Youth leaders of the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK) were responsible for designing and plastering the “Type Angry O Ako” and other posters critical of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.
Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young said the youth leaders from barangays Apas and Lahug designed these posters to express their anger on the alleged inefficiencies of the Rama administration.
Rama called on the Department of Interior and Local Governments (DILG) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to stop what he called the unauthorized display of campaign materials in Cebu City streets.
“The Comelec’s work doesn’t stop after the elections… Even DILI should come in. The DILG said it is involved with the affairs of the local government unit. These activities are affecting the functions of the incumbent officials,” he said.
The mayor was especially resentful on tarpaulins featuring his picture and that of Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia that bore the message “together nothing happened – from the 93-1 occupants.”
The tarpaulin was on display during the birthday celebration of Rep. Tomas Osmeña of the north district which was held at the SM trade hall last month.
Another tarpaulin was displayed in front of the barangay Luz sports complex during the City Council’s off-site session last Wednesday.
While the council was in session, a youth group was giving out “Buy One, Take One” fliers at the entrance of the Luz community road which leads to the sports center.
The fliers presented the credentials of Rep. Osmeña and Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young as among the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM).
Rama said he is especially against the unauthorized display of his picture.
‘I have instructed to have it removed. I will go with what is allowed by law and what is proper, then I will act accordingly,” Rama said.
He didn’t say if he would file a complaint against the persons responsible.
Cebu City north district election officer Marchel Sarno said election laws don’t apply unless a person accused of early campaigning filed his or her certificate of candidacy. Filing of COCs is scheduled from Oct. 1 to 5.
But Rama said Comelec could call on all those interested to seek an elective post in next year’s elections to sign an agreement not to engage in early campaigning.
The mayor said even the anti-littering law could be used against those who indiscriminately display their tarpaulins on the streets.