Campaign period for national posts starts

The 90-day campaign period for national candidates, including 65 gunning for Senate seats and 156 partylist organizations, begins today.

Meanwhile, the 45-day campaign period for local candidates — House of Representatives hopefuls, as well as those eyeing regional, provincial, city and municipal posts — will start on 28 March.

Campaigning will pause on 17 April, Maundy Thursday, and 18 April, Good Friday.

The campaign period will end on 10 May, two days before Election Day.

Candidates for senator, representatives and local offices who have no political party affiliation may spend a maximum of P5 per registered voter.

If supported by a political party, the limit is P3 per registered voter. Independent candidates, on the other hand, are allowed to spend up to P5 per registered voter in their constituencies.

Political parties are allowed to spend P5 per registered voter in the constituencies where they have official candidates. This amount is separate from the candidates’ own spending limits.

Candidates are prohibited from accepting campaign contributions from foreign nationals and corporations, government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs), and entities funded wholly or in part by the government.

Private corporations may make donations, but contributions must be accounted for and reported to the Comelec.

Poster size limits

Certain sectors, such as those involved in public utilities or those that have contracts with the government, are prohibited from making contributions.

Campaign contributions are regulated to prevent undue influence by wealthy individuals, corporations and special interest groups.

Posters should not exceed two feet by three feet in size.

Streamers are allowed only for public meetings and rallies and should not exceed three feet by eight feet in size. They may be displayed for a maximum of five days before the event and must be taken down within 24 hours after.

Moreover, airtime for radio and TV ads of national candidates is limited to 120 minutes per TV station and 180 minutes per radio station.

For local candidates, airtime must not exceed 60 minutes per TV station and 90 minutes per radio station.

All media advertisements must bear the true identity of the candidate or political party.

Election propaganda in print, such as newspapers, magazines, or any publication, must not exceed one-fourth page for broadsheets and one-half page for tabloids.

Frequency is limited to three times a week per newspaper, magazine, and other publications.

Online battlefield

Online campaigning, including the use of legal social media platforms, websites and blogs, is allowed, provided that all paid political advertisements are reported to the Comelec.

Each candidate or party must register their official campaign websites and social media accounts with the Comelec.

Limits on paid online advertisements should follow the cost limitations set for traditional media.

Election propaganda may be displayed on private property with the owner’s consent, provided the materials comply with the size and content restrictions set by the Comelec.