Comelec: VP Sara’s impeachment won’t affect May elections

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) stated that the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte will not affect the upcoming National and Local Elections scheduled for May.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia assured that preparations and conduct of elections will proceed without issues, emphasizing ongoing efforts despite political developments.

Garcia explained that a running senator's media exposure during an impeachment trial does not count against their time allocation or campaign spending limits.

The Comelec chief emphasized the distinction between news coverage and political advertising, stating that candidates should be accountable for using celebrities and influencers in campaigns.

For the upcoming elections, the commission approved stricter guidelines on Statements of Contribution and Expenditures (SOCE) regarding celebrity endorsements, assuming these come with financial compensation unless proven otherwise.

The impeachment trial is expected to start when the Senate resumes session in June, and Duterte has expressed willingness to assist Comelec's voter education program.