Comelec starts Oplan Baklas to remove illegal campaign posters

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) commenced 'Oplan Baklas' on February 11, 2025, to remove illegally posted campaign materials nationwide.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia stated that the poll body will go after candidates who continuously violate election laws.

Violations, including non-compliance with size requirements and placement rules, have been recorded in every region, with approximately five senatorial candidates being consistently cited.

While Comelec can remove materials in prohibited areas, they cannot remove those posted on private properties.

National aspirants will be given three days to remove non-compliant posters and tarpaulins after receiving a notice.

Failure to voluntarily remove non-compliant materials may lead to disqualification, show-cause orders, and election offenses, including imprisonment.

Comelec will conduct weekly 'baklas' operations to ensure compliance with the law, with continuous non-compliance potentially leading to disqualification or election offense charges.

Comelec will keep confiscated campaign materials as evidence for filing appropriate charges.