MANILA, Philippines – Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rowena Guanzon warned local candidates on Wednesday, March 27, to remove their names or photos from ambulances of local government units (LGUs).

“LGU ambulances must not have names or pics of candidates. All candidates need not be given notices. They are violating election rules starting March 29,” Guanzon tweeted, referring to the start of the campaign period for local candidates.

She instructed election officers to “take pics and report it in writing” to Comelec directors James Jimenez and Frances Arabe.

“I am on Comelec overseas voting business abroad, but when I arrive I will personally see to it that LGU ambulances with candidates’ pics be stripped. Tanggalin ‘nyo ‘yan, mayor (Remove that, mayor)!” she said. 

Guanzon, a lawyer and women’s rights advocate, is former mayor of Cadiz City, Negros Occidental. A master’s degree holder from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, she is also a former commissioner of the Commission on Audit.

Guanzon earlier said the Comelec asked the Department of Health to remove posters of senatorial bet and longtime presidential aide Bong Go from Malasakit Centers, the government’s one-stop shop for medical services. 

The Omnibus Election Code prohibits the “use of public funds, money deposited in trust, equipment, facilities owned or controlled by the government for an election campaign.”

Comelec Resolution No. 10488, in line with the Fair Elections Act, also specifically prohibits campaign advertisements on ambulances, patrol cars, and other vehicles owned by the government. 

The campaign period for local candidates – for governors down to municipal councilors and for district representatives – runs from March 29 to May 11. Meanwhile, the campaign period for senatorial candidates and party-list groups has been ongoing since February 12. – Rappler.com