Comelec taps 'Tina Tama' for info drive on proper campaigning

After Boy Bawal, who informed the public and candidates of the prohibited acts during the campaign, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday introduced Tina Tama, who will educate the people on the legal and proper way of campaigning. “Hindi naman lahat ay bawal, mayroon din tamang paraan ng pangangampanya. Tama na ang puro bawal, tama naman,” Tina Tama said in a two-minute video. While Boy Bawal was Comelec’s poster boy against illegal campaigning, Tina Tama outlined legal, proper, and novel techniques that local candidates can adopt in their campaign. The campaign period for local candidates started last March 29, but since the date fell on Good Friday, when campaigning is prohibited, political activities officially started on March 30, Black Saturday. In the video, Tina Tama said candidates should be creative in their campaign and should be informed as to the location of common poster areas designated by the Comelec. She added candidates should seek the permission of private property owners if they want to put their campaign materials there. She also also lauded a candidate for refusing to buy votes. Appearing in the video, poll chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. said he expects candidates to follow election rules. “Nag-umpisa na ang kampanyang lokal, inaasahan po namin na susunod kayo sa tamang paraan ng pangangampanya na nakasaad sa batas at ayon sa aming alituntunin. Ang mga pasaway ay idedemanda namin ng criminal election offense,” he warned. Tina Tama and Boy Bawal meanwhile joined forces in reminding the candidates: “Alam nyo na ang bawal, kaya gawin lang ang tama. Para maging maayos ang eleksyon, simulan sa tamang pangangampanya.” — Amita Legaspi/KBK, GMA News