Comelec urges public: Report bets violating campaign ban on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday

Commission on Elections chairperson George Erwin Garcia called on the public Wednesday to report Eleksyon 2025 candidates who will conduct campaign activities during the Holy Week.

Interviewed over Super Radyo dzBB, Garcia urged voters to use social media to report 2025 midterm election bets who will violate the prohibition for campaigning on April 17  (Maundy Thursday), and April 18 (Good Friday).

“Gamitin natin ang social media ngayon. I-populate natin, i-post natin ang nakikita nating mali. Lalo na ngayong Huwebes Santo and Biyernes Santo, bawal ang pangangampanya ng mga kandidato,” said Garcia.

(We should use social media and populate it. Post violations if we see one. Campaigning is not allowed during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.)

Comelec Resolution No. 11086, which sets the rules and regulations for Republic Act No. 9006 or the Fair Elections Act, scheduled the campaign period for the national candidates from February 11 to May 10. The campaign period for local positions will run from March 28 until May 10, 2025.

However, candidates are not allowed to campaign on April 17 (Maundy Thursday), April 18 (Good Friday), May 11 (eve of Election Day), and May 12 (Election Day.)

The poll body has repeatedly reminded candidates not to campaign on some days of the Holy Week.

Garcia earlier said among the prohibited acts during those days include offering food and drinks after Pabasa (Reading of the Passion), and hosting games and basketball leagues. Participating in religious activities is allowed but it should be non-partisan.

Violating the prohibition may be considered an election offense punishable under Sections 263 and 264 of the Omnibus Election Code.

“Sana igalang ng mga politko itong religious activity. Ito ay talagang ginagalang natin sapagkat sa ating mga Kristiyano, Katoliko, napakaimportante nito,” the poll chief said.

(We hope they’ll respect this religious acitvity.)

“Dalawang araw po yun. Sa ating palagay naman, hindi naman malaking kawalan sa mga politko kung sila ay magpapahinga rin. Ang Dyos niya nagpahinga nung gawin ang mundo eh, siguro naman ang politiko pupwede rin magpahinga,” he added.

(It is only two days. We think it won’t be a huge loss to politicians if they’ll rest. God rested when he made the world, maybe politicians my do that too.) — RSJ, GMA Integrated News

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.