NEWSFLASH

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BONG REVILLA FACES DISQUALIFICATION OVER MOVIE

Manila, April 1, 1998 - The threat of disqualification hangs heavily over acting Cavite Governor Bong Revilla, who is running for governor in May.

Commission on Elections executive director Resurreccion Borra said Revilla clearly violated Omnibus Election Code provisions on prohibited election propaganda with the showing of his movie "Ben Delubyo" within the 45-day election period.

Borra said Revilla, who is running under the ruling LAKAS-NUCD party, made use of cinematography to advance his chances of winning in the May 11 polls.

"That is a clear violation," said Borra, who cited the Election Code's Section 859(d). The provision states that it is unlawful "to show or display publicly any advertisement or propaganda for or against any candidates by means of cinematography, audio-visual units or other screen projections except telecasts which may be allowed."

Cavite Rep. Renato Dragon yesterday filed a petition to stop the showing of the action movie which has been showing nationwide since March 28. Dragon is LAMMP's candidate for governor of Cavite.

"To allow the showing of the film "Ben Delubyo" especially in movie houses in Cavite will certainly give him (Revilla) full advantage over his political rivals who are not movie actors and who have no movies or films to be shown to the public," Dragon said.