Comelec Plans to File Charges Against Barangay Officials Issuing Certificates Without Proper Verification
Comelec will file both charges against barangay chairmen issuing barangay certificates without proper verification.
The Commission on Elections is an independent constitutional body in the Philippines responsible for overseeing the electoral process. Its primary role is to ensure the proper conduct of elections, referendums, and plebiscites, as well as to enforce election laws and regulations.
The Comelec handles voter registration, accredits political parties, supervises the conduct of elections, and oversees the counting and canvassing of votes. It is also tasked with ensuring fair and clean elections by addressing election-related disputes, enforcing campaign rules, and preventing fraud and other forms of electoral manipulation.
Recently, the Comelec is set to file both criminal and administrative cases against barangay chairmen found to be issuing barangay certificates without proper verification.
The action comes after an investigation by the Comelec Special Task Force revealed that many individuals, especially from barangays in Makati and Cagayan de Oro, had submitted barangay certifications even though they were not actual residents of the areas.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia emphasized that while they respect the work of barangay officials, issuing certificates without proper checks is an act of exploitation.
Garcia noted that there have been numerous complaints about areas experiencing sudden, unexplained increases in the number of registered voters, which has raised concerns about the integrity of the voter registration process.
The official urged the public to report any unusual spikes in voter registration in their areas. He stressed that immediate action must be taken to address this issue and prevent the manipulation of the voting process.
The Comelec has made it clear that it will not tolerate any attempts to undermine the electoral system, and barangay officials who violate these procedures will be held accountable.
The agency’s move aims to ensure the fairness and accuracy of voter registration, as well as to protect the integrity of the upcoming elections.
As the investigation continues, the agency remains committed to ensuring that all registered voters are legitimate residents and that the electoral process remains transparent and trustworthy.
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