Campaign period for the next elections has officially started. James Jimenez, the COMELEC spokesperson, disclosed in ANC a few days ago that COMELEC has no guidelines for online campaigning. He said this was due to the lack of legislation regulating online conduct, but these should probably be set by 2013.
Considering how unbelievable some things that occur only during election periods can get, the fact that there are no guidelines for online campaigning would only exacerbate the circus that is the elections. It seems that the playing field now has become virtual, and unrestricted conduct over the internet during such times would be like a UFC competition online, only you can bring in back-up and weapons.
It must be admitted that COMELEC had its hands tied when it did not issue guidelines, for if there was no law regulating online conduct, then it would have no basis upon which it can anchor the campaign guidelines. Nonetheless, the propriety of not having such guidelines remains to be seen with this unprecedented election. One this is for sure though: it will be interesting.
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