Posting of campaign materials outside the common poster area is illegal - Comelec

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

Tuesday 12th of February 2013

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 12 (PIA) -– The posting of campaign materials in public places outside the designated common poster areas is prohibited.

In like manner, persons posting such campaign materials, shall be held liable together with the candidates and other persons who caused their posting, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said.

Comelec Resolution No. 9615 promulgated last January 15, provides that parties and candidates may post any lawful campaign material in authorized common poster areas in public places, subject to the requirements and/or limitations set by the Comelec.

Such resolution also provides that the materials can also be posted in private places, as long as it has the consent of the owner.

Meanwhile, it will be presumed that the candidates and parties caused the posting of campaign materials outside the common poster areas, if they do not remove the same within three days from notice of such violation.

The notice shall be issued by the Election Officer (EO) of the city or municipality where the unlawful election propaganda are posted or displayed.

On the other hand, members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies called upon by the EO or other officials of the Comelec shall apprehend the violators caught in the act.

The PNP shall then file the appropriate charges against the violators, as provided by Resolution 9615. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)