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Eleksyon 2025: The do’s and don’ts during campaign period

by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief

Navigating the Campaign Landscape: Key Considerations for Eleksyon 2025

Table of Contents

The 2025 Philippine elections are fast approaching, and the campaign season is officially underway. With the 90-day period for national candidates kicking off on February 11, 2023, and local candidates beginning on March 28, 2023, it’s crucial for all aspiring politicians to understand the rules and regulations governing their campaigns. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has implemented stringent guidelines and prohibited acts to ensure a fair, transparent, and peaceful election process.

Understanding the Rules of Engagement

Candidates must navigate a complex landscape of regulations regarding campaign activities, spending limits, and permissible propaganda materials. Familiarizing oneself with these rules is paramount to avoiding legal repercussions and ensuring a successful campaign.

Permissible Campaign Materials

The Comelec has outlined a list of acceptable election propaganda materials to promote responsible and lasting campaigning.These include:

  • pamphlets, leaflets, cards, and decals
  • Posters, banners, and billboards
  • Television and radio advertisements
  • Social media posts and online campaigns

It’s essential to note that these materials must adhere to specific size limitations, content restrictions, and placement guidelines.

Restrictions on Campaign Activities

The Comelec has implemented several restrictions on campaign activities to prevent undue influence, maintain peace and order, and ensure a level playing field for all candidates. These restrictions may include:

  • Limits on campaign rallies and public gatherings
  • Prohibition of vote-buying and other forms of electoral fraud
  • Restrictions on campaign financing and spending limits

Candidates must carefully consider these restrictions and plan their campaigns accordingly.

Campaign Dates and Prohibited Days

The Comelec has designated specific campaign periods for national and local candidates. During these designated periods, candidates are permitted to engage in various campaign activities, including public rallies, televised debates, and the distribution of campaign materials. However, there are also designated “prohibited days” during the election period when all campaign activities are strictly prohibited.These prohibited days are intended to allow voters to make informed decisions without undue influence and to ensure a peaceful and orderly election day.

Key Takeaways for Candidates

To navigate the complex campaign landscape successfully, candidates must:

  • Meticulously review all Comelec guidelines and regulations
  • Develop a comprehensive campaign plan that adheres to all rules and restrictions
  • Establish a strong compliance team to monitor campaign activities and ensure adherence to regulations
  • Engage with the public responsibly and ethically
  • Promote a culture of integrity and transparency throughout the campaign

By following these key takeaways, candidates can increase their chances of running a successful, ethical, and legally sound campaign.

Understanding Campaigning Rules in the Philippines

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) sets strict rules governing campaign activities in the Philippines to ensure free and fair elections. These regulations cover everything from permissible campaign materials to prohibited actions.

Permissible Campaign Materials and Activities

Candidates and political parties can utilize various means to reach voters. The Comelec permits:

  • Campaign posters, flyers, and banners of a specific size limit, aiming to control visual clutter and ensure accessibility.
  • Written materials like letters, pamphlets, and cards distributed directly to voters, promoting transparency and accountability.
  • Public meetings and rallies, platforms for candidates to directly engage with constituents and discuss their platforms.
  • Mobile campaign vehicles equipped with sound systems, reaching wider audiences and increasing visibility.
  • Advertisements in print and broadcast media, subject to regulations on content and spending, ensuring a level playing field.
  • Billboards and transit advertisements, strategically placed to capture public attention and disseminate campaign messages.

Restrictions on Campaign Activities

While campaigning is essential, the Comelec also prohibits certain actions to maintain a fair and ethical surroundings.

  • Displaying election propaganda without clearly identifying the source and cost, ensuring transparency and accountability in funding.
  • distributing free campaign materials without explicit consent from the candidate or party involved, preventing undue influence and coercion.
  • Creating and distributing materials portraying a candidate’s life story or featuring them as a character, especially during campaigns, avoiding the potential for biased or deceptive portrayals.
  • Exceeding authorized limits on campaign advertising space or duration, preventing any one candidate from dominating the media landscape.
  • Allowing programs or sponsors to demonstrably favor or oppose a candidate or party, ensuring impartiality and neutrality in media coverage.

