Barangay bets urged to follow rules as campaign period starts today

MANILA, Philippines - As the campaign period for the barangay elections begins today, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded all candidates nationwide to strictly abide by campaign rules to avoid disqualification.

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. said candidates for the barangay elections on Oct. 28 should abide by the regulations on the size of campaign posters and not to put them in prohibited areas.

“There are common poster areas identified during the May elections and they remain, just follow the rules,” Brillantes stressed.

“We have the same rules under the Fair Elections Law and we are not changing it. We will be as strict as we were in the May elections,” Brillantes added.

Candidates, particularly those from Metro Manila, must also obey the regulations on motorcades to avoid causing inconvenience to motorists, Brillantes said.

The filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) started last Oct. 11 and ended yesterday, which triggers the start of the campaign period today.

Brillantes also advised candidates in barangays that were severely affected by the recent typhoons and earthquake not to join in the distribution of relief goods to avoid being accused of bribing voters and engaging in illegal campaigning.

The Comelec chief said candidates should just leave the distribution of relief goods to victims of typhoons and earthquake to the local government units (LGUs) in their areas.

“The local government officials are not running so they should be the one who should be helping the disaster victims. Don’t let the barangay officials do it, because they are candidates,” Brillantes pointed out.

He said the Comelec would not hesitate to disqualify those candidates who will be found guilty of violating campaign regulations.

Brillantes said he has ordered the legal department to immediately send out notices to candidates as soon as they have received reports of campaign violations.