MANILA – Without a law prohibiting premature campaigning, the Commission on Elections cannot stop “aspiring candidates” from promoting themselves ahead of the May 2019 mid-term elections.
“The Comelec does not make the law but we’ve been helping legislation get passed to address this,” spokesman James Jimenez said on Twitter.
The electoral body “has never been silent about this loophole in the law since at least 2013,” Jimenez added.
His statement came as netizens questioned the Comelec’s supposed lack of action against those reported to be planning to seek elective positions already putting up apparently self-promotional materials.
“We are actively supporting the bills that will help solve this problem,” the Comelec spokesman said.
Under Republic Act 9369, the law authorizing the automated elections, “any person who files his certificate of candidacy within (the period for filing) shall only be considered as a candidate at the start of the campaign period for which he filed his certificate of candidacy.”
“Unlawful acts or omissions applicable to a candidate shall take effect only upon the start of the aforesaid campaign period,” the law stated.
Bills filed by senators Leila de Lima and Richard Gordon sought to prohibit any form of premature campaigning for any prospective candidate ahead of the elections. (PNA)
