Deterrence against early campaigning

Even before the Yuletide season starts or Christmas “amihan” is felt by our typhoon-weary countrymen, election-related paid political ads by some known personalities have slowly proliferated on TV, radio, print, and social media. It has happened in the past and always will. It only means election season is in the air, smelling like roses, especially to those planning to join the “circus.”

From whatever angle you look at, it still smells like premature campaigning. Politicians can easily circumvent any law to their advantage. The electorate (gullible or willing) can become easy prey (or beneficiary) of manipulative schemes. Television and print media have raked in more money ahead of the official campaign period. The people cannot do anything to avoid this spectacle, they just have to take the ride and enjoy it.

The economic benefit of this “early campaigning” can only be felt by media companies. Nothing for the government. Perhaps, an amendment to the Omnibus Election Code or whatever instrument of law should be looked at to find ways that can serve both purposes— as a deterrent and a revenue-generating vehicle for the government.

Impose a “fine” on would-be candidates with an equal amount of money spent on political ads on either TV or print. This is easy to know through the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Collected “fines” by the government have to be used to augment the funds of some agencies like the Philippine Health Insurance Corp., the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and those involved in disaster relief. This will be a much-needed help for disadvantaged sectors of our society.

The earlier these candidates take advantage of “premature campaigning,” the more money the government can collect. Otherwise, they just have to toe the line and instead, campaign as much as they like only during the official campaign period.

If you can’t prevent these politicians, punish them and let them “bleed” more money.

JEROME L. ESCOBEDO,

Lapu-Lapu, Cebu