Bongbong camp gives freebies

GIVEAWAYS. The items found in every loot bag given by the camp of vice presidential candidate and Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)

ONE campaign T-shirt. One USB device. One bottle of cologne. One red fan.

A pair of motorcycle arm sleeves. And several campaign stickers.

All these items are found in one red loot bag bearing the face of vice presidential candidate and Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

These were supposedly distributed by the senator’s camp to those who attended his campaign rallies last Friday and Saturday.

The crew and staff of a local TV station were also given loot bags. Is this allowed under the country’s election laws?

Eliseo Labaria, Commission on Elections (Comelec) acting provincial supervisor, said the distribution of these giveaways by candidates to voters is prohibited when it is done “to buy votes.”

Labaria said giving loot bags or gifts as a friendly gesture to a few people is allowed.

“But when it is done on a massive scale and the purpose of giving is to persuade people to vote for a certain candidate, then that’s already unlawful,” he told Cebu Daily News.

The contents of the loot bag is estimated to cost at least P700 based on the rates of companies selling customized giveaways.

A laminated bag tag, attached to the bag, also has his picture and a tagline “Progresibong Bukas Isalubong 2016.”

Labaria said Comelec cannot comment on reports that a candidate was seen giving away gifts or loot bags during campaign sorties until an aggrieved party files a complaint.

From there, the Comelec will conduct a preliminary investigation to determine whether or not the distribution of items was indeed done for vote-buying.

Anything with value, whether in cash or in kind, can be used for vote-buying, he said.

Paper fans and wristbands bearing the names and images of candidates are the most common items given away during sorties.

Labaria said these “moderate” gifts are negligible.

The distribution of shirts is supposedly strictly not allowed, but they may be given to supporters.

Vote-buying is considered an election offense and is punishable by law, he said.

Labaria said violators may face imprisonment of six to 12 years, perpetual disqualification from seeking public office, and be stripped of the right to suffrage.