Comelec conducts Oplan Baklas as local campaign period starts

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday conducted "Oplan Baklas" or the removal of illegal campaign materials as the campaign period for local candidates kicked off.

Comelec chairperson George Garcia said authorities monitored many campaign materials violating the guidelines.

“Talaga namang meron at merong mga pasaway,” Garcia told Unang Balita in an interview.

(Definitely, there are violators.)

“Kung ako lang yung kandidato, bago sana nagsimula yung araw na ito, pinatanggal ko na yung mga nasa public places para hindi naman pahirapan pa kami,” he added.

(If I were a candidate, before this day began, I would have removed illegal posters in public places so that authorities wouldn’t be further burdened.)

Garcia called on candidates to have the initiative in removing illegal campaign materials so the Comelec and other concerned agencies can focus on other tasks.

The Comelec official personally joined Oplan Baklas in Manila in coordination with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Ecowaste Coalition.

In Quezon City, at least two dump trucks of illegal campaign materials were confiscated on Friday morning, according to a report of GMA Integrated News’ James Agustin on Unang Balita.

The illegal posters were removed from walls, fences, and abandoned lots on Kalayaan Avenue, V. Luna Avenue corner Mabilis Street, Mapang-akit Street, Matatag Street, and A. Rodriguez Avenue.

“Compared doon sa unang Oplan Baklas, most likely ngayon wala na sa mga street lights sa Meralco post, at traffic light dahil meron kaming local ordinance na bawal doon magkabit,” Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety officer Atty. Felicisimo Tenorio III said.

(Compared to the first Oplan Baklas, now the illegal campaign materials are no longer on the street lights, Meralco posts, and traffic lights because we have a local ordinance that prohibits them from being installed there.)

“Ngayon napansin namin parang wala na. Mostly, nasa walls, abandoned walls, abandoned places,” he added.

(Now we noticed that they are no longer there. Mostly, they are on walls, abandoned walls, abandoned places.) —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News

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