Batanes bets must register online campaign platforms

Candidates in the 28 November special election for Batanes’ lone congressional seat must register their online campaign platforms with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the poll body said Thursday.

The requirement covers official social media accounts and pages, websites, podcasts, blogs, vlogs and other internet-based campaign platforms.

In an advisory, the Comelec said registration with its Education and Information Department began on 20 October. Candidates have until 16 November to comply.

Four candidates are vying for the seat: former Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco; Luis Andres Abad, son of former budget Secretary Florencio Abad and the late former Batanes Representative Henedina Razon-Abad; retired government employee John Gato; and retired soldier Edward Ike de Sagon.

The special election was scheduled following the death of Batanes Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr. on 21 September.

The Comelec completed the printing of ballots for the special election on Wednesday.

Batanes has 13,138 registered voters.