Commission on Elections regional director Rene Ray Buac has advised candidates running for elective positions in the upcoming synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to “procure least expensive campaign materials.”
“Campaign materials to be used should be the least expensive ones in consonance with the inexpensive nature of the barangay and SK elections,” Buac said in his one-page advisory addressed to provincial, city and municipal election officers yesterday.
With regards to what types of campaign materials are authorized, Buac said that candidates should follow the provisions of the Fair Election Act.
Section 3.3 of the Fair Election Act of 2001 states that election propaganda materials should only be limited to paper, cloth, or cardboard posters; and that these should not exceed two feet by three feet.
Streamers at the site or announcing the holding of a public meeting or rally should not exceed three feet by eight feet.
The law also states that the streamers may be displayed five days before the date of the meeting or rally and should be removed within 24 hours after said meeting/rally.
Buac added that election officers must advise the candidates to consult their lawyers with regards to the provisions of the Fair Election Act.
Under the law, campaign materials may be placed only in designated common poster areas like barangay halls. The posting of campaign materials along the streets, on bridges, public structures or buildings, trees, electric posts or wires, schools, shrines and main thoroughfares is prohibited.
Anyone caught violating the law faces imprisonment of from one to six years and perpetual disqualification from holding any public office.
Comelec began accepting the certificates of candidacy last September 29 and will go on until October 18. The election campaign will start on October 19 to 27 while the election will be on October 29. — Garry B. Lao/MEEV