STIFF penalties await those convicted of putting up or placing advertisements and campaign materials on lamp posts and cables of public utility firms.
This is what is stated in House Bill 8481, which was filed at the House of Representatives.
The bill explains that until now, the practice of placing campaign materials of candidates on posts and power cables, including internet, cable TV and telephone services, continues.
This is despite the regulations imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) regarding posting of campaign materials in designated areas, as prescribed by the Omnibus Election Code and Republic Act 9006 or the Fair Election Act.
Once the proposed bill is enacted into law, violators will face 1-2 years imprisonment and a fine of not less than P100,000.
If the violator is a candidate or incumbent government official, penalty is “perpetual absolute disqualification” from holding or occupying a seat in government.
The proposed measure reiterates that the integrity of public utility infrastructures is an issue of “public interest” and “environmental and safety grounds” that must not be ignored, and instead should be nurtured to ensure efficient public service.