253 BSKE winning bets unproclaimed due to vote-buying cases — Comelec

More than 250 winning candidates in the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) were not proclaimed due to vote-buying allegations, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Tuesday.

According to Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia, around 1,000 candidates faced vote-buying cases while 7,500 bets were charged with vote-buying with premature campaigning during the recent BSKE. A total of 253 barangay and SK officials were withheld from taking office.

“Lesson ‘yan sa lahat ng mga kandidato. Huwag niyo babalewalain at sasabihin kayang-kaya niyo ang Komisyon. Hindi nga kayo nap-proclaim at humaharap sila ngayon sa kaso,” Garcia told reporters during a forum hosted by the the Manila City Hall Reporters’ Association (MACHRA).

(This is a lesson for all candidates. Don't underestimate the Commission. You weren't proclaimed and now they're facing a case.)

The rule of succession is followed when winning BSKE candidates are disqualified, Garcia added.

The poll chief cited a case wherein a full line-up of barangay officials allegedly involved in vote-buying were prevented from assuming office, forcing the mayor to appoint officers-in-charge.

Meanwhile, Garcia admitted no aspirants have been convicted over the issue so far, saying it was difficult to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt. He also said under the Omnibus Election Code, vote-sellers were equally liable as vote-buyers.

“‘Pag nalaman na nila na sila rin mismo ay pwedeng kasuhan…kalimitan ang vote sellers ay umaatras. Kahit bigyan namin ng immunity, umaatras sila,” he added.

(Once they realize they could also be charged… vote sellers often back down. Even if we offer them immunity, they back down.) —RF, GMA Integrated News