Mayoralty aspirants in Lapu-Lapu start campaigning today

CEBU, Philippines - Mayoralty aspirants in Lapu-Lapu City kick off their campaigns today.

"No gimmicks," according to mayoralty candidate Paz Radaza, the wife of incumbent Mayor Arturo Radaza who is seeking a congressional seat representing the lone district.

Mrs. Radaza said her political party Deretso 3, which is affiliated with the Lakas-CMD-Kampi party of presidential candidate Gilbert Teodoro, will remain "low profile" with no traditional fanfare or gimmicks.

Paz said they will concentrate on the voter's education.

On the other hand, businessman Efrain Pelaez said his party will hold a proclamation rally after the Holy Week inside the Marina Mall.

NPC mayoralty candidate and Councilor Junard Chan and independent mayoralty candidates Virgilio Cano and Isabelito Darnayla have still to decide when their opening salvos will be.

But several campaign posters bearing the faces and names of candidates running for local positions have already sprouted all over the city.

Pelaez has complained that his streamers and posters have taken down.

Also at stake in the coming polls are 12 seats for senator as well 52 seats for party-list groups and thousands of provincial and local elective positions for congressman, governor, mayor and councilor.

The local candidates are allowed 60 minutes airing time per TV station, including cable station, and another 90 minutes per station over the radio.

Comelec requires the reporting of broadcast logs.

The Comelec has also set a limit on print ads.

The allowed size of the advertisements, however, differs with only a maximum of one-fourth page for broadsheet and one-half page for tabloids.

The Comelec is urging candidates to keep the issues at a high level and focus on the best interest of the people even as the local candidates are given all the chances to campaign for 45 days.— Garry B. Lao   (FREEMAN NEWS)