Comelec exec: Campaigning prohibited on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday reminded Eleksyon 2022 candidates that campaigning during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday is not allowed.

“Baka naman po ay pupuwede, pakiusap naman natin at ‘yan naman po ay isang patakaran na nasa ating mga umiiral na batas at resolusyon ng Commission on Elections. Bukas po ay bawal mangampanya at saka po sa Biyernes. Dadalawang araw na nga lang ‘yung sinasabi eh, mangangampanya pa,” poll Commissioner George Garcia said in a radio interview.

(Maybe it is possible to prohibit themselves as it is also a policy in our existing laws and resolutions in the Comelec. Campaigning is not allowed for only two days: tomorrow and on Friday.)

Section 3 of Comelec Resolution Number 10730 states that, “it is unlawful for any person or for any political party, or association of persons to engage in an election campaign or partisan political activity on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the eve of election day, and on Election Day.”

Garcia then warned that violation of such a directive may be a ground for disqualification.

“Naku, tandaan ninyo po, kaya namin kayong i-disqualify at kaya rin namin kayong file-an ng election offense (remember that we can disqualify you and we can also file you an election offense),” he said.

He added that both the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are the Filipino’s “high sense of religiosity,” thus it is vital for them to observe such holy days being citizens of a Christian country.

“Ibigay na natin ang pagnilay-nilay sa mga Pilipino. Baka pupwedeng pahingahin naman natin. Tutal naman, pagkatapos nitong pagninilay-nilay natin at pagdarasal, ay pwede na kayong mangampanya muli. Ang importante ay ma-realize natin na tayo ay isang Christian country and therefore may isang pinaniniwalaang Panginoong Diyos,” Garcia said.

(Let's give the Filipinos a time of reflection. Maybe we can take a break from the campaign. After all, after the reflections and prayers, you can campaign again. What is important is that we realize that we are a Christian country and therefore we believe in God.) 

The Comelec executive’s appeal was echoed was Philippine National Police’s spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo.

“Ang ating mga field commanders already coordinated doon sa mga regional election committees natin to remind yung ating mga kandidato even their supporters to refrain engaging to any election-related sorties at respetuhin natin yung ika nga blessedness at sanctity ng pag-observe ng Holy Week,” she said.

(Our field commanders already coordinated with regional election committees to remind candidates and even their supporters to refrain from engaging in any election-related sorties and respected the blessedness and sanctity of the Holy Week.)

Fajardo added candidates can resume their election campaign activities on Black Saturday. — with Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News