Hontiveros tops Comelec list of poster violators

MANILA - Team PNoy senatorial candidate Risa Hontiveros has emerged as the topnotcher in the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) list of candidates with most poster violations.

Other administration candidates also apparently topped the Comelec's list of poster violators.

In successive posts on his Twitter account, Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. named the candidates whose posters have been found in prohibited areas, as well as the number of notices each candidate has received.

"Risa Hontiveros was served another notice for her illegal posters in Cainta. Her 4th notice already; received most number of notices so far," he said.

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV placed second to Hontiveros.

"Sen. Trillanes was sent 2 more notices to remove his illegal posters (West Service Rd & Tondo). Total: 3 notices," Brillantes said.

Next on Brillantes' list is Bam Aquino. "Two (2) separate notices were sent to Bam Aquino for his illegal posters in West Service Rd/Kamuning & E. Rod in QC. Total: 3 notices."

Senator Francis Escudero is also in trouble for a product endorsement on some taxis, putting the taxis themselves in danger of losing their franchise.

"Taxi operators carrying Sen. Escudero’s illegal ads will also be summoned; cancellation of franchise on the way. Sen. Escudero was served his 2nd notice, this time for his 'A-Plus Paint' ads illegally placed on Taxis/PUV," Brillantes said.

President Aquino's aunt also figured in Brillantes' list. "Tingting Cojuanco was also sent notices for her posters hazardously nailed on electrical posts in Mabalacat, Pampanga."

Two candidates from the opposition United Nationalist Alliance also made it to Brillantes' list.

"Sen. Loren Legarda, Sen. Gringo Honasan, Bro. Eddie Villanueva and Cong. Jack Enrile were each sent notices to remove their illegal posters," he said.

Earlier Monday, Brillantes promised to reveal the repeat violators of rules on campaign posters.

"Mamayang gabi, ilalabas ko uli bagong listahan ng mga pasaway na senatoriable at party-list na hindi pa rin sumusunod sa campaign rules," he said.

The elections chief also reiterated that political ads must disclose who paid for them.

"All campaign posters MUST indicate for whom the ads are & who paid for it. Without such statement, the propaganda is prohibited. To the public, pls report to @COMELEC—apart from those misplaced & oversized—campaign materials not bearing the required statement."