Local governments clamp down on campaign posters

As the election period gets underway, local officials are now on guard to keep their localities clean of campaign posters and other materials.

In Makati, officials have warned that they will strictly enforce laws against posting campaign materials in non-designated places.

The city government announced that it will even do a so-called "shame campaign" against those who deface walls, lamps, and posts.

Department of Environmental Services (DES) chief Danilo Villas said it will particularly monitor areas along major roads.

"We will take photos of the materials before we remove them and then we will release the photos and the names of the candidates to the public," Villas said.

In Manila, authorities apprehended 33 election campaign personnel early yesterday morning for pasting campaign posters in prohibited areas.

Posters and streamers of Senators Francis Pangilinan and Edgardo Angara, who are both running for re-election, and partylist groups Gabriela and Aksyon Sambayanan were seized.

"We cannot allow any candidate to vandalize our city for their campaign purposes. Even our people will not be allowed to put up our campaign paraphernalia in prohibited areas in the city," said Mayor Lito Atienza.

Under the election law, the designated poster areas are plazas, mini parks, basketball courts, markets, barangay halls and vacant lots. He added they could also install posters in private buildings, but would have to gain the permission of the owners.

No charges were pressed against the 33 election campaign crewmen but Atienza warned they would not get off if they are caught again for the same offense. They were released after Atienza gave a scolding.

Meanwhile, police officers may soon escort personnel of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in tearing down illegal campaign posters.

The MMDA is considering seeking protection after one of its crewmen was shot while they were removing illegal posters. The MMDA crewman was left paralyzed. –Michael Punongbayan, Evelyn Macairan, Adolph Manimtim, Cecille Suerte Felipe