Campaign period for Eleksyon 2025 national candidates officially begins

MANILA. The official 90-day campaign period for senatorial candidates and party-list groups in the upcoming May 2025 elections has commenced, marking the start of intense election-related activities across the country.

Campaign Season Timeline and Regulations

The campaign period, which runs from February 11 to May 10, 2025, covers 66 senatorial candidates and 156 party-list groups. Candidates are expected to engage in proclamation rallies, motorcades, and various campaign activities in an effort to win voter support. Meanwhile, those vying for House of Representatives and other local posts can only start campaigning on March 28, giving them a 45-day campaign window until May 10.

However, candidates are strictly prohibited from campaigning on the following dates:

• April 17 (Maundy Thursday)
• April 18 (Good Friday)
• May 11 (Eve of Election Day)
• May 12 (Election Day)

Registered Voters and Special Voting Arrangements

A total of 69,673,655 voters are registered for the May 2025 elections, with 68,431,965 based in the country and 1,241,690 overseas. Special voting arrangements are as follows:

• Overseas voters: Can cast their votes from April 13 to May 12.
• Local absentee voters: May vote between April 28 to 30.

Comelec’s Crackdown on Violations

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Erwin Garcia reiterated the poll body’s commitment to ensuring fair elections. He warned that stricter measures will be implemented against violations, including the improper display of campaign materials.

The allowed sizes for election materials are:

• Pamphlets, leaflets, stickers: 8.5” x 14”
• Posters and standees: 2ft x 3ft
• Streamers for campaign rallies: 3ft x 8ft (can be posted five days before the rally but must be removed within 24 hours afterward)

Candidates are also permitted 60 minutes of TV airtime and 90 minutes of radio airtime for election advertisements, whether paid or donated.

Anti-Vote Buying and Election Violations

In a bid to combat election fraud, Comelec relaunched the Committee on Kontra-Bigay to tackle vote-buying, vote-selling, and misuse of state resources. Additionally, Comelec Resolution No. 1099 prohibits the following during the campaign period:

• Giving donations from February 11 to May 12 by candidates, their spouses, or close relatives.
• Appointing special policemen, confidential agents, or individuals performing similar functions.
• Hiring, transferring, or promoting employees in government offices from March 28 to May 11.
• Government spending ban from March 28 to May 11.
• Liquor ban on the eve of Election Day.
• Offering free transportation, food, drinks, or items of value to voters.

Comelec’s Oplan Baklas

As part of its enforcement efforts, Comelec launched Oplan Baklas, an initiative aimed at removing illegal campaign materials, particularly those that exceed size limitations or are posted in unauthorized locations such as electric posts and bridges.

During an interview on Unang Balita, Garcia emphasized the importance of scrutinizing candidates based on their adherence to election laws:

“Sa bandang huli nasa atin po ang pagtingin. Dahil una, nanliligaw sila sa atin ngayon. Sabi nila mahal nila tayo, nanliligaw. Tignan natin ngayon tumatalima ba ‘yung mga ‘yan? Sumusunod ba ang mga ‘yan?”

(In the end, it is up to us. They are wooing us, they say they love us. Now, let us see if they follow the law.)

Garcia also stressed that Comelec will issue formal warnings to candidates violating campaign material regulations. Those who fail to comply within three days risk facing criminal complaints, election offenses, and even disqualification.

Violators may face one to six years of imprisonment if found guilty. Garcia urged candidates to educate their campaign teams about proper campaign material placements to avoid legal consequences.

“Sa national candidates, kita ninyo naman po ‘yung ating dedikasyon na ipatupad ang ating patakaran at batas, sana kayo na po ang mag-inisyatiba.”

(To the national candidates, you see Comelec’s dedication to implementing the rules and the law. I hope you take the initiative to comply.)

With the campaign period in full swing, all eyes are now on the candidates as they vie for the trust and votes of millions of Filipinos ahead of the May 12, 2025 elections.