First 2 days of campaigning for local posts peaceful – Comelec

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Sunday noted that the first two days of the campaign season for local government positions were “generally peaceful.”

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said that the commission did not receive any “untoward events” since the kickoff of the local campaign season on March 29.

Jimenez noted, however, that a number of candidates reportedly committed campaign violations, particularly on the posting of campaign materials.

“No disruptions were reported. No reports of violence but violations were rampant particularly on old campaign materials that do not follow guidelines that have not been removed even now,” Jimenez, speaking partly in Filipinos, said in an interview with AM radio station DZMM.

Jimenez said that candidates were given three days to remove campaign materials that did not comply with the Comelec campaign guidelines.

He added that these offenses were punishable by fine, imprisonment, or disqualification.

Jimenez also reminded candidates to post their campaign materials only in common designated areas or private properties, as long as consent was secured from the owner of the property.

“Posting of campaign materials in private properties without consent is definitely not allowed,” Jimenez said. “Posting of materials on Meralco posts is also considered as an automatic violation.”

Jimenez also reminded voters not to waste start thinking about their choices.

“We’re less than two months from the election. You should be thinking about your votes now,” he said. “Do not waste the opportunity given by the campaign season to get to know the platform and stands of the candidates.” /atm