ANTIQUE – As the local campaign period for the May 12 elections kicked off, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has called on candidates to adhere to campaign material regulations and tone down noise levels from their mobile sound systems.
Wil Arceño, Comelec acting Assistant Regional Director and concurrent Antique Provincial Election Supervisor, said in a press conference on Friday, March 28, that while the campaign launched peacefully, the poll body is facing challenges with the enforcement of poster rules and excessive noise from mobile caravans.
During their “Operation Baklas,” Comelec personnel removed only a few illegal and oversized posters.
Arceño said many campaign materials were placed on private properties, which Comelec is not authorized to clear.
“Numerous posters are on private properties, and we cannot remove them without consent,” he said.
He also noted the difficulty in dismantling posters along highways, as many were nailed too high for Comelec teams to reach without ladders.
Arceño also raised concerns about the loud sound systems used during caravans and mobile campaigns, which have been disturbing communities, especially during early or late hours.
“We are appealing to the candidates to regulate the sound from their mobile systems, as it disturbs the community, particularly during the wee hours,” he said.
Despite these challenges, local candidates pressed ahead with their campaign activities. (PNA)
