DPWH assists Comelec in removal of illegal campaign materials

The Commission on Elections is getting much-needed help from the Department of Public Works and Highways in removing illegal campaign materials . DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson on Thursday said he has ordered DPWH officials nationwide to remove and tear down all unlawful election materials. “This is our way of supporting the ‘anti-epal’ campaign or the citizens’ call on politicians not to use government projects as accessory resources to drumbeat their accomplishments at the expense of taxpayers’ money,” said Singson (http://www.gov.ph/2013/02/21/dpwh-assists-comelec-in-ensuring-fair-election-removes-illegally-placed-propaganda-materials/). He also ordered the removal of campaign materials from bridge approaches, road and bridge railings, road signage, chevrons, cribwalls, and ripraps. Furthermore, Singson ordered that election propaganda materials alongside or in all ongoing or recently completed DPWH projects be banned and removed. Such materials "pose danger to motorists because the road safety signages or structures are peppered with these propaganda election materials," Singson said. "Oftentimes, the traffic directional signs cannot be ready legibly by the motorists.” Singson said that the DPWH, along with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, were given the authority to remove all unlawful election materials by Comelec Resolution No. 9598. Meanwhile, the secretary instructed DPWH field personnel to document and report illegally placed election propaganda such as posters and billboards. Singson also urged the public to help identify violators by sending details of illegally posted materials through: - Text 2920 -,www.dpwh.gov.ph - call center hotline 165-02 - Facebook account dpwhco. — DVM, GMA News