MANILA, Philippines — Before the start tomorrow of the campaign period for national candidates in the May 2025 midterm polls, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded all senatorial bets and party-list groups to voluntarily remove all their illegal campaign materials.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the poll body will strictly enforce rules against illegal posters and will file criminal case against violators.
“Once it’s Feb. 11, they all turn from aspirants, to candidates. Because of that, we will enforce the election laws, especially regarding posters and campaigning,” Garcia said in Filipino in a radio interview yesterday.
“Those that are large-sized, especially in public places, we will have them removed and if we want, file criminal cases for the election offense,” he said.
Under Comelec regulation, all prohibited forms of election propaganda must be immediately removed by the candidate or party at least 72 hours before the start of the campaign period.
“Don’t be stubborn. The vote of the Filipino is for those who follow laws and policies,” the poll chief said, while encouraging candidates to set a good example for voters.
At the start of the campaign period, Garcia said the Comelec would also mount “Oplan Baklas” to remove all campaign materials that were illegally installed on trees, foot bridges, electric posts and other public places.
However, he said the Comelec cannot remove campaign materials from private properties in compliance with the Supreme Court ruling.
Garcia said all candidates are allowed to have their campaign advertisements at 120 minutes per television station, and 180 minutes per radio station during the 90-day campaign period.
For local candidates, he said the campaign period is set to start on March 28.
Election threats
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil yesterday reaffirmed the PNP’s commitment to ensuring a safe, orderly and credible midterm elections, as he warned against any attempt to disrupt the democratic process.
“As we approach the midterm elections, the PNP remains steadfast in its duty to uphold peace and security. Any actions that incite violence, intimidate voters, or undermine the electoral process will be met with the full force of the law,” Marbil said in a statement.
To bolster election security, the PNP launched a 100-day security plan on Feb. 5, aimed at addressing potential threats, dismantling private armed groups, and maintaining order before, during, and after the elections.
The plan includes intensified operations against loose firearms and wanted criminals, proactive intelligence monitoring to prevent election-related violence, strategic police deployments in high-risk areas, and round-the-clock checkpoints and patrols in identified election areas of concern.
Marbil emphasized that safeguarding electoral integrity is a top priority, and assured the public that the PNP will remain impartial and proactive in preventing political violence.
Expand ayuda ban
Meanwhile, Bayan chairman Teddy Casiño yesterday urged the Comelec to prohibit the release of ayuda programs throughout the entire campaign period, warning that “these could be used as a tool for vote-buying.”
Casiño said the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), a cash aid program, is a highly politicized scheme introduced through congressional insertions ahead of the 2025 elections.
He emphasized that such programs should be restricted to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
“Now that Comelec has launched its Kontra Bigay Committee, it should consider banning the AKAP program during the entire campaign period, as this was clearly designed as a mechanism for vote-buying,” Casiño said.
Beyond AKAP, he also called for the temporary removal of political influence over other government aid programs, such as the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), during the election season.
“Comelec must do more than prohibit AKAP releases. It should also bar politicians from influencing the disbursement of AICS, TUPAD, and other ayuda programs until after the elections,” Casiño said.
“Fund releases should be handled solely by government agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Labor and Employment, and Department of Health, without any referrals from politicians,” he added. – Mark Ernest Villeza