WHEREAS,    Republic  Act  No.  9006  repealed  the  provisions  of  Sec  No.  85 of  the Omnibus  Election  Code  which  declares  unlawful  among  others, “to  purchase, manufacture, request,  distribute  or  accept  electoral  propaganda gadgets,  such  as  pens,  lighters,  fans of whatever nature, flashlights, athletic goods or materials, wallets, shirts, hats, bandanas, matches, cigarettes and the like xxx”;

WHEREAS, these electoral propaganda gadgets and athletic goods or materials bearing the names of candidates were not included among the lawful forms of election propaganda but were neither included in the prohibited forms of election propaganda;

WHEREAS,  indiscriminate  distribution  of  these  electoral  propaganda gadgets and athletic  goods  or  materials  may  constitute  vote-buying  under  Section 261  (a)  of  the  Omnibus Election Code for giving anything of value to vote for a candidate;

WHEREAS, in order to ensure compliance with our existing election laws and level the playing field to all candidates, it is imperative that the Commission issue guidelines on the use of this campaign materials dispensing therefore of the need to comply with Section 12 of  Comelec Resolution No. 7767 re: petition for authority to use other election propaganda;

NOW, THEREFORE, the Commission o Elections, by virtue of the powers vested in it by the Constitution, the Omnibus Election Code, Republic Act No. 6646, 7166, 9006 and other related  election laws has  RESOLVED  to  promulgate,  as  it  hereby  promulgates  additional guidelines in implementing the Fair Election Act. 

Sec. 1.    -    Candidates,  political  parties  fielding  candidates,  sectoral  parties  or organizations or coalitions thereof participating in the party-list system of representation or their authorized agents or representatives may purchase, manufacture, distribute or accept propaganda gadgets, such as pens, lighters, fans of whatever nature, flashlights, athletic goods or materials, wallets, shirts, hats, bandanas, matches, and the like.   They shall submit prior to its distributionthesamples  together  with  the  official  receipts  covering  said  items  to  the  office  of the Commission where the candidate concerned filed his certificate of candidacy. 

Sec. 2. – The total number of propaganda gadgets or athletic goods and materials shall not exceed ten (10) percent of the total number of registered voters in the constituency where the candidate or sectoral party or coalitions thereof is seeking to be elected; 

Sec. 3. – The wearing of shirts, hats, athletic goods and other similar items exposing or showing to the public the name of the candidates or party or sectoral party or coalitions thereof participating  in  the  party-list  of  representation  shall  be  allowed  during  the  campaign  period except on April 5 and 6, 2007, (Holy Thursday and Good Friday), May 13, 2007 (the day beforethe election) and May 14, 2007 (the day of the election);

Sec. 4.  –  The  expenses  incurred  therein  shall  be  included  in  the  itemized  statement  of contributions   and   expenditures   of   the   candidates,   political   parties   or   sectoral   party   or organization or coalitions thereof.

Sec.  5.  –  These  propaganda  materials  or  athletic  goods  enumerated  above  shall  not  be allowed in government offices, including military camps or establishments. 

Officials or employees in the civil service, including member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines  and  the  Philippine  National  Police  shall  be  strictly  prohibited  from  wearing  these materials in their place of work. 

Sec. 6.  –  Any  violation  of  these  rules  shall  constitute  a  violation  of  Section  13  of Republic Act No. 9006 and punishable under the first and second paragraphs of Sec. 264 of the Omnibus Election Code.

Sec. 7. – This resolution shall take effect on the seventh day after its publication in two general circulation.

Sec. 8. – The Education and Information Department shall cause the publication of this resolution in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation, and furnish copies thereof to all field  offices  of  the  Commission,  and  to  the  presidents  or  secretaries  of  all  registered  political parties, and the party-list groups, organizations and/or coalitions thereof, candidates, mass media entities and deputized offices.

SO ORDERED.