MMDA ready to remove illegal campaign posters

MANILA, Philippines - Teams from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will hit the metro’s streets 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 which could be used during disaster operations.

Meanwhile, Carlos said the MMDA clearing teams will be escorted by personnel from the Comelec and the Philippine National Police during the “Operation Baklas.”

“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,” he said.

Carlos said the MMDA would be deploying 12 “Oplan Baklas” teams. Each team is composed of 10 MMDA workers and a representative from the Comelec and the PNP.

Carlos said the clearing teams will be in operation until after election day in May.