Comelec to politicians: Remove your names on gov't property

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections told incumbent officials on Monday to remove their names on all government structures, signages and vehicles before the start of the campaign period for this year's polls.

"Under our new rules, incumbent officials are required to remove their names/images/initials appearing on government structure, signage and vehicles. This provision must be complied with all incumbent officials before the start of the campaign period - otherwise (they are) liable for election offense," Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes, Jr. said in his official Twitter account.

He added that under Resolution 9615, the incumbent official will be presumed as the one who committed the election offense if there is non-compliance on his/her part.

Brillantes said the names of government officials should not be seen on government property to begin with.

The poll body chair said Comelec will be stricter in implementing the Fair Elections Act which includes provisions on the use of political advertisements.

The official campaign period for senatorial aspirants and party-list groups begins on Feb. 12 while local candidates may start campaigning on March 30.

Candidates are not allowed to campaign on March 28 (Maundy Thursday) and 29 (Good Friday), the eve of the elections and on May 13, election day.