Comelec warns candidates vs Holy Week campaigning

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reminded candidates that campaigning is prohibited during some days of the Holy Week.

Citing Resolution No. 8758, the poll body reiterated that campaigning is prohibited on April 1, Maundy Thursday, and April 2, Good Friday.

“It is unlawful for any person, whether or not a voter or a candidate, or for any political party, or association of persons of engage in election campaign or partisan political activity on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, eve of Election Day and on Election Day,” the resolution noted.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez is also urging candidates to refrain from playing their campaign jingles during the said dates in deference to the Holy Week.

Millions of Catholics all over the Philippines and around the world are observing Palm Sunday on March 28, the official start of the Holy Week.

By waving palm fronds or “palaspas” during the day’s Mass, Catholics celebrate the entry of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem.

Meanwhile, Jimenez added that local candidates have 3 days to remove their previously erected propaganda materials as they are now officially covered by existing campaign rules and regulations for the official campaign period.

Jimenez said that candidates who fail to remove campaign materials made or done in violation of the election laws prior to the campaign period can face disqualification.


Source: ABS-CBN News