By Mario Casayuran
A mountain of political posters is pointless because they do not ensure the victory of a candidate in the coming mid-term May 13, 2019 elections, reelectionist Senator Aquilino Pimentel III said Saturday.
Pimentel did not elaborate but it is conceded that radio and TV broadcast and social media have a wider reach and effect on voters in the Philippine archipelago.
Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel (KEVIN TRISTAN ESPIRITU / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
"Lahat po ng candidates ay sumunod na lang po tayo sa regulations,’’ Pimentel said. (All candidates should follow the rules issued by the Commission on Elections on proper placement of posters in common areas),’’ Pimentel, a former Senate President, said.
Comelec officials have warned of dire consequences to candidates whose supporters pepper walls and other unauthorized spaces with their posters.
On reports that he has many unauthorized posters, Pimentel said he was surprised that he supposedly has a large number of posters because he does not have that many posters.
He said that his posters are still at the printing presses and that he has a limited number of such posters.
Pimentel said the Comelec should identify specific places in the country where his alleged illegal posters are pasted on or nailed to but locating these posters by his office or supporters is a difficult job for them.
These posters, according to Pimentel, shall have a maximum size of 2X3 feet at common posters areas or at privately-owned houses or private property with the consent of the owners.
He said streamers at rally sites should have a maximum size of 3X8 and these shall be taken down within five days after the political rallies.
Pimentel, president of the pro-Duterte PDP-Laban party, is seeking a second six-year term in the 24-member Senate. #MatalinongBoto2019