‘Attack ads’ vs Puwersa pulled out

The "attack ads" were pulled out, but now they’ll use flyers for bombs.

The "13-0 Movement" vowed yesterday to intensify the dissemination of flyers in the streets to convince voters that opposition senatorial candidates had instigated the May 1 riots at the gates of Malacañang.

Its controversial advertisements in newspapers and on television and radio showed footage of candidates allied with ousted President Joseph Estrada at the so-called EDSA III and scenes of the Labor Day mayhem.

The ads were pulled out last Tuesday on orders of President Arroyo after the alleged power grabbers cried foul.

Yesterday, the Puwersa ng Masa threatened to counter the negative advertisements and use the same video footages and photographs but with a positive impact on opposition candidates.

Meanwhile, the Commission of Elections (Comelec) may dismiss the complaint of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile against the People Power Coalition (PPC) after the 13-0 Movement agreed to withdraw the controversial advertisements effective yesterday.

Comelec Chairman Alfredo Benipayo told reporters the poll body will conduct an investigation if the advertisements continue to be aired on radio and television.

A wire news agency also cried foul but for a different reason.

Associated Press bureau chief in Manila Paul Alexander complained that the ads appearing in newspapers used AP photos without permission.

Dr. Angie Abella, head of the movement’s secretariat, told The STAR yesterday the ads were a reminder of past statements by most Puwersa ng Masa candidates.

"What we’re doing here is to preserve the gains of EDSA II," she said.