Over 600 candidates vie for 277 elective posts in NegOr on May 13

By Jennifer C. Tilos

DUMAGUETE CITY, Jan 11 (PIA) -- A total of 277 elective positions in Negros Oriental are up for grabs with more than 633 candidates vying for local public posts in the upcoming May 13 polls. 

In preparation for the May 13 polls, the Diocesan Electoral Board (DEB) will conduct voters education campaign in and outside college campuses, training of poll watchers, peace covenant signing, and candidates forum, among others. 

DEB convenor, Monsignor Julius Heruela of the Diocese of Dumaguete said the line-up of activities aims to achieve clean, honest, accurate, meaningful and peaceful (Champ) orderly elections in the province. 

In a DEB working committee meeting, Msgr. Heruela said voters education campaign aims to raise the level of consciousness of voters and even the candidates towards Champ polls. 

Volunteers are also needed in the campaign to assist in activities of the accountable materials verifiable audit team, technical assistant and prayer power groups, precinct poll watchers, voter’s assistant desk, among others, said Heruela. 

Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has already issued guidelines including to the filing of candidates and elections campaign, regulations to the firearms ban, and rules on electioneering. 

Comelec provincial supervisor, Atty. Eddie Aba said his agency has also started to assess the conditions in all electoral districts with over 15 areas being declared as hot spots. 

The DEB is composed of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, National Movement for Free Elections, Comelec, Philippine Information Agency, Department of Education, Bishop Businessmen Conference, and the media. (FCR/JCT/PIA-Negros Oriental)