The official campaign period for local candidates in the 2025 midterm elections began Friday, with candidates immediately hitting the streets to connect with voters.
Senator Nancy Binay, running for Makati mayor, launched her campaign with a house-to-house visit in Barangay Pio del Pilar. In Quezon City, re-electionist Mayor Joy Belmonte began her campaign with a Mass alongside her Serbisyo sa Bayan Party. Meanwhile, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna returned to her roots in Sampaloc to kick off her re-election bid.
As candidates campaigned, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) launched Oplan Baklas, dismantling illegal campaign materials in different areas. In Quezon City, the Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS) removed oversized posters exceeding the 8.5-by-14-inch limit and materials placed outside designated poster areas. Unlabeled campaign materials that failed to disclose sponsors were also taken down for violating the Fair Election Act.
In Makati, Comelec and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) started removing unauthorized campaign materials early Friday morning. They dismantled oversized posters, banners posted outside designated areas, and flaglets (banderitas) bearing candidates’ names hung on utility poles and cables.
“Lahat ng mga nasa public places lang or public property na nakatayo na ganyan bawal yan… banderitas siya tapos may mga pangalan ng political candidate bawal din then nakasabit siya sa mga kable at mga poste, bawal ‘yan,” said Atty. Antonette Aceret, election officer of District 1, Makati Comelec.
(“Campaign materials placed on public property are not allowed… Flaglets with candidates’ names hanging on utility poles and cables are also prohibited.”)
Aceret clarified that Comelec does not remove campaign materials placed on private properties.
This operation is part of Comelec’s efforts to maintain fair and orderly elections by strictly implementing campaign regulations.
With the May 12 elections drawing closer, over 18,000 local positions are up for grabs. The campaign period for senatorial and party-list candidates began in January.