By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Bacolod City Commission on Elections (Comelec-Bacolod) recently removed two oversized campaign tarpaulins in the city.

In a report by Aksyon Radyo-Bacolod over the weekend, the removal operation was witnessed by Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon; Comelec-Negros Occidental provincial supervisor, Atty. Milagros Salud Villanueva; and Comelec-Bacolod supervisor, Atty. Ann Janette Lamban.

The City Engineer’s Office also participated in the event.

The two “oversized” tarpaulins were owned by a party-list candidate, measured 20×60 feet, and installed last month.

According to Guanzon, the involved party-list was already directed to remove the said tarpaulins. In addition, the owner of the establishment where the said campaign materials were located was also requested to remove the tarpaulins, with the government agency offering to pay for removal costs. However, the Comelec commission criticized the party-list candidate, stating, they have the manpower to install the posters but not to remove them.

She also stated, billboard operators should be aware of campaign rules before entering into business deals with political candidates.

Under Comelec Resolution No. 10488, campaign posters, whether framed or posted, should only have a size of two feet by three feet. Banners, meanwhile, can only be used during public meetings or rallies, which may only be displayed from five days before and up to 24 hours after the rally, with sizes limited to three feet by eight feet./DGB, WDJ