Comelec to retain airtime limits

MANILA, Philippines - Despite the opposition of radio and television networks, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will retain the shorter airtime limits for candidates in the May 13 polls.

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes yesterday said Resolution 9615 requires each candidate to have a total of 120 minutes and 180 minutes for all campaign ads for radio and television.

“We will retain the aggregate. But there will be some changes with the right to reply, some changes in the authority in notices, some changes in epal,” he said.

Earlier, the poll body held a public hearing on the petitions of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas and GMA Network seeking longer airtime limits for the May polls.

In the 2010 elections, candidates were allowed an airtime of 120 minutes campaign ad for radio and another 180 minutes for television.

Meanwhile, under Section 9 of the Comelec resolution, broadcasting networks must secure “prior approval” from the Comelec if they want to interview or make any candidate as guest.

The Comelec also decided to retain the provisions on the “right to reply,” which state that all political parties and bona fide candidates shall have the right to reply on charges published or aired against them.