MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has appealed to the candidates for the 2025 midterm elections to ditch their plans to campaign during the Black Nazarene feat on January 9.
According to Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia, poll aspirants should not take advantage of religious activities such as the Feast of the Jesus Nazareno for the political ambitions.
“This should be taken as a warning. There is nothing preventing us from disqualifying these individuals,” Garcia said in a recent press conference.
“This is just one day compared to the 90 days for the national candidates and 45 days for local candidates to campaign. Let us give this day to the devotees and not take advantage of it,” he added.
Garcia issued the reminder as there have been instances in the past where candidates make their presence felt during the January 9 feast.
“There are those that put up their campaign materials while others distribute food in the streets where the procession will be passing through. These are shameless acts during a sacred activity,” said Garcia.
On January 9, devotees are expected to flock to Quiapo Church and the Quirino Grandstand in Manila to celebrate the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
Meanwhile, the campaign period for national candidates will run from February 11 to May 10, 2025; while those for local bets will begin on March 28 to May 10, 2025./PN
