THE fate of a Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) candidate from Mandaue City is now in limbo after the candidate was caught campaigning early.
This is the first-ever case of premature campaigning logged by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Mandaue City.
Mandaue City Election Officer Anna Fleur Gujilde said on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, candidates found guilty of premature campaigning, even if they win, cannot assume office and may face imprisonment for a minimum of six years.
The poll official said the case had been forwarded to the Comelec Central Office, which will decide on the matter.
Gujilde declined to disclose the candidate’s identity and provide further details about the case.
SunStar Cebu attempted Monday to obtain the number of cases of premature campaigning in Central Visayas, which groups provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor; however, the Comelec 7 had no data yet as all the cases were directly sent to its central office in Manila.
Campaign period
The official campaign period starts on Oct. 19 and ends on Oct. 28. The Election Day is Oct. 30.
According to the Comelec, any action aimed at promoting or opposing the election of a specific candidate or candidates to a public office before the official campaign period can be deemed premature campaigning.
The Comelec said such actions may include, but are not limited to: forming organizations, associations, clubs, committees, or other groups of individuals to soliciting votes or conduct any campaign for or against a candidate; and organizing political caucuses, conferences, meetings, rallies, parades, or similar gatherings to solicit votes or conduct any campaign or propaganda for or against a candidate, delivering speeches.
The poll body further said that these could also be considered premature campaigning: making announcements or commentaries, or participating in interviews for or against the election of any candidate for public office; publishing or distributing campaign literature or materials designed to support or oppose the election of any candidate; and directly or indirectly soliciting votes, pledges, or support for or against a candidate.
Disqualification
Under the Omnibus Election Code, premature campaigning is considered an election offense that may result in disqualification of a candidate.
During the BSKE in 2018, the Comelec Mandaue City, under then election officer Evelyn Cueva, reported receiving several complaints against candidates engaged in early campaigning.
However, none were convicted due to a lack of concrete evidence.
Gujilde urged the public to report candidates engaging in early campaigning or those who committed other violations through Comelec’s Anti-Epal Task Force link: (http://forms.gle/Yvwf1xknwD5bCQgy6](http://forms.gle/Yvwf1xknwD5bCQgy6).
The Comelec official cautioned the public against spreading false information to tarnish a candidate’s reputation, as individuals doing so may face imprisonment for up to six years, forfeiture of the right to vote, and perpetual disqualification from holding public office for public servants.