MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) began tearing down illegal campaign materials on Friday, the start of the local campaign period for the midterm elections in May.
Dubbed "Oplan Baklas," the operations were led by Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia and MMDA Chairman Don Artes. It aims to remove illegal campaign material from public areas, such as walls, streets, and other places. Posting or putting campaign materials on trees or electricity posts is prohibited under Republic Act 3571 and Comelec Resolution 11111.
