More areas may be placed under Comelec red category

MANILA, Philippines —  With only two weeks to go before the midterm elections on May 12, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is not discounting the possibility of more “areas of concern” falling into the red category.

“It’s possible that areas under red category will increase, coming from those under orange,” Comelec  Chairman George Garcia told reporters in Filipino.

He said the purpose of classifying areas for the elections is to ensure proper and more balanced deployment of security forces.

Areas under the red category are those with a history of election-related violence, intense political rivalry and threats from rebel groups.

The Philippine National Police earlier reported  34 areas in the country under the red category.

Garcia said cases of election-related violence remain relatively low compared to previous elections in 2019 and 2022. It’s a situation he attributed to intensified operations  by the police and the military.

Col. Randulf Tuano, PNP public information officer, said they have documented 35 validated election-related incidents. The PNP has so far documented 13 election violence-related fatalities.

Garcia said he also sees the number of disqualification cases being filed against candidates to triple or even quadruple as election day approaches, largely due to vote buying.

He said the fact that the Comelec is being barraged with complaints from citizens about poll violations is an indication of the public’s trust in the poll body.

“This is a symbol of the trust of the different sectors in society in the Comelec. They believe the Comelec is always ready to act on their complaints,” he said.

Yesterday, disqualification and election offense cases were filed against Malabon congressional bet Antolin Oreta III as well as candidates for Malabon councilors Lorenzo Oreta and Joey Sabaricos for alleged vote buying.

In the complaint filed before the Comelec by a registered voter identified as William Nicolas, the three candidates were accused of distributing cash and goods to those who attended a campaign sortie last March 28.

Disqualification complaints were also filed yesterday against Masbate Vice Gov. Elisa Kho, Masbate Representatives Richard Kho and Olga Kho as well as Mayor Fernando Talisic of , for alleged violation of the prohibition against abuse of state resources.

The four incumbent Masbate local government officials reportedly utilized the LGUs emergency alert broadcast system to promote their candidacies.

The Comelec previously ordered the four local officials to explain why they should not be disqualified and charged with election offense for said campaign violation.

For allegedly engaging in vote buying, a formal disqualification complaint was also filed yesterday against Iloilo Rep. Teodorico Haresco Jr.

Garcia said Comelec is also set to issue an order barring a Quezon province congressional candidate from running in the coming elections.

Garcia said the Comelec Kontra Bigay committee is investigating 242 cases of vote buying and abuse of state resources that could lead to the disqualification of candidates involved.

The Comelec First Division has ruled to disqualify Matt Erwin Florido as a congressional candidate for the 3rd District of Quezon Province. Florido is the first candidate to be disqualified by Comelec for vote buying.

Stable power during election season

Meanwhile, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla has enjoined all distribution utilities (DUs) in the country to ensure stable and uninterrupted power supply throughout the election season.

He also called for comprehensive contingency measures in areas housing data centers dedicated to the 2025 national and local elections.

Power distributors are likewise directed to work closely with the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines to make sure polling places and local government offices are not affected by load shedding or power outages.

Aside from delivering stable power supply, Lotilla also ordered DUs to inspect the Comelec’s voting and canvassing centers within their respective franchise areas.

In February, the Department of Energy  activated the energy task force election to prevent any power-related disruptions before, during and after the elections.

The task force is expected to operate a centralized energy command hub to monitor and address possible power issues that may arise during the election period.

Power distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), which provides electric service in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, has assured the public of its readiness to respond quickly to any power outages during the election.

“Our generator sets are ready, and our crews will be deployed in strategic locations so that in case of isolated interruptions, we are ready to respond accordingly,” Meralco spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga said.

From January to March, the country’s largest power utility spent close to P700 million to upgrade and develop substations within its franchise area.

These projects include the expansion of gas-insulated switchgear substations in Taguig and Valenzuela as well as the development of a new substation in Laguna.   – Brix Lelis