As the start of the campaign for the local elections approaches, a poster row between the supporters of Makati City mayoralty candidates, Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado and Councilor Erwin “Jun-jun” Binay, is heating up.

Citing complaints from residents, Atty. Chito Salud, Mercado’s spokesman, said numerous tricycle drivers with stickers on their units and those wearing t-shirts of Mercado are being harassed by some traffic officers.

“They (tricycle drivers backing Mercado) are being told by traffic officers to do away with the stickers and t-shirts of Vice Mayor Mercado if they don’t want to be cited for traffic violation,” said Salud.

Salud said he advised Mercado supporters to just follow authorities to avoid physical harm. “Just follow their orders or they might hurt you,” Salud told tricycle drivers.

“The second district is our turf. But tricycle drivers there are being told that they will be cited for traffic violations if they wear pro-Mercado t-shirts or have the vice mayor's old campaign stickers on their vehicles,” Salud said.

Moreover, the lawyer also asked city hall employees to take it easy on ordinary residents and spare them from political harassment.

Meanwhile, the camp of Binay has accused the supporters of Mercado of removing their campaign materials.

Lito Anzures, Binay’s spokesperson, said the supporters of Mercado have been seen removing the election materials of the young Binay that have been installed in some homes in Makati City.

Anzures said the election materials, including tarpaulins, streamers and posters, have been installed in the homes of residents with their consent.

“This is again evidence that Mercado is growing desperate. His ratings are not improving, so he is using all means to reverse certain defeat, no matter how childish it may be,” he said.

According to reports, Binay’s Performance Team tarpaulins were removed during nighttime. In exchange, the camp of Mercado reportedly grants P300 for every campaign material removed and brought to their headquarters, added Anzures.

A tight race in the May 10 elections for the city’s mayoral race is anticipated in the city for the position that will be vacated by long-time mayor and vice presidential aspirant Jejomar “Jojo” Binay.

The campaign period for local elections is from March 26, 2010 to May 8, 2010.