Candidates told: Remove illegal campaign materials or face disqualifcation

National

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued a stern warning against candidates who will fail to remove their illegally-posted campaign materials.

During the kick-off of “Oplan Baklas” on Monday, February 11, Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said candidates who fail to remove illegal campaign materials will face stiff penalties, including disqualification.

The kick-off of the “Oplan Baklas” coincided with the start of the campaign period for senatoriables and party-list groups.

According to Comelec rules, campaign posters, billboards, and tarpaulins exceeding two-by-three feet are considered illegal.

Campaign materials are prohibited in areas other than designated common spaces such as plazas, markets, and barangay centers.

Although there are no monetary penalties, Garcia explained that violating Comelec's rules regarding campaign materials can result in disqualification.

In a report by Philippine News Agency (PNA), Garcia noted that no violation letters were sent on the first day of the campaign.

However, he reminded candidates that local Comelec offices will soon be issuing notices where candidates will only be given three days to remove illegal campaign materials.

Garcia insisted that the Comelec will be fair in enforcing campaign rules.

Garcia also said a significant volume of paper-based materials were collected during the first day of campaigning for national positions.

Garcia described the first day of “Oplan Baklas" as "very good," pointing out the lack of large banners along EDSA and other major roads.

The campaign period for senatorial and party-list groups will be until May 10.(Rey Martin Rio, USJ-R Comm Intern)