DILG Secretary Orders Losing Candidates in BSKE to Surrender Government Property Within Three Weeks

Quezon City — Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos has mandated all unsuccessful candidates in the recent Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to promptly return all government property in their possession.

According to Philippines News Agency, he has issued DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2023-166 to dictate a transition period not to exceed three weeks for the ‘proper and smooth transition of governments, accountabilities, and actual turnover of barangay and SK.’

In correspondence with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Chair George Garcia clarified that current officials would hold their positions until their successors are ‘elected and qualified.’ Abalos indicated during a Tuesday press conference at the DILG headquarters that winning candidates may assume office immediately after taking their oath, given this stipulation. However, he also acknowledged potential ‘problems on the ground’ related to transition issues and advised newly proclaimed officials to coordinate with DILG officers to ensure proper turnover of assets and records.

High Turnout Among Persons Deprived of Liberty; Proclamation Nearly Complete

In the same press conference, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) jail director Ruel Rivera announced that 26,268 out of 29,288 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) voted in the BSKE, a 90% turnout. Rivera also revealed that eight PDLs ran in the elections, with three garnering the most votes in their respective barangays. The legality of these victories remains under review by Comelec.

According to Comelec Chair George Garcia, as of Tuesday afternoon, 99.47% of election results have been canvassed, and 97.44% of winners in 40,927 villages nationwide have been proclaimed. Garcia emphasized that proclamations should not be delayed and that regional directors must proceed as soon as vote counts are validated. He also noted that in areas where candidates received the same number of votes, resolutions would involve drawing lots or tossing coins.

Garcia further stated that elections in five barangays in Lanao del Sur and Calbayog City, Samar, are still pending due to undistributed election paraphernalia. Investigations are underway, and those responsible may face sanctions. He also warned of legal actions against those who obstructed the voting process, including local government officials and personnel who backed out of serving in the polls.