The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Ilocos Norte has given local candidates three days to remove oversized and illegally placed campaign materials across the province. This directive follows the launch of Operation Baklas, an initiative aimed at ensuring compliance with election campaign regulations. The operation began in downtown Laoag on Friday, coinciding with the start of the 45-day local campaign period.
The Operation Baklas team, composed of Comelec officials, the Philippine National Police, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, has started dismantling campaign materials that do not adhere to election guidelines. Provincial election officer Joel Gines emphasized that non-compliant candidates will first receive a notice instructing them to remove the materials within three days. Failure to comply could result in legal action.
Under Republic Act 9006, or the Fair Election Act, campaign materials may only be placed in designated areas such as plazas, public markets, gymnasiums, and street corners. The law strictly prohibits posting on unauthorized spots like electrical posts and trees. However, candidates are allowed to display materials on private properties, provided they have the owner’s consent.
Comelec Resolution 11086 specifies the allowable campaign materials, including pamphlets, leaflets, stickers, and posters not exceeding 2 feet by 3 feet. Streamers up to 3 feet by 8 feet are permitted but only during public rallies. Advertisements on print, broadcast media, outdoor billboards, and mobile ads on public utility vehicles (PUVs) are also allowed, provided they include a “paid for by” disclaimer with the payor’s name and address.
Gines urged candidates and their supporters to adhere to the prescribed campaign material sizes and posting locations. The Comelec will strictly enforce these election rules, as violations could lead to severe penalties under the Omnibus Election Code. These include imprisonment ranging from one to six years, disqualification from holding public office, and loss of voting rights.