The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday, May 20, expressed dismay over the failure of candidates to remove their campaign materials past the deadline of five days after the May 12 elections.
“We said that five days after the election, they (campaign materials) should be removed. Now it’s been more than five days,” Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said.
Campaign materials in numerous public areas, especially on posts, in Bacolod City had not been removed as of Tuesday, despite the Comelec’s Saturday deadline.
Garcia warned the candidates that they may be held criminally liable for not complying with the law, noting that the Comelec’s Task Force Baklas, which takes down illegal campaign materials, continues to monitor those who violate election rules.
“The TF Baklas should report to us who didn’t remove their campaign materials. Even if they can’t be disqualified, we can file a criminal case against them. That’s a criminal case,” he said.
The Comelec will take note of the candidates and use their violations against them in future elections.
“Those that committed violations can still be held accountable when they file their certificates of candidacy again in the future elections,” Garcia said.
Under Comelec Resolution No. 11086, candidates shall remove or cause to remove all their election propaganda within five days after the elections. *PNA
***Meanwhile, Team Asenso Bacolod tarpaulins that have been taken down will be recycled to keep them useful and help the environment, Bacolod Mayor-elect Greg Gasataya said in a post on his Facebook page.
They will be recycled into reusable grocery and market eco-bags, storage or laundry carriers, sapling and seedling bags for tree planting, and urban garden pots and nursery containers, he said.*