The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has
set the special elections in the 1st District of Ilocos Sur to take
place on May 28, 2011, after former Rep. Ronald Singson was
convicted of prohibited drug possession in Hong Kong and started
serving his sentence of 18 months imprisonment. COMELEC promulgated
Resolution no. 9169 on April 01, 2011, setting the Calendar of
Activities and certain Prohibited Acts for the Special Election.
April 28, 2011 marked the start of the election period until June
07, 2011, and from May 09 to 13, candidates
may file their COCs.
COMELEC identified the following as prohibited acts within the
district during the election period: alteration of territory of a
new polling precinct and establishment of a new precinct; carrying
of firearms; transfer or detail of officers and employees in
government offices, including public school teachers; and the use of
bodyguards or security personnel by candidates whether or not they
are members of the police, the military and other law enforcement
agencies. Furthermore, during the election period, the following
activities are not allowed:
construction of public works projects, delivery of materials for
public works and issuance of treasury warrants or similar devices
for future undertaking chargeable against public funds” and
fund-raising through “dances, lotteries and cockfights,” among
others
COMELEC Resolution no. 9169 will be implemented in the ten (10)
towns of Ilocos Sur and Vigan City. The towns are: Sinait, Cabugao,
San Juan, Magsingal, Santo Domingo, San Ildefonso, San Vicente,
Bantay, Santa Catalina, and Caoayan.
The resumption of the continuing registration of voters for the 2013
national and local elections, scheduled for this week throughout the
country, will be postponed until July 1, 2011 in the 1st District of
Ilocos Sur, more than a month after the special election.
However, as the date for the filing of Certificate of Candidacy
(COC) draws closer for the Special Elections, constituents are still
on the lookout as to who will run for the position. Earlier news
reports told that Vigan City Vice-Mayor Ryan Singson, younger
brother of former Rep. Ronald Singson, has been chosen by their
local party, Bileg, to run. Running against him could be former
Board Member Efren Rafanan or Atty. Beltran Baterina. However, later
reports say that Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson will go toe-to-toe
with Efren Rafanan to
run as Congressman. With all of these rumors spreading, the Ilocanos
will definitely look forward to the final list of candidates to
decide on the fate of their district. (Various news sources). |
