MMDA gears up for Oplan Baklas

MANILA, Philippines – Starting next week, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will remove illegally posted election campaign posters and streamers.

MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos has tasked workers of the agency and the Department of Public Works and Highways to remove posters on trees, electric posts, power lines and traffic signals.

Carlos said all confiscated campaign tarpaulins would be used to make tents, which could be used during disaster operations.

Personnel of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and police officers will escort the 12 MMDA clearing teams during the “Operation Baklas” campaign.

“Our people will be subject to influence and harassment. I told the Comelec that it would be better for our teams if they would be accompanied by a Comelec representative during our operation,” Carlos said.

He said he would also ask the Comelec to help regulate campaign rallies and motorcades as the campaign season starts on Tuesday, saying such activities could trigger traffic jams.

Carlos said he has raised the concern to Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista, who reportedly promised to issue a resolution on the issue.

He said that it would be better if politicians would first inform the MMDA of campaign activities that will affect major streets so a traffic management plan can be laid out.