The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Dumaguete City, Negros Island Region, is set to initiate ‘Oplan Baklas,’ a campaign to remove unauthorized election materials starting Tuesday. This action coincides with the beginning of the 90-day campaign period for national candidates. Lionel Marco Castillano, the Election Director for the Negros Island Region, explained that this initiative is part of a nationwide effort to clear public spaces of campaign materials for the upcoming May 12 national and local elections. The operation will target materials placed outside of Comelec-approved areas, including those of both national and local candidates, in compliance with the Fair Elections Act. Items found on trees, bridges, markets, parks, and electric posts will be removed, though materials on private property are protected by a Supreme Court ruling and will not be touched. To aid in this effort, Comelec is seeking support from the Department of Public Works and Highways, the police, and local government units, due to insufficient manpower. Castillano encouraged candidates to adhere to regulations by ensuring their campaign materials are appropriately sized and located only in designated areas.
