WHEREAS,  after the holiday season,there is a proliferation of streamers,posters and leaflets of incumbent  elected officials and  known personalities containing their Christmas and New Year greetings to their constituents;

WHEREAS,   it   has   also   become   the   practice   of   some   government officials to erect signs along finished projects announcing that said project was accomplished through their efforts;

WHEREAS,  it  has  been  observed  that  during  past  political  exercises, these streamers,  posters,  leaflets and  signs  were  not  removed  and  the  persons whose names or pictures appear therein eventually run for public office;

WHEREAS,  in  addition  to  these  streamers,  posters,  leaflets  and  signs, illegal  propaganda  materials  are posted  all  over  public  places  which  are  not authorized  poster  areas  under  Republic  Act  No.  9006  and  its implementing resolution;

WHEREAS,  Sec.  31  of  Comelec  Resolution  No.  7767  “Rules  and Regulations Implementing Republic Act No. 9006, otherwise known as the “Fair Election Act”, in relation to the May 14, 2007 Synchronized National and Local Elections, provides:

“Sec. 31. Removal of Premature Campaign Materials. – All materials such as posters, streamers, stickers or paintings on walls and  other  materials  showing  the  picture,  image  or  name  of  a person,  and  all  advertisements on  print, in radio or in television showing  the  image  or  mentioning  the  name  of  a  person, who subsequent   to   the   placement   or   display   thereof   becomes   a candidate for public office shall be immediately removed by said candidate  and  radio  station,  print  media  or  television  station within  three  (3) days  after  the effectivity  of  these  implementing rules;   otherwise   he   and   said   radio   station,   print  media   or television station shall be presumed to have conducted premature campaign in violation of Sec. 80 of the Omnibus Election Code.”

NOW  THEREFORE,  the  Commission  on  Elections,  pursuant  to  the powers vested in it by the Constitution, the Omnibus Election Code, Republic Act No. 9006 and other election laws, RESOLVED, as it hereby RESOLVES, to promulgate this   resolution   to   deputize   the   Metro-Manila   Development Authority  (MMDA)  to  remove and tear down  streamers,  posters,  leaflets  and signs containing the names or   pictures   of   candidates   and  other illegal propaganda materials of candidates.

SECTION   1.   The   Metro-Manila   Development   Authority   is   hereby deputized during the campaign period to assist the Commission to remove and tear down all unlawful election materials in the National Capital Region.

It shall have the following duties and functions:

1.   To tear down and remove campaign materials posted in public places outside the common poster areas;

2.   To  tear  down  and  remove  illegal  campaign  materials whenever posted or displayed;

3.   To   monitor   and   watch   out   for   persons   posting   or distributing  said  unlawful  election  paraphernalia  and  to arrest said persons caught in flagrante delicto;

4.  To make a report of said activities done by them. In case the   illegal   campaign   materials   are   posted   in   private places, the report shall include the owner or residents of the private place or residence.

SECTION 2. In  compliance  with  said  deputation,the  Metro-Manila Development Authority shall coordinate  with the Election Officer of the city/municipality concerned. It may seek the assistance of the   Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies.

SECTION 3. This resolution shall take effect on the seventh day after its publication in two (2) daily newspapers of general circulation.

SECTION 4.   Dissemination.      –   The   Education    and   Information Department  shall  cause  the  publication  of  this  resolution  in  at  least  two (2) newspapers of general circulation, and furnish copies thereof to all field officers of the Commission, and to the presidents or secretaries of all registered political parties,   and   the   party-list   groups,   organizations,  and/or   coalitions   thereof, candidates, mass media entities, and deputized offices.

SO ORDERED.