Bets reminded vs Holy Week campaigning, wearing campaign shirts in church

MANILA, Philippines— The Commission on Elections on Wednesday reminded candidates to refrain from campaigning during Holy Week in observance of the religious holidays.

According to Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez, campaigning is banned on April 18, Maundy Thursday and April 19, Good Friday.

Comelec Commissioner Luie Guia said these days are considered a “quiet period”. Comelec's Resolution No. 19429 signed in October 1 last year prohibits campaigning on April 18 and 19.

“Bukas at sa Biernes, ipinagbabawal ang pangangampanya - ilang mga halimbawa: ang mga pa-caravan, motorcade, rally, walk-around, public speeches, at pagdi-distribute ng mga polyeto,” Jimenez wrote on his Twitter account.

(Tomorrow and Friday, campaigning is prohibited. Among the examples are caravan, motorcade, rally, walk-around, public speeches and distribution of flyers)

Violators of the campaign ban may face election charges. They could also face disqualification from public office and lose the right to vote.

'No to campaign shirts in churches'

On Tuesday, Edwin Gariguez, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-National Secretariat for Social Action, also urged candidates and their supporters to avoid wearing campaign shirts in churches during the Lenten break.

The priest said supporters and candidates may campaign anywhere but the church.

“Even if there is no law that prohibits it, they should be sensitive. We appeal to their delicadeza,” Gariguez said.

“Respect the church by not campaigning in a place of worship,” he added.

The campaign period for senators and party-lists participating in the 2019 midterm polls in May began last February 12 while local candidates’ campaign period started March 29.

Campaigning will only be allowed until May 11.