FRAUD-FREE ELECTIONS. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. (in black polo shirt) confers with jail officials at the Manila City Jail in Sta. Cruz, Manila on Monday (Oct. 30, 2023). Abalos urged the public to report fraud and cheating incidents in polling precincts during the conduct of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections to ensure a fraud-free and credible polls. (PNA photo by Ben Pulta)
MANILA – Authorities on Monday urged the public to report fraud and cheating incidents in polling precincts during the conduct of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos said a fraud-free and credible election is a greater responsibility of voters than just merely casting votes.
"The greater effort sa araw na ito (today) is from every one of us na boboto (who will vote). If you see na may nandaraya, i-report n’yo kaagad. Ipakita natin sa buong mundo na tahimik at maayos ang botohan sa ating bansa (If you see cheating, report it immediately. Let us show the world that elections in our country are peaceful and orderly)," he said.
Abalos said barangay leaders are key in the efficient and effective delivery of basic services in their respective communities for the next three years.
"Huwag kayong magpadala sa pera. Kung sa tingin ninyo ang kandidatong ito ay hindi karapat-dapat, huwag ninyong iboto (Do not be swayed by bribes. If you think a candidate is unworthy, don’t vote for him)."
Meanwhile, Abalos commended the Philippine National Police (PNP) for effectively maintaining peace and order throughout the country on the days leading to the polls.
He said the pro-active actions of the PNP and its coordination with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) resulted in creating a generally peaceful situation throughout the nation.
"Sa (To the) PNP, keep up the good work, kasama ang mga guro, ang (including the teachers, the) Armed Forces of the Philippines and Comelec. The whole team is doing a great job, tulungan lamang ito. Hindi puwedeng mapagod (it’s just supporting each other. We must not get tired)," he added.
Meanwhile, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Regional Director PB/Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. considered elections in Metro Manila as generally peaceful so far with only four cases of vote-buying reported in the region, and three incidents of violation of liquor ban. (With a report from Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)
