Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos said he was pleased that the majority of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election (BSKE) bets in Tondo, Manila have been complying with poll rules.

Abalos issued the statement on Friday shortly after joining Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Garcia in conducting the Oplan Baklas drive or the removal of illegally placed and oversized campaign materials, particularly those hanging from electric posts or wires, in Barangay 128, Tondo, Manila.

Under Comelec rules, all BSKE bets are required to place all their campaign materials, especially tarpaulins, in common poster areas.

He also reiterated his call for BSKE candidates to observe and abide by all election laws, rules, and regulations to ensure the successful and orderly conduct of the BSKE.

“Let us maintain the integrity of the election and give the voters the respect that they deserve,” he said.

Abalos also said candidates who hold bingo games, distribute prizes, conduct the “hakot” system or mass transport of voters before or during Election Day, and hand out cash are telltale signs that they are engaged in vote buying.

Meanwhile, Garcia said of the 1.4 million candidates nationwide, only a small percentage, or about 2,000, were issued show cause orders for illegal campaigning or using illegal campaign materials. (PNA)

Photo credit: Facebook/comelec.ph