Comelec, MMDA: Be responsible where to post campaign materials

Comelec headquarters in Intramuros, Manila. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday reminded poll aspirants to be responsible in posting their election materials on public spaces.

According to Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia, poll aspirants should have their own initiative on responsible measures in putting up election-related materials.

“I hope that those candidates and political parties will have their own briefing and orientation on how to install their materials (Operation Kabit)… I hope there is a responsible way… consistent pursuance in the guidelines that will not bother the traffic, pedestrians, and even the usage of non-biodegradable materials,” said Garcia in a briefing.

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Garcia also reiterated there is currently no premature campaigning, and the political materials with faces of poll aspirants plastered in many places do not violate any election law.

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“The power of the Comelec only becomes official on January 12, the start of election period and therefore, we don’t have the authority to stop them yet,” Garcia stated in an ambush interview after signing of memorandum of agreement of the Comelec and MMDA.

Further, MMDA Chairman Artes said that many will still attempt to install posters on prohibited places.

“Our call to the candidates is to post their tarpaulins in the right places. Otherwise, they will just be a waste because Comelec and MMDA will take them down,” said Artes in the same briefing.

This sentiment was echoed by MMDA Deputy Chairman Frisco San Juan Jr. who said that poll aspirants are not allowed to post their materials on properties owned by MMDA.

“Putting up of materials, whether political or commercial advertisements, is prohibited on the properties of MMDA. There are posts, benches, sub offices and fences that MMDA built and posters and any kinds of advertisements are not allowed there,” said San Juan in the same interview.

According to the calendar of events for the 2025 elections previously released by Comelec, the election period starts on January 12, 2025.

The 90-day campaign period for national candidates officially starts on February 11, 2025 to May 10, 2025 while the local candidates will have a 45-day campaign period starting from March 28, 2025 to May 10, 2025.