Ex-Comelec commish: Mar Roxas comic book should have ‘paid for by’ line

A former commissioner of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) pointed out that the comic book featuring Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer Mar Roxas lacks the required “paid for and paid by” line required by the constitution.

“The comics being discussed now should have a ‘paid for and paid by.’ Otherwise it violates the law, & is an election offense,” former Comelec commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said in a tweet posted on Thursday.

The comics being discussed now should have a "paid for and paid by". Otherwise it violates the law, & is an election offense.

— Gregorio Larrazabal (@GoyYLarrazabal) March 30, 2016

Larrabal is currently a consultant for the Nationalist People's Coalition, which backs the presidential candidacy of Sen. Grace Poe.

Titled “Sa Gitna ng Unos,” the 28-page comic book tells the progress of Roxas’ political career. It also depicts Roxas as a hero during the onslaught of super Typhoon Yolanda in Eastern Visayas. He was then the Interior secretary.

It was reportedly distributed for the first time during the birthday party of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Chairman Erineo “Ayong” Maliksi in Cavite on Sunday, which was attended by President Benigno Aquino III and other LP stalwarts.

However, the comic book drew flak from netizens after a copy of its cover was circulated  online.

In a message to GMA News Online, Daang Matuwid Coalition spokesperson Rep. Barry Gutierrez said the comic book was not produced or distributed by the campaign.

“As far as I understand, it was a purely independent initiative by supporters. We constantly remind all volunteers and supporters to fully comply with election rules, and expect them to do so,” he said.

Section 84, Article X of the Omnibus Election Code says “any newspaper, newsletter, newsweekly, gazette or magazine advertising, posters, pamphlets, circulars, handbills, bumper stickers, streamers, simple list of candidates or any published or printed political matter for or against a candidate or group of candidates to any public office shall bear and be identified by the words ‘paid for by’ followed by the true and correct name and address of the payor and by the words ‘printed by’ followed by the true and correct name and address of the printer.”

The Comelec has yet to issue a statement on the matter. —ALG, GMA News