The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded all the candidates that giving away food, expensive items, and money is strictly prohibited during the campaign period.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia issued the reminder as the campaign period for local candidates began on Friday, March 28.
“Sa mga kumakandidato, tandaan lang, lagi po tayong tatalima sa ipinag-uutos ng Comelec. Huwag pasaway,” Garcia said in an interview on Thursday, March 27.
He said candidates who are seeking national and local elective positions must comply with the existing elections laws.
“Mai-invoke na natin, mapapatupad na natin nang sapat ang ating election laws,” he added.
Under Resolution 11086, election propaganda, whether on television or cable television, radio, newspaper, the Internet or any other medium, including outdoor static and light-emitting diode (LED) billboards and mobile or transit advertisement is allowed for all bona fide candidates seeking national and local elective positions, subject to the limitation on authorized expenses of candidates and parties, observation of truth in advertising, and to the supervision and regulation by the Comelec.
Garcia reminded candidates to put up election materials in common poster areas, follow the standard size, and to remove the posters if they receive a notice from the poll body.
FINANCIAL AID
Candidates are also reminded to ensure that the financial assistance they’re distributing has obtained an exemption from the Comelec first since without it, it can be classified as vote buying or abuse of state resources.
“Immediately idi-disqualify natin, wala na tayong ifs and buts. May due process yes, pero wala na tayong dapat pinag-iisipan sa bagay na ‘yan tutal naman ang Korte Suprema rin ang nag-affirm ng kapangyarihan ng Comelec,” Garcia said.
The poll body also stressed that government projects that have been exempted must not, in any manner, influence the conduct of the forthcoming polls. It has also prohibited the presence of elective officials and/or candidates/aspirants during the distribution of the covered projects.
Under the Omnibus Election Code, it is prohibited to release and spend public funds within 45 days before an electoral exercise. For the upcoming May 2025 polls, the election spending ban shall run from March 28 to May 11, 2025.
CAMPAIGN RALLIES,
USE OF SONGS
In conducting rallies and other campaign events, policies of local government units (LGUs) such as acquiring permits should still be followed.
He also appealed to candidates not to cause any disruption to traffic, and not to disturb citizens by already playing campaign jingles early in the morning. In using campaign jingles, Garcia asked candidates to ask permission from songwriters.
Garcia also reiterated its resolution that seeks to curb all forms of discrimination during the election period, warning that anyone who violates this shall be liable for an election offense.
Under Resolution No. 11116, during the election period, any person who, directly or indirectly, commits acts of bullying on the basis of HIV status, coercion, discrimination against women, discrimination against PWDs on the use of public accommodations, gender-based harassment, labeling, public ridicule against PWDs, vilification of PWDs, violation of an anti-discrimination ordinance, and/or violation of rights to religious, cultural sites and ceremonies as defined under Section2 of this Resolution shall be liable for an election offense.
The resolution states that this is pursuant to Sec. 13 of Republic Act (RA) 9006 and Section 261 (e) of the Omnibus Election Code and other pertinent laws, rules and regulations.
All national and local candidates are covered by the resolution.
The campaign period is from March 28, 2025 (Friday) to May 10, 2025 (Saturday), excluding April 17, 2025 (Maundy Thursday) and April 18, 2025 (Good Friday). (Dhel Nazario)
