THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday admitted it cannot disqualify politicians running for local positions who will join victory parties for boxing champ Manny Pacquiao.
“If it’s a local candidate, because of the Supreme Court ruling, they are not yet considered candidates for purposes of premature campaigning and, therefore, they are not yet within the limitations of the law,” said Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal.
In Cabanatuan City, NP presidential bet Manny Villar said Pacquiao told him by phone that he will immediately come home to campaign.
“Pagkadating niya dito ay tutulungan na namin siyang magkampanya dun sa Sarangani at gano’n din naman sya sa akin,” Villar said.
In the past, politicians have joined Pacquiao atop floats which paraded the streets of Metro Manila, and even in some provinces upon his return from megabuck fights.
In its March 2 ruling, the High Court effectively scrapped the rules on premature campaigning, citing a provision in the Republic Act 9369 or the Poll Automation Law stating that “any person who has filed his/her certificate of candidacy (COC) shall only be considered as a candidate at the start of campaign period.”
Larrazabal also noted the campaign period for local candidates will not begin until March 26.
On Sunday, Larrazabal appealed to politicians to spare the victory parade from politics.
“We would advise candidates, both local and national to refrain from using this event. Meaning to say, don’t put streamers or materials that contains ‘vote for me’ or those containing the number corresponding to your name in the ballot… spare the event from politics,” Larrazabal reiterated.
The Nacionalista Party said it will give Pacquiao a hero’s welcome.
Villar said the party would definitely throw a big welcome party for Pacquiao.
“Hindi ko alam kung ano ang gagawin, subalit bibigyan namin siya ng isang malaking pagsalubong,” he said.
Pacquiao is running for a congressional seat under the NP banner in Sarangani. He joined the NP last Dec. 18.
Pacquiao had always had always had a hero’s welcome in Manila, courtesy of former mayor and former Environment Secretary Lito Atienza.
Atienza, who has been Pacquiao’s patron since his early years in boxing, is running for mayor again under the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino which has Joseph Estrada as standard bearer.
It is unknown whether Pacquiao will endorse Atienza’s bid. The mayoralty post is also being sought by incumbent Alfredo Lim and former PNP chief Avelino Razon.
Villar said he is optimistic that the successful title defense of Pacquiao will add more momentum to his candidacy.
“Sure it will help,” Villar told reporters.
Villar, his running mate Loren Legarda and the NP senatorial candidates held a rally in Cabanatuan City at the more-than-a-hectare Kapitan Pepe subdivision open grounds.
Police and organizers said it was the biggest gathering in the province, estimated at more than 200,000.
Pinky Canlas of Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center, said the event was first advertised as “Wowowillie meets Rockatropa,” with television host Willie Revillame.
Rockatropa is produced by Villar’s daughter Camille.
During Wowowee’s presentation, Villar sang Revillame’s signature song “Ikaw na Nga,” triggering thunderous applause from the crowd composed mostly of farmers from various barangays in Nueva Ecija.
Revillame, a Novo Ecijano, asked his province-mates to support Villar.
“(He) is the only one who can solve your problems. He is sincere. He comes from a poor family like you. Please help him win the elections,” the Wowowee host said.
Villar said he would prioritize rice technology and infrastructure projects in order to increase farmers’ income if he makes it to Malaca?ang.
Villar also vowed to bring back the old glory of Nueva Ecija as the “Rice Granary” of the Philippines and primary exporter of rice in Asia.
