SC asked to stop Cayetano, 4 others from early campaigning

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court (SC) was asked the other day to stop re-electionist Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and four new senatorial bets from allegedly making early campaigns through television commercials.

Senatorial candidate Samson Alcantara of the Social Justice System sought the prohibition against Cayetano and Representatives Juan Edgardo Angara of Aurora, Joseph Victor Ejercito of San Juan and Juan Ponce Enrile Jr. of Cagayan; and Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn.

Alcantara accused the five of using TV ads “to promote their candidacies and enhance their chances in the 2013 elections.”

“Respondents’ television commercials are obviously intended to enhance their chances in the 2013 senatorial election, and through the same they are able to circumvent with impunity and render nugatory the limitations on airtime allotment for candidates during the campaign period,” he said.

“Respondents, in authorizing the broadcast of the television ads herein above alleged, have blatantly undermined and violated the letter and spirit of (1) the Philippine Constitution that they, as public officers, have sworn to uphold and defend, (2) Republic Act No. 6713, otherwise known as the ‘Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees; and (3) Article 19 of the Civil Code.

Alcantara cited Angara’s ad on “Senior Citizens Law,” Ejercito’s “Yon Ako” ad, Enrile’s “Gusto Ko May Pagkain Kayo” ad, Cayetano’s “Filipinas 2020” ad, and Hagedorn’s “Express Padala” ad.

Respondents should not invoke as justification the lack of a law on premature campaigning, he added.

Alcantara did not include in his petition former lawmaker Cynthia Villar’s and Vice President Jejomar Binay’s daughter Nancy’s similar TV commercials.

He only targeted candidates with incumbent posts: “As public officers, they have not acted with utmost responsibility and integrity. They have acted contrary to law, good morals and public policy.”