by Mayen Jaymalin (The Philippine Star)
MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday ruled out the possibility of soliciting the support of popular television host Kris Aquino-Yap for its campaign to educate voters on the automated elections.
Comelec Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer said the poll body would definitely not seek the services of media and show biz personalities who have openly endorsed candidates in the May 2010 elections.
“We cannot just accept the services of actors and actresses who are very much identified with certain candidates. In that way, we will be avoiding the suspicion that we are favoring any of the candidates,” Ferrer said.
He noted that while Kris is popular, she is also identified with her older brother and Liberal Party presidential candidate Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
“If we would recruit her (Kris) we might be suspected of favoring her candidate, but if she would volunteer other forms of support we might accept it,” he added.
Ferrer, however, is keen on the idea of seeking the endorsement of actress Judy Ann Santos.
“Judy Ann’s name came up and I think it would be a good choice since she has made a public pronouncement that she will not be endorsing any candidates in the coming elections,” he explained.
Ferrer said the Comelec is open to media and entertainment personalities who would offer their services for free to help in the voters’ education campaign.
“We do not have funding for such purpose, so if their services are free and they have not endorsed any candidate, then the Comelec door is open,” he pointed out.
Earlier, Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal called on TV and movie personalities, including those who are already identified with certain candidates, to join the poll body’s voters’ education campaign.
Ferrer said he is giving full support to Larrazabal’s proposal, with the exception of those who are identified with candidates, because the poll body needs support for the voters’ education drive.
“We have to admit the television personalities can really get the attention of voters and that is what we really need,” he said.
Raising voter’s awareness
Administration vice presidential candidate Edu Manzano also asserted that show biz personalities can help in informing the public on the basics of the automated polls in a non-partisan way.
Manzano, a former Actors’ Guild president, earlier petitioned the Comelec to reconsider its resolution mandating media personalities to take a leave if they are endorsing candidates.
“Voter’s education is a non-partisan issue. Politics aside, all celebrities are prepared to do their share in heightening public awareness of automated voting, and encouraging everyone to go out and exercise their right to vote,” Manzano, former national president of the Vice-Mayors’ League, said.
He cited the need for celebrities to help not just in educating the public on the basics of automation, but also in promoting clean, honest and orderly balloting.
“We do not want voters to be caught unaware by the new method of voting, as this may cause delays in the balloting, unduly inconvenience other voters through long lines at the precinct, and possibly even disenfranchise some voters,” he said.
Manzano agreed with Larrazabal that “celebrities who have openly endorsed politicians can still act as messengers in raising awareness of the basics of automation.” - Paolo Romero, Delon Porcalla
Comelec Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer said the poll body would definitely not seek the services of media and show biz personalities who have openly endorsed candidates in the May 2010 elections.
“We cannot just accept the services of actors and actresses who are very much identified with certain candidates. In that way, we will be avoiding the suspicion that we are favoring any of the candidates,” Ferrer said.
He noted that while Kris is popular, she is also identified with her older brother and Liberal Party presidential candidate Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
“If we would recruit her (Kris) we might be suspected of favoring her candidate, but if she would volunteer other forms of support we might accept it,” he added.
Ferrer, however, is keen on the idea of seeking the endorsement of actress Judy Ann Santos.
“Judy Ann’s name came up and I think it would be a good choice since she has made a public pronouncement that she will not be endorsing any candidates in the coming elections,” he explained.
Ferrer said the Comelec is open to media and entertainment personalities who would offer their services for free to help in the voters’ education campaign.
“We do not have funding for such purpose, so if their services are free and they have not endorsed any candidate, then the Comelec door is open,” he pointed out.
Earlier, Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal called on TV and movie personalities, including those who are already identified with certain candidates, to join the poll body’s voters’ education campaign.
Ferrer said he is giving full support to Larrazabal’s proposal, with the exception of those who are identified with candidates, because the poll body needs support for the voters’ education drive.
“We have to admit the television personalities can really get the attention of voters and that is what we really need,” he said.
Raising voter’s awareness
Administration vice presidential candidate Edu Manzano also asserted that show biz personalities can help in informing the public on the basics of the automated polls in a non-partisan way.
Manzano, a former Actors’ Guild president, earlier petitioned the Comelec to reconsider its resolution mandating media personalities to take a leave if they are endorsing candidates.
“Voter’s education is a non-partisan issue. Politics aside, all celebrities are prepared to do their share in heightening public awareness of automated voting, and encouraging everyone to go out and exercise their right to vote,” Manzano, former national president of the Vice-Mayors’ League, said.
He cited the need for celebrities to help not just in educating the public on the basics of automation, but also in promoting clean, honest and orderly balloting.
“We do not want voters to be caught unaware by the new method of voting, as this may cause delays in the balloting, unduly inconvenience other voters through long lines at the precinct, and possibly even disenfranchise some voters,” he said.
Manzano agreed with Larrazabal that “celebrities who have openly endorsed politicians can still act as messengers in raising awareness of the basics of automation.” - Paolo Romero, Delon Porcalla
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