The Commission on Elections warned politicians that early campaigning can have a backlash on their chances to win in the midterm polls, saying this can turn off voters.
Comelec chairman George Garcia admitted the poll body cannot yet sanction candidates for such activities since the campaign period for the May elections has not started.
He expressed dismay at politicians who are already posting advertisements through billboards, television commercials, and even in newspapers ahead of the campaign period.
He said Comelec is duty-bound to respect the Supreme Court’s ruling that a person who files a certificate of candidacy is only considered a candidate at the start of the official campaign period.
“It is difficult for us to act on these matters (because of the SC ruling), but we know that we (Comelec) will be blamed for the illegal political posters that swarmed the streets, walls and other public places. They are on television, social media and all – directly campaigning” Garcia said.
Garcia said individuals who post political ads would only be considered a candidate during the first day of the campaign period on Feb. 12 if they are running for a national position, and on Mar. 28 if they are running for a local position.
As it stands, the advertisements cannot be removed by Comelec, Garcia said.
“Take it (early campaigning) easy. Don’t underestimate our voters. They are intelligent (to know premature campaigning) and would not be abused,” he said.
