Comelec steps up shame drive vs campaign violators

The Commission on Elections on Saturday stepped up its shame campaign against campaign rule violators, with a Twitter-based game encouraging netizens to show how they feel about such violations. Comelec spokesperson James Arthur Jimenez urged tweeps to complete the statement, “you, campaign violators...” using the hashtag #votervigilance. “More fun games! Complete this statement: ‘... you, campaign violators!’ #votervigilance ... Best answer gets free bragging rights!” he said on his Twitter account. Jimenez’s game got many early responses from Twitter users, whose answers ranged from “good riddance” to “two words, one finger.” Another Twitter user lamented some candidates even used Valentine’s Day to promote themselves on tarpaulins and posters. “Epal you, campaign violators!” said the Twitter user. Comelec to follow up on notices Jimenez also said the Comelec has deployed teams to check on the illegal campaign materials of candidates whose attention it had called. "Comelec team is out, right now, checking up on the illegal materials that were the subject of the notices already sent out," he said. He also said the Comelec will be watching social media, to ask the candidates what actions they have taken. "Kailangan kumilos, kundi mananagot sa bayan," he said. Earlier, some candidates and party list groups whose attention Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. called for violating campaign rules assured they will comply and take down the illegal materials. In Malacañang, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said administration bets are complying with the Comelec order. “They are complying, (it’s just a) matter of notifying them. Minsan malaki ang organization, 'di nababantayan ng maayos. They are complying with notices set by the Comelec," she said on government-run dzRB radio. — LBG, GMA News