Comelec exec calls out Tolentino over huge billboard in Pasay

MANILA, Philippines — A Commission on Elections (Comelec) official has called out administration senatorial candidate Francis Tolentino over his huge billboard in Pasay City.

Comelec Commissioner Rowena  Guanzon reminded candidates Wednesday that they should follow election rules and immediately remove posters that violate the 2’ x 3’-size.

“I’m calling on the candidates especially candidate Tolentino whose billboard is still there in Pasay and I see that billboard every time I go to the airport,” she noted.

“It bothers me that the candidate does not think that we have the power to order that billboard removed. It’s not a good thing for candidates (to) think that the Comelec is powerless against them,” she added.

Guanzon warned that posters beyond the size set under Comelec election rules should be removed by the candidate or the poll body would do it.

“I’m asking them again to please remove the huge billboards because its like, you know, in my face, in our face, it’s like telling the Comelec ‘Who cares about your rules?’ that’s… that’s not good,” Guanzon said in an interview.

“The candidates must learn a lesson, they should remove their posters. If they don’t remove their posters, the big ones, I was suggesting to the commission en banc today that we should just (go) on contract with a company that we will remove these billboards,” she said. /kga