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MANILA - Some propaganda materials were up outside designated areas on the first day of the campaign period, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Tuesday.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said they will give national candidates a grace period of 3 days to comply with regulations or else face sanctions.

Under Comelec Resolution 10488, which serves as the implementing rules and regulations for the May 2019 polls, campaign materials should be put up in common poster areas, such as plazas, markets, and barangay centers.

Jimenez also reminded national candidates that they will police social media posts.

The poll body has a monitoring team that will look into the cost of the production and promotion of online content, he said.

Each candidate who belongs to a political party is entitled to spend P3 for every registered voter, while those without political parties may allot P5 per registered voter.

Political parties and party-list groups may spend P5 pesos per registered voter.

The poll body said political parties and candidates should register with the Education and Information Department of the Comelec the website name and web address of the official blog and/or social media page.

Other blogs and social media pages not affiliated with a candidate or a political party but "has for its primary purpose the endorsement of a candidate" shall be considered as "additional official blogs or social media pages of a candidate."

The campaign period will run from Feb. 12 to May 11 for senatorial candidates and party-list groups. Local bets may start campaigning from March 29 to May 11.

A total of 63 candidates are vying for the 12 seats at the Senate while 134 party-list groups are allowed to participate in this year's polls.