Comelec: At least 30 candidates face DQ over campaign materials

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday said that at least 30 candidates face disqualification cases for allegedly violating the poll body’s guidelines on illegal campaign materials.

In an ambush interview, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said Task Force Baklas is set to file disqualification cases against at least 30 candidates.

"The Task Force Baklas will file cases against at least 30 to 35 candidates for violating our guidelines and for failing to remove their illegal campaign materials despite several notices," Garcia told reporters in Filipino.

"Among them is a senatorial bet," he added, noting that the poll body earlier warned it would issue notices to candidates, directing them to remove unlawful campaign materials and election campaign paraphernalia mounted outside the designated areas within three days as part of its Oplan Baklas initiative.

Garcia earlier warned candidates that illegally putting up campaign materials may result in being charged with an election offense and possible disqualification.

The Comelec chief noted that campaign materials are considered illegal if they do not follow appropriate sizes, are not made of the right materials, or are posted on electric posts or trees.