MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on April 13 reminded candidates for the upcoming elections and their respective supporters that campaigning during Maundy Thursday (April 14) and Good Friday (April 15) is not allowed nationwide.
According to Section 3 of Comelec Resolution Number 10730, “it is unlawful for any person or for any political party, or association of persons to engage in an election campaign or partisan political activity on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the eve of election day, and on Election Day.”
Comelec Commissioner George Garcia reminded, “The Holy Week is a time of reflection, a moment of high spirituality. Other than being prohibited, campaigning will leave a bad taste in our electorate.”
Instead, Garcia called for the public and political aspirants to use the two-day campaign break to reflect and observe solemnity as they “cherish that which unites us and forget that which divides”.
Along with this reminder, the commissioner emphasized that disregarding this rule poses consequences of disqualification and imprisonment.
Campaign activities will be allowed to resume on April 16 (Black Saturday).