Comelec eyes removal of ‘Team Patay’ tarp

THE Commission on Election (Comelec) is eyeing the removal of another controversial tarpaulin at the entrance of Cadiz City.

Acting Provincial Comelec Supervisor Atty. Wil Arceno said that he was already informed two weeks ago by Cadiz City Election Officer Atty. Rico Sorbito about the tarpaulin which states, “Cadiz Forever. Team Patay ni Marañon Patay na! Alvarez/Lacson na", is displayed at Crossing Rotonda, Cadiz City.

However, Arceno said that under the existing law, restrictions on the local candidates will only start during the start of the campaign period on March 29.

Arceno pointed out that, technically, the tarpaulin is a "campaign material as it display words or terms for or against a certain candidate."

The other problem is that, the tarpaulin sits on a private property where the owner has proprietary rights, he added.

A source said that the property is owned by Junie Lopez.

Arceno said that, if the tarpaulin still hangs by March 29, he will instruct Sorbito to write the owner a letter informing him of his violation.

If the landowner does not heed the notice of violation, the Comelec can file a case against him and will immediately take down the poster, he said.

Arceno also called on all candidates to follow Comelec guidelines on size and area where the campaign materials should be set up.

He cited campaign materials of some candidates and party-list groups are put up in areas outside the Comelec common poster areas.

"Follow the law or get a 'love letter' from us," Arceno said. (TDE)