Give us rules on use of political billboards

A TALISAY City councilor has sought the opinion of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the City Government about the presence of giant political billboards in the city.

In an interview yesterday, Talisay City Councilor Celiapo “Semy” Cabuenas said he is not filing a complaint.

He just submitted a query if the use of large billboards by the city’s political aspirants violates Comelec resolutions or any city ordinance.

Cabuenas said he wants to know from the Comelec the measurements of the streamers used during the campaign.

In 2006, the Talisay City Council approved an ordinance that limits the sizes of billboards being placed in the city, citing the risks they pose to the public, especially during typhoons.

Cabuenas said billboard owners are required to get permits from City Hall for these ads.

Cabuenas said he wants to avoid being cited for violations when the campaign period starts on March 29.

He said some of the city’s political aspirants were already posting campaign billboards months before the start of the campaign period for local candidates.

The Fair Elections Act said posters made of cloth, paper, cardboard or any other materials, whether framed or posted, should not exceed two feet by three feet.