Monday, April 02, 2007 Comelec to candidates: 'No campaign this Holy Week' By Jay Dooma Balnig
THE city and provincial Comelec will strictly monitor the observance of political ad ban among candidates during Holy Thursday and Good Friday.
Lawyer Elizabeth Doronila said they will strictly implement the guidelines on the said prohibition after several candidates still continue to campaign during the said period in the guise of "lenten message" to the people over the radio and print ads.
Doronila added that what is only allowed is the individuals' personal lenten messages in the observance of lenten season.
The commission also prohibits the distribution of campaign materials during the public gathering like the passion play and other religious rites and gatherings.
The city and provincial Comelec are now on the hurry to implement the "Operation Kiskis-Kakas" on the posters and streamers posted in non-designated areas since the first day of campaign for local candidates.
Comelec Director James Arthur Jimenez of Education and Information Department recently directed all regional directors to conduct Operation Baklas in their respected areas of responsibility.
Involved in the said operation are election officers in municipalities, cities and provinces, the local PNP units and barangay officials thru the Department of Interior and Local Government.
