With just a week before the start of the campaign period for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), the Commission on Elections on Wednesday reminded candidates of the campaign spending limit and which campaign materials they may use.
Campaigning is allowed from October 19 to 28. During this period, candidates may spend up to P5 per voter in the barangay where they are running.
“Outside of that date, hindi na po yan mako-cover doon sa SOCE [Statement of Contributions and Expenditures] and therefore, pupuwede pong ma-consider yan na illegal expenditure. At the same time, tatandaan natin, huwag na huwag pong sosobra roon sa requirement ng limang piso per registered voter,” Comelec Chair George Garcia said in an ambush interview.
As for campaign materials, Garcia said, “Bawal po ang ballers, T-shirts, caps, and everything. Lahat po ng klase ng ibinibigay, anuman po ang halaga, mahal man o mura, yan po ay pinagbabawal.”
Garcia added that posters are allowed but should not exceed 2 feet by 3 feet in size.
“Kahit yan po ay nasa private property, dapat naka-limit po ang size,” he explained.
Asked if supporters are allowed to wear T-shirts or use any item with the candidate’s face or name, the Comelec chair replied, “Kung ako po yung supporter, iwasan nyo na lang pong magsuot ng ganyan kasi baka yung kandidato ‘nyo na minamahal ninyo ang makasuhan po ng Commission on Elections.”
The BSKE will take place on October 30. — BM, GMA Integrated News
