Candidates told: Remove tarpaulins

CEBU CITY — The Commission on Elections in Central Visayas (Comelec-7) has called on both winning and losing candidates to remove campaign materials such as posters, tarpaulins and other paraphernalia following the conclusion of the midterm elections.

Comelec-7 director Francisco Pobe Jr. urged candidates to take responsibility and act on their own initiative in clearing out their materials, stressing that they should not wait for formal orders.

Pobe said that the materials had already served their purpose and should be discarded immediately.

He pointed out that leaving campaign materials in public spaces long after the election period contributes to visual pollution and environmental damage, especially since many of the promotional items are made from non-biodegradable materials.

Pobe also said that Comelec-7 has already coordinated with local government units to monitor and assist in the cleanup efforts.

He emphasized that removing these materials is a matter of accountability and respect for public spaces.

"Regardless of whether a candidate won or lost," he said.

In a separate report, Pobe confirmed that voting in Central Visayas had gone smoothly, despite a mix-up involving the misdelivery of 183 ballots in parts of Cebu and Bohol.

The issues were quickly resolved and did not affect the opening of precincts.

The police also reported a peaceful election day, with only minor incidents, including 10 arrests related to the gun ban and two liquor ban violations.

Meanwhile, Comelec Cebu City said it is now awaiting the submission of candidates' Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).

City Election Officer Ferdinand Gujilde reminded that the deadline of submission is 30 days after election day, with no extensions to be granted, emphasizing that "a deadline is a deadline."

The SOCE is a legal requirement under Philippine election laws, compelling all candidates, whether they won or lost, to declare the total contributions they received and the expenses they incurred during the campaign period.

Non-compliance may lead to penalties, including disqualification from holding public office or a ban from seeking elective positions in future elections.