Beware when distributing or receiving campaign materials, including sports fest uniforms!

Dagupan City Election Officer Remarque Ravanzo reminded national and would-be local candidates that Resolution No. 7838 provides additional guidelines for the implementation of Republic Act No. 9006, otherwise known as the Fair Election Act, particularly guidelines for the distribution of electoral propaganda gadgets, including athletic goods or materials, in a bid to level the playing field for all candidates

Ravanzo said under Section 261 (a) of the Omnibus Election Code it is unlawful to purchase, manufacture, request, distribute or accept electoral propaganda gadgets, such as pens, lighters, fans of whatever nature, flashlights, athletic goods or materials, wallets, shirts, hats, bandanas, matches, cigarettes and the like, as this may constitute vote-buying.

However, “electoral propaganda gadgets and athletic goods or materials bearing the names of candidates were not included among the lawful forms of election propaganda, but neither were these included in the prohibited forms of election propaganda,” he said.

But under the additional guidelines, candidates may now purchase, manufacture, distribute or accept  propaganda gadgets, such as pens, lighters, fans of whatever nature, flashlights, athletic goods or materials, wallets, shirts, hats, bandanas, matches, and the like, but with a condition. Prior to distribution, they have to submit samples together with official receipts to the office of the Commission where the candidate concerned filed his or her certificate of candidacy.

He added that the total number of propaganda gadgets or athletic goods and materials shall not exceed 10% of the total number of registered voters in the constituency where the candidate or sectoral party or coalition thereof is seeking to be elected.

He also pointed out that wearing of shirts, hats, athletic goods and other similar items exposing or displaying the name of the candidates or party or sectoral party or coalition thereof participating in the party-list of representation is allowed during the campaign period except on April 5 and 6 (Holy Thursday and Good Friday, the day before the May 14 election, and on election day itself.

The propaganda materials or athletic goods enumerated under the resolution are likewise not allowed in government offices, including military camps or similar establishments.

According to Ravanzo, it is no longer necessary to file a petition for authority to use other election propaganda as provided under Section 12 of Comelec Resolution No. 7767.

The expenses incurred by the candidate in the manufacture of these propaganda materials or athletic goods shall be included in the itemized statement of contributions and expenditures of the candidates, or political/ sectoral organizations.

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