Commission on Elections Commissioner Gregorio Y. Larrazabal has advised showbiz personalities or members of the mass media who are considering vying for elective positions in the elections next year to exercise “utmost prudence” in the course of their work especially during the hiatus between the period of the filing of certificates of candidacy and the official start of the campaign period.

In response to a letter sent by celebrities Ara Mina, Alfred Vargas and Maybelyn dela Cruz; Larrazabal reminded them on the need “to exercise utmost prudence in the practice of your profession after you have filed your certificate of candidacy and see to it that you do not, in any way, directly or indirectly engage in partisan political activity.”

Larrazabal explained that while resignation or leave of absence of actors or actresses from their profession is compulsory “only upon the start of the campaign period,” they still have to comply with provisions on the Omnibus Election Code prohibiting campaigning or engaging in partisan political activity outside of the campaign period.

He particularly pointed out to Section 79 (b) of the Omnibus Election Code wherein “election campaign” or “partisan political activity” is also defined as “directly or indirectly soliciting votes, pledges or support for or against a candidate.”

The poll Commissioner also called their attention to the Supreme Court ruling on Penera vs. COMELEC disqualifying Penera for premature campaigning.

COMELEC Spokesman James Jimenez said the period for filing of certificates of candidacy starts November 20, 2009 until December 1, 2009. The official campaign period for position of President, Vice-President, Senators and PartyLists will run from February 9, 2010 until May 8, 2010. Meanwhile, the campaign period for local positions starts March 26, 2010 and will end May 8, 2010, Jimenez said. ###