MANILA, Philippines - A candidate for senator wants the Commission on Elections to buy them campaign airtime from broadcast networks.

This, as the Comelec's stricter rules on monitoring election spending and advertising were generally welcomed by the candidates.

Bayan Muna senatorial candidate Teddy Casiño said Comelec could buy airtime, which can then be tapped equally by all candidates.

"It is good that Comelec is trying to limit the exposure of moneyed and powerful candidates and parties. We hope it will truly lessen the barrage of campaign ads. But to have a real level playing field, it is crucial that Comelec buy more airtime that can be tapped equally by all candidates. Comelec should use its billions of savings for this purpose,” he said.

Liberal Party senatorial candidates Bam Aquino and Grace Poe welcomed the new rules on campaign advertising.

Aquino said, "I think this will level the playing field and not give a distinct advantage to candidates with more resources. Let's hope that the Comelec can monitor the ads properly and efficiently."

Poe said: "The 120 hours policy will for the candidates to produce ads with a clear message for optimum results. The policy also allows candidates like me with less financial clout to compete at a more level playing field."

Poe however said that there should be no limits to Internet campaigns.

"But they should not limit Internet campaigning. The Internet is one of the few remaining media avenues to advertise for free. Also, it will be impractical to monitor every social media thread. How will they exactly limit Internet exposure? Are netizens’ reactions counted?"

On Wednesday, the poll body issued Resolution 9615 which, among others, limited campaigns over the Internet, banned political advertisements on public utility vehicles and shortened broadcast airtime for candidates campaigns to 120 minutes for TV and 180 minutes for radio for all networks nationwide.

These rules were not present in previous elections.