Comelec reminds celeb endorsers not to use programs, platforms for campaign purposes

Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson Director James Jimenez on Friday reminded celebrity endorsers not to use their platforms to campaign for political candidates.

At a virtual press briefing, Jimenez said utilizing the platforms could be an issue because it can be considered as "donated advertising time."

"Under election laws, candidates who have programs should take a leave from their programs. We do not refer to endorsers but again it’s good practice siguro to not use their platforms to campaign because magiging issue 'yan in terms of using these platforms for campaign purposes. Magiging considered 'yan na donated advertising time eh, so magiging issue 'yan," Jimenez said.

"So referring to candidates, in the first place, for them to take a leave, but for endorsers to maybe not use their programs or platforms to campaign for candidates because that might be considered donated air time," he added.

For its part, the Comelec had provided a platform for free live streaming of national candidates' online political rallies amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Campaign S.A.F.E. Comelec e-Rally Channel on Facebook grants online airtime to candidates for President, Vice President, Senator and party-list groups ranging from three to 10 minutes. — RSJ, GMA News