Bets warned anew against poll propaganda or face disqualification

MANILA, Philippines — With tons of election propaganda flooding the streets nationwide on the last days before the elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) warned candidates that they could still face disqualification or removal from office if they win.

“[This is a] warning to those who are still putting up election propaganda, especially near schools and voting centers … we will no longer issue legal notices, we will take pictures and gather evidence, and we will prosecute after the elections,” Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. told reports Friday.

“It does not mean that because the elections are over [candidates] are free from liability, not yet. Even if [candidates] win it could still cause [their] disqualification or removal from office,” he said.

Election propaganda have visibly proliferated throughout the country with election only a few days away, Brillantes said.

“They are relaxed because they think we will no longer issue legal notices,” he said.

“Go ahead and continue putting up election propaganda, take the risk,” Brillantes dared the candidates and their supporters.

He reminded them of the rule on postering which states that all posters would be allowed only in common areas.

All forms of campaigning will be prohibited beginning May 12. This will include putting up posters and the distribution of other campaign materials such as pamphlets, fliers, or sample ballots.