The Commission on Elections (Comelec) urged candidates and their supporters to take the lead in removing illegally mounted campaign materials and not wait for orders to do so.

In a radio interview, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said those who are running in the May 12 polls may face charges and even disqualification if they violate the rules on common poster areas.

“The candidates are required to remove them immediately, even if they have not received the letter yet or if they receive the letter, they must be removed immediately. It is very difficult to have a case with the Comelec. We are not joking with this warning. We have to start filing cases,” he said.

The 45-day campaign period for local candidates began on Friday, March 28. A day before, the Comelec was able to remove truckloads of illegal campaign materials all over the country.

“Our first day of the campaign went well, although, of course, we removed tons of garbage and materials from various parts of the country,” Garcia said.

At the same time, he urged local government units (LGUs) to enact an ordinance that would penalize those violating campaign poster guidelines.

“As for the Comelec, we are limited to what is stated in the law. Maybe in the future, our LGUs will be able to have an ordinance, whether there is an election or not, that will increase the penalties, if not increase the fines that they can impose,” Garcia said.

In Manila, reelectionists Mayor Honey Lacuna and Vice Mayor Yul Servo held their proclamation rally in front of Our Lady of Loreto Church in Sampaloc District.

They also went house-to-house, joined by 4th District Edward Maceda, whose wife, Dr. Giselle Maceda, will eye to replace him.

In her brief rally speech, Lacuna touted her accomplishments.

“We have accomplished so much, and we will not allow anyone to belittle or insult us. Even though it is not perfect, our Manila is not a failure. Our Manila is full of promise and hope,” Lacuna said. (PNA)