Posting of campaign materials in public schools banned

MANILA, Philippines -The Department of Education (DepEd) has banned posting and distribution of campaign materials in public schools during the election period.

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said DepEd Order No. 10, also known as the “Clean Schools, Clean Elections” program, is effective until the results of the May national and local elections are released.

“I appeal to all politicians to spare the schools from any political propaganda and pressure,” Lapus said.

Earlier, the Commission on Elections issued Resolution No. 8758, Section 29 of which said “the posting of campaign materials in public places outside of the designated common poster areas such as streets, bridges, public structures or buildings, trees, electric posts or wires, schools, shrines, main thoroughfares and the like is prohibited.”

DepEd said even before the official start of the campaign period on Feb. 9, campaign materials have been posted on the walls and gates of public schools all over the country.

“The 2010 national election merits the highest degree of national discipline. These guidelines must be observed so as not to compromise the integrity of this political exercise,” Lapus said.