Comelec reminds bets: Campaigning on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday prohibited

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday reminded Eleksyon 2025 candidates that election campaigning is strictly prohibited during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday during the Holy Week.  

“Sa mga kandidato, paulit-ulit namin sinasabi bawal ang pangangampanya sa Mahal na Araw lalo na ang Huwebes Santo at Biyernes Santo…. I-respeto sana rin natin ang isang napaka-solemn, religious activity at event na to,” Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia told reporters. 

(We are repeatedly reminding them that campaigning is prohibited during the Holy Week, particularly Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. We hope they’ll respect this solemn and religious event.)

Comelec Resolution No. 11086, which sets the rules and regulations for Republic Act No. 9006 or the Fair Elections Act, scheduled the campaign period for the national candidates on February 11 to May 10. The campaign period for local positions will run on March 28 until May 10, 2025.

However, 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.) 

According to Garcia, among the prohibited acts during Holy Week include offering food and drinks after the traditional Pabasa (Reading of the Passion), and hosting games and basketball leagues. Participating in religious activities is allowed but it should be non-partisan. 

Violating the prohibition may be considered an election offense punishable under Sections 263 and 264 of the Omnibus Election Code, the poll body said. 

“Election offense, batas po mismo yan. Nakalagay there is no campaigning during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday,” Garcia added.  (That is an election offense under the law. ) —RF, GMA Integrated News

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