By: Patricia Lanzagarita

MANILA – With the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) 2023 campaign period drawing near, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reinforced its reminders to candidates regarding campaign regulations.

The campaign period for the BSKE is set to run from October 19 to 28, followed by a no-campaign rest day on October 29.

Meanwhile, the election day is on October 30, 2023.

Initially, the commission emphasized that it is illegal to remove, destroy, obliterate, deface, tamper with, or obstruct the distribution of lawful election propaganda.

Additionally, Comelec reiterated that various forms of prohibited election propaganda include printing or distributing pamphlets, posters, and other printed materials, unless they display the names and addresses of the printer and the payor.

Furthermore, it is against the law to erect billboards, tin-plate posters, balloons, or any other form of advertising in favor of or against a candidate or political party.

This prohibition also extends to advertising through cinematography, audio-visual units, and other screen projections, except for news telecasts.

“Any prohibited election propaganda gadgets or advertisements shall be stopped, confiscated, or removed by the representative of the Commission, with specific authority from the Commission,” stated the COMELEC in the Omnibus Election Code.

The commission emphasized that candidates, their relatives within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, campaign managers, and party treasurers are prohibited from making any donations or contributions, whether in cash or in kind, during the campaign period and leading up to the election period.

“The act of giving, offering, or promising money or anything of value, or spending or offering to spend, whether directly or indirectly, to induce anyone to vote for or against a candidate, is a violation of the law and constitutes the Election Offense of Vote-Buying,” said the COMELEC.

Aspiring leaders are expected to serve the people with integrity and in accordance with the law. While COMELEC is responsible for enforcing these laws, it is the duty of candidates to uphold these principles it said.

In addition to adhering to the laws, the act of persuading voters holds significant importance, as a single vote can be a game-changer. (ai/mnm)