Tinutulan ni Parañaque City Second District Representative Gus Tambunting ang plano ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) na simulan ang filing ng Certificate of Candidacy (COC) para sa eleksyon sa Barangay at Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) sa Hulyo. 

Ayon sa kanya, maaapektuhan nito ang integridad ng electoral process.

“First, the extended campaign/political season will be too long, which may lead to voter fatigue and disinterest. While Comelec claims that there will be no campaigning between July to October, the implementation of such a ban is unrealistic given the number of barangays and candidates involved. It will be challenging to enforce this rule, and it may result in candidates trying to find loopholes to circumvent the prohibition,” pahayag ni Tambunting.

Dagdag niya na ang mahabang political season ay maaari ring maging banta sa kapayapaan sa mga barangay dahil sa madalas na tensyon tuwing eleksyon.

“The longer period of political activity can also lead to an increase in the number of election-related offenses, further compromising the safety and security of our communities. Barangay officials are tasked with ensuring peace and order in our communities, thus, a prolonged election season may compromise this peace,” ayon sa mambabatas. 

Binanggit rin niya na ang maagang COC filing ay maaaring hindi maging patas sa ibang kandidato, lalo na sa mga may kaya at may koneksyon. 

“This will be disadvantageous to other candidates, who may not have the means to prepare their campaigns that early,” dagdag ni Tambunting.

Nakiusap siya na pag-isipang muli ang plano ng Comelec at sundan na lamang ang kadalasang schedule ng COC filing para sa eleksyon sa Barangay at SK. 

Photo credit: Philippine Information Agency