“We have promulgated Resolution 8758, the rules and regulations implementing Republic Act 9006, otherwise known as the Fair Elections Practices Act. This will essentially be the campaign guidelines for candidates,” said Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesman James Jimenez.

For updates from around the country, follow Sun.Star on Twitter

On February 9, candidates running for national positions will officially begin their campaign. The campaign of local candidates, meanwhile, will start on March 26.

Starting Tuesday, a specified airtime will be set as part of a candidate’s election propaganda.

Candidates/registered political parties for a national elective position can consume only 120 minutes in television or cable television and 180 minutes in radio, whether by purchase or donation, wherever located, per station.

Candidates running for local positions have 60 minutes in television and 90 minutes in radio, whether by purchase or donation, wherever located, per station.

The resolution states that written or printed materials should not exceed eight and one-half inches in width and 14 inches in length.

Posters made of cloth, paper, whether framed or posted, should not exceed two feet by three feet.

In case a campaign material is donated by any party or individual, the words “printed free of charge” must be printed on the material.

Jimenez warned those who will be caught ignoring the guidelines may face the accusation of illegal campaigning.

“For those who have already released infomercials, those who have put up billboards, posters, and streamers, starting February 9, all of these things will no longer be allowed,” the Comelec official said.

The campaign guidelines also cover posters on public transportation, like that of administration bet Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro and senatoriable Juan Ponce Enrile.

The public is advised by the commission to file cases if they feel certain candidates have committed violations.

Although the Comelec does not encourage citizens to take down posters or any campaign materials that invade their property because of the danger they impose, Jimenez said the public may, instead, report to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Philippine National Police (PNP) or local Comelec officials for such incidents.

“We do not encourage the people to remove these campaign materials that encroach on their properties because they might be harmed by the supporters of these candidates. If it’s a private property, the supporter might face charges for vandalism. Obstruction of private property is a serious offense,” noted Jimenez.

The campaign guidelines also do not involve rules on Internet campaigning.

“As far as Internet campaigning is concerned, there are no guidelines as of yet...There’s no law on cyber campaigning,” said Jimenez.

Candidates running for the presidential and vice-presidential seat can spend P10 per voter.

Candidates without any political party or without any support from any political party can spend P5 per voter.

For political parties, organizations and coalitions, P5 for every voter is allowed.

Candidates are free to campaign on all days of the campaign period except on Maundy Thursday (April 1), Good Friday (April 2) and the day before elections (May 9).

Campaign period for both national and local candidates will end on May 8.