‘Leave dogs alone’: Comelec tells public not to use dogs in politicking

MANILA, Philippines — Commission on Elections spokesman James Jimenez reminded the public to spare dogs from political campaigns.

Jimenez made the reminder after a canine was used as a campaigner by one of the local candidates.

Seriously. Isn’t it enough that politicking has already trashed the country you claim to love, you’ve got to harass dogs too?

Leave. Dogs. Alone. #VoterEd pic.twitter.com/PZ732Ce8AZ

— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) April 8, 2019

In one of his tweets, angered Jimenez posted a photo of the dog with an election campaign sticker attached to the pet. 

“Seriously. Isn’t it enough that politicking has already trashed the country you claim to love, you’ve got to harass dogs too? Leave. Dogs. Alone,” Jimenez wrote.

Online users identified that the campaign material belongs to a local candidate in Parañaque City. It was not, however, clear whether the campaign sticker was placed by the candidates or supporters.

Several online users also reacted to Jimenez’s post and cried “animal cruelty” for the incident.

“That has to be an campaign violation of some sort; along the lines of "no innocent animal was molested in raising awareness for this campaign,” Twitter user StarShadow commented.

“An all out idiot ang gumawa nito. (The one who did this was an all out idiot). Spare the dogs sa (your) gimmickry. Mabait, loyal, and very intelligent ang aso (Dogs are kind, loyal and very intelligent), and so unlike the person responsible for doing this to the dog who pretend to be human. Gosh, a display of deteriorating observance of core human values,” Twitter user kipingittru also said.

The campaign period for candidates running for national posts began last February 9 while the campaign period for local candidates started last March 29. Campaign period for both national and local candidates will end on May 11.

Comelec earlier reminded candidates that campaign materials posted on private property should get consent.

The campaign rules also stated that posters made of cloth, paper or cardboards should not be more than 2x3 feet and streamers should not exceed 3x 8 feet. These should be put up in identified poster areas and not installed on trees and plants.

Pamphlets, leaflets, stickers and printed materials not exceeding 8.5 by 14 feet are also considered lawful campaign materials.