KAUSWAGAN, Lanao del Norte (PIA)--Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson Lawyer George Erwin Garcia called on the candidates running in the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to be responsible in campaigning.

Garcia expressed gratitude for the candidates who have adhered to the guidelines, highlighting their commitment to avoiding premature campaigning.

Out of 1.4 million candidates, some received show-cause orders and disqualifications for non-compliance. Comelec warned that they will continue disqualifying candidates who do not comply before October 30, affirming their unwavering commitment to fair elections.

“Hindi nagpatumpik-tumpik, nagdadalawang isip, o nagbibiro ang Comelec; totohanan ang laban namin na ito [The Comelec does not hesitate, waver, or jest; our fight is sincere],” said Garcia in an interview after the final Regional Joint Security Command Conference in Northern Mindanao.

Garcia urged all candidates to continue following the rules and guidelines, especially those aspiring to gain the support of their fellow citizens. He reminded candidates not to be disobedient or “epal” [attention whores].

According to him, it is essential to show the public, especially at the barangay level, that they deserve the voters' trust. Additionally, candidates should strive to prove that they are the true leaders that the community needs.

For the voters, Garcia highlighted the gravity of their choices in the upcoming elections. He noted that this is an opportunity to replace ineffective barangay officials who have caused hardships in the community during their tenure.

"Sa mga botante, ito ang pagkakataon natin na tanggalin ang mga barangay official na walang kwenta, ang mga opisyal na nagpahirap sa atin sa ilang taon na nakaupo sila. Ito rin ang pagkakataon natin na mailuklok ang mga tamang barangay official na maaaring sila ‘yung dating opisyal o bago na opisyal na sa ating palagay ay magbibigay sa atin ng maayos sa kinabukasan sa ating barangay [To the voters, this is our opportunity to remove the worthless barangay officials, the ones who have caused us trouble during their years in office. This is also our chance to elect the right barangay officials, whether they are the ones from before or new faces, who we believe will lead us towards a better future in our barangay],” he added.

Moreover, Garcia shared that in Region 10, there is strong cooperation among the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the Philippine Coast Guard as they work collaboratively to ensure the security of the upcoming BSKE.

Garcia also emphasized that elections are not solely the responsibility of the Comelec but a collective obligation that involves everyone, extending beyond just the government and being a whole-of-nation approach. He stressed that everyone has a stake in the electoral process. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)