Comelec reminds bets: No campaigning on Friday

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

THE CAMPAIGN period for local government positions officially begins on March 25, but it being Good Friday, candidates have been advised to begin their campaigning a day later, on March 26.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded candidates Tuesday that the Omnibus Election Code bans campaigning on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and the day before election day.

The code gives candidates for local posts 45 days to campaign. For the May 9 elections, this would run from March 25 to May 7.

The official election campaign period is “a mathematical formula,” said Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez.

“If you count the days, it will fall on March 25. It is part of the intention of the law that does not factor in when that date will fall, even if it is during Lent,” he added.

He also reminded local candidates to remove all campaign materials put up outside authorized common poster areas 72 hours or three days before March 25.

“Whatever prohibited campaign materials they have now, they should have them removed or they may be charged with an election offense,” he said.

Election rules mandate candidates to post their banners only in common poster areas or public places designated by the Comelec such as plazas, markets, barangay centers and other places approved by election officials.

Under the rules, local candidates and registered political parties are entitled to not more than a total of 60 minutes of TV ads on a per station basis and 90 minutes of radio commercials, also on a per station basis whether by purchase or donation.

During the campaign period, candidates are prohibited from giving gifts in cash or in kind.

The appointment or use of special policemen and confidential agents is prohibited.

Violation of campaign rules carries a penalty of one to six years’ imprisonment, disqualification from public office and removal of the right to vote.