Quezon City warns bets vs illegal placement of poll paraphernalia

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government has reminded the public and those running for public office next year to be responsible in putting up election paraphernalia like political banners and tarpaulins in the city.

The city has an ordinance mandating that any political propaganda must only be displayed or posted in common posting areas designated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

It also prohibits the posting of any election material in public utility posts and other facilities such as street signs, traffic lights, signal posts, bridges and overpasses.

Among those prohibited are streamers, tarpaulins, tin plates, stickers, pamphlets, decals, printed notices, signboards, billboards and other advertising paraphernalia.

Each barangay will have a Comelec-designated poster area, where candidates may post their election paraphernalia.

The ordinance mandates that these common poster areas should not include electric posts, trees or walls of government buildings.

The Comelec may also approve additional poster areas, including plazas, markets and barangay centers, according to the local government.

“As public servants or someone who wants to run for public office, we should know how to follow the rules of the government. Let’s respect the beauty of Quezon City and avoid littering with our political and advertising paraphernalia,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.