The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Region 7 yesterday warned that owners of public utility vehicles, who allow election campaign materials to be posted on their units, will be fined P10,000 per violation.

LTFRB 7 director Ahmed Cuizon said the regulation applies to passenger buses and mini buses, truck-for-hires, V-hires, garage-to-terminal or GT Express, tourist buses and rent-a-cars, among others.

Cuizon said the prohibition is covered by an LTFRB memorandum circular, that is implemented by the Land Transportation Office.

A “political propaganda material” includes even a small sticker with the name of a candidate in the May 13, 2013 elections.

“I am reminding all operators of public utility vehicles to clear their units of all political propaganda, or else, they will be fined P10,000 per violations," Cuizon said.

Even if somebody places the political propaganda on the units without the knowledge of the owners, the latter will still be penalized as they are the franchise holders, he added.

Meanwhile, Dumaguete City election officer Jerome Brillantes reminded barangay officials to remain nonpartisan during the polls.

He admitted that politicians usually seek the support of barangay officials to boost their campaign and earn votes since the grassroots leaders are close to their constituents.

Brillantes said barangay officials should not play favorites, or influence the choice of their constituents to ensure a clean and honest election.

He said barangay officials and residents should also be vigilant against suspicious-looking persons in their areas, and to report them to the police.*PNA/JFP

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