Oct 25 bets told: Campaign period ends Saturday midnight

Bets in Monday’s barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) elections received last-minute warnings from the Commission on Elections on the last day of campaigning. Comelec law department head Ferdinand Rafanan also reminded the public of a liquor ban that will take effect along with the ban on campaigning at midnight Saturday. "Ngayon 12 midnight pa lang [simula na ng ban]. Bukas ay bawal na, pahinga na yan. Bawal na rin uminom (The ban on campaigning and liquor starts midnight. On Sunday, the bans will be enforced as the public rests before Monday’s elections)," Rafanan said in an interview on dzBB radio. He particularly warned candidates and their supporters against giving relief goods for victims of typhoon “Juan" (Megi). Those who sincerely want to give donations must do so through private organizations like the Philippine Red Cross, he said. “Proper procedure dictates you give your donations through groups such as the Red Cross. Even government offices cannot release public funds and must channel the donations through groups like the PRC," he said in Filipino. Rafanan also pointed out relatives of candidates are not allowed to distribute relief goods. “Pati relatives ng kandidato di pwede mag-distribute (Bets’ kin cannot distribute such goods)," he said. Rafanan reminded candidates against having children distribute their campaign materials at schools serving as polling centers on Election Day. He also advised the candidates to leave the school premises immediately after casting their votes, lest they face sanctions for campaigning. “Bawal sila manatili sa loob ng iskwelahan (They are not supposed to stay inside the school premises after voting)," he said. Also, he warned vendors against selling school supplies and other merchandise inside the schools. “It is a malpractice to sell school supplies and other merchandise within 50 meters of the polling place," he said. — LBG, GMANews.TV