Three days before the commencement of the campaign period, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has laid out guidelines for candidates’ campaign materials in the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) 2023.
As per the recently released Comelec Resolution, the placement of billboards, posters, tarpaulins, and individual posters exceeding the size of 2×3 feet on the common poster is strictly prohibited. The use of campaign or propaganda materials violating gender sensitivity principles, containing explicit content, or displaying discriminatory elements is also forbidden. Additionally, posters or tarpaulins must bear the inscription “Political advertisement paid for/by.”
Meanwhile, campaigning on television, radio, newspapers, the internet, or social media is allowed, subject to Comelec regulations and guidelines.
For candidates who violate these rules, the poll body will send a Notice to Remove and Show Cause Order. Comelec will also conduct Operation Baklas to remove campaign materials posted in unauthorized areas from October 20 to October 27, 2023. Common poster areas such as plazas, markets, barangay centers, and similar places are exempted from this operation.
The campaign period will span 10 days, running from October 19 to October 28, 2023. As the BSKE approaches, candidates are expected to adhere strictly to these guidelines to ensure fair and orderly elections.
