Comelec-Negros Island Region to tear down illegal campaign materials

(PNA file photo by Judy Partlow)

DUMAGUETE CITY — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) here will undertake “Oplan Baklas” or the taking down of campaign materials placed in non-designated areas on Tuesday, the start of the 90-day campaign period for national candidates.

Negros Island Region (NIR) Election Director Lionel Marco Castillano told the Philippine News Agency it is a simultaneous nationwide event where promotional materials of candidates in the May 12 national and local elections will be removed from public places not included in approved areas.

“We will be taking down posters and other campaign materials not only of national candidates but also local bets as stipulated in the Fair Elections Act,” he said in an interview Monday.

Campaign materials on trees, bridges, markets, parks, electric posts and similar public places will be removed, but Castillano said based on a Supreme Court ruling, those in private places cannot be taken down.

The Comelec is asking assistance from the Department of Public Works and Highways, the police and local government units in the removal of illegal campaign materials due to the poll body’s lack of manpower.

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Castillano urged candidates to set a good example by making sure their campaign materials are of the right sizes and placed in Comelec-designated areas only.