Comelec Launches Election Campaign Guidelines for Eleksyon 2025

TheCOMELEC has announced the official start of the campaign period for national candidates on February 11, 2025, expanding to local candidates on March 28. However, the campaign will face certain restrictions, including a ban on April 17 (Maundy Thursday), April 18 (Good Friday), May 11 (the eve of Election Day), and May 12 (Election Day).

Lawful Election Propaganda

TheCOMELEC has provided a comprehensive list of acceptable election material to ensure environmental sustainability. Approved campaign propaganda includes:

• Pamphlets, leaflets, and cards up to 8.5 inches by 14 inches.
• Handwritten or printed letters encouraging voters.
• Posters up to 2 feet by 3 feet, and streamers up to 3 feet by 8 feet during public meetings.
• Mobile units and vehicles with posted materials adhering to size guidelines.
• Paid advertisements in media following specific requirements.
• Outdoor and LED billboards.
• Advertisements on public utility vehicles.
• Signboards in campaign headquarters.
• Other permissible forms of election propaganda.

Prohibited Election Propaganda Activities

Candidates and their supporters must avoid the following acts to comply with REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9006, also known as the Fair Elections Act:

• Airing or publishing unpaid or unattributed political advertisements.
• Displaying unaccepted free materials without proper identification.
• Showing unauthorized biographical content of candidates on public forums.
• Exceeding advertising limits in media.
• Misusing mass media platforms to favor candidates.
• Posting materials in unauthorized areas without owner consent.

TheCOMELEC will issue notices for removal of illegal posters, and non-compliance may result in disqualification.

Intellectual Property Rights

Candidates must respect intellectual property rights when creating election propaganda and during campaign activities. Violations will be referred to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).

Physical and Online Rallies

Candidates may host both physical and online rallies, live-streaming on social media. However, they cannot offer free transportation, food, drinks, or any valuables at these events. Online rallies must include a disclosure with date, time, and location but are not subject to broadcast advertising limitations.

Other Restricted Activities

TheCOMELEC prohibits the following during the campaign period:

• Donations from candidates, spouses, close family, campaign managers, or agents.
• Transferring, hiring, or promoting government employees.
• Spending public funds or working on public works except for exempted projects.
• Serving alcohol in unauthorized locations.
• Providing free transportation, food, drinks, or other valuables near the eve of Election Day.

Conclusion

TheCOMELEC’s guidelines aim to ensure fairness, transparency, and ethical conduct during the 2025 elections. By adhering to these rules, candidates can focus on engaging with voters effectively and upholding the integrity of their campaign.

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