LEGAZPI CITY – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Guinobatan, Albay recently conducted “Operation Baklas” in the municipality, tearing down and removing all election campaign materials posted on trees, along highways, and other public places not designated as common poster areas.
In a radio interview, Guinobatan election officer Anddy A. Toledo said that with the start of the campaign period for national candidates, the will see to it that campaign materials are in designated places as stipulated under Comelec Resolution No. 10730.
“Ang samong konsentrasyon ngunyan, dahil nag puon na po su kampanya para sa national position, ini po muna ang samuyang pig-kokunsentrar, itong mga ilegal na election parapernalyang nakasabit sa mga arog kaini; public places na bako man na designated as common poster areas, mga kahoy, mga poste, mga gilid kan highway na sabi kan DPWH. (Our concentration, since the campaign for national position already started, focus on those illegal election paraphernalia hanging from trees and posts along public highways that are not designated as common poster areas),” Toledo explained.
He said election offices in different towns and cities have earlier designated common poster areas where candidates and their supporters may put up their election paraphernalia.
“They, however, should not post these campaign posters in barangay halls and covered courts. We should install temporary structure for these, so they can put their election paraphernalia there, with the right size [campaign posters],” he added.
Toledo pointed out campaign posters may be displayed in private properties such as houses, lots, and buildings, provided the owners have given their consent and the standard size of these materials is followed. (With a report from Gyldel Sarcia/PNA-OJT)
