Manila, March 21 -- A bookstore chain has pulled out coin and money envelopes from the "election essentials" display in its stores as part of its marketing campaign ahead of this year's midterm polls.

The National Book Store, Inc. (NBSI) made the move in response to the request of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to remove these items from their display.

"Nevertheless, please note that the pull-out of these money envelopes in relation to 'election materials essentials' has been coordinated and cascaded in all our National Book Store branches nationwide, in deference to your request," National Book Store president Adrian Ramos said in a letter to Comelec Chairperson George Garcia dated March 19 and made public Friday.

In a letter t...