MABALACAT CITY -- Local candidates should remove illegal campaign materials three days before the official start of the campaign period set on March 29 or face charges for violation of the Fair Election Act or Republic Act 9006.

This was disclosed by Commission on Elections (Comelec) Central Luzon assistant director Elmo Duque during a forum dubbed News @ Hues hosted by the Pampanga Press Club (PPC) and the Park Inn by Radisson Clark recently.

“They have 72 hours or three days before the official campaign period to remove those illegal campaign materials,” Duque said.

He added that it is the duty of the candidates to remove their respective posters which violate the election guidelines issued by the Comelec.

The Comelec notifies the candidates about the presence of illegal campaign materials, according to Duque.

Huge posters put up in private properties are not exempted from the Comelec rules, the official said.

“Private properties should not be used as an alibi to violate the law,” Duque said.

The prescribed size for campaign materials is two by three feet in designated poster areas, the Comelec official added.

He said candidates should all be aware of Republic Act 9006.

“Ignorance of the law excuses no one,” he said.