Manila, Feb. 17 -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday said there is nothing illegal with candidates and their supporters criticizing other candidates during campaign activities.

"The Omnibus Election Code itself allows negative campaigning," Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia said in an interview.

Section 79 of the Omnibus Election Code provides that an "election campaign" or "partisan political activity" refers to an act designed to promote the election or defeat of a particular candidate or candidates.

It includes "making speeches, announcements or commentaries, or holding interviews for or against the election of any candidate for public office."

On the other hand, the poll body chief noted that such acts are with...