Campaigning for local bets begins

The 45-day campaign period for candidates running for governor, vice governor, sangguniang panlalawigan (provincial board) member, city and municipal mayor, vice mayor, sangguniang bayan (municipal council) member, congressional district representative begins today, March 28, making them liable for any violation of election laws.

- By DHEL NAZARIO

"Sa mga kumakandidato, tandaan lang, lagi po tayong tatalima sa ipinag-uutos ng Comelec. Huwag pasaway (To all the candidates, just remember to always comply with the directives of the Comelec. Don't be defiant)," Comelec Chairman George Garcia said on Thursday, March 27. "Maiinvoke na natin, mapapatupad na natin nang sapat ang ating election laws (We can now invoke and sufficiently implement our election laws)."

Lawful election materials

Under Resolution 11086, election propaganda, whether on television or cable television, radio, newspaper, the internet or any other medium, including outdoor static and light-emitting diode (LED) billboards and mobile or transit advertisement is hereby allowed for all bona fide candidates seeking national and local elective positions, subject to the limitation on authorized expenses of candidates and parties, observation of truth in advertising, and to the supervision and regulation by the Comelec.

This includes the following:

• Pamphlets, leaflets, cards, decals, stickers, or other written or printed materials the size of which does not exceed eight and one-half inches (8 1/2") in width and fourteen inches (14") in length

• Handwritten or printed letters urging voters to vote for or against any particular party or candidate for public office

• Posters or standing displays ("standees") made of cloth, paper, cardboard or recyclable material, whether framed or posted, with an area not exceeding two (2) feet by three (3) feet

• (Streamers not exceeding three (3) feet by eight (8) feet in size, displayed at the site, and on the occasion of a public meeting or rally. Said streamers may be displayed five (5) days before the date of the meeting or rally and shall be removed within twenty-four (24) hours after said meeting or rally