ILOILO City – With the campaign period now underway for senator and party-list representatives, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued a reminder to organizers and coordinators of campaign rallies to strictly adhere to election rules, particularly the prohibition on providing free meals or any items of monetary value to attendees, as well as offering transportation to supporters.
The directive came ahead of the scheduled campaign rally of Alyansa ng Bagong Pilipinas at Diversion Road, Mandurriao district today, February 13.
Jonathan Sayno, Election Assistant II of Comelec-Iloilo City, said a monitoring team will be deployed to the venue to ensure compliance with election regulations. This includes adherence to the prescribed campaign material size of two feet by three feet, the ban on distributing free meals, and the restriction on providing transportation.
“For example, for the rally on February 13, Comelec will have a monitoring team ensuring that campaign materials follow the prescribed size. Additionally, organizers are required to report the expenses incurred for each specific rally in a city,” Sayno told Panay News.
Any political party or candidate found violating these rules under the Fair Election Act and its implementing regulations may be charged with election offenses, carrying penalties under Section 264 of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC). Violators face the following penalties:
* imprisonment of no less than one year but not exceeding six years, without the possibility of probation
* disqualification from holding public office and loss of the right to vote
Given these strict regulations, Sayno urged focal persons, coordinators, and organizers of political rallies or campaign-related activities, such as the posting of campaign materials, to coordinate with Comelec-Iloilo City for guidance on proper procedures and a refresher on election rules.
Meanwhile, in preparation for the Alyansa ng Bagong Pilipinas rally, the Sangguniang Panlungsod has approved a city ordinance implementing road closures along the Service Road of Benigno Aquino Avenue in Mandurriao today.
According to Traffic Management Unit (TMU) head Uldarico Garbanzos, an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 supporters are expected to attend the event.
Separately, the TMU is also preparing roads near General Luna, in front of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol and Casa Real, as well as the area in front of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) office in Fort San Pedro, City Proper.
These preparations are in anticipation of a possible visit by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to the Regional Development Council (RDC) Region 6 meeting this morning, February 13./PN
