Comelec warns candidates vs prohibited campaign materials

The Comelec head office at the Palace del Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila. (File photo from Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — Ahead of the official start of the campaign period for the midterm polls, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded candidates on Monday to take down all prohibited election materials.

“Comelec reminds candidates to immediately remove all prohibited forms of election propaganda at least 72 hours before the start of the campaign period,” the poll body said in an advisory.

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

According to Comelec, prohibited election materials are those posted outside common poster areas such as parks and markets.

Those posted in private properties without the consent of the owners are also counted as a violation.

The campaign period for national candidates will start on February 12 while local candidates may start campaigning on March 29. /cbb