PALO, Leyte, Feb. 22 (PNA) — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office here has directed district engineering offices in Eastern Visayas to assist the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the removal of illegal campaign paraphernalia.
DPWH Regional Director Rolando Asis said that DPWH teams will coordinate with the poll body and the Philippine National Police in the provision of personnel and equipment to remove unlawful campaign materials.
The Comelec is the lead ahgency in this drive since they know where the common poster areas are and specifications of lawful and unlawful materials. DPWH is tasked to provide manpower and equipment and the police will secure the activity.
“The DPWH team, by authority of Comelec, may immediately remove, confiscate and destroy any unlawful election propaganda posted in prohibited areas,” Asis said.
The DPWH will also remove illegal campaign materials posted outside the Comelec-designated common poster areas. Asis also ordered field offices to take photographs of campaign paraphernalia prior to removal.
“We will turnover removed campaign materials to the Comelec for safekeeping and proper disposal,” he added.
The poll body has allowed the following sizes for the materials in common poster areas: 12 x 16 feet (for political parties and partylist groups), 4 x 6 feet, (for independent candidates), and 2 x 3 feet (for individual posters).
During public rallies and meetings, considered as lawful are streamers not exceeding 3 feet by 8 feet in size displayed at the site and on the occasion of a public meeting or rally.
According to Comelec rules, said streamers maybe displayed five days before the date of the meeting or rally and should be removed within 24 hours after said meeting or rally.
The election period for candidates running for national positions has started on February 9. For local candidates, the campaign period will kick off on March 25. (PNA)
JBP/SARWELL Q. MENIANO
