CAMPAIGN materials are still posted in public areas despite an earlier order by Interior Secretary Eduardo Año for local government units (LGUs) to remove and dispose of them.
“Up to now, we are still monitoring campaign materials that have yet to be removed,” DILG Undersecretary and spokesman Jonathan Malaya said during a press briefing organized by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
“We are now studying if we need to issue show cause orders to these local government units for their failure to remove these campaign materials,” said Malaya.
Last Wednesday, Año told local government units to remove and dispose campaign materials in their jurisdiction within the next three days. He urged the candidates in the May elections to help in the effort.
Año had said campaign materials, especially those made of plastics and other non-biodegradable materials, have negative effects on public health and environment if not properly disposed of.
Malaya said Año is due to preside over a management committee meeting today, with the removal of the campaign materials among the topics due to be discussed.
“We are awaiting the (formal) report of the various regional offices (of the DILG). All of the regional directors will report on the accomplishment of the various local government units,” said Malaya.
“We will discuss tomorrow (today) if there is a need for us to call the attention of the local chief executives and issue cause orders,” Malaya added.
He assured the public that the DILG is working hand-in-hand with the LGUs and the Commission on Elections to remove and dispose tons of campaign materials.
“But let me clarify, campaign materials in private homes are not part of the coverage of the DILG order,” said Malaya.
“For example, if you have campaign materials posted in your homes, we are not concerned about that. What we are concerned about are the campaign materials in public places,” said Malaya.
