Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 10) — Senator Leila de Lima is calling on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to do away with its campaign permit system, which she described as an “unnecessary burden.”
In a statement on Thursday, De Lima said requiring candidates to first secure a permit before holding in-person campaign activities “almost amounts to prior restraint” of their right to free speech.
This restrictive effect, she added, could come in the form of bureaucratic red tape.
“Comelec is, therefore, strongly implored to revisit and eliminate this campaign permit system, being the hindrance to the holding of free and fair elections that it currently is, before it unnecessarily constrains the candidates’ right to campaign effectively,” she said.
While the senator acknowledged the need to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, she said other guidelines contained in Comelec Resolution No. 10732 already suffice to ensure safe campaigning.
De Lima believes mere notification to the Comelec should be enough, as she added the permit system “adds no recognizable safeguard” against COVID-19.
The poll body should also review the legality and constitutionality of the requirement, according to the senator.
“Nowhere in the Constitution and election laws is the Comelec empowered to require and issue permits in campaign activities, not even during crisis situations like a pandemic,” she said.
Presidential aspirant Leody de Guzman has faced issues in launching his election campaign after failing to secure a Comelec permit before staging his proclamation rally on Tuesday.
The labor leader explained several requirements, including securing a permit from the local government, hampered efforts of his party Partido Lakas ng Masa to submit their application on time.
The Comelec said the lapse is an election offense, which may be punished through a fine, imprisonment of one to six years, or even disqualification from the May polls. According to De Guzman, they are working with the commission to settle the matter.
