Candidate won't wait for Comelec to tell him to remove his posters

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City opposition Councilors Danilo "Danny" Caballero will remove tarpaulins and posters that show his pictures and name in compliance with the Fair Elections Act.

Caballero said he would not wait for the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to advice him to remove his posters.

"Ato ning tangtangon agi ug subay sa mando sa Comelec kay basin unya mataligam-an nato ug dili nato matangtang," Caballero said.

The Omnibus Election Code has determined the sizes for political posters and that these should only be placed in common poster areas approved by the Comelec in the area.

Comelec officer Corazon Moran said if the tarpaulins are still up by March 29, a "notice of violation" will be sent to the owners.

If an owner does not heed the notice, the Comelec can file a case against him and will immediately take the tarpaulin down.

Other lawful elections propaganda include pamphlets, leaflets, cards, stickers, and other printed materials not exceeding 14 inches in length and eight and one half inches in width; handwritten or printed letters urging voters to vote for or against any particular candidate or political party; posters made of cloth, paper, cardboard or any other material that does not exceed two feet by three feet; streamers not exceeding three feet by eight feet displayed at the site and on the occasion of a public meeting or rally.

The campaign for local officials was supposed to start on March 29, but Comelec moved it one day later since the March 29 is Good Friday.

Campaigning is prohibited on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the eve of the elections, and on election day itself. (FREEMAN)