The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reminded aspiring politicians not to use the Feast of the Black Nazarene for political gain.

Comelec commissioner Ernesto Maceda Jr. stressed that the Feast is a religious occasion and not a platform for political campaigning and urged candidates, even those who have not yet officially declared their candidacies, to refrain from using the event to distribute campaign materials or wear shirts bearing their names.

“Our en banc, especially our chairperson, is reminding us that on January 9, during the Traslacion, our candidates who are not yet candidates should not use such religious events and occasions for politics,” Maceda said in an interview.

The Feast of the Black Nazarene, which includes the iconic Traslacion procession of the centuries-old image from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church, will be held on 9 January 2025.

Meanwhile, the Comelec conducted the second and third legs of the live test of the election management system for the 2025 midterm elections on Monday. The first part of the test was held on 23 December 2024.

Meantime, the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazarene has warned devotees against scams ahead of the Feast.

The church has reminded the public that it does not allow home visits by individuals claiming to be carrying a replica of the hand of Jesus of Nazareth.

These individuals often solicit offerings and donations, which the church considers illegal.

Only authorized priests from the Quiapo Church are permitted to bring the image of the Black Nazarene outside the church, and blessings are typically conducted within church premises.