Ni Leslie Ann G. Aquino

Nakiusap kahapon ang Commission on Elections (Comelec) sa mga kandidato sa Barangay at Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections sa Mayo 14 na limitahan ang kanilang gagastusin sa kampanya.

Binigyang-diin ni Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez na hindi dapat magastos ang barangay elections, kasabay ng apela nito sa mga kakandidato na huwag bumili ng boto sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng regalo.

“I know that much of the money spent goes to ‘gifts.’ Quit that! People who buy votes are part of the problem. You’re teaching voters to see their votes as retail items for sale, rather than as a long term investment in the future; and you’re helping perpetuate the corruption you’re inevitably going to rail against during your campaign speeches,” paalaala ni Jimenez.

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Nanawagan din siya sa mga kandidato na panatilihin ang kalinisan sa kanilang barangay, sa tulong na rin ng paggamit ng kaunting flyer at poster sa kampanya.

Pinadidisiplina rin ni Jimenez sa mga kandidato ang kani-kanilang supporters sa pamamagitan ng pakikiusap sa mga ito upang hindi maiwasang humantong sa marahas ang mga campaign sortie.

“Supporters get rowdy, they get emotional, and they get all worked up – sometimes to the point of fights breaking out. This is especially true when rival campaign happen to find themselves on the same narrow street. Talk to your supporters, prepare them for these situations and tell them to always keep calm and be the first to walk away,” pahayag ni Jimenez.

Binalaan din ni Jimenez ang mga kandidato na magsumite ng kanilang Statement of Contributions and Expenditures sa tamang panahon.

“If you don’t, you’re not going to get a Certificate of Compliance from the Comelec; if you can’t present a Certificate of Compliance to the DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government), they’re not going to allow you to assume office – even if you won by a landslide,” babala pa ng opisyal.