UNA may have violated the law for premature campaigning, says Angara

Senator Edgardo Angara. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines—A senator  on  Tuesday wondered if the United  Nationalist Alliance (UNA) has violated  the law  when it  released its first political advertisement on television less  than a month  before the  start of the official campaign  period.

“Hindi ba ang official campaign period is February 12? Hind ba yun unlawful campaigning? Premature campaigning?” said Senator Edgardo Angara when asked  bout his reaction  to the  UNA’s political ad  featuring its senatorial   bets  in May 2013.

Angara’s son, Aurora Representative Juan  Edgardo  Angara,  is  running  under the Liberal Party, which is the Aquino administration’s coalition.

But the senator was quick to clarify that he had nothing against UNA, saying many of  them are his  friends.

In fact, he himself said that the ad may not be considered premature campaigning if the  candidates  are  not asking the  public to vote for  them.

“Hindi pa, hindi pa palagay ko,” he said when asked about his opinion on the ad. “Introduction lang naman. Hindi naman sinasabing iboto nyo ako. Parang introduction pa lang.”

The senator also even praised UNA and its leaders for being organized.

“Magaling sila, organized, very organized. Mga veterans ang mag leader.  Tatlong hari,” he said, referring to former President Joseph Estrada, Vice President Jejomar Binay, and Senate President   Juan Ponce-Enrile.

But Angara was unfazed for his son, confident that the administration has its own plan or strategy.

“Anyway hindi pa naman campaign period, bakit tayo magpa-panic?” he said.

Angara said he would help in the campaign of his son  as soon as he finishes his work in the Senate.