Comelec bans campaigning on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday
(April 14 2025) Devotees take part in a “pabasa” at the Holy Family Parish in Quezon City on Holy Monday April 14 2025, as part of the Holy Week observance. pabasa is a Filipino catholic tradition where verses from the “Pasyong Mahal,” a narrative on the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Photo/Analy Labor
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded candidates that campaigning during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday is prohibited.
According to Comelec Resolution No. 10999, any election campaign or partisan political activity for or against any candidate outside of the campaign period is prohibited and shall be considered an election offense.
"Bawal po ang pangangampanya sa mahal na araw lalong-lalo na po ang Huwebes Santo at Biyernes Santo (Campaigning is prohibited on Holy Week, especially on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday)," Comelec Chairperson George Garcia reiterated.
"Yung style nung iba nagpapabasa, nagpapakain sa nagpapabasa, baka pwede pong iwasan na lang natin yun kasi yan ay maco-consider na pangangampanya pa rin (Others organize Reading of the Passion or feed those who read, maybe we can just avoid that because that would be considered campaigning)," Garcia added.
The Comelec chief also appealed to candidates to respect the solemnity of the religious activity and event.
He likewise urged candidates to avoid organizing alcohol-drinking festivities during Holy Week.
"Wag magpapalaro, magpapaliga sa Mahal na Araw. Respeto lang po (Also, don't organize games or leagues during the Holy Week. Respect it). Because this is an affront against religion," Garcia added.
Participating in religious activities is allowed, he clarified, but it should be non-partisan.