Candidates criminally liable for not removing campaign materials

RECYCLE. Commission on Elections Chairperson George Erwin Garcia (center) and Commissioner Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr. (left) lead the inspection of discarded election campaign materials at the Payatas Controlled Disposal Facility in Quezon City on Tuesday (May 20, 2025). The materials will be recycled and repurposed. (PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler)

By Ferdinand Patinio, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday expressed dismay over the failure of candidates to remove their campaign materials past the deadline of five days after the May 12 elections.

“We said that five days after the election, they (campaign materials) should be removed. Now it’s been more than five days,” Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said during the inspection of the disposal of campaign materials at the Payatas Controlled Disposal Facility in Quezon City.

Garcia warned the candidates that they may be held criminally liable for not complying with the law, noting that the Comelec’s Task Force Baklas, which takes down illegal campaign materials, continues to monitor those who violate election rules.

“The TF Baklas should report to us 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,” he said.

The Comelec will take note of the 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 said.

Under Comelec Resolution No. 11086, candidates shall remove or cause to remove all their election propaganda within five days after the elections.