Rules allow candidates’ posters on jeepneys, buses

As private individuals, operators of public utility vehicles (PUV) have the proprietary right to post campaign materials of electoral candidates, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said.

In an interview Wednesday, Feb. 20, Acting Cebu Provincial Election Supervisor Jerome Brillantes said posting of campaign materials to show support for a candidate is an exercise of freedom of expression and information on the part of the PUV operator.

“That act is done by a private individual who has the freedom of expression and information. We can’t control them,” he said.

Brillantes, though, stressed that candidates and their supporters must abide by the size limitations for campaign materials provided by the law.

Promulgated last Jan. 30, Section 6 of Comelec Resolution 10488 states that while lawful election propaganda is allowed for all qualified candidates, it is still subject to the limitation on authorized expenses of candidates and parties.

Lawful election propaganda includes pamphlets, leaflets, cards, decals, stickers or other printed materials the size of which does not exceed eight and one-half inches in width and fourteen inches in length.

Posters made of cloth, paper, cardboard or any other material, whether framed or posted, must have an area not exceeding two feet by three feet.

What is illegal is posting campaign materials on vehicles owned and operated by the government.

Brillantes said using public resources and funds to campaign for a candidate is prohibited.

“If you’re using a government-owned vehicle for a public function, that is okay. But if you’re using it to campaign, that’s not allowed,” he added.

Brillantes urged the public to report to the Comelec any incumbent officials or candidate using public resources for personal use. /