Senate bet offers iPads to public

MANILA, Philippines - Can candidates offer iPads to the public?

This is what the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is trying to find out as one senatorial bet was found to be giving away the expensive gadget through social networking sites Facebook and Twitter in possible violation of election laws.

“We don’t know yet what the actual violation is. We are still checking but it will fall probably under illegal campaigning since they are giving away prizes,” Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes said.

He declined to name the candidate, but a search online showed that the generous bet is former senator Jamby Madrigal, who is running under the Liberal Party-led Team PNoy.

“Speak your mind out about corruption and win an iPad,” Madrigal posted in her Twitter account (@TheRealJamby) last Feb. 15.

“It says that whoever gives the best answer will win the iPad,” Brillantes said of the online “game.”

A winner or winners would be chosen from among participants who complete the phrase, “Corruption is bad because…”

A promotional photo for the game can also be seen on Madrigal’s Facebook account. The site also carries the words “dadadaFriends of jajajaJamby want you to win a Free iPad” and “Contest ends March 12. Winner will be announced March 15.” Those who wish to join the contest may click “like” on Madrigal’s fan page.

Meanwhile, election watchdog Center for People Empowerment in Government (CenPEG) yesterday lashed out at Brillantes for accusing critics of “election sabotage.” – Sheila Crisostomo, Evelyn Macairan