Daily Tribune
The Commission on Elections reminded aspiring candidates for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections to ensure that they will not violate any poll guidelines, especially when it comes to giving out things of value to voters.
Comelec spokesperson Atty. John Rex Laudiangco stressed that candidates are limited only to campaign and provide campaign materials such as pamphlets and flyers as provided by the rules under the Omnibus Election Code.
The Commission on Elections on Thursday again reminded candidates for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, that anything of value they give "or their supporters" give to voters is a ground for their disqualifications.
At the regular Laging Handa press briefing of Malacañang, Comelec spokesperson Atty. John Rex Laudiangco said BSKE candidates are limited only to campaign and give campaign materials under the Omnibus Election Code.
"It is clear what campaign or election propaganda is allowed — these are leaflets or flyers that should not be larger than 8 1/2 by 14 inches; our posters or tarpaulins that should not be larger than 2 feet by 3 feet; and those banners, those streamers that shouldn't grow to 3 feet by 8 feet," Laudiangco explained, referring to campaign materials that a candidate can give to their voters and supporters.
"Any other kind of campaign paraphernalia like T-shirts, ball caps, baller bands and so on can be included in what Section 2618 of the Omnibus Election Code says — giving away anything of value — that's because can be considered because it has value, it can be considered a method of buying votes," he added.
Laudiangco stressed that excuses such as they were only given by their supporters is still violation of Section 2618 of the Election Code as he cited that the poll body came out with an advisory about the issue last 4 September, reiterating what is only mandated and allowed by Section 2618.
Penalties to these offenses ranges from six years imprisonment, forfeiture of the right to suffrage — accessory penalty included — and the biggest penalty of perpetual disqualification to hold public office.
