QC ‘Op Baklas 2’ dismantles more election signs

Quezon City’s Department of Public Order and Safety (QCDPOS) conducted its second “Operation Baklas” on Tuesday, removing two truckloads of street advertisement that pose danger to the public, including tarpaulins printed with images of would-be candidates in the May mid-term elections.

QCDPOS head Elmo San Diego said two trucks were filled with dismantled tarpaulins, signages and elections posters as Baklas workers were interrupted by a sudden downpour.

Last week, the first Operation Baklas filled five trucks with removed signs and advertisements, San Diego told the Daily Tribune.

The operation was in line with City Ordinance SP-2021 S-2010 which regulates the posting of election materials, signages or business and establishments promotional announcement or advertisements in Quezon City, he added.

Advertisements of inns and motels were covered by “Operation Baklas,” San Diego said.

Under the said ordinance, election-related materials can only be posted in locations designated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

The operation was in line with City Ordinance SP-2021 S-2010 which regulates the posting of election materials, signages or business and establishments promotional announcement or advertisements in Quezon City.

San Diego said that posting election materials on public property, such as street signs, traffic lights, bridges and electric poles are prohibited.

Posting streamers, tarpaulins, stickers, pamphlets and other advertising materials in unauthorized location are also prohibited.

When asked if the big billboards bearing pictures of politicians running in the May polls and attached to foot bridges are covered by the ordinance, San Diego replied, “May private contract yun… Comelec concern na…”