong benepisyo ng gobyerno kasi ang vote selling and vote buying it’s not just monetary but also false promises.”

Asked about reports that incumbent barangay officials running for the October BSK polls are using the 4Ps program to threaten or woo their constituents into voting for them, Laurio said, “Kapag nanalo ako, ganito ang ibibigay ko sa inyo, ganyan. So, it’s a form of bribery and form of vote buying na rin and vote selling.”

The campaign period for the BSKE started on October 19. It would end on October 28.

Campaigning would again be prohibited from October 29 to October 30, alongside selling, buying, or taking intoxicating liquor.

On Election Day on October 30, casting of votes will be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Counting and canvassing of votes and proclamation of winning candidates would immediately proceed after the closing of polls.

Laurio reiterated that candidates should refrain from using the government’s social services “kasi kapag napatunayan may mga ganitong acts ang ating kandidato of course may nararapat na kaparushan para sa mga kandidato na nagva-violate ng ating election laws.”

Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) issued show cause orders against 341 candidates for the BSKE over alleged campaign violations, such as having campaign posters that are more than the prescribed size and placing their campaign materials in unauthorized areas. 

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. declared October 30 a special non-working day throughout the country for the BSKE. — DVM, GMA Integrated News