Sample ballots, campaign leaflets still being distributed at polling centers

In defiance of election rules, supporters of some candidates continued to distribute sample ballots and other campaign materials to voters on Election Day.

 

In Caloocan City, people were seen giving sample ballots to voters at the vicinity of the Caloocan National High School, radio dzBB's Allan Gatus reported Monday.

 

No one was there to call the attention of the supporters that such actions are not allowed on Election Day, the report said.

 

Some people were also distributing campaign materials near Lerma Elementary School, also in Caloocan City.

 

In Cainta in Rizal province, campaign materials littered the Cainta Elementary School as of 8 a.m., dzBB's Glen Juego tweeted.

 

Meanwhile, in Marawi City, GMA News reporter Jun Veneracion posted on his Twitter account a photo of children distributing campaign leaflets in polling centers.

 

They were allegedly paid P50 for the act, the report said.

 

At 7 a.m. Monday, Filipinos started casting their votes for 12 senators, party-list groups, and local government officials.

 

Illegal campaign paraphernalias, including distribution of campaign materials on Election Day, constitute an election offense that is punishable under Section 264 of the Omnibus Election Code.

 

The provision states that any person found guilty of any election offense shall be punished with imprisonment from one to six years and shall not be subject to probation.

 

“In addition, the guilty party shall be sentenced to suffer disqualification to hold public office and deprivation of the right of suffrage,” the provision further states.

 

Elections chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. earlier said there will be no let up in the drive against violators of campaign rules.

 

He said that they will no longer be issuing notices but will just gather evidence and file the necessary complaint before the Comelec Law Department.

 

Brillantes said campaign materials should be seen at no other place but common posters area. — with Amita Legasi/RSJ, GMA News