THE Commission on Elections on Tuesday fumed over the failure of candidates to remove their campaign materials within five days following the May 12 local and national elections.
Garcia warned the negligent candidates that they could be held criminally liable for not complying with the law, adding that the Comelec’s Task Force Baklas, which takes down illegal campaign materials, continues to monitor those who violated election rules.
“The TF Baklas should report to us (candidates) who didn’t remove their campaign materials. Even if they can’t be disqualified, we can file a criminal case against them. That’s a criminal case,” Garcia stressed
The Comelec vowed to take note of the erring candidates and use their violations against them in future elections.
“Those that committed violations can still be held accountable when they file their certificates of candidacy again in the future elections,” Garcia warned.
Under Comelec Resolution No. 11086, the candidates are mandated to remove or cause to remove all their election propaganda within five days after the elections.
Earlier, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said from May 13 to 14, it collected 11 tons of election-related waste, including tarpaulins and posters removed from walls, posts, trees, and power lines.
MMDA said reusable materials will be donated to groups like EcoWaste Coalition, Tahanang Walang Hagdan, and prison camps, where they will be repurposed into items such as seat covers, tents, and bags.
EcoWaste Coalition has long raised concerns over the environmental impact of plastic campaign materials and has appealed to candidates to reduce their use of PVC and avoid placing posters on trees.