Print shops set for poll period

BECAUSE it’s an election year, 2013 will be good business for printing shops as politicians prepare for the campaign season for the upcoming May 2013 elections.

While the exercise is still four months away, several printing shops in Cebu City disclosed that they already received several calls from those running for elective posts wanting to avail themselves of their printing services.

Abeth Ng, proprietor of Ben Signmaster, a print shop located along D. Jakosalem St., said that since last year, they have been receiving calls from politicians.

“Gapanganvass na man na sila kay hapit na man ang kampanya,” she told Sun.Star Cebu in an interview yesterday.

Once they close a deal, Ng said they will ask politicians to submit designs of their campaign materials to them as well as number of materials needed.

Working on the election materials usually takes at least a month.

Based on Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution 9385, the campaign period for the May 13 polls starts on Feb. 12 up to May 11 for those running for the Senate and for party-list groups. 

The campaign period for those running for Congress and elective regional, provincial, city and municipal offices starts on March 29 until May 11. 

Ng’s business usually charges P30 per square meter for tarpaulins, which is the most common campaign material.

However, Ng said, during campaign season, they usually lower the price to attract more customers.

Ng said price adjustments will depend on their negotiations with the candidate.

“Depende sad na sa sukod ug sa kadaghanon sa ilang materials (It depends on the size and the quantity),” she added.

Prices

Like Ng’s business, the Ocleasa Sign Expertise, which is also located at D. Jakosalem St., is also lowering its prices for their printing services for election materials.

The owner, who requested not to be named, believes lowering their printing services, which is usually at P30 per square meter, will attract more customers.

“Daghan na man gud kaayong bag-o nga mga print shops ron. Daghan na mi ka-kumpetensiya (There are many new print shops, competition),” she told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday.

Asked if their income doubles every election year, both print shop owners said it doesn’t, but it is relatively higher compared to ordinary days. They, however, refused to divulge the figures.

The camp of Mayor Michael Rama’s Team Rama said the expenses for the printing of campaign materials of their candidates will be personally shouldered. Others will be paid for by their donors.

The same is being practiced by the candidates under the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan headed by Rep. Tomas Osmeña (Cebu City, south district).

Rule on finances

Comelec, in its Resolution No. 9746, tightened the rules on campaign finances and spending for the upcoming polls.

Comelec created a campaign finance unit tasked to receive, compile and analyze reports of candidates and political parties among others. Its members are composed of election watchdogs.

Under election rules, candidates are required to file their statement of contributions and expenses (SOCE) 30 days after the polls.

Failure to do so will prevent a winning candidate from taking office and make him or her liable for administrative charges and fines of up to P30,000.