WITH just two days left before the national and local elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) 7 is calling on the public to remain vigilant and report candidates who continue to campaign beyond the official deadline, which ended Friday, May 9, 2025.
According to Comelec 7 Director Francisco Pobe, election rules strictly prohibit campaigning beyond the designated campaign period, and any violations could serve as grounds for disqualification.
Pobe said it is closely monitoring all campaign-related activities to ensure fair and lawful conduct leading up to election day on Monday, May 12.
“We rely on our partners in the community, our accredited citizens’ arms, deputized agencies like the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection and, of course, the media to help us monitor violations,” Pobe said.
Pobe said any form of campaigning, including public events, motorcades, gift-giving and distribution of materials, beyond the deadline will be considered a violation.
Offenses
The Commission is taking such offenses seriously, especially during the cooling-off period meant to give voters time to reflect on their choices without undue influence.
“Anyone caught campaigning beyond the allowed period can be disqualified. This is not just a warning, it’s an actionable offense,” said Pobe.
He also confirmed that several cases of vote-buying have already been recorded.
Some have reached the stage of inquest proceedings, while others are being prepared for formal filing before the Comelec Law Department in Manila.
The election body reiterated key reminders for both candidates and voters to ensure orderly conduct during this critical phase.
Voters were also advised to prepare their lists of preferred candidates in advance to avoid confusion at the polls.
Comelec encouraged the electorate to vote according to their conscience and to consider the integrity and platform of each candidate.
On Election Day, Pobe reminded that voting will start as early as 5 a.m. in some areas, especially for vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, pregnant women, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and others with special needs. Regular voting hours will follow after.
Pobe assured the public that it is “100 percent ready” for the May 12 elections. / CAV