Comelec orders local bets to remove illegal campaign posters

MANILA, Philippines — Candidates running for local positions in the May midterm polls have been advised by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to “immediately remove” their illegal campaign posters by Friday.

The Comelec issued the warning on Tuesday or three days before the official start of campaign period for local candidates in the May, 13, 2019 midterm elections.

According to the Comelec, candidates who would not take down their campaign materials by Friday, “shall be presumed to have committed the pertinent election offense.”

Local candidates include those running for the House of Representatives, Provincial Governor and Vice-Governor, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, offices of the Mayor and Vice Mayor, Sangguniang Panlungsod, and Sangguniang Bayan.

The Comelec also reiterated that posters for the upcoming elections should not be measure beyond the size of 2 feet by 3 feet, and should only be placed in common areas.

Common areas are those in public markets and parks. Footbridges, trees, and electric posts are not considered as common areas.  /muf