MMDA collects 1.83 tons of campaign materials

MANILA, Philippines - Clearing teams deployed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) have removed some 1.83 tons of illegally posted campaign materials as it entered its second day of operations on Wednesday.

According to Francis Martinez, head of the MMDA’s Metro Parkway Clearing Group said the clearing teams were deployed Wednesday afternoon to clear the stretch of España Boulevard in Manila and along Araneta Avenue and E. Rodriguez Avenue in Quezon City.

On Wednesday afternoon, the MMDA clearing teams removed illegally posted campaign posters in Makati City on. On Thursday, the MMDA will move its clearing operations to Mandaluyong City.

Martinez said most of the posters were removed from electric cables, lamp posts, trees and from street center islands.

He added that among the illegally posted campaign materials removed by the MMDA clearing teams were those of the agency’s former head, Francis Tolentino, who is seeking a seat at the Senate.

“Yes. Kasama po yun,” said Martinez.

At least 12 clearing teams from the MMDA hit the streets of Metro Manila on Tuesday to remove illegally posted election campaign posters and streamers.

MMDA chairman Emerson Carlos said the agency was tasked by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to partner-up with the Department of Public Works and Highways in conducting the task.

“We will remove posters posted on trees, light posts, electric wires and traffic signals,” he said.

According to Carlos, all confiscated campaign tarpaulins will be used by the MMDA to make tents that could be used during disaster operations.

The MMDA clearing teams will be escorted by personnel from the Comelec and the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the “Operation Baklas.”

Carlos said each of the 12 MMDA “Oplan Baklas” team is composed of 10 MMDA workers and a representative each from the Comelec and the PNP.

He added that the clearing teams would be in operation until after election day in May.

Meanwhile, Carlos said the MMDA clearing teams have not encountered any resistance so far.

“So far wala pa naman po before sa ating first day operation, ayos naman po ang ating operation,” he said.

During an “Oplan Baklas” operation, Carlos said the members of the clearing team will take a photo of the illegally posted campaign poster, take a photo as the poster is being removed, and another photo taken after the poster is removed.

Carlos said the photos taken will then be sent to the Comelec to serve as evidence against the camp of the erring candidate.

“Comelec na ho ang bahala kung ano po ang gagawin nila base po sa batas. Ang paglagay ng posters outside Comelec-designated areas ay meron pang imprisonment yan. At the same time meron din pong kasamang disqualification ng kandidato. Pero ang Comelec po magi-iniiate diyan kasi sila po ang ma jurisdiction ng authority para magsampa ng mga kaso,” said Carlos.