MANILA, Philippines?Former Senate President Franklin Drilon on Saturday urged the Commission on Elections to clearly define what constitutes premature campaigning.

Speaking at the Sulo Hotel Forum, Drilon asked if appearances in soap and other television advertisements by potential candidates before the official campaign period opens would constitute premature campaigning.

Drilon asked for the clarification as he warned that the earlier deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy, November 30, gives candidates a two-month period within which they might conduct premature campaigning.

The official campaign period for national positions starts in mid-February.

Drilon said Comelec should issue a resolution on the issue so that candidates could avoid activities that may be considered premature campaigning and therefore illegal.