Res Gestae
Non-observance of common poster areas, an apparent proof of insincerity
Roaming around in Iloilo City is really disappointing! Not just because of heavy traffic along General Luna St (and, well, where else in this city is not?) but also the sight of campaign paraphernalia on walls, bridges, buildings, vehicles and... yes, everywhere!!! Without any exaggeration, the city seemingly becomes a "common" poster area barely two weeks before election! Worse, the City Comelec is playing blind about this.
Last March 4, over a cable television talk show, Chairman Benjamin Abalos expressed a positive impression towards Iloilo City for being the cleanest in so far as the observance of common posters is concerned. Truly, Iloilo City was. But, ningas cogon strikes again. And now, we see how unfortunate this city is.
"Unfortunate" not only because of Comelec who has issued Resolution Nos. 7767 and 7767-A providing the campaign rules, particularly on the posting, display or exhibition of any election campaign or propaganda materials, and apparently not doing anything, but because of those, who are aspiring to do good for this city -- the political candidates, have already showed this early their lack of will to lead with their supporters, particularly those whom they commissioned to propagate their campaign materials.
I could not help demanding from the Comelec the strict enforcement of common poster areas because this is a basic gauge of its sincerity in enforcing or implementing its other issuances or resolutions. If it fails to accomplish this task with the pieces of evidence scattered everywhere, how could we expect them to enforce other laws in which violations are undertaken in a more subtle way?!?
The Comelec has no excuse for this shortcoming. It has been bestowed with power and control over several government agencies to do its gargantuan task. It has control over the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Philippine National Police among others. In a signal, the Comelec can orchestrate or mobilize its deputies towards its end. But, look! Campaign paraphernalia are flooding the city. And, of course, the provinces are no exceptions! When will the Comelec start to act? After May 14?
Let's say, the Comelec falls short on this. Indubitably, it does! But, does this shortcoming grant our political candidates the privilege to make violations in pursuit of their political interests? Indeed, the spread of illegal posters is indicative of insincerity on the part of the Comelec. And in equal proportion, it also manifests clearly the kind of attitude and lack of will of political candidates.
The candidates whose streamers, stickers, flyers and what else posted outside the areas designated by Comelec are not unaware of this violation. It is really stupid that their names were printed too big in bright colors that only the passersby can see while they couldn't.
Now, the question is, when fundamentals of "Fair Elections Act" are violated by these candidates what other violations would we expect them to do this May 14 to win?
The alarming increase of election-related violent incidents is of no surprise. Political candidates will do everything to win, even if it would cost their lives and of their rivals'. And, our Comelec unfortunately can't do anything about it.
The campaign for honest, orderly and peaceful elections clearly does not lie on the hands of the Comelec. It is too incapable, if not incompetent, to rally for it. The H.O.P.E lies in our hands.
Henceforth, while the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) has 10 commandments for wise voting, I can suggest only one: Vote a candidate who does not violate any of the provisions of RA 9006 and Comelec Resolutions No. 7767 and 7767-A. The principle is simple: He, who follows the basic rules on his way up, is expected to observe the law once in power. But, he, who begins with violations and defiance, is expected to do the same once more, or even worse!
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