Comelec kicks off grand ‘Oplan Baklas’ as local campaign period begins

March 28, 2025 , 05:45 PM

(March 28, 2025) – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) launched its large-scale “Oplan Baklas” on Friday, cracking down on illegally posted campaign materials just as the local campaign period officially began.

Comelec chairman George Garcia led the operations in Pritil, Tondo, Manila, alongside Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Romando Artes and environmental advocacy group Ecowaste Coalition.

Garcia warned candidates that ignoring election rules would have consequences.

“‘Pag di niyo sinunod, sure na sure na sure, i-guarante ko sa inyo, ang sunod na matatanggap niyo ay ang order to explain, o ‘yung tinatawag nating show-cause order. ‘Yung show-cause order, preparatory natin para sa filing ng disqualification at election offense,” said Garcia.

He also reminded candidates that giving out food during the campaign period is strictly prohibited unless they secure an exemption from Comelec.

For rallies and “miting de avance” events, candidates must obtain permits from local government units and ensure they don’t cause public inconvenience.

“Pagka po kasi local campaign kasi, alam na kung sinong magkakalaban, alam na kung sinong kamag-anak, kaibigan, mare, kumpare, na lalaban, tutuloy na. Therefore, lalong mas nagiging mainit, lalo na ‘yung mga supporter nila,” said Garcia.

Meanwhile, Malacañang called on all local candidates to follow election laws as the campaign season kicks off.

“Ang paalala lang po natin sa lahat ng mga kakandidato, huwag lumabag sa batas. Unang-una, kasi kayo po iyong magsisilbing leader eh, so dapat kayo po iyong manguna na sumusunod sa batas, so iyon lang po iyong paalala natin,” said Malacañang press secretary Claire Castro.

She also stressed that the Philippine National Police (PNP) must remain neutral during the elections.

“Ang PNP kasi dapat it should remain apolitical, so huwag magpagamit sa politiko, huwag magpagamit sa damdamin. Alam nila, tandaan nila na ang kanilang trabaho ay manatiling loyal sa bansa, loyal sa konstitusyon,” added Castro.

With temperatures soaring, she also urged candidates to take precautions against heat-related illnesses while campaigning.

The campaign period will end on May 10, two days before the midterm elections. There will be a two-day campaign break on April 17-18 in observance of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

(CD)

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