Comelec reveals ‘new normal’ campaign rules

By Alpine Killa-Malwagay

BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Office of the Election Officer in this capital town warned local candidates for the coming May elections against committing offenses and reminded them of proper placement of campaign materials and “new normal campaign rules” as the campaign period for local candidates will start on March 25.
    Election Assistant Milton Fillag of the office of the election officer municipal office made this announcement during Municipal Peace and Order Council meeting March 16 here in Barangay Caneo, saying rules apply nationwide.
    The Comelec strictly prohibits posting of campaign materials on public places and conveyances such as on trees, light posts, electrical wires, schools, waiting sheds, sidewalks, bridges, health centers, public structures, public utility buses, public utility jeepneys, and tricycles.
    Fillag said if campaign materials will be posted on private property, these must be with the consent of the owner and in adherence to prescribed size.
    As provided in Republic Act 9006 or the Fair Election Act, posters should measure two feet by three feet, leaflets and pamphlets should measure 8.5 x 14 inches, and streamers should be three feet by eight feet. In addition, candidates have to include the name of the individual/s that paid or donated the said campaign materials.
    He added that a team will be organized to be led by the PNP in the implementation of Oplan Baklas for the posters placed in prohibited areas and election propaganda that does not adhere to the prescribed size.
    Fillag advised the respective barangay local government units to identify designated common posting areas in which temporary structures will be erected for purposes of displaying lawful campaign materials.
    Candidates who will be posting in the common posting areas shall pay minimal posting fees to respective barangays.
    Fillag told BLGUs to issue official receipts to all candidates who will be posting in designated common posting areas.
    Based on Comelec rules, candidates under a political party can only spend P3 per voter while independent candidates can only spend P5 per voter.
    Local candidates have 60 minutes of total airtime for television while 80 minutes for radio.
    Fillag said under “new normal campaign rules”, candidates are required to get prior approval before they can campaign, and the local government unit through the municipal mayor is authorized to issue permits for outdoor campaign rallies, including the final "miting de avance.”
    Meanwhile, for in-person campaigning, candidates have to apply for a permit from the Comelec campaign committee.
    He reminded candidates, winners or losers, that they are required to file their Statement of Contribution and Expenditures (SOCE) the day after the election not later than the set date deadline of submission.
    Aside from this, Fillag reminded the public to adhere to the health protocols, prepare the lists of candidates whom they will vote on before going to the polling place, and observe proper shading of ballots to avoid committing errors.
    The campaign period for national candidates started on Feb. 8 and end on May 7, while campaign period for local candidates will start March 25 and end May 7.
    Comelec resolution 10730 stipulates it is unlawful for any person or any political party, or association of any persons to engage in an election campaign or partisan political activity on Maundy Thursday (April 14, 2022), Good Friday (April 15, 2022), the eve of Election Day (May 8, 2022) and on Election Day (May 9, 2022). The National and Local elections is on May 9, 2022.