For using unregistered ‘Team PNoy’ name, UNA cautions LP

Rep. Toby Tiangco FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Team PNoy has a dilemma with its name being unregistered with the Commission on Elections, which prompted its competition, the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) coalition, to caution the Liberal Party against possible workarounds on the Fair Elections Act.

Team PNoy is an adapted name of the Liberal Party.

In a statement, UNA secretary general Toby Tiangco gave a “gentle reminder” for the ruling party to comply with the Comelec’s regulations for the 90-day campaign period.

“Huwag na nating ipilit ang hindi matuwid (Let’s not push for the twisted), and we hope that they will abide by the rules next time,” he said.

Tiangco was referring to reports which quoted Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. as saying that Team PNoy could not be used for political advertisements as it was not registered with the poll body.

Follow the rules to the letter

Tiangco vowed to ensure that UNA national candidates follow Republic Act 9006 or the Fair Elections Act to the letter.

“All candidates are instructed to strictly comply with all Election Rules and Regulations, particularly Comelec Resolution No. 9615 which prohibits posters, streamers and other forms of campaign collateral that are not compliant with the Fair Elections Act on postering,” he said.

UNA candidates are being required by the coalition to submit monthly reports on their compliance to Comelec’s regulations.