The Commission on Elections will start removing illegal campaign materials – including those posted outside designated areas – next week, poll body chief George Garcia said.
“We will monitor and take down materials in places where campaign materials aren’t supposed to be posted,” Garcia said in a television interview on Saturday.
He also warned candidates that failure to take down materials that do not comply with the required size may lead to their disqualification.
The 90-day campaign period for national positions will start on February 11, Tuesday.
Garcia, however, assured the public Comelec will not take down materials posted on private property, guided by a Supreme Court decision on the matter.
He also reminded candidates to abide by the Fair Elections Act and other election policies, including the use of biodegradable materials.
Earlier, Comelec also authorized its Kontra Bigay Committee (KBC) to prevent and take legal action against individuals involved in vote buying and selling, as well as those who exploit state resources (ASR).
Comelec Resolution No. 11104 defines the offense of ASR as one that “pertains to the misuse of government resources, whether material, human, coercive, regulatory, budgetary, media-related or legislative, for electoral advantage.”
Garcia also encouraged voters to report any instances of candidates attempting to buy votes and advised them against selling their votes or supporting candidates involved in such practices.
“Do not accept monetary compensation and refrain from voting for such candidates,” Garcia said.
The Omnibus Election Code defines vote buying as an act wherein a person gives, offers or promises money or anything of value, directly or indirectly, in order to induce anyone or the public in general to vote for or against any candidate.
