ILOILO City – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued a warning to all national and local candidates in the May 12 midterm polls: campaigning during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday is strictly prohibited – and violators could face up to six years in prison.
The reminder comes as the campaign season intensifies across the country. Comelec Region 6 director Atty. Dennis Ausan stressed that the prohibition is enshrined in Republic Act 7166 and other election-related resolutions, classifying campaigning on April 17 and 18 as a serious election offense.
“The law is very clear. If you campaign on those two days, it constitutes a prohibited act. It’s not allowed,” said Ausan in an interview.
Covered under the prohibition are all forms of public campaigning such as rallies, motorcades, caravans, public speeches, and walkabouts.
“If anyone is caught, they can be charged with an election offense, which, like gun and liquor bans or unauthorized suspension of officials, carries a penalty of one to six years in prison. It’s bailable, yes, but if convicted, the penalty is non-probationable. You will go to jail,” he added.
Ausan called on candidates to respect the sacredness of Holy Week and use the time instead for reflection and to be with their families.
Campaign activities may resume on April 19, Black Saturday.
Campaign periods
* Senatorial and party-list candidates – February 11 to May 10
* House district representatives, governors, mayors, and local officials – March 28 to May 10
The election period itself spans from January 12 to June 11, during which the nationwide gun ban is also in effect.
Other key dates
* April 13 to May 12 – overseas voting
* April 28 to 30 – local absentee voting
* May 11 – liquor ban
* May 12 – Election Day
* June 11 – last day to file the Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE)
Ausan further reminded candidates, organizers, and supporters to adhere strictly to campaign rules, including:
* posting campaign materials only in designated common poster areas
* observing the standard 2 ft. x 3 ft. poster size
* including the “Paid for by” disclosure on all campaign materials
He warned that any violation — such as oversized posters or materials posted on public infrastructure like flyovers, electrical posts, and trees — will result in immediate removal by Comelec authorities.
“Compliance with campaign rules is not optional. It is necessary for a fair and orderly election,” Ausan emphasized./PN
