The Commission on Elections and the MMDAremove illegally placed campaign materials along Nicolas Zamora Street in Tondo, Manila, on Friday March 28, 2025 at the start of the campaign period for the midterm elections. The Comelec reminded candidates to post campaign materials only in designated areas to avoid their removal and possible disqualification cases. Authorities also warned the public that the agency would intensify its “Oplan Baklas” operations in the coming weeks to ensure compliance with election rules. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) launched its “Oplan Baklas” against illegal campaign posters of local candidates simultaneous with the start of the official campaign period for local positions Friday.

Comelec chairman George Garcia led the operation in Pritil area in Tondo, Manila.

The commission was joined by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Romando Artes and environmental group Ecowaste Coalition.

“Matagal na namin ‘tong hinihintay, matagal na rin kaming nagngingitngit dahil nga siyempre hindi kami makapagtanggal dahil hindi pa sila kandidato — aspirants pa lang sila before…ngayon officially kandidato sila simula 12:01 kaninang madaling araw,” Garcia told the media.

Local candidates hit the ground running as campaign officially starts  

(We have been waiting for this for a long time. We have been frustrated for a while because we couldn't remove the paraphernalia because they weren't canddiates yet... just aspirants. But since 12:01 a.m. they are all now officially candidates)

Garcia was referring to a Supreme Court ruling that there can be no campaign violations until the official start of the campaign season. That season started on Friday for candidates for local positions.

In Manila alone,  “Oplan Baklas” netted a truckload of illegal campaign posters of local candidates Friday morning.

Garcia again reminded candidates to follow its campaign guidelines.  

He said posters should not be any larger than 2 feet by 3 feet. “[A]t huwag na huwag kalilimutan dapat eco-friendly yung mga materyales na ginagamit natin,” Garcia said. 

(And don't forget to use eco-friendly materials for the posters and banners)

The poll chief advised the voting public not to vote for stubborn candidates who do not follow simple election rules. 

Halalan 2025: Key dates, facts on Philippines' midterm elections

NO MOTORCADES ON MAJOR ROADS ON WEEKDAYS

Meanwhile, MMDA chairman Artes said candidates need to secure permits from the agency before conducting motorcades.

Artes explained guidelines for candidates’ motorcades on major thoroughfare in Metro Manila are already in place. 

He said the MMDA will not issue permits for motorcades on roads under its jurisdiction on weekdays.

Also on Friday, Comelec announced that the National Printing Office (NPO) had already finished printing more than 68 million voter’s information sheets (VIS).

Chairman Garcia said the commission will start VIS distribution in Pasay City on April 2.

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