Comelec asks DOH to take down Malasakit posters bearing Bong Go's name, picture

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has asked the Department of Health (DOH) to remove all Malasakit Center posters bearing the name of former Special Assistant to the President and senatorial bet Christopher "Bong" Go.

"We sent notices to all candidates that have illegal posters, all LAHAT. We requested @DOHgovph (DOH) to remove posters in Malasakit centers gov't hospitals," Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said in a tweet as a response to a netizen who complained about Go's giant posters.

We @COMELEC sent notices to all candidates that have illegal posters , all LAHAT. We requested @DOHgovph to remove posters n Malasakit centers govt hospitals https://t.co/LxTKS0xLQQ

— Rowena V. Guanzon (@commrguanzon) March 23, 2019

Guanzon said these include those posted in government hospitals, health centers, airports, piers and barangay halls, adding that barangay officials are banned from campaigning candidates of the midterm polls.

A Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop housing all concerned government agencies to make it easier and faster for poor and disadvantaged patients to avail themselves of medical and financial assistance from the government.

As he eyes a Senate seat, Go said he would push for the creation of Malasakit centers across the country which would provide healthcare and other social services to Filipinos.

In a statement, Go said he already ordered the removal of his campaign posters.

“Paulit-ulit ko na po sinabi, tanggalin niyo na po mukha at pangalan ko sa posters at tarps. Huwag niyo na po ikabit iyan.  Itulong niyo nalang sa mga nangangailangan,” Go said.

“Paalala sa supporters ko, lalaban tayo ng patas at naaayon sa batas. Kung may nakikita kayong materyales na nakakabit sa lugar na bawal pagkabitan, magtulungan tayong tanggalin,” he added.

He also reminded government employees to stay neutral this election period.

“Uphold political neutrality in the conduct of your official duties. Yan ang utos ng Pangulo. Itago niyo nalang sa puso ninyo sino tingin ninyo dapat magserbisyo sa kapwa Pilipino,” Go said.

Meanwhile, Comelec previously said campaign materials are also prohibited in government transportation facilities.

Go previously had posters at facilities of the Light Rail Transit. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK/LDF, GMA News