MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) believes that politicians will be “decent” and avoid potential early campaigning during Undas, or the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day in the country.
During a meeting with representatives of the 17 local government units in Metro Manila last Friday for the creation of the Oplan Undas 2024 program, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes was asked what the agency would do if aspirants in the May 2025 midterm elections might perform gimmicks such as distributing various items.
“I believe politicians will observe decency and will not take advantage of this occasion, when we give our respect to our departed loved ones. I hope they will not become abusive,” Artes said.
“I hope they will help maintain peace and order, rather than advertise or campaign, especially in cemeteries that are expected to get crowded,” he added.
Artes noted that early campaigning might make aspirants a target of criticism and bashing on social media.
Under Oplan Undas 2024, five out of 26 public and private cemeteries in Metro Manila – Manila North Cemetery, Manila South Cemetery, Bagbag Public Cemtery in Quezon City, Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City and San Juan Public Cemetery – will be prioritized for the deployment of personnel from the MMDA and other agencies.
Number coding might be declared suspended on Nov. 1, 2024, All Saints’ Day and a regular holiday, which will fall on a Friday.
The Manila City government earlier made a similar announcement, where it said “no private or political groups may hold events to ensure a solemn commemoration of All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2).”
It added that “only tents and tarps from the City Government of Manila are permitted” inside public cemeteries in the city.