Comelec en banc orders suspension of 19 candidates facing charges
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc has ordered the suspension of the proclamation of 19 local and national candidates. These individuals are currently facing charges filed with the poll body.
Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia announced this decision on Monday, coinciding with the close of the voting period for the May midterm elections. “19 orders of suspension and possible that the orders of suspension directed against certain individuals or candidates may increase as we move on with the day,” Garcia said.
“’Yan lang muna inaksyunan ang Commission kanina immediately after our convening of the National Board of Canvassers,” he added. (The Commission took action against that after the convening of the National Board of Canvassers.)
Charges include vote-buying and anti-discrimination violations
The Comelec en banc orders suspension of 19 candidates amid investigations into various alleged violations. These include vote-buying and breaches of the poll body’s anti-discrimination resolution. The poll body remains vigilant as it continues to review more cases, indicating that the number of suspended candidates could still rise.
Comelec’s swift action highlights its commitment to uphold the integrity of the elections and ensure fairness among candidates. The suspension affects the proclamation of those candidates until their cases are resolved.
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