Remain Watchful Against Campaign Violators, Advises Comelec
Keep an Eye Out: Comelec Warns Against Post-Deadline Campaigning Before Elections
Clocking in with just two days remaining before the May 12, 2025 national and local elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) 7 is sounding the alarm for the public to stay vigilant and report any candidates found campaigning beyond the designated deadline.
According to Comelec 7 Director Francisco Pobe, breaching campaigning restrictions is strictly forbidden, and violators could potentially face disqualification.
"The election rules clearly prohibit campaigning beyond the designated campaign period, and any indiscretions could serve as grounds for disqualification," Pobe warned.
As the countdown to election day continues, Comelec 7 is gearing up to ensure fair and lawful conduct in the days ahead.
"We place our trust in community members, our accredited citizens' arms, deputized agencies like the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, and, of course, the media, to help us monitor any violations," Pobe explained.
Campaigning takes many forms, and Pobe made it clear that extending beyond the deadline applies to all public events, motorcades, gift-giving, and distribution of materials.
The Commission is taking a hardline stance against these offenses, especially during the cooling-off period meant to offer voters an opportunity to reflect on their choices without undue influence.
"Anyone caught continuing to campaign beyond the allowed period can be disqualified. This is not just a warning – it's an actionable offense," warned Pobe.
Some cases of vote-buying have already been reported, and several of these cases have reached the stage of inquest proceedings, while others are being prepared for formal filing before the Comelec Law Department in Manila.
To ensure a smooth and orderly process, Comelec is reminding both candidates and voters to adhere to regulations and to be mindful during this critical phase.
In addition, voters are advised to compile their lists of preferred candidates in advance to maintain clarity at the polls.
Comelec emphasizes the importance of voting according to one's conscience and encourages voters to consider each candidate's platform and integrity.
On May 12, voting will commence as early as 5 a.m. for vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and others with special needs. Regular voting hours will follow after.
Pobe expressed confidence that the Comelec is "100 percent ready" for the May 12 elections.
It's No Joke: Engaging in unauthorized campaigning activities after the deadline can lead to severe consequences under the Philippine Omnibus Election Code, including fines, imprisonment, disqualification, and even the forfeiture of the right to run as a substitute candidate. Violators can also be subject to local ordinances related to littering or community service for unauthorized campaign materials. The purpose of these penalties is to maintain the integrity of the electoral process and uphold legal guidelines.
- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) 7 has warned against campaigning beyond the designated deadline, as violators could potentially face disqualification, fines, imprisonment, the forfeiture of the right to run as a substitute candidate, and other local ordinances related to littering or community service for unauthorized campaign materials.
- In the Philippines, engaging in unauthorized campaigning activitiesafter the election deadline can lead to severe consequences under the Philippine Omnibus Election Code, aiming to maintain the integrity of the electoral process and uphold legal guidelines.
- Voters are reminded to be vigilant in reporting any candidates found campaigning beyond the designated deadline, as maintaining the integrity of the elections is crucial for fair and lawful conduct in the upcoming May 12, 2025, national and local elections.
- Manila's Comelec Law Department is already handling several cases of reported vote-buying, while others prepare for formal filing, emphasizing the importance of adhering to regulations and addressing election offenses.
- As the May 12, 2025, general elections approach, the Comelec encourages voters to consider each candidate's platform and integrity, vote according to their conscience, compile their lists of preferred candidates in advance, and be mindful during this critical phase to ensure a smooth and orderly process.
