The National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) has asked candidates for the barangay and youth council elections not to engage in early or premature campaigning in the runup to the May 14, 2018 polls.
Namfrel urged the public to report violators of the law against premature campaigning. Elections authorities set the campaign period from May 4 to May 12.
“There is a campaign period set by the Commission on Elections so that it will be a fair fight. If you cannot follow it, what do you think the residents in your barangay will say regarding your character,” the group said in a statement.
Namfrel described those engaged in early campaigning as “epal”, a street slang for the Filipino term “mapapel” or one who craves attention, takes credit for other people’s work, or needlessly meddles in their affairs.
It advised voters to remember the names and faces of the epal and forget them on May 14 synchronized elections.
Comelec spokesperson James Arthur Jimenez reminded all candidates that the official campaign period is different from the election period, which began on April 14, 2018 for the simultaneous barangay and SK polls.
Namfrel said those who cannot follow the guidelines set by the Comelec will only be seen as not being good examples of how to be a public official.
“People will probably say they should be the ones at the forefront in following the rules. How come the race has not yet started but they are already running,” the group added.
Section 80 of the Omnibus Election Code states that “It shall be unlawful for any person, whether or not a voter or candidate, or for any party, or association of persons, to engage in an election campaign or partisan political activity except during the campaign period…”
Section 264 of the same code also states that any person found guilty of any election offense shall be punished with one to six years’ imprisonment, disqualification to hold public office, and deprivation of the right to vote.
In Laguna, campaign materials of barangay candidates sprouted all over the city of Cabuyao even before the start of the campaign period.
Residents also observed the presence of illegal posters in public places, on trees and electric posts along Mamatid Road in Barangay Mamatid and streets of Barangays Pulo, San Isidro and Banlic.
Last April 14, the Comelec declared the start of the election period with the filing of Certificate of Candidacy of aspirants and reelectionists, and the implementation of the nationwide gun ban and other prohibitions.
The poll body, in coordination with the National Police and the Armed Forces, also put up checkpoints in all cities and towns.
