Local poll bets will now be under the jurisdiction of the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) existing election laws as the campaign period for local candidates begins today, Friday, March 28.
"Sa mga kumakandidato, tandaan lang, lagi po tayong tatalima sa ipinag-uutos ng Comelec. Huwag pasaway (To all the candidates, just remember to always comply with the directives of the Comelec. Don't be stubborn)," Comelec Chairman George Garcia said in an interview on Thursday, March 27.
"Mai-invoke na natin, mapapatupad na natin nang sapat ang ating election laws (We can now invoke and sufficiently implement our election laws)," he added.
Lawful election materials
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.
This includes the following:
-Pamphlets, leaflets, cards, decals, stickers, or other written or printed materials the size of which does not exceed eight and one-half inches (8 1/2") in width and fourteen inches (14") in length;
-Handwritten or printed letters urging voters to vote for or against any particular party or candidate for public office;
-Posters or standing displays ("standees") made of cloth,paper, cardboard, or an], recyclable material, whether framed or posted, with an area not exceeding two (2) feet by three (3) feet;
(Streamers not exceeding three (3) feet by eight (8) feet in size, displayed at the site, and on the occasion of a public meeting or rally. Said streamers may be displayed five (5) days before the date of the meeting or rally and shall be removed within twenty-four (24) hours after said meeting or rally;
Mobile units, vehicles, motorcades of all types, whether engine or manpower driven or artmal drawn, with or without sound systems or loudspeakers and with or without lights; Pamphlets, leaJlets, cards/ decals, stickers, or other written or printed materials posted on mobile units, vehicles/ or motorcades sha1l be subject to the size limitations provided for in this Section;
-Paid advertisements in print or broadcast media subject to the requirements set forth in Section 11 hereof and the Fair Election Act
-Outdoor and static or LED billboards owned by private entities or persons;
-Mobile or transit advertisement on public utility vehicles provided that the advertisement is consistent with tl-re guidelines of the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for commercial
advertisements;
-Signboard displayed in the headquarters subject to the limitation provided in Section 24 hereof;
-All other forms of election propaganda not prohibited by the Omnibus Election Code or these rules.
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.
The poll chief also reminded that giving away food during the campaign period is prohibited; giving away expensive items, especially money, is strictly prohibited as well.
Financial assistance
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 (We will immediately disqualify them; there are no ifs or buts about it. Yes, there is due process, but we shouldn't have to think twice about this, especially since the Supreme Court has affirmed the power of the 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.
Anti-discrimination
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.
Increased police presence
Following the deaths of election officials of the Comelec, Garcia said that there would increased mobility and presence of law enforcers.
"The Comelec En Banc will be approving putting PNP members coming from other regions as members of the Electoral Board, support staff, and DESO," he said.
He added that if possible, this would be done in all precincts where incidents of violence occurred.
"Don't ever test the will of this Commission, don't ever test our patience. We will do everything necessary just to ensure that the people's voice are heard," he stated.
The campaign period will be from March 28, 2025 (Friday) to May 10, 2025 (Saturday), excluding April 17, 2025 (Maundy Thursday) and April 18, 2025 (Good Friday).