ILOILO City – More than 100 campaign posters of local and national candidates were removed by personnel of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) – Iloilo City on Friday morning, March 28, as the official campaign period for local candidates began for the May 12 midterm elections.
Comelec personnel conducted “Operation Baklas” across several major areas in the city, including Luna Street in La Paz district leading to E. Lopez in Jaro district, up to Barangay Buhang, then back to Jaro Plaza, through Commission Civil Street, La Paz Plaza, Aguinaldo Street, and ending at Mulle Loney Street in the City Proper.
According to Jonathan Sayno, Assistant Officer II of Comelec – Iloilo City, a total of 123 campaign posters were dismantled for being posted in non-designated common poster areas such as electric posts and trees. Others violated the prescribed two feet by three feet size or lacked the required “name of payor” disclosure.
“About 123 different posters were removed. Many were not placed in designated common poster areas, others were oversized, or mounted on prohibited locations like posts and trees,” Sayno told Panay News.
Sayno said it was possible that the candidates, political parties, or their supporters were unaware that the removal of illegal posters would begin 72 hours before March 28. He also believes that most of the confiscated posters were likely put up days before the official start of the local campaign period.
He clarified that campaign materials of local candidates were not removed prior to March 28, as they were not yet officially considered “candidates” under Comelec rules, and therefore no early campaigning violations were committed at the time.
“I think the posters were mounted before Comelec’s jurisdiction took effect. During that time, there were no prohibitions or regulations being enforced yet,” Sayno explained.
All confiscated materials are now stored in Comelec-Iloilo City’s warehouse and are subject to inventory and reporting to the Comelec Central Office.
In line with this, Sayno appealed to all candidates — both local and national — as well as political parties, leaders, and supporters to strictly follow campaign regulations to avoid the removal of their materials.
“We call on all candidates and their supporters to comply with campaign rules. This campaign period is their opportunity to present their platforms and track records to help voters make informed decisions. Let’s ensure we do it without violating the rules,” Sayno said.
He also reminded those organizing campaign rallies to secure a permit from the local government unit (LGU) where the rally will be held, notify the Comelec three days before the scheduled event, and attach a copy of the rally permit. Comelec will then coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) assigned to the area to maintain peace and order during the activity.
Comelec allows the posting of campaign materials at rally venues five days before the scheduled event. However, posters must be removed within 24 hours after the rally. The allowable size for campaign materials in rally sites is 3 feet by 8 feet.
Candidates and their teams are also reminded that distributing food or drinks within five hours before and after a rally is strictly prohibited./PN