GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) here has launched the strict monitoring of local candidates’ campaign activities as the 45-day local campaign period formally kicked off on Friday.
Lawyer April Mitchor-Miguel, city election officer, said they are specifically checking the posting and distribution of campaign materials and propaganda by candidates and their political camps.
Miguel said they were directed by their central office to strictly monitor compliance with campaign rules and regulations as set in Comelec Resolution 10488, in line with Republic Act 9006 or the Fair Elections Act.
The official said they already provided candidates with copies of the campaign rules and other related regulations. These include campaign prohibitions and the identified common poster areas within the city’s 26 barangays.
Under Comelec Resolution 10488, Miguel said the campaign materials should be mainly posted on the common poster areas. These may be placed in private properties provided the candidates have the consent of the owners.
Pamphlets, leaflets, cards, decals, stickers, and similar materials should have a maximum width of 8 1/2 inches and maximum length of 14 inches while the posters should not exceed 2 feet by 3 feet, she said.
Miguel said there is no reason for candidates and their supporters to violate such rules as they were already properly informed.
She said they will conduct a candidates’ briefing in the coming days to again remind them of the “do’s and don’ts” on campaigning.
“Any violation on the campaign prohibitions constitutes an election offense and has corresponding sanctions. It may also be ground for disqualification,” Miguel said in a radio interview.
She urged residents to report any possible violation, especially in terms of oversized posters and their placement outside the common poster areas.
“If they notice anything illegal or unlawful, they should take a photo and identify the location or address and submit them to us,” she said.
Miguel said they may call the city election office, email the Comelec through talktocomelec@gmail.com and report them through social media — Facebook, Twitter and Instagram — under #sumbongsacomelec.
