Comelec: No campaigning on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday reminded national and local candidates that campaigning will be prohibited during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. "We're very sorry (but) you're gonna have to stop campaigning," Comelec spokesman James Jimenez reminded candidates. He cited Comelec Resolution 8758 which implements Republic Act 9006 or the Fair Elections Acy which says: "It is unlawful for any person, whether or not a voter or a candidate, or for any political party, or association of persons to engage on election campaign or partisan political activity on Maundy Tursday, Good Friday, eve of election day, and on election day." Maundy Thursday falls on April 1 while Good Friday, on April 2. Jimenez said candidates should instead use this time to reflect. "We urge candidates to take the time for introspection a nd reflect on the nature of the job you are seeking, public service above all." And those found campaigning on those days may be accused of violating Resolution 8758 — an election offense which is punishable by disqualification, disenfranchisement and one to six years imprisonment. "They might be leaving themselves vulnerable to their opponents," Jimenez said. He reminded local candidates to remove their propaganda materials erected prior to the start of the campaign period, which began Friday and will end on May 8. He said that the Comelec now has jurisdiction over them because they are now officially covered by existing campaign rules and regulations, specifically Resolution 8758. The resolution requires that posters should not exceed 2 x 3 feet while streamers should not be more than 3 x 8 feet It also requires candidates to put up their advertisements on common poster areas like plazas, markets, and barangay centers. Party-list groups and political parties are only allowed to construct 12 x 16 feet poster areas while independent candidates may only erect 4 x 6 feet poster areas or its equivalent. "Tapos na po ang free for all natin, we are in the regulated campaign period as we should be," Jimenez said. — Kimberly Jane Tan/RSJ, GMANews.TV