MANILA, Philippines—Actors with entries in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), and who will run in the 2010 elections, may have no reason to worry:

In a statement sent to the Inquirer, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal opined that these actors’ entries “will not be disqualified because... the [festival] movies do not constitute premature campaigning.” Macalintal said the MMFF, which starts annually on Christmas Day, is merely observing a tradition.

The lawyer said Section 6.7 and 6.8 of Republic Act No. 9006, which deal with political ads, prohibit the films’ screening (in a theater, television station or any public forum) during the campaign period. He noted that the campaign period officially starts on Feb. 9, 2010 for national positions and March 26, 2010 for local positions.

Festival officials have been concerned about this possible glitch that may affect three entries.