PRESS RELEASE: COMELEC to hold public consultation on the draft implementing rules of Fair Elections Act

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced Thursday that it will be conducting a public hearing and consultation on the draft Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9006 otherwise known as the ‘Fair Elections Act’ in connection with the May 9, 2016 National and Local Elections and subsequent Elections.

The said public hearing and consultation shall be conducted on Monday, January 11, 2016, 2:00 PM at the Palacio del Gobernador Building in Intramuros Manila.

COMELEC Spokesman James Jimenez said that among the proposed amendments included in the draft IRR include the requirement for candidates to indicate in their campaign materials the phrase, “This material should be recycled”. “This amendment was inserted to emphasize the Commission’s commitment to conducting ecologically friendly elections,” said Jimenez.

Also included among the significant amendments to the draft IRR, according to Jimenez, is the removal of aggregate time limits to broadcast election propaganda, pursuant to the Supreme Court’s ruling in GMA Network Inc. et al v. COMELEC.

The COMELEC spokesman averred that apart from representatives from the media and political parties who were invited to attend the public hearing and consultation, the general public is also 

welcome to take part in the event.

For additional information, interested parties may contact the COMELEC Education and Information Department at telephone numbers 525-9294, 525-9345 or 525-9301. ###

Reference:

James Arthur B. Jimenez

Director IV, Education and Information Department

Commission on Elections

Tel. No. (+632) 525-9294

Date: January 8, 2016