Comelec eyes written consent before ‘Oplan Baklas’ in private places

(FILE) Workers of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority prepare to haul a pile of campaign materials taken down along the stretch of Espana Boulevard in Manila on Feb. 18 as the Commission on Elections starts “Oplan Baklas.” —MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is planning to require its field officers to first obtain written consent before entering private places during the conduct of “Oplan Baklas.”

Oplan Baklas is the drive to remove improper campaign materials.

“One of the biggest features of the planned [implementing rules and regulations] is that we will be requiring our field officials to get a written consent before they can enter into private property,” said Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez in a press briefing on Thursday.

“The Comelec has always abided by the policy that we will not enter into the private property unless there is consent by the property owner and we will take that a step further by requiring the officer to produce a written consent form,” he added.

Jimenez said that a property owner could face a case if he/she is reluctant to give permission.

“If the property owner refuses to give consent, then a case is possible,” he said.

Aside from the consent form, the spokesman said other rules would be enforced as it is written.

Critics have lambasted the Comelec’s Oplan Baklas, claiming that there was mishandling in its rules, citing the removal of oversized posters in private premises.

/MUF