DPWH deploys 93 personnel to help remove unlawful campaign materials in S. Leyte

MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, April 14 (PNA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways Southern Leyte District Engineering Office (DPWH-SLDEO) will deploy 93 field men to assist other government agencies in the removal and tearing of all unlawful election propaganda starting Thursday.

The SLDEO has deployed a five-man team in Maasin City and each of the 18 towns, except in Limasawa Island where only three field men are assigned to accomplish the task.

“The deployment is in compliance to the memorandum of agreement entered into by and between the Commission and Elections (Comelec) and DPWH,” said District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia.

“We will not do the removal without the Comelec since they’re more knowledgeable of the common poster areas and specifications of illegal campaign paraphernalia,” she said

Maintenance section chief Gideon Sacro said four DPWH dump trucks will be used to transport removed campaign posters during the “Operation Baklas.”

The DPWH also asked local election officers to coordinate with local governments for the provision of needed trucks in other towns.

“Our men may not remove campaign materials daily, but they’re on call whenever they’re needed by the Comelec,” Sacro added.

The poll body has allowed the following sizes for the materials in common poster areas: 12 feet x 16 feet (for political parties and partylist groups), 4 feet x 6 feet, (for independent candidates), and 2 feet x 3 feet (for individual posters).

During public rallies and meetings, considered as lawful are streamers not exceeding three feet by eight feet in size displayed at the site and on the occasion of a public meeting or rally.

According to Comelec rules, said streamers maybe displayed five days before the date of the meeting or rally and should be removed within 24 hours after said meeting or rally.

Candidates may not put up campaign materials at highways, bridges, center islands, flyover, sky walks, under pass, trees, and other public places not designated as common poster areas.

Display or exhibit of any election campaign or propaganda material outside of authorized common poster areas, in public places, or in private properties without the consent of the owner is deemed illegal.

In headquarters or residence of candidates, only lawful campaign paraphernalia may be displayed.

The election period for candidates running for national positions has started on February 9.

For local candidates, the campaign period will kick off on March 25. (PNA)
LDV/SQM/DPWH-PR/EGR