Poll ban violations noted in Mindanao - report

By airing "Lenten messages" on radio last week, some candidates in Mindanao may have circumvented the Commission on Elections (Comelec)’s Holy Week ban on campaigning. Sun-Star Cagayan de Oro (www.sunstar.com.ph) reported Monday that some local candidates and national bets continued posting their campaign paraphernalia in crowded areas. It also cited reports that several candidates insisted on "palm-pressing"and lingering in crowded places more than they should for "obvious political reasons." Northern Mindanao Comelec regional director Dennis Ausan and assistant regional director Carlito Ravelo warned candidates against campaigning during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) vice president and Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma asked candidates to spare the Lenten season from their politicking. The Sun-Star report said huge tarpaulins of local candidates were placed in areas where crowds gathered in observance to the Lenten rites. Many of the tarpaulins had Lenten messages and the images of incumbent Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano, who is running for vice mayor in the May 2007 elections. Other posters belonged to a former city councilor who is seeking election. Around the Malasag Gardens and in other areas, several campaign posters of local and national candidates were also posted. Several AM and FM radio stations that continued with their broadcast during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday reportedly carried ads of Lenten messages from candidates. The Sun-Star report said it failed to contact the candidates involved. But the report said the candidates may yet circumvent the Comelec ban as Resolution No. 7767 defines "election campaign" as "any act designed to promote the election or defeat of a particular candidate or candidates to a public office." Acts covered include "forming organizations, associations, clubs, committees or other groups of persons for the purpose of soliciting votes and/or undertaking any campaign for or against a candidate." Other acts include "holding political caucuses, conferences, meetings, rallies, parades or other similar assemblies for the purpose of soliciting votes and/or undertaking any campaign or propaganda for or against a candidate." - GMANews.TV