The Commission on Elections on Thursday said it would continue taking down campaign materials that don't follow their guidelines posted in public spaces following the issuance of a Supreme Court temporary restraining order on "Oplan Baklas".
Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the poll body would suspend the dismantling of campaign materials posted within private property, but not for those that are illegally posted in public places.
The TRO prohibits Comelec from implementing Sections 21(o), 24, and 26 of Comelec Resolution 10730, which sets the guidelines for campaigning in the 2022 elections, with respect to the dismantling of privately-owned and funded campaign materials posted within their own property.
"Yung pagbabaklas doon sa malinaw na talagang pasok sa authority ng Comelec, yung pagbabaklas sa public spaces, kailangan magtuloy yan. Pero doon sa areas na in-enjoin, yung pagbabaklas sa private spaces, yun ang tigil muna," he added.
The TRO stemmed from the petition filed by Vice President Leni Robredo's supporters who said Comelec Resolution 10730, which sets the guidelines for campaigning in the 2022 elections, applies only to candidates and political parties.
They argued that posting of election materials in their private property is an act of ownership, and any restriction against such right must be reasonable and covered by law.
The Supreme Court ordered Comelec and Jimenez to comment on the petition within 10 days from receipt of notice.
"Siyempre gagalangin natin yung TRO na binigay ng Korte Suprema pero haharapin din natin yung reklamo laban sa Comelec," Jimenez said.
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