In view of the coming campaign period for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls, the Commission on Elections has released a set of rules and regulations that would govern the conduct of election campaigning and propaganda.

Resolution 8320 released by the COMELEC en banc October 8, 2007 states that 'election campaign' refers to an act designed to promote the election or defeat of a particular candidate or candidates to a public office. The COMELEC said this includes forming of organizations, associations and clubs for the purpose of soliciting votes; holding of meetings, political caucuses and rallies; making speeches, announcements or commentaries; publishing or distributing campaign literature or materials and directly or indirectly soliciting votes.

However, in order to ensure a level playing field for all Barangay and SK candidates, the COMELEC has imposed a limit on how much a candidate shall spend for his election campaign. "No candidate shall spend for his election campaign an aggregate amount exceeding Three Pesos (P3.00) for every registered voter in the Barangay where he seeks to be elected" the COMELEC said in the resolution.

In addition, the poll body has imposed rules on what constitutes lawful election propaganda. It said only handwritten or printed letters not exceeding 8 ½ inches in width and 14 inches in length and posters of a size not exceeding 2 feet by 3 feet shall be allowed during the campaign period.

Candidates may only place display or exhibit their campaign posters and other election propaganda in designated common poster areas in each Barangay, the COMELEC said. These designated areas, at least ten in every Barangay, shall be erected in public places such as plazas, markets, Barangay centers and the like.

The campaign period for the October 29, 2007 elections will run from October 19, 2007 until October 27, 2007.