LUCENA CITY, Quezon—Lucena Bishop Emilio Marquez on Sunday assailed the proliferation of political banners and streamers of local politicians prematurely campaigning for the 2010 elections.

“I’m sick and close to vomiting over all these banners and streamers of politicians everywhere. What is this? They are not doing any good for the welfare of the people with these streamers,” Marquez said in his homily during a Sunday mass at the Saint Ferdinand Cathedral here.

However, he did not mention the names of the politicians with the banners.

A cursory look around the province shows that Quezon Governor Rafael Nantes is among those with the most number of banners. With his name written in bold blue letters and “Pilipinas! Quezon Naman!” slogan, the banners show him congratulating local executives who enjoyed office promotions and passed licensure examinations, announcing the launch of government projects, and greeting residents during festival celebrations.

Aside from being prominently displayed in strategic roads and highways, Nantes’s streamers are also conspicuously hung in the Quezon provincial capitol grounds, Perez Park, and in the vicinity of the Quezon Medical Center in the outskirts of the city.

Two giant paper maches in the image of Nantes and his wife Betty were also included in the community parade during the recent celebration of Independence Day in this city.

The oldest political clan in the province now headed by Representative Proceso Alcala has also been regularly displaying streamers at prominent spots in the central part of Quezon.

Alcala’s streamers never fail to include the names of his elder brother, Quezon board member Vicente “Kulit” Alcala, and nephew, former Lucena vice mayor Dondon Alcala. Their names are always preceded by the abbreviation “Hon” for honorable.

Streamers and posters from Lucena’s premier political family led by Mayor Ramon Talaga Jr.—which also carry the names of his sons, provincial board member Romano and city councilor Ramil—have also been hung in front of the two city hall buildings at the city proper and the village of Isabang.

With the 2010 national and local polls only ten months away, Marquez appealed to his parishioners not to sell their votes.

“Protect your votes. These are not for sale,” said the religious leader.

Marquez also warned government officials on the influence of illegal activities on politics.