Comelec warns candidates, voters to ensure clean, peaceful, orderly polls

National

WITH JUST two days before Filipinos cast their votes in the May 12 national and local elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued stern warnings and detailed guidelines to ensure a clean, peaceful, and orderly electoral process.

Lawyer John Rex Laudiangco, spokesperson of Comelec, through the commission’s official online program “Episode 27” aired on its Facebook page, reminded both candidates and voters of the strict prohibitions that will take effect starting Sunday, May 11, the eve of election day.

Among the major restrictions is the total campaign ban, which applies to all national and local candidates.

The Comelec emphasized that any form of campaigning, whether physical, verbal, or through digital means, is strictly prohibited once the campaign period officially ends on May 10.

Those found violating the election silence period may face imprisonment of up to six years, lose their right to vote, and be perpetually disqualified from holding public office.

Additionally, Comelec reiterated the nationwide liquor ban in effect on May 11 and 12.

The sale, purchase, and consumption of alcoholic beverages are banned during this period, with exceptions only for certain tourism-accredited establishments authorized by the Department of Tourism and the Comelec. These establishments may serve liquor exclusively to foreign guests.

Candidates were also urged to voluntarily remove oversized campaign materials still displayed on highways and public spaces before the ban begins.

Comelec officials warned that such materials may still be interpreted as active campaigning and could prompt rival candidates to file disqualification cases.

These reminders are in line with Comelec Resolution No. 11086, which outlines the campaign calendar and enforces the provisions of Republic Act No. 9006 or the Fair Elections Act.

The official campaign period for national candidates was set from February 11 to May 10, while local candidates have been allowed to campaign from March 28 until May 10.

No campaigning is allowed on Maundy Thursday (April 17), Good Friday (April 18), and the election silence period (May 11 and 12).

Meanwhile, the Comelec has also released guidelines for voters to observe on election day. Voting will begin at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m., with early voting hours from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. dedicated to senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and pregnant women.

Voters are encouraged to prepare a “kodigo” or voting cheat sheet, verify their precinct assignments via the Comelec’s online Precinct Finder, and review their Voter Information Sheet (VIS), which may be printed or saved digitally for reference.

Proper shading of the ballot, orderly conduct in polling precincts, and full cooperation with election officers are also strongly encouraged.

Among the prohibited acts on election day are over voting, taking photographs or selfies inside the precinct, and removing any election paraphernalia, such as the secrecy folder, marking pen, or voter’s receipt, from the polling area.

The Comelec also reminded the public to report any violations of election rules directly to the commission through official channels for prompt action.

For this year’s elections, a total of 18,320 elective positions are up for grabs nationwide. These include 12 seats in the Senate, 63 seats for party-list representatives, and 254 seats for district representatives in the House of Representatives.

At the local level, voters will elect 82 governors and vice-governors, 840 members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, 149 city mayors and vice-mayors, and 1,493 municipal mayors and vice-mayors.

Also at stake are 1,690 seats for Sangguniang Panlungsod members and 11,948 seats for Sangguniang Bayan members.

A total of 69,673,655 registered voters are eligible to participate in the May 12 elections. Of these, 68,431,965 are registered in the Philippines, while 1,241,690 are overseas.

Overseas voters started casting their votes on April 13, while local absentee voting was held from April 28 to 30.(TGP)