Comelec to monitor bets' socmed accounts

Barangay, SK polls 

By Franco Jose C. Baroña

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Monday it would monitor the social media accounts of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) candidates for possible election law violations, particularly premature campaigning.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia BSKE said candidates are strictly prohibited from promoting themselves through social media until the start of the campaign period.
    He cited Section 80 of the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits election campaigns or partisan political activity outside the designated period.
    Under Comelec Resolution 10905, campaigning is not allowed between Sept. 3 and Oct. 18, 2023.
    The campaign period is from October 19 to 28.
    "Once you file a certificate of candidacy, you are a candidate. Posting is prohibited, shaking hands is prohibited, going around is prohibited, handing out anything is prohibited because you are already a candidate," Garcia said.
    Engaging in premature campaigning activities is considered an election offense, which carries the penalty of one to six years imprisonment, removal of the right to vote, and disqualification from holding public posts.
    Garcia said it would be best if village and youth candidates stopped posting on social media, especially about themselves, during the period when campaigning is prohibited because "that can be considered indirect campaigning."
    "If I were you, instead of risking getting disqualified or facing charges, I would abstain from making social media posts. If you are a candidate, all of these should be prohibited as they can be considered premature campaigning. That can be considered as such even if there is no 'vote for.' Therefore, that is indirect campaigning," said Garcia, a former election lawyer.
    "It's better for a candidate to just keep an eye on their opponent and file for disqualification, and the Comelec will act accordingly," he added.
    Meanwhile, at least 216 violators were apprehended, while 130 firearms were confiscated during a weeklong operation after the implementation of the gun ban related to the Oct. 30 BSKE.
    Apprehensions were made at Comelec checkpoints from August 28, when the election period officially began, to September 2, said Col. Jean Fajardo, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman and acting Public Information Office chief.