By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – “Let us respect the will of the people.”
This was the message of Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez to supporters of all local candidates as the campaign period for the May 12 midterm elections begins on Friday, March 28.
Benitez urged supporters to stay calm and be mature, reminding them that the election lasts only one day.
“Whoever the people want to lead the city, let’s respect those decisions,” he said in a media interview on Wednesday.
Benitez’s camp will hold its opening salvo at the Paglaum Sports Complex to mark the start of the campaign, while Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran’s group will launch theirs at the Bacolod public plaza.
Benitez is running for congressman of Bacolod City against former Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia.
Familiaran is vying for the mayoralty against incumbent Bacolod lone Rep. Greg Gasataya.
Meanwhile, Benitez said the city government will support the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in removing illegally posted campaign materials in public spaces.
He said he has coordinated with the local Comelec office to provide any necessary assistance in enforcing rules on campaign materials.
Benitez added that government agencies with available equipment will help remove tarpaulins placed outside designated poster areas.
He said it will be up to the Comelec to decide what to do with confiscated campaign materials.
Comelec Resolution No. 11086, which enforces the Fair Elections Act (Republic Act 9006), prohibits campaign materials in schools, government buildings, barangay halls, public structures and similar properties.
The initiative aims to eliminate oversized or illegally placed election materials posted beyond authorized areas.
In a Facebook post, Comelec-Bacolod reminded all candidates and political parties to remove unlawful campaign materials to avoid potential disqualification proceedings.