Private property owners’ nod obtained in ‘Oplan Baklas’: Comelec

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Friday they have obtained the consent of the owners of the private properties before entering and taking down illegally placed campaign materials.

“I think it’s been lost in the conversation thus far that we didn’t enter those places without consent. In all of those cases that I know of for example, our Comelec officials have asked for permission. We asked to enter to those areas,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said in a television interview.

This came as the poll body started its crackdown on illegal campaign posters and materials known as the “Oplan Baklas”.

“We pointed out that the materials that were to be taken down were in violation of the rules and the property owners either consented to us taking them down or themselves said that they would take them down on their own again as far as yesterday was concerned I think it should be very clear that we were acting well within the scope of the resolution,” the poll body official added.

He said they have documents to show that the poll body officials have asked permission before they enter a property.

“In fact, we do have documentation of that. Remember we only conducted baklas (removal) operations yesterday in some parts of NCR (National Capital Region) and one other region. We have documentary evidence in both cases where before entering our officials would actually talk to the people involved,” Jimenez added.

Asked what will they do if the owners refuse them entry, he said their refusal will be respected.

“That’s their right. They can refuse entry. What happens in practice is that they are advised of the violation and the next steps that Comelec will take,” he added.

Some candidates are questioning the action taken by the poll body against illegal campaign posters of bets in the May polls, particularly the taking down of posters and tarpaulins on private properties, claiming that it is illegal.

Jimenez said the public may file a complaint before the commission regarding the matter.