Vico Sotto’s order to remove campaign materials in Pasig City inspired the PNP to do the same on a nationwide basis.
PNP — Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto’s order to remove campaign materials in the city has encouraged the Philippine National Police to do the same on a nationwide basis.
The PNP issued a statement on Monday saying that it will consult the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) if there were requests from public officials or political candidates to take down campaign materials.
From there, PNP chief PGen. Dionardo Carlos said that all police personnel will take the initiative of removing the campaign materials especially those in public places.
According to Carlos, the PNP will assist in the removal of campaign materials in public places if there’s a go signal from the poll body and the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government).
“If there is a go signal from the COMELEC and the DILG, then we will assist in the removal of these materials,” Carlos said. “We just wanted to maintain our neutrality, so in every crucial action there must have the authority of the COMELEC.”
Mayor Vico has already ordered to remove the campaign materials on public properties in Pasig City as thousands of what were perceived to be “early campaign” materials have been placed in different areas of Pasig City.
READ ALSO: Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto Orders Removal Of Campaign Materials In City-Owned Properties
However, the situation in Pasig City was also the same in almost all areas in the Philippines and law enforcement agencies were helpless on this ploy of some political aspirants since such move wasn’t covered by early campaigning rules.
According to Carlos, the PNP was aware of the campaign materials being mounted even in conspicuous places, but the COMELEC guidelines enumerated those areas where those campaign materials were prohibited.
“One thing is for sure, we won’t allow these campaign materials to be posted on police stations and offices. The PNP will immediately order the removal of such,” Carlos said.
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