Posted by: quintessentialy on: March 26, 2010
Comelec reminds bets against campaigning on Holy Week
By Anna Valmero
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 14:15:00 03/26/2010
Filed Under: Eleksyon 2010, Politics, Elections, Customs & Traditions, Belief (Faith)
MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded candidates Friday against campaigning during the Holy Week.
Comelec Resolution 8758 that outlines rules for fair elections practices states that “it is unlawful for any person, whether or not a voter or a candidate, or for any political party, or association of persons to engage on election campaign or partisan political activity on Maundy Thursday, April 1 and Good Friday, April 2,” said spokesman James Jimenez.
“Give yourselves [candidates] a break and make use of the Holy Week to reflect and ponder on all the promises you dished out during the campaign period and on how you intend to do them should you get elected in May,” he said.
At the start of campaign period for local candidates Friday, Jimenez reminded them to remove within three days political advertisements, which include their Valentine’s Day, fiesta and graduation greetings, posted in areas prohibited by law.
“The campaign period for local positions has already started today [March 26]. This means local candidates are now officially covered with existing campaign rules and regulations,” said Jimenez.
“If they do not remove illegally placed posters and streamers or advertisements in radio, TV and print within three days at the start of the campaign period, they face disqualification on grounds of election offenses,” said Jimenez.
Resolution 8758 Section 21 states that it is unlawful to post campaign materials in streets, bridges, public structures or buildings, trees, electric posts or wires, schools and shrines. Candidates can only post ads on common poster areas built by Comelec in markets, parks and other public places, said the poll official.
Comelec task forces nationwide have removed and burned campaign materials of candidates posted on areas prohibited by law.
