MORE than 11 metric tons of campaign materials were removed in the National Capital Region (NCR) by personnel of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) after the May 12 midterm elections.
“Umabot na sa 11.18 tonelada ng campaign materials ang nakolekta at natanggal mula sa mga pangunahing lansangan at pampublikong lugar sa Metro Manila hanggang Mayo 14 (We have collected and removed 11. 18 tons of campaign materials from major roadways and other public places in Metro Manila as of May 14),” MMDA chairperson Romando Artes said yesterday.
Artes said most of the removed campaign posters were from the city of Manila, with 4.05 tons; Muntinlupa with 1.66 tons; Districts II, V, and VI in Quezon City, with 1.27 tons.
Posters and tarpaulins were also removed in the cities of Valenzuela, San Juan, Malabon, Parañaque, and Navotas.
Artes said the campaign materials will be taken to the MMDA collection points in Ortigas, Pasig and Marikina.
The MMDA has earlier said they will donate the removed campaign materials to partner beneficiaries like prisons, as well as the Tahanang Walang Hagdan, an organization working for the welfare of handicapped persons, and the environmental group EcoWaste Coalition.
Artes said the MMDA will continue its cleanup campaign under its “Oplan Baklas” drive in coordination with the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
“Tuloy-tuloy at mabilis ang isinagawang ‘Oplan Baklas’ ng MMDA Metro Parkway Clearing Group na pagtanggal ng mga campaign materials (The MMDA Metro Parkway Clearing Group will continue our ‘Oplan Baklas’ campaign to collect and remove campaign materials),” he said.
At the same time, Artes appealed to candidates and their supporters to help in taking down campaign posters and tarpaulins.
“Patuloy ang panawagan ng MMDA sa mga kandidato at kanilang tagasuporta na boluntaryong alisin ang kanilang mga campaign paraphernalia bilang pakikiisa sa kampanya para sa isang malinis, ligtas, at maayos na kapaligiran, lalo na’t nalalapit na ang panahon ng tag-ulan kung kailan mas mahalaga ang kaayusan at kalinisan ng kapaligiran upang maiwasan ang pagbaha (We are appealing to candidates and their supporters to voluntarily remove their campaign paraphernalia, especially since the rainy season is fast approaching where cleanliness and orderliness is needed to avoid flooding),” he said.
The MMDA has inked an agreement with the Comelec to remove election materials put up in places not designated as official poster areas by providing personnel and logistical support.
