They were waged by prospective candidates for certain electoral posts this coming May polls “to make known their intentions” and win voters to their sides.
But now that they have filed their certificates of candidacy, voters await their clandestine moves to gain their support. “Since last June, we observed this gift-giving binge by a candidate gunning for the gubernatorial post,” one political observer said.
He said the gift-giving activity also matched, although on a limited scale, by her prospective opponent.
The preparations for the gift-giving activity was the sending of a coordinating group to make arrangements with the barangay captain for the date and time of the activity, selection of the families to be given the gift, and distribution of coupons to be presented on the appointed date and time.
On gift-giving day, the prospective candidate with his or her retinue of supporters came and delivered his or her inspirational message. Sometimes, the activity was covered live by a radio station.
“The theme of the message was always predictable and standard one,” the observer said. “They said it is their way of helping the poor especially in tiding over the lean months, that it is from the heart, and that they will always be remembered whatever positions in government or private position they are in,” he added.
The gift, in a big package, is usually composed of some kilograms of rice, noodles, canned goods, three-in-one sachets of coffee, toothpaste, toothbrush, laundry soap and others.
As soon as the name of the chosen recipient is called, he or she presented the coupon, received the gift, waited for his or her neighbors, and left the place. No commitment was asked of him or her.
The prospective candidate and his supporters then left for the scheduled gift-giving activity in another barangay.
The medical mission was with a retinue of volunteer doctors, nurses and medical aides. For the whole day in a certain place, the residents were given free consultation and medicine. Those needing eyeglasses were examined and given a pair of reading glasses.
But the excitement of the residents, the observer said, was in the holding of “pa-bingo games”. The attendees to the games, usually held in the plaza or auditorium, were given bingo guards and participate in the games up to 12 midnight. Goods and money were at stake in the game.
Comelec officials said there was nothing wrong about these activity carried out by the prospective candidates in so far as election rules are concerned. They were not actually campaigning yet.
Since the candidates have filed their certificate of candidacies, they are now barred from doing overt acts that constitute premature campaigning until at the start of the campaign period. The campaign period for local elective posts – composed of municipal and city mayors, provincial and regional elective posts, and district members of the House of Representative – is set on March 25 to May 7, 2016.
But clandestine activities that may constitute premature campaigning are expected to be carried out by those who already filed their certificates of candidacies.
These include giving of materials and goods to people who approach them. They may include sports equipment, water pumps, toilet bowls, construction materials for a barangay project and so on.
Then expect more “give-aways”, even money, to be given during the campaign period.
Of these, many voters philosophically said: “Accept all of them but vote for the right candidate. After all, this our chance to get some benefits from them. After the elections, they will forget us.”
