Malacañang on Friday said it respects the independence of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) regarding its crackdown on illegal campaign posters and materials known as the “Oplan Baklas” program.

Cabinet Secretary and acting presidential spokesman Karlo Nograles said the conduct of election-related activities is under the jurisdiction of the Comelec, which he stressed is an independent constitutional body.

“We know na based on the Constitution na ang Comelec is an independent constitutional body. So, for election related activities, it’s really Comelec’s rules and regulations ang mai-implement o i-implement ng Comelec based on its constitutional mandate,” Nograles said in a press briefing.

He said those with grievances have legal recourses that they can explore.

Some candidates are questioning the action taken by the poll body against illegal campaign posters of bets in the May polls, particularly the taking down of posters and tarpaulins on private properties, claiming that it is illegal.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said anyone is free to file a complaint before the poll body regarding the “Oplan Baklas” program.

“I would recommend to anyone who has a problem with what we are doing to file a complaint about what we are doing. In the meantime, we are taking steps to make sure that our laws are being complied with,” Jimenez said in a press briefing.

Based on Comelec rules, common poster areas are located in public places such as plazas, markets, barangay centers, and other areas with heavy pedestrian or vehicular traffic in the city/municipality as approved by the Election Officers (EOs).

Also, posters and tarpaulins may be posted in private properties, provided it has the consent of the owner.

Prohibited forms of printed election propaganda include those posted outside common poster areas, in public places, or private properties without the consent of the owner, or those exceeding the size limits.

Violation of campaign rules is considered as an election offense that carries the penalty of one to six years imprisonment, removal of the right to vote, and disqualification to hold public office. (PNA)