Comelec’s Jimenez explains ‘loophole’ in premature campaigning
Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez. INQUIRER file photo
MANILA, Philippines—Candidates with tarpaulins posted in various areas in the metro could not be held liable yet for early campaigning, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Tuesday.
Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said that politicians with tarpaulins bearing the words “vote for me” could still skirt the law considering that the campaign period has not yet started.
“Actually, kahit may mga sulat na ‘iboto niyo ako’ or ‘vote for me’ ganyan, hindi pa rin yan ico-consider na violation kasi hindi pa nagsisimula ang campaign period,” Jimenez said in an interview with dzMM.
The campaign period for senatorial hopefuls will start on February 12, while those running for other positions will start on March 29.
According to Jimenez, an individual could not be considered an official candidate for the May 2019 midterm elections until the Comelec issued the final list of candidates prior to the start of the campaign period.
“Hindi sila pwedeng sitahin ngayon kasi hindi pa sila kandidato kahit nagfile na ng (Certificates of Candidacy),” Jimenez said.
“Hangga’t hindi umaabot sa petsa na yan, hindi sila masisita sa kahit na anong bagay,” he added.
The Comelec is set to release the list of official list candidates for next year’s elections on Saturday, December 15.
A total of 152 senatorial aspirants filed their respective certificates of candidacy for the 2019 polls. /jpv
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