45-day local campaign period begins today

(UPDATE) THE 45-day campaign for local candidates kicks off today with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) warning all aspirants to comply with regulations or risk disqualification.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia on Thursday said the Comelec will carry out a nationwide "operation baklas" to tear down illegal posters and campaign materials.

Garcia said all illegal posters and election propaganda, regardless of who put them up, should be taken down by the concerned candidate, adding that posters will only be allowed in designated common poster areas.

"We are appealing to all candidates to voluntarily remove all your illegal posters. Never leave it to the Comelec to remove your posters because we might see your face there while we are removing them," he said.

At the same time, the poll chief also appealed to private property owners to help the Comelec by reminding candidates who put up posters in their land to keep them within the approved size limits.

Garcia said that with the start of the local campaign, all candidates, both local and national, were now covered by the Comelec's campaign rules.

The 90-day campaign season for national candidates, senator and party-list group started on Feb. 11.

National and local campaigning will both take a pause on April 17 (Maundy Thursday) and April 18 (Good Friday). The campaign period will end on May 10 or two days before election day.

Similar to the rules for national candidates, the Comelec will also issue formal notices to all local candidates reminding them to take down all campaign material attributed to them even if they did not actually put them up.

Under Republic Act 9006, or the Fair Elections Act, Comelec should issue notices to violators, giving them three days to take down their illegal posters or face legal sanctions.

During the campaign period, posters and printed materials are limited to a maximum of 2x3 feet, which means that any size above that is in violation of campaign rules punishable, among other things, by disqualification.

Campaign materials can only be posted in designated campaign areas, which will be defined by the local election officer based on the guidelines that will be issued by the Comelec central office.

Candidates under a political party as well as political parties are both allowed to spend P3 per registered voter within the city, municipality or province where one is running.

In the case of national candidates or those running for senator, they are allowed P3 for each for the more than 68 million registered voters.

National candidates are also allowed 120 minutes per television stations of origin and 180 minutes per radio station of origin, while local candidates are given 60 minutes exposure on television and 90 minutes on radio.

On printed or published election propaganda, each candidate, whether for a national or local election position, is only allowed one fourth page in broadsheets and one-half page in tabloids.

Print advertisements, whether procured or given free of charge, will not be published more than three times a week per newspaper, magazine or other publication during the campaign period.

At stake in the 2025 midterm polls are 12 senatorial positions, 254 district representatives, 63 party-list representatives and 17,942 governors, provincial board members, mayors and councilors.

The Philippine National Police on Thursday said it is ready for the 45-day campaign for local candidates..

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Brig. Gen. Aberin Anthony Aberin said more policemen have been posted in areas with a high probability of violence or a history of intense political rivalry.

The broad-ranging security plans also cover the forthcoming observance of Holy Week.

On Wednesday, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil directed commanders across the country to anticipate threats, act swiftly and maintain strict neutrality in the face of any form of election-related violence.

"To those who seek to sow fear, intimidate voters or manipulate the elections through violence — this is your final warning: the full force of the law will be upon you. We will not tolerate any attempt to undermine our democracy," Marbil said.

"We have established police assistance desks at campaign venues and deployed additional personnel to vulnerable areas. Our quick reaction forces are on standby. Let it be clear — we are ready," Marbil said.

He also warned police personnel against engaging in partisan politics.

"There will be zero tolerance for any form of partisanship. Any officer found violating election protocols will face immediate administrative and criminal consequences," he warned.

Marbil also called on candidates and their supporters to uphold the law and reject violence, reminding them of their responsibility to lead by example.

"Candidates must set the tone for a peaceful election. Leadership begins with respecting the rules of democratic engagement," he said.

In a statement issued Thursday, the NCRPO emphasized its commitment to ensuring that political gatherings remain peaceful, lawful and secure.

Under the directive of the Comelec and in coordination with other government agencies, the police force will implement comprehensive security measures to prevent any potential disruptions.

"We have already ordered the deployment of active police officers to areas with high foot traffic, locations expected to draw large crowds of political supporters and public spaces that citizens will frequent during the Holy Lenten Season," the NCRPO said.