The Importance of responsible Campaigning

Adhering to these regulations is crucial for upholding democratic principles and ensuring that all candidates have an equal opportunity to reach voters. Responsible campaigning fosters a healthy political discourse and contributes to a more inclusive and equitable electoral process.

By understanding and respecting these guidelines, candidates, political parties, and the public can work together to create a fair and transparent election environment.

Campaign Rules for Eleksyon 2025

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has released comprehensive guidelines for the Eleksyon 2025 campaign period, aiming to ensure fairness, transparency, and responsible conduct throughout the electoral process. Candidates are urged to familiarize themselves with these regulations to ensure compliance and contribute to a successful election.

Campaign materials: navigating Restrictions

Candidates are strictly prohibited from displaying campaign materials in unauthorized locations. Public spaces off-limits for campaign postings include, but are not limited to, publicly owned electronic announcement boards, motor vehicles, government-owned mass public transport, waiting sheds, sidewalks, schools, and premises of public transport terminals.
“Mounting of campaign materials in public places outside of the designated common poster areas, or in private property without the consent of the owner is prohibited,” stated the Comelec.

Any unauthorized campaign posters will receive removal notices within three days. Failure to comply could result in disqualification as an election offense.

Protecting Intellectual Property Rights

The Comelec emphasizes the importance of respecting intellectual property rights throughout the campaign. Candidates and political parties are obligated to ensure their election propaganda and campaigns adhere to all relevant intellectual property laws, rules, and regulations. Any violations will be referred to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) for appropriate action.

Rallies and Campaign Activities: Guidelines for Engagement

Both physical and online political rallies are permitted during Eleksyon 2025. However, candidates are prohibited from providing or accepting transportation, food, drinks, or anything of value, directly or indirectly, to attendees for free during rallies or within five hours before or after the event. Candidates are also prohibited from financially supporting or contributing to these activities.

Online rallies are subject to specific rules, including:

  • Virtual rallies must clearly identify themselves as political events, specifying the date, time, and location.
  • Candidates can receive in-platform gifts and game currency but are prohibited from giving gifts to livestream viewers or running promotions that award in-platform gifts or game currency.

Restricted Activities During the Campaign Season

Several activities are prohibited during the campaign season, including:

  • Donations by candidates, their spouses, relatives, campaign managers, agents, or representatives.
  • Transfers, hiring, and promotions of government employees.
  • Using public funds for campaign purposes.

These guidelines, coupled with ongoing monitoring and enforcement by the Comelec, aim to ensure a fair, transparent, and ethical electoral process for Eleksyon 2025. Candidates who adhere to these rules contribute to a democratic election that upholds the integrity of the electoral system.

Eleksyon 2025: Navigating the Campaign Landscape

By Archyde News, a trusted name in electoral news.

Interview with Ms. Rosalia Fuentes: Compliance Officer, Comelec

Ms. rosalia Fuentes, the Compliance officer for the Commission on Elections (Comelec), kindly sat down with Archyde news to provide insights into the complex web of campaign rules for the upcoming Eleksyon 2025.

What are some of the most vital things candidates need to know about posting campaign materials in 2025?

“Well,the key takeaway is respecting designated areas. Candidates are strictly prohibited from posting campaign materials in unauthorized locations such as public transport, school premises, and government-owned spaces. Think of it this way: those spaces are shared by all citizens, and we need to ensure everyone has equal access and visibility during the campaign. Also, always remember to obtain permission from private property owners before putting up anything on their land.”

what about online campaigning? Are there any specific rules for virtual rallies?

“Absolutely! In the digital age,campaigning frequently enough extends beyond traditional rallies. While online platforms offer new avenues for engagement, they aren’t exempt from guidelines. all virtual rallies must clearly identify themselves as political events, stating the date, time, and intended location. For fairness, candidates can’t give free gifts to viewers during their streams, but they can receive in-platform gifts or game currency that has been freely given by viewers.”

What are some of the most common campaign violations Comelec encounters?

