Comelec warns barangay, SK poll bets on poster limits, giveaways

MANILA, Philippines — After a six-week wait for the candidates, the official campaign period for the Oct. 30 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections starts today. Aspirants for positions in the country’s smallest political units may finally go on the stump, but under certain restrictions, from Oct. 19 to 28. Following the period for the filing of certificates of candidacy from Aug. 28 to Sept. 4, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has so far filed disqualification petitions against 137 candidates for premature campaigning. The poll body has dismissed complaints against 723 candidates for lack of basis, while ordering nearly 6,000 candidates to explain why they should not be charged. The Comelec deputy executive director for operations, Rafael Olano, reminded election officers to strictly enforce the campaign rules. Olano warned that candidates would still be held accountable for oversized campaign posters even if the materials were put up on private property. ‘Operation Baklas’ Election rules limit the size of campaign posters, billboards and tarpaulins to a maximum dimension of 2 x 3 feet. Even if the materials are meant to be put together to form a collage-like poster, their maximum size should still not exceed 2 x 3 feet, according to Olano. Campaign materials could only be put up in public places that are designated as common poster areas. Posters without the phrase “political advertisement paid for/by” or “printed free of charge” are considered illegal and can be removed by Comelec personnel. No handouts “In case there are unlawful campaign materials posted on public and private properties, the election officer shall send a notice to remove and a show-cause order to the concerned candidates” to explain why they should not be charged with election offense, said Olano in an Oct. 16 memo. Comelec would undertake a nationwide “Operation Baklas” to dismantle illegal campaign materials in public places on Oct. 20 and 27, he added. The rules also ban the handout of food and drinks during and after a campaign sortie or meeting, as well as usual giveaways like shirts, ballers, bags, sun visors, hats or caps, umbrellas, handkerchiefs, ballpens, fans, candies and other “items of value.” “The candidate and five of his/her campaign staff may wear T-shirts with the candidate’s picture during the campaign period,” said Olano. Comelec has also prohibited the distribution of cash or in-kind assistance through the government “assistance to individuals in crisis situation” program from Oct. 20 Read more at: inquirer

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