Candidates given 3 days to remove illegal posters

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LAOAG CITY — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) 1 (Ilocos Norte) gave local candidates three days to take down their oversized and illegally placed campaign posters across the province.

The poll body, through its Operation Baklas team, and backed by representatives of the Philippine National Police, Department of Public Works and Highways, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources, began removing oversized campaign posters and those placed outside designated areas in downtown Laoag on March 28, the start of the 45-day local campaign period.

"First, we will write them a notice to remove their illegal posters within three days. If they don't comply, we can file a case against them for non-compliance of Comelec rules and guidelines," provincial election officer Joel Gines said in a media interview during the launch of the nationwide Grand Operation Baklas, which is covered by Comelec Resolution 11086.

Republic Act 9006, or the Fair Election Act, authorizes the candidates to display their election paraphernalia in common poster areas, such as plazas, village halls, public markets, basketball and covered courts, parks, gymnasiums, and street corners.

It, however, prohibits the candidates from hanging and pinning campaign materials in unauthorized spots, such as electrical posts and trees.

Campaign materials posted on private properties, with the consent of owners, are beyond the jurisdiction of the commission.

Campaign materials considered lawful under Comelec Resolution 11086 are pamphlets, leaflets, cards, decals, stickers, and other written or printed materials that do not exceed 8 1/2 inches wide and 14 inches long; handwritten or printed letters urging voters to vote for or against any particular party or candidate for public office; posters or standees not exceeding 2 feet by 3 feet; and streamers not exceeding 3 feet by 8 feet in size, displayed at the site, and only on the occasion of a public meeting or rally.

Candidates are also allowed to use campaign materials in mobile units and vehicles, whether engine- or manpower-driven, or animal-drawn, with or without sound systems or loudspeakers and with or without lights; paid advertisements in print or broadcast media; outdoor and static or LED billboards owned by private entities or persons; mobile or transit advertisement on public utility vehicles; and signboards displayed in the headquarters.

Campaign materials must also bear the note "paid for by," along with the name and address of the payor.

Gines urged candidates and their supporters to adhere to prescribed campaign material sizes and designated posting places as the Comelec will strictly enforce election rules and guidelines.

Under the Omnibus Election Code, any person found guilty of any election offense will be punished with imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years; will be disqualified from holding public office; and will be deprived of the right to vote.