Comelec urges local bets to stick to election guidelines
On the eve of the start of the local campaign period, Commission on Elections chair George Erwin Garcia told local candidates on Thursday, March 27, 2025, to adhere to the election guidelines set by the poll body. —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines — Commission on Elections (Comelec) chair George Erwin Garcia on Thursday told local election bets to adhere to the election guidelines set by the poll body.
This came a day before the start of the campaign period for the local candidates for the 2025 elections.
“‘Yung jurisdiction ng Comelec, mainvoke na natin, mapapatupad na nang sapat ang ating election laws. Kaya naman sa mga kandidato, lagi pong tatalima sa pinag-uutos ng Comelec,” Garcia told reporters in an interview.
(We can now invoke the jurisdiction of Comelec to implement our election laws sufficiently. So to the candidates, always adhere to the guidelines of Comelec.)
Garcia underscored the importance of using biodegradable materials for campaign paraphernalia and posting them in common poster areas. He also reminded the election bets to ask permission if they posted their materials in private spaces.
Illegally placed campaign materials must be removed once notice is issued, he added.
READ: Comelec to national bets: Remove illegal campaign materials in 3 days
Under the Comelec Resolution No. 11086, the poll body allows the use of lawful election propaganda such as:
- Printed materials like pamphlets and leaflets not exceeding 8.5 inches in width and 14 inches in height
- Printed or handwritten letters
- Posters made from cloth, paper, cardboard or any recyclable material not exceeding 2 feet (ft) by 3 ft
- Streamers not exceeding 3 ft by 8 ft (must be shown five days before a rally in a certain place and must be taken down 24 hours after)
- Paid printed advertisement and broadcast media under the requirements of Sec. 11 of Comelec Resolution 11086 and the Fair Elections Act
- Static LED billboard owned by private entities or individuals
- Mobile or transit advertisements in public transportation under the condition that they follow the guidelines of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for commercial advertisements
- Signboards not exceeding 3 ft by 9 ft posted in the candidates’ headquarters
- Other election propaganda not prohibited by the Omnibus Election Code or Comelec Resolution No. 1108.
Among his other reminders are the prohibition of providing expensive materials and feeding supporters during campaign rallies. He also noted that candidates and politicians must not be present in the distribution of ayuda or social services from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
He said that the candidates must adhere to a non-discriminatory campaign, in line with the Comelec Resolution No. 11116 or the Anti-discriminatory and Fair Campaigning Guidelines for the 2025 elections.
READ: Comelec expects election candidates’ endorsers are getting paid
Garcia also said that the candidates must disclose the expenditures and donations in their statement of contribution and expenditures. This also includes the presumption of the poll body that an influencer, content creator, or celebrity is paid once they show their support towards a certain candidate.
