Speaking at Siete Palabras

CEBU, Philippines - Monitoring of campaign activities will continue even during the Holy Week, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), especially during March 29, Good Friday.

The Comelec will be watching over activities of candidates who are prohibited from campaigning on this day.

Local campaign election starts on March 29 but the Comelec has stressed that since this is a Good Friday, no candidate is allowed to start campaigning and may postpone their kick-off activities the day after or on April 1.

Atty. Eddie Aba, Comelec Provincial Supervisor, said that participation of candidates in religious activities on Friday is not prohibited though.

Concerns were raised yesterday with the Comelec on the participation of candidates on the upcoming “Siete Palabras on the air,” an activity for Holy Week organized by radio personalities.

Included in the speakers are ANAD partylist Representative Jun Alcover, Leyte Vice Governor Carlo Loreto, Cebu vice gubernatorial candidate Glenn Soco, mayoral and vice mayoral candidate of Tabuelan Rose Suezo and Daphne Lagon, Toledo city councilor Nick Pepito, incumbent mayor of Hilongos Leyte Joy Roble and Bohol Governor Edgar Chatto.

Aba said that this is not a violation of the Comelec prohibitions since this is a religious activity and the candidate would not be campaigning.

He said though that if there would be obvious campaigning after the event, then it would be a violation.

Aba stressed that they will be closely monitoring activities but is urging the public to report as well campaigning events during Good Friday.

According to the law, campaigning on Holy Thursday is also prohibited as well as on the eve and the day of the elections.

Aba warned candidates to always be guided with campaign regulations if they would not want to face possible disqualification. — (FREEMAN)