By Saul Pa-a/PNA
CAMP GEN. VICENTE LIM, Calamba City – The regional election director of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Calabarzon (Region 4) vowed to fully enforce their “Baklas Operation” on March 29, to rid both public and private areas of illegally posted campaign materials.
Comelec Region 4 Director lawyer Gloria R. Petallo disclosed to PNA over the weekend that they have already notified the provincial election supervisors in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon about plans to tear down illegally posted campaign materials as part of efforts to discourage violators.
Petalio said it is irritating to the eyes to see illegally placed posters in clear violation of the election law. “And we have notified them a week before that and under the election law they have 72 hours to remove the illegal campaign materials,” Petalio said.
She said it is the election officer’s job at the locality to monitor and notify candidates about illegally posted campaign materials bearing their names.
She cited the illegal campaign removal operation covers even those posted in private places such houses, establishment or private lot if these did not comply the size specification of 2 by 3 feet.
“We have embarked on our operations 24/7 as we receive various complaints of election violations this early. We assure you that we will act on the reports or complaints as we look forward to the start of the campaign for the aspirants for local positions as well as for the House of Representatives elective posts,” she said.
She added that the poll body, along with the PNP and AFP, are appealing to the local candidates to help remove illegal posters and streamers even before the official start of the campaign period on March 29.
