NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has observed a decrease in the number of illegal campaign materials for this year's Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, following the initiation of Oplan Baklas in Negros Occidental.
According to a new release by the Philippines News Agency, an inventory is submitted to the Comelec central office after each Oplan Baklas operation, the first of which started on October 20. "Compared to the previous elections, there are fewer violations now," Ananoria told reporters.
During the initial operation, Comelec personnel removed campaign materials found outside the designated common poster areas, mounted on trees, and waiting sheds. The operation also targeted candidates who were not adhering to the prescribed sizes for campaign posters. Another Oplan Baklas activity is scheduled for October 27.
Ananoria clarified that the Comelec Law Department will determine whether candidates with removed campaign materials will be charged for violations. "If it's really illegal, the election officer will file the case," he added.
The Comelec's Oplan Baklas operations aim to remove oversized and illegally placed campaign materials. Campaign materials are considered illegal if they are posted in restricted public areas or exceed the size limits set by the Omnibus Election Code. The 10-day campaign period for the BSKE began on October 19 and will continue until October 28.