'Celebrity endorsers should take their leave from work'-Comelec
Comelec announced on Thursday, celebrities who will be supporting candidates in 2010 elections shoud take their leave from showbiz or they will be facing charges if they’ll continue to do so.
Republic Act 9006, or the Fair Elections Act, forbids actors and actresses make appearances on television while they are campaigning for a candidate during campaign period. The said period started on February 9 and will end on May 8. For local candidates, campaign period will start on March 26.
Section 6.6 reads that it does not allow a media practitioner who is an official of a political party or a member of the campaign staff of a candidate or political party from using his time or space to favor any candidate or political party. If you are a personality, a columnist, an on-air correspondent, a commentator, but you became a candidate, you should resign or take a leave from your media work. If you are a campaigner, part of the campaign staff, or a volunteer, then you should also resign or take a leave of absence. Anyone who violates a provision is punishable by law.
An election offense is punishable by one to six years imprisonment, but Comelec admitted that there is still no discussion among the poll body whether it would hold the celebrities accountable for violating the law without a third party complaint. Comelec had given their contact numbers, to report any violations 525-9302; 525-9297; 525-9345; 525-9296; 525-9335; 525-9294; 527-5575; and 527-0821.
Senator Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III endorsers are :Vilma Santos, Kris Aquino, Boy Abunda, Sharon Cuneta, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Anne Curtis, Erik Santos, Bea Alonzo, Gretchen Barretto, Mariel Rodriguez, Sitti, Pooh, Kim Chiu, Kris Bernal and Aljur Abrenica. For Senator Manuel Villar’s endorsers are Dolphy, Sarah Geronimo, Michael V, Willie Revillame, Manny Pacquiao, and Richard Gutierrez. Administration bet Gilbert Teodoro has the Rivermaya band as endorser. Religious leader Eddie Villanueva has Gloc-9, and Gary Valenciano and family. Former President Joseph Estrada has Lorna Tolentino, Aiko Melendez and Eddie Garcia as endorsers. Richard Gordon and Jamby Madrigal prefers not to hire any celebrity endorser because they find it expensive.
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