Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo —PHOTO FROM CBCPNEWS.NET
MANILA, Philippines – Politicians should be better examples of local politics, especially in being honest, Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo said Thursday, a day before the campaign period for local candidates starts.
Bagaforo, who is also the national director of Caritas Philippines, said politicians must be an example in respecting and abiding by election laws to improve the conduct of elections.
“If we want to improve the conduct of our elections, our candidates need to do the necessary, and that’s ensuring they first respect and abide by the election laws… tapat dapat,” Bagaforo said in a statement.
“As a virtue, kindness can bring more meaning to victory, than hitting each other below the belt,” he added, prompting candidates to evoke the golden rule: do not do unto others, what you do not want others do unto you.
Bagaforo also advised candidates to be environmentally conscious, campaign with clear platforms and plans, follow decency, proper decorum, and follow laws mandated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Candidates should also respect one another by preventing violence, he added.
“Be mindful of plastic wastes, campaign with clear platforms and programs, observe decency, de quorum, and COMELEC rules, and respect one another by avoiding violence,” Bagaforo said.
Under Comelec rules and guidelines, vote-buying and selling, removal or destruction of any lawful election material, display of campaign materials outside authorized areas, provision or receipt of transportation and food during campaign sorties, and campaigning during Holy Week or after the campaign period are all prohibited.
Candidates were also reminded, as per Comelec Resolution No. 10730, to implement COVID-19 preventive health and safety measures during gatherings, properly identify campaign materials, and disclose the names of donors or payors of all electoral propaganda materials.
The campaign period for national candidates commenced on February 8, while the campaign period for local candidates will begin on March 25. – Jericho Zafra, INQUIRER.net intern
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