Negros Oriental: The Commission on Elections in the Negros Island Region (Comelec-NIR) has instructed local officials running in the upcoming May 12 elections to remove or cover their photos and names on government vehicles throughout the campaign period.

According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec-NIR Assistant Regional Director Jossil Macute stated that this directive applies specifically during the campaign period for local candidates, which commences on March 28 and concludes on May 10. Macute emphasized the importance of preventing accusations of using government resources for personal campaign benefits, recommending that photos and names be temporarily removed or covered on ambulances, dump trucks, and other vehicles owned by local government units (LGUs).

Exceptions to this directive include situations where ambulances are urgently needed for emergencies, and there is insufficient time to remove or cover identifying information. Macute noted that he plans to communicate with provincial election supervisors in the NIR provinces of Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, and Siquijor ahead of the March 28 start date to encourage local governments to comply with these guidelines.

In addition, the Comelec will initiate a nationwide Operation 'Baklas', which involves the removal of campaign materials from non-designated common areas. Violations of election laws and regulations regarding campaign practices will be reported to the Comelec central office in Manila for appropriate sanctions.

Furthermore, state workers are being reminded to refrain from openly campaigning for their preferred candidates during work hours and within government premises, as they are prohibited from engaging in partisan political activities. Although government employees may 'like and share' campaign posts on social media, they must avoid openly endorsing a candidate with captions soliciting votes.