Negative campaigning against competitors is allowed — Comelec

MANILA, Philippines — An election campaign material that promotes the negative side of a candidate is allowed as stated under the law, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Wednesday.

“Under the law, campaign propaganda is defined as anything that promotes the victory or defeat of a candidate,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said on Wednesday.

“So by that standard, ‘yung kandidato na iyon, his defeat or her defeat can be promoted. It is a campaign propaganda which is negative and that’s allowed, so there’s no violation,” Jimenez added, in reference to one.

Jimenez was referring to Comelec Resolution No. 9132 that “allows the publication or broadcast, through mass media, of political advertisements or propaganda for or against any candidate or political party.”

Having said this, a negative advertisement against another person or political party during the campaign period is allowed.

Jimenez also admitted that the commission may not fully determine immediately the person behind the propaganda but said that the body could document the move done and pursue an action later on.

“I would say na dapat Comelec ang magtanggal niyan kasi wala naman tayong mauutusan na magtanggal,” Jimenez said.

“But then again, a negative ad is allowed, pero hindi kami ang maghahabol niyan. Kung gusto nilang maghabol for libel, that’s their problem,” he added.

Campaign period for senators and political parties started on Tuesday and would last until May 11.

Election day, meanwhile, is set on May 13. /je