Comelec: Electronic billboard ads banned

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reminded candidates that posting campaign materials on electronic billboards is prohibited.

“Talks about electronic billboards on posts and moving vehicles. These are prohibited,” Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon posted in her Twitter account.

Guanzon said candidates must first file a petition before the Comelec before they can use electronic billboards in their campaign.

She also ordered notices sent to candidates who have been placing campaign materials on electronic billboards.

“EO please send notices to candidates,” Guanzon said, referring to the election officers, in response to a netizen who called the attention of the Comelec on violations of some PDP-Laban senatorial candidates.

She also directed the election officer and other concerned offices to submit their compliance reports within 24 hours.

Under Comelec rules, a candidate is given three days to take down illegal campaign materials once a notice has been issued.

The Comelec would start the case build-up for the filing of charges if the notice is not complied with. A violation of campaign rules is considered an election offense that is punishable by imprisonment, removal of right to vote, and disqualification to hold public office.