Actor-politicians face poll ban over movies

October 20, 2009 01:56:00
Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer


MANILA, Philippines -- Actor-politicians might be barred from showing their movies or television shows during the campaign period after they have filed their certificates of candidacies for the 2010 polls.

Commission on Elections spokesman James Jimenez said the poll body has been looking at the possibility of banning actor-politicians from appearing in movies or television shows during the campaign period, the same way as TV and radio broadcasters, film, and print workers take a leave of absence from their jobs when they run for public office.

The reason for this is to prevent one sector -- in this case showbiz personalities -- from having an undue built-in advantage over non-showbiz politicians.

Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal, on Monday, also warned actor-politicians that the showing of their movies or television shows immediately after they have filed their certificates of candidacies might constitute premature campaigning.

The period for the filing of CoCs will be from Nov. 20 to 30, 2009, to give the Comelec time to prepare for the first-ever automated elections in the Philippines. However, the campaign period for national posts will start in February 2010 yet, or 90 days before the May 10, 2010 polls. The campaign period for local posts shall start 45 days before the elections.

Larrazabal said it would be safe for actor-politicians to show their movies or TV shows after the elections; otherwise, they could face disqualification.

Larrazabal took note of the Supreme Court’s recent decision to disqualify and remove from office Mayor Rosalinda Peñera in Surigao del Norte, saying the landmark ruling clarified the definition of premature campaigning.

Peñera held a motorcade to encourage support for her just after she filed her certificate of candidacy for the 2007 elections and before the official start of the campaign period.

The Supreme Court ruled that this was premature campaigning, an election offense.

The Peñera decision, according to Larrazabal, has created worries for Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, who sought a Comelec’s clarification on the ruling.

The senator, who is eyeing to run for reelection, has a movie called “Ang Panday” scheduled to come out in December for the Metro Manila Film Festival.

Larrazabal said the Comelec law department told Revilla that showing "Ang Panday" before the campaign period in February and after he shall have filed his CoC on Nov. 30, 2009, “might constitute premature campaigning.”

He noted that the poll body had yet to issue a strict guideline on the matter as an appeal on Peñera case has been filed with the Supreme Court.

Aside from Revilla, deposed President Joseph Estrada has a comedy movie coming out with actor Ai-Ai delas Alas.

Estrada’s spokesperson, Margaux Salcedo, said the former president would avoid the legal dangers on premature campaigning as the movie has been set to “air in the first and second week of November.”

“We are not targeting the Metro Manila Film Fest,” she said.

Larrazabal said politicians planning to appear in films before the election campaign period should ask the Comelec for advice first.

“I suggest them to clear it with the Comelec. It’s better to be safe than sorry,” he said.


Source: http://politics.inquirer.net/view.php?db=1&article=20091020-231043