Comelec assures permission sought in entering private property
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said their officials asked for permission before entering private properties during the "Oplan Baklas."
"We don't enter these places without consent...We asked to enter these areas. We pointed out that the materials to be taken down were in violation of the rules, and the property owner either consented to us or themselves said that they would take down on their own," Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said in a television interview Friday, Feb. 18.
He said they even have documentary evidence showing their officials talking to people involved before entering.
Permission was also sought, Jimenez said, in the removal of a mural.
He said they even have a video of the property owner asking to color it pink instead.
"Again, as far as (Wednesday) was concerned, I think it should be very clear that we were acting well within the scope of the resolution," Jimenez said.
He said the Comelec is not averse to discussing the matter.
"Maybe there's room for calibration. Their might be room for clarification and again the Comelec is very open to these kinds of discussions," said Jimenez.
On Wednesday, the Comelec conducted the "Oplan Baklas" removing illegal campaign materials in some parts of the National Capital Region and in one region.
But poll lawyer Romulo Macalintal said the Comelec has no power to take down oversized campaign materials displayed in private properties sans due process.