Comelec: About 5 Senate bets violated guidelines for campaign materials

Several senatorial candidates have violated the guidelines for campaign materials in the 2025 midterm national elections, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia said among the violations include improper sizing, as well as mounting campaign paraphernalia outside the designated areas.

"Mga lima po ang mga senatorial candidates na consistently sa bawat rehiyon ay nakita namin initially ay violators," said Garcia.

(There are about five Senate bets we initially flagged as consistent violators in every region.)

"Hindi sumunod sa patakaran sa laki, sa kung saan dapat magpaskil at dapat environmental-friendly ang mga materials na gagamitin sa mga campaign materials," he said.

(They did not comply with the guidelines regarding the size, use of environmental-friendly materials, and display in designated areas.)

A total of 66 candidates are vying for a Senate seat in Eleksyon 2025.

Comelec guidelines

According to Comelec guidelines, framed or posted posters made out of cloth, paper, or cardboard must have an area not exceeding 2 feet by 3 feet.

Streamers at public meetings or rallies, or announcing these activities, should not exceed 3 feet by 8 feet in size.

Among the public places identified by the Comelec as fit for the display of campaign materials are publicly owned electronic announcement boards, motor vehicles, mass public transport owned by the government, waiting sheds, sidewalks, schools, and premises of public transport terminals.

Mounting of campaign materials in public places outside of the designated common poster areas, or in private property without the consent of the owner, is prohibited.

The poll body has appealed to aspirants to use campaign materials that are biodegradable to help protect the environment.

Garcia had warned that the Comelec will use existing policies to file charges against candidates who will damage the environment in the course of their campaign.

In June last year, the Comelec en banc created a committee on environmentally sustainable elections.

Oplan Baklas

Garcia recently said the poll body will issue notices to candidates directing them to remove their illegal campaign materials within three days as part of "Oplan Baklas", or the removal of unlawful campaign materials posted on designated common poster areas or other public places.

Failure to comply may result to the filing of election offense, which may lead to the bet's disqualification.

Local Comelec offices started issuing notices to erring candidates Wednesday, a day after the launch of Oplan Baklas.

"May listahan sa bawat rehiyon ng violators (We have a list for violators for all regions)," Garcia added.

The campaign period for Eleksyon 2025 started on February 11 and will last until May 10, 2025. The midterm elections will be on May 12,2025. — VDV, GMA Integrated News

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