COMELEC said that it may file cases against private property owners who “remain adamant” on displaying oversized campaign posters.
COMELEC — On Friday, the Commission on Elections warned private property owners against displaying oversized campaign posters.
According to COMELEC spokesperson James Jimenez, its personnel didn’t enter private properties and remove oversized campaign posters on display inside private properties without consent from private property owners.
Jimenez said that private property owners have the right to refuse entry of COMELEC personnel.
“It’s okay. That’s their right. They can refuse entry. What happens in practice is that they are advised of the violation and the next steps that the Comelec will take,” Jimenez said in an interview on CNN Philippines’ The Source.
Citing a situation where large posters or large billboards displayed on private property as an example, Jimenez said that they will inform the property owners that those materials have to be taken down.
“If they refuse, then we serve them notice that they need to take them down. Then if they remain adamant, baka magkaroon ng kasuhan,” Jimenez said.
Jimenez’s statement came after authorities removed oversized campaign posters and those displayed in non-common poster areas as the poll body started its “Operation Baklas” against “unlawful” campaign materials on Wednesday.
Some candidates, however, have complained about the takedown of campaign posters displayed by their supporters in private properties. Jimenez also acknowledged that there may be room for calibration in the COMELEC rules.
READ ALSO | Isko Moreno on Removal of Leni Robredo Posters in Private Areas: “Mali at unfair”
As for murals, Jimenez admitted that it wasn’t mentioned in the COMELEC guidelines mandating the size of campaign materials.
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Jimenez made the comment when asked about a mural for presidential candidate Vice President Leni Robredo and her running-mate Senator Francis Pangilinan that was painted over by authorities.
According to him, authorities have secured consent from the property owner.
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