Jamby’s iPad controversy a ‘good thing’

CEBU, Philippines – Former Senator Ramon “Jun” Magsaysay Jr is confident that fellow Team PNoy senatorial bet Jamby Madrigal will not be disqualified over supposed illegal campaigning when she offered iPads as prizes on social media.

But the controversy it generated is a “good thing,” said Magsaysay. It allows the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to define what is allowed and not during the campaign. Other candidates will learn a lot from the “healthy” debate, he added.

“It’s unfortunate that Senator Madrigal’s campaign staff went into this,” he said.

“I’m sure she will apologize. It’s incidental that it’s Jamby,” Magsaysay added.

Comelec vowed to regulate not only campaigning on broadcast media but also on the Internet.

Former Akbayan Rep Risa Hontiveros she won’t do what Madrigal did because she couldn’t afford it.

“I couldn’t afford to do that. Ang pinaka-valuable na pwedeng i-exchange sa Internet or offline ay idea tungkol sa platform,” she said.

But Hontiveros called on the Comelec to review its rules on online campaigning. “The earlier intent of Comelec to regulate campaigning on the Internet needs wider consulation and consensus building among netizens,” she said.

Team PNoy bets Antonio Trillanes IV and Bam Aquino said it’s best to wait for the result of the Comelec investigation. – Rappler.com