Comelec allows candidates to congratulate new graduates

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday said senatorial candidates and party-list groups are allowed to extend congratulatory remarks to new graduates as long as they follow the rules on the sizes of streamers and tarpaulins for their messages.

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes stressed the need for the candidates to comply with election regulations by posting their campaign materials only in identified common poster areas.  

“It’s okay as long as the streamers or tarpaulins are within the allowable size. It also depends on where the tarpaulins are placed. As long as these are lawful, there is no problem,” Brillantes said.

The Comelec made the clarification as tarpaulins and posters of senatorial candidates congratulating new graduates besiege schools nationwide.

Under Comelec Resolution 9615, campaign materials may only be posted in designated common poster areas and in private properties where the owners gave their consent.

The Comelec also mandates that campaign posters must not exceed two by three feet in size.

According to Brillantes, tarpaulins and streamers bearing the names and images of the candidates for national positions and party-list groups are considered campaign material.

Brillantes said that local candidates are not yet covered by the prohibitions since the campaign period for local elections will start on March 30.