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Comelec to candidates: No campaigning on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday


Campaigning is prohibited on two days this Holy Week, the Commission on Elections reminded national and local candidates over the weekend. "We want to remind our candidates that it is forbidden to campaign on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday," said Comelec spokesman James Jimenez. Section 5 of Republic Act 7166 states that the campaign period may exclude the day before Election Day, the day of the election itself, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. RA 7166 also states that violation of this rule constitutes an election offense punishable under Sections 263 and 264 of the Omnibus Election Code. Section 264 of the Code states that any person found guilty of any election offense shall be punished with one to six years' imprisonment, disqualification to hold public office, and deprivation of the right to vote. Comelec Resolution 9385, which lists the calendar of activities for the campaign period, also notes that campaigning on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. "During these days, there are people praying, having Stations of the Cross… We hope [the candidates] will show some delicadeza," said Jimenez. The campaign period for senatorial and party-list candidates started on February 12, while the campaign period for local candidates will start on March 30. It was originally slated to begin on March 29, which is Good Friday. — BM, GMA News

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