Campaign ends today

CEBU, Philippines - Candidates have until midnight today to campaign, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced yesterday and poll officials also warned the aspirants that violators could still be held liable even after elections.

“At 12:01 a.m. (tomorrow), campaigning is already illegal.

Saturday midnight is the end of the campaign,” noted Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. in a press briefing.

The poll chief also reminded the public that the liquor ban would also take effect at 12:01 a.m. tomorrow.

Brillantes added that candidates and political parties could hold their miting de avance only until today.

“Have your miting de avance peacefully. Avoid confrontation. The election is almost here and you won’t get anything if you engage in arguments or fights,” he added.

The campaign period for senatorial candidates and party-list organizations started last Feb. 12 while bets for local positions started campaigning last March 29.

Brillantes warned the candidates that even after the elections, the Comelec could still go after those who would violate campaign rules.

He said the Comelec would no longer send notices to violators. 

The agency will just take pictures of unlawful propaganda materials and then file election offense case against the concerned aspirants.

“Just a warning. Those who posted materials outside the common poster areas, especially near the school, you will no longer get a notice. We will gather evidence and we will prosecute after elections,” he said.

Brillantes added that not because the election is over, violators are already off the hook.

“Even if you win, it could still cause your disqualification or your removal from office. So if you post unlawful propaganda, take the risk,” he added.  

Local bets reminded

The Comelec-7 also reminded candidates to be wary of today’s campaign deadline.

“You know that the campaign period would end today. Any person who would be placing campaign materials or will be having pulong-pulong or sorties will be apprehended and it will be a ground for disqualification,” said Comelec regional director Temie Lambino.

Lambino also warned those who are planning to disrupt the electoral process on Monday.

“We are not joking, we are not bluffing. We are very serious with this. We have the full force of the AFP and the PNP. We can apprehend you and we can quell every chaos that you would create during the election,” he said.

Lambino encouraged the public to report any candidate who would engage in vote-buying.

He said that even if the supporters of the candidates are the ones caught handing out money, this would still be a ground for disqualification.

“Stop buying votes. Winning is important but how you win should also be considered,” Lambino said.

Lambino said that voters should also bear in mind that they are being made as pawns by candidates if they accept money.

“Hindi po tayo bayaran. Vote in accordance to your conscience,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of the role of the media during the election.

The Comelec earlier said that while the media are allowed to enter polling precincts, they are barred from interviewing the Board of Election Inspectors and voters.

Lambino also reminded the people about the two-day liquor ban that would take effect tomorrow until May 13.

Even if the five-day liquor ban was not approved, Lambino said the liquor ban for the next two days will serve its purpose.

“If you are under influence of alcohol, then chances are you might not be able to vote, or you might have difficulty in voting,” he added.

Lambino explained that the ban is only for locals. Foreigners are exempted from the liquor ban as long as they are in places that have acquired a permit from the Comelec.

Foreigners must be wary, said Lambino, that if they are caught drinking in places that are not exempted from the ban, they could face charges.