EDITORIAL - Violent contests

As the campaign period for the local races officially started over the weekend, a mayor of Laguna was shot and critically wounded while two of his companions were killed by a lone gunman yesterday afternoon.

Calauan Mayor George Berris, an independent who is seeking reelection, had just started his team’s opening campaign rally at around 5 p.m. in the town when the gunman opened fire. Berris was rushed to a hospital and later transferred to Manila, but two of his companions died at the scene. The gunman is at large.

Police have noted that election violence is highest in local races. Violence, however, is not the only problem that authorities must monitor and prevent as the local races kick off. Candidates for local government positions also tend to be the most brazen in flouting election rules, from the posting of campaign materials to spending limits.

The Commission on Elections and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority have been active in taking down campaign materials illegally posted around the metropolis. But just outside Metro Manila, in nearby towns of Southern Tagalog and Central Luzon, trees and lampposts are slowly being covered again with campaign posters and streamers. If the candidates are incumbent officials, the campaign materials are unlikely to be taken down.

Citizens can help enforce the rules by alerting the Comelec and posting photos on social media. The Comelec should pick violators from every major political party and impose appropriate punishment.

The Philippine National Police should do its part by cracking down on illegal activities that may be used by candidates to raise campaign funds. These include kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery and illegal gambling.

Police have not yet established the motive for the attack on Berris, but because of the circumstances, the probe is reportedly zeroing in on politics. That people are willing to kill over a position with a three-year term and modest pay says a lot about the nature of politics in this country. A clean campaign and clean elections are indispensable for clean governance. The nation must not allow law breaking to start during the campaign.