Poll hot spots
EVERYBODY agrees that there’s a need to ensure the holding of clean, orderly and credible national and local elections on May 12.
With just four months before Election Day, concerned state authorities are closely watching “election areas of concerns.”
This, in the view of many, is ample proof that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is determined to protect the sanctity of the ballot.
Reports said that the Comelec, chaired by George Erwin Garcia, has listed a total of 403 towns and cities under “areas of concerns.”
Of the number, 188 areas are under the so-called “Yellow Category,” which means that they have a history of poll-related incidents in the last two elections.
On the other hand, 177 are under the “Orange Category,” which means that there are serious armed threats in these places.
Thirty-eight municipalities and cities are under “Red Category,” meaning there is a huge threat of election violence in these areas.
That’s why poll authorities are considering placing these areas under Comelec control.
The campaign period for national candidates (senators and party-list organizations) starts on February 11.
Local candidates, like district congressmen, governors, mayors and councilors, may start campaigning on March 28.
Comelec deserves the support of the public as it implements various measures aimed at ensuring the holding of clean, honest and peaceful elections on May 12.
