Comelec urges public to file complaints vs erring candidates

Comelec spokesperson Lawyer Krisna Caballero (File Photo)
Comelec spokesperson Lawyer Krisna Caballero (File Photo)

AHEAD of the May 13 midterm elections, the Commission on Elections in Davao (Comelec-Davao) urged the public to file complaints candidates who commit election-related offenses.

Comelec-Davao spokesperson Krisna Caballero said Tuesday, April 16, noted that they recovered several illegally posted campaign materials during Oplan Baklas in Davao City last April 10, 11, and 12.

The operation targets election materials posted in prohibited areas and those election propaganda that do not adhere to the prescribed size.

Caballero noted, however, that the campaign materials that were taken down this year were fewer compared to those removed during the previous elections.

“Still naa gihapon uban na kandidato na wala gihapon nitubay sa atoang pahimangno sa ilaha na tanggalon ang ilahang mga election paraphernalia even sa briefings nakakuha ta nga naa sa police post gitanggal pod nato (there are still those candidates who violate our guidelines),” she said.

Most of the posters that they recovered during their Oplan Baklas came from a party list group, over whom they have no jurisdiction.

The Comelec strictly prohibits the posting of campaign materials on trees, light posts, electrical wires, schools, waiting sheds, sidewalks, bridges, health centers, public structures, airports, seaports, subdivisions, vehicles, and the like.

As provided in the Republic Act No. 9006 or the Fair Elections Act, 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.

Caballero said they already have a team to oversee the implementation of Oplan Baklas for the posters placed in prohibited areas and those election propaganda that do not adhere to the prescribed size.

Should the public notice such violations in their area, they may report it to Comelec provided that they have sufficient evidences to back their claims and she added that the complainant should not just limit on complaints, they should also be present when the court hearing will commence so as the case succeed.

“Usually ang ginagawa nila its either nag-a-anonymous sila siyempre natatakot or nagsusulat without giving evidences so nag da-drop call lang ba. I received evidences okay tanggalin namin but how are we going to punish yong person if someone will not stand up?” she added.

Trending

No stories found.

Just in

No stories found.

Branded Content

No stories found.
SunStar Publishing Inc.
www.sunstar.com.ph