MANILA — Commission on Elections chairman George Garcia reminded local candidates to strictly follow rules and guidelines of the commission as the official start of campaign period for the local position kicks-off on Friday, March 28.

Garcia made this reminder to all local candidates who are expected to be more visible starting tomorrow.

“Sa mga kumakandidato, tandaan lang, lagi po tayong tatalima sa pinag-uutos ng Comelec. Huwag pong pasaway,” Garcia said.

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According to Garcia, starting March 28, the commission will have jurisdiction over local candidates who have illegal campaign materials and other election offenses under the Omnibus Election Code.

The poll chief said it will continue to monitor the spending limits of all candidates. 

“Bukas na bukas po sa local candidates yun pong P3 per registered voter. Kapagka kayo ay may partido pulitikal ay P5 per registered voter. Kapag kayo ay independent candidate ay magsisimula na po bukas,” Garcia said.

Garcia said, all expenditures of candidates including payment for talent fees of their celebrity endorsers or influencers should be included in their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).

“Lahat po ng paggastos kinakailangan masasama sa mari-report natin sa ating SOCE - lahat ng mga donasyon na maibibigay sa atin ay kinakailangan mai-report sa atin.  Kung merong mag-e-endorse sa inyo lalo na sa social media na influencer o kaya naman celebrity - ipe-pressume namin na bayad and therefore dapat meron kayong mailagay don. Mismong BIR siguradong hahanapin,” Garcia explained.

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“Sa local ang issue ng airtime... ia-apply na namin yang 90 minutes per radio station at 60 minutes sa telebisyon yan ay applicable para sa mga local candidates,” Garcia added.

Meanwhile, Garcia also reminded local candidates that their presence during the distribution of financial assistance to the public is strictly prohibited.

“Walang kandidato o politiko during sa distribution ng mga ayuda na yan,” Garcia said.