Declaration of Principles
- The State supervises the use of media franchises during elections to guarantee equal opportunities and equitable media access among candidates.
- Candidates must be free from harassment and discrimination.
Lawful Election Propaganda
- Election propaganda is allowed for registered political parties, party-list organizations, and bona fide candidates within authorized expense limits.
- Types of lawful propaganda include pamphlets, letters, posters (with size limits), paid ads in media, and other lawful formats.
Requirements for Published and Broadcast Propaganda
- All political advertisements must be identified as such and disclose the benefitting candidate or party and sponsor details.
- Free broadcasts must indicate the provider of free airtime.
- Donated advertisements require written acceptance by the candidate or party and submission to COMELEC.
Election Surveys
- Surveys measure voter opinions on candidates or issues and must disclose detailed methodology and sponsoring entities.
- Raw survey data must be accessible to COMELEC and authorized entities.
- Publishing surveys is restricted close to election day (15 days for national, 7 days for local).
- Exit polls have defined conduct rules and can only be published after polls close.
Equal Access to Media Time and Space
- All candidates and parties have equal media access with limits on print ad sizes and broadcast time (varies by national/local office).
- Media entities must submit advertising contracts and logs to COMELEC.
- No issuance, suspension, or cancellation of media franchises is permitted during elections.
- Media must remain impartial and truthful, with rules about media personnel involved in campaigns.
- Films portraying candidates are banned during campaigns.
Affirmative Actions by COMELEC
- COMELEC secures compensated print space and free airtime on national media for candidates at set intervals.
- COMELEC may require networks to sponsor debates among presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
COMELEC Media Space and Time
- COMELEC procures media space and air time in provinces or cities for election-related public information.
Posting of Campaign Materials
- COMELEC can authorize common poster areas for parties and independent candidates with size and location limits.
- Posting on private property requires owner consent; public posting must be equitable among candidates.
Right to Reply
- Candidates and parties have the right to reply to charges made against them, with equal publicity given by media.
Rates for Political Propaganda
- Media must charge discounted rates for political advertisements during elections (30% TV, 20% radio, 10% print).
Substitution of Candidates
- Votes for substitutes after ballots are printed count as stray votes unless substitute shares the same surname.
- Ballots provide space to write substitute names.
COMELEC Authority and Election Offenses
- COMELEC promulgates implementing rules consistent with the Constitution and Election Code.
- Rules take effect seven days after publication in newspapers.
- Violations constitute election offenses with prescribed penalties under the Election Code.
Repealing Clause
- Relevant sections of the Omnibus Election Code and earlier laws are repealed or rendered ineffective to avoid conflict with this Act.
Separability Clause
- Invalid provisions do not affect the remainder of the law.
Effectivity
- The law takes effect immediately upon approval.