By JEN BAYLON
Violators involved in the proliferation of illegal campaign materials will either face election offenses or disqualification charges, the Commission on Elections in the Negros Island Region (Comelec-NIR) said.
Comelec-NIR Regional Director Lionel Marco Castillano said yesterday they are set to document instances of campaign materials improperly displayed in violation of election regulations.
Castillano said violation notices will be sent to the candidates responsible, mandating the removal of their campaign materials within three days.
“If they do not comply, we will report them to the Comelec national office for possible filing of cases, either election offenses or disqualification cases,” he said.
Castillano noted that improper placement of campaign posters not only violates election laws but also undermines the integrity of the electoral process.
He highlighted that the ongoing monitoring and enforcement of campaign material regulations are crucial as the May 12 elections approach.
Meanwhile, Castillano said that currently they are not conducting “Oplan Baklas” as they are busy overseeing the training of members of the electoral board.
Recently, posters of national candidates can be seen along the national highways, many of which are even oversized.
Under Comelec Resolution No. 11086, or the Omnibus Election Code, considered unlawful campaign materials are individual posters, billboards, posters, and tarpaulins exceeding two by three feet; collage-like posters exceeding two by three feet; and posters with single letters of names, when assembled together to form a size exceeding two by three feet.
Also prohibited are propaganda materials that are not in designated common poster areas, such as plazas, markets, barangay centers, and other similar places.
The Comelec said it has dismantled more than 100,000 campaign materials of national candidates as part of the intensified crackdown against illegal campaign materials.
Poll-related issues
The NIR Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) is set to hold a coordinating conference on March 19 to discuss critical areas of concern ahead of the May 12 midterm elections.
Castillano announced that the agenda will focus on identifying and addressing potential election-related issues, particularly in light of the initial list of monitored areas of concern already submitted to the Comelec national office.
The meeting will also review the election contingency plans proposed by local government units surrounding Kanlaon Volcano.
Several municipalities in Negros Occidental have been classified as areas of concern due to varying levels of political rivalry and past election-related incidents.
The municipalities of Isabela and San Enrique have been categorized under the Yellow Category, indicating a history of political unrest without direct involvement from domestic terrorist groups.
Meanwhile, the towns of Calatrava and Cauayan, as well as Sipalay City, have been classified under the Orange Category, reflecting more serious threats that may require heightened security measures.
The RJSCC’s upcoming conference aims to reassess these classifications and ensure that appropriate security protocols are in place as the elections approach.
Castillano emphasized the importance of collaboration among local authorities, law enforcement agencies, and election officials to maintain order and safety ahead of the May polls./JB, WDJ