Benitez seeks guidance from Comelec on poll-related bans

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez has sought guidance from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) if the city can be exempted from the ban on some activities, considering that the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) falls in October, wherein the city is also celebrating the MassKara Festival.

In a press briefing yesterday, Benitez said that he wrote a letter to the Comelec, informing them of the activities, including the visit of national officials here during the festival this month.

“I asked guidance if I need exemption from it. Just to be sure,” the mayor said.

The MassKara Festival will officially open on October 6 and will run until October 22, while the campaign period for the BSKE will run from October 19 to October 28.

“We will be celebrating the festival in between those dates,” Benitez said.

Thus, he said he sought guidance or clearance from the Comelec, considering that there might be expenses required for the festival, and barangay officials are also participating.

Benitez said that he met with Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia, and the latter told him that the city had already been given a clearance.

“Verbally nag okay siya,” he added.

However, Benitez said that they will wait for the copy of the Comelec’s answer regarding his request.