BSKE 2023 campaign period officially commences

The Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections 2023 campaign season, which will last 10 days, has officially started.

There are currently 42,001 barangays in the Philippines, which corresponds to the same number of barangay and SK chairman positions. About 2,518 barangays have been identified by the COMELEC as areas of concern.

According to the COMELEC, barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan candidates are allowed to campaign from 19 October until 28 October or the day before the eve of the election.

While candidates can now use a variety of platforms and materials to persuade voters, the Commission on Elections has set the following rules for the campaign period:

• Lawful campaign materials should only be posted in designated common poster areas;
• Campaigning and posting campaign propaganda in groups are allowed as long as the poster is in accordance with the size requirements;
• Campaigning on television or cable television, radio, newspaper, internet or any other medium such as in social media is not allowed;
• Livestreaming on the candidate's social media platforms shall be considered a form of e-rally, unlawful campaign materials posted on public and private properties;
• Conduct of Operation Baklas of unlawful campaign materials posted on designated common poster areas will take place on 20 and 27 October;
• Giving of t-shirts, ballers, bags, sun visor, hat/caps, umbrellas, handkerchiefs, ballpens, fans, ballers, candies, and other of value is strictly prohibited, including giving of food and drinks during and after a meeting or campaign sortie;
• Candidates and five of his or her campaign staff may wear t-shirt with candidate's picture during the election campaign period;
• Distribution of any assistance through the assistance to individual in crisis situation is strictly prohibited until 20 October.

According to COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia, as of today, there are some violations of the COMELEC rules committed at some places, such as placing posters on poles and electric wires.