BY MARY JOY CAVAÑAS
ILOILO City – The first day of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections campaign period, which commenced on Oct. 19, was tainted with multiple regulatory violations.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Iloilo reported widespread non-compliance with established campaign rules.
Jonathan Sayno, the Election Assistant II at Comelec Iloilo, reported that while there were specific areas designated for campaign posters, numerous candidates opted to illegally post their materials in prohibited areas. Some of these included electrical posts and trees.
Sayno emphasized the importance of adhering to the guidelines set by Comelec, which clearly state the permitted size of the campaign posters – two feet by three feet maximum.
The right placement or location of these posters is equally critical, he stressed. The only permissible areas are those sanctioned by the Comelec.
Placing campaign materials on public utilities, such as electrical posts, is explicitly forbidden.
Similarly, using private property as a backdrop for campaign posters is a breach of regulations when done without the owner’s consent.
Additionally, Sayno highlighted that all campaign materials should clearly display their sponsors, typically marked with “paid for by”.
In response to these transgressions, Comelec took swift action, said Sayno. Illegally placed campaign posters were removed.
Violators – the candidates – can expect show cause orders, said Sayno.
If found guilty of flouting the rules, candidates face the severe consequence of potential disqualification.
The campaign period is slated to run until Oct. 28, with the election day scheduled for Oct. 30. (With a report from RMN Iloilo)/PN
