3 days ago
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MANILA, Philippines — As the campaign period for local elections begins today, the Commission on Elections reminded candidates against violating campaign regulations, with Comelec Chairman George Garcia warning that the poll body will not hesitate to disqualify those who violate rules.
Garcia reminded local candidates to place their campaign materials in designated common poster areas, use biodegradable materials, voluntarily remove those illegally posted and abide by allowable campaign spending.
“Do not ignore our notice to remove illegal campaign materials because we will issue a show cause order which is preparatory for filing of disqualification case and election offense,” Garcia said.
He reminded candidates that they are prohibited from attending or displaying their campaign posters during distribution of financial aid.
Garcia stressed that the distribution of welfare assistance, without first securing an exemption from the Comelec, is considered vote buying or abuse of state resources.
“Immediately we will disqualify, no ifs and buts,” he said.
Election-related violence
Comelec also sees a possible increase in election-related violence with the start of the local campaign season.
Garcia said the poll body would do everything it can to maintain peace and order and ensure safe elections.
He added that the commission would order the deployment of additional law enforcers in areas declared under Comelec control and identified as hotpots.
Yesterday, the Comelec forged an agreement with the Department of Health, Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Philippine Red Cross to ensure the safety of voters and those performing election duties.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) also went on heightened alert as part of its security preparations for the midterm polls.
Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson, said at least 176,250 or 75 percent of the 235,000-strong police force are readily available for deployment during heightened alert.
The remaining 58,750 are on-call when there is a need to increase the number of police personnel on the ground.
“No one is allowed to file a leave unless it is emergency in nature,” Fajardo said in a virtual news briefing.
In beefing up security preparations, Fajardo explained that the campaign for local posts is known to be more heated than at the national level.
“Those fighting for political bets knew each other, they are even relatives, friends or neighbors. This is why we need to intensify and strengthen our security coverage,” she said.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil ordered field commanders to sustain police visibility, particularly in providing area security for candidates during campaign sorties and other areas of engagement.
Marbil warned people who are planning to sow violence and intimidation to disrupt the electoral process, saying the PNP “would not tolerate any attempt to undermine our democracy.”
The PNP has intensified intelligence gathering and expanded its presence in areas identified as election hotspots and those known to be with intense political rivalries.
In Pasig, the local Comelec yesterday invited politicians to join and sign a peace covenant to ensure an orderly campaign and elections in the city.
The event was done in coordination with the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines–Joint Task Force.
Mayor Vico Sotto attended the event along with most local candidates and wished them luck.
“May truth, fairness and peace prevail throughout the campaign and elections in 2025,” Sotto said.
Ayuda distribution continues
For those living below the minimum wage, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the distribution of P26 billion in Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) continues following its exemption from the election ban.
Yesterday, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) released its new guidelines on the AKAP distribution.
“It was given a Comelec exemption. Its distribution will not stop just because of the campaign period,” Gatchalian said, noting that it is “very specific” for those living below the minimum wage.
“No referrals are needed. Just go to the nearest DSWD office. This guideline is now much more clearer and defined,” Gatchalian added as he warned politicians who want to take advantage of the program.
He warned that, with the widespread use of digital technology, it would be very easy for netizens from all camps to document unlawful acts of politicians.
“For one, they can be easily disqualified,” Gatchalian told The STAR.
The DSWD vowed not to let any politician use or take advantage of the program.
“The campaign rules are much more stringent now. Rival watchers and volunteers, election watchdogs, civil society, media and practically anybody who has a cell phone are just waiting for you to make a mistake,” Gatchalian said.
He advised the public to report to DSWD any politicians found repacking relief goods and other items and replacing these with stickers bearing their names and faces.
“That is illegal. We have to warn them, those who repack our goods. That is punishable under the law because it is tampering with government property. Nobody is authorized to open these boxes except the beneficiary,” Gatchalian stressed.
He also refuted “misconceptions” that indigents can just go to any DSWD office and they will be given all kinds of financial assistance.
“There must be a need, a reason. You will be assessed. If you are below minimum wage, then you are qualified (under AKAP). But our social workers have the final say based on their assessment. It’s a menu-based program. Our ayuda always have a reason like transportation, food, medicine, hospital bills, funeral details,” Gatchalian said. — Emmanuel Tupas, Michael Punongbayan, Mark Ernest Villeza, Delon Porcalla
