MANILA – Some 48 former election candidates from different parts of the country are facing material misrepresentation charges before the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Based on the poll body's latest data released Friday, two barangay and 46 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) candidates are facing election offense charges for alleged misrepresentation in their certificates of candidacy (COCs).
Out of the SK candidates facing raps, 41 ran for council memberships while five sought the chair position.
The two barangay candidates sought to become members of the Sangguniang Barangay.
Those facing material misrepresentation are from Abra, Albay, Antique, Bulacan, Camarines Sur, Cavite, Cebu, Davao City, Laguna and Leyte provinces.
The other bets that are also facing similar charges are from Maguindanao, Metro Manila, Misamis Occidental, Mountain Province, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Quezon, Samar, Sorsogon and Zamboanga del Norte provinces.
Material misrepresentation occurs when a candidate lies about age, residence, voter registration or citizenship.
It is a criminal offense under Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code.
The Comelec's law department earlier filed a material misrepresentation case against dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo for allegedly making false claims in her COC during the 2022 polls. (PNA)
