COMELEC starts ‘Operation Baklas’ as nat’l campaign starts

The Commission on Elections will begin its nationwide “Operation Baklas” to remove posters of national candidates and party-lists that were placed on display in public places, as the campaign period starts Tuesday, on February 11.

Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria, provincial election supervisor, said on Monday their campaign will cover campaign materials that were posted on government-owned facilities and along the national highways or outside the common poster areas.

Those that will be removed are the posters of senatorial and party-list candidates.

He also said that Operation Baklas will be spearheaded by local election officers with the assistance of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and representatives from the local prosecutors office.

Ananoria appealed to candidates not to place their posters on trees as they are considered “environmentally unsound” or it is not good for the environment.

Exemptions will be made for propaganda materials that are posted on privately owned properties and residences.

Earlier, Comelec posted on its official Facebook page a copy of Resolution No. 11086 to remind poll aspirants to use lawful election propaganda such as:

1. Printed materials like pamphlets and leaflets not exceeding 8.5 inches wide and 14 inches high
2. printed or handwritten letters posters made from cloth, paper, cardboard or any recyclable material not exceeding 2 feet by 3 feet
streamers not exceeding 3 ft by 8 ft (must be shown five days before a rally in a certain place and must be taken down 24 hours after)
3. Paid printed advertisement and broadcast media under the requirements of Sec. 11 of Comelec Resolution 11086 and the Fair Elections Act
4. Static LED billboard owned by private entities or individuals, mobile or transit advertisements in public transportation under the condition that they follow the guidelines of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for commercial advertisements
5. Sign boards not exceeding 3 feet by 8 feet posted in the candidates’ headquarters other election propaganda not prohibited by the Omnibus Election Code or Comelec Resolution No. 11086.

The poll body will send notices to candidates, giving them a chance to voluntarily remove their posters.

If candidates fail to comply, the COMELEC and government agencies will proceed with the removal.* (EYA)