Candidates told not to campaign in cemeteries

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday asked candidates in the 2019 midterm polls to avoid campaigning in cemeteries out of delicadeza.

Although this is not prohibited, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said candidates should not take advantage of the Day of the Dead to promote their candidacy.

“We all know that those running for elections usually take advantage of every social event imaginable. Hopefully, they would engage in public service,” Jimenez said.

In 2009, the Supreme Court decriminalized premature campaigning. The SC ruled that someone who filed his certificate of candidacy is not considered a candidate until the election period starts.

Instead of displaying tarpaulins or posters in cemeteries, candidates may conduct roadside assistance for people going to the provinces during the Undas break.

“We cannot stop premature campaigning. But out of delicadeza, don’t overdo it,” Jimenez said.

Duterte staying home

President Duterte may just stay home in Davao City during All Saints’ Day, according to his spokesman.

“It seems that he will just stay home. I was with him last night and he did not mention anything (about All Saints’ Day),” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo told reporters.

“But ordinarily he stays at home, unless he has plans to go somewhere else. But he didn’t mention it. No mention at all last night.” 

Duterte visited the tombs of his parents, Vicente and Soledad, at the Roman Catholic Public Cemetery in Davao City on Nov. 4, 2017. – With Alexis Romero