IBP to help Comelec in voters’ education for BARMM polls

MARAWI CITY — The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) has vowed to help the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the conduct of an information and education campaign related to the parliamentary elections of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on October 13 this year.

The commitment is contained in a Memorandum of Agreement signed by the parties on Friday here, in the sidelines of preparations for a mock BARMM election in Lanao del Sur on Saturday.

Among others, the partnership with the Comelec will help dispel disinformation related to various aspects of the upcoming election, said IBP president Allan Panolong.

Panolong underscored the need for the region’s voters to understand the voting process, their rights as voters as well as the historic significance of their choice in the ballot for the Bangsamoro.

The IBP would also assist in “ensuring that every electoral grievance, if there is, would be addressed justly.”

“The IBP will (also) assist in dealing with disputes, legal counselling and ensuring electoral misconduct will be investigated and prosecuted,” Panolong added.

Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia lauded the IBP under Panolong’s leadership for partnering with the poll body. /das