Campaign period for Eleksyon 2025 nat’l candidates starts

The 90-day campaign period for senatorial candidates and party-list groups for the May 2025 elections started Tuesday. 

The campaign period for 66 senatorial candidates and 156 party-list groups is set from February 11 to May 10, 2025. 

Candidates will launch their respective campaigns with proclamation rallies, motorcades, and political pitches.

Meanwhile, candidates for House of Representatives and other local posts can only start campaigning on March 28 until May 10 or 45 days.

Candidates are not allowed to campaign on April 17 (Maundy Thursday), April 18 (Good Friday), May 11 (eve of Election Day), and May 12 (Election Day.) 

There are 69,673,655 registered voters for the May elections. Of the number 68,431,965 are in the country while 1,241,690 are overseas voters. Overseas voters may cast their votes from April 13 to May 12, while local absentee voters may cast their votes from April 28 to 30.

Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia reiterated reminders for the national candidates, warning the poll body will impose stricter measures against election campaign materials that do not comply with size limitations or are posted in unauthorized public spaces.

The correct size for election pamphlets, leaflets, and stickers is 8.5” x 14” while posters and standees should be 2ft x 3ft. Streamers for campaign rallies should be 3ft x 8ft. The election paraphernalia can be released five days before the rally but should be removed after 24 hours. 

Candidates will also be allowed to avail 60-minute airtime for broadcast election propaganda from TV stations and 90-minute radio ads, whether donated or from their own pockets. 

Garcia also said the Comelec will implement tighter measures against vote-buying, vote-selling and abuse of state resources as they relaunched the Committee on Kontra-Bigay. 

Meanwhile, Comelec Resolution No. 1099 states the prohibited acts during the campaign period leading to Election Day including:

• Handing out of donations starting February 11 to May 12 by the candidate, his or her spouse, or any relative within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, or his campaign manager, agent, or representative
• Appointing or using special policemen, confidential agents, or persons performing similar functions.

From March 28 to May 11, the restrictions on transferring, hiring, and promotion of employees  in government offices will also be implemented. The spending ban will likewise start during the aforementioned period.

On the eve of the Election Day, a liquor ban will be imposed nationwide. Giving or accepting free of charge, directly or indirectly, transportation, food or drinks or things of value; or giving or contributing, directly or indirectly, money or things of value for such purpose, by any candidate, political party, or organization, or any person will also be prohibited.

With the start of the campaign period, Comelec also conducted Oplan Baklas to remove illegal campaign materials like oversized posters and those displayed in unauthorized areas like electric posts and bridges.

Garcia told Unang Balita that the campaign period is the perfect time for voters to check the character of the candidates if they are following the regulations. 

“Sa bandang huli nasa atin po ang pagtingin. Dahil una, nanliligaw sila sa atin ngayon. Sabi nila mahal nila tayo, nanliligaw. Tignan natin ngayon tumatalima ba 'yung mga 'yan? Sumusunod ba ang mga 'yan?” he said. 

“Ito ang tamang panahon upang tignan natin ang karakter at ugali ng gustong kumuha ng ating boto,” he added. 

(In the end it is up to us. They are wooing us, they say they love us. Now, let us see if they follow the law. This is the right time to check the character and attitude of those who seek our vote.)

Garcia said the Comelec will write to candidates to remove their illegal campaign materials. 

Show cause order will be issued to candidates who will not follow the Comelec. Concerned candidates should remove the illegal campaign materials within three days or they will face criminal complaints, election offense, and disqualification.

According to Garcia, violators may face one to six years of imprisonment. 

“Sa national candidates, kita ninyo naman po 'yung ating dedikasyon na ipatupad ang ating patakaran at batas, sana kayo na po ang mag-inisyatiba,” Garcia said. 

(To the national candidates, you see the Comelec's dedication to implement the rules and the law, I hope you take the initiative to remove your illegal campaign materials.)

Garcia advised the candidates to educate their staff on the authorized display of campaign materials to avoid violation.

He also called on local candidates to stop posting campaign materials ahead of their scheduled campaign period as authorities will only remove them. —with a report from Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News

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