Siquijor Comelec Provincial Election Jerome Brilliantes (right) and Siquijor Police Provincial Director Emelie D. Santos (left) during the lighting of candles for a peaceful and honest election. (Photo from Everlita C. Arong/SAID)
LARENA, Siquijor (PIA) – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) here has warned the public against individuals who claim they can manipulate election results in exchange for money.
“Daghan na kaayo ang nagsuroy-suroy nga moimpluwensya nga sila nay bahala sa eleksyon,” said lawyer Jerome G. Brillantes, provincial election supervisor of Siquijor, during the recent Unity Walk, Inter-Faith Prayer, and Peace Covenant Signing here.
(There are so many people going around trying to influence that they will take care of the election.)
Brillantes said this is a scam as no one can manipulate the elections.
“Lisod kaayo magpa-elect nga karon pa mo magpakita sa inyong pagkatawo,” he said.
(It’s very difficult to win an election, if the candidates are only showing their track records just now.)
He highlighted the importance of genuine public service over last-minute attempts to win votes.
Brillantes also assured the candidates and voters that Comelec and the law enforcement agencies are committed to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
“It is their votes that we are duty-bound to observe and faithfully uphold ” he said.
While verbal exchanges among candidates are expected, Brillantes also made it clear that any form of intimidation or physical violence will not be tolerated.
“Once we can feel that there’s physical (violence), or somebody would be intimidated, I won’t hesitate to elevate our situation and will not hesitate to call the policemen and uniformed men,” he said.
Siquijor has a total of 149 clustered precincts and 81,894 registered voters.
The province has been tagged under the “green” category or election areas of no security concern based on a joint resolution of Comelec, Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, and Philippine Coast Guard.
Brillantes urged the community to work together in ensuring honest , credible, and peaceful elections.
“I beg of you to please maintain the peace and order. We cannot maintain it without your support and cooperation,” he said. (RAC/CAG/PIA7 Siquijor)
