At least 52 candidates for senator and partylist groups in the 2025 midterm elections were notified of their violation of election laws.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has sent notices of violations for illegal campaign materials across the Province of Negros Occidental and in Bacolod City, considering also violations to prescribed sizes and materials used. 

The senatorial candidates and partylist groups have three days to remove illegal campaign posters upon receiving the notice of violations. 

Failure to take down illegal campaign materials will mean the filing of a case by COMELEC against them.

COMELEC Negros Occidental confirmed that notices of violations were already sent to 52 senatorial candidates and partylist groups, following an “Oplan Baklas” from February 24, 2025 to March 8, 2025 in various locations in the province.

COMELEC and its partner-volunteers have removed over 4,000 illegal campaign posters.

The most number was recorded in Bacolod City at over 1,500 pieces of illegal campaign materials.

According to Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria, COMELEC Negros Occidental provincial election supervisor, candidates and partylist groups proven to have violated COMELEC guidelines are set to face a case for violation of the Election Act.

COMELEC has called on supporters of candidates and partylist groups to follow the rules and regulations in putting up campaign materials, as there are designated common poster areas identified by the agency.

Further, COMELEC has prepared for the campaign kickoff for candidates in congressional posts and other local elective posts on March 28, 2025, and on to May 10, 2025.