Comelec issues reminders ahead of March 14 Antipolo special polls

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday reminded candidates of the special elections in the second district of Antipolo City to observe proper campaigning as the poll body’s anti-discrimination resolution remains in effect.

Comelec chair George Erwin Garcia made this statement as the campaign period for the special elections will run from February 12, 2026 until March 12, 2026. The special elections will be held on March 14, 2026 following the death of Rep. Romeo Acop.

Garcia said that while the Comelec is expecting peaceful and orderly elections, he noted that the elections will be “vibrant” as the seven candidates come from diverse and prominent backgrounds.

READ: Comelec receives 7 COCs for March 14 special polls in Antipolo

“Let’s say that there will come a time when the election turns fiery; still, the candidates must remember that the anti-discrimination resolution is in effect,” Garcia told reporters in an interview.

“Candidates should not attack their fellow candidates or other people to make them laugh or catch their attention. We have shown that we even disqualified (other previous candidates) because of violating the anti-discrimination,” Garcia added.

Last February 2025, the poll body promulgated Comelec Resolution No. 11116 or the Anti-Discrimination and Fair Campaigning Guidelines for the 2025 elections. It stated that no discrimination shall be acted against cause-oriented groups and organizations, such as people that are part of the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual) community, indigenous peoples, persons living with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), persons with disability, and women.

The Comelec earlier said that violation of the guidelines may constitute an election offense. The poll body summoned several candidates during the May 2025 midterm elections for their remarks that might have violated the resolution.

READ: Comelec division disqualifies Ian Sia over sexist remarks

One of them is Pasig City congressional candidate Ian Sia, who was disqualified by Comelec Second Division for running in the midterm elections over what the Comelec’s anti-discrimination panel deemed to be sexist remarks. During one of his campaign activities, Sia joked about offering himself sexually to single mothers, but only for those still menstruating.

Meanwhile, Garcia also reminded the candidates that vote-selling and vote-buying are prohibited during their campaign period. He added that the candidates must campaign for themselves legally, and without disrupting the peace of other people.

During the campaign period, the following acts are prohibited:

• Removing, destroying, tampering or preventing distribution of lawful election materials
• Posting, displaying, distributing illegal campaign materials
• Making any cash or in-kind donations
• Appointing or using special policemen, or confidential agents
• Using armored land, water, or aircraft
• Policemen and provincial guards acting as personal bodyguards of public officials or candidates

Aside from this, the poll body warned that the following activities are not allowed from February 12, 2026 to March 13, 2026:

• Release or disbursement of public funds
• Construction of public works and issuance of treasury warrants or similar devices for a future undertaking chargeable against public funds
• Appointment or hiring of new employees, creation of positions, promotion of employees

The poll body also banned the release of public funds, including funds for Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations, Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program, and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers, except for medical and burial expenses from March 4, 2026 to March 13, 2026. /cb