Comelec mulls taking down illegal campaign materials this week

After documenting illegal campaign materials in various places in Metro Manila and Bulacan last Friday, the Commission on Elections is now coordinating with the Philippine National Police and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to take these down.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez told GMA News that they are targeting to do it this week.

Jimenez said the Comelec Education and Information Department is already preparing its report, as well as notices to the concerned Comelec field offices.

“Kailangan naming isangguni sa local office kasi sila ang may jurisdiction diyan at sila ang best suited na magbaklas,” Jimenez explained.

Jimenez said the Comelec is aware that many are frustrated about the commission’s seeming inaction on illegal campaign materials that netizens report online.

“Isa sa mga kinaiinisan ng marami, na dapat may complainant. Sabi noong iba, “Eh nakita ninyo na eh.” Pag may private complainant, mas bibilis ang andar ng kaso,” Jimenez explained.

Jimenez clarified that the Comelec-EID personnel may stand as public complainants but they need to verify postings of illegal campaign materials first.

“Kahit motu propio (on its own,) hindi kami puwedeng kumilos based on hearsay,” Jimenez said.

He stressed the importance of identifying where and when pictures of illegal campaign materials were taken, as these may have been taken before the campaign period or may have been put up by political opponents and then dismantled after taking photos of them.

Illegal campaign materials in other areas will also be removed.

The Comelec will be sending notices to concerned candidates.

But Jimenez cautioned candidates that they will still be held responsible even if their illegal campaign materials have been taken down.

“Binabaklas lang naman natin yung poster. Hindi natin binabaklas yung responsibility,” Jimenez warned. — RSJ, GMA News