(File photo)
MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday reiterated the strict prohibitions for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) campaign period, starting October 19 to 28.
In an urgent memorandum, the poll body warned anew against wrong-sized campaign materials including billboards, tarpaulins, and individual posters exceeding two by three feet in common poster areas.
"In case there are unlawful campaign materials posted on public and private properties, the Election Officer (EO) shall send a notice to remove; and a show cause order to the concerned candidates," the memorandum read.
Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia explained that the BSK bets shall be the ones liable once election officers find unlawful campaign materials in common poster areas, public, and even private places.
"Notices (will be) addressed to candidates, not to the property owners. So, they will have to talk to the private owners," he told reporters in a Viber message.
The nationwide Operation Baklas (removal of illegal campaign materials), meanwhile will be conducted from October 20 to 27, according to the Comelec memorandum.
Campaign sorties prohibition
The Comelec also reiterated prohibitions under the presumption of vote buying including the distribution of food or drinks to supporters during campaign sorties.
"Giving of T-shirts, ballers, bags, sun visors, hats/caps, umbrellas, handkerchiefs, ball pens, fans, candies and others of value is strictly prohibited, including giving of food and drinks during and after a meeting or campaign sortie," the memorandum added.
Moreover, only the candidate and five individuals among his or her campaign staff are allowed to wear shirts with the candidate's picture.
The Comelec earlier said that all BSK bets must limit their campaign expenditure to PHP5 per voter.
This means that complaints related to illegal campaigns, premature campaigning, or even vote buying may result in a candidate's disqualification or election offense.
BSKE bets, meanwhile, may utilize online platforms to conduct their campaign rallies.
"Livestreaming on the candidates' social media platforms shall be considered a form of e-rallies," the memorandum read.
Besides social media platforms, BSK bets may campaign on "television, cable television, radio, newspaper, or internet," subject to campaign rules. (PNA)
