ILOILO City – A total of 818 unlawful campaign materials, weighing 400 kilograms, were seized during an “Operation Baklas” conducted by the Office of the City Election Officer on February 14.
The operation covered areas along the Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue from Barangay San Rafael in Mandurriao district to Barangay Ungka in Jaro district.
The operation was carried out just one day after the grand rally of the senatorial candidates of the Marcos administration’s “Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas” political coalition, which was attended by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on February 13 in Mandurriao.
The cleanup, which began at 5 a.m., focused on the removal of unlawful campaign materials posted on palm trees, electric posts, and streetlights along the center islands of the Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec)-Iloilo City, in collaboration with personnel from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the General Services Office (GSO) of the Iloilo City Government, dismantled and collected oversized and unlawfully posted campaign paraphernalia.
According to a Comelec press release, “A total of 818 unlawful campaign materials, including oversized tarpaulins and posters, were removed during the two-hour activity. These materials were placed in prohibited locations as outlined in Comelec Resolution No. 11086.”
Most of the confiscated campaign materials belonged to senatorial candidates Manny Pacquiao (360 materials), Benhur Abalos (132), Lito Lapid (110), Camille Villar (61), and Bong Revilla (47).
Jonathan Sayno, Election Assistant II of Comelec-Iloilo City, explained that the operation was conducted in accordance with Comelec Resolution No. 11086, which implements Republic Act No. 9006, also known as the “Fair Elections Act”, in connection with the May 12, 2025 midterm polls.
The initiative is aimed at ensuring compliance with campaign material guidelines as set by the Comelec and adhering to election laws and regulations.
Sayno reiterated reminders to political parties, candidates, their leaders, and supporters to place campaign materials in designated common poster areas identified by the Comelec.
Violators of the Fair Elections Act, including the improper posting of materials, will face penalties under Section 264 of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), which may include imprisonment for no less than one year but not exceeding six years, disqualification from holding public office, and loss of the right to vote./PN
