The Kapuso network advised its talents who endorse a political candidate in the 2010 elections to take a leave of absence in compliance with COMELEC's Fair Election Act.

The COMELEC ruling that celebrities who endorse a political candidate should take a leave or resign permanently from their tv programs has stirred different views from the rival networks.

Section 6.6 of COMELEC’s Fair Election Act states:

“Any mass media columnist, commentator, announcer, reporter, on-air correspondent or personality who is a candidate for any elective public office or is a campaign volunteer for or employed or retained in any capacity by any candidate or political party shall be deemed resigned, if so required by their employer, or shall take a leave of absence from his/her work as such during the campaign period.”

ABS-CBN pointed out in an official statement yesterday (CLICK HERE TO READ ARTICLE) that the COMELEC ruling applies only to employees. Since talents are not exactly the network’s employees, their stars are exempted from the ruling.

GMA-7, on the other hand, supports the Fair Election Act in its entire context. The Kapuso network released a statement compelling their talents to stop campaigning for political candidates or they have to take a leave of absence.

Here’s GMA’s statement:

“GMA Network is advising its talents that they have to take a leave of absence if they continue to campaign for or endorse candidates or political parties during the campaign period, even if the taping of their participation in the promotion or plug of the candidate was done before the campaign period.

“GMA Network’s talents, who appeared in political ads or advocacy plugs before February 9, are advised to notify the candidates concerned or those responsible for placing these political plugs not to air them during the campaign period.”