Cayetano reiterates call for longer TV, radio exposure

MANILA, Philippines - Reelectionist Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) anew on Friday to reconsider its earlier decision to limit television and radio advertising time for candidates.

"Now that the Comelec has a quorum, it can now reverse the ruling on limiting advertising time to 120 minutes for TV and 180 minutes for radio," he said.

Cayetano reiterated his stand that the limit for the advertising airtime, particularly for radio, deprives the masses of much-needed information about their candidates.

"With 180 minutes for all radio stations nationwide, that means candidates only have four 30-second spots for 80 provinces," he noted.

Cayetano recognized that the media is the most effective and most cost-efficient way to inform voters about their candidates.

He claimed he was pushing for the people's right to be informed.

Cayetano issued the statement after President Benigno Aquino III announced the appointment of former Ambassador Macabangkit Lanto and Atty. Bernadette Sardillo as the new Comelec commissioners to replace former Commissioners Rene Sarmiento and Armando Veloso.