Comelec, Impact Hub Manila to launch info campaign on candidates
THE COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) and a global network of local entrepreneurs are launching a voter education campaign as part of their joint project to encourage informed participation in the May 9 elections.
The poll body signed an agreement on Wednesday with Impact Hub Manila for a continuation of the Vote Pilipinas program, which initially covered promotions for eligible citizens to register for next month’s national and local elections.
For the second phase of Vote Pilipinas, Comelec and Impact Hub Manila will deliver non-partisan, comprehensive information on all candidates and rollout a campaign to help ensure high voter turnout.
“There is no use in registering to vote if you do not actually vote,” Acting Comelec Chairperson Socorro B. Inting said during the signing ceremony held at the Manila Hotel.
Information that will be provided by Vote Pilipinas had been fact-checked and verified by election officials, said Celeste Rondario who founded Impact Hub Manila.
Ms. Inting also said that the Comelec en banc is open to reviewing current campaign guidelines following complaints by several candidates that some of the restrictions are impractical.
Meanwhile, Comelec has started its Operation Baklas, which is intended to take down campaign materials that violate guidelines on size and location, among other rules.
Comelec Resolution 10730 provides that posters placed on designated public areas must comply with the maximum two-by-three feet measurement.
The rules also limit pamphlets and leaflets to a maximum size of 8.5×14 inches.
The public can also file formal reports of election violations through Comelec’s social media accounts using the #SumbongKo tag, Comelec Spokesperson James B. Jimenez said last week.
“In order for a report to be actionable, we need the additional information from the complainant,” he said in a tweet in Filipino on Wednesday. — John Victor D. Ordonez
