Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
The official campaign period for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) started yesterday, Oct. 19, 2023. With this, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) issued a set of guidelines for the candidates and their supporters.
“(We) sternly remind the candidates to be role models of good citizenship by strictly adhering to the applicable laws and issuances relative to campaigning,” said the COMELEC.
In every election cycle, recurring issues surface, and this year is no exception. The Comelec once again cautioned against wrong-sized campaign materials, such as billboards, tarpaulins, and individual posters exceeding the two by three feet limit in common poster areas. The memorandum stated that if unlawful campaign materials are found on public or private properties, election officers will issue removal notices and show-cause orders to the concerned candidates.
Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia clarified that BSK candidates will be held responsible when unlawful campaign materials are discovered in common poster areas, public spaces, or private locations. To help prevent this, a nationwide Operation Baklas, focused on removing illegal campaign materials, will run from Oct. 20 to 27, as per the Comelec memorandum.
To ensure the election’s integrity, the Comelec re-emphasized prohibitions under the presumption of vote-buying, including the distribution of food or drinks to supporters during campaign sorties.
“Giving of T-shirts, ballers, bags, sun visors, hats/caps, umbrellas, handkerchiefs, ball pens, fans, candies and others of value is strictly prohibited, including giving of food and drinks during and after a meeting or campaign sortie,” the memorandum added.
Moreover, only the candidate and up to five individuals among their campaign staff are permitted to wear shirts featuring the candidate’s image. All BSK candidates are expected to limit their campaign expenditure to ₱5 per voter.
This means that complaints related to illegal campaigns, premature campaigning, or even vote buying may result in a candidate’s disqualification or election offense. BSKE bets, meanwhile, may utilize online platforms to conduct their campaign rallies.
“Livestreaming on the candidates’ social media platforms shall be considered a form of e-rallies,” the memorandum read. Besides social media platforms, BSK bets may “campaign on television, cable television, radio, newspaper, or internet, subject to campaign rules.”
While these guidelines are not new, violations among candidates often occur without them receiving the necessary attention — and corresponding penalties, allowing most to escape the consequences. The Comelec should have more “arms and legs,” and perhaps some “teeth” to ensure that all these guidelines are followed to the letter.
If there’s any change that can be implemented to further improve the campaign process, candidates are urged to run “sustainable” campaigns by using eco-friendly materials and paraphernalia. Instead of printing tons of posters, flyers, and leaflets, they can harness online platforms for their campaigns. It is also essential to avoid the use of plastic buntings or tarps, as these contribute to environmental problems like sewer blockages and water pollution, which can exacerbate flooding during the rainy season.
In this election season, the responsibility falls upon the BSKE candidates to set an example of good citizenship and responsible campaigning. They have to set a good example to the community, more so when they win and start their political lives.
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Credit belongs to: www.mb.com.ph
