LTFRB warns operators vs. excessive campaign ads on public utility vehicles
Operators of various public transport such as jeepneys, tricycles, taxis, vans and buses plying city and provincial streets are warned against wanton and excessive display of campaign paraphernalia.
While stickers and small-sized flyers and posters are allowed, Regional Director Porferio Clavel of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) cautions operators saying that a limitation has been set by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Limitations that prohibits and disallows streamers from being displayed in jeepneys, vans and buses except only during political rallies where these units are normally hired.
As such, Director Clavel vowed to keep close watch of all public utility vehicles as the campaign period starts today.
"Strictly speaking, stickers and all other campaign materials posted must have the permit from our office. We need to inspect these in order to make sure that basic markings like routes, unit's body number and operator and similar information will not be obstructed," Director Clavel said in a The News Today (TNT) phone interview yesterday. "And as added warning, it is not the candidates nor the drivers who will be penalized but the operators for allowing the display and posting of campaign materials."
Clavel came out in public to make the advisory after clarification was sought from Comelec's Atty. Elizabeth Doronilla, acting Provincial Director.
And police assistance will be sought too, the LTFRB regional director continued, for any eventual arrests of violators.
"But motu propio, we can also act on these if we see blatant violations," Clavel ended.
Meanwhile, as the campaign period for local candidates starts Doronilla appealed to candidates to be sober and refrain from mudslinging or character assassination but rather focus their campaign on issues and their platforms of governance.
She also encouraged local candidates to enter into a peace covenant with the Election Officers and Philippine National Police in their respective province, city or municipality to ensure peaceful elections.
She further appealed to candidates to follow all COMELEC rules and regulations particularly on the guidelines on propaganda materials.
Likewise, Doronilla reminded candidates not to forget to file their statement of expenditures especially after the conduct of their rallies. No person elected to any public office shall assume the duties of his/her office until he/she has filed the statement of contributions and expenditures under the Omnibus Election Code.
Doronilla added candidates are not allowed to campaign on April 5, Holy Thursday, and April 6, Good Friday.
According to the Omnibus Election Code, prohibited acts during this period are: Appointment or hiring of new employees; creation or filling up of new positions; promotion or giving of salary increases, remuneration or privilege.
Also construction of public works, delivery of materials for public works and issuance of treasury warrants or similar devices for a future undertaking chargeable against public funds are not allowed.
Releases, disbursements or expenditures of public funds public works, social services and development are also prohibited by Election laws.
(with reports from PIA)