Campaigning ends 11 May, Comelec warns candidates

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Saturday reminded candidates that no form of campaigning will be allowed nationwide on Sunday ahead of the national and local elections on Monday, 12 May.

In an ambush interview, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said the 48-hour election silence period will allow voters to fully decide who to vote for on Monday.

"Makapag-iisip, makapagdarasal sila sino ba ang iboboto ko," Garcia told reporters.

(It will allow them to think thoroughly and to pray on which candidates to vote for.)

"Ibigay natin yung isang araw na yan baka sakali makakapamili nang tama ang ating mga kababayan," he added.

(Let's give them that one day — maybe it will help them choose the right candidates)

The Comelec chief also instructed candidates to remove campaign materials posted in public areas. He reminded them that campaigning is also prohibited on social media.

"Hindi lang kinakailangang pagbawal sa paglalakad, pag-iikot, at [pakikipagkamay] sa kalsada, sa mga bahay-bahay. Kung hindi kahit sa social media, that is campaigning," Garcia stressed.

(Campaigning does not just pertain to visiting neighborhoods and shaking voters' hands, or even going house to house. Campaigning can also refer to posting on social media.)

Campaigning on radio, TV, and newspapers is also prohibited, he added.

The official campaign ban, enforced under Comelec Resolution No. 11086 in line with the Fair Elections Act, prohibits all poll-related activities, including public canvassing, distribution of campaign materials, and giving out anything of value to voters, even free transportation, food, or beverages.

Any violation is punishable by one to six years of imprisonment, permanent disqualification from holding public office, and loss of voting rights.

National candidates were given 90 days to campaign, while local bets were given 45 days to woo voters.