Campaigns end on May 8, Comelec reminds candidates

Saturday will be very, very noisy day, said Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson James Jimenez on Friday. He made the side comment when he reminded candidates that May 8 is the end of the three-month campaign period. "May 8 is the end of the campaign period. We will see the most number of everything –rallies, flyers, and banners going up. We will see a lot of television ads. But I think that's just one more day we have to endure," Jimenez said. Jimenez added political parties should not put up food and refreshment booths within a 30-meter radius from the polling place, as these are no-electioneering areas. Liquor ban The Comelec also reminded the public that liquor ban starts 12:01 a.m of May 9 and ends 12:00 midnight of May 11. "It will no longer be lawful to buy, offer, sell, serve, or take intoxicating drinks unless you do it at a Department of Tourism-accredited establishment. You can do it in a hotel, and in your home," Jimenez said. All election offenses, he said, would be punishable by imprisonment of up to six years depending on the gravity of the violation. "It will already be illegal to accept free food, transportation, drinks, and things of value. This is part of the general anti-vote-buying clause that we normally enact." Likewise, beauty pageants, gay pageants, cockfighting, boxing, and horse racing are prohibited. Also, Jimenez reminded the public that the use of cellular phones inside the polling precinct, especially while voting, is prohibited. "Cell phones are not allowed in polling precincts. I understand that a lot of people are excited to take pictures of their ballots as souvenirs... but please do not attempt to take pictures through your cell phones," he said. For those who want to locate their precincts beforehand, a precinct finder is available on Comelec website. Precinct information would also be available at booths manned by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), Comelec's accredited citizen arm. Jimenez said voters could also check out the computerized voters' list posted outside every precinct. "If you still cannot find your name, you can go straight to the room and ask to see the Election Day Computerized Voters' List to verify with finality if you are on the list. If you are not but you believe you should be getting in touch with PPCRV, who will lead you to the election officer [to whom] you could air your grievance," Jimenez said. — LBG, GMANews.TV