PPCRV eyes no-vote campaign vs politicos with 'infomercials'

MANILA, Philippines - A Church-backed poll watchdog group is mulling initiating a drive against some politicians for what it called premature campaigning disguised as commercials featuring their "advocacy." The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) said political ads on television, radio and other media outlets must be stopped this early. “Dapat ipaalam sa mga pulitikong ito na hindi natin gusto yung ginagawa nila na pag-disregard sa batas ... It speaks of their characters… Dapat nasa process of selection natin what are the core values being shown by these politicians," said PPCRV chairwoman Henrietta de Villa, in an article on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines Web site www.cbcpnews.com. [We should show these politicians that voters do not approve of their circumventing the law. It speaks of their character. This early we should have an idea of the core values shown by these politicians.] Worse, De Villa voiced concerns that public funds may be used to finance the so-called television advocacies of some public officials. She added, early media exposure of several politicians is obviously for the purpose of early campaigning for the 2010 elections. De Villa said it is now up to the viewing public to show politicians that they won’t tolerate any violations of the law. When asked if this means boycotting these politicians in the 2010 elections, she said yes. “That could be part of the input ... let’s inform them not only by voicing disdain but also through actions," De Villa said. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) earlier admitted it is powerless over the early proliferation of political ads, as the politicians have not formally declared their candidacies. De Villa said it is saddening that the political culture has gone to the point of making politicians look for ways to skirt the law only to advance their political interests. She said they will include the issue in their ongoing voters’ education campaign. - GMANews.TV