SOME winning candidates, particularly in Cebu’s first district, have initiated efforts to remove their campaign materials now that the midterm elections are over.
In Talisay City, Mayor-elect Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas Jr. and his grandfather, outgoing mayor and First District Representative-elect Eduardo Gullas, have ordered their personnel and supporters to start removing their campaign posters all over the city and the district.
The younger Gullas said he plans to recycle their campaign materials to prevent creating more wastes.
“You know ang Comelec daghan na kaayo sila ug gilihok rong panahuna, busy kaayo. Gawas ana, obligasyon man gayod na namong mga nagpapili sa nilabayng election nga langkaton ang among mga posters human sa piniliay (Comelec has its hands full. Anyway, it’s the candidates’ responsibility to remove campaign posters after the elections),” he said.
His grandfather also called on his fellow candidates, especially those under the Alayon Party, to remove their campaign posters.
In Carcar City, Vice Mayor-elect and outgoing mayor Nicepuro Apura started removing his campaign posters in compliance with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) order.
Some of Apura’s supporters turned his campaign posters into “banderitas,” or fiesta decorations, in Barangay Napo.
Earlier, the Comelec called on national and local candidates to take down their campaign posters following the end of the 2019 midterm elections last Monday, May 13.
In a statement, Comelec spokesman James Gimenez urged candidates, whether they won or not, to take down their posters and other campaign materials.
In February, the Comelec launched a nationwide campaign to remove posters and campaign materials in areas not considered as designated posting areas.
Poll officials had warned that candidates whose campaign materials were posted in non-designated posting areas would be charged with violating the Omnibus Election Code. (JKV)