Commission on Election (COMELEC) Chairman Atty. George Garcia reminded those who will run for the upcoming Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and Barangay officials to be aware of the rules of the pre-campaign period.
In an interview with DZRH, Garcia informed future candidates for the positions in Barangay and SK about the COMELEC rules.
Garcia said that the start of campaign period will start on October 19 to October 28 therefore no one is allowed yet to distribute campaign materials.
“Kapag nakapag-file na sila ng Certificicate of Candidacy (COC) saka pa lang sila pwedeng ipasok sa premature campaigning,” Garcia noted.
“Sa mga naglipanang campaign materials ngayon, wala pa tayong kapangyarihan na manita dahil hindi pa sila kandidato. May ibang ahensya na responsable sa pagtanggal n’yan. Aug. 28-Sept. 2 pa ang filing ng candidacy,” he added.
He also warned public officials that utilizing local funds is strictly prohibited.
“Liable ang isang mayor o iba pang mas mataas na opisyal na nangangampanya para sa mga kandidato ng brgy. at SK elections. Hindi sila pwedeng gumamit ng pondo ng munisipyo, city hall o probinsya,” said Garcia.
On the other hand, Garcia also warned the public to not engage in any form of vote buying.
“Sa mga botante, huwag tayo kumukuha [kaugnay ng vote buying]. Punishable ang vote buying hindi lang sa namimili kundi nagbebenta rin ng kanyang boto,” said Garcia.
