Provincial election supervisor Manuel Advincula said he sees E-campaigning as an ineffective tool compared to political rallies where the public can personally listen to candidates.

Aside from its economic advantages, Advincula said he does not see any other benefits from the e-campaign compared to posters and flyers where the public can always identify the candidates. "People use the Internet mostly for chats and text messages sent containing campaign agenda are more likely irritating to the subscribers," he said.

The Commission on Elections Office in Oriental Negros has not received any memorandum or notice from its national office pertaining to E-campaigning, Advincula said.

The COMELEC has earlier urged all Filipinos to join hands to temper the heat of partisanship and strengthen democracy.

It has approved of electronic campaigning to allow candidates to campaign through the Internet and short messaging service.

The move was to adjust with the evolving trend in electronic communication, and with the aim to help ensure a peaceful and orderly elections.

Candidates said the E-campaign will spare them from the cost of printing and travel expenses during the campaign period.

Voters, on the other hand, will no longer have to endure the sight of posters on public walls after which there's no worry over who will clean up after election, the COMELEC said.*RG

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