Large billboards with the names and faces of 2019 election candidates will be torn down as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) starts on Tuesday its nationwide crackdown against illegal election propaganda.
This comes with the start of the national campaign period, which will trigger the effectivity of Comelec Resolution (CR) 10429, which lists so-called prohibited acts for the May 13 polls.
“Prohibited forms of election propaganda included those that are posted outside of common poster areas, in public places or in private properties without the consent of the owner,” Comelec Spokesman James B. Jimenez said in a notice to all 2019 candidates.
Candidates were instructed to remove their prohibited election paraphernalia or risk facing sanctions candidates, as they may be,” Jimenez said.
The Comelec will now be closely monitoring the contributions received by candidates, as well as their expenditures, to ensure these will comply with their respective spending limits based on Republic Act 7166.
Each candidate will be required to state these in their Statements of Contributions and Expenditures.
Other prohibited acts stated in CR 10429 is giving donations or gifts in cash or in kind; and appointment or use of special policemen, confidential agents and the like.
The issuance also bans the campaigning on Holy Thursday, March 28, 2019, and Good Friday on March 29, 2019.
In time for the start of the national campaign, some archdiocese of the Catholic Church already issued their respective guidelines.
Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos said he already issued a pastoral directive prohibiting the posting of political tarpaulins in Church patios and fences.
The issuance also instructs people with positions in parishes and working for a political candidate to take a leave of absence from their church duties for the duration. Last, it bans political candidates from making offertory processions.
On Dec. 2018, Caceres Archbishop Rolando Tirona also issued the same guidelines for its members.
It prohibited the posting of political advertisement in church property, including political rallies in church premises; conduct church activity under the sponsorship of any political candidate or political party; and solicitation from political candidates or political parties for church projects.
The issuance also banned priests from campaigning for any political party or candidate.