Comelec to local execs: Don’t campaign for village bets in ‘non-partisan’ polls

By: Tina G. Santos - 11 years ago

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has warned local government officials against endorsing candidates in the coming barangay elections, citing the Oct. 28 polls’ “nonpartisan” nature.

Comelec Chair Sixto Brillantes said on Tuesday the endorsement of political parties as well as the appearance of elected officials, like mayors and governors, either in campaign materials or in person during barangay candidates’ campaign sorties is prohibited.

“This election should be nonpartisan. When the mayor gives a speech supporting a candidate, that is a clear show of support,” said Brillantes in a press conference.

He added that endorsing a candidate could be considered an election offense, which carries a penalty of one to six years imprisonment, removal of right to vote and disqualification from public office.

The Comelec official urged the public to report to the poll body any such violation, preferably with evidence.

“Show me the evidence and we will have the mayor jailed,” he said when told about some campaign posters showing candidates’ hands being raised by mayors.