Comelec to poll bets: Pull down posters
Credit to Author: WILLIAM DEPASUPIL, TMT| Date: Wed, 30 Jan 2019 17:21:30 +0000
Two weeks before the start of the campaign period, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) ordered candidates vying for national positions to pull down their billboards and posters or face charges.
Comelec spokesman James Jimenez warned on Wednesday that candidates who failed to remove their campaign materials on or before February 12, the official start of the campaign period, would be held liable for violation of campaign rules.
“Every single bit of campaign propaganda right now will automatically be in violation of campaign rules by February 12,” Jimenez said.
He added that campaign billboards, posters, streamers and other materials should be removed even if these were not put up by the candidates themselves.
“It can be presumed that they are up because the candidate allowed them to remain up. And if the candidate allows them to remain up, then it is clear that they are benefiting from their presence and that might be a way to hold them liable,” Jimenez said.
The Comelec, he added, would send a formal notice to candidates, reminding them to take down all campaign materials attributed to them.
“They will also be subject to dismantling of the Comelec at the proper time and in coordination with appropriate government agencies. We will conduct ‘Operation Baklas’ later because we would like to see first if the candidates will comply,” Jimenez said.
During the campaign period, posters and printed materials bigger than 2 by 3 feet, are not allowed. Campaign materials can only be posted in designated areas that will be announced by the commission.
Candidates of a political party, as well as political parties are allowed to spend P3 per registered voter. Those running for senator are also allowed to spend P3 for each of the 61 million registered voters.
National candidates are also allowed 120 minutes of television exposure and 180 minutes for radio. Local candidates are given 60 minutes exposure in television and 90 minutes in radio.
Jimenez said a candidate’s appearance in a debate show or news program sanctioned or coordinated with the Comelec for purposes of voter education were exempted from the poll regulation.
“If you’re holding a debate and only inviting your candidates of choice then it will be considered ‘donate’ airtime, which still puts it under the ambit of broadcast advertising,” he said.
“You must invite everyone, It doesn’t matter if no one shows. What matters is that you invite everyone, give access to everyone,” he added.
On printed or published election propaganda, each candidate, whether for a national or local election position, is only allowed one fourth page in broadsheets and one-half page in tabloids.
Print advertisements, whether procured or given free of charge, shall not be published more than three times a week per newspaper or magazine during the campaign period.
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