Comelec ok with candidate-run voters education

CEBU, Philippines - Even before the official campaign period for local candidates begins, local aspirants have found a way to start pushing for their candidacies without being accused of electioneering – voters education.

In Consolacion, mayoralty aspirant Victor Maambong admitted the visits initiated by congressional aspirant Gabriel Luis Quisumbing to various communities to educate residents on the automated elections is a big help to them.

Quisumbing started the voters education campaign in Mandaue City and continued the same to the neighboring towns of Consolacion and Cordova. 

This strategy, however, was welcomed by Provincial Election Supervisor Lionel Marco Castillano, saying the voters education campaigns initiated by the candidates is a big help to the Commission on Elections.

The “pulong-pulong” initiated by local candidates also boost the voters education seminars organized by the private sector and various organizations.

“Mao gyud kini ang nag-una nga problema nga giatubang sa atong buhatan mao nga nalipay kaayo kita nga adunay mitabang kanato, bisan gani ang mga kandidato,” Castillano said.

Castillano said the major problem being encountered by Comelec is the lack of personnel to go to the communities and the budget to do so.

Castillano said the candidates do not violate Comelec rules even if they use a photocopy of the sample ballot during the voters education campaigns. — Jose P. Sollano/JMO   (FREEMAN NEWS)