We’ve all seen them: posters showing a barangay candidate with a political figure – a mayor, a congressman, and so on. Our initial reaction is that this is a form of political interference in what is supposed to be the apolitical barangay system.
Unfortunately, things are not always so clear cut.
First, consider the following concepts: free speech and the presumption of innocence.
Free speech. Everyone has the right to express his support for anyone. This right does not disappear simply because one is a politician. Nor does the right to the presumption of innocence. Applying these concepts to the photobombing politicians, therefore:
- They have the right to express their support for a candidate; and
- We have to presume that they are innocently doing so, that is, they are doing it in a manner that would not constitute political interference.
So, in dealing with things like this, the COMELEC has to adopt examine each individual case, while avoiding a blanket condemnation of the practice. True, things would be much easier if politicians were to just refuse to appear on such posters, still a lot of factors are in play that make such a simplistic solution practically impossible.
The COMELEC treads a fine line between enforcing the rules against political interference and personal expressions of support. However, there are some things we can look out for, such as language to the effect that the barangay candidate is being endorsed by the politician’s political party or organization.