WHILE owners of private properties endorsing particular candidates may be untouchable, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to run after those that they will be campaigning for in the forthcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
In a radio interview, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said they are planning to hold accountable the candidates who stand to benefit from the endorsement using oversized campaign materials placed in private properties.
"In accordance with a previous Supreme Court ruling, yes we cannot go after private properties. But how about the candidates, whose faces are plastered in the private properties?" said Garcia.
"We will send notices to these candidates. And if they cannot convince the owners of the private properties to comply with the campaigning guidelines, we will still file charges against them (candidates)," he added.
In 2015, the Supreme Court issued a ruling that the Comelec has no power to regulate the free expression of private citizens that are neither candidates nor members of political parties.
This is in relation to the placement of the “Team Buhay/Team Patay” tarpaulins at the facade of the San Sebastian Church in Bacolod City ahead of the 2013 polls, which was subsequently ordered taken down by the Comelec.
If candidates believe that the commission is out of line in taking such actions, the poll chief urged them to file charges.
"Let them go to the Supreme Court so we can determine what is the correct interpretation of the rule," said Garcia.
From August 28 to September 2, the Comelec will be open to accept certificates of candidacy for barangay and youth aspirants.
However, the Campaign Period will not be until October 19 to 28. (Sunstar Philippines)