‘Remove illegal posters in 72 hrs’

CEBU, Philippines — A day before local candidates begin campaigning, the Commission on Elections has reminded them anew to take down posters not compliant with the guidelines of the electoral body.

“The Commission on Elections reminds candidates to immediately  remove all prohibited forms of election propaganda at least 72 hours before the start of campaign period (on Friday, March 29),” the Comelec said in an advisory on its Facebook page.

“Otherwise, said candidates or party shall be presumed to have committed the pertinent election offense during said campaign period for local candidates, as the case may be,” the advisory read.

Lawyer Jerome Brillantes, acting provincial election supervisor for Cebu, said that after the lapse of 72 hours, Comelec personnel themselves will be forced to remove the illegal posters, and the candidates will face an election offense.

Comelec  spokesman   James Jimenez said  campaign  materials such as a leaflet, card, bumper  sticker,   and  other  election propaganda  must contain the words “political advertisement paid  for…” by the candidate or party.

Under Comelec guidelines, pamphlets, leaflets, cards, decals, stickers, and other printed materials should not exceed the maximum size of 8.5 x 14 inches.

As for posters, they must be not bigger  than 2×3 feet or 3×2 feet and they must be situated in  common poster areas  determined by  Comelec  officials  in each locality. 

Posters may  be  set  up on private property with the permission of the owner, however, they must be of  the required size.

Based on Comelec Resolution No. 10488 issued last January 30, candidates are also advised to use recyclable campaign materials.

“Parties and candidates are hereby encouraged to use recyclable and environmental friendly materials and avoid those that contain hazardous chemicals and substances in the production of their campaign and election propaganda,” the resolution read.

In addition, campaign materials are not allowed to be posted on trees, electric posts, waiting sheds, sidewalks, traffic signs, barangay halls, health centers, public shrines, public transport terminals, bridges, ports, airports, patrol cars, ambulances, center islands and others. — JMD (FREEMAN)