PINOY Aksyon, a local governance watchdog, criticized the public statements of Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner George Erwin Garcia regarding a potential disqualification case against a barangay chairperson in Cagayan de Oro over a surge in registered voters in Barangay Carmen.
In a statement released Tuesday, the group denounced Garcia’s remarks, calling them “imprudent” and warning that such comments could drag him and Comelec into partisan politics.
“While he appeared righteous in raising concerns about alleged abuse of power leading to the increase in voter registration, Comelec Chairman Garcia should investigate who is behind this smear campaign,” the group stated, emphasizing that barangay officials have no role in approving voter registrations, which is solely under Comelec’s authority.
The group argued that Garcia should focus on directing his regional and local offices to verify the reasons behind the spike in Carmen’s voter numbers instead of making public accusations.
Pinoy Aksyon noted that Barangay Carmen Chairman Raineir Joaquin ‘Kikang’ Uy is the sole barangay chief in the city running for Congress in Cagayan de Oro’s 1st District.
They further alleged that the accusation of fraudulent voter registration originated from incumbent 1st District Congressman Lordan Suan.
The group urged Suan to refrain from using his position to target political rivals.
“Do not deny the people of District 1 the opportunity to elect their representative fairly, without resorting to underhanded tactics,” they said.
Pinoy Aksyon claims to be a non-partisan group advocating good governance in Cagayan de Oro City.
