Bets told: Keep out of graduations

Candidates were warned yesterday that it is illegal for them to display "Happy Graduation" streamers bearing their names and photographs in public places.

James Jimenez, Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesman, said placing streamers outside common poster areas is against the law.

"Misplaced streamers, posters and other materials that contain graduation greetings from political bets will bring the candidates more problems instead of votes," he said.

Jimenez said candidates should not waste their money mounting streamers with their graduation greetings in areas prohibited by law.

"While we believe that our new graduates truly deserve our praise and commendation for their years of struggles and hard work in their studies, wishing them well and greeting them through the heaps of streamers and posters, with the politicos’ smiling faces and their boldly lettered names nearly covering the entire length of the streamer placed in eye-catching but prohibited spots, is not only illegal but downright unpleasant," he said.

Under Resolution 7767, the Comelec has designated certain areas nationwide where candidates can place their campaign streamers and posters.

These can be the barangay halls, sports complex, public markets and parks.

The resolution prohibits the posting of campaign materials in streets, bridges, public structures or buildings, trees, electric posts or wires, schools, shrines, main thoroughfares and other similar areas. — Sheila Crisostomo