TACLOBAN CITY, (PNA) –The Commission on Elections (Comelec) here advised media practitioners who would be running this coming barangay election to either resign from their work or take a leave of absence (LOA).
This is in compliance to Section 6 of Republic Act 9006 which states that a media personality who will file a certificate of candidacy or just serve as a campaign manager or in any capacity have either to resign or just take a leave of absence at the start of the campaign period.
Comelec regional director Lawyer Jose Nick Mendros stressed that this law is applicable to all media practitioners from print, radio and television broadcasters and journalist.
The law also applies to media practitioners who will serve as campaign managers of candidates, added Mendros.
He added that the law that was used in the national and local election will also be applied in the barangay election when it comes to media mileage and use of other campaign materials.
He also reminded media practitioners to follow what is mandated by law to avoid facing charges for violating the election law.
He suggested that they take LOA since the campaign period will only last for 10 days. They can go back to their job after election whether they win or lose.
Campaign period for the barangay election will start in Oct. 18 after the filling of the certificate of candidacy that starts from Oct. 11 to 17, while election day is in Oct. 28.