The camp of Vice President Leni Robredo is worried about the “chilling effect” of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) resolution that allowed the removal of the candidates’ posters and tarpaulins in private places without a warrant.
Lawyer Barry Gutierrez, Robredo’s spokesman, said during a press conference that the Vice President is “deeply concerned as a lawyer, as a public servant” on the violation of the exercise of freedom of speech.
He stressed that Robredo’s campaign for the presidency, in particular, is a people’s campaign.
“People’s campaign ito. Ibig sabihin hindi lang tradisyunal na bahagi ng kampanya (This is a people’s campaign. This means that this is not the traditional part of the campaign). Volunteers are self-funded, self-initiate. Yung ganitong klase aksyon ng Comelec parang may pagpili, ‘yung tinatawag nila na chilling effect. Madi-discourage yung ibang tao magpatuloy ng kanya-kanyang kampanya (This kind of action from the Comelec, it’s like there’s discrimination, what they call chilling effect. The other people will be discourage from continuing their own campaigns),” he explained.
Gutierrez also emphasized that this is not only for Robredo’s supporters because other camps are also affected by the resolution.
READ: ‘Unconstitutional’: Groups slam Comelec's removal of campaign posters from private property
He insisted that that Comelec’s “Oplan Baklas” is happening “all over”—in Isabela, Laguna, Tarlac, Metro Manila, and Robredo’s home province of Camarines Sur, among others.
Robredo’s camp is mulling the possibility of filing a case.
“The right to action belongs sa tao (with the people) directly naapektuhan (affected). (These are) private properties, private persons. They are not connected to the campaign. Volunteer lawyers, some of them offered to take up some of these cases,” Gutierrez said.
“That’s (filing a case) something we will further study and consider. Right now, libre na dumerecho (free to pursue). As far as I understand, there is already initiatives to provide representation from volunteer lawyers,” he added.
As a guideline to volunteers, Gutierrez said while private citizens should stand up for their rights, they cannot insist so if the authorities removing the tarpaulins and posters are being aggressive.
READ: Pinoys affected by Comelec’s ‘Operation Baklas’ may file class suit
Supporters should “register” their objection and insist on their right to property because it is clear under the law, and even Comelec’s resolution, that the rules will only apply to candidates and political parties and not to private persons.
He also asked volunteers to document instances of Comelec dismantling campaign paraphernalia in their private property, so they could present evidence if a case is filed.