Amid the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) “Operation Baklas” that sought to remove campaign materials even from private properties, the camp of presidential aspirant Vice President Leni Robredo called for the assurance of the people’s “Constitutional right to freedom of speech.”

The poll body started removing campaign materials from public and private areas, citing that there are only designated areas for the posting of posters and tarpaulins.

But Robredo’s spokesman Barry Gutierrez objected to the operation after the removal of the tarpaulins from the Leni-Kiko Volunteer Center in Quezon City.

“Posters put up by private persons on private property are protected by the Constitutional right to freedom of speech,” he said.

“Even Comelec Resolution 10730 limits any removals only to materials produced by candidates or parties. This right of private citizens must be respected,” Gutierrez added.

He cited the November 2021 resolution that prohibited candidates from posting campaign materials outside the authorized common poster areas and in public spaces such as publicly owned billboards, government-owned motor vehicles, waiting sheds, schools, barangay halls, government offices, and public transport terminals.

READ: Comelec launches 'Operation Baklas'

Earlier, several supporters of Robredo wrote a demand letter against the Comelec for taking down posters and tarpaulins in at least six properties without giving them a heads-up.

The volunteers also alleged bias against the Vice President because the Comelec apparently did not take down as many posters and tarpaulins of her rivals.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez defended the poll body’s actions, saying that it is within its power to take down the posters. He also said that allegations of bias can be reported to the commission.

Personnel from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday, Feb. 15, started taking down campaign paraphernalia in Manila posted in non-designated areas.