Palace to local poll bets: Do not violate laws

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro  (Screengrab from RTVM/FACEBOOK)

MANILA, Philippines — As the campaign period of local positions for the 2025 midterm elections began on Friday, Malacanang reminded the candidates not to violate laws.

“Unang-una, kasi kayo po iyong magsisilbing leader eh, so dapat kayo po iyong manguna na sumusunod sa batas. So iyon lang po iyong paalala natin,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a Friday briefing.

(First of all, you will serve as leaders, so you should set an example in upholding the law. So that is our reminder.)

Castro also reminded the Philippine National Police (PNP) to remain apolitical during the campaign period, emphasizing that their loyalty should be to the country and the Constitution.

READ: PNP tells election candidates to ‘uphold rule of law’ as campaign begins 

“Ang PNP kasi dapat it should remain apolitical, so huwag magpapagamit, tama po, huwag magpagamit sa politiko. Huwag magpagamit sa damdamin,” Castro added.

(PNP should remain apolitical, so don’t let politicians use you. Don’t be led by your emotions.)

When asked if the Palace encourages house-to-house campaign activities amid soaring temperatures, Castro said that they can’t prevent the candidates from doing so.

She then reiterated the reminders from the Department of Health to stay safe and hydrated, and seek shade from the sun.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday led the “Oplan Baklas” (Operation Dismantle) or the campaign against illegally-posted campaign materials.

He added that the commission will issue a notice to remove such materials, and non-compliance may lead to an election offense.

READ: Comelec urges local bets to stick to election guidelines

The Comelec previously said that campaign materials are considered illegal if they are not posted in the common poster areas, and do not adhere to the required guidelines and measurements.