THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Davao Region is getting ready to take down the campaign posters that are posted in areas where these are prohibited as the city is now packed full of posters of those running for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
"We have noticed some campaign materials were posted on non-designated poster areas. The instruction is clear. They can only post their material in common poster areas. Amo jud baklason tong wala sa lugar," Comelec-Davao assistant director lawyer Marlon Casquejo said.
He said that candidates for the upcoming elections are advised to educate their staff on the rules of the campaign period, particularly on where to post their leaflets or posters.
In a Facebook post, one Donnel Lim Luczon of Buhangin posted the campaign materials of two candidates for Kagawad of Barangay Buhangin Proper for posting on the front door of their house, even without asking permission from them.
"You can see my name in this post find our house and clean up your mess or else we will have issues," Luczon wrote.
Shown were the posters of Arlen Awa-ao and one Tatad.
The Comelec strictly prohibits posting campaign materials on trees, light posts, electrical wires, schools, waiting sheds, sidewalks, bridges, health centers, public structures, airports, seaports, subdivisions, vehicles, and the like.
In Davao City, campaign posters are everywhere.
Under the rule, a candidate found guilty of the election offense may be sentenced from one- to six-year imprisonment without prohibition, disqualification from holding public office, and deprivation of the right to vote.
The posters should measure 2 feet by 3 feet, while leaflets should measure 8.5 x 14 inches, and streamers should be 3 feet by 8 feet. The printer of the posters may also be "criminally accountable" for the election offense.
All candidates are also hereby required to indicate in their printed material the phrase: "THIS MATERIAL SHOULD BE RECYCLED."