Comelec sends notices to candidates with campaign poster violations

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez PHOTO by Faye Orellana/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has sent out notices to candidates who violated its regulation on campaign materials, its spokesperson announced on Monday.

However, James Jimenez said that it would only release the names of the concerned senatorial bets and partylist-groups at the right time.

“This is a legal process. Due process requires prudence so we are not likely to release the names of the persons that we have filed actions against until it is proper to do so,” Jimenez told reporters during a press briefing.

“We will release this information at the proper time,” he added.

Jimenez also said that an election officer “ultimately” has the power to file a case against violators.

“Kung makakasuhan natin, kakasuhan na natin. That’s why its very important kung magkaroon man ng baklas especially yung mga deputized agencies natin, then they should do so in coordination with the election officer kasi yung election officer ultimately ang mag-file ng kaso,” he said.

(If we can file a case, we will file a case. That’s why it’s very important that our deputized agencies should coordinate with us if they are to put those posters down. They should do that in coordination with the election officer because the election officer will file the case.)

According to Jimenez, the campaign materials that were dismantled are now under the custody of the Comelec and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority for “safe-keeping.”

The Comelec recently launched its ‘Operation Baklas’ against illegally placed campaign posters nationwide.

READ: Comelec’s massive ‘Operation Baklas’ in full swing

Under Comelec Resolution 10488, campaign posters should not be bigger than two feet by three feet and should only be displayed in common poster areas or private properties with the consent of the owners.

Meanwhile, posters and tarpaulins of political parties and party-list groups should only measure 12 feet by 16 feet or its equivalent not exceeding 192 square feet.

For PUVs, stickers should not be bigger than 8.5 inches by 11 inches. /ee