Fernan Carigma

In anticipation of the 2025 Midterm elections in May, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has expressed dismay over politicians posting advertisements before the official campaign period, citing concerns about public perception and the lack of governing laws.

Photo Courtesy of Inquirer.net

The issue in premature campaigns that appeared nationwide was highlighted during a press briefing at Comelec's headquarters in Manila on Saturday, where the commission addressed the surge across various advertising platforms, including billboards, television, newspapers, and social media.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia expressed his disappointment about this situation, explaining that the existing election laws in the Philippines do not address the issue of campaigning too early before the elections.

"Napakabigat sa kalagayan namin na talagang alam namin na kami ang sisisihin at babatuhan ng sisi ng ating mga mamamayan sapagkat naglipana ang mga mukha nila sa kalsada, kahit walang nakalagay na 'vote for' pagkatapos nasa TV, radio, dyaryo, sa social media nandyan na lahat… tahasan, diretsahan," Garcia said during the press briefing. 

Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, candidates are recognized officially only during the campaign period, resulting in a notable gap in the regulation of their advertisements. 

This situation arised from a Supreme Court ruling in 2009, which established that individuals aspiring for candidacy are considered candidates only from the commencement of the campaign period.

"Ang katotohan talaga ay walang premature campaigning sa ating mga batas ngayon kapag automated election. At mismo ang Korte Suprema ang nagsabi na hindi pa sila kandidato. Kahit pa nag-file na sila ng candidacy," Garcia added.

The Comelec urged politicians to be cautious and not to underestimate how the public perceives them.

"Dahan-dahan lang, medyo hinay-hinay. Wag natin i-underestimate ang katalinuhan ng ating mga kababayan. Napakatatalino ng mga Pilipino. Alam nila kapag sila ay pinaglololoko. Alam din nila kapag inaabuso ang kabaitan nila," he said.

The campaign periods will commence on February 12 for national positions and on March 28 for local positions. 

Until that date, no prohibitions are in effect unless local ordinances are violated, as explained by Garcia. 

"Lahat ng ginagawa nila ngayon, wala pang election law na nag-gogovern sa kanila. Wala pang prohibition. Walang violation, maliban na lang kung sila ay nagba-violate ng city o municipal or provincial ordinances," said the Comelec chief. 

Comelec clarified that its jurisdiction will officially begin on January 12, marking the start of the election period.

They also warned government agencies about the ban on using public funds for projects during the 45 days leading up to the elections.

"Pinapayagan ng Comelec ang exceptions na 'yan, na sa aming palagay ay hindi naman pamumulitika kundi talagang proyekto na nakalagay sa ating budget at matagal na ring naiplano," Garcia explained.

The Comelec will release the final list of candidates for the 2025 elections on January 5, and ballot printing will begin on January 6.