Comelec to poll bets:  Take down illegal posters by Feb. 14

MANILA, Philippines – Candidates for senator have until Thursday, February 14, to take down illegal campaign posters, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) warned.

“The candidates will be given a grace period because these materials were actually allowed before the campaign period. They will have at least Thursday to take those campaign materials down,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said during a forum in Manila.

Jimenez added that the Comelec will deploy teams by Friday to take down the posters that violate the election rules.

Posters for the midterm elections should not be bigger than the prescribed measurement of 2’ x 3’, and should only be displayed in common poster areas.

Common areas are usually located in and around public markets and parks.

Foot bridges, trees and electric posts are not considered common poster areas.

Candidates will also be held liable for illegal posters put up by their supporters.

“Hindi nila puwedeng sabihin na hindi ako ang nagkabit niyan kasi sino ba ang nag-bebenipisyo riyan? If they are aware of the presence of these illegal campaign materials and they did not take them down, then we will presume that they are taking advantage of the criminal act since they are benefiting from it,” Jimenez said.

(They cannot reason out that they did not attach the illegal posters, because who benefits from it anyway?)

“They are as just as responsible as those who did it,” he added. /gsg