ILOILO City – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Iloilo City has launched “Oplan Baklas” to enforce campaign material regulations as the national campaign period officially began on Tuesday, February 11.
Election Assistant II Jonathan Sayno said the initiative ensures the candidates’ compliance with Republic Act (RA) No. 9006, or the Fair Election Act.
“We are strictly implementing Comelec’s guidelines to guarantee fair and lawful campaigning. Only campaign posters for national candidates placed outside designated areas or those lacking proper attributions are being removed,” he said.
So far, around 50 campaign posters have been dismantled, with most violations involving the absence of the mandatory “paid for by” attribution.
Comelec clarified that all removed materials will be inventoried and reported to the national office for proper documentation and turnover.
Under Section 6 of RA 9006, campaign materials must only be posted in designated common poster areas.
Violations may lead to penalties, including fines, removal of materials, or even disqualification from the elections, as stipulated in Section 68 of the Omnibus Election Code.
Grounds for disqualification include engaging in unlawful election propaganda and exceeding the allowed size and placement of campaign materials.
“Oplan Baklas” will continue until May 10 to ensure compliance with election regulations throughout the campaign period.
Comelec reminded candidates and supporters to adhere to the rules to maintain fair and lawful elections./PN
