Campaign period
THE official campaign period for those seeking national positions in the May 9 presidential, congressional, regional and local elections begins on Tuesday, February 8.
Under the calendar of activities of the Commission on Elections, chaired by Sheriff Abas, the campaign period for national candidates starts 90 days before election day.
Those running for president, vice president, senator and party-list lawmakers may put up, starting next week, their campaign materials in common poster areas (CPAs).
A constitutional body, the Comelec designates public places, such as plazas, markets and village centers, as common poster areas since these are frequented by the people.
For local candidates, including district congressman, governor, city/town mayor and councilor, the campaign period will be from March 25 to May 7, or 45 days before election day.
Like other well-meaning people, we support Comelec’s strict enforcement of election laws, rules and regulations, including the ban on the putting up of campaign materials outside the CPAs.
In the view of many, including the ordinary citizens not only in the metropolis but else where, there’s a need for the poll body to implement our election laws without fear or favor.
“Kailangang pagbabaklasin ng mga taga-Comelec ang mga iligal na campaign material para matutong sumunod ang mga kandidato sa ating mga batas,” said a registered voter.
“Talagang nakakainis kapag nakikita mong kung saan-saan na lang ikinakabit ang mga tarpaulin ng mga kandidato,” added an irate barangay official.
And poll officials should be commended for coming up with rules and regulations aimed at ensuring the conduct of fair, honest, peaceful and credible elections on May 9.
