THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Bacolod reiterated its appeal to all the national candidates to observe the common poster areas in Bacolod.

Election Registrar Mavil Majarucon-Sia said the election campaign for national candidates already started Tuesday, February 12, so the candidates should follow the Comelec rules to avoid violations.

"We already identified the designated poster areas in various barangays so they should use it," she said.

She added the campaign materials should not exceed two feet by three feet.

"The candidates should be mindful of the campaign period and otherwise, they will be violating the campaign rules," Majarucon-Sia said.

Comelec earlier identified at least 92 common poster areas in the 61 barangays in Bacolod for the May 13 elections.

Most of the identified common poster areas are highway vacant lot, covered court, gymnasium, and near the barangay hall.

"Aside from the identified common poster areas, they can also post campaign materials in private property as long as they have the consent of the lot owner and its materials should not exceed two feet by three feet," Majarucon-Sia said.

She said they will also form a task force to monitor the common poster areas in 61 barangays.

The task force will be composed of the Comelec, Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Majarucon-Sia said the candidates should also avoid posting tarpaulins on trees, electrical posts, waiting shed, sidewalk, traffic signs, bridges, barangay hall, public shrine, airports, seaports, public utility vehicles, and patrol cars to avoid violations.

If they see violation, she said they will submit a report to the Comelec Law Department.

Caravan

Meanwhile, Abang Lingkod party-list Representative Stephen Paduano and Third District Representative Alfredo Benitez led Tuesday, February 12, a caravan from Barangay Bata to the major thoroughfares of Bacolod City and converged at the Talisay City public plaza for a program.

Paduano said the caravan was participated by more than 2,000 leaders and about 150 vehicles. (Merlinda A. Pedrosa and Teresa D. Ellera)