Why not T-shirts,
caps and ballpens?

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor (On Leave) RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

As early as this time, candidates are already complaining about what they perceive to be unreasonable rules of the Commission on Elections with regards to the campaign materials they can use. The ones complaining the most are those candidates who do not have inexhaustible sources of funds for their campaign.

At the moment, the Comelec prohibits the use of T-shirts, caps, ballpens and similar materials, and those who use them or give them away to their supporters or prospective voters, are threatened with sanctions.

The rule is being protested by both administration and opposition candidates and their parties, largely for the reason that these are the most affordable materials for bets who are not millionaires and who lack the wherewithal to avail of the more expensive promotion on TV, radio and print media.

Only a few, even among senatorial candidates, can splurge the way, say, Congressman Prospero Pichay, has been doing. A few days into the campaign, he was reported to have spent P34.5 MILLION already. How much more has he on hand to go on until May 14, election day? Obviously, it does not bother him since, he implies, "friends" are helping him in this campaign.

It was therefore no exaggeration when a report claimed that a candidate for senator would need between P80 to P100 million to keep going. That is what those who have filed their certificates of candidacies must have stored away before deciding to jump into the fray.

But what about the less fortunate, materially, that is? Can other aspirants, especially in the towns, cities and provinces afford to pay for costly TV advertisements and print exposure? To them, ballpens, caps and T-Shirts are the only items within their reach, and that is why the Comelec should seriously reconsider its ruling on this. Otherwise the public will conclude that its regulations are intended to favor only the influential and the rich.*