by Lily Gut February 21, 2022 Illegal campaign posters. (Photo from Go Rizal) IMUS, Cavite - Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson ...
February 21, 2022
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| Illegal campaign posters. (Photo from Go Rizal) |
IMUS, Cavite - Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson James Jimenez said their staff had obtained prior approval or ‘consent’ from the owners of private premises before removing the illegal campaign posters the other day.
"Tuwing pumapasok ang mga taga-Comelec, with consent ng property owner. Hindi sila sumasalakay basta-basta," Jimenez said, based on a Tweet by GMA reporter Tina Panganiban-Perez.
The statement was issued in response to the allegations leveled against their "Oplan Baklas."
He added that the owners are notified if there are illegal campaign materials in their jurisdiction.
“In some cases, the property owner takes down the materials themselves. Or Comelec na ang sinasabihang magtanggal. Pag hindi tatanggalin, doon magkakaproblema kasi illegal campaign materials 'yon. Owners will be given notice,” he said.
He emphasized that there is no preferential treatment for candidates when it comes to the removal of campaign posters from private property during the campaign period.
Jimenez said that they have proof that nearly every other presidential candidate's billboards have been removed.
“Yung iba, kusang nagbaba. Sinusulatan kasi sila ng Comelec kaya yung iba, nagkukusa. Pag hindi, tinatanggal ng Comelec. Pag may mga hindi pa nabaklas pero nasulatan na, cino-coordinate yan with every region. Pinupuntahan ang mga ito at vine-verify,” he explained.
“Pero hindi ibig sabihin na may preferential treatment o may discrimination. Hindi lang kayang tapusin in one day,” he added.
The Comelec spokesperson said the poll body is ready for any case filed by any candidate.
“Kung gusto nilang magkaso, that’s something that we’re prepared to meet. If the actions of our officers are backed up by existing laws then we feel that, that will stand up in court,” said Jimenez.
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