Barangay bets warned not to campaign before Oct. 18

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–The Commission on Elections on Friday warned barangay election candidates who have filed their certificates of candidacy, to remove their tarpaulins, posters and streamers announcing their candidacy, or face charges for campaigning before the designated period.

Candidates who have already filed their COCs can now be held liable for election offense charges, according to Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes

“They should take down (their) campaign paraphernalia … before they file their COCs,” Brillantes said.

Despite rains spawned by Typhoon “Santi,” many aspirants for the nationwide barangay polls still flocked to the Comelec offices on Friday–the first day of filing of COCs.

The filing of COCs will run until Oct. 17, except on Sunday, Oct. 13.

Brillantes warned that the Comelec will file election offense cases against candidates who refuse to remove their campaign materials.

The same goes, he said, for those who campaign before Oct. 18, which is the official start of the barangay elections campaign period.

Violation of election laws could result in disqualification from running for the public post and election offense cases, which carry one to six years imprisonment as penalty.

The Comelec expects over 600,000 applicants for the barangay elections since there are 42,028 barangays in the country, according to Brillantes.