Comelec joins forces with 'anti-epal' advocates

MANILA, Philippines - Powerless against premature campaigning, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) decided to join forces with “anti-epal” advocates to stop politicians from campaigning early.

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes said they would be meeting with anti-epal advocates today to discuss ways on how to address premature campaigning.

“This dialogue aims to provide an avenue for a free and open discussion regarding premature campaigning among stakeholders and to seek immediate and long-term solutions to this problem,” Brillantes said.

He said the open dialogue with the so-called Anti-Epal Movement would be held at the Comelec office in Intramuros, Manila.

“I think they can help us in terms of telling the public the truth regarding premature campaigning acts. That is all they do, tell the truth and it starts to become effective,” he explained.  

The Comelec chief said the poll body has been left powerless in the fight against premature campaigning as a result of a Supreme Court ruling.

This time, however, the anti-epal advocates can come in and control premature campaigning, which the poll body could no longer perform because of legal issues.

With the ongoing anti-epal campaign, Brillantes said some politicians in Metro Manila and provinces have started taking down their posters bearing their names and pictures.