Candidates, party-list groups should put up own campaign poster structures — Comelec spokesman

The structures where campaign posters are to be placed should be put up by the respective candidates and party-list groups, the spokesperson for the Commission on Elections said Friday.

 

“The Comelec resolution is very clear. Candidates may be allowed to put up their posters in designated common poster areas, but at their own expense. Sila ang gagastos para sa istruktura para makabit nila ang kanilang mga poster,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said in a press statement.

 

Jimenez was referring to Comelec Resolution 9615, which laid down the implementing rules and regulations for Republic Act 9006 or the Fair Elections Act.

 

Jimenez made the clarification after party-list groups complained that common poster areas in Manila have no structures where they can post their campaign materials.

 

Earlier, the Comelec earlier called the attention of party-list groups and senatorial candidates for putting their propaganda materials on electric posts, LRT pillars and walls.

 

The common poster areas are determined by the election officials in each city or municipality.

 

Jimenez said it is clear in Resolution 9615 that parties and independent candidates may erect, “at their expense, common poster areas wherein they can post, display, or exhibit their election propaganda to announce or further their candidacy.”

 

Jimenez said the poll body cannot just allow candidates to post their campaign materials on electric posts, trees and other public structures, the reason they are allowed to set up temporary structures for the exclusive purpose of displaying their materials.

 

Resolution 9615 states that one common poster area is allowed in a barangay with 5,000 registered voters or less and an additional common poster area will be allowed for every increment of 5,000 voters.

 

The resolution also states that the common poster area for political parties and party-list groups should not exceed 12 feet by 16 feet or its equivalent but not exceeding a total area of 192 square feet.

 

For independent candidates, the common poster area should be four feet by six feet or its equivalent but not exceeding a total area of 24 square feet.

 

On the other hand, Jimenez said the Comelec will also call the attention of their field officials who fail to inform the candidates and voters as to the location of the designated common poster area.

 

“While the list of the common poster areas are posted outside local Comelec offices, election officers should also make a effort to ensure that the designated areas are known to the candidates and the public,” he said.

 

He added that election officers who will fail to do it will be liable for gross neglect of duty.

 

Jimenez also asked the candidates and partylist organizations to talk to the election officers. — Amita Legaspi/RSJ, GMA News