Comelec urges LGUs: Take down campaign materials

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has asked for the assistance of local government units (LGUs) in taking down campaign materials that violate local policies and regulations.

- By JANVIC MATEO

In an interview with "Storycon" over One News on Thursday, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said their hands are still tied in terms of regulating materials bearing the names and images of those who have already filed their certificates of candidacy for the 2025 elections.

He cited a Supreme Court ruling declaring that individuals only become candidates at the start of the official campaign period, which will be on Feb. 11 for national candidates and March 4.

28 for local candidates in next year’s polls. The ruling effectively removed the concept of premature campaigning and allowed aspirants to still endorse products or post banners or greetings, such as during this holiday season.

Garcia, however, said LGUs can implement their own policies particularly on the environment to remove materials that are clearly being used for campaigning.

“I appeal to our LGUs. I hope that you will not disregard the situation because not all of your constituents are happy seeing those things on the streets,” he said in Filipino.

But since Comelec rules still do not apply, the removal of these materials should be based on local policies, such as the prohibition on the placement of materials on electric posts and wires and in other public places.

The Comelec on Wednesday released the rules and regulations governing campaign activities for the 2025 midterm elections.

Among its provisions is the requirement for candidates to remove all prohibited forms of election propaganda 72 hours before the start of the campaign period.

It covers “any names, images, logos, brands, insignias, initials and other forms of identifiable graphical representations on any public structures or places.”