BACOLOD City – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) here has warned political candidates against the illegal posting of election campaign materials, with the poll body vowing to file charges against violators.
Comelec-Bacolod acting officer Atty. Revo Sorbito said that despite the ongoing “Operation Baklas” which involves the removal of unlawful campaign materials, many posters remain in areas not designated as common poster sites. The operation began following the start of the official campaign period for national candidates and party-list groups.
Sorbito announced that during the signing of the peace covenant for local candidates on March 18, he would issue a final warning, emphasizing that he would not hesitate to take legal action against those who continue to violate election rules.
While “Operation Baklas” currently does not cover local candidates — whose campaign period officially starts on March 28 — Sorbito clarified that they, too, would face enforcement measures if they put up campaign materials outside designated areas once their campaign period begins.
During three operations conducted on February 11, 21, and 26, the Comelec removed over 2,000 illegal campaign materials from various locations in Bacolod. Notices have already been sent to senatorial and party-list candidates regarding their violations.
Sorbito explained that while the Comelec national office is responsible for filing cases against national candidates, the local office also has the authority to initiate cases.
“We are currently collating information to determine which candidates can be charged,” he said./PN
