MANILA, Philippines -- Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. on Wednesday reiterated his call for those running in the 2013 midterm polls to refrain from campaigning in cemeteries on All Saints Day.
"Bigyan natin ng respeto ang namatay. Kung pupunuin ang sementeryo ng campaign materials iyong mga patay ang boboto sa inyo hindi iyong mga taumbayan na magmememorya pa ng mga mukha ninyo, makakalimutan pa iyong mukha ninyo pagdating ng eleksyon," Brillantes said in a radio interview.
In his official Twitter account, Brillantes said political aspirants giving out food and water at cemeteries is considered campaigning as he appealed to them to spare these areas where thousands go to pay respects to their departed loved ones.
"Bagama’t hindi bawal, pero kakapalan pa rin po ng mukha 'yan. Kaunting hiya naman po sana," he said.
Brillantes said he has received reports that some candidates are taking advantage of the observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day by putting up tarpaulins and streamers bearing their names in different cemeteries.
On the last day of voter's registration period today, Brillantes also told registrants not to blame the poll body if they fail to register before 5 p.m.
Brillantes said the Comelec was not remiss in reminding the public of early registration so as to avoid long queues in Comelec offices.
The Comelec chief reiterated that the poll body would not extend the deadline for voters' registration.
"Walang sisihan ‘yan. Paulit-ulit namin sinasabi na Oct. 31 ‘yan," Brillantes stressed.
Article Source: Philippine News Agency (for InterAksyon)
