Comelec Orders Removal of Campaign Materials in Barangay Halls

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Commission on Elections (Comelec) Regional Director Atty. Lionel Marco Castillano has ordered the removal of campaign materials posted in barangay halls as the local campaign period officially begins today, March 28, 2025.

Castillano warned barangay captains that they will be held liable if the materials are not removed.

He emphasized that barangay officials, even if they are not running for office, are responsible as custodians of barangay facilities.

He added that violators may face the penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding any elective public office.

Comelec is set to launch a nationwide operation to remove illegal election materials as the local campaign season kicks off.

Under the “Grand Oplan Baklas,” Comelec will dismantle campaign materials placed outside designated common poster areas, especially those mounted on trees and electric posts.

Castillano clarified that materials placed inside private properties are exempt from the operation.

Earlier, Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson urged candidates and supporters to keep the campaign “as civil as possible” and to respect the election results.

Lacson also reminded incumbent officials running for reelection not to display their pictures or campaign materials on government-owned vehicles.

“If you’re out there to campaign, don’t use government vehicles. If you’re out there to visit constituents because you’re launching a project, it’s OK,” he said.

With the ongoing 29th Panaad sa Negros Festival, Lacson discouraged campaigning and distribution of campaign materials during the festivities.

He said this was also the reason no national candidates were invited to the event.

Lacson is seeking his third and final term and is being challenged by former Victorias City Mayor Wantan Palanca of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino, the party of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Meanwhile, the Asenso Team led by Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez and Rep. Greg Gasataya, who have swapped positions for this election, is set to hold its campaign kick-off in Bacolod today.

They will face off with the group of former Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, who is running against Gasataya for mayor.