WITH the campaign period well underway for national and local bets, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday urged candidates to monitor the activities of their rivals, especially possible violations on campaign rules, such as vote buying, and report these to the commission.
In a virtual press briefing, Elections Commissioner George Garcia said candidates who violate election laws should be held accountable for potential offenses.
“It would be a good idea to monitor your competition, your rivals for the position. If they commit any violations, report them to us and we will take action,” said Garcia.
Aside from rivals, he also called on the public to be vigilant over possible campaign violations by documenting them and posting them on social media.
“We can take cognizance on your complaints, including those posted in social media. We’re not blind and deaf over such realities on the ground,” said Garcia.
“We have started endorsing reports to our field personnel. They will be submitting reports to us soon,” said Garcia.
In a related development, he said the “Task Force Kontra Bigay” will be formally formed on Wednesday.
“The task force will be given the power to conduct motu proprio investigation. This means that even without a complaint, they can already take action,” said Garcia.
Members of the task force will include Department of Justice, Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission, Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippine Information Agency, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, and Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The task force was formed on the heels of several reports of cash being handed during campaign activities of some candidates.
Ahead of the next presidential debates on Sunday, Garcia said the Comelec is not keen on conducting one-on-one debates for candidates in the May 9 polls as these would be unfair to other candidates who will be excluded.
“If we do it one on one, it would be unfair to other candidates. It would be discriminatory to others. All candidates must have equal chances in getting the platform and time,” said Garcia.
“We, at the Comelec, should be impartial and neutral during elections. If we hold the debates, we want to welcome all candidates who would want to participate,” he added.
The poll official, however, said they welcome such an idea with broadcast networks being qualified to conduct such activities if they choose to.
“That is a good concept. But it is the TV networks that can hold one-on-one debates.
Definitely, the Comelec won’t do it,” said Garcia.
Earlier in the month, the Comelec held its first presidential debates and first vice presidential debates at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City.
Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr and Sara Duterte-Carpio were the only candidates absent during the presidential and vice presidential debates, respectively.
Because of his absence, presidential candidate Senator Manny Pacquiao challenged Marcos to a one-on-one debate instead.
The next presidential debate is scheduled on April 3, while the presidential town hall debate and vice presidential town hall debate are set on April 23 and 24, respectively.
And with a complete attendance to the next debate still unsure, Garcia said the public should think hard of their decisions on who to vote for.
“The decision is up to you. If you are already comfortable with candidates who skip debates, the decision is yours,” he said.
“But if you want to see your candidates showcase their brilliance and skills, watch the debates so you will learn more from them,” he added.
As to possible additional penalties for those skipping debates, Garcia said they will still dicusss the matter at the Comelec en banc tomorrow.
