Lapu-Lapu poll bets start campaigning

CEBU, Philippines - Lapu-Lapu City local candidates and supporters started the start of the 45-day campaign period yesterday morning by attending Mass before proceeding with forays into the barangays.

Lakas-Kampi-CMD mayoralty candidate Paz Radaza attended a Mass at the Birhen sa Regla Church.

Along with her was vice mayoralty candidate, Macial Ycong and congressional candidate incumbent Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Arturo Radaza.

Businessman Efrain Pelaez Jr. of the Liberal Party attended Mass at the St. Joseph Parish in Mandaue City with gubernatorial candidate Hilario Davide and Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes.

NPC mayoralty candidate Junard Chan met with his campaign coordinators for a briefing.

On the other hand, provincial Comelec supervisor Lionel Marco Castillano urged aspirants to follow election laws to avoid facing election-related charges.

“We advise them to read these so that they will know what to avoid,” he said.

The local positions that are up for grabs are 222 seats for the House of Representatives, 80 for governors and vice governors, 762 provincial board members, 120 for city mayors and vice mayors, 1,514 for municipal mayors and vice mayors, 1,346 for city councilors, and 12,116 for municipal councilors.

Castillano said the Comelec will be training teachers and sending them to seminars until March 31.

The Comelec will continue to monitor candidates to make sure they follow the laws regarding television advertisements and the posting of streamers and posters, Castillano said.

Castillano also advised the candidates running for local positions to follow common poster areas and streamer sizes.

Under the law, the size of posters can only be two feet by three feet while streamers should be three feet by eight feet.

The Comelec has designated common poster areas where candidates should post their streamers and other campaign materials.

The poster areas are located in plazas, markets, and areas being frequent by the public. – Garry B. Lao