Submission of statements of contributions, expenditures, a must - Comelec KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will require candidates to submit their statements of contributions and expenditures for the 2013 Elections.
Lawyer Jay Gerada, election supervisor of South Cotabato said this new approach is being implemented by the Commission to resolve issues on campaigning prior to the designated campaign period. “The Comelec changed strategy with respect to the approach on premature campaigning,” Gerada said. “What the commission will do is to look on the expenses of the candidates.” Gerada was referring to Rule 8 of Comelec Resolution No. 9476, “Rules and Regulations Governing Campaign Finance and Disclosure,” in connection with the 2013 elections as promulgated on June 22, 2012. Tuesday, January 22, 2013
It cites that filing of statements of contributions and expenditures should not be later than five days after the conduct of the elections, and should include all the required information and attachments. Statements that do not conform to the prescribed form will be considered as not filed and will be subjected to the penalties prescribed by law. “With respect to radio airtime, no guidelines are yet released but they must submit contract with the broadcasting corporation,” the election supervisor explained. Gerada also told local media practitioners in a press conference last week that they will
gather local candidates in a forum to discuss and clarify the election policies. The election official also clarified that tarpaulins set up by politicians greeting locals during the holiday season and recently during Koronadal City’s Hinugyaw Festival do not constitute premature campaigning. He explained further that tarpaulins, billboards, as well as radio plugs and other information materials of political candidates cannot be considered premature campaigning unless these explicitly solicit for votes. Per Comelec Resolution Resolution 9385 senatorial 23