Comelec probing appearance of Senate bets in TV shows

MANILA, Philippines - The appearances of senatorial candidates Ernesto Maceda and Risa Hontiveros in two variety shows over the weekend are being investigated.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesman James Jimenez said guest spots in variety programs are “not prohibited per se,” but these will have implications on the candidates’ airtime limits.

“I got reports on appearances on variety shows by senatorial candidates, and I formalized a request to their parent-companies or whoever is producing them to give us a copy of those programs,” he said.

Maceda and Hontiveros were on TV-5’s Wowowillie and ABS-CBN’s Gandang Gabi Vice.

In the case of Hontiveros, the network had posted a disclaimer that her appearance was a paid advertisement.

Jimenez said it is the responsibility of the television producer to provide the Comelec with a copy of the “advertising contract.”

“But to be very honest with you, this is the first time that guesting on a variety show has been explicitly branded as a political ad by any candidate,” he said. “So I’m very curious as to how the network will report this particular contract. If it will be a contract for an appearance or guesting and whether or not it will include in the contract stipulation on how long the candidates will appear on air.”

Jimenez does not have information yet on Maceda’s appearance in the television program.