Comelec reminds candidates to follow rules

CEBU, Philippines - The Commission on Election (Comelec) 7 is going full force on their efforts to monitor campaign violations with the start of the national campaign on February 12 and the upcoming local campaign kick-off by the end of March.

Comelec Cebu Provincial Supervisor Eddie Aba sent a memorandum on Tuesday to all election officers in the Province of Cebu directing them “to strictly implement Comelec Resolution 9615” or the rules and regulations implementing RA 9006 or the Fair Elections Act.

Aba said that written reports are to be submitted to his office on monitored cases of violations of campaign regulations in their respective areas.

“Violations would be taken seriously,” warned Aba.

Aba is also requesting the candidates to follow provisions of RA 9006 and 9615.

“I appeal to all our candidates to strictly abide by the rules on campaigning. Each candidate should not take undue advantage over the other candidates,” Aba said.

According to the Comelec, among the provisions that are commonly violated are the size of campaign posters and the restriction on areas where campaign materials are allowed to be posted.

As stated in RA 9615, posters of political parties and party-lists are allowed at 12x16ft but should not exceed a total area of 192 square feet.

As for independent candidates, sizes of posters are allowed at 4x6ft and should not exceed a total area of 24 sq.ft.

Candidates can only put up their campaign posters in common poster areas upon the approval of the Comelec office and through their city or municipal election officers.

One common poster area can be set up by a candidate or party for every 5,000 registered voters or less and can add another common area for one’s posters for every additional 5,000 registered voters.

The Comelec is also reminding the candidates on the strict prohibition on putting up of campaign propaganda on trees and plants located along public roads, parks, school premises and other public grounds.

Comelec-7 Regional Director Temie Lambino earlier explained that once they will be notified that a violation has been done with regards to posting of campaign paraphernalia, they would be asking the candidates or parties involved to remove the propaganda within three days. 

Otherwise, they will be facing disqualification charges.  (FREEMAN)