By JEN BAYLON
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced the launch of a nationwide grand “Oplan Baklas” this Friday, March 28, coinciding with the official start of the campaign period for local candidates in the May 12 midterm elections.
Oplan Baklas will target illegal campaign materials, including tarpaulins, posters and banners, as part of efforts to ensure compliance with election laws.
Lionel Marco Castillano, regional director of the Comelec in Negros Island Region, said the operation will focus on dismantling campaign materials placed in unauthorized locations, such as utility poles, trees and government facilities.
They will also target oversized materials and posters not made of cloth, paper, cardboard, or any recyclable materials.
Castillano emphasized that both national and local candidates are subject to these regulations.
“At this time, we will include those illegal campaign materials specific to local candidates,” Castillano said.
He also issued a stern warning to barangay captains to remove campaign materials posted in barangay halls, as using government property for political campaigns is prohibited by law.
“They may be the custodians of the barangay hall. If they allow those campaign materials in the barangay hall, they will be held accountable,” Castillano said.
“If they are allowing the use of government facilities for partisan political activities or campaigning, that is an election offense. They will still be subject to an election offense, even if they are not candidates,” he added.
Castillano said the action is a criminal offense and the accessory penalty will be perpetual disqualification from public office.
“I hope our barangay captains will comply,” he emphasized.
Perpetual disqualification is a penalty imposed on individuals found guilty of certain offenses, barring them permanently from holding any public office.
This penalty often accompanies administrative or criminal cases involving grave misconduct or abuse of power.
For example, public officials dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman may face perpetual disqualification if their cases reach final judgment.
This measure is intended to uphold accountability and maintain the integrity of public service.
However, such penalties are subject to appeal.
If a decision imposing perpetual disqualification is not yet final or executory, affected individuals may still run for office pending resolution of their appeal.
Comelec has clarified that it will only enforce this penalty when a final judgment is issued by a competent authority.
Legal precedents, compliance
Castillano also clarified that private properties are exempt from Comelec regulation provided the campaign materials have the owner’s consent, regardless of size.
“In the case of the Archdiocese of Bacolod vs. Comelec, the Supreme Court has already held that private property is beyond the regulation of the Comelec,” he said.
“On private property, no matter how large, whether oversized or not, as long as it is on private property with the consent of the owners, it is allowed,” he explained.
Furthermore, Castillano reminded candidates that government funds cannot be used for campaigning.
“To equalize the candidates, government funds cannot be used, except for exemptions issued by Comelec, such as financial aid. Government vehicles are also prohibited from being used. That is an abuse of state resources,” he stated.
Comelec’s “Oplan Baklas” underscores its commitment to ensuring fair elections by enforcing rules on campaign materials and preventing the misuse of government resources.
Candidates and their supporters are urged to comply with these regulations voluntarily to avoid penalties./JB, WDJ