Comelec vows to be guided by US poll body training

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) assured the people yesterday that it will be guided by the training provided by the Federal Election Commission of the United States, amid mixed reactions over its move to strictly implement campaign finance rules.

Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento said the poll body had also studied thoroughly before deciding to implement some changes in the policies on campaign advertisement.

“The US commission members were here a year ago and they trained our people on campaign finance and advertisement. They gave us tips and orientation which we can use this coming elections,” he noted.

Under Comelec Resolution No. 9615, the Comelec had amended the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 9006 or the Fair Elections Act.

The poll body will monitor political propaganda on the Internet, including micro-blogging and social networking sites like Twitter.

The Comelec had also limited the national candidates’ airtime to a total of 120 minutes for radio campaign advertisement and 180 minutes for television for senatorial candidates.

Local candidates were granted 60 minutes for radio and 90 minutes for television ads.

The poll body had also decided to monitor and include in the computation of the candidates’ campaign expenses election propaganda on the Internet.

Sarmiento said these changes were meant to level the playing among candidates.

“We believe these will be advantageous to more people because we can prevent abuses (in campaign advertisements)… The airtime limit will be a challenge to the creativity, resourcefulness and initiative of the candidates,” he added.

Sen. Francis Escudero, meanwhile, welcomed the Comelec’s guidelines on political campaign advertisement to level the playing field for all candidates in the coming May elections.