The official campaign period for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections are set to begin tomorrow, October 19, and the Commission on Elections has reminded candidates to abide by the rules.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia said BSKE candidates are allowed to spend only P5 per registered voter, which is applicable during the campaign period from October 19 to 28.
He added that they also need to submit their statement of contributions and expenditures, which covers the campaign period. “Outside of that date, it’s not covered by SOCE and can be considered illegal expenditure.”
Garcia said candidates should also observe the proper size of posters or campaign materials, and reminded them to comply with the prohibition against the distribution of shirts, ballers, caps, or anything of value.
He advised supporters not to wear shirts with photos of candidates to avoid their disqualification from the elections.
Furthermore, Comelec will launch a nationwide “Operation Baklas” or removal of unlawful campaign materials from October 20 to 27.
In Negros Occidental, the Comelec has already issued 144 show cause orders to BSKE candidates, mostly related to premature campaigning. Hopefully those issues are resolved in a timely manner and those at the barangay level can demonstrate that it is possible for the campaign period and election to be conducted as smoothly and peacefully as possible.
As far as the BSKE is concerned, the Comelec says it is ready, as are the police, military, poll inspectors, and other partner agencies. With everything supposedly in place, it is now up to the candidates and their supporters to abide by the rules that will make the campaign period and elections a success, meaning there is neither violence nor cheating involved.
We wish everyone involved in the BSKE campaign period and polls all the best as the country engages in this exercise of democracy to pick our leaders for the most basic unit of government.*
