Senatorial aspirant Jose Manuel 'Chel' Diokno has pieces of advice for those affected by the “Operation Baklas” of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Diokno listed a few legal tips to help their volunteers and supporters on what they should do if the Comelec removes campaign posters on their private property.
He pointed out the legal issues involving the taking down and seizure of poll materials by Comelec in private properties without giving them notice.
Diokno, who is running for senator under Vice President Leni Robredo’s ticket, noted Comelec’s and the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) lack of power to remove candidates’ posters and tarpaulins without a search warrant.
Earlier, several supporters of Robredo wrote a demand letter against the Comelec for taking down election materials in at least six properties without giving them a heads-up.
Simultaneously, volunteer groups began posting videos in various parts of the country showing policemen taking down Robredo’s tarpaulins from privately owned volunteer centers.
The incidents happened in Isabela, Laguna, Tarlac, Misamis Oriental, Malaybalay, Metro Manila, and even in Robredo’s home province of Camarines Sur.
READ: Comelec taking down poll materials has ‘chilling effect’ — Robredo spox
One video showed someone removing Robredo’s poster from inside a private building.
Without a warrant, Diokno said that private citizens can file a civil case under the Civil Code to make the police, members of the Comelec, and other officials pay for the damages to the properties.
They can also file an administrative case against government officials under Republic Act 6713, and a criminal case under the Revised Penal Code, he added.
The veteran lawyer invited volunteers to send questions to his official Facebook page or send an email to [email protected].
“Ipaglalaban ko hanggang sa huli ang aking mga chel-dren, supporter at volunteer! Handa na po ang mga sumusoporta sa ating mga abogado (Lawyers for Chel) na tumulong sa mga biktima ng inhustisya, lalong lalo na pagdating sa pagkikitil ng ating freedom of speech ngayong campaign period (I will fight until the end for my chel-dren, supporter, and volunteer! Our lawyers (Lawyers for Chel) are ready to support and help the victims of injustice, especially if it violates our freedom of speech this campaign period),” Diokno stressed.