DUMAGUETE CITY, (PNA) -– The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) provincial head in Negros Oriental has cautioned potential candidates seeking election in the Oct 28 barangay polls against early campaigning.
Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Eddie Aba issued the warning following reports that some people were already going around distributing campaign materials in some barangays in Dumaguete City ahead of their filing of their certificates of candidacy.
According to Atty. Aba, the activity is illegal as the campaign period for the barangay polls has not even started yet.
Those found guilty of premature campaigning can be sanctioned, he added.
On the other hand, he described those engaging in the illegal activity as “bentahoso” or someone taking advantage of a situation. It is now up to the voters to decide whether they should elect such person into office, Aba added.
The campaign period is set on October 18 through October 26 midnight.
The COMELEC has established designated poster areas for those seeking election on Oct 28, Aba said.
The poll body has set the dates for the filing of COCs from October 11 to 17, except on Oct 13, which falls on a Sunday. The COMELEC offices will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on these dates, Aba said.