The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) kicked off Oplan Baklas early Tuesday, which involves the removal of illegal campaign materials, marking the first day of the 90-day campaign period for this year's midterm election.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Public Services (DPS), Manila Police District (MPD), and COMELEC, led by Chairman George Erwin Garcia, conducted a sweep of Tondo, Manila, and removed campaign materials placed in prohibited areas.
#Desisyon2025: Pinangunahan ni @COMELEC Chair. @ChairGEGarcia ang pagbabaklas ng illegal campaign materials sa bahaging ito sa Maynila.
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) February 10, 2025
Sabayan din ang ginagawang pagbabaklas ng illegal posters sa ibang parte ng Metro Manila ngayong umaga. | RH 29 @boy_gonzales, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/85CVHzSdZ9
These prohibited areas include private property, public infrastructure, public utilities, roads and highways, historical and cultural monuments, places of worship, schools, barangay halls, and other government offices.
Moreover, there are restrictions on the size of posters, banners, and other campaign materials. In certain areas, materials require prior permission from local government units (LGUs).
"Pagka po binigyan ng proper notice at hindi pa rin tinanggal, kakasuhan ng election offense, 1-6 year imprisonment po 'yan at pwede po namin i-presume na kung sino ang kandidato na nasa larawan ay siya ang nagpakabit niyan," said Garcia.
"Mas maganda pong ganon ang gawin ng COMELEC kasi lagi pong sinasabi ng kandidato na hindi sila ang naglagay, kalaban nila ang naglagay, o kaya mga supporter lang nila ang naglagay ng mga materials na 'yon," he noted.
According to DZRH reporter Boy Gonzales, a significant number of campaign posters were removed in Tondo, particularly from electric posts.
Meanwhile, in San Juan City, tarpaulins on posts and sidewalks have also been removed, as reported by Edniel Parrosa. According to COMELEC San Juan, materials in common posting areas are safe from Oplan Baklas, but oversized tarpaulins are not.
#Desisyon2025: Oplan Baklas ng @COMELEC , sinimulan na sa San Juan City; campaign tarps sa mga poste, sidewalk pinagtatanggal | RH 52 @ednielparrosa, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/TCyGTxs0VM
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) February 10, 2025
A large number of election materials were also taken down in Quezon City, reported Val Gonzales.
WATCH: Sangkaterbang election materials, nabaklas ng COMELEC at Quezon City DPOS sa unang araw ng election campaign para sa #Desisyon2025 | @dzrh5 Val Gonzales, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/dNsRyDyPFF
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) February 10, 2025
In Pasay, a truck carrying illegal campaign materials was ordered to be dismantled, according to a report by Jecelle Ricafort.
#Desisyon2025: Isang truck ng ilegal na campaign materials, pinagbabaklas ng COMELEC sa Pasay | RH 15 Jecelle Ricafort, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/2OETqeDhcZ
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) February 10, 2025
Oplan Baklas is being implemented nationwide as part of COMELEC's efforts to ensure a clean and peaceful election.
