CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Central Luzon is calling on candidates in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections 2023 (BSKE 2023) to follow the campaign rules.
Aspirants have 10 days from October 19 to 28 for their campaign.
COMELEC Assistant Regional Election Director Elmo Duque reminded candidates that violators of guidelines may be subject to perpetual disqualification and deprivation of their right to suffrage.
“The campaign period for BSKE 2023 serves as a platform to introduce your advocacy, and this is not a personal fight. Let us make our elections peaceful,” he said.
Violators may also be imprisoned for not less than one year but not more than six years, not subject to probation and pardon, except with the decision of COMELEC.
Duque reiterated that BSKE 2023 candidates are allowed to do in-person or house-to-house campaigning in the duration of the campaign period.
They are also allowed to distribute pamphlets, leaflets, cards, decals, stickers or other written or printed materials given that their sizes do not exceed 8 and ½ inches in width and 14 inches in length.
Aspirants may also disseminate cloth, paper or cardboard posters, whether framed or posted, not exceeding 2×3 feet.
Streamers not exceeding 3×8 feet in size are likewise allowed if these are displayed five days before the date of the meeting or rally and shall be removed within 24 hours after the meeting or rally.
In addition, Duque explained that aspirants may also campaign using social media platforms to conduct e-rallies and livestreaming.
“Any candidate, individually or jointly with other aspirants, may hold online political rallies, meetings, or other political activities during the political period,” he stated.
Candidates who are using social media for campaigns are not allowed to give gifts to livestream audiences and to run promotions and campaigns that will award in-platform gifts or game currency.
Meanwhile, candidates are banned from handing out food and drinks during and after a campaign sortie or meeting.
They are not as well allowed to distribute giveaways such as shirts, ballers, bags, sun visors, hats or caps, umbrellas, handkerchiefs, ballpens, fans, candies and other items of value.
With this, Duque called for the public’s active participation in the strict enforcement of anti-vote buying and vote-selling measures.
“Let us not sell our votes… Know the credentials of the candidates, know their strength, their skills, and their advocacy for the sake of your communities. Be responsible voters,” he pressed.
Violations of election guidelines may be reported through its website at comelec.gov.ph.
The poll body has issued a show-cause order for a total of 681 erring BSKE 2023 bets in the region. Those who were not able to respond in a span of three days may be subject to disqualification. (CLJC/JLDC-PIA 3)
Commission on Elections Assistant Regional Election Director Elmo Duque (left) calls on aspirants of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections 2023 to follow the campaign guidelines. (Jag Lyra D. Costamero/PIA 3)
