5 Senate bets consistently violating campaign poster rules

At least five senatorial candidates have been consistently violating rules on campaign posters, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday.

- MAYEN JAYMALIN

"There are five senatorial candidates who are consistently violating rules in each region; they do not follow rules on (poster) size, where to post and what environment friendly materials they can use," Comelec Chairman George Garcia said.

He declined to name the candidates but stressed that the Comelec will issue a notice to remove the illegal campaign materials, which the candidates have to comply with within three days from receipt of notice.

If the candidates fail to comply, the Comelec would recommend the filing of an election offense and disqualification complaint against the candidate, Garcia said.

Every day, he said, the Comelec is monitoring compliance with campaign rules.

However, Garcia said the Comelec cannot remove all the illegal posters, thus they are directing the candidates to voluntarily take them down or face charges.

Impartiality

Despite serving for years in President Marcos' bailiwick of Ilocos, newly appointed Comelec Commissioner Noli Rafol Pipo assured the public of impartiality.

Pipo took his oath of office before Garcia yesterday after being appointed to replace retired commissioner Marlon Casquejo.

Pipo served as provincial election supervisor of Ilocos Norte when Marcos was the governor. However, Pipo said Marcos did not meddle with them.

"When they call us, their only concern is peace and order. They do not meddle with our staff. The Marcoses are not like that," Pipo said.

"That's why I feel comfortable that I was appointed by the President," he added.

Pipo admitted that he has been receiving criticism for his appointment because he came from the Ilocos region.

However, he said he will respect the decision of the Commission on Appointments and he will answer questions based on his long experience in the field.