ILOILO City – No form of campaigning, including on social media, will be allowed during Maundy Thursday (April 17) and Good Friday (April 18), according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Under the Omnibus Election Code, these two days are “no-campaign days”, stressed Atty. Dennis Ausan, regional director of Comelec Region 6.
The ban extends beyond traditional campaign methods like print, radio, and house-to-house visits to include digital platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, among others.
“The rules are clear: any posts, videos, memes, or live streams promoting a candidate, attacking political rivals, or seeking votes during these two days are illegal,” said Ausan during a media briefing, calling the attention of not just the candidates for the May 12 midterm elections but also their supporters.
Warned Ausan: “We will be monitoring social media closely, and any violation can result in criminal charges or disqualification from the elections.”
Digital platforms are not a loophole for candidates to circumvent the ban, he added.
Ausan urged the public to stay vigilant and report any violations they encounter, emphasizing that election offenses are criminal in nature.
Individuals can file complaints with police, the regional trial court, or any Comelec officer by submitting proper documentation such as screenshots or timestamps.
While the Comelec cannot independently pursue criminal cases, it is ready to assist authorities in building cases based on evidence submitted by the public, Ausan said.
Beyond legal enforcement, Ausan encouraged candidates to take this period of reflection to reconsider the true essence of public service.
“Holy Week is a time for pause and introspection,” he said. “We encourage candidates to embrace the spirit of Lent and use this moment to reflect on the dignity of serving the people.”
As the campaign heats up, the Comelec continues to work with local authorities, civil society groups, and faith-based organizations to reinforce the importance of adhering to election laws during the sacred period.
“We must all remember that respect for both the law and our shared values must remain the highest priority as we head into the final stretch of the campaign season,” Ausan added./PN
