SC issues SQAO vs. airtime limit on political ads

The Supreme Court on Tuesday, April 16 stopped the implementation of Commission on Elections (Comelec) airtime limits on political ads.

In a vote of 9-6, the High Court issued a status quo ante order that stopped the implementation of Comelec Resolution No. 9615 and its amendment, Resolution No. 9631, which impose an aggregate limit on TV and radio political ads.

Those who dissented to the majority ruling were Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, Associate Justices Arturo Brion, Roberto Abad, Mariano del Castillo, Estela Perlas-Bernabe, and Bienvenido Reyes.

Under these Comelec resolutions, the airtime of political advertisements for national candidates in all TV networks will be up to 120 minutes and 180 minutes in all radio stations.

For the local candidates, the airtime in all TV networks will be up to 60 minutes and 90 minutes in all radio stations.

The SC had earlier required the Comelec to comment on the petitions filed by GMA Network Corporation, TV5, and Bombo Radyo which assailed the constitutionality of Comelec Resolution Nos. 9615 and 9631.

During the May 10, 2010 automated synchronized national and local elections, such airtime limit was implemented for all TV and radio stations. (PNA)