Comelec-7 vows intensified crackdown on illegal campaign materials

Local

THE Commission on Elections-Central Visayas (Comelec-7) has vowed to intensify its crackdown on unlawful campaign materials as the official campaign period for local candidates begins on March 28.

Even before the local campaign season has officially started, Comelec-7 has already removed numerous campaign materials posted in prohibited areas , including those nailed to trees , as part of its continuing Oplan Baklas drive.

Comelec-7 Director Francisco Pobe said during the MyTV Cebu's Openline News Media Forum on Tuesday, March 25, enforcement will be further strengthened once local campaigning begins.

“We will strengthen the removal of illegal campaign materials during the start of the campaign for local candidates,” Pobe said.

Since the start of the campaign period for national candidates, Comelec-7 has already taken down 31,810 unlawful materials across Central Visayas.

Pobe clarified that these were not merely recorded but actually removed, based on official reports submitted by local election offices in various municipalities and provinces.

Most of the dismantled materials came from senatorial candidates and party-list groups. Pobe said this was expected given the focus of the national campaign, though some materials from local aspirants were also removed, particularly those attached to trees or placed in restricted areas.

Comelec-7 has requested the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to provide a detailed report segregating the number of materials taken down from these specific locations.

To enforce compliance, notices have been sent to political parties and candidates with unlawful materials. Upon receipt of these notices, they are given 72 hours to voluntarily take down the violations, in accordance with public resolutions governing campaign conduct.

As the campaign period coincides with Holy Week, the Comelec-7 is also reminding candidates that campaigning is strictly prohibited on Maundy Thursday (April 17), Good Friday (April 18), and on election day.

These restrictions apply regardless of the position being sought.

Beyond enforcement, the Comelec-7 is preparing for the logistical demands of the May 2025 elections, particularly in ensuring enough teachers are available to serve as members of the electoral board.

Pobe estimated that more than 12,000 teachers will be needed, especially in Cebu province, based on the number of precincts and support staff required per precinct.

He said the Department of Education has assured them that the number of teachers is more than sufficient, with a focus on assigning those who are computer literate, given the use of automated election systems.

The agency has also emphasized the dedication of educators who volunteer to serve during elections, even taking certification exams to qualify.

“It’s not because they need money, but they want the ability to serve,” Pobe said, adding that some teachers feel deeply disappointed when they fail to qualify.

On the security front, the Comelec-7 is coordinating with the Philippine National Police to deploy a 50-member contingent from its reserve forces.

These personnel, not assigned to any politicians or training units, will serve as a backup force if the need arises during the election period.

Pobe noted that most of Central Visayas is currently considered generally peaceful. .

As of March 24, only Buenavista in Bohol remains under close watch. Previously flagged areas such as Bogo City and San Fernando in Cebu have been reclassified under the “green category,” indicating a low-risk and stable environment.

The election body also clarified that elected Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials are allowed to campaign, citing jurisprudence that exempts elected officials from electioneering restrictions.

For senior citizens and persons with disabilities, Comelec 7 has directed local election officers to ensure accessible voting venues, typically on the first floor of polling centers.

Teachers and election workers are also being briefed on providing assistance to voters with special needs.

With the local campaign period just around the corner, Comelec 7 is doubling down on enforcement and election readiness, signaling a firm commitment to ensure fair, peaceful, and orderly polls across the region.(MyTVCebu)