👉 When does the official campaign period start? What are the rules candidates must follow?
🔥 Whether you’re a voter, supporter, or candidate, understanding the campaign period is crucial for a fair and transparent election.
Read on for a complete guide to the start of the campaign period, legal regulations, and its impact on elections! 👇
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Table of Contents
📅 When Does the Official Campaign Period Start?
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) sets the official campaign period for national and local elections in the Philippines. The dates vary depending on the type of election:
🗳️ 2025 Philippine National & Local Elections Campaign Schedule
| Election Type | Campaign Period Start | Campaign Period End |
|---|---|---|
| National Positions (President, Vice President, Senators, Party-List) | February 8, 2025 | May 10, 2025 |
| Local Positions (Governor, Mayor, Congress, Councilors, etc.) | March 25, 2025 | May 10, 2025 |
📌 Election Day: May 12, 2025
📌 Last Day of Campaigning: May 10, 2025 (All campaigning is prohibited on May 11, the day before the election.)
🚨 What This Means: Candidates can only legally campaign within these dates. Any premature or extended campaigning outside this period is considered an election offense.
⚖️ What Are the Rules During the Campaign Period?
During the official campaign period, all candidates and political parties must follow strict guidelines under the Omnibus Election Code and COMELEC Resolutions.
📌 Key Rules & Regulations for Campaigning
| Regulation | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗳 Campaign Period Compliance | Campaigning is only allowed within the official period |
| 📢 Proper Campaign Materials | Posters and banners must follow COMELEC size limits |
| 🚫 No Campaigning on Certain Days | No campaigning on the eve of election day and election day itself |
| ⚖ Fair Election Practices | Candidates must not engage in vote-buying, black propaganda, or violence |
| 📺 Ad Limits on TV & Radio | Candidates have specific air time limits for ads to ensure fairness |
📌 REMINDER: Violations may lead to fines, disqualification, or even criminal charges.
📢 Campaigning Rules for Different Platforms
📺 Traditional Campaigning (TV, Radio, Print Ads)
✅ Candidates must follow COMELEC guidelines for ad placements.
✅ Ad time limits apply to ensure equal exposure among candidates.
✅ No misleading advertisements or defamatory attacks against opponents.
🌐 Digital Campaigning (Social Media, Websites, SMS)
✅ Allowed only during the campaign period.
✅ Must be registered with COMELEC, including official campaign pages.
✅ Political ads on platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Google Ads must be properly disclosed.
🚪 House-to-House & Rally Campaigns
✅ Allowed during the campaign period but must follow COVID-19 or public health protocols if applicable.
✅ Political gatherings require permits from local governments.
✅ No coercion or vote-buying during these campaigns.
📌 Candidates and supporters must adhere to ethical campaign practices to avoid violations.
🛑 Common Election Violations to Avoid During the Campaign Period
To ensure fair and clean elections, COMELEC strictly prohibits the following acts:
🚨 Major Election Offenses
❌ Vote Buying & Selling – Offering money, goods, or favors in exchange for votes.
❌ Campaigning Outside Official Period – Engaging in premature or extended campaigning.
❌ Use of Government Resources – Incumbents using public funds or government vehicles.
❌ Oversized & Misplaced Campaign Materials – Posters exceeding 2×3 feet or placed in public areas.
❌ Online Disinformation & Fake News – Spreading false claims or misleading propaganda.
💡 Tip for Voters: Report any election violations to COMELEC, law enforcement agencies, or through the official election monitoring platforms.
💬 Public Reactions & Election Preparations
As the campaign period begins, candidates, supporters, and voters are gearing up for an intense election season. Here’s what people are saying:
🗣️ Supporters & Political Groups
✔️ “Excited to hear the platforms of each candidate! Hoping for an issue-based campaign.”
✔️ “Fair election rules should be followed to ensure transparency and democracy.”
🤔 Voters & Election Watchdogs
❌ “We need stricter rules against premature campaigning. Some candidates are already campaigning!”
❌ “Vote-buying should be monitored more closely. Some local politicians continue this illegal practice.”
📢 What do you think? Is the current election campaign system fair? Let us know in the comments! 👇
🤔 FAQs About the Start of Campaign Period
What happens if a candidate campaigns before the official period?
Premature campaigning is prohibited and may result in penalties or disqualification.
Are social media campaign ads allowed?
Yes, but all political ads must be registered with COMELEC and adhere to digital election rules.
Can supporters still post about their preferred candidate before the campaign period?
Yes, but official campaign activities (events, rallies, paid ads, etc.) are not allowed until the official campaign period starts.
What should voters do during the campaign period?
Stay informed about candidates’ platforms.
Report any election violations (vote-buying, black propaganda, etc.).
Encourage fair and issue-based discussions.
⚠️ Disclaimer
Pinoy Trending informs that this article is based on COMELEC’s official guidelines and publicly available election laws. Policies may change, so it is recommended to check with COMELEC for official updates.
For official election-related inquiries, refer to:
✅ COMELEC Official Website
✅ GMA News
✅ Philippine Daily Inquirer
🤖 AI Disclosure Statement
This article was researched and written with AI-assisted technology to ensure accuracy, optimization, and readability.
🌟 Final Thoughts: A Crucial Time for Democracy
✅ The start of the campaign period signals a critical time for candidates and voters alike.
✅ Following election laws ensures fairness, transparency, and a credible electoral process.
✅ Voters should remain engaged, informed, and proactive in choosing their leaders.
📢 What are your thoughts on election campaigning? Do you think the rules are fair? Drop your comments below! 👇
🔔 Follow us for more election updates! 🗳️✨
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A skilled journalist, Josh delivers in-depth features and articles that resonate with readers. Known for his attention to detail, research skills, and reliability, he is dedicated to producing high-quality content that informs, educates, and inspires.
