DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – With the midterm elections fast approaching, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Pangasinan has launched a series of simultaneous “Oplan Baklas” operations in the city to enforce the removal of illegal campaign materials.
The initiative aims to remind political aspirants to adhere to election laws, particularly the proper placement of campaign materials in designated areas, as part of efforts to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.
On Thursday, Comelec officials removed unauthorized campaign materials in compliance with Comelec Resolution No. 11086, which mandates that candidates and political parties remove campaign materials for national and party-list positions that have been posted in prohibited public spaces.
This operation is the first step in the broader enforcement of election regulations ahead of the 2025 elections.
Lawyer Ericson Oganiza, the provincial election supervisor, reiterated the importance of following the rules, particularly when it comes to posting materials on trees, electric posts, utility poles, and other government-owned structures.
“We keep reminding everyone to post their campaign materials only in designated common poster areas and to avoid government-owned facilities. This ensures a level playing field for all candidates,” Oganiza said.
Oganiza clarified that the current “Oplan Baklas” operation specifically targets campaign materials for senatorial and party-list candidates.
However, he noted that materials for local elections will be removed starting March 28, 2025, particularly those in prohibited areas.
Meanwhile, Dagupan City Election Officer Michael Franks Sarmiento highlighted that the removed materials would be carefully inventoried and reported to the Law Department for further action.
He also pointed out that, alongside “Oplan Baklas,” Comelec continues its training of teachers who will serve as poll workers and members of the board of canvassers, recognizing their crucial role in the upcoming elections.
“Training our electoral boards is essential. Our teachers are the frontline workers of the elections, and it’s vital that they are well-versed in both the technical and legal aspects of their duties,” Sarmiento stressed.
With multiple training sessions set to conclude on March 20, Sarmiento expressed confidence that Comelec-Dagupan City would be 95% prepared, ensuring a smooth, fair, and transparent election process come election day. (ABM/RPM/RDPP/PIA Pangasinan)
