Rama asks BOPK to remove its posters in illegal areas

CEBU, Philippines - Vice Mayor Michael Rama asked his fellow candidates under the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan to remove their posters that were placed by their supporters in prohibited areas.

The law prohibits the posting of campaign materials outside the common poster areas designated by the Commission on Elections, such as streets, bridges, public structures or buildings, trees, electric posts or wires, schools, shrines and the main thoroughfares.

Campaign posters placed in private places may not be considered illegal if the concerned candidates or their supporters ask for permission or consent from the owner.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña earlier urged the voters not to vote for those candidates who violate the election laws.

But The FREEMAN observed that BOPK supporters violate the Comelec guidelines and post campaign materials in disallowed areas.

Rama said the BOPK candidates should voluntarily remove their campaign posters in prohibited places to show to the public that they are law-abiding persons and fit to become their officials.

Aside from the local candidates, some of the national and presidential candidates are also violating the law.

Presidential aspirant Manuel Villar said he has no plan to remove his posters placed outside designated common posters areas because his opponents are also doing it.

The penalty for such an election offense is imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years without probation. (FREEMAN NEWS)