“Some of the most frequent violations we see include exceeding spending limits, distributing campaign materials in restricted areas, and making false or misleading statements about opposing candidates. It’s crucial for all participants to understand the rules and abide by them. Remember, fair and ethical elections are the foundation of a healthy democracy.”

ethical Campaigning Practices: A Must for a Fair Eleksyon 2025

Upholding ethical standards is essential for a free and fair election. Transparency, honesty, and respect for opponents are core principles that should guide all campaign activities. By adhering to these guidelines, candidates can ensure that the focus remains on their policies, platforms, and vision for the future, fostering a more informed and engaged electorate.

For more detailed facts about the Comelec regulations and resources for candidates, please visit the official Comelec website.

Campaign Violations During Election Year

Election years witness a flurry of activity as candidates vie for public office. However, this heightened political engagement also increases the risk of campaign violations. The Commission on Elections (comelec) plays a crucial role in ensuring fair and lawful elections by issuing notices to candidates who potentially violate campaign regulations.

Common campaign Violations

According to Comelec officials, unauthorized posting of campaign materials, exceeding permitted spending limits, and the manipulation of voter lists are among the most prevalent campaign violations observed. “We often see violations related to unauthorized posting of campaign materials, exceeding permitted spending limits, and the manipulation of voter lists,” a Comelec spokesperson stated. “Its crucial for candidates and their teams to prioritize transparency and compliance throughout the campaign process.”

Ensuring a Fair and Legal Campaign

To steer clear of potential violations, candidates are urged to meticulously familiarize themselves with the Comelec’s comprehensive campaign guidelines. These guidelines outline permissible campaign activities, spending limits, and other crucial aspects of electoral conduct. Candidates are encouraged to engage directly with the comelec for clarification on any ambiguous or specific aspects of the regulations.

“My advice is simple: know the rules! Thoroughly familiarize yourselves with the Comelec’s campaign guidelines,” advised the Comelec spokesperson. “Engage with our office if you have any questions. Running a clean and ethical campaign is not only about following the law but also about upholding the integrity of our democratic process.”

Reader Engagement

With the 2025 elections approaching, it is indeed essential to critically evaluate the adequacy of the Comelec’s campaign guidelines in addressing contemporary challenges. Do you believe the current guidelines are comprehensive enough to ensure a fair and legal electoral process in the upcoming elections? Share your thoughts and insights in the comments below.

What penalties can candidates face for violating campaign spending limits?

Eleksyon 2025: Campaign Compliance With Ms. Angela Garcia, Comelec Spokesperson

As Eleksyon 2025 approaches, ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process is paramount. Ms. Angela Garcia, the spokesperson for the Commission on Elections (Comelec), graciously spoke with Archyde News to provide insights into the campaign guidelines and their enforcement.

Navigating Campaign Restrictions

What are some key points candidates should remember regarding posting campaign materials in 2025?

“Candidates must prioritize designated areas for campaign displays. Avoid posting materials on public transport, schools, government-owned spaces, and private property without explicit consent.” explained Ms.Garcia.”These are shared public spaces, and maintaining their neutrality is crucial.”

How does the Comelec ensure compliance with spending limits during campaigns?

“Candidates are required to file detailed spending reports with the Comelec. We meticulously review these reports and conduct audits to verify compliance with the established spending limits. Strict action is taken against violators, including possible disqualification from the election,” stated Ms. Garcia.

Tackling emerging Campaign Challenges

With the rise of social media, what strategies are in place to address potential violations in online campaigning?

“Online platforms offer new avenues for political engagement but also pose unique challenges,” acknowledged Ms. Garcia. “We closely monitor online platforms for potentially harmful content, misinformation, and coordinated attempts to influence voters. We collaborate with social media companies to enforce content policies and address violations effectively.

Promoting Ethical Campaign Practices

What message would you give to candidates about upholding ethical campaign standards?

“Running a clean and transparent campaign is not just about adhering to the law; it’s about upholding the integrity of our democratic process,” emphasized Ms.Garcia. “Candidates should prioritize ethical conduct, respect their opponents, and focus on presenting their platforms to the electorate based on facts and substance.”

As we head into Eleksyon 2025, the Comelec remains committed to ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process. By understanding and adhering to campaign regulations, candidates can contribute to a healthy and informed democratic discourse.

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