With the campaign season officially set to begin next week, administration candidates have been reminded to avoid engaging in dirty tricks to get ahead in the May elections.
Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said Daang Matuwid Coalition candidates are expected to focus on platforms and adhere to election laws.
“The President has set the tone for the Daang Matuwid Coalition,” Coloma said in a text message.
“As in the 2010 and 2013 elections, the primary focus shall be on platforms and issues while adhering to all laws pertaining to the conduct of the elections,” he added.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has scheduled the start of the campaign period for national positions on February 9. It will end on May 7.
For the local elections, the campaign period will take place from March 25 to May 7.
The poll body has already issued guidelines to candidates, including the removal of illegal propaganda materials 72 hours before the start of the campaign period. It has also banned the posting of election campaign materials outside of authorized common poster areas, in public places, or in private properties without the consist of the owner.
President Aquino has endorsed the presidential bid of former Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas in the May polls. Although Roxas has lagged behind in presidential surveys, Aquino earlier expressed confidence that there is no way to go but up.
