Final hearing set on b’gay, SK poll postponement

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will hold today the third and final public hearing on the postponement of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections in Mindanao.

Today’s hearing in Cotabato City is vital as the results of the first two hearings were contradictory, according to Comelec spokesman James Jimenez.

Participants during a consultation in Zamboanga City wanted the elections to push through, but a majority in Cagayan de Oro wanted to postpone it.

“With these results of the two public consultations, the outcome of the third hearing is vital to the Comelec’s decision,” Jimenez said as he urged residents of Cotabato to join the event at the Alnor Hotel and Convention Center in Cotabato City.

“The Comelec reiterates its call for the public to participate in the hearing, either by appearing in person or by submitting a verified position paper,” he said.

The poll body initiated public hearings to give all parties equal opportunity to be heard on matters regarding elections in Mindanao.

Earlier, Congress extended martial law in Mindanao until Dec. 31, which prompted the Comelec to postpone the scheduled barangay and SK polls in the region last year.

Jimenez said the Comelec decision on whether to postpone the polls is expected within two weeks.