Comelec video seeks to educate voters, candidates

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Commission on Elections (Comelec) released Monday a new educational video showing candidates and voters proper, legal and novel techniques in running an election campaign.

The video features “Tina Tama,” a character who presents guidelines that local candidates can adopt in courting the people’s vote.

The campaign for local candidates officially started last Saturday.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez earlier said that the poll body expects an increase in violations of regulations once the campaign period for local candidates starts.

Prohibited acts

In the new Comelec video, “Tina Tama” contradicts “Boy Bawal,” featured in the Comelec’s first educational video that informs the public and candidates of the prohibited acts during the campaign.

“Boy Bawal” showed illegal election propaganda posted on trees, electric posts and wires, waiting sheds and public utility vehicles.

“Hindi naman lahat ay bawal, mayroon din tamang paraan ng pangangampanya. Tama na ang puro bawal, tama naman (There are also proper ways of conducting a campaign. Forget the faulty way, go for the right way),” Tina Tama said in the two-minute video.

In the Comelec advertisement, Tina Tama said candidates should be creative in conducting their campaign and should be informed of the location of common poster areas designated by the Comelec.

She added that candidates should seek the permission of private individuals if they want to post their campaign materials on their property.

“Tina Tama” also discouraged the practice of vote buying.

Appearing in the video, Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. said he expects candidates to follow election rules.

Comply with regulations

Brillantes said that with the start of the local election campaign, the Comelec expects candidates to comply with the regulations of the poll body.

Those who violate the law will be charged with criminal election offense, he added.

Tina Tama and Boy Bawal reminded the candidates: “Alam niyo na ang bawal, kaya gawin lang ang tama. Para maging maayos ang eleksyon, simulan sa tamang pangangampanya (Now that you know what is illegal, it’s time to do what is right. For the election to run smoothly, conduct your campaign the legal way).”

The videos are part of the Comelec’s initiative for citizen’s participation in reporting potential campaign violations.