Jimenez unleashes ‘hugot’ lines to warn poll violators

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez. INQUIRER.net file photo / CATHY MIRANDA

MANILA, Philippines — It’s just the start of the three-month campaign period for the midterm elections but the Commission on Election (Comelec) already seen a number of  violations, prompting its spokesperson to warn these violators in his most unique way.

In a series of tweets on Tuesday, Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez urged some candidates for the May 13 elections to take down their campaign materials as it violates the Comelec-mandated election rules.

Jimenez added some catchy phrases to remind election candidates of their violations, incorporating words like “three points” referring to the PBA Partylist, “Magara” referring to the poster of Sen. Sonny Angara, “Mga tol” referring to the poster of Senate bet Francis “Tol” Tolentinto, “Mga ser” referring to the poster of President Rodrigo Duterte and former Special Assistant to the President Bong Go, among others.

Some of the common violations of partylist groups and senatorial candidates were the location of their posters and its sizes.

He then urged the candidates to immediately take down these posters as they constitute violations of the election campaign rules.

Under election rules, posters and banners with a maximum size of 61 centimeters (cm) by 91 cm., or 91 cm. by 61 cm. are allowed unless they are placed in common areas.

Common areas are those in public markets and parks. However, footbridges, trees, and electric posts are not considered common areas.

Wrong size na nga, wrong location na rin, KINABIT PA SA PUNO. Three-points! PBA, pakitanggal naman. #VoterEd #NLE2019 #SumbongSaCOMELEC pic.twitter.com/Bhqarcg2jD

— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) February 12, 2019

Bawal na para sa mga national positions – kasama party-list dyan – na magpaskil ng lampas sa 2’x3’ na materials, at yung wala sa common poster area. Di ba, Buhay? #VoterEd #NLE2019 #SumbongSaCOMELEC pic.twitter.com/kvtsVJd5J4

— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) February 12, 2019

Kahit walang “Vote” or “Iboto” or kaparehong salita, campaign propaganda pa rin. Kailangan pa rin patanggal lalo’t mali ang sukat at mali ang lokasyon, mga ser. #VoterEd #NLE2019 #SumbongSaCOMELEC pic.twitter.com/DUGoqR1hOG

— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) February 12, 2019

Magara ngang lokasyon ang footbridge, pero di naman yan common poster area. Saftey hazard pa nga! Paki tanggal naman, ser. #VoterEd #NLE2019 #SumbongSaCOMELEC pic.twitter.com/oFql7ckh1E

— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) February 12, 2019

Bawal ang ganyan, mga tol. Hindi yan common poster area. #VoterEd #NLR2019 #SumbongSaCOMELEC pic.twitter.com/15qTc21rpH

— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) February 12, 2019

Jimenez earlier reminded the candidates for the midterm elections to follow campaign rules or they may be disqualifed.

“Any violation of campaign rules is an electoral offense, and an electoral offense is punishable among other things by disqualification,” he said in a briefing.

Campaign period for senatorial candidates and partylist groups will start on February 12 while campaign period for local candidates will begin on March 29. /jpv