BY: CHARLES NIKKO LIMON
Seven local candidates and one party-list group are being asked to explain their actions after allegedly campaigning on the day before the recent election, an activity strictly prohibited under Philippine election laws.
For 45 days, candidates for various local positions in Baguio City campaigned non-stop, holding rallies and community visits.
The campaign period officially ended on May 10, and from then on, all forms of political promotion were supposed to stop.
However, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Baguio received complaints alleging that several candidates continued campaigning past the allowed period.
“Illegal or prohibited campaigning—that’s one of the issues raised,” said COMELEC Baguio Election Officer Atty. John Paul Martin. “We received a number of complaints through our official email account, and we’re obligated to act on them. It’s part of our commitment to address all concerns related to the elections.”
The candidates involved have already been sent letters asking them to explain their side.
Even without holding public gatherings or house-to-house campaigns, any visible form of political promotion can still be considered a violation if done within the prohibited period.
“There’s evidence, mostly online posts, and the question is, what was the purpose of posting those things?” Martin said. “Was it not to campaign? We’re waiting for their explanations, but I can assure you that every complaint related to illegal campaigning is being addressed properly by our office.”
COMELEC has not yet named the candidates involved, but Martin confirmed that this is not the first time such violations have been reported.
Some candidates had already been asked to explain earlier for allegedly campaigning during Holy Week.
“Election offenses are taken seriously,” Martin said. “If found guilty, the consequences can include disqualification from running or removal from office, whether elected or appointed.”
COMELEC has already issued showcause orders to the concerned individuals.
The Law Department of the COMELEC Central Office will take over and decide the appropriate penalties, if necessary.
