The Commission on Elections (Comelec) urged local and national candidates anew to take down their campaign posters, following the conclusion of the mid-term elections.
“The cost of putting those campaign posters is already huge, why not shell out a few more and tear it down themselves?” said Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon in an interview at the National Board of Canvassers' headquarters in Pasay City.
“It's an election offense if they refuse to take it down three days from notice, we'll know it at the committee,” she said.
At present, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is mobilizing its personnel to tear down campaign materials in its ‘Oplan Baklas'.
As of Wednesday, the police have already removed over 650,000 campaign posters in Metro Manila alone.
SOCE submission
The poll body also reminded candidates to submit their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).
“Our candidates out there are being reminded, those who won and those who did not, to submit their statement of contribution and expenditure within 30 days from the end of the elections,” Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said in an interview.
The candidates may submit their SOCE until June 13, and if they fail to do so, especially local government officials, they “will have problems assuming office,” warned Jimenez.
According to Comelec Resolution 10505, which amended several provisions of the Omnibus Rules on Campaign Finance, the failure of the candidate to submit SOCEs within six months from proclamation will stop him/her from assuming the duties of the post he/she had won.
Meanwhile, the deadline shall be “final and non-extendible” for the losing candidates and party-list groups, the same resolution said. (Joyce Ann L. Rocamora with reports from Aerol Pateña/PNA)
