ILOILO City – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued a stern warning to all candidates, political parties, and their supporters: campaigning in any form after midnight of Saturday, May 10 is strictly prohibited and punishable under election laws.
Comelec Region 6 director Atty. Dennis Ausan emphasized that both national and local candidates must cease all campaign activities starting May 11, the eve of the May 12 midterm elections.
“Our campaign period ends at midnight of May 10. From May 11 until election day, no one is allowed to campaign in any form — whether candidates, party leaders, or even ordinary supporters,” said Ausan.
The campaign period for national candidates, including senators and party-list groups, ran from February 11 to May 10, while for local candidates — governors, mayors, congressmen, and others — it was from March 28 to May 10, in accordance with Comelec guidelines.
Comelec warned that the ban covers a wide range of activities, including:
* house-to-house campaigning
* political rallies and public gatherings
* distribution or display of campaign materials
* social media and mainstream media campaigning
* wearing of shirts or items bearing the name or image of a candidate, especially inside voting centers
“Even watchers inside polling places are not allowed to wear shirts or materials showing their candidate’s name. That’s already considered campaigning,” Ausan added.
Candidates and even barangay officials, who are permitted to campaign during the election period, are also barred from lingering or ‘standing by’ inside polling centers after voting on May 12.
“They are voters, yes, but they must leave immediately after casting their votes. Being visibly present could influence others and that’s not allowed,” Ausan explained, reminding officials and the public to abide by the law.
Violations of these Comelec rules constitute an election offense, punishable by imprisonment of one to six years, disqualification from voting, and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
“Let’s respect the rules. We all know them. There’s no excuse,” Ausan stressed./PN
