Online poll propaganda

EDITORIAL

Candidates using cyberspace in election campaign should abide by guidelines contained in Commission on Election Resolution 9615, or rules and regulations implementing Republic Act No. 9006, otherwise known as the “Fair Election Act.”

Comelec Resolution 9615 specifies the maximum size of online propaganda for each candidate, whether for a national or local elective position, or party. The guidelines cover rectangles and pop-ups, banners and buttons, and skyscrapers (an online ad taller vertically than it is wide horizontally).

Comelec -Cordillera Regional Director Jose Nick Mendros revealed these saying candidates can utilize social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter as these are private online accounts for private use. He said these are beyond Comelec jurisdiction.

The resolution provides that online campaign propaganda or advertisement, whether procured by purchase or given free of charge, shall not be published more than three times a week per website during the campaign period. The campaign period for national and local candidates started Feb. 12 and March 29, respectively.

"For this purpose, the exhibition or display of the online advertisement for any length of time, regardless of frequency, within a 24 hour period, shall be construed as one instance of publication," the resolution said.

Website owners or administrators are also required to submit to the Comelec certified true copy of broadcast logs, certificates of performance or other analogous record, including certificates of acceptance, for review and verification of the frequency, date, time and duration of advertisements aired for any candidate.