The Commission on Elections (Comelec), through its Task Force Baklas, is set to file disqualification cases against no fewer than 30 candidates, including one senatorial aspirant for allegedly violating the poll body’s guidelines on illegal campaign materials.
“About 30 to 35 individuals will officially face cases from Task Force Baklas due to their failure to remove campaign materials that were ordered taken down, despite multiple notices and appeals,” said Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia.
Previously, the Comelec issued warnings that candidates would receive formal notices requiring the removal of unlawful campaign materials and paraphernalia found outside designated areas. Under the agency’s Oplan Baklas initiative, candidates were given three days to comply.
Failure to follow the directive will lead to the filing of election offense cases, which could potentially result in the disqualification of candidates involved.
It can be recalled that in February, the Comelec conducted its Oplan Baklas operations targeting illegal campaign materials of national candidates in various areas. This was followed by a separate operation in March focused on local candidates.
The Comelec reiterated its commitment to enforcing fair election practices and ensuring that all candidates abide by established campaign rules.
