Info
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments: The Commission shall promulgate rules and regulations regarding the sale of air time for partisan political purposes during the campaign period to insure that equal time as to duration and quality is available to all candidates for the same office or political parties at the same rates or given free of charge.
These rules are promulgated in COMELEC Resolution No. 9615.
Source: The Omnibus Election Code ("Batas Pambansa Blg. 881, s. 1985"), Sec. 86: http://www.comelec.gov.ph/?r=References/RelatedLaws/OmnibusElectionCode/OECArt10 (2016);
COMELEC Resolution No. 9615 implementing the Fair Election Act in connection to the general elections of May 2013: https://comelec.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/com_res_9615.pdf (2016)
Verified: 2016/05/12
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments:
Source: Republic Act No. 9006, Sec. 7.3: http://www.comelec.gov.ph/?r=References/RelatedLaws/ElectionLaws/OtherElectionLaws/RA9006 (2016)
Verified: 2016/05/12
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
h . Not applicable
Comments: The provision according to which surveys affecting national candidates shall not be published fifteen (15) days before an election and surveys affecting local candidates shall not be published seven (7) days before an election has been ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
Source: The Fair Elections Act No. 9006 of 2001, Sec. 5.4: http://www.comelec.gov.ph/?r=References/RelatedLaws/ElectionLaws/OtherElectionLaws/RA9006 (2016)
Provision ruled unconstitutional in SWS v. Comelec, G.R. No. 147571 (May 5, 2001): http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2001/may2001/147571.htm (2016)
Verified: 2016/05/12
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: The law does not contain any provisions specifically focused on paid advertising expenses. There are limits to the amount a party can spend, which is calculated by the number of voters in each constituency.
Source: The Omnibus Election Code ("Batas Pambansa Blg. 881, s. 1985"), Sec. 100, 101: http://www.comelec.gov.ph/?r=References/RelatedLaws/OmnibusElectionCode/OECArt11 (2016)
Verified: 2016/05/12
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