Campaign period in special polls areas starts

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced the start of the campaign period in the province of Basilan and some areas in Bulacan for the upcoming special elections on November 13.

The Comelec en banc noted that the campaign will run from today (Friday) until Thursday next week.

The poll body stressed that candidates with political parties are only allowed to spend P3 per registered voter plus another P5 from his political party, while an independent bet may spend as much as P5 for every voter.

The Comelec also reminded the bet that they are required to submit their respective Statement of Contributions and Expenditures after the elections.

Violations of the campaign rules could result to committing an election offense, which carries a penalty of one to six years imprisonment and removal of right to run for public office and right to vote.

To recall, the province of Basilan; the city of Malolos in Bulacan; as well as eight towns in Lanao del Sur, namely, Buadiposo Buntong, Kapai, Marantao, Calanogas, Ganassi, Lumbatan, Pagayawan, and Tugaya are set to hold special elections after it failed to push through with their May 10 polls.

Voters from Basilan are set to vote for members of their provincial board while those in Malolos will elect congressman for the 1st district of Bulacan.

Asked why candidates in Lanao del Sur towns are not allowed to campaign, Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez explained that the postponement of the polls in the eight municipalities have different reasons.

The Lanao del Sur case was caused by the declaration of failure of elections on election day thus giving the candidates ample time to campaign prior to May 10.

“Doon sa Basilan at Bulacan, maaga pa lang sinabi na natin na hindi itutuloy yung elections doon so hindi sila nagkampanya,” said Jimenez in a separate phone interview.

Elections for provincial board members of Basilan failed to push through after it suffered “problems” in the official ballots, specifically in the printing of names of candidates.

On the other hand, Malolos residents were not able to elect their congressman after its lone district status was recalled by the Supreme Court at a time when the ballots were printed. (AMN/Sunnex)