Comelec says candidates follow campaign rules on posting

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) believed that their campaign against illegal posting of election propaganda has paid of.

Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said this is manifested by the lesser number of illegally placed campaign posters and streamers along major thoroughfares, side streets among others.

"Mas konti kasi dati during this time, yung buong underpass ng Quiapo, plastered na yan ng posters. Ngayon wala ka ng makikita. Meron lang pa-isaisa or certain stretches na merong isa o lima but kabuoan, walang wallpapering na nagaganap," he added.

"If you go around Metro Manila even the side streets mas konti ngayon (mga illegal posters) and you know what's really heartening, we get calls from politicians asking on what do we need to do? Who do we need to talk to? So may effort to reach out kasi nakikita nila na this campaign is working," he said.

At the same time, he acknowledged the support of anti-epal organizations and the citizenry for supporting the campaign.

"Ang Comelec kasama ang mga anti-epal groups naging very noisy about the fact na kapag pumasok ang campaign period, we will not tolerate this anymore," he added.

However, Jimenez assured that they will continue to monitor even if their campaign has positive response from the people.

"So in general the compliance with the rules is excellent but that does not mean we stop monitoring. We have to monitor para patuloy na 'to. Maganda kung magpapatuloy na ito," he added.

Likewise, Jimenez thanked the candidates and their supporters for following the law on campaigning.

"So ang ating ginagawang campaign ngayon, yung sumbong mo, it only reinforces, I think yung ideya na gagawin natin dun yung tama. Thankfully, the candidates are taking note of that and are behaving accordingly," the poll body official said.

Jimenez added, "Kasi totoo kahit saan ka magpunta manonotice mo na meron talagang malaking pagkakaiba even from 2010, napakalaking pagkakaiba sa estado ng compliance."

Even before the campaign period for national positions started, the Comelec has constantly reminded all aspirants in the May 13 midterm polls to abide Resolution No. 9615 or the Rules and Regulations implementing RA 9006 otherwise known as the "The Fair Election Act."

The 90-day campaign period for national candidates started last February 12 while the campaign period for local positions will begin on March 29. (PNA)