Politicians’ Streamers Expected to Dominate in Free-Showing Venues of Pacquiao-Mayweather Fight

(PNA) — Streamers and tarpaulins of politicians are expected to be displayed in places where there will be free showing of the much-awaited boxing match between Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao and American Floyd Mayweather on Sunday in different parts of the country.

According to Commission on Elections (Comelec) Spokesman James Jimenez, the banners or tarpaulins showing faces of politicians at these places are not considered as premature campaigning for the 2016 national and local polls.

“They are not yet considered as candidates so everything remains acceptable,” he said in an interview.

On the other hand, acting Comelec Chairman Christian Robert Lim noted that aside from streamers at the venues, the people should also prepare for seeing politicians’ advertisements in television during the match.

“Last year, meron ka na ding makikita na TV ads. The Comelec has been shackled by that definition in the case of Penera. As far as the Comelec is concerned, yung effect nung Penera is there is no more premature campaigning,” the poll body chief added.

Republic Act No. 9369 states that “Any person who files his certificate of candidacy (COC) shall only be considered as a candidate at the start of the campaign period” and that “unlawful acts applicable to a candidate shall be in effect only upon that start of the campaign period.”

This was affirmed by the Supreme Court in the case of Penera vs. Comelec in 2009, which paved the way for the removal of premature campaigning as an election offense.

The Pacquiao–Mayweather bout will be held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA on Saturday (Sunday in Manila). (PNA) SCS/FGP/EDS