SC to issue rules on premature campaigning

MANILA, Nov. 6 — The Supreme Court will be issuing soon its rules and regulations on premature campaigning in connection with the May 2010 elections, according to SC spokesman Atty. Jose Midas Marquez.

The SC noted that the rule on the 90-day campaign period prior to election day should apply even to those who have not yet filed their respective certificates of candidacy (COCs).

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set the period from Nov. 20 to Dec. 1, 2009 within which to file the respective COCs of those who are seeking elective post in next year's polls.

It can be recalled that a lady mayor of a town in Surigao del Norte was ousted from office after the SC found her guilty of premature campaigning during the 2007 elections.

In a decision dated Sept. 11, 2009, the SC affirmed the ruling of the Comelec that found the mayor guilty of violating the rules on premature campaigning under Section 80 of the Omnibus Election Code.

Section 80 of the Omnibus Election Code states that: "It shall be unlawful for any person whether or not a voter or candidate, or any party or association of persons, to engage in an election campaign or partisan political activity, except during the campaign period." (PNA)

scs/PTR

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