Comelec sets Feb. 28 crackdown on illegal campaign materials

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will lead ‘Operation Baklas’,  an crackdown on illegal campaign materials posted in public areas in Metro Manila on Thursday, February 28.

Comelec will work in coordination with the Philippine National Police, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Transportation, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

Under Comelec Resolution 10488, campaign posters should not be bigger than 2×3 feet and should only be displayed in common poster areas or in private properties with the consent of the owners.

Meanwhile, posters and tarpaulins of political parties and party-list groups should only measure 12 feet by 16 feet or its equivalent but not exceeding a total area of 192 square feet.

Authorized common poster areas in public places include  plazas, markets, barangay centers and the like where posters may be readily seen or read.

MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia earlier told candidates not to waste the agency’s time in removing their campaign materials.

“I am warning all the candidates, all the supporters, huwag niyo na po sayangin oras namin sa pagbabaklas po niyan,” Garcia said in a press briefing.

(Don’t waste our time removing your campaign materials.) / gsg

READ: MMDA tells candidates: Don’t waste your money, our time on illegal campaign posters