BY: JOSE ROBERT INVENTOR

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has issued notices to seven party-list groups and five senatorial candidates for violating campaign material regulations in the Cordillera region.

The campaign period for senatorial and party-list candidates officially began on February 11, but concerns have been raised about illegally placed campaign posters.

Some voters expressed frustration over candidates who fail to comply with election rules.

“What do they think of the people? They should be afraid to break the law,” said voter Vilma Sinadcop.

A post on a local online forum also showed a resident complaining about campaign posters being placed on their private property without permission.

Comelec-Cordillera Regional Director Atty. Julius Torres reminded candidates that campaign materials must have proper authorization before being displayed on private properties.

One of the most common violations, he said, is the placement of posters on utility poles, trees, and other non-designated areas.

From February 22 to February 28, Comelec sent 27 notices to violators across Cordillera.

However, only one candidate has complied with the removal order within the three-day deadline.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia earlier stressed the importance of strict compliance with campaign rules as part of the commission’s broader election preparations for May 2025.

As of now, the seven party-list groups and five senatorial candidates have received their notices, but authorities are still waiting for full compliance.