Comelec chair to TV, radio stations: Don’t accept ‘epal’ ads if…

By: Aries Joseph Hegina - 9 years ago

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair Andres Bautista reiterated on Wednesday that the poll body cannot call out politicians who are accused of premature campaigning.

“If you look at our laws today, there is no such animal as premature campaigning,” Bautista said during the inaugural “Meet the Inquirer Multimedia” forum.

He cited the Supreme Court ruling in Peñera vs Comelec (G.R No. 18163) in 2009 which states that a potential candidate, who is yet to officially declare his candidacy, cannot be made liable for an election offense before the start of the campaign period.

“In layman’s language, this means that a candidate is liable for an election offense only for acts done during the campaign period, not before. The law is clear as daylight any election offense that may be committed by a candidate under any election law cannot be committed before the start of the campaign period,” the High Court’s decision read.

Meanwhile, Bautista urged television and radio stations to not accept politician’s ads if they think they are morally wrong.

“Voters should take these infomercials into account when deciding whom to vote for. I said if we think it is morally wrong, then perhaps broadcast stations, radio stations should not accept these kind of ads,” the Comelec chair said.

He said Congress needs to make laws to address premature campaigning and to quash political dynasties.

“Talagang may butas ang batas (Our laws have loopholes)… Congress has to amend these laws to make them more attuned with the times,” Bautista added.