Malacañang reminded local candidates to always follow the law and police officers to remain apolitical as the local election campaigning period commenced on Friday, March 28.

"Paalala lang po natin sa lahat ng mga kakandidato, 'wag lumabag sa batas (Our reminder to the local candidates is to not break the law)," Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said.

"Kayo po yung magsisilbing leader, eh. So dapat kayo po yung mangunguna na sumusunod sa batas (You are acting as leaders so you should be the first to follow the law)," she added.

The Palace Press Officer urged the local candidates to ensure the welfare of their constituents as they campaign amid the country's rising heat index.

"Siguro naman po alam na nila kung paano ba alagaan ang sarili nila at alagaan na rin yung mga constituents nila (We believe that they know how to take care of themselves and their constituents)," she said.

"But muli, pinapaalala ng DOH na mag-ingat, uminom palagi, pumunta sa malililim ng lugar, at ingat (But the Department of Health reminds us to always drink water, go to shaded places, and to take care)," she added.

Beyond the local candidates, Castro appealed to members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to remain apolitical.

"It (PNP) should remain apolitical. So, 'wag magpagamit sa politiko. 'Wag magpagamit sa damdamin (don't let yourself get used by politicians, don't let your emotions take the best of you)," she said.

"Tandaan nila na ang kanilang trabaho ay manatiling loyal sa bansa, loyal sa Konstitusyon (They should remember that their job is to remain loyal to the country and the Constitution)," she added.

Last week, Castro emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum and avoiding inflammatory rhetoric during political activities.

"Ang nais lamang po natin ay maging mahinahon sa kanilang pangangampanya, maging maayos, maging makatotohanang sa kanilang mga sasabihin (We want them to be calm in their campaigning, to be orderly, and to be truthful in their statements)," she said.

"Huwag po sana silang magsagawa ng anumang pananalita na magki-create pa ng kaguluhan (They should avoid making any remarks that could create disorder), she added.