Manila, March 29 -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Saturday urged candidates and their supporters to take the lead in removing illegally mounted campaign materials and not wait for orders to do so.

In a radio interview, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said those who are running in the May 12 polls may face charges and even disqualification if they violate the rules on common poster areas.

"The candidates are required to remove them immediately even if they have not received the letter yet or if they receive the letter, they must be removed immediately. It is very difficult to have a case with the Comelec. We are not joking with this warning. We have to start filing cases," he said.

The 45-day campaign period for local candi...