New Rules of the 2019 Election Game

THOSE who really want to win the election battleground must know the new rules set by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

With the advocacy to educate all candidates, campaign managers, party-list groups, poll watchers, supporters, lawyers, accountants, sponsors, stakeholders and voters, the Center for Global Best Practices (CGBP) will host two pioneering programs entitled “2019 General Instructions on Automated Elections” to be held on Friday, March 29, 2019, at the Manila Marriott Hotel, Pasay City, and “Best Practices on How to Prepare your Statement of Contributions and Expenditures” to be held on Thursday, May 30, 2019, at the Edsa-Shangri-La Hotel ,Mandaluyong City.

The 2019 General Instructions (GI) on the Election Automation Law recently released by Comelec is considered the bible of rules that must be followed by all candidates, poll watchers, lawyers and other practitioners in the campaign and election exercises. In any question of the law and procedures, this is the official reference for all those actively seeking public office and for those in the service of protecting votes and ballots. This is the only program that will lay down its entire blueprint and will provide you with the complete guide on its implementing rules and regulations (IRR) on the poll automation law. When disputes or irregularities arises on election matters, you can invoke the GI. Mastery of its content is valuable for those participating in this election.

Learning “How to Prepare your Statement of Contributions and Expenditures” will eliminate the dangers of perpetual disqualification by Comelec. Material errors or nonsubmission of SOCE is a ground for such penalty. A winning candidate cannot assume office without submitting a SOCE in its proper form and substance. This one-day training will be your definitive guide to the Campaign Finance Regulations for the May 13, 2019, elections. We will teach you how to prepare the 11 forms required for SOCE. Attendees will gain valuable insights on what is lawful and unlawful campaign paraphernalia, the limits of expense, time and space for political ads such as billboards, streamers, movies, documentaries, radio, TV, newspaper and other social media that should all be reflected in your SOCE.

Registration is open to the general public. CGBP is accredited by the Civil Service Commission. Attendees from the government can earn points for their career advancement and are exempted from the P2,000 limit when attending training conducted by the private sectors based on DBM Circular 563 dated April 22, 2016. Interested participants are encouraged to avail themselves of the early payment savings and group discounts for three or more registrants. Preregistration is required.

For details, check www.cgbp.org. This web site contains CGBP’s complete list of best practices programs, including “How to Prepare Unsolicited Proposals for Government Projects,” “What You Must Know About the Procurement Law,” “How to Prepare Your Bidding Documents,” “PPP Certification Course,” “How to Joint Venture Effectively with the Government,” “Best Practices in Business and Government Protocol,” “How to Avoid COA Disallowances” and many more. You may call landlines in Manila (+632) 842-7148/59 and (+632) 556-8968 or 69.