LOCAL candidates have been warned about their campaign activities being monitored, including social media by the Commission on Elections, amid allegations of vote buying and other election related-offenses.
“Simula nitong bente singko ng Marso, kayo ay considered as kandidato na at hahabulan namin kayo,” Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said during the Laging Handa Palace briefing.
“‘Yun pong may mga social media account nako usong-uso, kitang-kita ‘yung pa-raffle, kitang-kitang may pa-premyong ganito, kitang-kitang may ginagamit pang bata bata kapag dun sa inyong mga programa eh pakiiwasan niyo po ‘yan dahil kami po sa Comelec ay naka-monitor,” he added.
Garcia said that the Comelec is fully aware that some politicians have tried to circumvent the law by saying that they are not yet considered “candidates” since the illicit acts were made prior to March 2, but since the campaign period has begun, the commission will now start going after violators.
Garcia likewise urged the candidates to also monitor the activities of their rivals and report any violation to the poll body.
“At siyempre dun po sa magkakalaban, maganda po na mag-monitoran kayo. Maganda po kayo mismo ang titingin, papansin doon sa mga kalaban niyo sa posisyon kung sila’y nagviviolate. Sumbong niyo sa amin at ‘yan po ay aaksiyunan namin,” he added.
He also urged the public to file complaints if they see and have evidence against candidates violating election rules, saying they will recognize complaints filed before them in social media.
“Pwede kami mag-take cognizance sa mga complaints niyo sa mga nai-post niyo sa social media. ‘Wag kayong mag-aalala dahil hindi po kami bingi at bulag sa mga ganyang reyalidad,” Garcia said.
