Sunday, April 15, 2007 There’s evidence all over, but no suspects in sight
MANY campaign posters are placed illegally, but the Commission on Elections (Comelec) cannot prosecute those who posted them unless somebody complains.
Cebu City north district Election Officer Marchel Sarno said their problem is how to determine who really placed the posters.
“Lisod pag-prosecute kay moingon man ang kandidato nga pwede man gud nga ang kontra diay ang nagbutang para daoton lang sila (It’s difficult because a rival camp can paste the other’s posters illegally, just to put them in a bad light),” he said.
While the Comelec could apprehend those caught red-handed, they need somebody to complain against those who place posters outside designated poster areas.
The posting of campaign materials along the streets, on bridges, public structures or buildings, trees, electric posts or wires, schools, shrines and main thoroughfares is prohibited.
Election materials, though, can be posted in private properties and homes with the owners’ consent.
Anyone caught violating the law faces one to six years’ imprisonment and perpetual disqualification from holding any public office.
Sarno said that unlike common crimes that are meted the same penalty, those found guilty of violating election laws cannot apply for probation, parole, or amnesty.
Title fight
Also, Sarno said candidates who include titles in their posters such as “attorney” and “doctor”, for example, run the risk of having their votes dishonored.
He said that if a voter just placed the title in the ballot, it would not be considered since it could also mean other candidates.
“Daghan man gud gakupot anang title sama sa doctor, ginoo, mister, attorney. Halos tanan pwede ana kay lagi generic terms man, they could also refer to other persons (A lot of people are holding the title),” he said.
In Cebu City, for example, Genuine Opposition candidate Fritz Quiñanola has posters that identify him as “Atty. Fritz.” Sarno said that if the voter wrote the two words, it is okay because Quiñanola is identifiable. If what is written is “atty.” only, then the vote would not count.
There are seven lawyers among the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan candidates, and at least five in the Genuine Opposition slate. (RHM)
