Tuesday, January 09, 2007 2 politicians back poll body's appeal to regulate political ads By Ben O. Tesiorna
AT LEAST two local politicians expressed support to the appeal of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the local government units to help in stopping premature campaigning by regulating political advertisements in their area.
With the mid-term elections just around the corner, posters, streamers and advertisements in the guise of greetings from politicians and aspirants for elective office have begun sprouting in streets.
To stop premature campaigning, the Comelec Monday urged LGUs to regulate such ads.
Tagum City Mayor Rey "Chiong" Uy said he and his partymates will strictly implement and observe any Comelec orders.
House Majority Leader Prospero Nograles meanwhile said that Comelec is on the right track in tapping the LGU's to help in the implementation of the election rules and regulations.
Davao del Norte Vice Governor Anthony del Rosario said they are ready to help.
"The Comelec needs to first come with guidelines and policies on premature campaigning. In the absence of such, how can we regulate such activity," del Rosario said.
Comelec chair Benjamin Abalos Sr. said in a television interview that they cannot act yet on the advertisements because such are not considered as premature campaigning since persons involved have not yet filed their candidacy.
Until such time he has filed his candidacy, the politician or aspirant is considered a candidate and will be held liable for any form of premature campaigning. The filing of certificates of candidacy will be in a month or two.
